Mo Li

Outside the Duke Hua's Mansion

In the pouring rain, a disheveled young man sat slumped against the wall, letting the relentless downpour drench his frail body. His already pale face looked even more ashen under the curtain of rain.

"Get up!" A handsome youth in white landed gracefully nearby, holding an oil-paper umbrella to keep himself dry. Compared to his pristine appearance, the other boy looked all the more pitiful and wretched.

Mo Xiuyao sneered as he crouched in front of Feng Zhiyao. "What’s this? Giving up on life?"

"Mind your own business!" Feng Zhiyao snapped, closing his eyes in irritation. His mood was foul, and even if the person before him was his closest friend, he couldn’t be bothered to engage.

Mo Xiuyao scoffed. "If you’re going to act half-dead, why not just die for real? Maybe if Sister Hua sees you in such a pathetic state, she’ll shed a tear or two for you."

"Mo Xiuyao! Go to hell!" Feng Zhiyao roared, lunging at the friend who had come to mock him. Right now, he desperately needed an outlet for his rage, and if someone was asking for a beating, why not oblige? In his fury, the young man forgot one crucial detail—this particular "someone" wasn’t an opponent he could easily take down.

Sure enough, the moment he moved, Mo Xiuyao had already stood up and retreated several steps away. Feng Zhiyao’s attack met nothing but air. A person in a bad mood was quick to anger, and though Feng Zhiyao would normally back off after a failed strike, this time he seemed determined to take his frustration out on Mo Xiuyao. He scrambled to his feet and swung another punch at Mo Xiuyao’s face.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and dodged again. Feng Zhiyao pursued. Soon, the two were exchanging blows in the pouring rain. The difference, however, was stark—Feng Zhiyao was drenched and covered in mud, as if he had rolled in a swamp, while Mo Xiuyao remained pristine in his white robes, umbrella in hand, not a single drop of rain marring his attire. He moved with such ease that it seemed less like a fight and more like a leisurely stroll through a spring shower.

When Feng Zhiyao finally exhausted himself, Mo Xiuyao smirked and delivered a kick that sent him sprawling several feet away. Watching as Feng Zhiyao lay in the mud, too drained to even get up, Mo Xiuyao said, "I’m heading to the Southern Border tomorrow for a campaign. Want to come? If so, get up and follow me. If you’d rather die, then stay there." Without waiting to see if Feng Zhiyao would rise, he turned and walked away.

Face-down in the mud, Feng Zhiyao let the rain beat against his pale, handsome features. After a long moment, he slowly pushed himself up. Glancing back at the illuminated windows of the Hua residence in the distance, he turned and trudged in the direction Mo Xiuyao had gone.

Seventeen Years Later

In a small estate outside Li Cheng, Hua Yunxi sat alone by the window, gazing absently at the autumn chrysanthemums in the courtyard. Though she was now in her thirties, time had left few marks on her beauty. Instead, the grace of nobility and her former status as a queen had endowed her with a dignity far beyond that of ordinary women.

"Mother!"Mo Wuyou pushed the door open and entered with a smile. Hua Yunxi quickly stood up, stepping forward to take her daughter's hand and whispering, "Why have you come out of the city? You should be resting properly now that you're with child." Mo Wuyou leaned against her mother affectionately and said, "Wuyou is pregnant, yet Mother refuses to stay in the city to take care of me. I had no choice but to come out here."

"Nonsense," Hua Yunxi tapped her daughter's forehead helplessly and chuckled. "Your mother-in-law is taking excellent care of you. What need is there for me? You're a sensible child, and the Xu Family's matriarch is a rare and wonderful mother-in-law. What are you even saying?"

Mo Wuyou stuck out her tongue playfully. Of course, she had no complaints about her mother-in-law—she just wanted to tease her mother a little. Glancing at her mother, she suddenly changed the subject. "Oh, Mother, I just saw Uncle Feng San outside. Why isn't he coming in?"

Hearing this, Hua Yunxi paused for a moment before replying, "He has no business here. He'll leave on his own soon enough."

Mo Wuyou smiled skeptically. Over the years, she had observed Feng Zhiyao's every move. As a daughter, it would be a lie to say she truly wished for her mother to remarry. But she also understood the hardships and sorrows her mother had endured all these years, as well as Feng Zhiyao's unwavering devotion. Back then, if not for Feng Zhiyao's reckless determination to rescue her mother from the palace, her mother might not have survived.

Feng Zhiyao was already past thirty, yet he stubbornly defied Feng Zhihuai's wishes and refused to marry. He doted on her mother with endless care and attention—truth be told, even Xu Qingbai wasn't as meticulous with her. Her mother was only in her thirties now, with a long life ahead. If possible, Mo Wuyou naturally hoped her mother could find happiness in her later years.

"Mother, why not invite Uncle Feng San in? You two should talk properly. From the look of him, Wuyou doubts he'll leave easily," Mo Wuyou gently urged.

Hua Yunxi sighed bitterly. How could she not understand Feng Zhiyao's feelings after all these years? But understanding was one thing—reality was another. He was one of Prince Ding's most trusted confidants, holding a high position and a bright future. Meanwhile, she was the widow of the previous emperor. Even if she had changed her name, could she truly deceive the world? If they were to be together, it wouldn't just ruin Feng Zhiyao's reputation—it would also tarnish Mo Wuyou, the Xu Family, and even Prince Ding's Estate.

Mo Wuyou could clearly see her mother's concerns but didn't know how to reassure her. Prince Ding and Wang Fei wouldn't mind, nor would the Xu Family. Yet no matter how she tried to persuade her, her mother couldn't let go of her worries.

"If Mother doesn't want to see Uncle Feng San, Wuyou will send him away."

Hua Yunxi neither agreed nor disagreed. Mo Wuyou shook her head regretfully and turned to leave.

"Uncle Feng San." Outside the door, a handsome man in red robes paced anxiously in the courtyard. Hearing Mo Wuyou's voice, he turned eagerly, only for his eyes to dim when he didn't see the person he longed for."She still refuses to see me?" Feng Zhiyao asked quietly. Though already past thirty, the red-clad Third Master Feng remained extraordinarily handsome, tempered by countless battles that had only added to his sharpness and steadiness. The current Feng San was certainly no longer the good-for-nothing playboy from Chu Jing all those years ago. Despite having achieved fame and success, he still couldn't obtain what he desired most. Ever since Mo Wuyou's marriage, Hua Yunxi had moved out of Li Cheng to reside in an estate at the foot of a mountain not far from Mount Li Academy. Since then, she'd practically become a recluse, never leaving her home, and recently had even refused to see him altogether.

Mo Wuyou shook her head apologetically, her gaze toward Feng Zhiyao tinged with pity. She knew her mother's temperament well—once she made up her mind about something, it was nearly impossible to change it.

Feng Zhiyao's smile turned bitter. Seeing his despondent expression, Mo Wuyou couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. "Um, Uncle Feng, perhaps you should go back for now. Maybe in a few days, Mother's mood will improve..."

Feng Zhiyao shook his head. "Never mind. Could you pass something to your mother for me?" Mo Wuyou nodded, watching as he pulled a walnut-sized, pale purple luminous pearl from his sleeve and placed it in her palm. Frowning at the object, she felt an odd sense of familiarity. Soon, she remembered—her mother did indeed have a luminous pearl similar to this one. The only difference was that her mother's was tied with a light red silk cord, while this one had a deep blue one. When she was little, she had once asked her mother for it, but despite her usual doting nature, her mother had refused to give it to her.

"Don't worry, Uncle Feng. Wuyou will definitely deliver it for you," Mo Wuyou promised with a nod.

Feng Zhiyao forced a faint, bitter smile. "Thank you. Farewell."

Watching his lonely retreating figure, Mo Wuyou sighed deeply.

"Rejected again, huh?" A young man in black landed lightly by the wall, propping his chin on his hand as he watched Feng Zhiyao leave with an amused sigh. "'Better demolish ten temples than ruin one marriage.' Who would've thought this prince would one day have to moonlight as a matchmaker? I wonder how Feng San will repay me. He'll probably be so moved he'll weep tears of gratitude, swear undying loyalty, and vow to go through fire and water for me, right?"

"He'll try his hardest not to kill you," another boy, a year or two younger, remarked flatly from atop the wall.

"Zhi Rui, little brother, have some basic decency, won't you? How unlucky must this prince be to have such an ungrateful cousin who kicks the ladder after crossing the bridge?" the Little Prince Mo lamented dramatically.

Xu Zhirui's lips twitched as he asked darkly, "Why did I have to cross the bridge in the first place?! Do you even remember, cousin?!" Digging a pit for someone to fall into, then pulling them out and expecting gratitude—did Mo Xiaobao think everyone in the world was as crazy as him?

Mo Xiaobao rubbed his nose sheepishly and sighed. "Whatever. For Third Master Feng's future, I'll give it my all!"

"Aunt Hua! Aunt Hua!" Inside the room, Hua Yunxi was lost in thought, holding the luminous pearl Mo Wuyou had given her, when Mo Xiaobao's urgent voice called from outside. Without waiting for a response, he barged in. "Aunt Hua, Aunt Hua! Have you seen Feng San?"Hua Yunxi was taken aback and glanced at Mo Wuyou. "He... just left. What's wrong?"

"Left?!" Mo Xiaobao cried out in alarm. "How could he leave? Where... where did he go?"

"What happened?" Hua Yunxi's heart tightened as she asked urgently.

Mo Xiaobao wore a grave expression. "It's over. He must have felt there was nothing left to live for and went off to some place to wither away. Quick! We must... we must send people to find him immediately. Shen said his illness can't be delayed any longer."

"Illness? What illness does he have?" Hua Yunxi's face turned pale as she grabbed Mo Xiaobao's arm anxiously. Behind her, Mo Wuyou frowned in confusion. She had just seen Feng Zhiyao—though he seemed a bit off, he didn’t appear to be suffering from any illness.

Mo Xiaobao shook his head weakly. "Shen didn’t say... only that he might not live past three months. Feng San just told my father he wanted to leave for a while, then ran off. Father and Mother are sending people everywhere to look for him and asked me to check if he came here."

Hua Yunxi swayed, nearly collapsing. Mo Wuyou quickly steadied her, about to speak when she caught the meaningful glance Mo Xiaobao threw her way. Hesitating, Hua Yunxi asked, "Wuyou... did he say anything else when he left?"

Mo Wuyou couldn’t bear to lie to her mother, but she also didn’t want to ruin Mo Xiaobao’s plan. Reluctantly, she replied, "No... Uncle Feng San only asked Wuyou to give something to Mother."

With trembling hands, Hua Yunxi took out the other luminous pearl. Two nearly identical purple night pearls lay quietly in her palm, glowing with a soft, enchanting light. The same aged silk cords, the same love knots—only the colors differed, one pale red and the other deep blue. It was unmistakably a pair. Suddenly, Hua Yunxi remembered that rainy night many years ago, the stubborn yet desolate eyes and pale face of the youth.

Seeing Hua Yunxi’s dazed expression, Mo Xiaobao’s eyes gleamed as he feigned a choked voice. "Feng San told Father he wanted to do what he most desired. Aunt Hua, do you know what Feng San wants most? Where would he go?"

She knew—but she had driven him away!

"He... he... I’ll go find him!" With that, Hua Yunxi turned and rushed out.

In the room behind her, Mo Xiaobao lowered the hand covering his face. His handsome features were now completely devoid of any trace of tears, replaced instead by a bright smile. Mo Wuyou frowned, eyeing him suspiciously. "What are you up to now?"

Mo Xiaobao grinned innocently. "Don’t you think, Sister Wuyou, that dragging things out like this is just a waste of everyone’s time and energy?"

What does that have to do with you? Mo Wuyou thought silently.

Mo Xiaobao sighed dramatically, gazing wistfully at the bright sky outside. The last time he had played a little trick on Feng San, it had caused Feng San to become listless and inefficient at work. His unscrupulous father had deemed it entirely his fault and demanded he resolve all of Feng San’s problems immediately. As if, even without his meddling, Feng San could have won over Aunt Hua!

"Will this really work?" Mo Wuyou asked doubtfully.

"If Feng San still can’t take advantage of this situation, then he might as well just die," Mo Xiaobao said flatly. Forcing someone to take responsibility for a mistake that wasn’t theirs—how utterly unreasonable!At a cliffside near Li Cheng, Hua Yunxi had been inquiring with nearby villagers along the way. Just as she reached the cliff's edge, she saw Feng Zhiyao standing with his back to her at the precipice, his figure so still against the wind that it seemed a single gust could send him tumbling down.

"Zhiyao, what are you doing?" Hua Yunxi asked, slightly breathless from her journey. Yet the sight of the crimson-clad figure at the cliff's edge made her heart leap into her throat, stealing her breath entirely.

Feng Zhiyao turned his head, gazing at her calmly. "Sister Hua, why have you come?"

Hua Yunxi spoke softly, "What are you doing here? Whatever it is, come over first and we'll talk, alright?" Feng Zhiyao gave a bitter smile. "There's nothing left to say. I was immature before, troubling Sister Hua with my foolishness. From now on... I won't do that anymore."

Seeing his desolate expression, Hua Yunxi felt as if her heart were being crushed by an invisible hand. "Zhiyao, no matter what's happened... we'll find a way together. Things will get better. Please come over here—standing there frightens me."

Feng Zhiyao shook his head, smiling faintly. "This place is fine. Sister Hua, you should go back. Zhiyao won't trouble you anymore." With that, he turned fully toward the edge, leaning slightly forward.

"Zhiyao?!" Hua Yunxi cried out in alarm, instinctively reaching out as if to pull him back. But she stood too far away—if Feng Zhiyao truly meant to end his life, she could never reach him in time. Moreover, given her slight frame and strength, she wouldn't have been able to hold him back even if she tried. A terror unlike any she'd known seized her entire being. "Zhiyao, didn't you promise to take care of me? Are you going back on your word?"

Feng Zhiyao paused, then slowly shook his head. "I... won't be able to take care of Sister Hua for much longer."

"That's alright—however long it is, it's enough. And... who can say what the future holds?" Hua Yunxi said urgently.

Feng Zhiyao turned back to look at her. "Sister Hua, are you pitying me again? Just like when we were children..."

Hua Yunxi shook her head. "No... Zhiyao, I'm sorry. I was wrong before. I cared too much about what others thought. I know... I know your feelings for me are genuine."

"Then... what about yours for me?" Feng Zhiyao asked, hope flickering in his voice.

Hua Yunxi hesitated briefly before tightening her grip on the two luminous pearls in her hand. "I can't promise that my feelings are exactly... that way right now. But I want to try. Zhiyao, will you try with me?"

"Even if I can only promise three months?"

Hua Yunxi nodded solemnly.

After a long silence, Feng Zhiyao finally stepped away from the cliff's edge and walked toward her. Hua Yunxi's tense heart gradually eased, her legs giving way as she nearly collapsed to the ground. She had never been physically strong, and the journey here had drained her completely. Now that Feng Zhiyao was safe, the last of her strength left her.

Feng Zhiyao darted forward, catching her before she fell. "Sister Hua... no, Yunxi. Do you truly wish to marry me?" Hua Yunxi froze, meeting his hopeful, joyful gaze. She could no longer bring herself to refuse. At last, she gave a small, hesitant nod."Really?! That's wonderful... Yunxi, I'm so happy..." Feng Zhiyao held her tightly in his arms, unable to contain his laughter.

Mo Xiaobao and Xu Zhirui, who had followed Hua Yunxi all the way here, were lazily leaning against a large tree at the foot of the mountain. Mo Xiaobao's handsome face twisted into a scowl. "Isn't Feng Zhiyao celebrating too soon?"

Xu Zhirui gave him a lazy glance. "Shouldn't one be happy when their wish is fulfilled? Are you jealous?"

"Shouldn't he first consider what he'll do if he doesn't die in three months?" Mo Xiaobao gnashed his teeth. This was his idea, his plan! Where was the promised gratitude, the indebtedness, the willingness to go through fire and water?

"......"

On the cliff, Third Master Feng, holding the one he loved, had no mind to think about what would happen three months later. All he knew was that after so many years, he had finally captured the beautiful figure he had once yearned for but could not obtain. The emptiness in his heart that had lingered since the first time he saw her was suddenly filled—warm and complete.

Hua Yunxi leaned weakly against Feng Zhiyao's chest, no longer struggling. In this world, no man's affection for her was as genuine as Feng Zhiyao's, and no man could make her feel such heart-wrenching pain as he did.

This was enough.

You know I have a husband, yet you gift me Twin Pearls.

Touched by your lingering love, I tie them to my red silk skirt.

My home stands tall near the palace gardens;

My husband guards with halberd in the bright hall.

I know your heart shines like the sun and moon,

But I vowed to live and die with my lord.

With twin tears, I return your pearls,

Regretting we did not meet before I wed.

(Twin Pearls, The End)

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

To be honest, using this poem here is a bit of a stretch, just like the title of this extra chapter. But Feng really likes this poem. At least Feng San's story has a happy ending~ Though it might not feel as perfect as the previous two, given how strongly I wanted to write a tragedy, this is the best happy ending I could give~

These past couple of days, a friend got married, and between attending the banquet and lamenting how old I've become, I didn't update on time. Apologies... So, who's next...?