Deep in the night at the Governor’s Manor
A moonless, windy night – perfect for those who move in darkness. A black shadow swiftly scaled the manor’s wall, landing silently in the flower bed below. More black-clad figures then infiltrated from behind the wall, moving toward a specific location within the manor.
From a nearby tower, several pairs of eyes watched the black-clad figures’ movements through half-opened windows. In the tower, under dim candlelight, Mo Xiuyao reclined lazily on a soft couch, looking down at the night scene from above. Nearby, Feng Zhiyao, Han Mingshi, Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, Mo Hua, and others either sat or stood, casually observing the black-clad figures’ supposedly secret movements. Han Mingyue stood by the window, his face pale and tired, but his gaze never wavered as he watched the figures below intently.
Feng Zhiyao picked at the exquisite pastries on the table beside him, asking puzzledly, “Are these people truly foolish or just pretending? They don’t suspect anything even though they’ve infiltrated the Dinguo Prince’s station so easily?” If they had entered Mo Jingqi’s or Lei Zhenting’s territory this easily, their first reaction would have been to suspect a trap rather than pressing forward so boldly.
Qin Feng, holding his sword before him, snorted, “These people are probably just cannon fodder sent to test the waters. The enemy needs to know exactly how strict the Dinguo Prince estate’s security is before making their real move.” Mo Hua nodded in agreement with Qin Feng’s assessment, noting that even by ordinary assassin standards, this group seemed unusually incompetent. “Is it Tan Jizhi?”
Zhuo Jing said gravely, “He’s become this impatient right after leaving the Northwest?” Han Mingshi smiled with lowered eyes, “Then it proves he’s truly desperate for Su Zuidie’s life. It seems… Miss Su is indeed concealing some rather important secret. Qin Feng, are you people capable or not? Su Zuidie has been in your custody for several months already.” At the mention of this, Qin Feng’s expression darkened. He glanced at Han Mingyue, who stood straight-backed to one side and complained, “This woman is indeed difficult to handle. After months of torture, she’s told us almost everything except anything about Tan Jizhi.”
“Told everything?” Han Mingshi sneered, clearly disbelieving. A group claiming to be professional interrogators couldn’t handle a useless woman after several months, yet had the nerve to claim she’d told them everything?
Qin Feng glared at him angrily, “That’s right, including which men she’s slept with!” As soon as he said this, Qin Feng realized he’d misspoken. This Su Zuidie had once been the Prince’s fiancée, but from the interrogation, it seemed she hadn’t been particularly chaste. Wouldn’t this make the Prince lose face? He cautiously glanced at Mo Xiuyao, only to find him leaning against the couch lost in thought, supporting his forehead with his hand, a faint smile playing on his lips – he didn’t appear angry. Qin Feng could only pray that perhaps the Prince hadn’t heard what he’d said. Just then, Mo Xiuyao sat up, his white hair falling carelessly around him, showing more coldness and distance than his former calm serenity. Looking at Qin Feng, Mo Xiuyao said flatly, “No need to rush. Don’t kill her before getting the information. Of course… if you obtain the information through other channels, there’s no need to report separately to this Prince and the Princess.” The meaning was clear – he only wanted Su Zuidie’s hidden secret; as for Su Zuidie herself, Qin Feng could handle her life or death as he saw fit.
Qin Feng couldn’t help but shrink his neck – the Prince had indeed heard his words, hadn’t he? He should stay close to the Princess these few days… no, he should find some errands to run far away. As for Su Zuidie… Qin Feng looked troubled as he glanced at Han Mingshi. He didn’t care anymore – since the Prince wasn’t concerned, even if he killed Su Zuidie, they could always find a way to capture Tan Jizhi and question him instead. But… his relationship with Han Mingshi was quite good, and Han Mingshi happened to be Han Mingyue’s younger brother… so perhaps it would be better if someone else assassinated Su Zuidie?
Watching the black-clad figures disappear into the most remote courtyard of the Governor’s Manor, Mo Hua waved a signal outside indicating they could close the net. Soon, lights came on in the small courtyard, followed by the faint sounds of clashing weapons. Mo Xiuyao frowned and said, “Tell them to hurry up, don’t disturb the Princess’s rest.” Mo Hua replied, “Your Highness need not worry, the sound won’t reach the Princess’s quarters.” It was precisely to avoid disturbing the rest of those in the main courtyard that they had placed the prison cells in the most remote location of the Governor’s Manor. Moreover, the secret guards were measured in their actions – even from here they could only hear faint sounds, let alone the Princess’s quarters which were half a journey away. Sure enough, in less than a quarter hour, the lights in the distant courtyard went dark again, and the entire Governor’s Manor returned to its original tranquility.
Qin Feng frowned, “There will likely be no shortage of assassins during this period. This servant doesn’t understand why Su Zuidie was moved back to the Governor’s Manor.” She would have been better off at the Qilin’s station where no one would be disturbed.
Zhuo Jing said, “If she were at your place, the assassins wouldn’t need to come.” Because they wouldn’t be able to find the location at all.
Seeing nothing else of note, Feng Zhiyao stood up and stretched, yawning, “If there’s nothing else, this servant will take his leave.”
Mo Xiuyao nodded casually. Feng Zhiyao took two steps toward the door before seemingly remembering something, turning back to say, “Oh right, Your Highness, based on travel time, Xu Qingze should arrive tomorrow, and I hear two other young masters of the Xu family are coming with him…”
Mo Xiuyao’s expression darkened as he shot Feng Zhiyao a cold glance, asking, “Why didn’t you mention this before?” Feng Zhiyao’s eyes held a gleam of schadenfreude as he shrugged, “Well… this servant only received the news during dinner. At that time, wasn’t Your Highness dining with the Princess? How could this servant dare to disturb you?” Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly, “Go make arrangements. There’s no room in the manor, find them a residence in the city.” Feng Zhiyao shook his head, “Your Highness, that might not work… Second Young Master Xu’s courtyard is still empty. If the Princess asks why the three Young Masters Xu must stay outside the manor, how should this servant respond?” These days, Mo Xiuyao wished he could drive out everyone who originally lived in the Governor’s Manor, starting with Feng Zhiyao, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Wei Lin – the four who often appeared before Ye Li. Unfortunately, Zhuo Jing and the other two were the Princess’s designated personal assistants who were supposed to live in the manor. Thus, Feng Zhiyao alone bore all of Mo Xiuyao’s anger. Yet Feng Zhiyao suddenly discovered the joy of living with everyone and refused to move out to an independent residence. So he spent each day working busily under Mo Xiuyao’s murderous glare, both painfully and happily. Now having an opportunity to annoy Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhiyao naturally spared no effort.
“Feng San…” Mo Xiuyao said softly, his face dark, “Get out.”
Feng Zhiyao shrugged, completely disregarding Mo Xiuyao’s words – an unhappy person had reason to vent. Cupping his hands, Feng Zhiyao smiled, “This servant takes his leave. This servant will arrange proper accommodations for the three Young Masters Xu. Especially Fifth Young Master Xu, who I hear plans to stay in Ruyang to keep the Princess company. The Fifth Young Master is still young, perfect for keeping the Princess company and preventing her from getting bored. Don’t you agree, Your Highness?” You won’t do the work yourself and won’t let the Princess work either; as far as he knew, the Fifth Young Master Xu was no pushover – you’ll be miserable then!
“Feng San.” Mo Xiuyao suddenly smiled, looking at Feng Zhiyao, “Your reminder makes this Prince realize something – this manor indeed lacks a steward. Since Uncle Mo needs to handle the properties in various locations, why don’t you become the manor’s steward from now on?”
Feng Zhiyao’s face froze, and he hastily retreated. Is the famously romantic Third Young Master Feng becoming a manor steward? Comparing all the various stewards of manors across the world, Feng Zhiyao instantly felt his image as a peerless elegant young master crumbling.
The others also took their leave, leaving only the Han Mingshi and Han Mingyue brothers. The tower fell into silence. Mo Xiuyao raised his hand to pour himself a cup of wine, holding it carelessly as he sipped slowly, pondering Feng Zhiyao’s words without the mood to speak. Xu Qingze was in Hong Province, Xu Qingyan in Yun Province, and Xu Qingfeng in the military camp within the passes – how had these three ended up together? More importantly, why weren’t they staying where they should be and instead coming to Ruyang? The current Mo Xiuyao deeply resented the appearance of anyone connected to Ye Li in the manor who might draw away A-Li’s attention. But these three were very important to A-Li! Lost in thought, a gloomy chill unconsciously emanated from him, making the already cold room’s atmosphere even more heavy and oppressive.
“Xiuyao…” After hesitating, Han Mingyue spoke up.
Mo Xiuyao raised his eyes to look at him, his gaze filled with obvious impatience. Then he cast a cool glance at Han Mingshi, who frowned helplessly. Previously, Han Mingshi had dared to provoke Mo Xiuyao without burden because he could read Mo Xiuyao’s character. But since Ye Li’s incident and their return, Han Mingshi increasingly felt he could no longer understand Mo Xiuyao. Before, he could be certain that Mo Xiuyao would never harm him for Ye Li’s sake, but now, even though he rationally knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t act against him, whenever he saw Mo Xiuyao’s gaze upon him, Han Mingshi felt less certain. So now he generally avoided provoking Mo Xiuyao, which made him smile bitterly at the thought. This was the difference between him and Mo Xiuyao – without that level of power, he had no right to compete for Jun Wei’s attention.
Han Mingshi understood that Mo Xiuyao was warning him – if Han Mingyue didn’t know when to restrain himself, he wouldn’t be so polite anymore. But what could Han Mingshi do? No matter how confused Han Mingyue might be, he was still his only brother, who had raised him from childhood, loved him, taught him, and protected him from harm. Even if he couldn’t understand how his brilliantly talented brother could so wholeheartedly abandon everything for an unworthy woman, even if he was angry at how Han Mingyue had abandoned their family and himself, when Han Mingyue was in danger, he still had to beg Ye Li for help. Han Mingshi understood better why Mo Xiuyao hadn’t moved against Han Mingyue – not out of consideration for their former brotherhood, but because he knew Han Mingshi would inevitably go to beg Ye Li, and Mo Xiuyao didn’t want him to beg Ye Li or have too much contact with her.
Sighing helplessly, Han Mingshi stood up and said, “Brother, you should go back first. I have something to discuss with His Highness.”
Han Mingyue frowned, looking at his brother’s exhausted appearance, but ultimately couldn’t bear to continue putting his brother in a difficult position. He could sacrifice everything for Su Zuidie, but that never included his brother.
Watching Han Mingyue leave, Han Mingshi felt relieved and sat back down. Mo Xiuyao looked somewhat surprised at Han Mingshi sitting across from him, raising an eyebrow. Han Mingshi’s handsome face showed a trace of helplessness as he looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, “Your Highness, please help my brother.” A cold smile tugged at Mo Xiuyao’s lips, “Help? Han Mingshi… you’re asking me to help your brother? I don’t see where Han Mingyue needs any help; he’s content with his situation. Moreover, why should I help?”
Han Mingshi gritted his teeth and said, “I know Su Zuidie is certainly doomed. I only ask Your Highness to spare my brother’s life when the time comes.”
“Doomed?” Mo Xiuyao sat up, examining Han Mingshi with interest, “Why don’t you beg me to spare Su Zuidie for Han Mingyue’s sake? Though I wouldn’t agree, with your friendship with A-Li, if you begged her, she surely wouldn’t refuse you.” Speaking of friendship with A-Li, Mo Xiuyao ground his teeth. Of all the people around A-Li, he hated Han Mingshi the most, yet he had promised A-Li not to kill Han Mingshi. But every time he saw how Han Mingshi looked at A-Li, he wanted to gouge out his eyes!
Han Mingshi was silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly, “Why does Your Highness ask what you already know? If it were before, this one might indeed have gone to beg the Princess for mercy. But now… the secret Su Zuidie refuses to reveal must be tremendously important – once spoken, she’ll certainly die. Though we don’t know what it is now… when the time comes… even the Princess may not have the final say. Moreover…” Han Mingshi laughed coldly, “What is Su Zuidie to me? Why should this young master beg for her? If she had died earlier, there wouldn’t be so many complications now!”
“You see more clearly than Han Mingyue,” Mo Xiuyao said flatly. They both understood that Han Mingyue wasn’t unable to see clearly – he simply refused to acknowledge it. The once-renowned Young Master Mingyue had long since fallen into delusion over Su Zuidie, unable to wake up. They say a beauty’s hometown is a hero’s grave – these words were indeed true.
“But you were wrong about one thing – there is nothing in the Dinguo Prince estate that A-Li cannot decide,” Mo Xiuyao continued, looking at the silent Han Mingshi. “As long as A-Li is happy, forget about merely Su Zuidie’s life or death – even if she wanted my life, I would hand it over to her. Of course, you were right not to beg A-Li. If you put her in a difficult position, I will make everyone else suffer alongside. Keep Han Mingyue’s life – I have no interest in it. But you’d better remember clearly: dare to look at my A-Li with those eyes again, and I’ll dig them out!”
Han Mingshi felt a bitterness in his throat. The “looking” Mo Xiuyao spoke of wasn’t ordinary observation – among the many people around Ye Li, including those closer to her than him, Mo Xiuyao hadn’t warned Feng Zhiyao, Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, or Wei Lin. Han Mingshi naturally knew why he alone received this warning. Though he always thought he had hidden it well, while he might fool others, he couldn’t fool Ye Li’s husband. Looking up at Mo Xiuyao, Han Mingshi smiled coldly, “Your Highness surely knows that Jun Wei is a rare extraordinary woman – can Your Highness block the gaze of the entire world? Or does Your Highness plan to hide her away in the inner chambers, letting no one see her?”
Mo Xiuyao’s gaze turned cold, his smile more detached and merciless, “Of course, I won’t hide A-Li in the inner chambers. Wherever I am, A-Li will naturally be by my side. But… whoever dares to look, I’ll gouge out their eyeballs!”
Han Mingshi felt a chill rise in his heart, and finally had nothing more to say, “You were just lucky to meet her first!”
Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, not without pride, “So what if I was lucky? Han Mingshi, remember your place. I promised A-Li not to kill you – you’d better not force me to break that promise.”
Han Mingshi lowered his head, silent for a long while, before finally looking up with a faint smile, “Your Highness goes too far. Han Mingshi… has no improper thoughts. With Jun Wei, it’s merely a friendship between equals – does Your Highness mean to prevent even that?” He knew he couldn’t compare to Mo Xiuyao. The romantic young master might sound nice, but he was nothing more than a powerless flower thief. Jun Wei didn’t mind his reputation and was willing to associate with him, but in these chaotic times, he couldn’t protect her safety. Since meeting Ye Li, Han Mingshi had never so regretted his youthful laziness in ignoring his brother’s teachings, resulting in his being neither scholarly nor martial. If he had his brother’s talent, wisdom, and martial arts, even if not equal to Mo Xiuyao, he would have had the confidence to compete.
Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes slightly, looking suspiciously at the handsome man before him. Though he extremely detested this extraordinarily handsome man, Mo Xiuyao had to admit he was truly wholeheartedly helping A-Li. And… A-Li ultimately needed her friends. To be honest, he, Mo Xiuyao, was merely jealous of Han Mingshi. Han Mingshi had better looks than him and a better personality than him. Though not as martially skilled or prestigious as him, what use was that? If it were Han Mingshi, he could unhesitatingly take A-Li to retire to the mountains and live a peaceful life. He was just afraid A-Li might prefer men like Han Mingshi, afraid A-Li might regret marrying him. No matter what… no one in this world could take A-Li away from him!
“I’ll trust you this once, but remember what I said remains valid forever,” Mo Xiuyao stood up, dropping these words as he left.
Han Mingshi sat alone by the window, watching Mo Xiuyao descend the stairs and walk through the garden toward the central courtyard of the Governor’s Manor. There… was the only woman who had ever moved his heart. As the breeze blew through the window, Han Mingshi felt waves of cold in his heart.