At the city gates of Ruyang, Feng Zhiyao stood with a smile, accompanied by several city officials in casual dress and numerous onlookers watching the approaching procession. The city officials’ casual attire made Third Young Master Feng’s red robes appear even more striking. In contrast to the host’s informal welcome, the arriving party was dressed in full official regalia, creating an oddly formal and somewhat unsettling atmosphere.
Leaning against the city wall with his folding fan, Feng Zhiyao asked carelessly, “In this heat, aren’t they too warm wearing so much?” This was exactly why he despised official positions – having to wear layers upon layers even in scorching weather, risking heatstroke. After all, Da Chu prided itself as a nation of ceremony and ritual. Even summer court robes consisted of four or five layers. Moreover, court uniforms weren’t made of light, breathable gauze but of thick, magnificent cloud brocade to display imperial majesty. One only needed to look at the guards’ sweat-drenched faces to understand their discomfort.
No one answered his question as the procession reached the city gates. The citizens of Ruyang were quite curious – in this remote northwestern region, decades could pass without seeing a true noble or official. The highest-ranking person they usually saw was the city’s governor. Now, with Prince Ding residing in their city and two more princes and several high officials arriving, citizens naturally flocked to the gates to watch… or rather, to welcome the imperial envoys.
The long procession, escorted by hundreds of guards, halted at the city gates. From the first carriage, decorated with purple sandalwood carvings, emerged a somewhat portly elder wearing a deep purple dragon robe. Despite his graying hair, his bearing was proud, almost disdainful of those beneath him. Stepping down using a guard as support, he surveyed the crowd at the gates, his expression immediately darkening. Feng Zhiyao ignored the elder’s displeasure and stepped forward with a smile, clasping his hands in greeting, “I, Feng San, have been sent by His Highness to welcome the two princes and the officials. Feng San pays his respects to Prince De.”
“Feng San… Feng Zhiyao?” Prince De regarded him with a stern face. He had certainly heard of Feng Zhiyao’s reputation. Under normal circumstances, he wouldn’t mind showing some courtesy to the younger generation, but having Mo Xiuyao send a commoner official to receive them was a clear slight. Prince De, respected even by the Emperor due to his age, could hardly tolerate such treatment. Feng Zhiyao smiled, “Indeed it is I. Prince De has an excellent memory.”
Prince De coldly demanded, “Where is Mo Xiuyao?” Though elderly, Prince De was of the same generation as Mo Xiuyao. Given Prince Ding’s status, Prince De would normally address him by his title, but since Mo Xiuyao hadn’t shown him proper respect, he saw no reason to extend the same courtesy, directly using his name. Feng Zhiyao remained unperturbed, responding with a pleasant smile, “The Princess is with child. His Highness is preoccupied with caring for her and the young heir, thus unable to welcome you personally. Please forgive his absence.” Prince De’s face alternated between shades of red and white. Though Feng Zhiyao’s words were diplomatic, their meaning was clear: Prince Ding was busy attending to his wife and had no time for you.
“Outrageous! The Emperor has stripped Mo Xiuyao of his title. How dare you still address him as Your Highness!” Prince De thundered.
Feng Zhiyao lowered his eyes slightly. The officials behind him, all loyal to Prince Ding, were about to step forward and challenge Prince De’s rudeness when Prince Yu Mo Jingyu hurried up from his carriage to mediate. “Royal Uncle, what’s the matter? We’ve traveled thousands of li to reach Ruyang, why are we getting angry at the city gates? Oh… if it isn’t Young Master Feng?” Given Feng Zhiyao’s former reputation in the capital, Mo Jingyu naturally recognized him. Feng Zhiyao smiled and bowed, “Feng San pays his respects to Prince Yu, Lord Su, and Lord Mo.”
Su Zhe, the eldest among them, showed his weariness from the long journey on his aged face, but still nodded to Feng Zhiyao. Looking at Su Zhe, Feng Zhiyao inwardly sighed. In his youth, while serving at Mo Xiuyao’s side, he had received much guidance from Su Zhe. Thinking of Su Zuidie, still imprisoned in the dungeon, he couldn’t help but sigh deeply in his heart.
“The two princes and officials must be weary from their long journey. Please enter the city to rest. His Highness and the Princess will host a welcome feast later this evening.”
Prince De glanced at the surrounding officials and citizens watching him with unfriendly expressions, knowing that continuing to make a scene would only make him look bad. He snorted and stormed into the city. Mo Jingyu followed with a smile, privately marveling at how Mo Xiuyao had won such loyalty from officials and citizens in just half a year. Prince Ding’s influence and power were truly immeasurable.
Given Prince De’s irascible nature, having suffered embarrassment at the city gates, he was certain to confront Mo Xiuyao at the evening’s welcome feast. Entering the city, he ignored Feng Zhiyao’s arranged accommodations at the inn and headed straight for the governor’s mansion. What he didn’t understand was that Mo Xiuyao hadn’t planned to send anyone to welcome him at all – if Feng Zhiyao hadn’t gone, his grand procession arriving at an empty reception would have been even more embarrassing. At the governor’s mansion, he was informed that the Prince and Princess had moved to a new residence, and the mansion now truly belonged to Ruyang’s governor. Fuming, Prince De led his party to Prince Ding’s manor in the southeastern part of Ruyang. As Prince De was leading this mission to the northwest, when he insisted on confronting Mo Xiuyao immediately instead of resting, the others had no choice but to follow.
Prince Ding’s manor was located along Xuanwu Avenue, the city’s main thoroughfare in the southeast. Though it couldn’t compare to the grandeur and scale of the Prince Ding manor in the capital, after several months of renovation, it had become quite impressive. It combined the capital’s magnificence with the northwest’s simplicity and boldness while adding a touch of severity. Above the main gate, three simple characters reading “Prince Ding’s Manor” displayed powerful calligraphy. Prince De’s fingers trembled with rage. “Outrageous! Utterly outrageous! What does Mo Xiuyao think he’s doing?” Those around him remained silent – Prince De was merely venting his anger, not seeking actual answers. Mo Jingyu stood aside, appearing as casual as if he were simply admiring the scenery.
Soon, someone came to invite them inside. Prince De’s expression grew even darker – not only had Mo Xiuyao failed to welcome them at the city gates, he hadn’t even come to greet them at his door. The three others behind him also looked displeased, not because of the breach of etiquette, but because Prince Ding’s attitude clearly showed he had no intention of respecting imperial authority. This would make their mission considerably more difficult. Mo Jingyu silently cursed Mo Jingqi. As a prince without responsibilities, he cared little about who sat on the throne. Mo Jingqi had soured relations with Prince Ding’s household himself, yet now sent him on this thousand-li journey to the northwest. If Mo Xiuyao truly harbored rebellious intentions, would any of them make it back to the capital alive?
Wei Lin, looking too young to be managing an entire household, led the group into the manor with a wooden expression. Of course, he wasn’t the steward – he’d simply been too slow to hide, unlike Zhuo Jing and Lin Han, when His Highness was looking for someone to temporarily fill the position. Glancing at the carefree Feng Zhiyao walking beside him, Wei Lin silently agreed with his view. The position of steward sounded too dignified and mature for young men like them. Whenever someone addressed him as “Steward Wei,” he felt a slight stomach ache.
In the main hall, Mo Xiuyao was sitting and talking with Ye Li. When Wei Lin led the group in, he remained seated, saying with a faint smile, “Prince De, Prince Yu, Lord Su, Lord Mo, please be seated.” Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s white hair casually tied up, his eyes carrying a smile that showed more warmth than his former distant elegance in the capital, yet somehow made him seem even more unapproachable and unsettling. He had previously kept this hidden – even though Mo Jingqi had planted many spies in Ruyang, no one in the capital knew about Mo Xiuyao’s overnight change to white hair. Seeing it now was quite shocking.
Prince De looked askance and snorted coldly, “You’ve been away from the capital for some time – have you forgotten proper etiquette? The Emperor was right to say you show no respect for others!” Mo Xiuyao regarded the furious Prince De with amusement. Etiquette? Did he expect him to bow? In Prince De’s view, Mo Xiuyao was now merely a commoner stripped of his title by the Emperor and should rightfully bow to him. Unfortunately for Prince De, from the moment he entered Ruyang, he was destined to remain frustrated.
“No respect for others? I seem to remember His Majesty’s accusations were of treason and rebellion. Isn’t that right, Feng San?” Mo Xiuyao spoke lightly, with a smile in his voice but frost in his eyes.
Feng Zhiyao fanned himself, smiling as he replied, “In response to Your Highness, that is indeed what His Majesty’s imperial edict stated.”
“How dare you, Mo Xiuyao! You…” Prince De, faced with their sharp retorts, exploded in rage.
A crisp crack oddly overshadowed Prince De’s roar. Everyone turned toward the sound as the white jade teacup in Mo Xiuyao’s hand shattered instantly, its fragments falling to the ground with clear, tinkling sounds. Mo Xiuyao slowly opened his palm, white powder sliding from his hand and drifting to the floor before him. Prince De’s throat suddenly felt constricted, his mouth opening and closing without managing to form a single word. Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, “Prince De, please lower your voice. If you frighten my beloved consort and heir… that would put me in quite a difficult position.” Meeting Mo Xiuyao’s cold eyes, Prince De couldn’t help but shudder, unwittingly recalling the seven thousand soldiers Mo Xiuyao had slain. After a long moment, Prince De finally lost his nerve to speak further, his well-maintained face alternating between shades of red and blue.
Mo Jingyu glanced around the hall and said with an ingratiating smile, “Royal Uncle has traveled far, so his temper is naturally heightened. I hope Prince Ding can forgive him.”
Mo Xiuyao glanced at him and smiled faintly, “Ah, I see. Well, it’s understandable in this heat. The northwest can’t compare to the capital’s refinement. I’ll have the kitchen prepare some cooling dishes for Prince De.” Mo Jingyu’s smile became strained, but he had to continue speaking. He realized that with his Royal Uncle’s poor temper if they angered Mo Xiuyao, none of them might make it back alive. “The northwest is harsh, bitter cold in winter and scorching in summer, quite remote indeed. Prince Ding has been campaigning for so long, and now that the northwest is pacified, why not return to court soon? This would spare the Princess and young heir from suffering here.”
“Return to court?” Mo Xiuyao seemed to find this amusing, raising his eyebrows at Mo Jingyu. After their long separation, this idle prince’s ability to speak nonsense had improved considerably. Mo Jingqi had issued edicts stripping him of his title and military authority, not to mention broadcasting accusations of treason across the empire. Now Mo Jingyu was suggesting he should return to court? Was Mo Jingyu’s mind addled, or did he think Mo Xiuyao’s was?
Mo Jingyu’s mind was fine – it was his superior who was problematic! Struggling to maintain his smile, Mo Jingyu cursed Mo Jingqi countless times in his heart. Never mind that Mo Xiuyao had finally lost patience, or that his brother had turned against him – if this continued, he might rebel. Glancing at Su Zhe sitting opposite, Mo Jingyu hoped Mo Xiuyao would show some respect to the elderly official. After all, Su Zhe was practically Mo Xiuyao’s teacher, and Mo Xiuyao had always shown him great reverence.
Looking at Mo Xiuyao’s white hair, Su Zhe sighed heavily in his heart. These old men had witnessed Mo Xiuyao’s journey from that proud, brilliant youth who had burned as bright as fire to where he stood today. Mo Xiuyao had been his most promising student and once his hoped-for grandson-in-law. Yet for nearly ten years, he had watched helplessly as Mo Xiuyao struggled forward step by step. Whether Mo Xiuyao was at fault in this matter, Su Zhe didn’t know – the Su family was too far removed from the court’s inner circle now. But Su Zhe knew one thing with certainty: Mo Xiuyao absolutely could not return to the capital now! So when he noticed Mo Jingyu’s hopeful glance, Su Zhe merely lowered his eyes and calmly drank his tea, feigning ignorance. With Su Zhe refusing to speak and Mo Jianren lacking sufficient status to intervene, Mo Jingyu was privately furious but powerless to act.
As the atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly tense, Ye Li’s calm gaze swept over everyone before she spoke softly, “Our guests have traveled far and must be weary. Why not rest and refresh yourselves first, and discuss matters at tonight’s feast?”
Mo Jingyu, caught in his difficult position, naturally welcomed this suggestion, quickly saying with a smile, “The Princess speaks wisely. This prince was too hasty.”
Once Ye Li had spoken, Mo Xiuyao had nothing more to say. He looked at her with concern and asked, “Are you tired? Let me escort you back to rest.” Without acknowledging the guests still seated in the hall, he helped Ye Li up, tossed instructions to Feng Zhiyao and Wei Lin to take care of the guests, and departed with her.
Watching Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li disappear at the doorway, Prince De finally caught his breath. Pointing at the door, he panted, “What… what kind of attitude is this?” Mo Jingyu smiled bitterly, restraining Prince De while explaining, “The Princess is expecting her first child and has just returned from peril. Prince Ding’s concern is natural – why should Royal Uncle be angry?” Prince De snorted and gulped down some tea, barely managing to suppress his rage. Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Your Highnesses, originally we arranged lodging at the inn because the governor’s mansion was too cramped, but now that His Highness and the Princess have moved to this new residence, please stay here in the manor with Lord Su and Lord Mo.” Prince De rolled his eyes at him – of course, he wouldn’t stay at an inn. As the Emperor’s uncle and imperial envoy, being housed at an inn would make him a laughingstock upon returning to the capital.
Wei Lin regarded everyone expressionlessly before turning to arrange their accommodations.
That night, the entire city of Ruyang blazed with lights. Unlike the sparse welcome earlier, the feast was exceptionally grand, held atop the east gate tower overlooking Xuanwu Avenue. Below, crowds surged through streets decorated with lanterns and banners. Above, wine flowed freely amidst music and dance. Every civil and military official in or near Ruyang, along with local notables and prestigious families, attended the evening banquet. Although Prince Ding had resided in Ruyang for half a year, very few citizens had seen him. As for the Princess, she had never appeared in public. Thus, when they saw the Prince in his white robes with silver dragon trim, his snow-white hair majestic, leading a graceful woman in blue robes whose elegant bearing wasn’t diminished by her advanced pregnancy, everyone was stunned. The white and blue figures standing side by side created a remarkably harmonious and natural image as if they were always meant to be thus.
Mo Xiuyao carefully helped Ye Li up to the high platform and assisted her to her seat. Many of the soldiers present hadn’t seen Mo Xiuyao for a long time, and those who had followed Ye Li were particularly excited, shouting in unison, “We pay our respects to Your Highness and Princess!” Inspired by them, the civil officials also rose and bowed, “We pay our respects to Your Highness and Princess, and congratulate you on the young heir!”
Though he wasn’t particularly fond of the little one refusing to leave Ah Li’s belly, Mo Xiuyao was in a good mood and waved his hand, saying, “Everyone may rise.”
The commotion atop the tower affected the citizens below. The formerly playful crowd turned and knelt toward the tower, with someone leading the cry, “Long life to Your Highness and Princess! Welcome back, Your Highness!” Once someone started, the other citizens joined in, their voices seeming to penetrate the entire city.
Mo Xiuyao raised a cup of wine and stood, his voice enhanced by inner force carrying to the crowd below, “Please rise. Tonight, officials and citizens celebrate together – everyone enjoys themselves. I drink to you all.” The citizens below stood and cheered in unison, the atmosphere growing even more festive than before.
Atop the tower, everyone raised their cups, saying, “Thank you, Your Highness, Princess.”
After drinking, Mo Xiuyao sat down and said, “Please, every one be at ease.”
As music and dance resumed and harmony prevailed on the tower, Prince De and Prince Yu, seated in the guest positions, wore extremely unpleasant expressions. Neither had imagined that in just half a year, while the court was actively destroying Prince Ding’s reputation, Mo Xiuyao could command such devotion and submission from Ruyang’s officials and citizens. Rather than a welcome feast, it seemed Mo Xiuyao intended to deliver a resounding slap to their faces and the courts.