Mo Li

When Han Mingxi entered, he looked completely different from his usual playful and flamboyant self. The handsome, roguish smile that always lingered on his face had vanished, replaced by exhaustion, gloom, and even a trace of abandoned grievance and disappointment. Ye Li could only sigh silently in her heart. Mo Xiuyao had made the decision he deemed most appropriate, Han Mingyue had chosen the person he considered most important, while Han Mingxi… from beginning to end, he was truly the most innocent one in all this.

"Prince, Princess," Han Mingxi greeted stiffly.

Mo Xiuyao gave a slight nod and said calmly, "Please take a seat, Young Master Han." Han Mingxi sat down wordlessly, his gaze briefly sweeping over Ye Li before settling firmly on Mo Xiuyao. "Did the Prince already know my elder brother's intentions?" he asked bluntly, staring at Mo Xiuyao.

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Han Mingyue understands me, and I understand him. So… I could roughly guess what decisions he would make for certain people or matters. However, he likely didn’t expect me to arrive so quickly."

Han Mingxi fell silent. Indeed, had Mo Xiuyao not suddenly come to Guangling, Han Mingyue might have disappeared one night or day after arranging everything. But now, with his plans disrupted, Han Mingyue had no choice but to ambush Han Mingxi unexpectedly and flee in haste—leaving behind a mess for the younger brother he had doted on since childhood.

"Then, what are Young Master Han’s plans now that you’ve come to see me?" Mo Xiuyao asked solemnly.

Han Mingxi stared at him. "What if I have no plans at all? What will the Prince do then?"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze. "Within three days, all Hidden Stakeouts of the Pavilion of Heavenly Unity in Guangling and throughout Great Chu will be eradicated. As for the Han family, I have no authority to pass judgment. However, if the imperial decree from the capital truly arrives, you should know very well what its contents will be."

"Extermination of the nine clans…" Han Mingxi murmured bitterly. Elder brother, for that woman, did you truly spare no thought for me or the Han family at all?

After a long silence in the hall, Han Mingxi finally raised his head and said to Mo Xiuyao, "The Han family has expelled Han Mingyue. From now on, Han Mingyue is no longer a member of the Guangling Han family!"

Mo Xiuyao arched a brow faintly. Who said Han Mingxi was useless? With this decisive mindset alone, Han Mingxi was far more suited to lead the Han family than Han Mingyue.

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "In that case, I will also submit a memorial to the Emperor, clarifying the Han family’s innocence."

Han Mingxi lowered his eyes and said softly, "Many thanks, Prince." Though he had never held any goodwill toward Mo Xiuyao, Han Mingxi had no choice but to thank him. Even if the Han family severed ties with Han Mingyue, if Han Mingyue were to serve Western Liang in the future, the Han family would still face punishment. Even if they managed to escape by some miracle, the expenses required to bribe and smooth over relations would be enough to ruin them. But with a single word from Prince Ding, even the Emperor would not dare question the Han family’s loyalty. After all, the Ding Royal Palace bore deep-seated enmity with the three neighboring kingdoms—even if the Emperor himself colluded with the enemy, Prince Ding never would.

"There is one more matter I wish to request of the Prince and Princess."

"Speak freely," Mo Xiuyao said.Han Mingxi's eyes flashed with determination as he looked at Ye Li and said, "As the head of the Han family, Han Mingxi is willing to pledge allegiance to His Highness and Her Highness." By pledging allegiance as the head of the Han family, it meant the entire Han family would support the Ding Royal Palace.

"What are your conditions?" Mo Xiuyao asked. Han Mingxi wouldn't make such a high-stakes bet without demands.

Han Mingxi replied solemnly, "Only one request… If my elder brother ever falls into Your Highness's hands in the future, I beg you to spare his life." Han Mingxi understood all too well that given Han Mingyue's future status and stance, conflict with the Ding Royal Palace was inevitable. He also knew his elder brother was far from a match for King Ding—not just because his martial skills and intellect were slightly inferior, but also because… he lacked a partner like Princess Ding. That wretched woman would only bring trouble to his brother.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly, "Young Master Han is indeed loyal and righteous. Since you have such faith in this prince… your wish is granted. From now on, you may follow A Li's directives in all matters."

Han Mingxi glanced at Mo Xiuyao in surprise, then at Ye Li seated beside him, before bowing his head. "This subordinate obeys. I apologize for disturbing Your Highness and Her Highness. I take my leave."

As Han Mingxi rose to depart, Mo Xiuyao suddenly spoke, "Han Mingyue dared to leave so decisively because he understands how I operate. He knows I would never harm the Han family's foundation."

Han Mingxi paused mid-step but did not turn back as he strode out of the hall.

"Why did you tell him that? And why let him follow my orders?" Ye Li asked, puzzled.

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Han Mingyue values sentiment, and so does Han Mingxi. But Han Mingyue prioritizes personal feelings, while Han Mingxi cherishes brotherhood. Rather than letting him resent me someday for scheming against the Han family's power, it's better to be straightforward now. He's smart—he’ll know how to choose."

"As for you, A Li… since you're already entangled in this struggle, no one can escape unscathed. You need enough strength to protect yourself—power that ensures no one dares to touch you, even without me. Besides, Han Mingxi is proud and cunning. If he resents me, his loyalty would only be superficial. But I don’t think he would harm you."

Then, as if struck by a thought, Mo Xiuyao gazed at Ye Li with sudden seriousness. His voice was soft and refined. "But A Li… you mustn’t treat him too well. Otherwise…"

"Otherwise what?" Ye Li asked, unnerved by his odd expression.

"Otherwise, I’ll kill him," Mo Xiuyao murmured, though the gravity in his tone was unmistakable. "At least… not while I’m alive."Ye Li's heart trembled as she reached out to grasp his hand, saying earnestly, "You'll be fine." Mo Xiuyao gave a faint smile and changed the subject, "Alright, A Li. Let's continue with our earlier topic."

Ye Li's memory was sharp as well. She raised an eyebrow and asked, "What kind of woman could haunt Han Mingyue's thoughts like that?" Not only had Han Mingyue encountered countless remarkable women, but as the master of Bright Moon Tower, every woman in Clear Breeze Bright Moon Pavilion was both talented and breathtakingly beautiful. What kind of peerless beauty could captivate a man like Han Mingyue to such an extent?

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and uttered three words in a low voice, "Su Zuidie."

"Su Zui—Su Zuidie?!" Ye Li was shocked. "Su Zuidie isn't dead?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded faintly, seemingly indifferent to the fact that his former fiancée was still alive. He also appeared unconcerned that his once-close friend Han Mingyue was infatuated with her.

In just a moment, countless thoughts raced through Ye Li's mind. After a long pause, she asked, "Was it Su Zuidie who ordered Han Mingyue to kidnap me last year? She's now in Western Liang… and connected to the Western Liang royal family?" Mo Xiuyao looked at her apologetically and nodded.

Ye Li couldn't help but rub her temples, analyzing the information she knew. Su Zuidie had supposedly passed away three months after Mo Xiuyao was severely injured, yet now she was in Western Liang, likely tied to the royal family. Han Mingyue and Mo Xiuyao had been good friends, but Han Mingyue had been infatuated with Su Zuidie. After Su Zuidie's "death," Han Mingyue and Mo Xiuyao had a falling out—but it seemed Han Mingyue was the one who had wronged Mo Xiuyao. That meant… Han Mingyue and Su Zuidie had done something to betray Mo Xiuyao. However, it probably wasn't a romantic affair between them. Judging by Han Mingxi's attitude toward Su Zuidie, it seemed more like Su Zuidie had been using Han Mingyue.

"Did Han Mingyue help… that Miss Su fake her death?"

Mo Xiuyao arched his sword-like brows slightly and smiled faintly. "A Li, you truly are quick-witted."Ye Li smiled faintly, "It's not hard to guess. Keeping the fact that Miss Su is still alive hidden from so many people would require immense influence. Although Old Master Su is highly respected, the Su family holds little sway in the capital. If it wasn't you who helped Miss Su fake her death, then it could only have been the Lord of Tianyi Pavilion, who was close to her and harbored affection for her. You... wouldn't do something so trivial, would you?" Given his current attitude toward Su Zuidie, it didn't seem like he would easily allow his fiancée to fake her death to escape the marriage. Mo Xiuyao's expression darkened slightly, but there was no anger or resentment—just a simple reluctance to discuss it. Ye Li tilted her head thoughtfully, "Actually, rather than why Miss Su faked her death, I'm more curious about why she went to Western Liang afterward." If she simply didn't want to marry someone like Mo Xiuyao, who was severely injured and disabled, she could have easily found a suitable husband in Great Chu after faking her death—or even stayed with Han Mingyue. Setting aside certain aspects, Han Mingyue was undoubtedly one of the most desirable matches in the eyes of women. Given Mo Xiuyao's attitude toward Su Zuidie and Han Mingyue over the years, even if the two had ended up together, he likely wouldn't have retaliated. For a noble lady who had lived in the capital all her life to fake her death and then travel all the way to Western Liang...

"Would you mind sharing Miss Su's current identity?" Ye Li asked curiously.

"Imperial Concubine Qingrong of Western Liang, Bai Long."

"Imperial Concubine Qingrong?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Even without much knowledge of court customs, she remembered that imperial concubines' titles usually consisted of only one character. This suggested Su Zuidie held a rather high status in Western Liang. Glancing at Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li decided not to press further. As long as she knew Mo Xiuyao would stand firmly on her side against Su Zuidie, that was enough. As for the Western Liang concubine who clearly still harbored unresolved feelings—or perhaps resentment—toward Mo Xiuyao... she could investigate that herself. Discussing her husband's former fiancée with him was hardly a pleasant topic.

Ye Li chose to drop the subject, but Mo Xiuyao had other thoughts. Calmly, he continued, "The Bai family is one of the four great clans of Western Liang. Most of Western Liang's empresses and imperial concubines throughout history have come from the Bai lineage, including the current empress. Bai Long entered the palace seven years ago and was initially granted the title of Imperial Concubine Rong, favored by the Western Liang Emperor. After the empress passed away, she was elevated to Imperial Concubine Qingrong. Had the late empress not personally petitioned the emperor to appoint Imperial Concubine Hui—also from the Bai family—as the new empress on her deathbed, Bai Long would now be the empress of Western Liang."

Ye Li fell silent. In less than a decade, this Miss Su had gone from being the fiancée of the second son of Prince Ding's Estate in Great Chu to an imperial concubine of Western Liang—nearly becoming its empress. One had to admit, her life had taken a rather legendary turn. Seeing Mo Xiuyao's willingness to share, Ye Li hesitated before asking, "Did you find out later that she was alive, or did you know all along?" Mo Xiuyao's lips tightened slightly. "At the time, my injuries hadn't fully healed. By the time I learned of it, Han Mingyue was already arranging to take her out of the capital.""You didn't do anything?" Ye Li asked curiously. Given Mo Xiuyao's original temperament, even if he didn't immediately kill Han Mingyue and Su Zuidie, he wouldn't have let them leave the capital unscathed. Or if Mo Xiuyao had truly loved Su Zuidie deeply, he wouldn't have allowed her to leave the capital at all. Mo Xiuyao glanced at her and said, "At that time, I was in a very bad mood and indeed intended to kill them. However... Old Master Su arrived shortly after and personally knelt to beg for mercy. Old Master Su was my first teacher, Su Zuidie's father saved my elder brother's life, and her brother died in battle trying to protect me. After calming down, I let them go."

Ye Li nodded silently. If anyone told her again that Mo Xiuyao loved Su Zuidie to the bone, she would throw them into the water to wash their eyes. The man's tone was as calm as if he were talking about strangers. But could even a beauty like Su Zuidie not move Mo Xiuyao? "Did you... ever like Su Zuidie?" Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li with slight surprise, then smiled faintly and nodded. "Of course I did." Ye Li frowned slightly, ignoring the slight discomfort in her heart. "Then why now..."

Mo Xiuyao interrupted her, "She was my fiancée. We grew up together, and she might have become my wife. Moreover, she was very beautiful, talented, and had a good temperament. Why wouldn't I like her? But... she always seemed to think I wasn't good enough to her. After I was injured, she faked her death to leave. Because of her father and brother, I let her go freely. After that, we had no further connection, isn't that right?"

Ye Li nodded. Summarizing Mo Xiuyao's words, it seemed that he once considered Su Zuidie a perfect fiancée. The men of the Ding Royal Palace were traditionally devoted, not just in matters of love. They would treat their chosen wives well, which was the truth behind the so-called mutual affection rumored in the capital. Since Su Zuidie ultimately chose to leave, she naturally had no further ties to Mo Xiuyao. Thus, in Mo Xiuyao's eyes now, Su Zuidie was merely a stranger—or even a potential enemy.

There wasn't much to handle in Guangling City itself, but Han Mingxi acted swiftly. That very day, news spread through Guangling that Han Mingyue had been expelled from the Han family and that the second young master had taken over as head of the family. As for Han Mingxi, even the people of Guangling knew little about him, only that the Han family had such a second young master, but nothing beyond that. Now that the Han family had a new head, the wealthy merchants and officials of Guangling naturally paid close attention. Amid this unexpected commotion, Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, and their party quietly left Guangling for the capital of Chu.

Upon returning to the capital, Mo Xiuyao was immediately summoned by the emperor for discussions. Ye Li didn't bother with how Mo Xiuyao would explain her earlier disappearance and appearance in Yonglin City, as she was quickly surrounded by concerned members of the palace and couldn't break free. After finally calming her wet nurse and Mama Lin and listening to Head Steward Mo and Granny Sun report on recent affairs of the Ding Royal Palace, Ye Li thought to visit Qingluan and Qingyu, who were still recuperating. But before she could, a servant came to announce that Ye Laofuren and Ye Daren had come to visit.Compared to last year's triumphant success, this year had been nothing short of disastrous for Lord Ye. At the beginning of the year, not only had his third daughter, Princess Ding, gone missing in the palace, but his second daughter, a Zhaoyi, and her young grandson had perished in a fire. Before the Ye family could even recover from these blows, his fourth son-in-law suddenly raised an army in rebellion. Although the Emperor had not yet vented his anger on the Ye family, Lord Ye's days were far from easy. Occasionally, he couldn't help but wonder if the heavens had it out for him, tormenting him so relentlessly. Thus, upon hearing the news that Prince Ding and Princess Ding had both returned to the capital, Lord Ye couldn't be bothered to maintain any paternal dignity by waiting for Ye Li to come pay her respects. He immediately brought Ye Laofuren to visit instead.

Ye Li stepped into the flower hall and raised her eyebrows slightly at the visibly aged and haggard appearances of Lord Ye and Ye Laofuren. "Father, Grandmother."

"Li'er, you've finally returned safely. Your grandmother was worried sick," Ye Laofuren said, clutching Ye Li's hand with tears streaming down her face. Ye Li smiled faintly. "I've caused you concern, Grandmother. That was my fault."

Lord Ye studied his daughter with a strange feeling, sensing something amiss. Although he had avoided interacting much with this daughter since his wife's passing, it didn't prevent him from knowing some things about Ye Li. From childhood, his third daughter had been quiet and reserved, yet like her mother, she carried an innate grace and nobility befitting a prestigious family. But this time, Lord Ye keenly noticed something new in her demeanor. Even as she sat quietly, allowing Ye Laofuren to hold her hand while she smiled serenely, Lord Ye distinctly felt a sharpness and presence he had never sensed before. It reminded him of the rumors he'd heard—about Princess Ding suddenly appearing in Yongzhou and assisting the garrison commander under General Murong to defend Yonglin. Though few knew of this news, as the father-in-law of the Emperor, Prince Li, and Prince Ding, Lord Ye naturally had access to certain undisclosed channels. The information he received was far more credible than the idle gossip outside. Gazing at the gentle woman before him with her faint smile, Lord Ye felt a tumult of emotions. He had a daughter who hid extraordinary depths, yet she had concealed it even from him, her own father—while he had treated her as nothing more than a disposable pawn.