Mo Li

"You can have tea if you want, and you can ask for favors too—but first, you’ll have to win against me!"

Ye Li looked at the Wind and Moon noble before her, who was eyeing her with a challenging expression, and inwardly found it amusing. She knew very well that Han Mingyue wasn’t currently in Jiangnan—in fact, she even knew where he had gone. Though Han Mingyue and Han Mingxi were brothers, Mingxi was clearly much easier to deal with. For various reasons, Ye Li had no intention of meeting Han Mingyue. "What does Young Master Han wish to wager?"

Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow and grinned. "I won’t take advantage of you. Weren’t you quite impressive earlier? Let’s stick to dice—high or low."

Ye Li arched a brow but didn’t object. "Fine."

Han Mingxi smiled in satisfaction. "Good, straightforward. If you can beat me, whatever favor you ask, I’ll help you with it." Ye Li chuckled. "That won’t be necessary. I’m not one to make excessive demands. Even if I have a request, I won’t let Young Master Han suffer a loss. After all… business is about mutual benefit if it’s to last, don’t you agree?"

"Interesting," Han Mingxi laughed. "And if you lose?"

Ye Li replied, "If I lose, consider today’s matter never brought up. Additionally, the 210,000 taels in silver notes I won earlier in your tower will be the stake."

"One round to decide?" Han Mingxi asked.

"After you," Ye Li gestured.

Han Mingxi flicked his sleeve, and the guqin on the table smoothly flew to the side, landing atop a cabinet. He then retrieved a set of dice from nearby and placed them on the table, declaring loftily, "You may inspect the dice first." Ye Li shook her head and pushed the dice cup back with a smile. "I trust the reputation of the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion and Young Master Han. You go first."

Han Mingxi smirked. "High or low?"

Ye Li pondered briefly. "High."

Han Mingxi gave a light snort, swiftly scooping up the dice cup along with the dice inside. He then began shaking it at a leisurely pace. Ye Li watched his movements with idle appreciation—there was no denying how pleasing they were to the eye. The dice cup twirled like magic in his hands, performing a dazzling array of tricks before he finally slammed it down onto the table. With a provocative glance at Ye Li, Han Mingxi flipped the cup open without even looking.

Ye Li calmly observed the dice on the table. The original three dice had become six, each cleanly split diagonally down the middle, forming six perfect pyramids. "Impressive inner energy, Young Master Han. Thirty-three points."

Han Mingxi was evidently in high spirits, his eyes crinkling with amusement as he looked at Ye Li. "Seems these are unusable now. Young Master Chu may use a new set. I trust you won’t resort to copying my methods?"Ye Li's expression remained calm as she gracefully took the new set of ivory dice handed to her by Han Mingxi and dropped them into the dice cup. Unlike Han Mingxi's flamboyant shaking techniques, Ye Li simply held the cup and shook it in a conventional manner, not even particularly fast. The Water Pavilion was silent, save for the sound of the dice clattering inside the cup. However, Han Mingxi's initially relaxed and carefree smile gradually turned serious. Even his lazily reclining posture straightened as he fixed his gaze intently on Ye Li's composed face. He couldn't discern the possible outcome of the dice at all! But he wasn't overly concerned about winning or losing—thirty-three points was already the highest possible score. Unless this young man before him replicated his method, there was no way he could win.

Clack! Ye Li placed the cup back on the table and smiled at Han Mingxi. "Would Young Master Han care to guess the total?"

Han Mingxi shot her a disdainful look. "No matter the total, you can't beat me. Open it. Let this young master see just how skilled Young Master Chu really is."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Young Master Han is right."

Slowly, she lifted the cup. The three dice lay intact on the table, but... each die stood perfectly balanced on one corner, their slanted sides leaning against one another in a delicate formation. Two faces of each die were visible, and coincidentally, both showed five and six—meaning Ye Li had also scored thirty-three points. With a faint smile, she said, "Thirty-three points—a draw. What does Young Master Han think?"

Han Mingxi stared at her for a long moment before finally speaking in a low voice, "You've won. State your business." With a wave of his hand, the cup and dice were sent flying onto a nearby curio shelf. Han Mingxi called out, "Bring tea."

Inside the Water Pavilion, Ye Li savored the exquisite tea that had just been served. The Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion truly lived up to its reputation as the finest place for indulgence—even the tea was nearly on par with imperial tributes. Han Mingxi watched her intently, his gaze profound. "Now, Young Master Chu, care to explain why you sought the Lord of Tianyi Pavilion?"

Setting down her teacup, Ye Li replied lightly, "It's nothing too significant. I plan to visit the Southern Border soon and require some information. Since Tianyi Pavilion is renowned as the best intelligence organization in Great Chu, I had no choice but to shamelessly come knocking."

Flattered by someone who matched his own skill, Han Mingxi's expression softened slightly. He snorted. "If you already know the connection between the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion and Tianyi Pavilion, Young Master Chu must have quite the network yourself. Why would you need Tianyi Pavilion's help?" Ye Li smiled wryly. "That... was merely a coincidence. I hope Young Master Han won't take offense at my boldness. Of course, since Tianyi Pavilion trades in information, I'm prepared to offer a satisfactory compensation."

Han Mingyue narrowed his phoenix eyes and leaned back, studying Ye Li with leisurely ease. "Oh? Satisfactory to Tianyi Pavilion... It seems Young Master Chu is quite confident in himself."

Ye Li smiled. "I trust that since Tianyi Pavilion is open for business, it wouldn't demand exorbitant prices, would it?"

"Hmph! Don't tell me Young Master Chu plans to pay Tianyi Pavilion with the money you won from my Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion?""Not at all. I happen to have two shops in Guangling City. Though newly opened, I believe they might still catch Young Master Han's eye." Ye Li sipped her tea calmly, smiling at Han Mingxi. Han Mingxi frowned slightly, his strikingly handsome features exuding an unintentionally captivating aura. Though Ye Li remained unaffected, she couldn't help but admire inwardly. Despite bearing such resemblance to Han Mingyue, their temperaments were worlds apart.

"Young Master Chu couldn't possibly be referring to that perfume shop named Fragrant Grace Chamber that opened half a year ago on Xuanwu Street, could you?" Han Mingxi asked with evident probing intent.

Ye Li nodded, "Precisely. As you must know how profitable Fragrant Grace Chamber is, I'm willing to offer Young Master Han twenty percent of its annual profits in exchange for satisfactory information."

"Annual?" Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow, "So I should understand this as a long-term partnership? Fragrant Grace Chamber is indeed profitable, but hardly at the level to become Pavilion of Heavenly Unity's long-term partner." Of course he knew about Fragrant Grace Chamber—in fact, the very fragrance he wore now came from there. Since using their products, no other perfumes had caught his fancy. Though operating in Guangling for merely half a year, Fragrant Grace Chamber had already overshadowed all established perfumeries in the city. Priced over three times higher than ordinary shops, it wasn't favored by common households. Yet Han Mingxi was certain over seventy percent of noble ladies and wealthy matrons in Guangling used their fragrances. If they lowered prices, dominating the perfume trade would be imminent.

With an amused shake of her head, Ye Li asked, "Young Master Han, do you know whose money is easiest to earn in this world?"

Han Mingxi frowned, "Wealthy merchants, naturally." Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion's staggering annual revenues came from these affluent businessmen. Ye Li waved her folded fan, smiling, "Wrong. It's women."

"Women?" Han Mingxi scoffed. Women had no independent income, entirely dependent on men, which inherently limited their spending freedom. Few could splurge as extravagantly as men. Ye Li sighed lightly, toying with her fan as she explained, "In this world... there are more women than men. While not all men indulge in vices, all women inevitably desire youth and beauty." Even the female soldiers from her past life—though matching men on battlefield—would invariably prioritize clothing and cosmetics when off-duty.

Han Mingxi's interest stirred. Lacking his elder brother's prodigious business acumen and indifference toward wealth didn't make him a fool. He immediately grasped the implications. Signaling Ye Li to continue, he refilled both their teacups, visibly engaged by the proposition.Ye Li didn’t mind either. “The fragrance formulas from Fragrant Grace Chamber are absolutely confidential and can’t be replicated by just any cosmetics shop. To be honest, the quality of cosmetics and fragrances currently available in Great Chu doesn’t appeal to me much, and I believe Young Master Han isn’t satisfied either, right?” Han Mingxi frowned. He hadn’t given it much thought before, but ever since Fragrant Grace Chamber appeared, he realized the fragrances he used in the past were not only monotonous but also not particularly pleasant. Although he had access to privately crafted premium fragrances, the time and effort invested far exceeded the actual value of the products. Occasionally, he would gift items from Fragrant Grace Chamber to his female admirers, and those lovely ladies clearly showed a preference for its scented powders. Han Mingxi didn’t want to admit that he might have indirectly brought in quite a few customers for Fragrant Grace Chamber.

Satisfied with Han Mingxi’s thoughtful expression, Ye Li continued, “Although Fragrant Grace Chamber currently only has one branch in Guangling City, given Young Master Han’s discerning eye, do you think it’s possible for me to open one in every major town across Great Chu? Or perhaps… even in Western Liang, Northern Rong, and the Southern Border—or even farther. After all… where there are women, there’s no worry about sales. What do you think?”

Han Mingxi felt slightly intimidated by this young man who was clearly not even fifteen. He was sure his money-obsessed elder brother would have plenty to discuss with him if he were here. Opening a Fragrant Grace Chamber in every town… seemed like a grand ambition. Han Mingxi began imagining what it would be like if he opened a Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion in every town…

“Heh, I’d advise Young Master Han not to entertain such thoughts. Otherwise… Young Master Mingyue might get angry.” Seeing Han Mingxi resting his chin on his hand, eyes gleaming as he gazed outside the Water Pavilion, Ye Li guessed what he was thinking and quickly intervened. The reason Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion was the number one establishment in the world was precisely because it was one of a kind. If it were replicated everywhere, it wouldn’t be so special anymore. She didn’t believe Han Mingyue hadn’t opened brothels elsewhere—they just weren’t as famous. Moreover, the brothel industry didn’t require much technical expertise. One could become a leader in the field, but it was difficult to completely monopolize it.

“Cosmetics and fragrances are consumables, while Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion… well, that’s for entertainment. They’re entirely different, aren’t they? However… I believe we can still collaborate on this front.”

Han Mingxi had only been momentarily carried away by the idea. If he really had to open Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilions all over Great Chu, he’d probably flee before long. Hearing Ye Li’s words, he didn’t object but raised an eyebrow, signaling his willingness to listen. Ye Li smiled. “For example… the fragrances and cosmetics used by the ladies of Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion could all be sourced from Fragrant Grace Chamber. What do you think, Young Master Han? As a token of sincerity for our first collaboration, I can gift you a specially crafted fragrance and provide it indefinitely for free. How about that?”

Han Mingxi pondered for a moment before raising his brows with a smile. “Young Master Chu is so sincere—if I refused, wouldn’t I be turning business away? Very well. Whatever intelligence Young Master Chu needs, just say the word. I guarantee you’ll find it worth the price.” Ye Li nodded in satisfaction. “Excellent. Then perhaps Young Master Han can make some preparations first, while I also need to arrange a few things. Shall we meet again in a few days to finalize the contract?”"Deal."

After leaving the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion and returning to the inconspicuous small courtyard in Guangling City where the five of them were temporarily staying, An San finally let out a sigh of relief. Facing his brothers' odd looks, he expressionlessly pulled out a thick stack of banknotes and tossed them onto the table. An Er, who was in charge of managing their funds, raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Where did all this money come from?" They had only brought twenty thousand taels from the capital, yet after just one outing with the princess consort, An San had returned with ten times that amount.

An San glanced at Ye Li, who was sitting to the side sipping tea while idly waving a folding fan, and said woodenly, "We won it at a gambling house." Then, with lingering fear in his voice, he added, "Young Master, I truly didn’t expect we’d make it out of there safely today." Ye Li gave him a sidelong glance and smiled. "No need to worry. If the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion were to cause trouble over a mere two hundred thousand taels, they’d be far too petty."

A mere two hundred thousand taels? Even if the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion earned mountains of gold daily, two hundred thousand taels was hardly a trivial sum.

Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion?! An Yi, An Er, and An San twitched their lips in unison, silently resolving to forget this incident. They were the princess consort’s shadow guards, after all, so they absolutely would not—under any circumstances—tell the prince that she had taken An San to a brothel.

Ye Li wasn’t in a hurry to seek out Han Mingxi. Originally, she hadn’t planned to approach the Pavilion of Heavenly Unity for Southern Border intelligence, as she needed to keep her movements completely concealed. Though both Han Mingxi and his brother Han Mingyue seemed easygoing, Ye Li knew from just one meeting that the refined Han Mingyue was at least ten times harder to deal with than his womanizing younger brother. If she hadn’t known that Han Mingyue was currently away from Chu, she would never have contacted Han Mingxi in the first place.

Still, despite Han Mingxi’s seemingly unreliable demeanor, the intelligence network of the Pavilion of Heavenly Unity was impressively efficient. By the time Ye Li had finished exploring Guangling City, Han Mingxi had already come knocking.

Watching as Han Mingxi, clad in dark red silk robes and exuding his signature roguish charm, leisurely sat in the flower hall flirting with the young maid serving tea, Ye Li waved the blushing girl away with a smile. "It’s been a few days, Young Master Han. Your charm remains undiminished." Han Mingxi grinned. "Not at all. I trust Young Master Chu has found the spring scenery of Guangling to his liking these past days?"

Ye Li hadn’t expected Han Mingxi to refrain from having her watched, but she wasn’t angry either. Calmly, she replied, "The ancient capital of three dynasties, with its picturesque beauty—how could it not be to one’s liking?"

Han Mingxi chuckled. "Speaking of which, Young Master Chu left something behind the other day. Since I happened to be visiting today, I thought I’d bring it along—a gesture of my sincerity in our collaboration."

Ye Li raised a puzzled eyebrow at Han Mingxi’s mischievous grin. With a light clap of his hands, a beautiful woman in purple appeared at the door. "This humble servant, Rumei, greets the young master and Young Master Chu." It was the same Rumei who had presided over the gambling table days earlier. A faint sense of foreboding crept into Ye Li’s heart. "Young Master Han, what is this about?"Han Mingxi flicked open his folding fan, his handsome face half-hidden behind it as he smiled and said, "The rule of Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion is that whoever wins against the reigning courtesan gets to claim her. Young Master Chu's gambling skills are superb, and even Rumei is thoroughly convinced. From today onward, Rumei will no longer be listed at Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion, nor is she part of the establishment anymore. She now belongs to you, Young Master Chu. If you find her agreeable, you may take her as a concubine. If not, she can serve as a maid to pour tea, wash clothes, or cook—it’s entirely up to you."

Watching Han Mingxi wink at her with an ambiguous smile, Ye Li felt a headache coming on. "You flatter me, Young Master Han. It was merely a stroke of luck, and besides... I didn’t engage in a private game with Miss Rumei, so it can’t be said that I won her. Therefore, please take Miss Rumei back with you."

Han Mingxi snapped his fan shut and tapped it idly against his palm. "Does Young Master Chu mean to say he finds Rumei unworthy?"

At his words, Rumei’s delicate face paled. She cast a resentful glance at Ye Li before lowering her head, silent tears falling. Ye Li shot Han Mingxi an exasperated look. "Young Master Han, since we’re both here in good faith, why must you toy with me like this? My family upbringing is strict, so I must respectfully decline your generous offer."

Han Mingxi sighed dramatically, giving Ye Li a reproachful look. "How heartless! Very well. Rumei, it seems Young Master Chu truly doesn’t fancy you. You may leave." With a soft huff, Rumei stamped her foot, shot Ye Li a glare, and stormed out. Ye Li could only sigh inwardly. If she really brought a courtesan home, not only would her grandfather and uncles react strongly, but even Mo Xiuyao would likely fly into a rage. Mo Xiuyao... At the thought of the barely concealed sorrow in his eyes when she left, her heart ached faintly.

"Young Master Chu, are you thinking of someone?" Han Mingxi propped his chin on his hand, studying Ye Li curiously. He hadn’t mistaken it—just now, he’d glimpsed something like longing or worry in the young man’s sharp, mysterious eyes.

"Did Young Master Han come here to discuss such personal matters with me?" Ye Li glanced at him coolly.

Han Mingxi shrugged, unbothered. "Since we have nothing else to do, why not chat?"

"In that case, why don’t you share some of your... romantic exploits? I’ve recently taken an interest in storytelling. Perhaps I’ll write a book—let’s call it The Tale of the Wind and Moon Noble ?" Ye Li replied with a sidelong smirk.

"You really are no fun," Han Mingxi grumbled. Since this Chu Junwei already knew about the connection between Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion and the Pavilion of Heavenly Unity, it wasn’t surprising that he also knew Han Mingxi—Young Master Mingyue’s younger brother—was the notorious Wind and Moon Noble. Yet, despite knowing his reputation, the young man didn’t show the usual scorn or disdain. Han Mingxi found him rather intriguing. "We’re practically acquaintances now. Addressing each other so formally is tiresome. Why not use our given names? I’ll call you Jun Wei, and you can call me Mingxi."

Ye Li blinked slowly. Jun Wei? Mingxi? Why did this way of addressing each other feel so odd?

"Brother Han," Ye Li warned, fixing him with a pointed look to remind him to get back to business."Alright, is Jun Wei feeling shy?" Han Mingxi teased with a flirtatious wink, quickly adopting a serious expression before Ye Li could react. "I've managed to gather most of the information you wanted. However, as you know, we're in Great Chu, while the people and matters you're investigating are mostly in the Southern Border. So I only have part of it here. The rest will be sent to you gradually once you enter the Southern Border. But... I'm rather curious. You're still young, Jun Wei. Why on earth would you want to go to the Southern Border? Even if it's for travel... there seems to be no need to investigate both the Nanzhao royal family and the Holy Maiden of Southern Border so thoroughly."

Ye Li replied calmly, "To be honest, I'm going to the Southern Border to search for a certain medicinal herb, and it seems this herb is inevitably tied to both the Nanzhao royal family and the Southern Border."

Han Mingxi raised an eyebrow, joking lightly, "Jun Wei, you're generous with your payments, and I'm not stingy either. Just tell me what herb you need, and I'll have someone fetch it for you. Why trouble yourself with such a long journey? Surely you're not after the Southern Border's treasure—the 'Netherworld Dark Flower'?" Ye Li nodded earnestly, "That's exactly it."

Han Mingxi's smile froze on his face as he sighed helplessly, "You're really... The Netherworld Dark Flower is a treasure of the Southern Border, guarded personally by the Holy Maiden. Not even ordinary people can obtain it—even the King of Nanzhao might not succeed. Jun Wei, are you sure you want to go?" Ye Li nodded firmly. "If it weren't for this, why would I have paid such a high price to the Pavilion of Heavenly Unity for information? The trip to the Southern Border is unavoidable, so I’d appreciate it if Brother Han could prepare the necessary materials thoroughly. Otherwise, you might lose a business partner if I don’t return."

"As far as I know, while the Netherworld Dark Flower is said to revive the dead, I’ve never heard of anyone actually succeeding with it. What I do know is that those who tried to obtain it all ended up dead. Jun Wei, are you trying to save someone?" Han Mingxi asked with concern. "What illness or poison is it? Perhaps I can help you find out if there are other methods."

Touched by his worry, Ye Li felt a pang of guilt and quickly replied, "No need. I’m just doing my best. If it truly doesn’t work out, I won’t recklessly throw my life away." Han Mingxi nodded and cautioned, "You’d better mean that. The Southern Border is nothing like the Central Plains—it has an eerie air about it. Even our Pavilion of Heavenly Unity often finds itself constrained there."

"I understand. Thank you, Brother Han." Ye Li nodded in agreement, then took out a delicate little glass vial from a box on the table. It contained a pale green liquid. "This is what I promised you earlier. I hope it meets your expectations."

Curious, Han Mingxi accepted it. As soon as he opened the vial, an elegant floral fragrance wafted out, filling the hall. Delighted, he exclaimed, "This is... the scent of orchids..."

"Though this fragrance might not quite suit your usual preferences, it’s all I can offer for now." Ye Li didn’t quite understand the appeal of a man dousing himself in perfume but decided to respect his new business partner’s personal tastes.

Han Mingxi didn’t mind at all, cradling the vial lovingly. "How could it not? It’s absolutely wonderful—thank you, Jun Wei. As for the matter of the fragrances and cosmetics for the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion and the Fragrant Grace Chamber, consider it settled. From now on, all the scented products for the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion will be ordered from the Fragrant Grace Chamber." Ye Li smiled and nodded. "Then I thank you, Brother Han."

"No need for thanks—it’s mutually beneficial. Jun Wei, next time, could you make something with a stronger scent? This seems far superior to ordinary perfumes. If sold at the Fragrant Grace Chamber, it would surely fetch a hefty profit."

Ye Li twitched his lips slightly. "This isn’t easy to produce. Including the vial in your hand, the Fragrant Grace Chamber only has five in total. Also... Brother Han, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask."

"Ask away! I’ll answer anything you wish to know." In high spirits after receiving such a treasure, Han Mingxi waved his hand dismissively.

Ye Li looked at him and said, "For someone in your... profession... isn’t it inconvenient to be so heavily perfumed?" For ordinary households, it might not matter, but if targeting a well-guarded residence or one with martial experts, wouldn’t such a strong scent be easily detected by anyone with a functioning nose?Han Mingxi was taken aback for a moment before finally understanding what Ye Li meant by "profession." He glared at her irritably and said, "You're still just a little brat who doesn't understand a man's refinement. The beauties adore my fragrance, you know."

Ye Li was speechless. Did he think she'd never seen men before? The Five Xu Brothers, Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhiyao—even Mo Jingli—at most, they only lightly scented their clothes with subtle fragrances like ambergris, musk, or sandalwood. Mo Xiuyao, who spent most of his time in the study, carried only a faint trace of ink. She had never seen a man use such an ostentatious fragrance—why didn't he just turn himself into a giant incense burner?

After promising to see if she could concoct a better fragrance for him upon returning from the Southern Border, she finally sent off a reluctant Han Mingxi. Only then did Ye Li sit down to examine the items he had brought her.

"Young Master, when are we setting off for the Southern Border?" An San and An Si fiddled with the newly purchased items Ye Li had requested while glancing at her as she sat reviewing documents. Without looking up, Ye Li replied, "We've mostly wrapped up matters in Guangling. We'll leave early the day after tomorrow. Take a look at these as well." She casually tossed a few sheets of paper, which An Yi and An Er caught before sitting down to study them intently.

"Also, I’ll be the one leaving the day after tomorrow. Only one of you can accompany me."

All four abruptly stopped what they were doing, staring in shock at Ye Li’s calm expression. "Consort—Young Master, this…" An Yi frowned. The Southern Border was nothing like the Central Plains. Unfamiliar with the land and its people, it would be far too dangerous for her to take only one person. Ye Li looked up with a smile and asked, "Don’t you think five of us traveling together would attract too much attention? The Southern Border people are highly xenophobic—our group would likely be marked the moment we set foot there."

"But taking only one person is too risky. If something were to happen…" An San protested.

"Do you not trust me, or do you not trust yourselves?" Ye Li arched an eyebrow.

The four exchanged glances, unable to refute her. Ye Li chuckled. "Good, it's settled then. An San will come with me. An Si, you’ll stay behind and keep a covert watch on the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion. If Han Mingyue returns or there’s any movement, send word to me immediately. Be careful not to be discovered. An Yi, head to Snowbreak Pass and find a way to infiltrate the military camp. Unless I send you a message, ignore everything else. Even if you see any of us or someone from the Prince’s estate, act as if you don’t know them. Keep an eye on the situation in Lingzhou from the shadows. An Er, set off tonight with my token and find Eldest Brother in the Southern Border. Once you locate him, stay by his side."

Seeing that Ye Li had clearly planned this out long ago, the four could only nod in agreement. She smiled at them. "Unless it’s absolutely necessary, no contact with the capital. I trust… you all understand what 'absolutely necessary' means?"

The four reluctantly assented. An San’s face fell in dismay, while the other three shot him sympathetic looks. He was definitely going to be torn to pieces by the Prince.Ye Li had no time to concern herself with her subordinates' feelings, absorbed in the dossier about the Holy Maiden of Southern Border in her hands. Contrary to her initial assumption that the title was merely honorary without real authority, the Holy Maiden actually wielded significant influence over Nanzhao's political affairs—in some aspects even surpassing the Nanzhao royal family. However, the Holy Maidens were forbidden to marry or bear children, and whenever a new generation's Holy Maiden emerged, the previous one had to enter the Southern Border Sacred Ground to guard the Netherworld Dark Flower, never to step out or meet outsiders again for the rest of her life. This was why the threat to royal power wasn't more acute. The current Holy Maiden, Shu Manlin, was twenty-three years old. According to Southern Border customs, a Holy Maiden must abdicate by the age of twenty-eight at the latest.

Frowning, Ye Li privately speculated whether this might be the reason the Holy Maiden of Southern Border desired rebellion. After all, forcing a twenty-eight-year-old woman accustomed to supreme honor into seclusion in an unknown sacred ground, cut off from the outside world, would be an exceedingly cruel fate for anyone.

"Young Master, are we really going to retrieve the Netherworld Dark Flower?" An San couldn't help but ask curiously, noticing Ye Li's focus on the Holy Maiden's dossier.

Ye Li replied absentmindedly, "If we can obtain it, naturally it would be good. But Southern Border affairs take priority." She would first determine whether the Netherworld Dark Flower could benefit Mo Xiuyao's health before deciding whether to pursue it.