“This humble officer Zhou Min pays respects to the Princess Consort,” Zhou Min said.

Ye Li wasn’t particularly familiar with Zhou Min, having only seen him a few times in Zhang Qilan’s army, though he was highly valued by Zhang. Zhang Qilan was known for being upright and fair – the fact that he had promoted Zhou Min to independently command troops proved that his abilities were absolutely without question. Ye Li looked at the serious-faced man before her, who appeared stern and silent, just past thirty years of age, and nodded, “General Zhou, please rise.”

Sun Yaowu, seeing Zhou Min arrive so quickly, looked displeased. The drunken expression that had been on his face completely vanished, his small eyes revealing a shrewd gleam. With an insincere smile, he looked at Zhou Min and said, “How did General Zhou arrive so quickly? Your main camp isn’t far from my position, is it?”

Zhou Min seemed to ignore Sun Yaowu’s sarcasm. Frowning slightly, he reported to Ye Li, “Princess Consort, it’s getting late. Would you prefer to rest here for the night, or proceed to the Mo Family Army camp?”

Ye Li now had some understanding of the relationship between these two armies. The defeated soldiers of Da Chu naturally harbored jealousy, hatred, and various grievances against the elite Mo Family Army. Similarly, these elite troops looked down upon the Da Chu soldiers who had been scattered and beaten by the Northern Rong. Sun Yaowu followed Zhou Min’s orders only superficially while secretly resisting, and Zhou Min looked down on these defeated troops – since you’re unwilling, I won’t use you, stay wherever you please.

After some thought, Ye Li said, “It’s getting late, let’s not disturb the commanders’ rest. We’ll make do here for the night. If General Zhou has no pressing matters, please stay as well. This Princess has something to discuss tomorrow morning.”

Zhou Min hesitated briefly but didn’t say much, nodding, “Yes, Princess Consort.”

Seeing Ye Li’s instructions, a hint of satisfaction appeared in Sun Yaowu’s eyes. He approached Ye Li with a flattering smile and said, “Please, Princess Consort. This humble officer didn’t know you were coming, and there are no maids in camp to attend to you. I’ll send someone to find a few servants to wait upon you.”

Ye Li stopped walking and looked at Sun Yaowu coolly, asking, “Where does General Sun plan to find maids at this late hour?”

Sun Yaowu replied carelessly, “There are many villages near Mount Lingxiao. Finding a few maids would be easy. It would be their good fortune to serve the Princess Consort.”

“No need. When traveling, this Princess doesn’t stand on ceremony. If General Sun has nothing else, you should retire early.” Without waiting for Sun Yaowu’s reaction, Ye Li walked toward the camp. Sun Yaowu stood stunned for a moment before hurrying forward to lead the way.

The next morning, when Ye Li entered the main tent, many people were already present. Even the Mo Family Army commanders from ten li away had arrived. The two forces sat on opposite sides, creating a clear divide – one could tell at a glance which were Zhou Min’s men and which belonged to Sun Yaowu, without even looking at their uniforms. Ye Li frowned slightly and asked, “Where is General Sun?”

The officers looked at each other until finally, a young officer stood up and said, “In… in response to Princess Consort, General Sun hasn’t risen yet…”

Hearing this, the Mo Family Army officers showed contempt, with the more outspoken ones unable to resist mocking, “It’s almost high noon and he’s still not up. General Sun sure can sleep. No wonder…”

The other side showed resentment, with someone complaining, “There’s no battle to fight, what’s the point of getting up so early?”

Ye Li lowered her eyes silently, then raised her head after a moment and said firmly, “Go wake General Sun and administer forty strokes of the rod.”

The tent fell silent. The Mo Family Army officers wore expressions of ‘serves him right,’ and even Zhou Min’s expression softened considerably. He also found Sun Yaowu’s behavior intolerable, but his rank wasn’t higher than Sun Yaowu’s, and these defeated Da Chu soldiers had a special status. Even if he disapproved, he could only turn a blind eye. The Princess Consort’s action naturally gave them a sense of satisfaction.

Soon after, Sun Yaowu was dragged out and held down outside the tent where the beating was administered. Surprisingly, despite Sun Yaowu’s apparent tendency to bully those below him while fawning over superiors, he didn’t make a single sound throughout the forty strokes. Ye Li’s gaze slowly swept across the faces of Sun Yaowu’s subordinates, thoughtfully.

After the beating, Sun Yaowu was dragged back in. With Lin Han personally overseeing the punishment, there had been no leniency – Sun Yaowu’s back was covered in blood through his clothes. He was placed on the ground where he remained prone, “This… this humble officer greets the Princess Consort.”

Ye Li looked down at him and said coolly, “General Sun, do you accept this punishment?”

Sun Yaowu was startled and smiled bitterly, “How dare this officer not accept the Princess Consort’s punishment?” Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled, “You dare not refuse? So you still don’t accept it?” Sun Yaowu quickly corrected himself, “I accept it completely, both in heart and word.”

“Then tell me, why did this Princess punish you?” Ye Li asked.

“This…” Sun Yaowu was stunned. To say it was because he woke up late didn’t seem right, but it didn’t seem to be just about that either. Sun Yaowu had known the answer from the beginning but didn’t dare say it in front of Ye Li.

Ye Li didn’t look at him and said calmly, “Do you think this Princess beat you because General Zhou and his men complained about you? Or perhaps… because of last night’s events?” Sun Yaowu’s expression changed slightly, showing that Ye Li had hit the mark.

Ye Li shook her head and said, “This Princess punished you simply because you were late today.”

Sun Yaowu was stunned, not quite believing the reason could be so simple, and naturally didn’t believe Zhou Min hadn’t spoken against him to the Princess Consort. Then Ye Li asked, “General Zhou, how are Mo Family Army officers punished for being late to meetings without cause?”

Zhou Min kept his eyes forward, replying seriously, “Reporting to Princess Consort, forty strokes for tardiness without proper justification.”

Ye Li smiled at Sun Yaowu and asked, “General Sun, is oversleeping a proper justification?” Sun Yaowu replied sheepishly, “This officer acknowledges his mistake and accepts the punishment wholeheartedly.” Ye Li nodded and ordered, “Help General Sun up.”

Zhuo Jing and Qin Feng supported Sun Yaowu on either side, helping him to a chair without accepting any refusal. Having just received forty strokes, Sun Yaowu was sweating from the pain and reflexively tried to stand when touching the chair, but Qin Feng pressed him back down with measured force. Knowing the Princess Consort was just beginning to deal with him, Sun Yaowu could only sit down with a bitter expression.

Giving Sun Yaowu a meaningful look, Ye Li addressed everyone, “From today forward, this Princess will command Mount Lingxiao’s main camp. Military affairs will continue to be handled by General Zhou and General Sun. This Princess will overlook all previous incidents, but if any improper events occur again… Lin Han, state the Mo Family Army’s military laws.”

Lin Han glanced at Sun Yaowu’s group expressionlessly and said, “For gathering to cause trouble, forty strokes. Drinking during wartime, fifty strokes. Not following proper schedules, thirty strokes… For dereliction of duty, one hundred strokes; for compromising military operations, death; for disobeying military orders, death; for retreating in battle, death…” The string of death sentences made the group pale-faced.

After Lin Han finished, Ye Li said, “From today, these will be your military laws as well. This Princess won’t punish ordinary soldiers – if there are violations, this Princess will hold you commanders responsible for poor discipline.”

Having said this, Ye Li dismissed everyone. Sun Yaowu, who was last to leave, hesitated and seemed to want to speak. Ye Li appeared to have anticipated this and smiled at him, asking, “Does General Sun have something to say?”

Sun Yaowu pondered for a moment and said, “Does the Princess Consort mean… that we’ll be treated the same as the Mo Family Army from now on?”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked, “Has General Zhou been withholding your military pay?”

Sun Yaowu grimaced and remained silent. The Mo Family Army hadn’t mistreated them – although they had just sat in camp doing nothing for several months while the Mo Family Army handled all the fighting and guard duty, Zhou Min hadn’t withheld a single coin of their pay. Receiving the same pay and provisions while one group remained vigilant and ready for battle at any moment, while the other idled away their days in camp – anyone with a shred of shame would feel uncomfortable.

“The Mo Family Army looks down on us defeated generals,” Sun Yaowu finally managed to say.

Hearing this, Ye Li laughed lightly, then looked at Sun Yaowu and said, “General Sun, based on what this Princess saw last night, execution would have been lenient. Do you know why this Princess didn’t punish you? Surely you don’t think it’s because this Princess is too soft-hearted to kill you?”

“I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare…” Sun Yaowu said awkwardly. Just from being forced to sit immobile for half a watch earlier, he knew this Princess Consort had plenty of methods for dealing with people. It had nothing to do with being soft-hearted.

Ye Li smiled at him and said softly, “Good that you wouldn’t dare.”

Sun Yaowu shrank his neck and didn’t dare speak, finally understanding that this renowned Princess Consort of Prince Ding was truly not someone to be trifled with or fooled. No wonder even the proud commanders of the Mo Family Army submitted to her willingly. Thinking of this, Sun Yaowu no longer maintained his timid, shifty appearance that made people suspicious. He raised his head and said to Ye Li, “Princess Consort, as long as the Mo Family Army truly accepts us, we will naturally serve Prince Ding’s household wholeheartedly.” Sun Yaowu looked anxiously at the calm Princess Consort on the seat, unsure whether this gamble would prove right or wrong.

After a long while, Ye Li finally said quietly, “General Sun, do you know why this Princess didn’t immediately punish you when seeing the camp’s condition last night?” Sun Yaowu was startled but didn’t dare play games anymore, honestly replying, “This officer doesn’t know, please enlighten me, Princess Consort.” Ye Li said, “That’s because, on my way here, I saw that the common people near your camp were still living peacefully, showing that although you indulge your subordinates, you still maintain some restraint. Moreover, although you reeked of alcohol when coming to greet this Princess, that alcohol… was just poured on you, rather than you being truly drunk. The Southern Marquis mentioned you to this Princess before, but meeting you has left this Princess somewhat disappointed.”

Sun Yaowu lowered his head and smiled bitterly, “So the Southern Marquis is still alive. A defeated general dare not trouble the Marquis with remembering him.” It turned out that Sun Yaowu had served under the Southern Marquis in his youth. Although it was a brief time and he was only a small squad leader, the Southern Marquis had quite an impression of him – clearly, he shouldn’t have been an incompetent person.

Ye Li looked at him and said, “This Princess understands your meaning. However, this Princess hopes you also understand that the Mo Family Army never looks down on the strong. You lost once, so fight again. If you lost last time but win next time, no one will look down on you. As the saying goes, victory and defeat are common in war. But now… they indeed have reason to look down on you.”

Sun Yaowu muttered somewhat resentfully, “General Zhou only assigns us menial tasks like rear guard and cleaning up battlefields. How can we ever fight back?”

Ye Li smiled lightly and said, “From now on, you and General Zhou will each command an army and guard separate passes. Thus, if you lose again…” Sun Yaowu’s eyes brightened, and he declared loudly, “If we lose again, this officer is willing to lay down arms and return to farming, and my soldiers will be at the Princess Consort’s disposal.”

Ye Li smiled with satisfaction and said, “Very good, it’s a deal.”

“It’s a deal. This officer takes his leave.”

Waving Sun Yaowu away, Zhuo Jing worriedly said, “Princess Consort, can this Sun Yaowu handle it?” It wasn’t that Zhuo Jing looked down on people, but the scene they had witnessed yesterday was truly too awful. Even their military formation was sloppy, with soldiers lazy and dispirited – entrusting him with guarding a main camp was truly somewhat concerning.

Ye Li smiled and said, “This man is interesting. Look at the battles he’s fought. There’s a fitting phrase – ‘defeat not due to combat.’ It wasn’t that he was useless, but that the situation at the time was beyond his power to reverse. Moreover, for someone to gather and control several tens of thousands of defeated soldiers without letting them harm civilians shows some real ability.” She tapped the report and pushed it to Zhuo Jing.

Qin Feng asked puzzled, “Then what was he doing before?” If it had been someone less even-tempered than the Princess Consort, like Lu Jinxian or Zhang Qilan, they would likely have executed Sun Yaowu immediately. Ye Li smiled and said, “He probably felt Zhou Min looked down on them – this was another form of protest. As for whether he’s truly capable, we’ll see from his future performance. If he proves himself, the Mo Family Army will gain another tiger general. If not, there’ll be time enough to deal with him later.”

Zhuo Jing put down the report and smiled, “He is indeed interesting. This Sun Yaowu came close to recapturing Luo Prefecture several times but unfortunately lacked sufficient forces. With no reserves, he could only flee from the Northern Rong army. Even so, he managed to gather fifty to sixty thousand troops along the way.”

Qin Feng raised his eyebrows and smiled, “It seems he truly has some ability. The Princess Consort has excellent judgment.”

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, “I hope he won’t disappoint me.”

Sun Yaowu’s abilities indeed proved considerable. Although his troops’ overall combat effectiveness wasn’t on the same level as Zhou Min’s Mo Family Army, in subsequent encounters with the Northern Rong, they won more often than they lost. The Da Chu troops weren’t as incompetent as others had thought. By the time He Su arrived with his two hundred thousand troops, the Mo Family Army commanders had gradually come to accept Sun Yaowu and his defeated soldiers. With He Su’s two hundred thousand troops, the Mount Lingxiao line became as solid as iron. After discussing with her commanders, Ye Li readjusted the defensive line, dividing the three hundred thousand troops into three camps forming a crescent shape protecting the area outside Flying Hong Pass. She also transferred fifty thousand troops from He Su’s army to reinforce Sun Yaowu, the weakest force, immediately earning his profound gratitude and genuine respect for the Princess Consort.

Meanwhile, He Lian Peng, before his wounds had fully healed, arrived with his forces at the Northern Rong army camp not far from Mount Lingxiao. After just a few days, seeing his wounds were mostly healed, he led his troops to challenge the Mo Family Army camp. The Mo Family Army had established three main camps around Mount Lingxiao, supporting each other, and He Lian Peng naturally didn’t know which camp Ye Li was in. He simply brought his troops to provoke the nearest position to the Northern Rong camp. This area was now under Sun Yaowu’s command, and with his current high spirits, how could he let He Lian Peng shame him? He immediately marshaled his troops to meet the enemy.

As it happened, Ye Li was inspecting Sun Yaowu’s position that day, and curious about his command abilities, she secretly followed to observe.

Before the two armies, Sun Yaowu looked at He Lian Peng’s arm hidden under his cloak and burst into proud laughter, “General He Lian, our Princess Consort asked me to inquire about your wounds. Have they healed? You seem quite eager to challenge us.”

He Lian Peng’s face darkened. He had trained under Murong Xiong since childhood and considered himself different from ordinary Northern Rong people. Yet he had nearly bled to death at the hands of Ye Li, a woman whose internal energy wasn’t particularly profound. Not only had he lost face before Ye Lu Ye, but his proud self-esteem had suffered a massive blow. Sun Yaowu’s immediate mention of his wound filled his eyes with killing intent.

“Whether my wounds have healed or not, why not invite your Princess Consort to see for herself? For dealing with waste like you, one hand is more than enough,” He Lian Peng said deeply. He thrust forward his newly replaced long blade, “Would General Sun like to try?”

Sun Yaowu shrank his neck, knowing well that in martial arts, ten of him wouldn’t be a match for He Lian Peng. His eyes darted around as he smiled and said, “This general isn’t a martial arts expert – how could I dare to cross skills with General He Lian? Why doesn’t General He Lian try my newly practiced ‘Dog-Beating Formation’ instead?” With a wave of his hand, his soldiers roared in unison and charged forward. Although He Lian Peng was familiar with Central Plains writing and language, and even well-versed in military strategy, he couldn’t immediately grasp what this “Dog-Beating Formation” was, though he sensed it wasn’t complimentary. With a cold snort and a sweep of his blade, the horns sounded behind him, and the Northern Rong warriors charged forward with angry roars.

The Northern Rong forces primarily relied on cavalry, and their cavalry was so formidable that even the Black Cloud Riders sometimes had to avoid their charge. This naturally related to the terrain of the northern steppes, but such cavalry wasn’t suited for most places in the Central Plains. While the area around Mount Lingxiao didn’t have towering peaks, it was full of rolling hills and ravines, with narrow terrain where cavalry couldn’t maneuver effectively.

Sun Yaowu’s soldiers worked in remarkable coordination – some wielding curved blades to hamstring horses, others with long spears to unhorse riders, and those with short blades to finish off the fallen. As for the “Dog-Beating Formation,” it was purely verbal mockery aimed at He Lian Peng, though unfortunately, he lacked the sense of humor to catch it. The Northern Rong cavalry, like the Black Cloud Riders, wore light armor for convenience and speed, and they suffered significant losses in the initial clash.

Observing from hiding, Ye Li noticed that Sun Yaowu’s fighting style showed a certain ruthlessness. He used everything from trip wires to blade attacks on horse legs, spears, arrows, and hidden weapons – mixing orthodox and unorthodox methods without concern for conventional formations, focused solely on causing damage. After becoming accustomed to the proper and traditional style of Da Chu and Mo Family Army soldiers, Sun Yaowu’s unorthodox approach caught the Northern Rong completely off guard.

The battle ended in less than an hour, with He Lian Peng ordering a black-faced retreat. Though not defeated, they had suffered considerable losses. Sun Yaowu didn’t pursue, instead cheerfully ordering his men to collect the fallen Northern Rong horses for extra provisions.

“General Sun has truly exceeded this Princess’s expectations,” Ye Li smiled at the proud Sun Yaowu.

Sun Yaowu hurriedly replied, “This humble officer is crude, making the Princess laugh.” Ye Li shook her head, “General need not be modest. Today’s battle has truly opened my eyes.” Seeing Ye Li wasn’t joking, Sun Yaowu could only laugh awkwardly, not knowing what to say.

Ye Li understood his nature and didn’t mind.

Meanwhile, with Prince Ding’s northern territory just pacified and now in a full-scale war with the Northern Rong, they naturally had no attention to spare for the South. But the southern factions hadn’t been idle. Since Mo Jingli brought Dong Fang You back to Jiangnan, Dong Fang Hui had also used Cangmang Mountain’s influence to secretly infiltrate Da Chu’s court inside and out. Although Dong Fang Hui didn’t appear in court personally, the entire Da Chu court had subtly fallen under Cangmang Mountain’s control. The only one who could somewhat resist was the Empress Dowager in the rear palace. The Empress Dowager had previously reached an agreement with Mo Xiuyao, preserving her life and status as Empress Dowager, but the benefits received naturally required payment. Moreover, with Cangmang Mountain controlling Da Chu’s power, it would only be more disadvantageous for the Empress Dowager who was gradually losing authority. The Empress Dowager was naturally willing to cooperate with Prince Ding’s household.

Thus, at court, the Empress Dowager and Mo Jingli completely fell out. With Cangmang Mountain’s support, Mo Jingli was eager to ascend the throne himself and found the sight of his young nephew occupying his throne increasingly intolerable. But the Empress Dowager and some old court officials were determined to protect the young emperor, leading to overt and covert struggles between both sides, with dangerous undercurrents throughout the Da Chu court.

Dong Fang Hui, secretly controlling the Da Chu court, gradually found some pleasure in it. Although Cangmang Mountain held a lofty position, how could its isolated cultivation compare to the intoxicating power of controlling fate with a wave of the hand? So Dong Fang Hui focused more energy on suppressing the Empress Dowager’s faction, and by the time she realized something was wrong, the Western Ling army had already surrounded Cangmang Mountain.

To Mo Jingli, Cangmang Mountain was just a mountain – losing it meant simply finding another place. But for Dong Fang Hui, Cangmang Mountain’s significance was no less than what the capital was to Da Chu. Mo Jingli could abandon Da Chu, but Dong Fang Hui couldn’t let the Western Ling army destroy Cangmang Mountain – she couldn’t lose that person.

With no choice, Dong Fang Hui had to leave all affairs in Jiangnan to Dong Fang You and hurry back to Cangmang Mountain. She didn’t know that Dong Fang You’s nature would cause major problems with such important matters left to her, and more importantly, that this return meant she would never be able to return to Da Chu.

Although Dong Fang Hui received news extremely quickly, Western Ling’s army and Xu Qingchen were faster. The mountain’s natural defensive formation couldn’t delay Master Qingchen for long. By the time Dong Fang Hui reached Cangmang Mountain, Western Ling’s forces had already occupied the entire main peak. Having obtained many of Cangmang Mountain’s secrets, Western Ling and Prince Ding’s household naturally began ruthlessly clearing out the spies and properties Cangmang Mountain had established over the years. In one stroke, except for Jiangnan and a few extremely secret forces, everything was cleaned out completely. Cangmang Mountain suffered severe damage – even if not destroyed, it would take fifty or sixty years to recover.

Dong Fang Hui deeply hated Lei Zhenting and Xu Qingchen but could do nothing about it. She could only lead her remaining followers back toward Jiangnan, but before crossing the Yunlan River, Lei Tengfeng and Xu Qingchen blocked their path.

“Well well, the Crown Prince of the Southern Pacification King, and Master Qingchen – such impressive abilities!” At the end of her road, Dong Fang Hui looked at the two younger generations before her with complex emotions. She had never imagined Cangmang Mountain would fall so easily in her lifetime, nor that she would be cornered like this by two juniors. Master Qingchen remained elegant and silent with a faint smile.

Lei Tengfeng smiled and said, “Madam Dong Fang is too kind. Actually… we should thank your own Cangmang Mountain people for allowing us to await you here. Without that, even with most of Cangmang Mountain’s power destroyed, we juniors probably couldn’t have found you no matter where you went.”

Dong Fang Hui’s heart shook, her eyes flickering, “Cangmang Mountain’s people… who?!”

Lei Tengfeng smiled, “Why does Madam pretend not to know? How many people in this world could know your movements?”

Dong Fang Hui’s face went white as she shook her head, “It was her… no, impossible. She… why would she do this?” Seeing Dong Fang Hui’s expression, Lei Tengfeng felt a surge of pleasure. Although his father didn’t want Cangmang Mountain’s help, the fact that they had chosen Mo Jingli without considering him still left Lei Tengfeng slightly uncomfortable. Seeing Dong Fang Hui’s misfortune naturally brought him some satisfaction. “As for why she did this, you’d have to ask yourself, Madam. After all, she is… your beloved disciple.”

Dong Fang Hui wasn’t an impulsive or foolish person. She quickly understood her current situation. Ignoring Lei Tengfeng’s schadenfreude, she looked at him calmly and asked, “Crown Prince of the Southern Pacification King, how do you plan to deal with me?”

“This…” Lei Tengfeng hesitated. Lei Zhenting intended to kill Dong Fang Hui directly – given her character, once she recovered, they would face her fierce revenge. Cangmang Mountain has existed for hundreds of years, involved in the politics of various countries. Although they had destroyed most of her power, no one knew what secret forces she might still have in reserve. Often, one fatal strike was enough. But Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help having different thoughts – he needed someone to assist him. Despite his best efforts over the years, his achievements had been mediocre. Even Mo Jingli, whom he had always looked down upon, had a far greater reputation than him. He knew he needed someone who completely understood his forces and subordinates. And Dong Fang Hui’s recent performance in Da Chu had proven she was a capable woman.

One glance was enough for Dong Fang Hui to see Lei Tengfeng’s wavering. A dark gleam flashed in her eyes as she said deeply, “Given the circumstances, Dong Fang Hui admits defeat. Both I and all of Cangmang Mountain submit to the Crown Prince’s judgment.”

Lei Tengfeng’s heart indeed stirred, and he smiled faintly, “Madam truly is a heroine among women, able to both seize and let go.”

“Prince Rui,” Xu Qingchen, standing beside Lei Tengfeng, suddenly spoke with a smile. The moment Xu Qingchen opened his mouth, Dong Fang Hui knew things had gone wrong. She inwardly regretted being too hasty in showing goodwill to Lei Tengfeng, forgetting Xu Qingchen was present. Before he could continue, she said coldly, “Since when has Master Qingchen started meddling in Southern Pacification King’s household affairs?”

Though Lei Tengfeng was somewhat tempted by Dong Fang Hui and Cangmang Mountain’s remaining power, he hadn’t lost his head completely. Moreover, he had always both admired and feared Xu Qingchen and naturally couldn’t slight him. He asked good-naturedly, “Does Master Qingchen have something to say?”

Xu Qingchen’s gaze passed lightly over Dong Fang Hui as he said softly, “I merely wanted to say, Prince, be careful – a snake not killed will come back to bite.”

Lei Tengfeng’s heart shook, and his mind suddenly cleared. Remembering his father’s cautious attitude toward Cangmang Mountain – if even his father lacked confidence in controlling them and would rather cooperate with Prince Ding’s household to destroy them – what made him think he could control them? Rather than becoming an asset, it would be like inviting a wolf into the house. Thinking of this, Lei Tengfeng broke out in a cold sweat, secretly ashamed that his father was right about his lack of experience.

“Thank you for the reminder, Master,” Lei Tengfeng said solemnly.

Hearing Lei Tengfeng’s words, Dong Fang Hui knew all was lost. Her face turned ashen as she glared hatefully at Xu Qingchen, “Xu Qingchen, what deep grudge do you hold against me that you must destroy me like this?!” She didn’t believe there was any calculation behind Xu Qingchen’s role when Dong Fang You had to disrupt her plans and reluctantly marry Mo Jingli because of him. Then Xu Qingchen personally went south to help Western Ling’s army break Cangmang Mountain’s defensive formation, destroying its very existence. Now, with just a light comment, he had cut off her last chance at survival. One could say Cangmang Mountain had fallen by Xu Qingchen’s hand alone. Dong Fang Hui truly wanted to ask what grievance Cangmang Mountain and she had against Xu Qingchen in their past lives.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and said, “Madam overthinks. There’s nothing more to it than different positions.”

Dong Fang Hui’s very existence would be a threat to Prince Ding’s household – why leave even a slight risk when it could be eliminated?

Such casual words made Dong Fang Hui’s eyes red with rage. As she stared at Xu Qingchen, her lips moved to speak, when suddenly there was a whistling sound as a silver light shot through the air. A grotesque flower of blood bloomed on Dong Fang Hui’s chest. She looked down, staring fixedly at the arrowhead that had pierced through from her back to her chest. In the sunlight, the silver arrowhead, stained with her bright red blood, gleamed with cruel radiance.

“Why… why?” Dong Fang Hui lowered her head, her eyes full of pain, unwillingness, and confusion.

Xu Qingchen’s voice came faintly, “Even if I hadn’t stopped you, Madam should have known you could never leave here alive. This death is more painful for you than dying at Western Ling’s army’s hands, isn’t it?”

Dong Fang Hui tried to pull her lips into a smile but had no strength left. The light in her eyes gradually faded until finally going dark.

Lei Tengfeng and Xu Qingchen stood side by side, looking at the woman lying in a pool of blood. After a long while, he sighed, “Master Qingchen’s mercy… truly is beyond our fortune to receive. That saying is indeed right… a woman’s heart is most poisonous…”

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and looked up, “Now that the Cangmang Mountain affair is settled, I must return to Li City. Please convey my farewell to the Southern Pacification King.” Lei Tengfeng was startled, “Master… you’re leaving already?”

Xu Qingchen smiled, “Worldly affairs bind me; I cannot linger.”

Lei Tengfeng struggled internally for a moment, wondering whether to detain Xu Qingchen. But seeing the moon-bright, wind-clear smile of the man before him, and the cold aura of the guards behind him, Lei Tengfeng decisively abandoned the idea. He smiled and cupped his hands, “In that case, I won’t see you off.”

Xu Qingchen smiled and said, “Prince Rui need not stand on ceremony. Farewell.”

In Jiangnan, at the Regent’s mansion.

In a somewhat cold and dark room, Dong Fang You sat alone, lost in thought. Anyone present would have seen that her beautiful, seemingly loving eyes were completely red, obviously from recent suffering. Her beautiful face was full of haggardness and worry, along with a hint of ruthlessness and resolution.

“Knock knock…” A light knocking came from outside, startling Dong Fang You. She suddenly stood up, staring at the door, “Who is it?”

“Miss… Madam, Madam…” An anxious voice came from outside. Dong Fang You was shocked and quickly rushed to open the door, “What about Madam?” The woman at the door said tearfully, “Madam was killed by Lei Tengfeng and Xu Qingchen at the Yunlan River. And Cangmang Mountain… Cangmang Mountain is finished…”

“Master…” Dong Fang You murmured, seeming about to collapse.

The woman beside her quickly supported her, saying worriedly, “Miss, Madam is gone, and the elders… they were all killed by Lei Tengfeng. Now Cangmang Mountain can only rely on you, Miss. You must stay strong.”

Dong Fang You waved her hand, saying weakly, “I understand. You may go now. I want to be alone for a while. Tell them… tell them to see me tomorrow.” The woman looked at Dong Fang You worriedly but finally sighed and withdrew sadly. With Madam and the elders suddenly killed, Cangmang Mountain’s heavy responsibility could only fall on the young miss. But thinking of the miss’s nature…

After dismissing the messenger, Dong Fang You slowly closed the door. The room returned to its previous dimness, and she collapsed onto the bed, crying softly. She was Dong Fang Hui’s adopted child, raised by her master since childhood, who taught her reading and writing, martial arts, and strategy. Now… “Master, don’t blame You’er… I hate Mo Jingli, why did you force me? You loved You’er the most, don’t blame me…”

At the same time Dong Fang You received news of Dong Fang Hui’s death, Mo Jingli naturally received the news as well. In stark contrast to Dong Fang You’s devastating grief, Mo Jingli was overjoyed. Though it had only been a few months, he had already grown tired of Dong Fang Hui’s control and meddling. This was completely different from his original imagination of gaining Cangmang Mountain’s power – if Dong Fang Hui hadn’t died, he feared he would have eventually become a puppet.

But Dong Fang You was completely different – though she considered herself brilliant, she was much easier to handle than Dong Fang Hui. Moreover, Mo Jingli could sense Dong Fang Hui’s growing desire for power, while Dong Fang You herself had no interest in it. Mo Jingli believed that given time, he could control Cangmang Mountain’s power through Dong Fang You. Although most of it had been destroyed by the Southern Pacification King, what remained was still considerable – at least within Jiangnan, Mo Jingli could have the final say and absolute control.

When Mo Jingli hurriedly rushed to Dong Fang You’s room and heard the sobbing inside, he frowned and pushed open the door, “Princess Consort…”

Dong Fang You suddenly sat up, her gaze sweeping toward Mo Jingli like a knife, saying angrily, “What are you doing here?!”

Mo Jingli ignored her anger, walked into the room, and raised his eyebrows, smiling, “Why cry? Are you crying for your master?” Dong Fang You wiped away her tears and stared at him coldly, “What do you want to say? Or do you think I’ll fear you now that my master is dead?”

Mo Jingli looked at her and said, “Not only is your master dead, but your Cangmang Mountain is finished. Dong Fang You, do you think this prince still needs to be polite to you?” Dong Fang You laughed coldly, “How could Cangmang Mountain’s power be so easily finished? Even if Western Ling and Prince Ding’s power is gone – Mo Jingli, do you believe this lady could crush you right now!”

Mo Jingli’s eyes flashed as he warily watched Dong Fang You. He knew she wasn’t joking – this woman’s biggest difference from her master was that she didn’t weigh the pros and cons. Such women were more dangerous because when angered, she might kill him. Though losing to a woman would be shameful, Mo Jingli had to admit that Dong Fang You’s martial arts were excellent. She was perhaps the most skilled female fighter he’d seen, even more formidable than Ye Li and Cold Palace’s Leng Liuyue.

His eyes darkening, Mo Jingli smiled faintly and said, “You needn’t be like this. This prince has no intention of making things difficult for you.”

Dong Fang You snorted coldly, obviously not caring. Mo Jingli looked at her and said softly, “This prince knows your thoughts. We can cooperate.”

Dong Fang You was startled, looking at him suspiciously. Mo Jingli said without changing expression, “You still can’t forget Xu Qingchen, can you? No matter, as long as you cooperate with me, this prince can help you obtain him.”

“With just you?” Dong Fang You said disdainfully.

Though irritated by her contempt, a flash of displeasure crossed Mo Jingli’s eyes, but he didn’t anger. “This prince wouldn’t dare say so without having such confidence and ability. It just depends on whether you want this or not. Perhaps… Master Qingchen isn’t so important in your heart? Then you can just be a docile princess consort in the Regent’s mansion. This prince won’t mistreat you, but Master Qingchen is already over thirty – he’ll likely marry within two years at most. When that time comes, with a city-toppling beauty like a flower by his side…”

“Shut up!” Dong Fang You said angrily.

Mo Jingli raised his eyebrows looking at her. After a long while, Dong Fang You said deeply, “I’ll cooperate with you!”

Outside the door, a white figure silently departed.

In the courtyard of Rong Imperial Consort of the Regent’s mansion, Ye Ying expressionlessly handed a letter to the pretty young girl beside her, “Have someone deliver this letter to Lady Yaoji of the Muyang Marquis’s household.”

Soon after, a grey figure floated out, heading outside the mansion…