Mo Li

Ye Li recounted the matters concerning Qingyu and Qingluan to Mo Xiuyao, who immediately ordered an investigation. Regardless of who had impersonated Mo Xiuyao, that woman could never have been Su Zuidie. The fact that someone sought to exploit this incident to sow discord between the two of them—or even between Prince Ding's Estate and the Xu family—indicated that this person was undoubtedly well-acquainted with both the Ding Royal Palace and Mo Xiuyao himself. As for the impersonation, Mo Xiuyao wasn’t concerned. The subordinates of the Ding Royal Palace had always obeyed orders rather than individuals—though the prince and princess were exceptions. Everyone knew that Prince Ding would never casually bypass ranks to issue commands to lower-level personnel. Besides, if the shadow guards couldn’t even distinguish their own prince from an imposter, they had no business staying in their positions.

On the second day of their return to the capital, Ye Li personally visited the Xu family to see her uncle and aunt. Though the events in Yonglin City remained unknown to most, they certainly couldn’t be hidden from the palace or the nobility with their own intelligence networks. Moreover, now that Mo Xiuyao had fully recovered, he naturally had to resume his responsibilities as Prince Ding. Consequently, Ye Li, as Princess Ding, no longer needed to deliberately maintain a low profile.

The moment she stepped into the Xu residence, Xu Qingyan rushed out like a gust of wind, chattering nonstop as he tugged at Ye Li. Watching from behind, Xu Hongyan’s forehead twitched with irritation. "Qingyan!"

Xu Qingyan froze, shooting Ye Li a pleading glance before turning back to Xu Hongyan with an ingratiating smile. "Uncle, I was just so happy to see Sister Li back..." Xu Qingze regarded him silently, while Xu Qingbai shot him an exasperated look. "We’re all happy that Li’er is back, but look at your behavior. If this were Yunzhou, Grandfather and Father would punish you on the spot." Xu Qingyan shrank back, sticking his tongue out at his fourth brother.

Seeing her family, Ye Li felt warmth flood her heart. With a gentle smile, she said, "Second Uncle, Second Brother, Fourth Brother, don’t scold Fifth Brother. I’m just as happy to see everyone after so long."

Xu Hongyan examined Ye Li carefully before nodding in satisfaction. "It seems you haven’t suffered much outside. In fact, you look even better than when you were in the capital." Madam Xu had already stepped forward, fussing over Ye Li—expressing concern for her hardships while traveling alone and lamenting how thin she had become, insisting she needed nourishing meals. Knowing they had serious matters to discuss, Madam Xu exchanged a few more words with Ye Li before excusing herself to instruct the kitchen to prepare lunch, leaving the space to her husband and sons.

Once settled in the study, before anyone could speak, Xu Qingyan fidgeted restlessly, gazing eagerly at Ye Li. "Sister Li, is it true you went to defend Yonglin?" Ye Li raised her brows in surprise. "Even you know about it? News from the border spreads fast, it seems." Xu Qingyan waved a hand. "Sister Li, some things are secrets out there, but once they reach the capital, they’re no longer secrets. Quite a few people know about this. Just the other day, someone tried to fish for information about you from me—hah! As if they could fool me just because I’m young!"

Xu Qingze nodded in agreement. "Xiao Wu is right. Not many have intelligence channels reaching Snowbreak Pass, but in the capital, few secrets stay hidden for long."Ye Li waved her hand and said, "That's alright. I've already discussed this matter with His Highness. It was never a secret that the Princess Ding could mobilize the Black Cloud Cavalry. Since I went to Yonglin, many things on the battlefield couldn’t be concealed, and it doesn’t matter if people find out." Xu Hongyan frowned and asked, "His Highness's intention is..."

Looking at his niece, whose delicate features bore some resemblance to his younger sister, Xu Hongyan wasn’t sure if his assumption was correct. After all, although successive generations of Prince Ding had shown little interest in women and held their consorts in high regard regardless of their backgrounds, the only princess consort who had ever truly wielded military authority in Prince Ding's Estate was Princess Qingyun a century ago. If Prince Ding intended to... While he was pleased by the prince’s regard and trust in his niece, Xu Hongyan couldn’t help but feel uneasy about such favor. Once she took control of the Ding Royal Palace’s military power, Ye Li would no longer be just a simple princess consort. The troubles she would face in the future might be beyond what he, as her uncle, could assist with.

Ye Li met Xu Hongyan’s gaze solemnly and said, "I understand your concerns, Uncle. But... from the day of the grand wedding, I’ve been bound to Prince Ding's Estate. If some things are unavoidable, then it’s better to face them head-on. Two people are always stronger than one."

Xu Hongyan couldn’t help but sigh. Although he had deliberately distanced himself from the emperor’s recent maneuvers in court, he wasn’t blind to them. Since Prince Li’s rebellion, the emperor had openly promoted the Liu, Wang, and Yun families, even using the suppression of Prince Li’s faction as a pretext to target courtiers who had previously supported Prince Ding's Estate. Over the years, the emperor had quietly placed many of his own people in court. Now, the sudden rise of the Wang and Yun families had replaced the Ye family’s former position, even threatening to surpass the Hua family. Worse still, the three families—Liu, Wang, and Yun—had secretly formed an alliance. Previously, these three factions had been insignificant on their own, but now, in the blink of an eye, the emperor’s faction had taken the lead. If anyone claimed these moves were solely to deal with Prince Li, even Xu Qingyan wouldn’t believe it. Xu Hongyan understood clearly—the emperor had never regarded his younger brother as a real threat. His true target had always been Prince Ding's Estate.

Xu Qingze’s voice was as cold as ever, but his gaze held a faint warmth as he looked at Ye Li. "If Li’er has the capability, then there’s no harm in proceeding."

Xu Hongyan nodded helplessly, his eyes filled with affection as he regarded Ye Li. "Your eldest uncle mentioned in his recent letter that he likely guessed Prince Ding’s intentions when you appeared in Yongzhou with your troops. But from now on, you must be extremely careful. Aside from your third brother, everyone in our family is a scholar—we probably won’t be much help." Though Xu Hongyan wasn’t a military officer, that didn’t mean he didn’t understand military men. Generals were different from civil officials, especially renowned commanders who had fought countless battles. They wouldn’t care about your status or background. If you couldn’t earn their respect, even the emperor’s daughter wouldn’t sway them.

Ye Li nodded with a faint smile. "Don’t worry, Second Uncle. In Yongzhou, His Highness assigned me a capable lieutenant from General Murong’s camp, as well as the Black Cloud Cavalry commander who defended Yonglin. They’re all familiar faces, so there’s no need for concern. As for the rest, we’ll deal with it later—there’s no need to rush." Only then did Xu Hongyan’s furrowed brow relax slightly.Nodding, she said, "His Highness is indeed thoughtful."

Xu Qingyan laughed, "If we'd known Sister Ye could command the Mo Family Army, why did Third Brother bother going to the military camp himself? He could've just followed Sister Ye."

Xu Hongyan glared at him, "Nonsense! If Qingfeng turns out useless in the army, wouldn't he just hold Ye Li back? If he's capable, what difference does it make where he is?" Xu Qingyan blinked, "I just thought with Third Brother around, at least it's someone familiar—Sister Ye would feel more at ease."

Ye Li smiled, "It's too early to discuss this now. I currently have no authority over the Mo Family Army. Besides, given Third Brother's temperament, if he knew he joined because of me, he'd probably run far away, determined to make his own mark." Remembering her son's stubborn nature, Xu Hongyan couldn't help but chuckle, though he seemed quite pleased. He said earnestly to Ye Li, "Although His Highness trusts you, remember to keep public and private matters separate. Whether it's the royal family or others, nothing is more taboo than overly powerful in-laws. Do you understand, Ye Li?"

Warmed by his concern, Ye Li nodded, "I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Uncle."

Seeing that she took his words to heart, Xu Hongyan nodded in satisfaction and sighed softly. Ye Li was so different from his intelligent yet fragile younger sister. Though she didn't bear the Xu name, he still felt a fatherly pride and joy. He was certain his father would be overjoyed to see her like this.

Ye Li then recounted her experiences in Nanzhao and Xu Qingchen's situation in detail. Xu Hongyan frowned disapprovingly, "Putting himself in danger—Qingchen is far too reckless." Xu Qingbai, however, showed no concern for his elder brother's safety and laughed, "Second Uncle, don't worry. When has Big Brother ever done anything without certainty? Didn't Ye Li say that even if she hadn't gone to the Southern Border, he would've found a way to escape?"

Xu Qingyan nodded vigorously, "Fourth Brother is right. Sister Ye, is that Holy Maiden of the Southern Border very beautiful? Why did she capture Big Brother but never harm him? She didn't even torture him—could it be she took a liking to him?" In a way, Xu Qingyan had hit the mark. Ye Li blinked and shook her head regretfully, "I never saw the Holy Maiden, but she must be quite lovely."

Xu Qingbai raised an eyebrow, "I think Princess Anxi has feelings for Big Brother. Second Brother, what do you say?"

Xu Qingze set down his teacup and replied calmly, "Impossible. Big Brother only sees Princess Anxi as a friend."

Xu Qingyan hid behind Xu Qingbai and bared his teeth at his second brother, muttering under his breath, "So unromantic. I don't know how Sister Qin puts up with you." Meanwhile, Xu Qingbai turned to Ye Li curiously, "Ye Li, you lied to Princess Anxi that you were Big Brother's fiancée—what did he say about that?" At this, Xu Qingyan's eyes lit up, staring eagerly at Ye Li.

Ye Li gritted her teeth in frustration. She should've known—Big Brother never wrote to their uncles about this matter, and now she'd accidentally revealed it herself. Glancing cautiously at her second uncle, she whispered, "Big Brother didn't say anything. And... he even used me to ward off admirers."Xu Hongyan shook his head helplessly and admonished, "Given your status, while finding your elder brother is important, you must also be mindful of your reputation."

"Lier understands." Relieved that Xu Hongyan wasn't scolding her, Ye Li replied cheerfully, "By the way, I haven't congratulated Second Brother, Fourth Brother, and Fifth Brother on their success in the imperial examinations yet."

Xu Hongyan shook his head again and shot Xu Qingyan an exasperated look. Despite the series of misfortunes since the start of spring, the triennial imperial examinations had proceeded as usual. Normally, this wouldn't be noteworthy—no one expected the sons of the Xu family to fail—but having three Xu sons pass simultaneously had inevitably drawn attention. Xu Qingyan pouted defensively, "I just wrote casually. Who knew this year's questions would be so easy..." Under the collective gaze of the room, he couldn't keep up the act and guiltily lowered his head. How could he admit that he'd been provoked by some arrogant nobleman's son and, in a fit of pique, had given it his all?

Ye Li smiled. "So this time... Second Brother ranked third on the top list, Fifth Brother fourth, and Fourth Brother nineteenth?"

Xu Qingyan peeked at Xu Qingbai and slumped even lower in guilt. He knew full well that his fourth brother's talent far surpassed his own, and his second brother could easily outshine the so-called top two scholars. They had deliberately held back their true abilities, while he had given his all and still only managed fourth place. Seeing his guilty expression, Ye Li consoled, "Second Uncle, it's not a big deal. If Fifth Brother had actually failed, that would have raised suspicions." Xu Hongyan frowned. "He shouldn't have taken the exams this year to begin with." This thought filled him with resignation—Qingyan was only fourteen, and Qingbai barely sixteen or seventeen. What young man, even one from the Xu family, didn't dream of making a name for himself and achieving greatness? Every one of the Xu children, from the steady Xu Qingze to the spirited Xu Qingyan, would have been top scholars with boundless futures if not for their family name. Yet burdened by the Xu legacy, they could only nurse their ambitions in silence, enjoying the family's prestige without being able to act on their aspirations. All of this... was the price of the Xu family's fame. Xu Hongyan would never forget the heavy, apologetic look in his father's eyes when he left the capital with his eldest brother years ago. He too had once harbored grand ambitions to serve the nation, but the royal family had no need for their drive—they only wanted him to occupy the seemingly honorable but powerless position of censor, a living testament to imperial benevolence.

"Since Second Brother, Fourth Brother, and Fifth Brother have all passed, will they be staying in the capital for official posts?" Ye Li asked. Xu Qingze and Xu Qingbai were manageable—Xu Qingze was already twenty and exceptionally composed, while Xu Qingbai, though younger, was the most socially adept of the Xu siblings. But Xu Qingyan was not only young, his restless spirit still resembled that of an unruly child. Xu Hongyan shook his head. "Your second and fourth brothers will remain. I've already submitted a memorial to His Majesty—Qingyan is too young, and with Father advanced in years, he must return to Yunzhou to attend to him."

"Will the Emperor agree?" Ye Li wondered. In Mo Jingqi's eyes, keeping Xu Qingyan would surely be far more useful than retaining Xu Qingbai.Xu Hongyan smiled faintly, "Xiao Wu is the youngest in the Xu family, and filial piety comes first among all virtues. The Emperor cannot refuse."

Since Second Uncle seemed confident, Ye Li didn't press further. Instead, she turned her attention to Xu Qingze and Xu Qingbai's official positions. Xu Qingze, as the Tanhua (third-place scholar), had been assigned to the Hanlin Academy as an editor. Xu Qingbai, as a Jinshi (metropolitan graduate), was waiting for a vacancy in the Ministry of Rites. Both held leisurely positions without real power. Compared to their fellow top scholars from the same imperial examination, their ranks were the highest, but their authority was the least. Especially Xu Qingbai—he received the salary of a Ministry of Rites vice director but only held a nominal waiting post. Who knew when he would actually be appointed? Most importantly, Xu Qingze and Xu Qingbai's personalities didn't suit their current positions at all—they should be swapped. "Second Brother must stay in the capital, but if possible, Fourth Brother would do better with an external appointment."

Xu Qingbai might appear young and mild-mannered, but in truth, he was shrewd and adept at maneuvering—a classic case of a wolf in sheep's clothing. If not for the Xu family's influence, even if he came from an ordinary background, he could likely rise to the highest ministerial rank before turning thirty-five or thirty-six. In fact, Xu Qingbai was the most suited for officialdom in the Xu family.

Xu Hongyan shook his head. "How could the Emperor feel at ease letting him take an external post?"

Ye Li frowned slightly. "Not necessarily. Fourth Brother is still young—the Emperor might be more lenient. Though... Fourth Brother would likely have to endure some hardships."

Xu Qingbai smiled faintly. "The Emperor would probably only send me to the most remote and treacherous regions. Still, that's better than idling in the capital, constrained at every turn." Xu Hongyan glanced at Xu Qingbai, realizing he was genuinely tempted by Ye Li's suggestion. Indeed, if given the choice, he too would prefer an external post—even as a minor county official—over staying in the capital, listening to the idle chatter of civil officials. After a moment of contemplation, Xu Hongyan nodded. "Very well. The Emperor is preoccupied right now—he should be willing to make this concession." Xu Qingbai nodded with a faint smile. "Thank you, Second Uncle." Xu Hongyan waved his hand, signaling there was no need for further words.

After lunch with her uncle and aunt, Ye Li prepared to return home. As she was leaving, Xu Hongyan solemnly advised, "Li'er, be cautious of people in the palace from now on."

Ye Li froze, looking at her uncle in surprise, but Xu Hongyan simply waved his hand and said no more. With no other choice, Ye Li bid farewell to her uncle and aunt and turned to leave.Upon returning to the residence, Ye Li found two thick stacks of calling cards and banquet invitations from various noble families in the capital. After flipping through them, she selected a few important ones to respond to. With a slight headache, she realized she might need one or several all-around assistants. The maids by her side weren't suitable—Qing Xia and Qingshuang had limited skills, while Qingluan and Qingyu, though talented in their own ways, weren't versed in such matters. Han Mingxi would have been a good candidate, but he was far too flashy and attention-grabbing.

After mentally reviewing all the capable people around her, she finally summoned An Er and An San and handed them a pile of documents and files to process. An San's face fell as he realized their roles had evolved yet again—from shadow guards who once merely followed their master in secret, to personal guards for the young master, then to all-around bodyguards for the young lady, and now to Princess Ding's all-around protectors, only to be further demoted to accountants and miscellaneous stewards of the Ding Royal Palace. The sheer scope of their new authority made An San's heart tremble with dread, nearly bringing him to tears. "Princess... I don’t understand this..."

"Go learn," Ye Li replied without looking up, her brush swiftly marking the documents in her hands.

An San grimaced. "Princess, we're shadow guards."

Ye Li lifted her gaze briefly to glance at him and said coolly, "I don’t need shadow guards. From now on, Qin Feng will accompany me."

"He's the commander of the Black Cloud Cavalry," An San muttered resentfully. Even if the princess needed help with accounting, she should have asked Head Steward Mo, Granny Sun, or even Qin Feng to handle it. Why was he stuck doing such unmanly work while Qin Feng took his place?

Ye Li nodded approvingly. "Precisely because he’s the Black Cloud Cavalry’s commander, he can double as my guard while assisting me. You two... can also double as my assistants."

"Assistants?" An San looked bewildered, while An Er remained expressionless. What was an assistant? It sounded far less impressive than being a shadow guard.

Ye Li smiled amiably at her two highly efficient subordinates. "It means helping me handle all matters."

"All?"

"Exactly, everything I need you to take care of."

An Er and An San were intelligent, loyal, and highly skilled. An Er was steady, An San was quick-witted, and neither was overly formal around her—they were practically born for support roles. The thought of freeing herself from tedious chores to focus on other pressing matters lifted Ye Li’s spirits. "First, go find Uncle Mo. You have half a month to learn what you need. Otherwise... the next three months will be spent at the foot of Black Cloud Peak. I’ve recently come up with quite a few new ideas."

At their mistress’s gentle smile and the memory of their grueling month in the forest last year, both men shuddered. Without another word, they turned and fled. Hearing their hurried footsteps, Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle softly and shake her head.

"Princess, Young Master Yun Ting and Young Master Qin Feng request an audience," Qingluan announced as she entered."Please show them in." Yun Ting's home was also near the capital. After leaving Yongzhou, he had parted ways with them—they headed east to Guangling while Yun Ting went directly north to return home. His arrival at Prince Ding's Estate with Qin Feng now surprised Ye Li somewhat. Soon, the two entered the study side by side. "Subordinates Yun Ting and Qin Feng pay our respects to the Princess Consort," they said.

Ye Li smiled. "No need for formalities. Yun Ting, is everything settled at home?"

Yun Ting replied cheerfully, "Thank you for your concern, Princess Consort. All is well at home."

Satisfied, Ye Li nodded and turned to Qin Feng, who reported respectfully, "The task Your Highness assigned has been prepared. We await your personal inspection."

Glancing at the dwindling stack of account books on the desk, Ye Li said, "There's still time. Let's go now. Yun Ting, someone will escort you to the military camp shortly. Additionally, His Highness has recommended several military texts. You must finish them all within three months. Once you pass the assessment afterward, you can officially join the Mo Family Army. Understood?"

Yun Ting's eyes brightened as he declared, "Understood! I guarantee I’ll finish them within three months."

Ye Li gave a faint smile and nodded approvingly. Overflowing with joy at the prospect of joining the Mo Family Army, Yun Ting forgot to ask just how many books there were—or what else he’d be doing in the camp during those three months. This oversight would later lead to three months of sheer misery.

Changing into men’s attire, Ye Li left the estate with Qin Feng, her heart tinged with anticipation. Along the way, they encountered An San, who had just received a mountain of outdated account books from Head Steward Mo. Shooting Qin Feng a deeply resentful glare, the shadow guard left the newly appointed commander—still unaccustomed to his role at Ye Li’s side—utterly bewildered and with a creeping chill down his spine.

The two left the capital, and Qin Feng couldn't help but feel deep admiration as he looked at the young man before him—slightly shorter in stature yet still exuding an air of elegance and charm. He finally understood why, once the princess consort left the capital, not only could various factions not find her, but even the shadow guards of the Ding Royal Palace lost track of her. Such disguise skills far surpassed the so-called "face-changing" techniques of the martial world. Had he not witnessed it himself, even if the princess consort stood right in front of him, he might have dismissed her as merely a vaguely familiar face.

Noticing Qin Feng's peculiar gaze, Ye Li smiled and said, "No need to be so surprised. It's just a bit of disguise."

Qin Feng shook his head. "Not just anyone can master such disguise skills, Princess Consort." True disguise wasn't merely about altering one's appearance. Skilled trackers didn't necessarily focus on the face or clothing—they observed habits, posture, and other subtle details that could reveal clues. Yet, as he followed the princess consort, he hadn't noticed a single similarity between her movements in men's attire and her usual demeanor in women's clothing. Even her gait, expression, and gaze were utterly devoid of any feminine traits, perfectly embodying the image of a handsome young nobleman of fourteen or fifteen. Qin Feng didn't know how a noblewoman like her had learned such skills, but since the King Ding trusted her and they had witnessed her capabilities in Yonglin City, he naturally followed her orders without question.

The two rode swiftly to the foot of Black Cloud Peak, a place Qin Feng had visited with the king a year prior. Much had changed since then. Two manors now stood at a moderate distance from the previously desolate mountainside, and a small estate had been built atop the remnants of the old bandit stronghold. The villagers below busied themselves with farm work, making the scene indistinguishable from any ordinary manor outside the capital.

Abandoning their horses, they ascended the mountain, bypassing the estate on the slope and arriving at the cliff on the backside. Qin Feng peered down—it wasn't too deep. "Princess Consort, shall we descend?"

Ye Li grinned at him. "I hear the Black Cloud Cavalry's skills are exceptional. Care to jump down and test your luck?"

Qin Feng frowned skeptically at the cliff below. With his martial prowess, descending wouldn't be too difficult, nor would it be life-threatening—unless there were traps waiting. Heeding Ye Li's warning, he didn't recklessly leap down using Light Body Skill. Instead, he employed wall-climbing techniques, inching his way down the cliff face. The footholds were nearly worn smooth, forcing him to rely on his dagger, wedging it into crevices to avoid slipping. Just as he spotted a protruding ledge, he noticed the glint of arrowheads embedded in what appeared to be solid rock. He had no doubt that the slightest touch would turn him into a pincushion.Helplessly gripping the dagger, he carefully navigated past one danger after another as he descended the cliff, only to find a clear lake at the bottom. The water's surface was dotted with green lotus leaves and newly sprouted buds. But the glints of cold light protruding from the water seemed to exist solely to mock him. Qin Feng took a deep breath and activated his Light Body Skill to cross the lake, making sure not to let even a single toe touch the water.

"Three steps to the left rear."

Ye Li's voice, laced with faint amusement, rang out nearby. Just as he was about to land, Qin Feng hastily shifted three steps to the left before touching down. He turned his head to see the princess consort standing to the side, clearly having waited there for some time. Ye Li gave him a knowing half-smile, picked up a pebble from the ground, and tossed it toward the spot where he had nearly landed. Whoosh—whoosh—! A fierce volley of arrows shot out from all directions. Qin Feng stared speechlessly at the spot now bristling with arrows and broke out in a cold sweat.

This book was first published by Tiantian Bookstore. Do not reproduce without permission!