Mo Li

Prince Li’s Camp Outside Yonglin City

"Damn it! How could Mo Xiuyao appear here now?" Inside the grand tent, Mo Jingli's face was twisted with fury, his expression so dark it seemed to bring the bone-chilling cold of deep winter even in the approaching heat of June. No one dared to speak, not only because of Prince Li’s rage but also due to the shock of Prince Ding’s sudden appearance on the battlefield. If there was anything more terrifying than Prince Ding’s arrival, it was the fact that he appeared in perfect health. When that silver-white figure rode into view, soaring through the air on horseback, nearly everyone felt an overwhelming sense of despair and regret rise in their hearts.

That man, who had earned the title of God of War in his youth, that Prince Ding who was said to surpass even his ancestors in wisdom and talent—could they truly stand against him? Some even began to doubt and regret their decision to follow Prince Li in rebellion. While the rewards of supporting a new emperor promised wealth and power, the price of failure was enough to make one shudder.

Even the usually composed strategist had turned pale. In their plans, there was no way Mo Xiuyao should have appeared in Yongzhou so soon—no, he shouldn’t have been able to come at all. A crippled Prince Ding was fearsome enough, but a fully healthy and mobile Prince Ding was downright terrifying. "Your Highness, has there been any word from the capital? Prince Ding…"

Mo Jingli snorted coldly. "Mo Xiuyao left the capital long before we raised our banners. And Ye Li—it was actually her!" The thought that Ye Li had been the one leading the Black Cloud Cavalry to block his advance all this time made him wish he could drag her before him and flay her alive.

The strategist said, "There were rumors that Princess Ding had gone missing. Now it seems she must have gone to Nanzhao. Earlier, news came from Nanzhao that Qingchen Gongzi had vanished… Most likely, Princess Ding went to Nanzhao for him." The more he spoke, the colder his heart grew. Prince Ding, Princess Ding, Murong Shen, and possibly even Qingchen Gongzi—the forces standing in their way made the prospect of taking Yonglin seem nearly hopeless. "Your Highness, I believe our best course now is to abandon Yongzhou immediately and march east, seizing all territories south of Yunlan River before the imperial reinforcements arrive."

Mo Jingli said grimly, "Mo Xiuyao is already in Yonglin. Do you think he’ll let us retreat?"

The strategist stroked his beard. "Given Your Highness’s understanding of Prince Ding, would he really let us withdraw so easily today?"Mo Jingli lowered his gaze in contemplation for a moment before shaking his head. "In his youth, Mo Xiuyao was known as 'Lie Feng' (Raging Wind). He has always been swift and decisive in military campaigns. With his former temperament, he would never cease today's battle without inflicting heavy losses on the enemy."

The strategist nodded with a smile. "Since that is the case, Your Highness, why do you think Prince Ding did not press his advantage today?"

Mo Jingli's eyes flashed as he raised his voice slightly. "He lacks sufficient troops!"

The strategist clapped his hands in agreement. "Exactly! Due to the terrain of Yonglin, the sudden arrival of the Black Cloud Cavalry made it impossible for us to gauge their numbers. But Prince Ding must know our forces well. His reluctance to pursue victory can only mean our army still outnumbers his by at least two to one—or even more."

Mo Jingli nodded. "True. My imperial brother would never easily allow him to mobilize over a hundred thousand troops. Besides... if he had brought such a massive army, he wouldn't have arrived so quickly. In that case, why don't we—"

"Absolutely not!" The strategist hastily interrupted his unspoken thought, urging, "Your Highness, reconsider. Prince Ding may indeed lack troops, but the area around Yonglin offers no suitable terrain for large-scale warfare. If he holds Yonglin firmly, we won't be able to overcome him within ten or fifteen days. And by then... even if the imperial army moves slowly, they will have arrived. Once that happens, it will be too late for us to turn east again."

To say ten or fifteen days was being generous. With twenty thousand Black Cloud Cavalry defending the city, even if they lacked neither provisions nor weapons, it would be uncertain whether they could breach the defenses in two or three months. After all, the archery skills of the Black Cloud Cavalry were so fearsome that even the Northern Rong cavalry trembled at the mention of them. Any besieging force would struggle just to approach Yonglin's walls.

"This..." Mo Jingli's expression shifted unpredictably, filled with unwillingness, anger, and a trace of fear that others might not detect. This fear might not stem from Mo Xiuyao himself but rather from the instinctive awe that all Chu soldiers held for the Mo Family Army and the Ding Royal Palace.

"Your Highness, as long as we occupy all lands south of the Yunlan River and fortify its defenses, Yongzhou is merely a tiny territory. With Nanzhao keeping them in check, the imperial court will be powerless. Now that Prince Ding's legs have suddenly recovered, the one in the capital must be trembling in fear. Under these circumstances, he will never use Prince Ding against us. As long as Prince Ding and the Mo Family Army stay away, half of Great Chu will fall into Your Highness's hands. As for the rest... there will be time to plan for it later."

The strategist pleaded earnestly. Since Yongzhou seemed beyond their reach, it would be better to seize the entire Jiangnan region before the imperial army arrived, lest they end up with nothing. Watching the hesitant Prince Li, the strategist felt a pang of bitterness. Prince Li's indecisiveness made him suitable as a leisurely noble in his fiefdom, but when it came to conquering the realm, he fell far short.

Just as Mo Jingli wavered, a soldier outside the tent reported, "Your Highness, an envoy from Western Liang seeks an audience at the camp gates."

"Western Liang?" Mo Jingli frowned. "What do they want? Bring him in!"

Before long, a refined and amiable middle-aged man was escorted inside. "I am He Wuyuan of Prince Zhennan's residence in Western Liang. Greetings to Li Wang Dianxia."

"He Yingli?" Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes slightly, while the strategist beside him showed a flicker of recognition. "The strategist among the Three Heroes under Prince Zhennan—Master Yingli?"

The middle-aged man smiled faintly. "Indeed, it is I."Mo Jingli stared at him and said, "Mr. He, as the right-hand man of Zhennan Wang, what brings you suddenly to my presence?"

He Wuyuan smiled and replied, "By the orders of His Highness and the Shizi, I come to propose an alliance with Prince Li."

"An alliance?" The strategist was puzzled.

He Wuyuan chuckled, "We have heard of Prince Li's uprising in Jiangnan. My lord and the Shizi admire your ambition. Likewise, Your Highness must be aware that Zhennan Wang's estate and Western Liang share a blood feud with the Ding Royal Palace of Eastern Chu. Therefore, my lord has sent me to offer my humble services to Your Highness. When Your Highness achieves success, Zhennan Wang Shizi will personally attend the coronation ceremony in Lingzhou to congratulate you."

Mo Jingli eyed him and asked, "What do your lord and the Shizi want in return?" He had long understood that nothing came without a price.

He Wuyuan smiled, "Western Liang asks for nothing from Your Highness—save one thing: Prince Ding and the Mo Family Army. Prince Ding's legs have already healed. I presume Your Highness has seen him today? Even in his youth, Mo Xiuyao was ambitious. When he was barely fourteen or fifteen, he nearly annihilated Nanzhao in battle. Now, after years of lying low, he has reemerged like a tiger breaking free from its cage—unstoppable in this era. My lord is deeply concerned for Western Liang's safety, hence the proposal for an alliance to counter the threat of the Ding Royal Palace. I urge Your Highness to consider this carefully."

Mo Jingli was displeased. Though He Wuyuan spoke of allying against Mo Xiuyao, his words were filled with admiration for him. He replied coolly, "Mo Xiuyao has been idle for nearly a decade. Besides, early brilliance does not guarantee later success. You exaggerate, sir."

He Wuyuan remained unruffled and laughed lightly. "Whether I exaggerate or not, the fact remains that the Ding Royal Palace has produced renowned generals without fail, and Mo Xiuyao himself has never tasted defeat in his life."

"Does Mr. He have a strategy to deal with Mo Xiuyao, then?" Mo Jingli raised an eyebrow mockingly.

He Wuyuan smiled, "Though I dare not claim to surpass Prince Ding, I can assist Your Highness in securing Jiangnan."

"Oh?" Mo Jingli's eyes flickered as he assessed He Wuyuan with renewed interest.

Unperturbed, He Wuyuan continued calmly, "Your Highness need not worry. Prince Ding will not have much time to remain in Yongzhou. Once he is drawn away, even if the imperial court sends hundreds of thousands of troops, they will not hinder Your Highness's path to the throne."

Mo Jingli fell silent for a moment before saying, "Mr. He, please retire for now. I need time to consider this carefully."

He Wuyuan was in no hurry and nodded with a smile. "Very well. Your Highness may take your time to deliberate. I shall take my leave."

"Your subordinate Feng Zhiyao requests an audience with the Princess Consort."

Stepping into the serene and elegant courtyard, Feng Zhiyao couldn't help but feel a headache coming on as soon as he spotted the woman sitting beneath the shade of a tree, reading a book.

Half an hour earlier, while overseeing the city's defenses atop the walls, he had received word from the Princess Consort's attendants summoning him for a discussion. He had known then that trouble was coming. Unfortunately, he didn't dare refuse her summons.

"Third Master Feng, there's no need for formalities," Ye Li said, setting down her book and turning to smile at him. "Have I disturbed you?"

Feng Zhiyao forced a wry smile. "Not at all. How could I consider it a disturbance when the Princess Consort summons me?"

Ye Li looked up and studied Feng Zhiyao carefully before smiling. "Third Master Feng, you seem almost like a different person compared to when you were in the capital. Had I met you like this elsewhere, I might have mistaken you for someone else."Feng Zhiyao could only force a smile, feeling that the more courteous the princess consort was now, the more troublesome the questions she would ask later must be. Ye Li glanced at his strained expression and lowered her eyes slightly. "Third Master Feng, please have a seat."

Feng Zhiyao thanked her and said, "Princess Consort, you may just call me Feng San. The title of 'Master' is too much for this subordinate to bear."

Ye Li waved her hand with a smile. "I know you and the prince have known each other since childhood. In private, you address each other as brothers—there’s no need for such distance."

Feng Zhiyao had no choice but to sit down, though facing Ye Li directly only made him feel even more pressure. He smiled awkwardly and asked, "Might I ask why the princess consort summoned me?"

Ye Li looked up and met his gaze squarely, her voice solemn. "I prefer not to beat around the bush, Master Feng. How is the prince’s health, truly?"

Feng Zhiyao froze, then quickly laughed. "The prince’s health? Isn’t he perfectly fine? In fact, after so many years, his body has finally recovered. Shouldn’t the princess consort be happy?"

Ye Li watched him calmly, her gaze clear and penetrating, devoid of any naivety. Feng Zhiyao inwardly groaned but forced himself not to look away, holding her stare. After a long moment, Ye Li suddenly smiled. "Master Feng, did you know? A genuine smile can only be maintained naturally for a very short time. Anything beyond that... is usually fake."

Feng Zhiyao blinked, finally letting his stiff smile fade. "The princess consort’s insight... is quite unique."

"Then... would Master Feng be willing to tell me the truth?" Ye Li asked, still smiling.

Feng Zhiyao gave a bitter laugh. "Why doesn’t the princess consort ask the prince directly?"

Ye Li sighed softly. "If he doesn’t wish to speak, how could I possibly get an answer from him?"

Feng Zhiyao said, "If the prince isn’t saying anything, perhaps it means his health truly has fully recovered."

Ye Li looked at him and smiled. "Master Feng, though I may not be able to tell if he’s lying, there’s one thing I do understand. A man who has been paralyzed for eight years and poisoned with a deadly toxin—no miraculous medicine could restore him to such a state in such a short time. Even if Shen had already found the antidote and cured his legs, it would still be impossible for him to recover so thoroughly within half a year."

Abnormality was a sign of deceit. If such a miraculous cure truly existed, why would Mo Xiuyao have waited all these years?

Feng Zhiyao looked at her helplessly, but Ye Li refused to yield, her gaze unwavering. After another long moment, Feng Zhiyao finally relented. After a brief hesitation, he said, "Even if I don’t tell you, the princess consort will find out sooner or later. The prince took the Phoenix Herb."

Ye Li was stunned. She remembered what Shen Yang had said—after consuming the Phoenix Herb, the resulting fire poison would cause Mo Xiuyao’s body to harbor both fire and cold toxins. Even with the Blazing Fire Lotus, his Cold Poison could no longer be neutralized. "Why didn’t anyone stop him?!"

Feng Zhiyao lowered his head helplessly. "Once the prince makes a decision, who can stop him?"

Ye Li’s expression darkened. "But why would he suddenly..." Her voice trailed off mid-sentence as realization struck her. She slumped back onto the stool, defeated.

When Feng Zhiyao had left the capital, news of Mo Jingli’s rebellion had not yet reached the city. He had done this... for her sake."Princess Consort..." Feng Zhiyao noticed Ye Li's grim expression and quickly grasped the crux of the matter. He offered awkward consolation, "Actually... even if Prince Li's rebellion news reached His Highness two days later, he would still... His Highness simply doesn't have time to wait for the Blazing Fire Lotus two years from now." Ye Li nodded absently, "Has Mr. Shen arrived in Yongzhou yet?" Feng Zhiyao nodded, "Mr. Shen insisted on coming, but he can't endure long-distance travel at speed. It'll take him a few more days."

Ye Li closed her eyes briefly before nodding, "I understand. Thank you, Young Master Feng."

Feng Zhiyao frowned with concern, "Princess Consort..."

Ye Li waved her hand, "It's fine. Young Master Feng, you may attend to your duties." Seeing her insistence, Feng Zhiyao could only take his leave. Sitting beneath the tree shade, Ye Li fell into silent contemplation—if she hadn't come to the Southern Border... No, if she hadn't sent back that damned secret letter, Mo Xiuyao wouldn't have rushed here because of it. Perhaps as Feng Zhiyao said, they truly didn't have time to wait for the Blazing Fire Lotus two years later. Maybe Mo Xiuyao would have ultimately taken the Phoenix Herb regardless. But now... it was still because of her that Mo Xiuyao...

"An San."

"Princess Consort?" An San appeared behind her, watching with concern the frail-looking back of the woman beneath the tree.

"Where is An Si now?"

An San replied, "An Si just left for Western Liang. Earlier, you ordered him to investigate Han Mingyue's activities there. He should have just crossed the border." Ye Li nodded, "Send him a message. Forget about Han Mingyue for now. Find a way to monitor Sick Scholar—if he attempts to obtain the Underworld Flower again, seize it at all costs." An San hesitated, "The Underworld Flower is within Nanzhao territory. Should I lead a team to search for it?" Ye Li shook her head, "Nanzhao isn't small, and none of us know what the Underworld Flower actually looks like. That Liang fellow should be in Pavilion of Heavenly Unity's hands now... No, he should actually be in Western Liang too. But not with Sick Scholar. Send someone to tell Han Mingxi—it's time he fulfilled his promise to tell me what he knows."

"Yes." An San nodded before swiftly disappearing.

After An San left, Ye Li remained seated for a long time before finally returning to the courtyard she temporarily shared with Mo Xiuyao. Finding his room empty, she headed toward the study in the front courtyard, only to be blocked by two shadow guards at the door. "Princess Consort, His Highness has ordered that he see no one now. Please stop." Ye Li tilted her head, glancing at the two guards who dared not meet her eyes, "What did you say?"

"His Highness said he's seeing no one. That... includes the Princess Consort."

Ye Li took a slight step back, "I know you're following orders and mean no offense. However... I'm going in now."

The two guards exchanged glances before standing firm at the entrance, "Please don't make this difficult for us, Princess Consort."

Ye Li said, "If I defeat you to get through, that wouldn't count as you disobeying orders, would it?"

"This..." The guards eyed the woman warily. They'd witnessed the Princess Consort's skills before—without being allowed to harm her, they had little confidence in stopping her. "Princess Consort, I'm afraid that wouldn't..." As one guard raised his hand, several figures descended from the walls, trees, and rooftops. Ye Li arched an eyebrow and smirked coldly, "An San, An Si—subdue them!""Yes!" Two low voices responded. Two figures darted into the courtyard like lightning, one on each side. In mere moments, several shadow guards were subdued. Seeing the angry and unwilling expressions on their opponents' faces, An San patted one on the shoulder comfortingly and said, "Brother, don't take it too hard. Even among shadow guards, there are differences in skill."

They all started from the same place, so they understood shadow guards well—but other shadow guards didn’t understand them. Those months of grueling training hadn’t been for nothing—now the results were clear. It wasn’t that the others were too weak; it was that they had already transcended the level of ordinary shadow guards. If the situation had allowed, An San would have laughed heartily to the heavens.

Ye Li turned back with a smile, looking at the two shadow guards blocking the door. "Do I have to do it myself?"

The two shadow guards sighed and stepped aside, clearing the path. "Please, Princess Consort."

Their temporary residence was the mansion of a wealthy merchant in Yonglin City. The owner had fled to the north of the river long before the siege—wealthy people were always more afraid of death than common folk. The study in the front courtyard was spacious, even equipped with a bedroom for rest. So when Mo Xiuyao had stayed in the study the previous night, Ye Li hadn’t thought much of it. After all, there was much to handle upon their arrival in Yonglin.

But after meeting Feng Zhiyao, it suddenly occurred to her—since returning to Yonglin last night, it was already afternoon, and she hadn’t seen Mo Xiuyao at all. She had eaten breakfast and lunch alone. If he were truly so busy, there was no reason Feng Zhiyao could afford to idle on the city walls. And back in the capital, Mo Xiuyao had dragged her into helping without the slightest hesitation.

Entering the study, she found it empty. Ye Li hurried toward the bedroom behind it. Before she could step inside, she heard the sound of something crashing to the floor and rushed in.

The sight that greeted her made her heart clench. The man who had been invincible and heroic on the battlefield just yesterday now lay collapsed on the floor in disarray. The quilt on the bed had been torn to shreds, scattered across the floor and bed. A small flower stand near the bed had toppled, surrounded by broken shards of porcelain. Mo Xiuyao’s eyes were tightly shut, his clothes soaked through as if drenched in water. His fingers were already stained with blood.

"A Li, get out..." Hearing footsteps, Mo Xiuyao didn’t lift his head, speaking only in a faint voice.

Ye Li paused but didn’t stop or turn away. Instead, she quickly moved to his side and helped him up. "Feeling any better?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded wearily, letting her guide him back to the bed. With a bitter smile, he murmured, "A Li, it seems you always see me at my worst..."Ye Li said calmly, "This time, you brought it upon yourself. We... we are husband and wife, not strangers. It's impossible to only see each other's most perfect sides forever, isn't it?" Mo Xiuyao closed his eyes and smiled faintly, "You could say you've never seen my perfect side." His most flawless self had long ceased to exist before he even met her. Ye Li reached out and grasped his hand, still trembling from intense pain, replying lightly, "How could that be? Wasn't yesterday quite good?" Lowering her gaze to the dried blood on his fingertips and the mottled scars on his palm, she asked softly, "When did this start?"

Surprisingly compliant as the pain gradually subsided, Mo Xiuyao answered after a moment, "Just before dawn..."

Ye Li's hand stilled, a sharp ache tightening in her chest. It was already nearing the end of the afternoon—nearly seven or eight hours had passed.

"Rest for a while if you're feeling better."

This time, Mo Xiuyao didn’t respond. His shallow, steady breathing indicated he had fallen asleep. Yet even in slumber, his brows remained slightly furrowed, occasionally twitching with traces of pain. Ye Li stood to fetch another blanket for him but found her hand tightly gripped by Mo Xiuyao, leaving her unable to move. Resigned, she sat back down, frowning at his sweat-dampened clothes, hoping he wouldn’t catch a chill. But waking him now was something she couldn’t bring herself to do. The heavy shadows under his eyes made it clear he hadn’t rested properly in a long time.

It wasn't until the sun set in the west that Mo Xiuyao awoke from deep slumber. Although he had slept for less than two hours, he felt much better than before. He couldn't help but let out a soft sigh of relief—this ordeal was finally over.

"You're awake?" Ye Li's voice came from outside. Mo Xiuyao looked up to see her carrying a tray as she entered, placing it on the table before raising her head to address him. "Since you're awake, go bathe first, then have dinner."

Mo Xiuyao was slightly taken aback. "A Li, how did you..." Scenes from before he fell asleep resurfaced in his mind. Amidst the haze of pain that had refused to cease, Ye Li's calm voice had clearly reached his consciousness, miraculously soothing his nearly shattered mind. It was only after listening to that serene voice that he had slowly drifted off to sleep. Seeing him staring at her without speaking, Ye Li walked over with concern. "What's wrong? Are you still feeling unwell somewhere? Should I send for a physician?"

Mo Xiuyao caught her hand. "It's nothing. I just slept too long and still feel a bit groggy. We can't call an outside physician right now."

Ye Li didn't expose his rather unconvincing lie—Mo Xiuyao was likely never truly groggy, even in sleep. "Then go bathe first. I've had everything prepared for you." Mo Xiuyao looked down at himself and realized he was indeed in dire need of a bath and some grooming.

Soon after, Mo Xiuyao emerged from his bath, still damp. Ye Li quickly stood up and approached, eyeing his thin undergarments before turning to fetch a cloak to drape over him. Mo Xiuyao looked at her helplessly. "A Li, I'm not so weak that I'll collapse from a breeze." Ye Li nodded solemnly. "True. Compared to you, being 'weak as a breeze' would be far too easy. Sit down and eat." She pressed a bowl of fragrant, steaming porridge into his hands and watched as he ate.

Mo Xiuyao had no choice but to take a bite. Not only did it smell wonderful, but it also tasted delicious. For someone who hadn't eaten a single thing since the previous night, the warmth in his stomach was a welcome relief, and his appetite—previously dulled by exhaustion and pain—improved significantly. "This doesn't taste like their cooking." The original master of this residence had long since passed away, and the servants had naturally dispersed. Since Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li couldn't employ outsiders of unknown origins here, their daily needs were handled by the shadow guards. Though the guards were well-trained, their culinary skills were merely passable. Ye Li rested her chin on her hand as she watched him eat. "I made it. Does it not taste good?"

Mo Xiuyao paused briefly before shaking his head with a faint smile. "No, it's delicious."

Ye Li nodded in satisfaction. Her cooking skills weren't exceptional, but preparing simple home-style dishes and porridge wasn't beyond her. This chicken porridge had simmered for a full hour, and she had tasted it herself—the flavor was indeed acceptable.“A Li, do you have something to say to me?” Mo Xiuyao set down his bowl as he noticed Ye Li staring fixedly at him. Ye Li took the bowl and served him another portion, saying, “I’ve always believed that stubbornly bearing everything alone is inadvisable and not how a married couple should interact. What does the prince think?”

Mo Xiuyao sighed helplessly as he accepted the bowl she pushed toward him. “You’ve found out… A Li, this isn’t because of you. You know the poison in my body can’t be cured for now—sooner or later, it would come to this.”

“Whether it’s because of me or not, things have already reached this point. What I mean is… locking yourself alone in your room—aren’t you afraid you might lose control and end up killing yourself?” Ye Li raised an eyebrow.

“I won’t,” Mo Xiuyao replied. “I won’t die. The Phoenix Herb won’t take my life. Shen has said it will only cause me some pain.”

Only some pain… Ye Li had the sudden urge to crack his head open and see what was inside.

“A Li, you know this is the best possible outcome right now. If Shen hadn’t brought back the Phoenix Herb…” Then he wouldn’t have made it in time to reinforce Yonglin, Snowbreak Pass would have fallen, and the Nanzhao people would have invaded. A Li…

“From now on, I’ll stay with you,” Ye Li said calmly.

“…Alright.”

－－－－－－Author’s Note－－－－－－

Am I torturing the male lead? I’m not torturing him! The plot… just has to be this way, no helping it~ Well, no pain, no gain—hang in there!