After leaving the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion, Yun Ge kept sneaking glances at Xu Qingchen as they walked back. For some reason, she felt afraid when Qingchen wasn’t smiling, and even more afraid when he did smile. Looking down at her small hands, which weren’t particularly delicate but still slender, Yun Ge sighed with a bitter expression. This time it wasn’t even her fault, so why was Xu Qingchen still angry? Her hand would break from all this writing… Why hadn’t she noticed before how easily Qingchen got angry?

Of course, these thoughts remained only in young Yun Ge’s mind. Even if she said them aloud, no one would believe her. Young Master Qingchen, prone to anger? In this world, you couldn’t even count on one hand the number of people who had seen him angry. The divine young master’s grace and cultivation were universally praised. What demon dared to slander Young Master Qingchen? They should be driven out!

Xu Qingchen naturally saw her actions but merely smiled faintly without explanation, only asking, “Now that we can’t find the people you’re looking for, what are your plans, Yun Ge?”

Yun Ge blinked, responding somewhat dejectedly, “It’s alright. They’re all dead, so no wonder they didn’t come to get me. I’m grown up now, I can manage on my own.”

Xu Qingchen shook his head, saying, “It’s not safe for you to be alone. As I told you before, come with me to Li City.”

Yun Ge quickly shook her head. Though she grew up in the countryside, these past few days had been enough for her to understand the status of the Xu family. Most importantly, even the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion felt restrictive upon entering. The Xu family was even grander, and they were all scholars – surely they had even more rules.

Xu Qingchen smiled knowingly, “The Xu family doesn’t have many people, nor many rules. Everyone lives as they please. Your father left instructions for someone to take you in because he worried about you living alone in the mountains. If you can’t find anyone and return to the mountains now, wouldn’t that make your father’s worries come true? Come with me to Li City – everyone there is kind. Be good and listen.”

“Umm…” Yun Ge turned her bewildered eyes around, her bright pupils filled with uncertainty.

Xu Qingchen sighed softly, reaching out to tuck a playful strand of hair behind her ear, saying gently, “If you don’t like it, I can help you find another place to live. But at least in Li City, there will be people to look after you. You saved my life – do you want people to say I’m ungrateful? Besides, didn’t you say I still need three months of medicine? Abandoning a half-treated patient isn’t proper medical practice. My grandfather lives at the Lishan Academy outside Li City, which is also protected by Prince Ding’s people. You could move there to live – wouldn’t that be just like living in the mountains?”

“Xu Qingchen…” Yun Ge bit her cherry lips, looking at him, “I know you’re insisting I go to Li City because you’re worried about me living alone in the mountains with no one to care for me. Thank you… you’re truly a good person.”

“Then you should be good and listen, understand?” Xu Qingchen smiled.

“Mm, then… I’ll trouble you from now on. How about I give you all the things my father left me?” Yun Ge’s eyes brightened as she spoke cheerfully. She had nothing, and it felt wrong to keep eating and living at Xu Qingchen’s expense. Better to give him the things her father left behind – that way neither side would lose out. Father said those things were all very good and important.

Young Master Qingchen’s lips twitched almost imperceptibly. He had seen the things Shen’s father left Yun Ge – not a single tael of gold or silver. But there were property deeds in Chu Capital hidden under the rosewood carving, night pearls that someone reportedly played with as marbles in childhood stored in an unremarkable small bag, a chest of authentic calligraphy and paintings that scholars across the land would fight over (which she was strictly forbidden from carelessly moving), plus many rare medical texts and precious medicines. These were the dowry Shen’s father had prepared for his daughter.

Yun Ge, who thought herself poor but was quite wealthy, felt guilty and planned to use these things as rent and living expenses. Xu Qingchen coughed lightly, “No need, those are mementos your father left you. In the future, just remember to save me without charging if I’m injured again.”

“Xu Qingchen, you are a good person.” Yun Ge gazed at him with tears in her eyes. She was so awful – how could she have thought Xu Qingchen was fierce? Miss Yun Ge happily followed Young Master Qingchen back to copy books, completely forgetting what had happened at the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion. She also forgot that Young Master Qingchen had only been seriously injured once in his life – who knew when she would ever be able to repay her rent and living expenses.

At the Marquis of Muyang’s Mansion

Mu Yang looked oddly at his father’s gloomy face. Just from his father’s expression, he knew his father must have known this Shen Fengru – why wouldn’t he admit it? Even stranger was that Young Master Qingchen hadn’t pressed further, as if he couldn’t tell father was lying. Or rather, as if he was just asking as a formality and would have left regardless of his father’s answer. And that final thing Young Master Qingchen said was even stranger… “all dead” – however you looked at it, it seemed to be cursing the Marquis of Muyang’s household. But would Young Master Qingchen curse others so openly?

“Father, what’s going on? Young Master Qingchen and Miss Yun Ge…”

The Old Madam Mu frowned, “That young lady is called Yun Ge?”

Mu Yang nodded. Old Madam Mu sighed softly but said nothing more. Yaoxi spoke indifferently, “It seems Young Master Qingchen values that young lady quite highly. Today the old marquis…”

“You are clever indeed.” Because Yaoxi had given birth to the Mu family’s only son, and in recent years had conducted herself very properly, sometimes helping Mu Yang handle household matters even more thoroughly than a true daughter-in-law would, the old Marquis of Muyang wasn’t angry at her speaking up. He just spoke flatly, clearly showing that Yaoxi had guessed why Xu Qingchen brought Yun Ge to their mansion.

Sighing, the Marquis of Muyang said, “Indeed, we did know Shen Fengru. That Miss Yun Ge is your cousin.”

“Cousin?” Mu Yang exclaimed in surprise. He had never heard he had such a cousin. Come to think of it, when this Yun Ge was born, he must have been nearly twenty already – if he truly had such a cousin, how could he not remember?

Old Madam Mu nodded, “That young lady’s mother was my younger sister by blood, your maternal aunt.”

Mu Yang had a moment of realization. He did remember having a blood-related maternal aunt. But this aunt was only three or four years older than himself, and had extremely poor health from childhood – she seemed to have passed away at sixteen. He had only seen this aunt a few times, so his impression wasn’t very deep. If Mother hadn’t mentioned it, he probably would have forgotten long ago.

Mu Yang immediately understood why his father wouldn’t acknowledge her. Given the current relationship between Great Chu and Prince Ding’s mansion, how could Father dare recognize someone Young Master Qingchen personally delivered? Wouldn’t that make King Li suspect the Marquis of Muyang’s household of colluding with Prince Ding’s mansion? Yet ironically, if they truly could establish ties with Prince Ding’s mansion, that wouldn’t be bad. The problem was that the cliff incident involving Prince Ding’s mansion years ago was largely caused by the Marquis of Muyang – how could Prince Ding not hold a grudge? All these years, Prince Ding not taking action against the Marquis of Muyang’s household already had the Marquis feeling uneasy, how could he dare hope to seek refuge in Prince Ding’s mansion? The Marquis of Muyang’s household and Prince Ding’s mansion were destined to be enemies.

But Mu Yang hadn’t expected that bold young lady with considerable martial arts skills to be his cousin. Having grown up without many siblings, Mu Yang felt a faint regret, but since that young lady now had Prince Ding’s household looking after her, they needn’t worry. Better not to meet again.

When Xu Qingchen brought Yun Ge back to the small courtyard, they were immediately met by Ye Li’s unsurprised smiling eyes. Ye Li didn’t ask much, just took Yun Ge back to her room to pack and prepare to leave Jiangnan.

That evening, the group left Nanjing, still traveling north by boat on the waterway. The whole of Nanjing was stirring with anxiety over the young emperor’s critical illness – most people didn’t even know that Prince Ding’s wife and Young Master Qingchen had come and gone, taking their young emperor with them.

The large ship sailed steadily on the water. On deck, Xu Qingchen and Ye Li sat facing each other, enjoying the unprecedented sight of waves on the sea before them. In the cabin, Yun Ge was attentively caring for Mo Suyun, who had been unconscious since boarding.

Xu Qingchen leisurely drank his tea, glancing at Ye Li across from him, “Will it be right to leave Dong Fangyou’s matter to Qin Feng?” Ye Li looked at Xu Qingchen teasingly, “Looks like Big Brother was also scared by Dong Fangyou? Don’t worry, Qin Feng handles things just as steadily – there won’t be any problems.” As for exactly how Qin Feng would deal with Dong Fangyou, no one cared. As long as they confirmed Dong Fangyou was completely dead, that was enough.

“Li’er accomplished quite a few things on this trip to Jiangnan,” Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. Though they came to save him, the additional gains were quite considerable. Ye Ying’s final strike would keep Mo Jingli from leaving Nanjing for a month or two, plus he had to deal with the aftermath of Mo Suyun’s departure and plan his ascension to the throne – it would be somewhat difficult for Great Chu to deploy troops in the short term. Even if Mo Jingli agreed to ally with Xiling and the Northern Rong, by the time he could personally travel north, it would likely be next year.

Ye Li smiled softly, “By then, either the Northern Rong or Xiling should have retreated, right? When Mo Jingli deploys troops then, the Mo family army will face less pressure.”

Xu Qingchen nodded, “Li’er has thought it through very thoroughly. Moreover… Li’er planted several nails in their military supplies – when the time comes, how much strength Mo Jingli’s army can muster may still be unknown.”

“Big brother praises too much.” Ye Li laughed behind her sleeve, then looked back at the busy young woman in the half-open cabin and asked, “How does Big Brother plan to arrange for Yun Ge? Originally if Wuyou were still in Li City, Yun Ge could keep her company, but Wuyou went to Xiling. Should Big Brother send her to Prince Ding’s mansion? She could also keep Madam Yang company. Madam Yang’s learning, etiquette, and talents are first-rate – she could teach her as well?”

Xu Qingchen glanced at her indifferently, “No need, mother and second aunt can teach her too. Besides, second uncle’s mansion is right next to ours – sister-in-law can also keep her company.”

Ye Li blinked and smiled, “Zheng’er probably wishes she could spend all day fussing over the children now – how would she have time? And the same goes for eldest aunt and second aunt – our two little ones are still at the Xu house.” Taking care of two infants under a year old was quite demanding indeed.

“I have my arrangements,” Xu Qingchen said.

Ye Li nodded and smiled, “Very well, after all, Yun Ge is Big Brother’s lifesaver – how to settle her is entirely up to you.”

Xu Qingchen pretended not to hear the teasing in his cousin’s words, calmly holding his teacup as he admired the maritime scenery. Worried about being intercepted by the Garrison South Prince’s mansion en route, they hadn’t taken the canal waterway, instead going directly to the sea outlet and heading north by sea. The Xiling army had never been skilled in naval warfare.

They sailed for over ten days before disembarking at a port not far from Changxing City, the original Chu capital. Xu Qingchen led Yun Ge and Mo Suyun slowly back toward Li City, while Ye Li mounted a swift horse as soon as she landed, heading with her people toward the battlefield.

Though Ye Li’s round trip to Jiangnan had taken nearly two months, the north was already a world of bitter wind and snow.

Lei Zhenting had led nearly a million troops to the border adjoining the Mo family army. This time, not only was Lei Zhenting personally commanding, but Lei Tengfeng had also come along. Lei Zhenting was determined to capture the Mo family army in one sweep. He knew in his heart that if he missed this chance, Lei Zhenting might never have had another opportunity to defeat Prince Ding’s mansion and the Mo family army in his lifetime. The three-nation allied army indeed had very good odds of victory, but unfortunately, they got off to a bad start – before they could properly begin fighting, Mo Jingli’s side had dropped the ball. Besides silently cursing Mo Jingli in his heart, Lei Zhenting could do nothing.

Although they couldn’t wait for Great Chu’s army to arrive, Xiling and Northern Rong combined still had nearly two million troops. More importantly, these two forces – one from the south and one from the north – had the Mo family army caught in the middle. This forced the Mo family army to face enemies on both fronts. Just looking at the geographical advantage, it was indeed much better than their previous alliance with the Northern Border.

By now, Mo Xiuyao had pulled back from the border near the Northern Rong army to Wei City, a major city in Great Chu’s north. Wei City was less than a hundred li from Mount Lingjiu, not far from Feihong Pass, and similarly not far from Lei Zhenting’s army. It was also a necessary route for Northern Rong to advance south from the northwest. With the great battle approaching, Mo Xiuyao, as supreme commander of the Mo family army, naturally couldn’t charge into battle on the front lines like before. He needed to control both the Xiling and Northern Rong battlefronts simultaneously, so he had to quietly withdraw from the front lines.

When Ye Li arrived at Wei City, she didn’t notify anyone, going directly to the former General’s mansion where Mo Xiuyao was temporarily staying. These places recaptured by the Mo family army had gradually returned to normal over the past half year. The best mansion in the city, the Governor’s residence, was naturally reserved for Wei City’s officials to work, so Mo Xiuyao had to squeeze into the General’s mansion with his subordinates. Fortunately, most of the Mo family army’s commanders were leading troops in battle on the front lines, and only Feng Zhiyao and Marquis Nan, among others, remained by Mo Xiuyao’s side. Even Fu Zhao had personally gone out to lead troops, so the not-so-large General’s mansion didn’t feel crowded at all.

When Ye Li arrived at the General’s mansion, she startled the guards at the gate. Once they recovered, they hurriedly came forward to greet her and invite the princess consort inside.

Ye Li didn’t mind the guards’ small lapse in composure, smiling as she asked, “Is the prince in the mansion?”

The guard nodded, “In reply to the princess consort, the prince is here with Third Young Master Feng and Marquis Nan.”

Only after entering did she learn that Mo Xiuyao and the others were discussing matters in the study. Ye Li stood at the door hesitating, about to leave first, but those inside had already noticed her presence. The study door was pulled open from within, and Mo Xiuyao stood in the doorway smiling at her, “Li’er, why don’t you come in now that you’re back?” Ye Li looked inside questioningly, “Aren’t you discussing matters?”

Mo Xiuyao grabbed her hand and pulled her inside, “It’s nothing important, besides, what in the prince’s mansion could you not hear?”

Inside, Feng Zhiyao and Marquis Nan looked somewhat surprised at Ye Li being pulled in by Mo Xiuyao. Feng Zhiyao reacted fastest, grinning teasingly at Mo Xiuyao, “The prince’s skills are indeed profound, able to hear the princess consort’s return while sitting in the study.”

Marquis Nan looked at the smirking Feng Zhiyao, then at Mo Xiuyao who, though coldly glancing at Feng Zhiyao, had warmth in his eyes, and shook his head helplessly, “The princess consort has returned. Young Master Qingchen…”

This is why older people are more reliable. These people didn’t even ask about her trip to Jiangnan.

Ye Li smiled, “Thank you for your concern, Marquis. All is well. Big brother rested for two days in the Chu capital before preparing to return to Li City.” Feng Zhiyao looked at Ye Li with a grin, “Princess consort, I heard Young Master Qingchen brought back a skilled young beauty?” News of Ye Li’s activities in Jiangnan had naturally been reported back to Prince Ding’s mansion by secret guards, which inevitably included mention of Yun Ge. As for “skilled young beauty,” who knows which secret guard came up with that description?

Ye Li tilted her head, quietly observing Feng Zhiyao for a moment before nodding, “Indeed, she is a beautiful young lady, with excellent martial arts and medical skills. Would you like me to ask Big Brother to introduce you?”

Feng Zhiyao quickly ducked his head, rubbing his handsome face that had frozen mid-smile, and said wryly, “Better not, I dare not offend Young Master Qingchen.” Young Master Qingchen had only brought back such a beautiful young lady after several decades – if he rushed to meet her, wouldn’t the Xu family crowd tear him apart?

Mo Xiuyao was also quite curious. Though Xu Qingchen appeared gentle and approachable, he had very high standards – it wasn’t easy to catch his eye. “I heard that young lady has connections to the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion?” If so, that wouldn’t be good. If that young lady truly had connections to the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion, better have Xu Qingchen change his mind quickly. He couldn’t possibly consider Xu Qingchen’s feelings when dealing with that old fox the Marquis of Muyang in the future, could he?

Ye Li smiled faintly, “There are no connections now.”

“How so?” Feng Zhiyao and Marquis Nan both looked at Ye Li. Feng Zhiyao wanted to hear gossip, while Marquis Nan, having some grudges against the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion, needed to consider how to appropriately treat that young lady if they met in the future.

Ye Li recounted how Xu Qingchen personally took Yun Ge to the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion and brought her back. Feng Zhiyao stared at Ye Li with wide eyes, asking somewhat incredulously, “So, Young Master Qingchen just cursed their whole family to death right in front of the Marquis of Muyang and his entire family? How did the Marquis not stab him a few times?” Young Master Qingchen was truly extraordinary – usually appearing refined and cultured, with profound cultivation, who knew his curses could be so deadly?

Ye Li shrugged and smiled, “That’s what I heard from young Miss Yun Ge.”

Feng Zhiyao silently decided he would not provoke Miss Yun Ge.

Marquis Nan thought for a moment and said, “That young lady should be the Marquis of Muyang’s wife’s niece. Come to think of it, she has some connection to Doctor Shen too.”

Oh? The other three looked curiously at Marquis Nan, who shook his head and smiled, “These are old stories from the capital – naturally the prince and princess consort wouldn’t pay attention to such matters. But our family and the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion…” The Marquis Nan’s mansion and the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion had never gotten along, so naturally they were particularly clear about other families’ less-than-pleasant affairs. Marquis Nan continued, “The Marquis of Muyang’s wife had a much younger full sister who was very sickly from childhood – not many in the Chu capital knew her. But when they sought doctors for treatment, she ran away with a young physician. The Marquis of Muyang’s wife’s family naturally couldn’t bear such shame, so they just said the young lady died of illness. That physician was Shen Yang’s nephew. Although Shen Yang was a renowned doctor and the Shen family was a prestigious medical family, the Marquis of Muyang’s wife’s family was still a great noble house – how could they agree to marry their daughter to a doctor? I heard the princess consort say that young lady’s surname is Shen and she has connections to the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion – it must be her.”

Ye Li asked curiously, “When Mrs. Shen eloped back then, how could Doctor Shen be sure he could entrust his daughter to the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion before his death?” Although the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion had indeed refused to care for Yun Ge now, that was largely due to Xu Qingchen and Prince Ding’s mansion.

Marquis Nan smiled, “As for that, I heard the Marquis of Muyang’s wife and Mrs. Shen were extremely close. Though their age gap was large, they were sisters but as close as mother and daughter. Moreover, Shen Fengru had saved the Marquis of Muyang’s life back then. Looking after the Shen family’s descendants wouldn’t be anything difficult – he would naturally agree. But this time… the Marquis of Muyang has always been one to bend with the wind and avoid danger out of instinct. Since Miss Shen became involved with Young Master Qingchen, the Marquis absolutely wouldn’t dare keep her.”

“It’s good that there’s no connection to the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion.” Mo Xiuyao nodded with satisfaction. Who exactly Shen Yun Ge’s parents were didn’t matter at all. “Li’er looks like the Xu family will have quite a few weddings next year.” Apart from the youngest Xu Qingyan, all the Xu young masters had found matches.

Ye Li smiled slightly, “That’s not necessarily true.” From what she could see, Shen Yun Ge currently had no such thoughts about Young Master Qingchen. Although Yun Ge was already fifteen or sixteen, the age when young girls typically begin to experience romantic feelings, she had grown up in the mountains with little contact with others, so her understanding of such matters would likely come later. If one were to describe her feelings toward Xu Qingchen, in Yun Ge’s own words they would be: good person, very clever, very impressive, very fierce…

So Young Master Qingchen’s prospects were rather worrying. Moreover, Ye Li hadn’t quite figured out exactly what Young Master Qingchen’s feelings toward Miss Yun Ge were either.