Mo Li

By the banks of the Yunlan River, compared to the still tense standoff at Yonglin City, Ye Li and her companions seemed excessively at ease. Once they left Yonglin City, Feng Zhiyao had taken the Black Cloud Cavalry and disappeared to who-knows-where, leaving Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao to prepare for their return to the capital with their accompanying guards and Shen Yang, who had just arrived. Poor Master Shen, despite having no strength to even restrain a chicken, had galloped nonstop from the Chu capital to Yongzhou in less than ten days, only to be told he had to turn right back to the capital without even catching his breath. Pointing a trembling finger at Mo Xiuyao while panting, Shen Yang couldn’t help but grumble, "I must’ve owed the Mo family in my past life!" Ever since administering the Phoenix Herb to a certain disobedient prince who ignored medical advice, the great physician’s temper had grown increasingly volatile.

"Master Shen." The group had set up camp by the Yunlan River, while Mo Xiuyao had taken Yun Ting and others hunting. Only then did Ye Li find the time to speak with Shen Yang. The physician was seated by the riverbank, clutching a medical tome thick enough to bludgeon a man to death, his brow furrowed as he pored over its contents. Hearing Ye Li’s approach, he turned and made to rise in greeting, but she quickly waved him off. "There’s no need for formalities when we’re alone, Master Shen." Shen Yang didn’t stand on ceremony and settled back down, though he set the heavy book aside with a smile. "Your decisive actions in defending Yonglin have earned the Black Cloud Cavalry’s deep admiration, Your Highness. Even this old man is thoroughly impressed—truly, you are a heroine of our times."

Ye Li shook her head with a wry smile. "No need for such flattery, Master Shen. Being called a heroine is merely the result of circumstances. You know why I’ve come to speak with you, don’t you?"

Shen Yang studied her for a long moment before finally sighing deeply. "Bringing back that accursed Phoenix Herb... I still don’t know whether it was the right or wrong decision."

Ye Li replied softly, "It was His Highness’s choice to take the herb. You had already explained the risks and consequences to him—whatever happened was his decision. Besides, what’s done is done, and assigning blame now won’t change anything. All I wish to know is: what is the current state of His Highness’s health? And is there any way to remedy it?"

Shen Yang’s gaze held a trace of admiration as he answered solemnly, "Over the past six months, I’ve studied the Phoenix Herb extensively and consulted numerous ancient medical texts. The herb wasn’t originally unique to the Eastern Sea—its true name is Phoenix Tail, and it once grew in the Central Plains as well. According to records, its properties are intensely potent and highly toxic, yet it also counters most poisons in the world. It even has the effect of cleansing and reforging the meridians, hence its reputation as a miraculous herb. However, for some reason, it eventually vanished from the Central Plains, leaving almost no trace in modern medical texts. The Cold Poison afflicting His Highness happens to be the most extreme yin-cold toxin in existence. While Phoenix Tail can counteract it, it isn’t enough to neutralize the poison entirely. As a result, both fire and cold toxins now coexist in His Highness’s body, maintaining a fragile equilibrium. But this balance is perilously unstable—it could collapse at any moment. If that happens, even the Blazing Fire Lotus seeds would be useless."

Ye Li nodded. "You once mentioned that the two poisons would undergo changes within His Highness’s body."Shen Yang said, "Indeed. If the Cold Poison and phoenix herb could neutralize each other, there might be other solutions. But now the two toxins in His Highness's body act independently—the cold grows colder, the heat burns fiercer. If an ordinary person accidentally ingested the Blazing Fire Lotus seeds, their internal organs would be reduced to ashes in moments. Should the Blazing Fire Lotus seeds interact with the phoenix herb... I fear His Highness might perish from the fire toxin before the Cold Poison is even resolved."

Ye Li's delicate brows furrowed tightly. "Shen, would the Bihuo Herb be of any use to His Highness?"

Shen Yang started in surprise, then fell into deep thought. After a long while, he said, "The Bihuo Herb and Phoenix Herb are both legendary medicines long lost to time. Legends say they can regenerate flesh and bones, revive the dead, and effortlessly extend life by a hundred years. But... whether it can cure the poison in His Highness's body—I truly cannot say. After all, the Bihuo Herb vanished even earlier than the Phoenix Herb. I've only heard ancestors mention it in passing."

Ye Li nodded. "I understand, but having another hope is always good."

Shen Yang asked curiously, "Could it be that the Princess Consort knows where to find the Bihuo Herb?"

Ye Li gave a slight nod. "I'll retrieve it as soon as possible. As for this matter... Shen, please don’t mention it to His Highness yet."

To obtain the Bihuo Herb from the Sick Scholar, she absolutely could not use anyone from the Prince's Estate. Given the Sick Scholar's hatred for Mo Xiuyao, he would rather destroy the herb than let Prince Ding's people acquire it. "How long can His Highness's body hold out?"

Shen Yang lowered his gaze and said gravely, "Barring any accidents, he should be fine for a year or so. Moreover, the Phoenix Herb's effect of cleansing the meridians and marrow is no mere rumor—His Highness's constitution is indeed much better than before. However... during the full moon each month, the clash of cold and fire will bring unbearable agony. In summer and autumn, the fire toxin scorches the body; in spring and winter, the Cold Poison attacks the heart. Whether it's the Cold Poison or the fire toxin, the pain will undoubtedly be ten times worse than when the Cold Poison flared up before."

Ye Li recalled the scene she had witnessed upon entering the room that day. She couldn’t imagine how excruciating it must have been to reduce someone like Mo Xiuyao to such a state.

"What about painkillers...?"

Shen Yang shook his head sorrowfully. "Painkillers are completely ineffective. Not only that... I fear any pain-relieving or even narcotic drugs will be useless to His Highness from now on."

A chill ran through Ye Li's heart. This meant that even if Mo Xiuyao were injured in the future, he could not use any painkillers or anesthetics.

"A Li..."

Ye Li turned and saw a white-robed man approaching her with a gentle smile. She lowered her lashes to conceal the worry in her eyes and stepped forward to meet him.

Mo Xiuyao glanced at Shen Yang, who had already picked up a medical tome to continue studying, then smiled down at Ye Li. "What were you discussing with Shen?"

Ye Li smiled. "Just asking him about some herbal medicine. Since we encountered several unusual herbs during our trip to Nanzhao, I wanted to know their uses."

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "A Li has quite varied interests—even medicine?"

Ye Li shook her head. "I have no talent for medicine, but some knowledge of herbs is essential."

Mo Xiuyao took her hand and led her toward the camp, smiling. "I know. I heard you even made your attendants memorize herb manuals and learn to identify medicinal plants with the physicians?"

Ye Li laughed. "Just common herbs. After all, we can’t always carry medicine with us, can we?"

"A Li is right. Perhaps the Black Cloud Cavalry should learn from them too." Mo Xiuyao mused.Ye Li smiled faintly, "The Black Cloud Cavalry is different. They only need a certain number of physicians accompanying them or have some who are physicians themselves."

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze to look at Ye Li and asked, "A Li, do you have some special idea you don’t want to tell me?"

Ye Li shook her head, "No, it’s just still in its infancy. When it’s done, perhaps I can give you a surprise."

Mo Xiuyao smiled lightly, "Then I’ll wait for A Li’s surprise. Let’s go for a meal first, and afterward, we’ll go watch a play together."

The play Mo Xiuyao mentioned was indeed a good one—a hidden force of over thirty thousand soldiers was discovered within Yongzhou and Yongzhou territories. Ye Li finally understood what Feng Zhiyao had been doing with the twenty thousand Black Cloud Cavalry. Overnight, numerous mountain strongholds in Yongzhou and Yongzhou were destroyed. Countless men disguised as bandits but clearly well-trained were slaughtered by the Black Cloud Cavalry, while the rest fled in panic toward the border between Yongzhou and Western Liang. Mo Xiuyao, meanwhile, led Ye Li and the others to wait at the border. When the surviving remnants of the defeated troops saw the imposing iron cavalry, despair filled their eyes.

The officials of Yongzhou, large and small, knelt on the ground, their faces ashen, trembling as they looked at the elegant pair sitting side by side before them. The man was gentle and refined, the woman delicate and graceful, but the terror in their eyes was more dreadful than man-eating demons. Two days prior, they had been summoned before Prince Ding with a token, yet Prince Ding had said nothing, merely taking them along wherever he went. They had watched helplessly as one stronghold after another, whether overt or covert, was destroyed by the Black Cloud Cavalry. Over twenty thousand men had been crushed beneath the hooves of the Black Cloud Cavalry as if they were mere ants. The remnants before them were the last of the stragglers, yet Prince Ding had still cornered them on this small hill less than five miles from the border.

Mo Xiuyao calmly looked at the Prefect of Yongzhou, who knelt closest to him, and asked lightly, "Do you know why the Prefect of Yongzhou died?"

The Prefect of Yongzhou paled and stammered, "Treason... rebellion!" The Prefect of Yongzhou had been killed by the shadow guards of the Ding Royal Palace despite being under the protection of Prince Li’s army, and this news had spread far and wide days ago, tightening the nerves of many officials. Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, "Treason and rebellion? Indeed, those are capital crimes. Then... do you know what the crime of colluding with the enemy and betraying the country is?"

"This... Your Highness! Your Highness... I would never dare! I am utterly loyal to Great Chu..."

"What loyalty!" Mo Xiuyao sneered. "Then where did these tens of thousands in your Yongzhou come from? Why did General Wu Chengliang and the twenty thousand stationed troops of Yongzhou die?"

"I... I truly don’t know..." the Prefect of Yongzhou wailed. "I am wronged! I beg Your Highness to see the truth..."

Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Whether you are wronged or not is not my concern. Take it up with the Emperor yourself. Today, I brought you here to witness the Black Cloud Cavalry’s tribute to the stationed troops of Yongzhou and the heroic spirits of General Wu. Though civil and military officials serve different roles, you were still colleagues once. Let those present here see them off." Feng Zhiyao, standing behind Mo Xiuyao, raised his hand and commanded, "Kill!"A thousand arrows were unleashed, and the remnants of the Western Liang troops trapped in the center fell dead in moments. The officials kneeling on the ground, overwhelmed by the pungent scent of blood in the air, began vomiting one after another. Mo Xiuyao acted as if he hadn’t noticed, pulling Ye Li to her feet before turning to issue orders: "Escort the officials back to their respective residences. As for these Western Liang men, throw them beyond the border—don’t let them defile the land of Great Chu."

"As you command."

Mo Xiuyao nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Ye Li with a smile. "A Li, it’s time for us to return to the capital."

Ye Li gave a faint nod and followed Mo Xiuyao as they departed. As for sparing prisoners… it seemed unnecessary to mention now.

Though they had received the emperor’s urgent summons to return to the capital, Mo Xiuyao clearly paid it no mind. Instead, he had Feng Zhiyao lead the Black Cloud Cavalry away while he leisurely traveled north with Ye Li and their entourage. It took them nearly ten days to reach Guangling City. Since this was her second visit without any pressing objectives, Ye Li felt much more at ease. However, when Mo Xiuyao led her to stand before the gates of the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion, she turned to him in surprise.

Mo Xiuyao merely smiled without a word.

In broad daylight, the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion was not yet open for business. Yet someone was already waiting at the entrance. Seeing the young man standing there with a solemn expression, Mo Xiuyao remarked coolly, "The Pavilion of Heavenly Unity is indeed well-informed. It seems Han Mingyue hasn’t wasted these years." The young man’s smile stiffened slightly. "You flatter us, Your Highness. My master instructed me to await your esteemed arrival. Please, come inside."

Once inside the pavilion, the young man guided them directly to the rear courtyard—the same pavilion where Ye Li had last met Han Mingxi. Han Mingxi and Han Mingyue sat facing each other. When Han Mingxi caught sight of Ye Li, a flicker of distraction passed through his eyes before he regained his composure and flashed her a teasing smile. Han Mingyue set down his teacup and rose to greet them, his demeanor gentle and refined. "Xiu Yao, it’s been so long. You truly—"

Before he could finish, Mo Xiuyao abruptly struck out with a palm strike, sending a crushing wave of force toward the elegant man. Han Mingyue’s words cut off abruptly as he dodged awkwardly, barely avoiding the blow. The residual force still left him breathless, and he coughed lightly before smiling wryly. "Xiu Yao, is this how you greet an old friend after so long?" Mo Xiuyao snorted and pressed forward, his attacks relentless and devoid of any hint of jest. Han Mingyue had no choice but to abandon his pleasantries and focus on defending himself. The two men swiftly engaged in a fierce exchange within the garden.

As the battle raged on, Han Mingxi stood and approached Ye Li, raising an eyebrow with a playful grin. "Jun Wei, it’s been a while. Did you come to see me? If you wanted to visit, you could’ve come alone—why bring him along?"

Ye Li pointed toward the white-clad figure in the garden, indicating that it had been his idea.

Han Mingxi glanced over, his smile faltering slightly. "Jun Wei…"Ye Li said calmly, "Don’t worry, the prince won’t kill him." If Mo Xiuyao truly wanted Han Mingyue dead, he wouldn’t have needed to act personally. No matter how formidable the Pavilion of Heavenly Unity was, could it withstand the iron cavalry of the Black Cloud Cavalry or the shadow guards of the Ding Royal Palace? Han Mingxi smiled bitterly, "But Prince Ding has no intention of showing mercy." In Feng Zhiyao’s eyes, among the few who could rival Mo Xiuyao despite his young age of just over twenty, none were his peers. One could easily imagine the gap between him and Han Mingyue. As they spoke, Han Mingyue was struck back to the ground by a palm strike, landing not far from them. He spat out a mouthful of blood, and with Ye Li’s sharp eyes, she could tell at a glance that two of his ribs were broken. Han Mingxi hurried forward to help him up, but Han Mingyue waved him off and looked up at Mo Xiuyao, who was leisurely approaching. "Xiu Yao, have you calmed down now?" he asked.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow slightly. "Do you know why I didn’t kill you this time?"

Han Mingyue arched his brow, watching him. Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "Since A Li promised Han Mingxi to spare you, I’ll let you go this time. But remember—my patience has its limits. If you dare lay a hand on A Li again… you might as well test just how far I can go!" Han Mingyue clutched his chest, coughing violently, and looked at Mo Xiuyao helplessly. "Xiu Yao, in your eyes… is Ye Li more important than the bond we’ve shared since childhood?" Mo Xiuyao smirked, a mocking smile curling at his lips. "In your eyes, when have you ever valued the bond we’ve shared since childhood?" Han Mingyue fell silent. It was true—he had been the one to betray their friendship first. But… "To me, you will always be my closest friend," he said solemnly.

Mo Xiuyao scoffed lightly and said coolly, "Since you called me a friend, I’ll grant you this—next time you cross me, I won’t kill you."

Han Mingyue froze, but under the curious and puzzled gazes of Han Mingxi and Ye Li, his expression darkened. "Xiu Yao! No! It has nothing to do with her—all of this was my doing!" Hearing this, Han Mingxi’s face darkened with displeasure, and he swallowed back any words of intercession. Since Prince Ding had no intention of killing him anyway, let him suffer until he had no strength left to run around! Mo Xiuyao had no interest in whose idea it was. He turned to Han Mingxi and said, "If you want him to live, keep a close eye on him." Han Mingxi scowled, his handsome face icy. "No need for Your Highness’s concern!" Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li’s hand and turned to leave when Han Mingyue, still on the ground, called out, "Xiu Yao, did you make a detour to Guangling just to beat me up?"

Mo Xiuyao paused and glanced back at him. "Just a reminder—if you’re no good at political schemes, stick to making money. Don’t lift a stone only to drop it on your own foot and then cry about the pain." Watching the two walk away without looking back, Han Mingyue frowned, pondering Mo Xiuyao’s words. No good at political schemes… Indeed, he had no interest in such games and had never involved himself in them. Unless… His expression shifted abruptly, and he turned to Han Mingxi. "Quick! Send someone to find out what’s happening in Western Liang!"Han Mingxi felt the veins on his forehead throbbing violently. Who said Young Master Mingyue was exceptionally intelligent? This was dumber than a donkey! Most people wouldn’t turn back until they hit a wall, but he wouldn’t turn back even after smashing his head bloody! “Investigate my ass! As a proud citizen of Great Chu, why should I care about Western Liang’s fate? Someone, bring me the best Tendon Weakening Powder! Whoever dares give him the antidote, I’ll skin them alive! Now I’ve truly seen what a femme fatale looks like. I refuse to believe there are no other women in this world besides that bitch! Tomorrow, I’ll go ruin her face. Once no one wants her, I’ll buy her back for you as a maid!” Having said that, he couldn’t be bothered to care that his elder brother was still lying paralyzed on the ground. Han Mingxi stormed off in a fury.

“Han Mingxi, stop right there!” Han Mingyue shouted sternly.

Han Mingxi’s charging figure halted. He turned back, gnashing his teeth as he glared at his brother, who shared seventy percent of his looks. In his heart, he wished he could flay that femme fatale alive. Since childhood, he had idolized his elder brother, but he couldn’t praise his taste in women. Seeing Han Mingxi’s cold, furious glare, a trace of guilt flashed in Han Mingyue’s eyes. His voice softened as he said, “Mingxi, stop making trouble. Big Brother promises not to do anything reckless again. Mo Xiuyao broke two of my ribs. Come help me up.” Han Mingxi froze for a moment, then, seeing his brother’s deathly pale face, finally relented and stepped forward to help him up.

“You! Han Mingyue!” Moments later, Han Mingxi’s voice was filled with rage and resentment. Unfortunately, his entire body was immobilized as if paralyzed, his handsome face twisted in fury as he glared at the man before him, who clutched his chest with a ghastly pallor. Han Mingyue looked at his brother with deep remorse. “I’m sorry, Mingxi.” Seeing him turn to leave, Han Mingxi cried out in despair, “Han Mingyue, you idiot! I’ve been poisoned! Do you really want Ye Li to kill me?” Han Mingyue turned back with a faint smile and shook his head. “Silly child. Mingxi, if you pride yourself on judging people better than I do, how could you not see that Ye Li would never kill you? She didn’t poison you either.” Han Mingxi sneered coldly, “So all these days, you were just confirming whether I was poisoned? Now that you’re sure, you’re leaving again?”

“Don’t worry, I won’t lay a hand on your friends again. Mo Xiuyao… I can’t afford to provoke him either.” Han Mingyue gazed at his brother gently, then added after some thought, “Mingxi, stay away from Ye Li. She’s not someone you can afford to mess with.” Han Mingxi stiffened, scoffing disdainfully, “And you have the right to lecture me?” Han Mingyue sighed helplessly. “Do you really think you’re smarter than me? Mingxi, I could fight the whole world, but I’ve never once thought of competing with Xiu Yao for anything. Do you understand?” Han Mingxi laughed mockingly. “Oh yes, you know how to pick your opponents—just not your women. Did that woman ever spare you a single glance except to use you? Even if Jun Wei doesn’t like me, at least she’d come to my rescue, feel guilty for me, and show you mercy for my sake. All these years, what have you gained?” Han Mingyue’s smile gradually turned bitter and resigned, forced to admit his brother’s words were entirely true. With no rebuttal, he turned and left in silence.

A long while later, the young man who had guided them earlier appeared in the garden. “Second Young Master, the Young Master has left.”Han Mingxi, who had just had his acupoints released, was extremely agitated. "Gone is gone. When has he ever taken us seriously?"

The young man bowed his head and said, "The young master said he won't be coming back. All the silver notes from the Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion and the money houses are left for the Second Young Master. The Pavilion of Heavenly Unity... will no longer heed your commands from now on."

"He had this planned all along! If Prince Ding hadn't come today, would he have just slipped away without a word? Han Mingyue, you're ruthless!" Han Mingxi gritted his teeth. The young man remained silent with his head bowed. Han Mingxi snorted coldly and said, "That bastard! Just you wait, I'll make you pay!"

In the best inn of Guangling City, Ye Li and her companions had rented the finest courtyard for their temporary stay.

"Xiu Yao, today you..." Ye Li frowned slightly as she looked at the man beside her engrossed in his book, hesitating before she spoke.

Mo Xiuyao set down the book and smiled faintly. "A Li wants to ask why I specifically sought out Han Mingyue?"

Ye Li nodded. If it was merely to beat him up to vent anger, it would have been too much trouble. Mo Xiuyao said calmly, "If I'm not mistaken, Han Mingyue will soon head to Western Liang."

"To Western Liang?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Indeed. Rather than letting him slip away quietly, it's better for this prince to send him off properly. The Han family may not rank at the very top in Great Chu, but they're certainly within the top ten. If he takes everything to Western Liang, it won't be a good thing." Ye Li's eyes flashed with understanding. "You mean Han Mingyue wants to..." She didn't voice the words "betray the country," but Mo Xiuyao nodded faintly. "I understand Han Mingyue well. Concepts like homeland and nation mean nothing to him. Whether he's a citizen of Great Chu, Western Liang, or Northern Rong makes no difference to him."

"If that's the case, why not eliminate the root of the problem?" Ye Li was puzzled. Even if Mo Xiuyao truly valued his friendship with Han Mingyue, he would never prioritize it over the stability of Great Chu. Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "The Pavilion of Heavenly Unity has branches across all four kingdoms. Killing Han Mingyue would bring too much trouble. If he wants to leave, let him. I've said before he's not suited for political machinations. And since he's openly betraying the country, there's no need for the Pavilion of Heavenly Unity to continue existing within Great Chu." The primary purpose of this trip to Guangling was precisely to dismantle the Pavilion. Southern Great Chu, especially Guangling City, was the stronghold of the Pavilion. Did Han Mingyue really think he could withdraw his people right under Mo Xiuyao's nose so easily?

"What about Han Mingxi..." Ye Li frowned as she asked.

Mo Xiuyao replied, "Under different circumstances, Mingxi might indeed follow Han Mingyue, but today he won't be able to leave. If Mingxi is truly clever, he'll come to me."

Ye Li looked at him. "You deliberately provoked Han Mingyue to make him act prematurely and drive a wedge between the brothers?"

Mo Xiuyao didn't deny it, rubbing his temples wearily. "It's good that Mingxi stays. If they both left... the Han family would have to be exterminated." The Han family wasn't just the two brothers. Any major clan had main branches, collateral lines, and extended relatives—they couldn't possibly take everyone with them. Once implicated, the scope of the purge would be horrifyingly vast.

"Will Han Mingyue seek refuge with the Western Liang court?"

"He's no ordinary commoner. The Han family is vast, and the Pavilion's connections run even deeper. Once he goes to Western Liang, whether it's the Western Liang Emperor or Zhennan Wang, they'll inevitably try to recruit him. And regardless of whether he serves them, in the eyes of the imperial family, he'll already be a traitor." The imperial family tolerates no ambiguity—once Han Mingyue steps into Western Liang, it's betrayal. Even if he hasn't actually betrayed his country, the royals would rather kill him mistakenly than let him go.

Ye Li sighed silently. She had never fully understood Han Mingyue. "Han Mingyue... is he doing this for a woman?"

Mo Xiuyao paused, looking at Ye Li for a long moment before finally nodding. "Yes, it is indeed for a woman."

Ye Li frowned, sensing there was something unusual about this woman's identity. She hesitated over whether to pursue the topic further. Mo Xiuyao gazed at her quietly, his smile calm and warm. "A Li, you can ask me anything you want to know.""This woman... is someone you know?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded and was about to speak when An San announced from outside the door, "Your Highness, Princess. Young Master Han requests an audience."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow slightly and gave Ye Li an apologetic look before saying, "Let him in."

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Han Mingyue is a rather peculiar character, you see. To put it simply, he harbors no personal ambitions. Had he met a good woman, he would undoubtedly have been the best husband, the best friend, and the best elder brother. But fate had it that he encountered a rather troublesome woman instead. Aside from his younger brother, the two most important people in his life—his beloved and his closest friend Mo Xiuyao—just happened to stand on opposing sides. Thus... whether to take a knife for his brother or stab his brother twice for the woman became his inevitable dilemma... So... in truth, Young Master Mingyue is the unfortunate one who ends up as cannon fodder.