On this day, Li City was exceptionally lively. The last time it had been this bustling was a year ago during Master Qingyun’s birthday celebration, but back then, most guests who came to attend the banquet had ulterior motives and hidden agendas. This time, however, everyone came with a different mindset—a complex mixture of awe and admiration, along with subtle hints of goodwill.

Over the past year, both Prince Ding’s manor and the entire world had undergone earth-shattering changes. Anyone with eyes could see that no one could rival Prince Ding anymore, at least not for the next decade. Everyone unconsciously began to worry that once Prince Ding’s manor recovered its strength, would they once again dispatch troops to conquer in all directions? And who could resist Prince Ding’s cavalry then? If it weren’t for the recent defeat of the Three Kingdom Alliance, and if the current family names and powers weren’t so disparate in strength, there might have been another allied army siege. But now, since they lacked the strength for confrontation, they could only show weakness.

This banquet was held in Prince Ding’s manor. Since it was just the first birthday celebration for two children, the manor didn’t extensively invite guests—only envoys from various countries and Prince Ding’s civil and military officials were present. Other notable figures and wealthy merchants weren’t invited, so naturally, there weren’t many guests. However, the common people of Li City still celebrated as if it were a festival.

In the inner courtyard of Prince Ding’s manor, the two babies woke up early and were dressed in new, exquisite clothes. They were held by Ye Li as they played with Hua Tianxiang and others who had arrived early. Both Madame Xu and Qin Zheng had gone too busy themselves with banquet preparations, so the children were left in the care of several unmarried young ladies.

“Mother… mother…” Xin’er, wearing a pink dress embroidered with lotus flowers, a delicate longevity lock necklace, and silver bangles on both wrists and ankles, sat in Mo Wuyou’s lap, looking as beautiful as a jade maiden beside Guanyin in a painting.

Wuyou smiled and stroked Xin’er’s little face, saying, “Little Xin’er, the mother is busy, she’ll come to see you soon.” Having not seen her mother since waking up early, Xin’er became unhappy. “Mother, mother…”

Nearby, Lin’er, hearing his sister call for their mother, joined in the commotion. Moreover, Lin’er was more action-oriented than his sister, crawling up from the soft mat and wobbling towards the outside. Hua Tianxiang quickly picked him up, “Be good, Lin’er, mother will come to see you soon. Good baby, play with sister first.”

Hearing the word “sister,” Lin’er immediately turned his head to look at Xin’er. Once Hua Tianxiang put them together, the siblings cuddled up and forgot about wanting to find their mother. Watching the siblings sit on the wide couch babbling in words adults couldn’t understand, everyone couldn’t help but smile.

“Xin’er, brother has come to see you!” From outside the door, Mo Xiaobao led Xu Zhirui, Leng Junhan, and Qin Lie as they excitedly rushed in, arms outstretched to hug Xin’er. Xin’er also liked her brother Xiaobao, immediately reaching out her little hands for a hug.

Xiaobao happily held his sister in his arms, looking smugly at the other children. However, he showed complete disdain for his brother nearby, thoroughly upholding Prince Ding Manor’s glorious tradition of treating girls as treasures and boys as grass. The one-year-old little Mo Yufeng equally disliked his brother. Seeing Xiaobao take away the sister who was always with him, he immediately became angry, “Xiaobao bad! Sister… sister!”

Being called by his nickname by his brother, Xiaobao’s handsome little face immediately darkened. However, Xin’er in his arms looked back at her brother, then at the brother holding her, hesitated for a moment, and still reached out her little hands toward her brother on the couch, “Brother, brother…”

Helplessly, Xiaobao had to put his sister back on the couch. The two little ones hugged each other again, and Mo Yufeng even glared at Xiaobao with his big watery eyes, as if looking at a villain trying to separate him from his sister.

Seeing Xiaobao’s face twisted with anger, everyone laughed uncharitably.

“How did young master come here?” Mo Wuyou asked with a covered smile. Xiaobao had always had a good relationship with Mo Wuyou since childhood. Hearing her question, he smiled and said, “It’s very busy outside. Mother thought we were in the way, so she let me come see my brother and sister.”

Mo Wuyou nodded; today was indeed very busy. Moreover, the Nanzhao Princess was still missing, and with people coming and going into Prince Ding’s manor, it probably wasn’t completely safe. In comparison, the inner courtyard, heavily guarded and closed to miscellaneous personnel, was much safer. Mo Wuyou smiled, “That’s very good then. Young master can stay with me, Tianxiang, and Yunge to look after Lin’er and Xin’er.”

Xiaobao cast a resentful glance at his siblings cuddling lovingly on the couch. He wasn’t trying to be the evil mother-in-law separating a pair of mandarin ducks!

No matter how bustling and crowded the front courtyard of Prince Ding’s manor was, the study in the inner courtyard remained as peaceful as ever. As hosts, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li weren’t out receiving guests but leisurely sat reading in the study. Given Prince Ding Manor’s current power and status, there were very few guests worthy of their personal reception, and truly important guests generally wouldn’t arrive early.

Mo Xiuyao leisurely flipped through an unofficial history book, half-lying on the couch with his head on Ye Li’s lap, his snow-white hair casually spread across her knees with a few strands falling to the ground.

“Reporting to Your Highness and Lady, the Queen of Nanzhao has entered the city,” Zhuo Jing reported calmly at the door.

Mo Xiuyao turned a page in his book and responded indifferently, “Understood. Have people keep watch. Save the Queen of Nanzhao at the appropriate time. Tell them not to act rashly and try to ensure the Queen’s safety.”

“Your servant obeys.”

Ye Li slightly furrowed her brow and asked, “What about the little prince?”

Qin Feng was silent for a moment before saying gravely, “We haven’t seen the little prince yet, but… we’ve placed scouts in all possible hiding places in Li City, so… your servant suspects Mo Jingli might have hidden the young master in places we wouldn’t suspect.”

Ye Li remained silent; she naturally understood what Qin Feng was referring to. Looking down at Mo Xiuyao, who had his eyes half-closed, he said leisurely, “Do what needs to be done, we must rescue Nanzhao’s little prince. Nanzhao is… very important to us now.” What was important wasn’t Princess Anxi and the little prince, but their status. In recent years, Prince Ding’s manor had no plans to dispatch troops again, but even so, Western Ling and Great Chu still needed someone to keep them in check. And the fierce Southern Frontier located in the south was naturally the best choice. At least for the next few decades, Nanzhao would be Prince Ding Manor’s ally.

“Your servant understands, your servant takes leave.” With Mo Xiuyao’s position stated, Qin Feng naturally had no more reservations and turned to leave to handle matters.

In the room, Ye Li said calmly, “Mo Jingli must control more people than just Mo Jingyu.” Mo Jingyu had just arrived in Li City recently and had no foundation here. Mo Jingli’s ability to enter and leave Li City without a trace couldn’t be accomplished by Mo Jingyu alone. There must be people who were extremely familiar with Li City’s environment and various affairs helping in secret.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, “Naturally. In this world… there are always those with ulterior motives, waiting to turn coat at any time. If it weren’t for wanting to flush out these annoying insects, how would this king have left Mo Jingli alone for so long?”

“Will Mo Jingli realize you’re holding back?” Ye Li asked worriedly. If so, Princess Anxi and that child would be in danger. Mo Xiuyao smiled, “Whether he realizes it or not if Mo Jingli still wants to do something today, he’ll come. Moreover… I guess his mind is already blinded by hatred. Even if this king shows weakness right under his nose, he won’t see it.”

“You understand him well,” Ye Li frowned. Actually, in Ye Li’s view, Mo Jingli’s hatred for Mo Xiuyao seemed somewhat inexplicable. On the battlefield, victory and defeat were common matters of war, and one had to bear the consequences of winning or losing themselves. Mo Jingli hating Mo Xiuyao to the point of losing rationality over this was simply unimaginable. Moreover, given Mo Jingli’s current situation, shouldn’t he be more resentful of the Great Chu Empress Dowager and royal clan’s betrayal, and Western Ling’s exploitation? Prince Ding’s manor shouldn’t even rank among his grievances.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly; he naturally wouldn’t tell Ali what exactly he had done to Mo Jingli.

“Your servant Chen Xiufu requests an audience with Your Highness and Lady.” A voice sounded from outside. Mo Xiuyao sat up and said coldly, “Enter.” The study door was pushed open, and Chen Xiufu walked in, respectfully paying his respects, “Greetings to Your Highness and Lady.”

Ye Li smiled and said, “Master Xiuting needn’t be so formal. You’ve just arrived in Li City and are already entangled in various matters—you must be tired.”

Chen Xiufu cupped his hands and smiled, “My Lady’s words are too kind. These are my duties, I dare not speak of being tired.” These past few days had indeed not been easy for Chen Xiufu, to the point where he somewhat regretted being persuaded by a few words from Xu Qingbai to return with him. As soon as he arrived in Li City, Prince Ding immediately announced his appointment as Left Prime Minister. This instantly changed the attitudes of the originally courteous Great Chu noble families towards him. It was understandable—Prince Ding Manor’s military power was already in the hands of the Mo family army commanders who were loyal to Prince Ding, and of the two highest positions representing civil officials, one was occupied by the Xu family’s eldest son, while the other was given to him, an outsider from Western Ling. How could this not anger those who had been scheming and plotting these days? Having been disciplined by Prince Ding recently, these people naturally dared not discuss Prince Ding’s nepotism, so all their dissatisfaction was directed at him, the Left Prime Minister. A mighty dragon cannot crush a local snake—though Chen Xiufu was capable and skilled, he was still an outsider who had just arrived in Li City, so one can imagine how these past days had been.

Sometimes Chen Xiufu couldn’t help but suspect that Prince Ding appointed him as Left Prime Minister to suppress these old Great Chu noble families while also preventing him, as Left Prime Minister, from colluding with these people. But regardless of Prince Ding’s intentions, Chen Xiufu knew he would accept the position of Left Prime Minister. Not for power, nor under Prince Ding’s pressure, but because only by standing higher could he realize his ideals and ambitions.

“What matter brings the Left Prime Minister here?” Unlike Ye Li, except for close associates like Xu Qingchen or old confidants of Prince Ding’s manor, Mo Xiuyao usually addressed people directly by name or title. This clearly showed the distinction between those close and distant, which might make people uncomfortable at first but would also make them more cautious. It indicated that the prince hadn’t yet considered them true confidants—ambitious people would naturally strive harder, while those who just wanted to get by would be more restrained. More importantly, it also demonstrated Prince Ding’s lofty status and authority, unconsciously inspiring feelings of submission.

Chen Xiufu nodded and said, “Your Highness, the Garrison South King of Western Ling requests an audience.”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, “Lei Tengfeng, what business does he have coming now?” Just as he finished speaking, Mo Xiuyao had a thought and said, “Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis…” Chen Xiufu smiled and said, “Indeed, congratulations Your Highness. We just received news that General Murong and the Southern Marquis have been advancing unstoppably, and have now approached the border city adjacent to Western Ling. Western Ling’s army has completely withdrawn.”

Hearing this news, not only Mo Xiuyao but also Ye Li’s mood improved. She smiled and said, “This is indeed good news.” If it were other officials, they would inevitably flatter at this point, saying how much good news arriving on the young master and little princess’s first birthday showed their great fortune and so on. But Chen Xiufu wouldn’t—firstly, his personality wouldn’t allow it; secondly, Chen Xiufu was originally from Western Ling, and such flattering words from him would seem somewhat heartless. So Chen Xiufu simply remained silent, waiting for Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li’s decision.

Mo Xiuyao stood up and smiled, “Very well, invite the Garrison South King in. Speaking of which… Ali, send word to Great Chu, have them send someone to discuss the matter of those three hundred thousand troops.” Although it was Great Chu’s forces that drove away Western Ling’s army, Mo Xiuyao had no intention of giving the lands north of the Yunlan River to Great Chu. Without Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis, a mere three hundred thousand men would have been nothing but fodder for Western Ling. Since he had contributed effort, naturally there must be benefits. Although Great Chu now had Mo Jingyu here, in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes, Mo Jingyu was practically a dead man, so Great Chu naturally needed to send someone else to negotiate.

Ye Li nodded, “I understand.”

“Prince Ding, My Lady, Master Xiuting.” Lei Tengfeng stepped into the reception hall outside the study, calmly nodding to them both. His expression was so composed that one couldn’t tell he had just received news of Western Ling’s latest defeat.

Ye Li smiled and nodded, “Garrison South King need not stand on ceremony, please sit.”

After Lei Tengfeng sat down, he cast a complex look at Chen Xiufu sitting in the seat of honor. This man had been one of Western Ling’s top scholars, with outstanding ability, wisdom, and ideas. Unfortunately, he hadn’t received important positions in Western Ling for decades, yet unexpectedly, less than a few years after Western Ling’s capital fell, he already held the position of Left Prime Minister in Prince Ding’s manor. Should one say Mo Xiuyao truly appointed people based on merit, or that others had been blind?

“Does the Garrison South King have some urgent matter?” Mo Xiuyao asked leisurely, leaning against his chair.

Lei Tengfeng laughed bitterly in his heart. Compared to Mo Xiuyao, his presence was naturally weaker, especially now when he was the one seeking help, coming here voluntarily put him at a disadvantage. But thinking of the news just received from the battlefield, Lei Tengfeng knew he had to swallow his pride. Currently, there were only Great Chu’s three hundred thousand troops and the two men, Murong Shen and Southern Marquis, on Western Ling’s border, but it was known that the central plains’ conflicts had all been settled. If Mo Xiuyao wished, he could dispatch the Mo family army’s cavalry and commanders to the south to reinforce Murong Shen and his companion at any time. That would truly be Western Ling’s disaster.

Cupping his hands, Lei Tengfeng said solemnly, “To be frank, my reason for disturbing Prince and Lady today is regarding the matter of a ceasefire between our armies. The Prince and Lady must have already received the frontline reports that Western Ling’s army has withdrawn to the pre-war border between Western Ling and Great Chu.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded and frowned, “A ceasefire is naturally a good thing. These years of continuous warfare have caused immense suffering to the common people everywhere. The Garrison South King’s desire to end the fighting greatly pleases me. However, the forces fighting Western Ling are Great Chu’s troops, so this matter… might need to be discussed with Great Chu’s Prince Yu first.”

Lei Tengfeng raised his eyebrows and looked at Mo Xiuyao seriously, “Why does Prince Ding pretend so? You and I both understand… although the fighting forces are South Chu’s army, whether to fight or make peace is ultimately Prince Ding’s decision, isn’t it? Moreover… Prince Yu probably won’t have the chance to discuss this matter with us anymore. Western Ling’s state affairs are pressing, and I cannot wait for South Chu to send another envoy. I ask for Prince Ding’s understanding.”

Mo Xiuyao studied Lei Tengfeng with interest for a while before smiling, “It seems the Garrison South King’s intelligence is indeed quite swift.”

Lei Tengfeng smiled calmly, “Prince Ding also knows of the relationship between Western Ling’s royal family and Cangmang Mountain, naturally we have some special information channels.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded carelessly, “Since the Garrison South King shows such sincerity, I naturally don’t wish to create more trouble. However… there are some things we should clarify beforehand.” Lei Tengfeng slightly frowned, “Our army will completely withdraw from Great Chu territory, and additionally, I can hand over to Prince Ding the intelligence I have regarding Great Chu and Mo Jingli. Does Prince Ding have any other requirements?”

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and smiled, “Well… naturally there must be compensation. The south is wealthy, and Western Ling has taken many benefits from the central plains these years. Hasn’t the Garrison South King considered compensating the central plains’ people somehow?” Lei Tengfeng silently looked at Mo Xiuyao’s leisurely face. Speaking of how Western Ling had treated the central plains people would be wronging Lei Zhenting and Lei Tengfeng. Western Ling was different from the Northern Rong; although they belonged to different countries from Great Chu, they shared the same origins. Moreover, Lei Zhenting had always governed the territories he occupied as his domain, and Lei Zhenting’s ability was not something Mo Jingqi or Mo Jingli could compare to, so overall these common people’s lives weren’t too bad.

But as the defeated party, and the initial aggressor, Lei Tengfeng had no position to refuse when the victim and victor demanded compensation. Taking a deep breath, Lei Tengfeng lowered his gaze and said, “Western Ling can compensate Prince Ding’s manor with thirty million taels of silver.”

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, “Eighty million taels. Western Ling’s silver mines are mostly in the south, surely this amount of silver isn’t beyond Western Ling’s means?”

Lei Tengfeng’s expression changed slightly, and he shook his head, “At most forty million taels.” Mo Xiuyao naturally understood the principle of asking high and settling low. He tilted his head to look at Ye Li with a smile, then smiled and raised his hand to Lei Tengfeng, “Seventy million.”

“Not possible, forty-five million taels. Prince Ding, Western Ling cannot bear a higher price. If it’s impossible… I have no choice.” The implication was that if Prince Ding’s price was too high and Western Ling couldn’t afford it, they might as well fight to the death. Mo Xiuyao looked somewhat regretfully at Ye Li and Chen Xiufu, then smiled, “Well then, let’s make it a round number, fifty million taels.”

Lei Tengfeng’s face turned ashen as he said gravely, “Acceptable, to be paid over three years.”

Mo Xiuyao didn’t lack money, and three years wasn’t long, so naturally he wasn’t in a hurry. He nodded satisfactorily, “No problem, then I thank the Garrison South King for his consideration. I will immediately order Murong Shen and the Southern Marquis to withdraw their troops. I trust Western Ling will also honor the agreement?”

“Naturally,” Lei Tengfeng said solemnly.

Lei Tengfeng’s quick agreement put Mo Xiuyao in a good mood. He nodded satisfactorily, “Excellent, since that’s settled, let the subordinates discuss the remaining details. This matter will be entrusted to… the Left Prime Minister.”

Chen Xiufu started, quickly rising to say, “Your servant obeys.” Chen Xiufu understood this was both trust in him and a test. Negotiations with Western Ling were being entrusted to him, someone who was originally from Western Ling. Even if Prince Ding showed trust in him and gave him important responsibilities in front of Li City’s officials of all ranks.

Lei Tengfeng paused, looked at Chen Xiufu, and nodded, “Then, I’ll trouble Prime Minister Chen. Prince Ding’s manor is busy today, I shall take my leave first.”

Chen Xiufu said calmly, “The Garrison South King is too kind.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Then I won’t see the Garrison South King out. Left Prime Minister, I leave all Western Ling matters entirely to your discretion.”

“Yes, Garrison South King, please.” Lei Tengfeng and Chen Xiufu bid farewell one after another and withdrew from the reception hall.

Ye Li looked at the empty doorway and said softly, “Lei Tengfeng… is still somewhat green compared to Lei Zhenting.” Mo Xiuyao smiled, “He’s already quite good, one can’t expect him to become a second Lei Zhenting right after Lei Zhenting’s death. Moreover… he can’t become Lei Zhenting. However, being able to endure… is already quite good.” Lei Zhenting had fought his way up from among Western Ling’s previous emperor’s many princes, and although he hadn’t ascended to the throne, he had seized complete power after the previous emperor’s death. This ability wasn’t something Lei Tengfeng, a heaven’s favored son who had grown up pampered and protected by Lei Zhenting, could possess. Lei Tengfeng being able to hold his ground at critical moments and endure when necessary was already very good. Given time, he should become a decent ruler for maintaining the status quo. But hoping for the awe-inspiring presence that existed during Lei Zhenting’s time would probably be difficult.

“Why should Ali care about how he turns out? Instead, think about… how we should spend Western Ling’s forty million in compensation,” Mo Xiuyao said with a low laugh as he embraced Ye Li. Forty million was not a small sum for either Prince Ding’s manor or Western Ling. Otherwise, Lei Tengfeng wouldn’t have insisted on paying it over three years. With this money, Prince Ding’s manor’s war losses would be covered. Not to mention that Prince Ding’s manor now controlled nearly four-fifths of the original Great Chu territory plus one-third of Western Ling’s territory. Currently, Prince Ding Manor’s area was larger than the existing Western Ling and Great Chu combined. Now everything had temporarily settled, and looking back, it turned out Prince Ding’s manor had taken all the benefits.

Ye Li looked curiously at Mo Xiuyao and asked, “How do you want to spend it?” War reparations naturally went into Prince Ding Manor’s public treasury, and there wasn’t room for Mo Xiuyao to spend it as he wished. Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had always kept public and private matters separate; even though the entire Prince Ding manor was theirs, they never used public funds for private purposes. Fortunately, neither of them favored grand displays or luxury, so they had never worried about money matters.

Mo Xiuyao played with Ye Li’s hair while thinking about her words, feeling somewhat helpless, “This king wanted to build a beautiful palace for Ali.” Seeing his dejected look, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile, “Didn’t you say a few days ago that you’d accompany me to travel and sightsee in a few years? When your palace is built, who will live in it?”

Mo Xiuyao raised his head to look at her, saying seriously, “This king wants to give Ali the most magnificent and exquisite palace, the most beautiful clothes and jewelry, the most delicate delicacies. Whatever Ali wants, this king will find and give to Ali.”

Ye Li looked at him with a smile, saying softly, “I didn’t know I had the potential to be a country-toppling beauty. Burdening the people and wasting resources. I just want our family to be safe and happy together. Being able to do what we want to do is enough. After so many years, we’re about to live peacefully and happily, I think… what I wanted, I’ve already gotten long ago.”

“Ali has never told me what you want,” Mo Xiuyao said somewhat regretfully and unwillingly. Ali had no desire or yearning for power, fine clothes, or jewels, and even Mo Xiuyao sometimes couldn’t be sure what she particularly liked or disliked, which always bothered the Prince.

“Because what I want, you’ve already given me long ago,” Ye Li said with a gentle smile.

“Given you?” Mo Xiuyao was somewhat confused.

Ye Li leaned in his embrace and said softly, “One life, one era, one pair. Only this… is what I want.”

Mo Xiuyao started, then raised his hands to tightly embrace her slender waist, saying softly, “One life, one era, one pair… Mo Xiuyao’s entire life, only Ali alone.” Without any oaths or grand promises, Mo Xiuyao just said it, as if making a simple statement, yet it was more reassuring than any vow. Ye Li nodded slightly, “I know. Me too.”

Chen Xiufu accompanied Lei Tengfeng out of the study’s courtyard gate, walking side by side. Lei Tengfeng looked at Chen Xiufu beside him and couldn’t help but smile, “It seems Master Xiuting is deeply trusted and employed by Prince Ding and his Lady?”

Chen Xiufu said seriously, “I am endlessly grateful for the Prince and Lady’s recognition and favor.” Lei Tengfeng pondered for a moment before asking with a smile, “If I were willing to appoint you as Western Ling’s Grand Chancellor, would you be willing to return to Western Ling and assist me?”

Chen Xiufu calmly studied him for a moment before gently shaking his head, “A loyal minister does not serve two masters. Chen Xiuting dares not claim to be loyal and righteous, but neither am I two-faced and indecisive. I dare not accept the Garrison South King’s generous offer.”

Lei Tengfeng had only meant it as a probe and naturally hadn’t expected Chen Xiufu to so easily turncoat back to Western Ling. However, being so cleanly refused by Chen Xiufu made Lei Tengfeng somewhat uncomfortable. He stopped and looked at Chen Xiufu, asking, “Might Master Xiuting have any insights about Western Ling’s current situation? This… should be acceptable to discuss?”

Chen Xiufu hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, “When the ruler is not a ruler, and the ministers are not ministers, or when ministers are strong and the sovereign weak, it ultimately cannot last long. The Garrison South King should make early preparations.” Lei Tengfeng started and wanted to ask more, but Chen Xiufu showed no intention of saying more, turning sideways to gesture to Lei Tengfeng, “Garrison South King, please.”

Lei Tengfeng could only suppress the questions in his heart and nodded, “Prime Minister Chen, please.”