The Black Cloud Cavalry swept across the battlefield like a dark whirlwind. General Yuan Pei, though white-haired, showed the vigor of youth as he led his troops on horseback. Seeing Ye Lia unharmed, he visibly relaxed.

“This humble servant pays respects to the Princess Consort!”

Ye Lia quickly reached out to stop Yuan Pei from bowing, saying with a smile, “No need for such formalities, General. I’m grateful for your timely arrival.” Yuan Pei stood up and smiled, “This servant merely brought troops as reinforcement. It is the Princess Consort who has endured great hardship defending Mount Lingxiu these days. You have my admiration.”

Seeing the General’s serious expression, Ye Lia couldn’t help but smile, “Let’s save our mutual praise until after we’ve won this battle.” Yuan Pei also smiled, but his expression changed as he looked toward Helian Peng still engaged in combat with Han Mingyue in the distance. “That boy is Helian Zhen’s son? Such audacity!”

The Mo Family Army’s hatred for Helian Zhen far exceeded that of others, and since Helian Peng was Helian Zhen’s son, he naturally couldn’t escape being tarred with the same brush. Ye Lia smiled, “Indeed, he is Helian Zhen’s adopted son.”

Yuan Pei nodded repeatedly, “Very good. I didn’t have the chance to face Helian Zhen back then, but today we’ll capture his son and see what he has to say about that.”

In their battle, Han Mingyue maintained a relaxed demeanor. Without any pressing need to win, he remained unhurried. Helian Peng, unable to gain an advantage over Han Mingyue, grew increasingly anxious. However, Han Mingyue’s martial prowess wasn’t something Helian Peng could easily overcome or escape from. When the Black Cloud Cavalry approached, Helian Peng knew the situation was lost. Despite his unwillingness, he realized that if he didn’t leave now, there would be no chance of escape later. Steeling himself, he launched a desperate series of attacks against Han Mingyue, with such ferocity that it momentarily threw Han Mingyue off balance. Seizing this opportunity, Helian Peng broke free from Han Mingyue and retreated.

“Princess Consort, I look forward to experiencing your superior skills another day!” Landing on a horse, Helian Peng pulled the reins and galloped northward. Seeing their commander retreat, the Northern Rong soldiers who had been fighting the Mo Family Army quickly withdrew as well.

Yuan Pei, witnessing this, wanted to command the troops to pursue, but Ye Lia stopped him, “Helian Peng still has at least a hundred thousand troops under his command. No need to pursue too hastily. He Shu and the others should be returning soon.”

Hearing Ye Lia’s words, Yuan Pei had no choice but to halt. He had the important duty of guarding Feihong Pass and indeed couldn’t waste time confronting Helian Peng.

As Helian Peng retreated with his remaining forces, he encountered He Shu, who had just captured Hui City and was coming to reinforce Mount Lingxiu. With Ye Lia’s pursuing forces behind him, Helian Peng suffered significant losses under this pincer attack. In the end, he could only return to the Northern Rong camp with a few tens of thousands of remaining troops.

After repelling Helian Peng, Ye Lia left Zhou Min to guard the western route while she returned to the Mo Family Army camp with He Shu and Sun Yaowu.

In the Northern Rong camp, Yelü Ye glared darkly at Helian Peng kneeling in the center of the main tent, his anger explosive. “Nearly four hundred thousand troops and you bring back only these few tens of thousands? Helian Peng, well done indeed! Do you dare disobey my military orders? Who do you think you are?” Yelü Ye’s anger wasn’t just about Helian Peng’s heavy losses – in recent days, the Northern Rong camp’s losses were no less than Helian Peng’s. But Helian Peng’s insubordination gave Yelü Ye a perfect excuse to vent his frustration. So the first thing that happened when Helian Peng returned to camp was getting berated thoroughly by Yelü Ye. No commander would appreciate such a willful subordinate.

Helian Zhen, sitting to the side, also looked displeased. Helian Peng was his adopted son and his student. Yelü Ye berating Helian Peng in his presence was also a slap to Helian Zhen’s face, but this time it was Helian Peng’s fault. Even if Helian Zhen wanted to speak up in his defense, he couldn’t find the words.

After Yelü Ye finished venting, Helian Zhen finally spoke in a deep voice, “Seventh Prince, the Mo Family Army’s morale is high now. Our anger here serves no purpose.” During this period, the Mo Family Army had advanced like an unstoppable force, pushing the Northern Rong army back over two hundred li. If not for this, Yelü Ye wouldn’t have been so urgent to recall Helian Peng’s forces. Who could have known Helian Peng would disobey orders, resulting in the wasteful loss of over two hundred thousand troops at Mount Lingxiu?

“What are Uncle’s thoughts?” Yelü Ye suppressed his anger and asked solemnly.

For a moment, Helian Zhen truly had no solution. When he had defeated the Mo Family Army years ago, he had largely benefited from obtaining their defense plans in advance and catching them off guard. But today’s Mo Family Army was not the same as it was over a decade ago, and there was no other foolish Emperor of Chu to hand them defense plans and stab the Mo Family Army in the back.

After long contemplation, Helian Zhen said gravely, “The Mo Family Army’s military achievements are legendary. It would be difficult for us alone to defeat them. We need allies.”

“Allies?” Yelü Ye frowned, “Who can we ally with now? The Northern Border has fallen, and as for Xi Ling… With Mo Jingli watching from the south, Lei Zhenting likely won’t engage the Mo Family Army anytime soon.”

Helian Zhen said firmly, “Then let’s bring in both Xi Ling and Great Chu. Lei Zhenting must know that once Northern Rong is finished, his Xi Ling will be next to face the Mo Family Army. If we can defeat the Mo Family Army first, he will certainly agree.”

Hearing this, Yelü Ye fell into deep thought. After a while, he asked, “Even so, what about Mo Jingli? Once Lei Zhenting engages the Mo Family Army, Mo Jingli will certainly cross the Yunlan River to attack Xi Ling. All our efforts would be wasted then.”

Helian Peng said, “Mo Jingli’s grudge against Mo Xiuyao is no less than ours. As long as we can convince him… At worst, we can promise him some benefits after we defeat the Mo Family Army.” Hearing Helian Peng’s words, Yelü Ye became intrigued. He had met Mo Jingli several times and understood him somewhat. Though ambitious, Mo Jingli was shortsighted and of average ability. If offered sufficient benefits, he might indeed be persuaded to ally with them against Mo Xiuyao first. However, the benefits they could offer Mo Jingli would have to come from Lei Zhenting, so they needed someone who could convince the King of Southern Garrison, Lei Zhenting. But Lei Zhenting wasn’t as easy to deal with as Mo Jingli.

“Does Uncle have anyone in mind who could persuade Lei Zhenting?” The Northern Rong didn’t have many skilled diplomats, and Yelü Ye couldn’t think of who to send to convince Lei Zhenting.

Helian Zhen smiled, “This servant is willing to go personally.”

Yelü Ye frowned slightly, looking at Helian Zhen with concern in his eyes. Over these many years, Yelü Ye gradually felt that his uncle was no longer the Flying Cavalry General who had once terrorized the Northern Rong. Instead, he had slowly taken on the characteristics of a Central Plains politician. Though he harbored a deep hatred for Mo Xiuyao, he seemed to have given up on the idea of defeating Mo Xiuyao honorably on the battlefield. At that moment, Yelü Ye wasn’t sure if this was good or bad.

Considering that he truly had no other suitable candidates, Yelü Ye nodded, “In that case, I’ll trouble Uncle with this task.” Helian Zhen smiled, “Please rest assured, Your Highness. This servant won’t disappoint your expectations. After I leave, regarding the war with the Mo Family Army – engage when possible, defend when necessary. Once Xi Ling and Great Chu’s armies move, the pressure here will immediately decrease significantly.”

Yelü Ye nodded, “I understand.”

Helian Zhen glanced at Helian Peng, who was still kneeling in the middle of the tent, and hesitantly said, “Helian Peng…” Yelü Ye disliked Helian Peng and hadn’t told him to rise earlier, so Helian Peng had no choice but to continue kneeling.

“Rise,” Yelü Ye said coldly. “Return to your tent for now. I’ll decide what to do with you later.”

Helian Zhen knew there was no use saying more and could only nod, “Thank you, Seventh Prince, for your mercy.”

Helian Peng stood up, “Thank you, Your Highness.” Yelü Ye coldly snorted, not bothering to acknowledge him.

After leaving the main tent and returning to Helian Zhen’s quarters, Helian Peng knelt again, “Please punish me, Father.” Helian Zhen stared at him coldly for a long while before finally asking, “Didn’t I tell you that holding Mount Lingxiu was enough? Who told you to engage in a death match with the Princess Consort?”

Helian Peng lowered his head in silence.

Helian Zhen stared at him coldly and said, “When the Seventh Prince ordered your return, with your intelligence, couldn’t you see that was my intention? Yet you dared to disobey! Helian, I have always had high hopes for you, but since this campaign began, you have truly disappointed me.”

Helian Peng had no response. Not only was Helian Zhen disappointed in him, but Helian Peng himself was also disappointed in himself. He never imagined he would be defeated by the Princess Consort, and so thoroughly at that.

Though Helian Peng was born in the Northern Rong and was an orphan adopted by Helian Zhen, he had studied under Murong Xiong, who could be considered the Central Plains’ greatest martial artist. Having studied martial arts and Central Plains culture, he had always considered himself different from his tribesmen whom the Central Plains people called barbarians. This mindset hadn’t changed even when he followed his adoptive father to the battlefield and served under the Seventh Prince. Vaguely, he even looked down somewhat on the high and mighty Seventh Prince. But after this defeat, he finally understood that his Northern Rong people weren’t as stupid and reckless as he had thought – they weren’t even inferior to his pretentious self. At least on the current Northern Rong battlefield, apart from the central army directly opposing the Prince Consort, his defeat was the most embarrassing among all forces. Only at this moment did Helian Peng truly calm down and begin to think about issues from a commander’s perspective. Unfortunately, this awakening and clarity came at the cost of tens of thousands of Northern Rong soldiers’ lives.

Seeing the defeated look on Helian Peng’s face, Helian Zhen sighed and said, “Rise. This incident can’t be entirely blamed on you. You’re not the first to be defeated by the Princess Consort. This is your first time on the battlefield; some oversights are inevitable.” Like all men, especially in this era, they inevitably harbored a sense of male supremacy. Even though Ye Lia was renowned throughout the land, and no matter how many people spoke of the Princess Consort’s capabilities – even her enemies knew she was extraordinary – they still easily underestimated her in action. This wasn’t due to carelessness or arrogance; it was an inherent flaw in men of this era. They were too accustomed to seeing women as fragile beings dependent on men, and even if some were formidable, they believed that formidability must be limited.

Helian Peng stood up and said shamefully, “Please forgive me, Father. I won’t make such mistakes again.”

Helian Zhen nodded, “Your father raised you, taught you warfare, and helped you study under a Central Plains master to learn martial arts, all so that one day you could help me defeat Mo Xiuyao and achieve great merit for yourself. Don’t disappoint me.”

Helian Peng nodded and looked worriedly at Helian Zhen, “Father, do you intend to go to Xi Ling personally to persuade Lei Zhenting to ally with Mo Jingli and the Northern Rong?” Helian Zhen nodded and sighed, “With Northern Rong’s strength alone, we have little hope of defeating the Mo Family Army. More importantly, if we lose this war, it won’t be as simple as withdrawing from the Central Plains. Once we return to the Northern Rong court, there will likely be no place left for the Helian family and the Seventh Prince. Therefore, this war can only be won, not lost. Whatever it takes, we must convince Lei Zhenting to move against the Prince Consort’s manor.”

“Lei Zhenting won’t be easily convinced,” Helian Peng said. To simultaneously persuade Lei Zhenting and Mo Jingli, Lei Zhenting would have to give up some of his current benefits to Mo Jingli. How could Lei Zhenting so easily agree to trade what was already in his hands for something still uncertain in the future?

“Don’t worry, Lei Zhenting himself is likely eager to deal with the Prince Consort’s manor,” Helian Zhen smiled, “Lei Zhenting isn’t young anymore, but his son Lei Tengfeng lacks his father’s grand vision. Once Lei Zhenting encounters any misfortune, the Prince Consort’s manor will target Xi Ling first. Rather than face that, Lei Zhenting will certainly choose to strike first. But Great Chu and Mo Jingli have become his concerns. As long as we help him resolve these worries, he will naturally agree to mobilize his troops.”

Helian Peng remained silent for a moment before clasping his hands and saying, “Father’s foresight surpasses mine.”

Helian Zhen patted his son’s shoulder and smiled, “Father needs to pack and prepare to depart. You may go.”

“I take my leave.”

In the Mo Family Army camp, the Prince Consort, who had eagerly awaited his beloved wife’s return, couldn’t enjoy the endless pleasure of holding his dear wife as he wished. He could only look pitifully at his wife, who regarded him with indifference, his face full of grievance.

“A’Li, what’s wrong? Who upset you?” the Prince Consort carefully watched his wife, asking softly. Fortunately, only the two of them were in the tent; otherwise, the many generals of the Mo Family Army who didn’t know Prince Consort’s true face would have their jaws dropping in shock. Though he asked this, how could Mo Xiuyao, being so clever, not know why A’Li was acting this way? While looking at Ye Lia, he quickly calculated in his mind who dared to spoil his affairs.

Ye Lia lifted her eyes to look at him indifferently and said leisurely, “My Lord worries too much. Who could upset me?”

“A’Li…” Finally unable to resist, Mo Xiuyao threw himself forward and tightly embraced Ye Lia’s waist, rubbing his chin against her shoulder, “A’Li, I was wrong…” Ye Lia finally looked at him seriously and asked calmly, “What did My Lord do wrong?”

“I shouldn’t have gone to the Northern Rong camp alone.” Mo Xiuyao glanced up at Ye Lia’s expression and quickly said.

Better not to have mentioned it – bringing up this matter only made Ye Lia’s expression darker. She gave a cold laugh and said, “His Highness the Prince Consort’s martial arts are unmatched in the world, naturally there’s nowhere he cannot go. What wrong is there in that? Why did My Lord need others to hide it from me? Had I known earlier, this humble wife could have cheered for My Lord.” When even “this humble wife” came out, it was clear she was truly angry. Mo Xiuyao inwardly lamented – the Prince Consort feared neither heaven nor earth, yet uniquely feared his wife’s anger. Feng Zhiyao always mocked him for being henpecked, and he wasn’t wrong, though unfortunately, Mo Xiuyao found it sweet as honey.

“A’Li, I was angry… what if Helian Peng had captured you? At that moment, I wanted to kill Helian Peng, then kill Helian Zhen and Yelü Ye, so no one would ever dare harm A’Li again.” Ignoring Ye Lia’s struggles, Mo Xiuyao held her tightly in his arms, his voice somewhat muffled. Hearing this voice that seemed to carry a hint of grievance and panic, Ye Lia felt a sharp pain in her heart – how could she maintain any anger?

Gently stroking his silver hair that fell across her chest, Ye Lia secretly sighed in her heart. Lifting his face from where it rested against her to meet his gaze, Ye Lia said softly, “I have many people protecting me. How could Helian Peng capture me?”

“But when I heard about it, I was so afraid. I couldn’t control that feeling… I just want A’Li to stay by my side forever, not leaving for even a moment.” Mo Xiuyao’s hoarse voice showed his sincerity. Ye Lia felt her eyes grow hot as if something was about to flow out. She could only lower her head to rest against his shoulder, saying softly, “Haven’t you thought about what if something happened to you? What would I do? What about Xiaobao, Lin’er, and Xin’er?”

What would I do if something happened to you? Mo Xiuyao felt these were the most moving words in the world. More delightful than “like” or “love.” A’Li had always been very independent and strong; these were the weakest words Mo Xiuyao had ever heard her speak.

“Nothing will happen to me. Even if just for A’Li’s sake, nothing will happen to me,” Mo Xiuyao promised cheerfully. If things went smoothly, even the matter of him charging alone into the Northern Rong camp could be glossed over. Then he could be with A’Li…

“When I say nothing will happen to me and you shouldn’t worry, do you believe it?” Ye Lia raised her head and cast him a faint glance, just catching the smug smile he hadn’t managed to hide. Mo Xiuyao’s handsome face immediately crumpled, “A’Li, I was wrong… I’ll never do such things again. Please don’t be angry with me, alright?”

Seeing him like this, Ye Lia could only sigh helplessly. She truly didn’t know where Mo Xiuyao’s personality came from – in public, he maintained the imposing appearance of a dominant ruler, but in private he could sometimes be more childish than Mo Xiaobao. But even so, Ye Lia clearly understood that this whining and coquettish behavior shown only in private didn’t mean it was his true nature. Mo Xiuyao’s true nature had inevitably acquired a cruel and violent side during that earth-shattering incident over a decade ago. No matter what happened in the future, the world would never again see that legendary unrestrained yet upright heaven’s chosen son of the past.

Just like this incident – how could someone of Mo Xiuyao’s intelligence not think of better solutions? But he unhesitatingly chose the most direct method, not only to intimidate enemies but also to find an outlet for his inner violence. Ye Lia understood Mo Xiuyao well enough, so many times she was willing to indulge him, but at the same time couldn’t help worrying that one day he would inevitably harm others and himself.

“A’Li, do you hate me?” Seeing Ye Lia silent for so long, Mo Xiuyao suddenly asked. His half-lowered handsome face showed a trace of sadness and grievance, but Ye Lia could tell this time wasn’t like before when he deliberately acted this way to make her stop being angry.

Mo Xiuyao raised his head, looking at Ye Lia with somewhat gloomy eyes, but more hidden in their depths was uncertainty, “A’Li can’t hate me. In this world, anyone can hate me except A’Li. A’Li isn’t allowed to leave me!” Ye Lia understood Mo Xiuyao, and after ten years together, Mo Xiuyao naturally understood Ye Lia well enough too. Though Ye Lia typically acted decisively without hesitation, being even more determined than men, fundamentally she wasn’t a bloodthirsty person. If not for the events of these years, Mo Xiuyao believed that even as an ordinary manor mistress, Ye Lia could have been just as good a virtuous wife and loving mother. She wasn’t afraid to kill, but her heart remained peaceful without any violence or killing intent. Therefore, subconsciously Mo Xiuyao didn’t want Ye Lia to know his true thoughts. Even though he knew he couldn’t hide them from her, so unconsciously he would show an extremely childish side before Ye Lia, hoping to conceal that side of himself he didn’t want to expose. Even if Mo Xiuyao were to cry loudly in public today, people wouldn’t believe the Prince Consort was truly as childish as an infant – they would only think he had some unspeakable purpose.

Mo Xiuyao rarely let his gloomy sideshow before Ye Lia, so even she couldn’t help feeling a chill from the coldness in his words. But Ye Lia understood in her heart that Mo Xiuyao would never harm her. Smiling as she gently stroked his still somewhat gloomy handsome face, she said, “What foolish things are you saying? We’ve been through so much already, and now when we’re about to enjoy good fortune, wouldn’t I be stupid to leave you?”

Seeing no trace of displeasure or disgust in Ye Lia’s smiling eyes, warmth returned to Mo Xiuyao’s expression. Raising his hand to hold Ye Lia’s, he murmured, “A’Li, as long as A’Li stays by my side forever, whatever A’Li wants, I’ll give it to you.”

Ye Lia pinched him irritably, “Just behave yourself and don’t make me worry. You even dared to say if something happened to me you would throw Xiaobao out to be a beggar. Do you know what I would do if something happened to you?”

Mo Xiuyao looked up at her, and Ye Lia said with a smile, “If something happened to you, I would take all the Prince Consort manor’s wealth and remarry. Then Xiaobao certainly wouldn’t become a beggar, hmm… you understand?”

Mo Xiuyao’s expression changed, and not caring that Ye Lia was still angry with him, he pressed her down onto the couch, “Not allowed! Even if I die you’re not allowed to marry anyone else, or I’ll kill everyone!”

Ye Lia raised an eyebrow, “If you’re dead, who do you plan to kill?”

Mo Xiuyao was stunned for a moment, emotions flickering in his eyes. He stared at Ye Lia for a long while before finally calming down and saying sullenly against her neck, “I won’t die. If anyone dies it will be them. You and I will grow old together.”

Seeing his gloomy expression, Ye Lia couldn’t help but laugh softly. Raising her hand to gently stroke his silver hair, she smiled, “Isn’t My Lord already white-haired now?”

Mo Xiuyao raised his head to look at her beautiful smiling face and said, “I want to wait until A’Li’s hair is white too, then it will count as growing old together. A’Li, you’re not angry anymore, right?”

Ye Lia sighed softly, “You must keep your word. If there’s a next time, I won’t just be angry. Do you know how scared I was when I heard from Helian Peng that you charged into the Northern Rong camp alone?” This wasn’t just Ye Lia trying to frighten Mo Xiuyao – when she first heard Helian Peng’s words, she had truly been frightened. Though she knew Mo Xiuyao was safe, if today he could charge into the Northern Rong camp because of her being intercepted by Helian Peng, tomorrow he might do something even more dangerous. Unless Ye Lia did nothing and stayed by Mo Xiuyao’s side without leaving a step, they both knew this was impossible, at least for now.

“It won’t happen again, I absolutely won’t make A’Li worry again. Once I kill those irritating people, we’ll go traveling and sightseeing, and never deal with these matters again. Then wherever A’Li wants to go, I’ll accompany A’Li there.” Mo Xiuyao quickly promised while secretly calculating in his heart. So it was Helian Peng who revealed his actions, very good… The extremely grudge-holding Prince Consort made a heavy mental note about Helian Peng.

Though these years had passed steadily, Mo Xiuyao’s determination to kill certain people remained extremely firm. Ye Lia didn’t try to manage him – compared to those unrelated people, the most important thing was that the man before her remained safe and sound. “Good, I’ll wait for you.”

Mo Xiuyao secretly breathed a sigh of relief. A’Li rarely got angry, but once angry she was very difficult to appease. The jewelry, gifts, and sweet words that women typically liked did not affect her. However, seeing Ye Lia so worried about him made Mo Xiuyao extremely happy. He affectionately nuzzled her slender neck with his nose, placing delicate kisses on her face and lips, “A’Li, having you by my side is so wonderful… don’t leave me…”

If he had never met her in his life, Mo Xiuyao could barely imagine what his life would have been like. One day, when he could no longer endure the hatred and violence in his heart, he would have unhesitatingly destroyed Chu, destroying the entire world in the fastest way possible, even if it meant destroying the Mo Family Army and the Prince Consort’s manor in the process. It was truly because of Ye Lia that he wanted to be with her forever, to watch her live happily by his side. Then came Mo Xiaobao, and though that little troublemaker was mischievous and always opposed him, making him sometimes wish the child had never been born, he still wanted to watch him grow up safely and then go torment others, rather than end up like his former self – full of pain, hiding in darkness, silently nurturing poison and killing intent with hatred. It was precisely because of these things that he could slow his steps, balance and calculate, gradually strengthen the Prince Consort manor’s power, establishing himself as undefeatable in this chaotic world before destroying those he hated, rather than choosing mutual destruction from the start.

The deep, bone-deep obsession contained in Mo Xiuyao’s soft murmurs moved Ye Lia as well. In past lives and present, in two lifetimes, who had ever loved her as deeply as Mo Xiuyao? Not for her family background, not for her abilities, but purely for her, Ye Lia herself. And she, when had she ever cared for and cherished someone like this? Even knowing the man before her was never as harmless as he appeared to her, that his heart harbored countless grievances and killing intent – in the past, she would have likely regarded him as a potential criminal with antisocial tendencies and carefully guarded against him. But now, she only worried that he would harm himself because of it.

“Silly, where else could I go but by your side?” Holding his handsome face against hers, Ye Lia raised her head to slowly kiss those cool, thin lips, “Xiuyao, I love you. Do you understand? In my heart, you are the most important. No matter what you’re like, you are the one I love.”

Mo Xiuyao was stunned, wild with joy at these words that seemed to fall from heaven like divine music. He held the back of Ye Lia’s head, taking control to deepen the kiss, “A’Li, I love you… Mo Xiuyao will only love you, life after life…”

In the tent, a couple married for ten years, two lovers held each other tightly, deeply entangled…

“Reporting to My Lord and Lady, Feng Zhiyao seeks an audience!” Outside the tent, Feng Zhiyao’s voice came neither loud nor soft, but perfectly timed to interrupt the two passionate lovers. Mo Xiuyao’s face immediately darkened, wishing he could send Feng Zhiyao flying ten thousand li away.

Seeing him like this, Ye Lia couldn’t help but smile as she pushed Mo Xiuyao away and stood up to go to the inner chamber to adjust her clothes. Only then did Mo Xiuyao, black-faced, allow Feng Zhiyao to enter. As soon as he stepped into the tent, Feng Zhiyao felt a wave of cold resentment hit him. Looking up at Mo Xiuyao who was staring at him, he felt bewildered. Had the Prince been scolded by his wife and was in a bad mood? But… was it gentlemanly to transfer anger from being scolded by one’s wife onto subordinates?

But the Third Young Master Feng overestimated the Prince Consort’s character. Never mind transferring anger – His Highness wouldn’t have the slightest psychological burden even directly venting on him, let alone now when someone had interrupted his intimate moment. Mo Xiuyao stared coldly at Feng Zhiyao, “Third Feng, what is it?” It had better be important – if Feng Zhiyao dared say he came to drink and chat, he should prepare to pack his things and spend the rest of his life holed up in the Western Regions’ frontier.

Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow – he did have important matters, “Just received news that Helian Zhen has secretly left the Northern Rong camp heading south.”

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, “South? What is Helian Zhen going south for?” Helian Zhen had never been to Jiangnan in his life – wouldn’t he get lost? Feng Zhiyao gave him an exasperated look. Had someone’s brain stopped working as soon as his wife returned? “We’re at war, and the Northern Rong are being pushed back step by step. Helian Zhen isn’t staying in the military camp but running south – does My Lord think he’s going sightseeing?”

Mo Xiuyao finally pulled his thoughts back from his earlier joy and hostility toward Feng Zhiyao, saying calmly, “He wants to ally with Lei Zhenting against the Prince Consort’s manor.”

“Congratulations, My Lord, your brain is still functioning.” Feng Zhiyao said sarcastically.

Mo Xiuyao stared at him, suddenly showing a sinister smile, “Third Feng, I’ve noticed you’ve been quite dissatisfied with me lately.” Feng Zhiyao couldn’t help but shudder, suddenly remembering that the man before him was never one to be magnanimous or forget grudges. He was indeed dissatisfied with Mo Xiuyao, but there was no need to let him know and create more dissatisfaction later. Most importantly, if Mo Xiuyao wanted to deal with someone, he couldn’t handle it. Mo Jingli, who had been unfortunate from childhood to the point of becoming twisted in character, was a warning example.

“How could that be? My Lord’s virtue matches heaven and earth, your might shakes all directions – I can barely keep up with my admiration.” Feng Zhiyao said with an apologetic smile.

“Hypocrite,” Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly.

Feng Zhiyao looked wordlessly at the sky – as long as you’re happy. Being hypocritical occasionally… wasn’t such a big deal.

“What are you discussing?” Ye Lia came out from inside, looking curiously at the two men with their different expressions. Feng Zhiyao looked at the Princess Consort coming out, then at Mo Xiuyao’s gloomy, displeased face, and rubbing his nose, suddenly felt he understood.

“Reporting to Princess Consort, Helian Zhen has secretly gone south. This servant was asking My Lord whether to send people to intercept him.” Feng Zhiyao said seriously.

Hearing this, Ye Lia looked at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao said lazily, “Why stop him? If we stop Helian Zhen, someone else will go. Even if no one does, we’ll have to face Lei Zhenting sooner or later anyway.” Feng Zhiyao looked somewhat troubled at Mo Xiuyao and said, “Even if we’ll eventually face Lei Zhenting, facing two powers simultaneously right now seems a bit…” Dealing with them one after another would certainly be easier than facing two strong countries at the same time.

Mo Xiuyao smiled at him, wagging one finger, “Not two powers, but three. Do you think Mo Jingli eats vegetarian?”

Hearing Mo Xiuyao’s words, Feng Zhiyao couldn’t help but change color. The Mo Family Army might win steadily against the Northern Rong alone, but adding Lei Zhenting would stretch them thin. If Mo Jingli joined too… even if Mo Jingli was foolish, he still commanded a million troops. With three powers combined, even if they were millions of pigs, they could still crush the Mo Family Army.

“My Lord…”

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand and smiled, “Don’t worry. We’ve come through so many years – can’t I outmaneuver them?”

I’m afraid you’ll get us all killed, Feng Zhiyao secretly grumbled, while glancing at Ye Lia. Ye Lia lowered her head in thought, her mind continuously calculating the current situation, “Can we resolve the Northern Rong first with a quick victory?”

Mo Xiuyao shook his head and smiled, “Now that Helian Zhen has left, Yelü Ye will certainly defend steadfastly and not come out. A quick victory is impossible.” Yelü Ye wasn’t one of those brutes who could be provoked into rushing out to fight to the death. If he wanted to hole up in his shell and not come out, there was no way to force him for the time being. “Not just the King of Southern Garrison and Mo Jingli – Yelü Ye has probably also sent people to the Northern Rong court for reinforcements.”

Feng Zhiyao’s face darkened somewhat, “Why don’t you just tell me how many troops we’ll be facing? So I can think about what last arrangements I haven’t made.”

Mo Xiuyao embraced Ye Lia and laughed loudly, “No need to worry so much – it’s not certain whether reinforcements from the Northern Rong court will even make it here.”

Ye Lia raised an elegant eyebrow, “Yelü Hong?”

Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Correct. Even if Yelü Hong wants to watch the tigers fight from the mountain, he has to worry about whether Yelü Ye will throw all of Northern Rong’s military power into this bottomless pit of the Central Plains.” Since the Northern Rong began their military campaign against Great Chu more than two years ago, Yelü Ye had mobilized no less than 1.5 million troops from Northern Rong, but now the forces under his command were less than 700,000. A full 700-800,000 troops had been thrown into the Central Plains, yet in reality, the Northern Rong court had gained very limited benefits.

Feng Zhiyao finally relaxed slightly, nodding, “That’s good, but… since My Lord doesn’t plan to stop Helian Zhen, shouldn’t we make some preparations?” Not to mention trying to face a three-nation alliance with less than a million troops under the Mo Family Army’s command – if that were the case, Feng Zhiyao felt he might as well die first.

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment, then asked, “A’Li, how many troops can we expand to now?”

Ye Lia calculated briefly, then said, “At the quickest, in about two months, we should be able to mobilize one million troops. After that, we can commit another 500-600,000 to the battlefield. Any more would likely damage the foundation of the Prince Consort’s manor.”

The reason the Mo Family Army’s forces had always been limited was that the Prince Consort’s manor had used many resources for governing civilian life. This had both advantages and disadvantages – the disadvantage was insufficient troops, as the Mo Family Army valued quality over quantity. The advantage was that the Prince Consort’s manor had abundant resources of various kinds, with extremely strong sustainability and potential for war. Even several consecutive years of warfare wouldn’t raise concerns about military supplies and provisions, and wouldn’t even affect the lives of civilians under the Prince Consort’s manor.

However, even the best cards were useless if there was no chance to play them. Therefore, if it truly came to a life-and-death struggle, they would have to extensively recruit civilians even if it damaged the foundation of the people under Prince Consort Manor’s rule.

Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and said, “No need. First, mobilize 800,000 troops, and keep the rest ready. We can supplement after next year’s spring planting.”

“Will this work?” Feng Zhiyao was somewhat worried, feeling Mo Xiuyao’s outlook was too optimistic. How could there be such a good thing as wanting to avoid damaging civilian farming while also achieving a great victory?

Mo Xiuyao looked at him calmly and said, “It has to work. Or do you think this war can be finished in two or three months?”

Feng Zhiyao rubbed his nose and remained silent. Many wars, once started, could last three to five years – it was common. The Mo Family Army had to face three countries simultaneously; if they didn’t keep some cards in reserve, even if they didn’t lose on the battlefield, their rear would be dragged into destitution. He sighed helplessly and said, “I understand.”

“Reporting to My Lord and Lady, urgent news from Jiangnan!” Outside the door, Zhuo Jing’s voice carried a hint of urgency. Ye Lia suddenly felt a bad feeling rise in her heart. She glanced at Mo Xiuyao and quickly said, “Come in and speak.”

Zhuo Jing hurried in, holding a letter in his hand, “Lin Han sent a messenger pigeon – Young Master Qingchen has disappeared!”