Although Mo Jingqi forcefully suppressed officials from discussing the bloodshed at the Xu Manor, how could such matters truly be contained? Within days, news of the Emperor ordering the assassination of the entire Xu family and setting fire to their home spread throughout the capital and showed signs of spreading across the entire Da Chu empire.

At the same time, Master Qingyun announced at Lishan Academy that due to the Emperor’s unprovoked massacre of the Xu descendants, the Xu clan would relocate to the Northwest for refuge. Lishan Academy would continue operating in the Northwest – students currently enrolled who did not wish to relocate could transfer to other academies in Da Chu, while those willing to continue at Lishan Academy could study in the Northwest.

By the time court officials arrived in Yun Province, the entire Xu clan had already vanished, leaving only an empty academy on Mount Li. Upon receiving this news, Mo Jingqi flew into a rage, ordering the Lishan Academy to be burned down. He issued an imperial decree declaring that the Xu clan had conspired with Prince Ding to commit treason and ordered all provinces and prefectures along the northwestern route to intercept and arrest them.

However, with Mo Xiuyao’s personal guard escort protecting the Xu family along the way, they avoided major cities entirely. Local authorities, intimidated by Prince Ding’s influence, were unlikely to truly trouble the Xu family. Thus, the Xu clan passed through Flying Swan Pass without incident and headed toward Ruyang.

At Ruyang City’s gates, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao stood hand in hand, watching the approaching caravan of carriages with joyful smiles. “They’ve arrived…” Although they had already received news from the secret guards, Ye Li hadn’t been able to truly relax until seeing everyone arrive safely in Ruyang. Now seeing the caravan appear, she finally felt her anxiety of these past days lift. Mo Xiuyao looked at her with an amused smile and said, “I told you there was nothing to worry about, yet you insisted on fretting so much you nearly scared Feng San and Qin Feng. If the people below saw that Prince Ding’s wife, who normally wouldn’t change expression even if Mount Tai collapsed before her, could be so worried and afraid, who knows how many would be frightened.” Ye Li laughed a bit sheepishly – when something concerns oneself, even the calmest person becomes anxious. How could she not worry when this involved the entire Xu family?

Before the carriages reached the city gate, Ye Li had already let go of Mo Xiuyao and gone forward to meet them. The secret guard driving the lead carriage saw her approach and immediately stopped, turning back to announce, “The Prince and Princess have come to welcome Master Qingyun.”

The door of the first carriage opened, and Xu Hongyu emerged first, helping an elderly man in blue robes with snow-white hair out of the carriage along with the driver.

Standing before the carriage, looking at the old man who seemed both familiar and somewhat strange, Ye Li felt her eyes redden as tears unconsciously fell. The elderly man before her was thin but dignified, with an air of detachment and transcendence. Though his hair was completely white, he showed no signs of age or decline. Instead, his eyes were bright and spirited. Seeing Ye Li standing before the carriage, a look of nostalgia and love appeared on the old man’s face, making his expression even more benevolent and his bearing more otherworldly, like an immortal among men.

“A’Li…” Mo Xiuyao stepped forward, seeing Ye Li staring at Master Qingyun with tears streaming down her face. His heart ached slightly as he said with a helpless smile, “Master Qingyun has arrived, why are you crying?”

Only then did Ye Li realize she was crying. Her grandfather had returned to Yun Province before her mother passed away. With the gap of Ye Li recovering her past life’s memories, it felt as if she hadn’t seen her grandfather in many years. Suddenly seeing him now, memories of childhood days when grandfather held her on his knee while reading flooded back, causing tears to flow unconsciously. “Grandfather… Li’er pays respects to Grandfather!” As Ye Li knelt, Mo Xiuyao didn’t hesitate – he lifted his robes and knelt alongside her. Master Qingyun hurriedly stepped forward to help them up, saying, “Your Highness, you mustn’t do this.” Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and said, “Master Qingyun is A’Li’s grandfather, it’s only proper to pay respects.” Master Qingyun looked at Mo Xiuyao – so young yet his hair was whiter than his own at seventy – and couldn’t help but sigh deeply. Looking at Ye Li with a gratified smile, he said, “Good child, we haven’t seen each other in many years. I almost thought I would never see you again. That we grandparent and grandchild can meet again in this life is truly a blessing. Why cry?”

Ye Li quickly wiped her tears and smiled, “Li’er lost composure. Grandfather and uncles have all arrived – how can I cry when our family is reunited? Grandfather, uncles, and aunts must be tired from the journey.” From the carriages behind, Xu Qingchen helped the First Madam Xu while Qin Zheng assisted the Second Madam Xu in descending. Behind them, Xu Hongyan and Xu Qingbai saw this scene and couldn’t help but smile. Before they could speak, a jubilant shout came from the city gate as Xu Qingyan swept out like a gust of wind, his voice arriving before his person: “Grandfather, Father, Mother, you’ve finally arrived! Your son has missed you so much!”

“Hmph!” Looking at his youngest son’s excited face, Xu Hongyu let out a cold snort. Xu Qingyan immediately wilted, pitifully sidling up to Xu Qingbai and quietly calling out “Fourth Brother.” Xu Qingbai wordlessly patted his head as Xu Qingyan peeked at his still-glaring father and hid further behind Xu Qingbai. Seeing his son’s mouse-before-cat behavior, Xu Hongyu’s eyes narrowed as he prepared to scold him. Master Qingyun, watching his youngest grandson act like a mouse before a cat at the sight of his father, smiled and said, “Let it be, whatever needs to be said can wait.” Xu Hongyu naturally wouldn’t go against his father’s wishes and respectfully nodded, “Father is right.”

“Li’er pays respects to First Aunt and Second Aunt.” Ye Li then stepped forward to greet the two Madam Xus, before smiling and greeting Xu Qingchen and the others, “Eldest Brother, Third Brother, Sister Zheng.” Seeing Qin Zheng’s arrival made Ye Li even happier as she looked back at the quickly approaching Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingze. The First Madam Xu held Ye Li’s hand and looked her up and down, smiling as she said, “When we left the capital, Li’er was still a little girl, but now you have your child. So many years have passed…” Ye Li smiled gently and said, “Indeed many years have passed. Both aunts must be tired from the journey – let’s return to the city to rest.”

Knowing Master Qingyun preferred peace, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had not arranged for many people to welcome them, coming only with Xu Qingfeng and the others to personally receive them at the city gate. When the group returned to Prince Ding’s mansion, Butler Mo led everyone forward to welcome them. The mansion had already prepared courtyards and washing facilities, waiting for everyone to refresh themselves before the evening banquet where Ruyang’s officials and military commanders would welcome the Xu family.

Xu Qingbai smiled at Ye Li and said, “Cousin Li’er, those things aren’t urgent – we’re all eager to see our little nephew!”

Ye Li smiled sweetly and turned to instruct Qing Luan, “Quickly, ask the wet nurse to bring the baby.”

As Qing Luan left smiling, Ye Li personally helped Master Qingyun to the seat of honor and served him tea herself. As everyone took their seats, the three Xu brothers again paid their respects to their grandfather and parents. Seeing the smiles on his descendants’ faces, Master Qingyun’s expression grew even more loving. Though they had left the Xu family’s ancestral home in Yun Province, being able to reunite as a family was still a joyous occasion. Looking at Xu Qingfeng, he smiled and said, “Feng’er, I haven’t seen you in several years – you look much more spirited.” Compared to the other four young masters of the Xu family, Xu Qingfeng was somewhat different. It wasn’t that he couldn’t study, but rather that he didn’t care for all those scholarly texts. Though the Xu family would never look down on their descendants, it still made things somewhat awkward. Now looking at him, Xu Qingfeng appeared sharp and full of vigor. Seeing his grandson in such a state made Master Qingyun very pleased.

Xu Qingfeng smiled and said, “Grandfather speaks true. Your grandson has learned much in Sister Li’er’s army. This is all thanks to Sister Li’er.” Everyone looked at Ye Li in surprise, but she quickly waved her hands and smiled, “This is all due to Third Brother’s ability – I haven’t helped much at all.” This was the truth – after putting Xu Qingfeng into Qilin, Ye Li hadn’t inquired further. This wasn’t just to give Qin Feng absolute trust and authority, but also for Xu Qingfeng’s good. In a place like Qilin, if one had to rely on connections, it would be better not to go at all, lest one die without even knowing how. Fortunately, Xu Qingfeng was stubborn – compared to others who came from the Mo family’s elite forces, Xu Qingfeng from the regular army was at a disadvantage, but he persisted silently and tenaciously, earning even Qin Feng’s considerable praise.

“We heard that Li’er led troops to repel several hundred thousand soldiers from Xiling – we were quite shocked,” the Second Madam Xu, being more familiar with Ye Li, joked without reserve. Ye Li smiled helplessly and said, “Second Aunt, you’re teasing me too. How could I be considered a general?” Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li with a smile and said softly, “A’Li indeed isn’t a general – she’s even more formidable than one.” Hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

“The young heir has arrived…” Nurse Lin walked in carrying the baby, who was remarkably still awake. Ye Li rose to take him, her heart filled with love as she looked at his chubby little face that had been nourished to a fair plumpness. She turned and brought him before Master Qingyun, smiling, “Grandfather, look at the baby.” Master Qingyun, having five grandsons himself, was certainly no stranger to holding children. He took the baby in his arms and looked carefully, then glanced at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, saying, “This child looks more like Li’er.” Mo Xiuyao smiled and nodded, though he thoroughly disagreed in his heart. Everyone who had seen little Mo Bao would say he looked like Mo Xiuyao if they were close to him, or like Ye Li if they were close to her. But Mo Xiuyao didn’t care who this little rascal resembled. Ye Li caught Mo Xiuyao’s eye with a knowing smile, understanding what he was thinking but choosing not to point it out.

The others, mindful of Master Qingyun holding the baby, didn’t dare rush forward to look. But their eyes couldn’t help stealing glances this way – even Xu Hongyu, who usually sat perfectly still, had turned his body to look at the child in Master Qingyun’s arms. Master Qingyun could certainly feel so many eager eyes upon him, and smilingly passed the baby to Xu Hongyu beside him, saying, “Take a look – this child has fine features.”

Once the baby was in Xu Hongyu’s hands, the others felt less constrained. Xu Qingyan immediately pulled Xu Qingbai over to look – though he had seen the baby before, little Mo Bao grew more adorable by the day, changing appearance daily, and they could never tire of looking at him. Xu Qingchen also stood and walked behind his father to look at the baby in his arms. It was the First Madam Xu who finally spoke up: “With so many of you crowding around the child, how can he be comfortable? My lord isn’t experienced at holding children – let me take him.” So the baby passed from Xu Hongyu’s hands to the First Madam Xu’s, and then the spectators became the Second Madam Xu and Qin Zheng.

As little Mo Bao passed from person to person, he didn’t cry at all, which made the First Madam Xu marvel, “This child is truly well-behaved. Even Qingze, who was our least fussy child, wasn’t this agreeable.”

To the side, Mo Xiuyao’s mouth twitched slightly as he stared disapprovingly at the red bundle in First Madam Xu’s arms. Well-behaved? Who was it that cried endlessly every night unless A’Li held him?

Xu Hongyu smiled and asked, “What is the child’s name?”

Xu Qingyan rushed to answer, “Mo Xiaobao!”

Xu Hongyu started, his mouth twitching. What kind of name was that?

Ye Li pressed her lips together in a smile and said, “We haven’t had time to give him a proper name yet. We were waiting for Grandfather to bestow one – that’s just his nickname.” How could she tell her grandfather and uncles that the baby’s father’s naming tendency was to choose whatever would embarrass the child most when he grew up?

Master Qingyun was slightly surprised but quite pleased about this. He thought for a moment and said, “In that case, how about… Yuzhen?”

Yu means to lead or command. Zhen, referring to imperial authority. Everyone present was well-read, and such a name made them all start.

Xu Qingbai frowned slightly and hesitated before asking, “Grandfather, isn’t this name…”

Master Qingyun smiled calmly and said, “It’s just a name. I merely think it suits this child.” Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and nodded, “Master Qingyun speaks true – it’s just a name. Is my son not worthy of a fine name?” Everyone fell silent – was this just about a name? Even the Emperor’s sons might not dare use such a name. Xu Qingbai glanced questioningly at his composed grandfather. As a great scholar of the age, his grandfather surely knew the implications of this name and what was taboo. Since neither his father, elder brother, nor Prince Ding had objected, they must all understand the significance. So he too smiled and said, “It was grandson’s mistake to question it.”

Seeing that no one else had any objections, the First Madam Xu looked lovingly at the baby in her arms and smiled, “Little precious, from now on your name will be Mo Yuzhen. Little Yuzhen…”

Mo Xiuyao gave the baby a sidelong glance and said, “Madam Xu need not be so formal – just call him Mo Xiaobao.” Mo Xiuyao spared no effort in undermining his son’s dignity, determined to cement this nickname before the child could even speak. The First Madam Xu was startled, looking at the baby with his big round eyes, and smiled, “Xiaobao… indeed, he is a little treasure.” To the side, Ye Li covered her face helplessly: Xiaobao, mother is sorry…

After the women and the baby had gone to rest, the main hall finally quieted down. Master Qingyun turned to look at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li sitting side by side, gratification flashing in his eyes as he asked, “Your Highness, have you truly made up your mind?”

Everyone started, all looking toward Mo Xiuyao in his seat. Mo Xiuyao’s lips curved slightly in a cold smile, “What choice does this prince have left to make? Didn’t the imperial family already choose for Prince Ding’s household over a decade ago?”

Those present fell silent. Power easily intoxicated – when the founding emperor and Prince Ding of the Founding, Mo Lanyun, swore that their descendants would forever be brothers and share the rule of Da Chu, it might not have been insincere. Yet in just a few generations, the two houses had reached a point of mortal enmity. The imperial family’s methods and actions were truly chilling. Xu Hongyu looked at Mo Xiuyao and asked, “Does Your Highness have plans now?” Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and said, “Naturally I have plans, but they must be implemented gradually.”

Xu Hongyu nodded, “It is good that Your Highness can remain patient.” In Mo Xiuyao’s current situation, what worried people most was that he might act rashly. Having just learned of the deep blood feud regarding his father and brother, and the pointless sacrifice of so many Mo family troops, few could remain patient. But the Northwest was after all more remote and impoverished compared to the Central Plains and Jiangnan. If Prince Ding acted too hastily and Mo Jingqi chose mutual destruction, it would only end in both sides being wounded, letting others benefit. Mo Xiuyao understood Xu Hongyu’s meaning and smiled calmly, “After all these years, what can’t this prince wait for? Master Hongyu need not worry – the many affairs of the Northwest will trouble both Master Hongyu and Master Hongyan in the future.” In one statement, he had already indicated his intent to entrust them with important responsibilities. Xu Hongyu nodded slightly, “It is our duty.”

Ye Li spoke up, “Li’er has prepared a mansion not far from the prince’s residence for both uncles, but as time was short many things aren’t yet properly arranged. I must trouble uncles and cousins to stay in the prince’s residence for these few days.” Originally Ye Li had considered having everyone stay in the prince’s residence, as it was certainly large enough to accommodate everyone. But both uncles were her elders and had their own families. All her cousins except Fifth Brother were of marriageable age. Though staying in the prince’s residence wouldn’t materially inconvenience her uncles, aunts, and cousins, she worried they might feel awkward.

Xu Hongyu nodded and said, “Li’er is thoughtful.”

Ye Li smiled, looking hopefully at Master Qingyun, “Grandfather, won’t you stay in the prince’s residence? That way Li’er and the prince can seek your guidance at any time.”

“Nonsense,” Master Qingyun glanced at her and gently rebuked, “How can a grandfather regularly stay at his granddaughter’s home? Others would think your uncle is unfilial! Besides, the mansion you’ve arranged surely isn’t far from the prince’s residence – you can visit often if you miss me. Moreover… grandfather is used to living in the countryside and isn’t accustomed to too much bustle.”

Ye Li naturally knew Master Qingyun wouldn’t agree, but she didn’t look disappointed as she smiled, “Li’er was thoughtless – grandfather and uncles please don’t be angry. There’s a villa on a mountain five li outside the city, with quite nice scenery. The prince had someone purchase it a few days ago, as a token of Li’er and the prince’s filial respect for grandfather. Please don’t refuse.”

Master Qingyun’s expression softened as he smiled gently, “Grandfather knows you are filial. I won’t refuse then – it will be perfect for reopening the academy.” Thinking of Lishan Academy reduced to ashes, Master Qingyun couldn’t help feeling some sadness. Though all the ancient texts had been saved, Lishan Academy itself was an ancient place full of special meaning.

Ye Li nodded and said, “Grandfather, don’t worry – Lishan Academy will be reopened. And it will be even better than before.”

Master Qingyun nodded, “Well said, child.”