Kill Chu Liu!
Before departing, Yuan Cheng had whispered this request to Mo Zi.
He said that between Chu Liu and Jin Yin, only one could live. Daqiu naturally wanted to keep the useless waste for easier control, but Yuling needed a genuine heir to succeed the throne. However, if both were rescued together, Great Zhou would make the same choice as Daqiu. This was national interest. The only ones who could truly save Jin Yin were the two of them. Chu Liu had to be killed, otherwise Jin Yin could not be safe. Among those executing the Emperor’s secret decree, only she would take action.
He also said that although this rescue plan was his suggestion to the Emperor, ostensibly focused on rescuing the Yuling Crown Prince, it actually had two purposes. First, rescue Jin Yin and Dou Lu. Second, eliminate Chu Liu.
All along the way, Mo Zi kept thinking—was there a perfect solution? Chu Liu need not die, and Jin Yin could still become the legitimate heir. In the end, she couldn’t think of one. If Jin Yin were to replace Chu Liu, no matter how mediocre and absurd Chu Liu was, as long as he bore the title of Yuling Crown Prince, Jin Yin’s ascension would necessarily carry the infamy of fratricide. Yuan Cheng’s thinking was undoubtedly thorough. The rescue’s failure leading to Chu Liu’s death was most logical and wouldn’t invite criticism from others.
To personally kill someone.
In her heart, she knew Chu Liu deserved to die. If she weren’t the one executing his death sentence, she would definitely applaud.
Yes, her nature was still soft. She couldn’t help but hesitate over matters of life and death. Even when she saw Chu Liu appear, she was still wavering about what she should do. Until Chu Liu killed the fake Jin Yin.
In that moment, she suddenly felt intense revulsion. If he didn’t die and Jin Yin had to die, then she must eliminate this creature inferior to even a pig. Had Consort Xiang not used Dou Lu to force her to reveal herself, Chu Liu could have lived a few more days. His lustful obsession—daring to insult her younger sister—he was practically begging for death. Almost without thinking, she acted. The first time in her life killing someone at close range, yet it seemed natural as flowing water, calm as still waters. It was her ruthlessness… but also the making of chaotic times.
“Elder sister.” Dou Lu saw Mo Zi lost in thought… as if knowing what she was thinking. “I’m sorry, I’ve dragged you down again.”
“If we really want to assign blame, I dragged you down. But dragging each other down—isn’t that how family deepens their feelings for each other?” Mo Zi smiled and lay down on the bed. “We sisters haven’t chatted all night in so long. This time we absolutely must chat enough. Otherwise, once you marry, your husband might be stingy.”
Dou Lu thought before speaking as usual… “Elder sister, in a few days you’ll be married. If anyone’s going to be stingy, it’ll be your husband first.”
“You can joke now? Though it’s a cold joke.” Mo Zi exclaimed. “Jin Yin has more influence than me, your elder sister.”
Dou Lu lay beside Mo Zi, not blushing from her teasing. In fact, she was slow about matters of the heart. “Elder sister, we’ll all be alright, won’t we?”
“Yes.” Mo Zi gazed up at the silk canopy above, embroidered with peonies symbolizing wealth and honor… “Even if I have no solution, he’s still there.”
Yuan Cheng was still there.
The sisters chatted about childhood anecdotes, laughing with peals of giggles.
Outside, black shadows periodically crouched by the window, listening to a segment before disappearing for a while, closely monitoring. But they didn’t know someone had long since slipped through the gap—all they heard now were old stories from the past.
In some nameless courtyard in the capital… the atmosphere was very tense.
Yang Qiao had no mind to draw the terrain map. She’d make one stroke then glance toward Xiao Wei. Each glance a shock, as if she’d done something wrong.
Wei Jia felt that continuing like this would delay both sides… so he simply pulled Yang Qiao elsewhere, saying as they walked, “Xiao Bai Yu, stop showing that sour face. Mo Zi being captured and Chu Liu being killed has nothing to do with Yang Qiao.”
Zhong An watched the two leave. “Those two really are becoming more and more like a married couple.”
“What do you think?” Xiao Wei hadn’t redirected his anger at Yang Qiao—he was just in a very bad mood.
“Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?” After they left the Crown Prince’s residence, their attendants continued gathering information nearby. The news that came back was shocking. Not only did Daqiu’s First Consort appear, but the Daqiu King also arrived afterward. Chu Liu died, Consort Xiang was stabbed, and the Daqiu King and Mo Zi shared a carriage and entered the Song residence. All of this sounded truly unbelievable.
Xiao Wei’s gaze swept over coldly.
Zhong An waved his fan. “I think the Daqiu King may have already learned of our plan to rescue Chu Liu, so he set a trap to lure us in. As a result, Lady Official Mo Zi unleashed her feminine fury, killed Chu Liu, and wounded Consort Xiang. But the Daqiu King was captivated by Mo Zi at first sight and wants to claim her for himself, so he’s hiding her in a golden house.”
“Zhong An!” Xiao Wei couldn’t laugh.
Zhong An let out a heavy sigh. “Bai Yu, the scouts can’t find out, and Mo Zi was on the scene. It’s very difficult for me to guess exactly what happened. I can only say all of this must be related to her. Let’s wait a bit more. When the scouts dig out the bottom of the Song residence, we might know.”
“No need to wait.” Someone suddenly walked in from outside. “I’ve come to explain to the General.”
Xiao Wei looked and his gaze immediately sharpened. “Yuan Cheng!”
“General Xiao, I heard you were injured. Yuan Cheng has excellent medicine for blade wounds here—you might try it.” Yuan Cheng took out a small box from his sleeve and placed it on the table, then casually sat down.
“How did you get here?” Xiao Wei couldn’t imagine meeting him in Daqiu.
“General Xiao sent everyone out to gather information. No one was even guarding the main gate, so I just walked in.” Yuan Cheng even poured himself tea.
“I’m asking why you followed us here.” Some people could never get along in a lifetime. Although this person was truly very clever and bold, Xiao Wei could never give him a pleasant expression.
“On His Majesty’s orders, I came to provide support.” Compared to Xiao Wei’s barbs, Yuan Cheng was very smooth. “It seems His Majesty was wise—I’ve arrived at just the right time.”
“Do you have His Majesty’s written decree?” Xiao Wei didn’t quite trust him.
“Does General Xiao have His Majesty’s written decree?” Yuan Cheng countered. “Since this is an extremely secret mission, naturally there’s no handle for people to grasp. When we return, you can personally ask His Majesty and you’ll know.”
Zhong An acted as mediator. “Master Yuan just said he would explain the matter concerning Mo Zi?”
“The Song residence is the posthumously ennobled Grand National Preceptor’s mansion. Mo Zi and her sister Dou Lu’s father, Song Yu, was the highest-ranking Han official in Daqiu. Mo Zi and the Daqiu King Wu Yan were childhood sweethearts. As for how exactly they separated, I won’t elaborate. However, Wu Yan has never forgotten his old feelings and insists on marrying Mo Zi as his empress—”
“Master Yuan, wait. You’re saying the Daqiu King wants to marry Mo Zi as his queen?” Zhong An’s eyes nearly popped out.
“Yes, and the obsession is very strong. This peony banquet of Chu Liu’s was specifically set to lure her out. He arranged the good show of Chu Liu personally killing Chu Yu. Full of flaws, yet Wu Yan deeply knows Mo Zi is kind-hearted, so he did this deliberately. He’s telling her he dug a trap—whether she jumps or not, she’ll jump. Though I don’t think this move was very clever. Fortunately, his Consort Xiang is much more ruthless. Dragging Dou Lu out to publicly humiliate her—that’s what provoked Mo Zi to reveal herself. If Mo Zi hadn’t appeared and let her sister become Chu Liu’s plaything, that Consort Xiang would probably be even happier.” Yuan Cheng leisurely sipped his tea.
Xiao Wei couldn’t say a word. The statement that the Daqiu King wanted to marry Mo Zi as empress made his head buzz, nearly splitting open.
“Who killed Chu Liu? And who stabbed Consort Xiang?” Zhong An glanced at Xiao Wei, couldn’t help but feel some sympathy for him. He’d developed true feelings, never expecting the object of his affection to be so untouchable.
“Chu Liu intended to insult Dou Lu—he deserved death. Consort Xiang repeatedly tried to harm Mo Zi—she deserved to be stabbed.” Yuan Cheng didn’t answer directly. “The urgent matter now is to rescue Mo Zi, Dou Lu, and Chu Yu on the day of Mo Zi and Wu Yan’s wedding.”
“Mo Zi and Wu Yan’s wedding?” Xiao Wei finally came to his senses. “When? Where?”
“The sixth day of the fourth month, at the Hawk God Temple.” Yuan Cheng answered seriously. “Our movements haven’t yet fallen into Daqiu people’s sight, precisely because Mo Zi has attracted all their attention. Many within Daqiu oppose the King’s marriage—this is exactly the opportunity we can exploit. Lord Xiao, it seems you and I must cooperate once more, for the same person.”
Xiao Wei’s eyes were cold, his heart aching. “Chu Liu is already dead—we must at least rescue Chu Yu. Mo Zi was originally a Daqiu person, yet she deceived His Majesty. Such deception of the emperor—naturally she must also be brought back for His Majesty to deal with.”
“Bai Yu, this matter requires careful consideration.” Zhong An sighed. How could he not understand Xiao Wei’s feelings? Deep love brings harsh criticism.
Yuan Cheng smiled slightly. “I thought General Xiao liked Mo Zi. It seems I was overthinking. General Xiao truly is Great Zhou’s pillar—righteous and stern. Yuan is impressed to the point of prostrating himself.”
“Yuan Cheng, you knew but didn’t report—you’re also suspected of complicity. Your official career is finished.” Xiao Wei couldn’t smile. Even breathing felt difficult.
“Does General Xiao think Yuan covets Great Zhou’s Chancellor position?” The more difficult things were for Xiao Wei, the more relaxed Yuan Cheng became. “In all the world, Yuan now seeks only one person.”
Xiao Wei was also a clever man—how could he not understand? His eyes nearly split at the corners.
“Though General Xiao wants to capture someone and Yuan wants to rescue someone, regardless we must bring them out of Daqiu. I only hope General Xiao won’t forget this responsibility entrusted by His Majesty. As for His Majesty’s intentions, we need not arbitrarily guess—there will be clarity in due time.” Yuan Cheng explained the plan once through.
Listening, Zhong An couldn’t help but think privately that this person becoming Nande’s first power minister was no accident. His strategic planning was like deploying troops in battle—every step ingenious.
“This arrangement requires a lot of manpower.” He observed.
“No wonder Mo Zi often praises Master Zhong An. Correct—it requires manpower on par with the Daqiu King’s shadow guards. But I have it.” Yuan Cheng’s expression was full of confidence. “You only need to rescue people.”
Xiao Wei looked at him coldly.
Yuan Cheng put away his smile, his dark eyes bottomless. “General Xiao, do you know—I actually don’t need your help.”
“Then why did you come?” Xiao Wei had never seen Yuan Cheng serious before. Those eyes seemed capable of devouring souls.
“I came to give you an opportunity. An opportunity for Great Zhou’s ministers to work together with one heart and crush the Daqiu King’s confidence. Mo Zi was once a Daqiu person, I was once a Nande person, but now we’re both Great Zhou people. General Xiao has been a person of one nation since childhood—your loyalty could illuminate sun, moon, heaven, and earth. However, heroes should not be judged by their origins. If General Xiao denies the present because of our past, how is that different from the narrow-minded prejudices between Great Zhou, Daqiu, and Nande? Who hasn’t had unspeakable difficulties? Who hasn’t had embarrassing moments? General Xiao’s journey seems to have been smooth sailing, but search your heart—have you never spoken against your will?” The shackles of morality and righteousness had bound this man too tightly. Yuan Cheng stood up and walked out.
Drawing in Xiao Wei would turn this into a contest between two nations. Mo Zi and he were both half-Great Zhou people. Only Xiao Wei represented the true Great Zhou, represented the Great Zhou Emperor.
Since they were going to make a scene, make it big—no one should be able to remain uninvolved!