After the Southern Marquis left, his heir rushed out from inside, his face already streaked with tears. Zhuo Jing and Lin Han followed behind him with helpless expressions – if they hadn’t been holding him back, he would have rushed out earlier. Seeing the heir dash toward the door, Ye Li rose and asked, “Where are you going?”
The heir paused as Zhuo Jing and Lin Han had already blocked his path from both sides. He turned back and said, “As a son and a husband, how can I watch my parents and wife and children be wrongfully imprisoned? Moreover, this all happened because of me.” Ye Li walked up to him and said coolly, “What use is it for you to rush out now? Other than adding one more person to be thrown in prison and led to the execution ground? Or did you want to plead before the Emperor? Do you think His Majesty would give you that chance?” The heir covered his face in anguish – how could he not understand what Ye Li was saying? But besides accompanying his father back to the capital and facing this together with his family, what else could he do?
“The Southern Marquis’s journey may not be without hope,” Mo Xiu Yao said with a slight frown as he watched them.
The heir looked hopefully at Mo Xiu Yao, who continued with furrowed brows, “The Duke of Hua holds an Imperial Pardon granted by Emperor Gao Zong to the Hua family, which can exempt even capital crimes.”
“But…” the heir hesitated. He had heard of the Imperial Pardon, but in this dynasty, only the Hua family had been granted one for saving Emperor Gao Zong’s life. Even the Prince of Ding Guo’s manor, which had protected the nation for generations, didn’t have such a thing. But for something so precious, would the Duke of Hua’s manor… Mo Xiu Yao lowered his eyes and said, “The Duke of Hua would not be stingy with material things. I only fear…” He feared that if Mo Jing Qi was determined to have the Southern Marquis’s life, even the Imperial Pardon might not save him from death. Ye Li had thought of Mo Xiu Yao’s concerns as well, and nodded slightly before turning to Lin Han, “Send word to Mo Hua to do his utmost to protect the Southern Marquis.”
The heir gradually calmed down and bowed to them both, “Nan Jun Fei thanks, Your Highness and Your Grace.”
Ye Li shook her head, “No need for such formality, Young Master.” The heir smiled bitterly, “My informal name is Jun Fei. From now on, Your Highness and Your Grace should just call me by name. I am no longer any kind of heir.”
“Your Highness, Your Grace, Minister Zhou left a letter for Your Grace,” a guard outside presented a sealed letter. Ye Li raised an eyebrow and took the letter with some puzzlement, examining it. “Minister Zhou?” The guard nodded, “When leaving just now, Minister Zhou privately handed the letter to this servant, asking me to pass it to Your Highness and Your Grace.” Mo Xiu Yao frowned, “Alira, do you know Zhou Yu?” When Zhou Yu had first entered, Ye Li’s expression had shown a flash of surprise – though fleeting, Mo Xiu Yao, who always watched her closely, had noticed. Ye Li shook her head, “He should be from this year’s imperial examinations. We met briefly last year.” While Ye Li’s memory might not be photographic, it wasn’t far from it. As soon as Zhou Yu spoke, she remembered him as the scholar who had sold paintings at Shen De Pavilion last year. She hadn’t expected that not only had he passed the imperial examinations, but he had also become a clerk in the Court of Justice. Though the position wasn’t high, it was a real post. As long as his ability and luck weren’t too poor, he should have a decent future career.
Opening the letter, Ye Li’s expression changed immediately upon reading it. She silently passed the letter to Mo Xiu Yao, who read it and his already displeased expression instantly darkened. He slammed the table as he stood up and shouted, “Come! Stop the Southern Marquis immediately! Kill anyone who dares to interfere!” Zhuo Jing and Lin Han’s expressions turned stern as they answered in unison and strode out quickly. Nan Jun Fei also knew something was wrong, and his expression changed as he followed after Zhuo Jing and Lin Han.
Only Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li remained in the great hall, but the atmosphere grew even heavier. Seeing Mo Xiu Yao’s dark expression, Ye Li remained quiet, silently sitting beside him and watching him. After a long while, Mo Xiu Yao seemed to finally emerge from his extreme anger, his brow showing traces of fatigue and helplessness. Picking up the letter from the table again, Mo Xiu Yao looked at Ye Li with a bitter smile and said, “Alira, I’m so tired…”
Ye Li wordlessly leaned against his shoulder, gently patting it. Mo Xiu Yao reached out and embraced the person sitting beside him, drawing from her gentle warmth, yet unable to dispel the chill rising from the depths of his heart. Looking at the letter filled with familiar handwriting, had the Prince of Ding Guo’s manor truly become so hated? But Your Majesty… acting like this, aren’t you afraid of destroying the Da Chu dynasty altogether?
The letter wasn’t written by Zhou Yu but by the old Duke of Hua. No one knew under what circumstances the old Duke had to resort to sending this letter through Zhou Yu, a minor official who had only entered court service half a year ago. The situation mentioned in the letter was truly chilling. Mo Jing Qi had agreed to cede three prefectures and eleven cities in the northwest to West Ling, and in exchange, they would work together to eliminate the entire Mo family army. The operation would also involve Mo Jing Li, who controlled the south, and the Nan Zhao kingdom. In other words, it was very possible that at this moment… Nan Zhao forces had already entered Sui Xue Pass.
“Mo Jing Qi has gone mad,” Ye Li said softly. Using the combined forces of three countries to deal with the Mo family army might work. But had Mo Jing Qi considered whether West Ling and Nan Zhao would withdraw as agreed once the Mo family army was destroyed? How was this any different from asking someone to spit out meat they’d already eaten? Mo Xiu Yao said gravely, “He truly is insane. Alira, it seems you’ve married a husband who brings endless trouble.” Ye Li smiled helplessly, “It’s too late to realize that now.”
The Southern Marquis and his party returned quickly – when Zhuo Jing and Lin Han intercepted them, they had only just passed through the city gates. Within a quarter-hour, they were back at the Governor’s mansion. Wang Jing Chuan’s face was very unpleasant as he said sternly, “Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?” The Southern Marquis also looked at Mo Xiu Yao with confusion, though he understood that the Prince wouldn’t have had them brought back without reason. Mo Xiu Yao stared coldly at Wang Jing Chuan and asked calmly, “Does Minister Wang have something else he forgot to tell me?”
At these words, Wang Jing Chuan’s heart went cold. Somehow, the Prince’s current calm demeanor seemed more terrifying than his earlier deliberate show of pressure. He forced a smile and said, “What does Your Highness mean? Please forgive this official’s dullness.”
Mo Xiu Yao laughed coldly, “Such dullness indeed. I didn’t know the Emperor would send someone so dull to the northwest. Since Minister Wang doesn’t remember, let me remind you of something. For instance… the matter of secretly executing the Southern Marquis on the way back to the capital. Surely Minister Wang hasn’t forgotten that? Hmm?” Wang Jing Chuan’s eyes widened in shock – this secret order had been given to him by the Emperor himself just moments before he left the capital. Besides himself, only the Emperor knew about it. He had rushed to the northwest immediately after receiving the order, and Wang Jing Chuan couldn’t understand how the Prince of Ding Guo’s spies, even with extraordinary abilities, could have obtained such classified information. Hearing Mo Xiu Yao’s words, the Southern Marquis started, then smiled bitterly. Nan Jun Fei, standing behind him, was furious – if Lin Han hadn’t been holding him back, he might have rushed forward to tear Wang Jing Chuan apart.
Wang Jing Chuan knew that having fallen into the Prince’s hands, there was no escape. He fell to his knees, “Your Highness, please forgive me. This humble official was only following orders. I beg for mercy.”
Mo Xiu Yao couldn’t even be bothered to look at him again. Ye Li waved her hand, “Take him away.”
After Wang Jing Chuan was quickly dragged away by two guards, Ye Li turned to Zhou Yu, who had been standing silently to the side, and smiled slightly, “Minister Zhou, aren’t you afraid?”
Zhou Yu remained composed and bowed, “This humble official believes Your Grace would not kill the innocent.” Ye Li smiled faintly and nodded, “We must thank Minister Zhou for this matter. However, Minister Zhou’s actions… might be difficult to explain upon returning to the capital.” The news of the Emperor’s deal with West Ling had been sent by the Duke of Hua through Zhou Yu, but the information about the Southern Marquis had been Zhou Yu’s deduction that he had added. Wang Jing Chuan had thought his secret was well-kept, not knowing that Zhou Yu, following beside him these days, had deduced the Emperor’s plans for the Southern Marquis’s family just from his daily behavior and demeanor. Zhou Yu was silent for a moment before saying, “Last year, thanks to Your Grace’s help, this official was able to gather enough silver in time to hire a physician for my mother. Recently, my mother passed away peacefully. This official should have requested leave to observe mourning for her but was instead assigned to accompany Minister Wang to the northwest. It seems fate arranged for me to repay Your Grace’s great kindness. This official is now alone in the world and has no concerns to hold me back.”
Mo Xiu Yao looked thoughtful and nodded, “In that case, would Minister Zhou be willing to give up your official position and stay in the northwest for now?”
Zhou Yu started – though he wasn’t afraid of death, he wasn’t seeking it either. The Prince’s offer was meant to protect him. After glancing at Ye Li, who sat smiling in agreement, Zhou Yu quickly made his decision, “Thank you for taking me in, Your Highness.”
“What should we do about the Southern Marquis and Minister Wang? Does Your Highness have any ideas?” Ye Li asked with a smile.
Mo Xiu Yao smiled, “When Alira asks like this, you must already have an idea.”
Ye Li smiled gracefully, “The northwest is in chaos, with West Ling forces wreaking havoc everywhere. If Minister Wang’s party unfortunately encountered bandits or West Ling soldiers and was completely wiped out, it wouldn’t be surprising. What does Your Highness think?” Mo Xiu Yao praised, “Alira speaks wisely.” The Southern Marquis stepped forward and bowed in thanks, “Thank you, Your Highness and Your Grace.” Ye Li shook her head, “Lord Marquis, please stay here at ease, though we must trouble you to endure some inconvenience for a while. As for the Southern Marquis Manor…” The Southern Marquis smiled desolately, “Let fate decide. I only hope that when the Emperor hears of my son’s and my death, he might show mercy and spare the rest of the family.”
After resettling the Southern Marquis father and son, Lin Han was ordered to arrange the scene of Wang Jing Chuan’s party’s demise. Though the Southern Marquis, his son, and Zhou Yu’s deaths would be faked, Wang Jing Chuan’s would be real. Lin Han, trained personally by Ye Li in the art of disguise, naturally wouldn’t leave any suspicious traces at the scene, though the Southern Marquis father and son would inevitably have to live under false identities for some time. These matters could only be considered minor now – Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao’s attention was fully focused on the secret letter from the Duke of Hua.
Upon hearing the news, even Feng Zhi Yao, who usually maintained an air of casual indifference, couldn’t contain his anger. He jumped from his chair, ready to lead troops back to the capital, but was stopped by Mo Xiu Yao. Feng Zhi Yao said with a dark face, “Things have already come to this point, yet Your Highness still wants to protect Mo Jing Qi? Still, protect Da Chu? If he doesn’t care about this empire, why should any of us care?” Mo Xiu Yao’s expression was cold as he said gravely, “I have never been protecting Mo Jing Qi, and the Mo family army has never been protecting Da Chu’s vast territory. Rather… we protect the common people living on this land. Feng San, breaking with Mo Jing Qi at this time – never mind West Ling, Nan Zhao, or the Northern Rong – Da Chu itself would erupt in civil war with smoke signals everywhere.”
Feng Zhi Yao said coldly, “Then what do we do now? Even if we say nothing, will Mo Jing Qi just let this go? If we’re fighting West Ling at the front, can Your Highness guarantee he won’t stab us in the back?” Mo Xiu Yao fell silent – he couldn’t guarantee that. Mo Jing Qi’s willingness to sign such an agreement with West Ling showed that he was already prepared to stab the Mo family army in the back at any time. But now… A pair of warm, delicate hands gently gripped his own, and Mo Xiu Yao looked up to meet Ye Li’s smiling eyes. Ye Li looked at the unprecedented rage in Feng Zhi Yao and said, “Not going public now is correct. We have no evidence. Over these years, Mo Jing Qi has cultivated no small amount of power. The Mo family army has only seven hundred thousand troops – Feng San, do you remember how many troops Da Chu has in total?”
Feng Zhi Yao started, gradually calming down. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Over two million. And… Mo Jing Qi is the Emperor – there might even be secret armies we don’t know about.”
Ye Li nodded, “Once faces are torn, most of the time common people still trust the royal family more. Even if ordinary people believe in us… while beneficial in the long term, it offers no advantage in the short term. And we would likely have to face over two million troops simultaneously. The Mo family army… no matter how brave and skilled in battle, cannot stand against such numbers.”
Feng Zhi Yao said unwillingly, “So we just endure it?”
Ye Li shook her head, “Not just endure – we need time.”
Feng Zhi Yao was silent for a long while before saying firmly, “I understand, but Your Highness, Your Grace, I need to return to the capital.”
Mo Xiu Yao frowned, “What can you do in the capital?”
Feng Zhi Yao smiled bitterly, “Your Highness, this news hasn’t even reached our spies in the capital yet. We both know where it came from. I’m worried…” Mo Xiu Yao said, “Your return would put her in more danger. Feng San, you’ve never been one who can endure silently.” Feng Zhi Yao said dejectedly, “That’s right… if Your Highness hadn’t stopped me these years, I…” Mo Xiu Yao looked at him and raised an eyebrow, “Are you blaming me?” Feng Zhi Yao shook his head and smiled bitterly, “No, I know… no matter what I did, she wouldn’t leave with me. Your Highness… saved both our lives.” Mo Xiu Yao said, “Stay in the northwest at ease. I guarantee that even if everyone in the capital dies, she will survive.” Feng Zhi Yao suddenly looked up, gazing intently at Mo Xiu Yao, “Your Highness has arranged people…”
Mo Xiu Yao said, “We grew up together, and she has helped the Prince of Ding Guo’s manor considerably these years. How could I not care about her life or death?”
A flash of relief appeared in Feng Zhi Yao’s eyes as he sat back down, “Thank you, Your Highness.”
Mo Xiu Yao said flatly, “I’m not doing it for you.”
Feng Zhi Yao smiled, “I know. I’m thanking Your Highness for myself.”