No matter how much bloodshed raged outside, the people within the Northwestern borders continued living their peaceful lives. With the Mo Family Army present, they seemed to have never worried about being caught up in the flames of war. However, refugees flowing into the Northwest through Feihong Pass gradually increased. Initially, the Northwest naturally welcomed these fleeing refugees, as although the Northwest’s area was not large compared to Da Chu, its population was still not too high. Even with the continuous population influx into the Northwest over these years, it couldn’t change the historical fact that the Northwest had always been barren with a sparse population. In the past, even when fleeing disaster, no one would have fled to such a place. But now, after two consecutive wars, the Northwest had already accepted many refugees, and this current war had just begun. Eventually, the Northwest’s population would expand beyond what the land could sustain. For this reason alone, the Mo Family Army urgently needed to expand its territory.
“It hasn’t even been two months since Xi Ling and Da Chu began fighting, yet the number of civilians flowing into the Northwest through Feihong Pass alone has reached 300,000. As the war continues, refugees will only increase. At this rate, in at most two months, we must close Feihong Pass. The Northwest cannot support so many people.” In the spacious study, Zhou Yu reported solemnly. After several years, Zhou Yu, who had been entrusted with heavy responsibilities by Mo Xiuyao shortly after arriving in the Northwest, had become a capable figure among the civil officials in the Prince Ding Manor. After Ruyang was renamed to Li City, Zhou Yu continued serving as Li City’s governor. The city’s stable livelihood and prosperous businesses under his governance were a testament to his capable administration.
Others’ expressions were also somewhat grave. In just over a month, over 300,000 people had poured through Feihong Pass alone, not to mention refugees entering the Northwest from other places – the total number likely exceeded 500,000. It should be known that several hundred thousand people couldn’t just be given a place to stay and be done with it. They needed food and drink, and though it wasn’t winter yet, otherwise there would be issues of clothing and housing as well. They couldn’t allow large numbers to die from starvation or illness. Aside from moral considerations, just the fact that so many deaths in summer could potentially trigger an epidemic meant they had to handle the situation with utmost care.
“If we lock down the pass, it’s very likely to provoke the refugees’ anger, and then…” Xu Hongyan, sitting to the side, said with furrowed brows. Since Da Chu began the war, both he and Xu Hongyu, who had been living freely before, had returned. Although no one said it, everyone understood that soon Prince Ding would be raising troops to campaign.
Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, one hand supporting his forehead as he silently listened to everyone express their views. Only after they finished did he ask, “Try to settle those refugees as best as possible. However… I don’t want to see those lazy good-for-nothings who refuse to work staying in the Northwest. And those spies and agents from various factions with ulterior motives, I equally don’t want to see them. This matter… Wei Lin, Mo Hua, I’ll leave it to you to handle?” Wei Lin and Mo Hua stepped forward and said in unison, “Please rest assured, Your Highness, we won’t disappoint your trust!”
Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, “I trust you to handle matters, but… be careful in your actions, don’t cause any civil unrest. Master Hongyan, I’ll trouble you to guide them somewhat in this matter.”
Xu Hongyan nodded in agreement, saying, “It is my duty, Your Highness need not worry.”
Zhou Yu frowned slightly and asked, “Your Highness, if refugees continue to pour into the Northwest’s borders, I fear our supplies won’t last until next year.” Moreover, Your Highness still planned to campaign. An army’s provisions absolutely could not run short. If they didn’t prevent it early, the Northwest might see many people starve to death come winter.
Ye Li, who hadn’t spoken until now, said softly, “If managed properly, lasting until next year might not be a big problem. The Fourth and Fifth Young Masters Xu have had good harvests in the north these past few years, and we’ve been careful to store grain. Additionally, last year Fourth Young Master Xu reported by letter that he had introduced a crop called sweet potato from the southwest. Its yield is three to five times that of ordinary crops, suitable for alleviating hunger, and not particular about soil conditions. We tried planting it this spring, with bountiful results. This sweet potato isn’t picky about planting soil, it can grow even in very poor soil or sandy ground. Fourth Young Master’s idea is to take advantage of the current situation to reclaim large amounts of land and plant another season. This will require… a large amount of manpower…”
Hearing this, Zhou Yu’s face lit up. He wasn’t heartless either and would naturally be willing to shelter the fleeing civilians if possible. He smiled and said, “So, Princess Consort means to have these refugees reclaim wasteland?”
Ye Li nodded, while still reminding them not to extensively cut down forests and so on. People of this era didn’t pay attention to these issues, nor would they encounter them. But Ye Li understood that once forests were extensively cut down for farmland, the Northwest’s already poor climate would only get worse and worse.
Below, someone still worried asked, “Even if we get through this year, what about the future?” The Northwest was only so big, yet this war would last who knows how many years. And refugees would only increase, while grain harvests always had their limits.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow slightly, meeting Xu Qingchen’s meaningful smile. People would indeed keep increasing, but… the Northwest’s territory wouldn’t always stay this size. Moreover, once these refugees realized the Northwest’s capacity had exceeded its limits, they would leave on their own.
After concluding business, he dismissed the crowd. Only Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, Xu Qingchen, and Xu Hongyu remained in the study.
Xu Hongyu looked at Mo Xiuyao and asked solemnly, “Has Your Highness decided on the date to deploy troops?”
Mo Xiuyao nodded. Although the Mo Family Army was preparing in secret, they couldn’t delay too long. If delayed too long and discovered by outsiders, they would lose the chance to strike Xi Ling’s army by surprise. “I’ll have to trouble Elder Brother and Uncle with the Northwest,” Mo Xiuyao said gravely.
Xu Hongyu frowned slightly, looking at Ye Li, “Li’er is going too?”
Ye Li nodded with a smile, “Yes, thank you for your trouble, Uncle.”
Xu Hongyu looked at Ye Li somewhat disapprovingly. Although he knew his niece’s martial arts were extraordinary, she was still the only offspring left by his only sister. While Xu Hongyu was stern with his sons and nephews, and could even be strict with his grand-nephews Xu Zhirui and Mo Xiaobao, he always worried about Ye Li. Ye Li smiled and said, “Uncle needn’t worry about Li’er, Grandfather has agreed.”
Hearing this, Xu Hongyu was somewhat surprised. His father’s love for Li’er was no less than his own, how could he agree to let Li’er go to such a dangerous battlefield? After thinking about it, although Xu Hongyu couldn’t understand, he knew his father naturally had his reasons for doing so. He thought about going back to the academy to ask his father for clarification, but no longer tried to stop Ye Li, only sighing lightly, “Very well, just be extremely careful yourself.”
“Li’er understands, Uncle need not worry,” Ye Li smiled.
Xu Qingchen pondered for a moment, then looked up and asked, “The Northwest currently has no more than 1.2 million troops, of which at least half must guard the Northwest. This means… you can at most take 600,000 troops to campaign. These past few years we’ve all secretly investigated – Xi Ling’s total forces already exceed 3 million. Lei Zhenting has committed nearly 1 million troops to Da Chu. Once you penetrate deep into Xi Ling and he turns back to rescue it, surrounding you from ten directions, you’ll be encircled by at least 2 million troops – what will you do then?”
Mo Xiuyao smiled lazily and said, “If I penetrate deep into Xi Ling, it won’t be so easy for Lei Zhenting to withdraw and rescue it either. Even if all Da Chu’s soldiers were useless, they still have several million such soldiers, no? Moreover… I only plan to take 400,000 troops to campaign, leaving 400,000 in the Northwest borders. Another 400,000… will wait at the border for Lei Zhenting. If he breaks through the blockade before I take Xi Ling’s imperial city, you can use my head as a ball!”
Hearing this, even Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but draw in a breath. To want to fight from the border to Xi Ling’s imperial city with merely 400,000 troops – even though Xu Qingchen wasn’t versed in military matters, he felt the difficulty was like climbing to heaven. Mo Xiuyao pretended not to see Xu Qingchen and Xu Hongyu’s worry, smiling as he said, “This time… it will likely be a lengthy affair. I’ll have to trouble Elder Brother and Uncle with guarding the Northwest.”
A flash of insight struck Xu Qingchen’s mind, and he said gravely, “You mean someone might take the opportunity to attack the Northwest?”
“Mm… it’s quite possible,” Mo Xiuyao smiled. “If Lei Zhenting can’t break through the blockade for a time, he’s very likely to turn and attack the Northwest instead. And I… likely won’t be able to return in time to rescue it. So…” Xu Qingchen’s face immediately became especially gloomy. “I believe Your Highness knows that I can’t even bind a chicken.”
Mo Xiuyao waved his hand, smiling pleasantly, “Scholars are even more formidable when they turn fierce. I have confidence in Master Qingchen. Master Qingchen can plan within the tent and determine victory a thousand li away. I’ve entrusted my entire foundation to Elder Brother – does Elder Brother want to see your sister and brother-in-law completely defeated and becoming homeless wanderers in the future?”
“Mo. Xiu. Yao…” Master Qingchen’s usually refined smile vanished again as he stared calmly at Mo Xiuyao, but beneath that calmness, shocking waves could vaguely be seen. Mo Xiuyao also knew he couldn’t truly anger the man, and said seriously, “Elder Brother, it’s not that I’m taking unnecessary risks, but that the current situation leaves no choice. Please forgive me.”
Xu Qingchen snorted in displeasure and said to Ye Li, “Li’er, do you not want to change to a more agreeable husband?”
Ye Li smiled gracefully, taking neither side. Mo Xiuyao pulled Ye Li into his embrace, glancing at Xu Qingchen in displeasure, “Master Qingchen, better to tear down ten temples than break up one marriage. A’Li and I share deep love like mandarin ducks – your words lack a gentleman’s grace.” In an instant, throwing away what little guilt he had felt earlier, Mo Xiuyao glared at Master Qingchen, thinking hatefully: Want to steal my A’Li? Work yourself to death!
Idiot, this master won’t bother with you! Master Qingchen strongly resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
“Princess Consort, the two Madame Xus and Young Madame Xu request an audience,” Qin Feng reported from outside the study, where the four were discussing preparations before deploying troops. Ye Li started, “First Aunt and Second Aunt?” The two Madame Xus knew that Ye Li was different from them and other secluded women who only managed their inner courtyards – she was usually busy with important matters, so they didn’t often come to find her. Even when they came to the Prince Ding Manor to visit the Empress and Hua Tianxiang, or occasionally to seek the unwilling-to-return-home Xu Qingchen, they would just be directly invited in. For them to formally request an audience today must mean they had important matters.
Ye Li blinked, looking at Xu Qingchen and Xu Hongyu sitting to the side. Xu Hongyu smiled faintly, “It’s nothing major, Li’er should just go see them.” Ye Li raised an eyebrow questioningly, looking toward Xu Qingchen. Xu Qingchen maintained a composed expression, but meeting Ye Li’s demanding gaze, he finally coughed lightly and said softly, “It’s about your Third Brother’s matter.”
Third Brother? Ye Li blinked before suddenly understanding. This time Xu Qingfeng was going to campaign with them, and why the two ladies would come looking for her about Xu Qingfeng’s matter at this time was self-evident. Shaking her head with a mix of amusement and exasperation, Ye Li asked, “Hasn’t Third Brother been fine these past few days? He hasn’t gone home?”
Xu Qingchen smiled, “He did go back the other day, showed his face, and then vanished again. Heard he entered Prince Ding’s Manor early this morning.”
Ye Li looked toward Qin Feng at the door. Qin Feng lowered his head, coughed lightly, and smiled, “Third Young Master Xu did come to the manor this morning, sparred for a while in the training hall, then went to the archive and hasn’t come out.” Speaking of which, these young masters of the Xu family had become obsessed with avoiding their families. Not just the Third Young Master who dared not leave the military camp all day, but also the Fourth and Fifth Young Masters who ran to the north and barely returned twice a year. Even the most refined and otherworldly Master Qingchen preferred staying in the manor’s study for more than half of each month rather than returning home. This was completely incomprehensible to a bachelor like Qin Feng who dreamed of a wife and children by a warm kang. Hadn’t the Second Young Master married early and lived happily? Why did they need to run all over avoiding marriage? They truly didn’t know their good fortune – what were all the unmarried men in the Mo Family Army supposed to think?
Shaking her head helplessly, Ye Li stood up and said, “I’ll go see the two aunts. Qin Feng, please invite the Third Young Master over as well.”
“This servant obeys,” Qin Feng said clearly, a glint of anticipation flashing in his lowered eyes. It was said that in recent years, the Third Young Master Xu had become increasingly difficult to catch, at least the Xu family couldn’t catch him. But this posed no difficulty for Qin Feng – after all, he had trained the Third Young Master.
In a waterside pavilion, a pool of emerald water brought some coolness and comfort to the scorching June. Second Madame Xu sat by the bed with an unpleasant expression, while First Madame Xu and Qin Zheng softly consoled her beside her. However, the Second Madame, furious with her son, was not easily pacified. Though she couldn’t well lose her temper at her sister-in-law and daughter-in-law, her expression remained gloomy.
“Second Aunt, what’s wrong? Who made you angry?” Ye Li entered slowly, smiling gently.
“Who else could it be? The only one who can anger me now is that unfilial son!” Second Madame Xu said, still clutching her handkerchief angrily. Ye Li walked to her side, smiling, “Second Aunt means Third Brother? He’s in my manor now – shall your niece have him captured and give him a good thrashing to vent your anger?”
Second Madame Xu sighed deeply, pulling Ye Li to sit down, “What use is thrashing him? That boy… his father has thrashed him who knows how many times, yet he still angers me daily! Li’er, tell me… I just want him to meet a young lady and get married, could the young lady eat him?”
Hearing Second Madame Xu’s words, Ye Li couldn’t help but recall First Madame Xu’s words from last year. While it was true that all five Xu young masters were outstanding, aside from Second Brother, none of them gave their parents peace of mind. First Madame Xu smiled, patting her sister-in-law’s hand, “At least your Ze’er is obedient, and Rui’er is clever and lovable. If you had to deal with our three, wouldn’t you be worried to death?”
Hearing First Madame’s words and looking at the gentle and graceful Qin Zheng beside her, Second Madame Xu indeed felt much consoled. At least she had one obedient son a virtuous, proper daughter-in-law, and a clever and quick-witted grandson. Thinking of her sister-in-law’s three sons – how worrying!
“Elder Sister, aren’t you anxious?”
First Madame Xu smiled bitterly, “My hair has turned white from anxiety, but what use is it? I’ve given up on Qingchen now. As for Little Four and Little Five, they simply stay away all year and won’t come home. How can I ask them to marry and have children now? I’m content if they just come back regularly to see this old woman.”
“First Aunt, Fourth Brother, and Fifth Brother are still young. In a couple of years when they settle down it will be fine. How about this… if in two years Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother are still learning from Elder Brother, Li’er will help you arrange a Hundred Flowers Banquet, and we’ll personally pick daughters-in-law you like for them,” Ye Li said with a gentle smile. First Madame Xu smiled, “Never mind, I can only console myself that they’re still young.” First Madame was similarly quite angry with her eldest son. But since even her husband and father-in-law couldn’t say anything, she had given up on the idea of arranging marriage for Xu Qingchen. But she had to keep a close eye on her two younger sons – if they passed twenty-four or twenty-five without finding someone, she would tie them up if she had to get them married. Otherwise, she couldn’t face the Xu family’s ancestors.
Originally the three of them chatting back and forth had gradually dispersed Second Madame’s anger, but then she looked up to see Xu Qingfeng being led over by Qin Feng outside the pavilion.
Seeing the people sitting in the pavilion, Xu Qingfeng’s expression changed dramatically. He shouted, “Qin Feng, you betray your friend!” and turned to dash away. Second Madame Xu’s anger surged again, “Unfilial son! You stop right there!” Am I your mother or your mortal enemy from a past life? Seeing her son flee at the sight of her, Second Madame Xu’s fury erupted.
Outside, Qin Feng watched leisurely as Xu Qingfeng darted past him. He raised his hand and a long whip shot from his sleeve, wrapping around one of Xu Qingfeng’s legs and pulling him back. Xu Qingfeng quickly flipped in the air to land steadily, and as soon as he landed launched a sweeping kick at Qin Feng. Qin Feng raised an eyebrow, engaging him in combat with great interest.
While the two fought enthusiastically outside, inside Second Madame Xu was so angry her eyes had reddened. She stood up and left the pavilion, shouting at the fighting Xu Qingfeng, “Xu Qingfeng! Stop right now!” Xu Qingfeng faltered slightly, and in that split second of hesitation, Qin Feng had already seized his right arm and twisted it behind him, while his other hand locked down his left shoulder, smiling, “Third Young Master, have you been playing too long these past two years?”
“Despicable!” Xu Qingfeng said resentfully.
“This is called seizing the opportunity. Haven’t you learned this after staying in Qilin for so many years? Qilin uses whatever means necessary,” Qin Feng replied with an unperturbed smile.
Xu Qingfeng fell silent, thinking: Sir, I just never expected you to use whatever means necessary against your people!
Coming out after them, Ye Li looked at the two and shook her head slightly. Third Brother’s personality wasn’t suited for Qilin. Although he had worked very hard these past few years, and his abilities were never inferior to anyone in Qilin in any aspect, Ye Li still felt he could better display his talents on the real battlefield. But… who hasn’t been young? Just like how in her past life every soldier dreamed of becoming a special forces operator, every soldier in the Mo Family Army similarly dreamed of entering Qilin. Not because Qilin’s position and pay were high, but because Qilin represented the Mo Family Army’s most elite force.
“Mother…” Seeing his mother’s furious face, Xu Qingfeng immediately wilted. He kicked at Qin Feng and mumbled softly, “Let go, let go. I won’t run…” Qin Feng glanced at him with a meaningful smile and released his restraining hands. As if you could run away!
Second Madame Xu gave a cold laugh, “So you still know I’m your mother?”
“Mother…” Xu Qingfeng lowered his head, knowing he was in the wrong. He didn’t have Big Brother’s ability to argue eloquently with composure whether right or wrong, nor did he have Second Brother’s wooden face that maintained the same expression forever.
Seeing her son’s dejected appearance, Second Madame Xu finally discarded decades of noble lady’s upbringing. She stepped forward and grabbed his ear, shouting angrily, “Would your mother harm you? Would it kill you to meet someone and get married? Our family is considered open-minded, your mother is even giving you choices – look at other families, how many get to meet before marriage? I’m telling you you don’t know how good you have it!”
“Mother, Mother…” Having his ear pulled by his mother in front of so many people, though not painful, was quite face-losing, “Mother, son knows he wrong!”
“You know you’re wrong?” Second Madame Xu raised an eyebrow, “Come with Mother to meet Miss Yang.”
“Miss Yang? Which Miss Yang?” Xu Qingfeng asked blankly.
Second Madame Xu’s eye twitched, “What did you say?” So all her nagging last night had been for nothing?
“Won’t meet, won’t meet! Never even heard of her! Who knows where she’s from and you’re trying to push her on me? Even if she’s not like a cousin, she should at least be like Second Sister-in-law, right? Miss Yang? Does Li City even have such a reputation? Mother, you’re not just trying to push some nouveau riche’s daughter on me because you’re desperate, are you?”
“Desperate? I’ll show you desperate!” Second Madame Xu struck Xu Qingfeng’s forehead hard, “We wanted you to study from childhood but you wouldn’t, and now you dare talk about being desperate!”
“Mother… I was wrong!” Xu Qingfeng clutched his head and fled, “That’s not what I meant, anyway… anyway I don’t want any Miss Yang or Miss Li. What I mean is the lady I marry must be refined and elegant… common and vulgar won’t…”
Bang! Before he could finish speaking, something struck his forehead hard. Xu Qingfeng looked blankly at the book that had somehow flown over and hit his head, then turned to see Hua Tianxiang standing not far away looking at him calmly. He immediately became embarrassed, “Uh, Miss Hua, how did you…”
Hua Tianxiang said coldly, “I was passing by and heard Zheng’er was here so came to look. I’ll take my leave now.”
Watching Hua Tianxiang’s departing figure, Xu Qingfeng turned back and asked in confusion, “Uh… why did Miss Hua throw that book at me?”
A gleam flashed in Ye Li’s eyes as she smiled sweetly, “Because she is that ‘common and vulgar nouveau riches daughter’… Miss Yang!”
In an instant, Xu Qingfeng’s face turned deathly pale.