News of Prince Ding’s wife giving birth to a son spread rapidly throughout Ruyang City. Not only were the people of Prince Ding’s mansion overjoyed, but the citizens of Ruyang City also celebrated as if it were the New Year. Although the common people had only seen the Princess Consort once or twice, in the hearts of the Northwestern citizens, her status was no less than Prince Ding’s. This was naturally due to the excellent propaganda work of Prince Ding’s mansion. While people outside the Northwest had misunderstandings about Prince Ding and his wife due to Mo Jingqi’s imperial decree, the Northwestern citizens knew that the Princess Consort had led the Mo family army to resist the Western invasion while pregnant, ultimately falling off a cliff. If not for the Princess Consort, the Northwest wouldn’t maintain such peace and stability. In these chaotic times, whoever could provide the people with a stable life was considered their second parent. Therefore, hearing the news of the Princess Consort’s safe delivery brought joy comparable to the New Year celebrations.

Inside Prince Ding’s mansion, the flower hall nearest to Ye Li’s bedroom was crowded with people. When the midwife brought out the baby, cleaned and wrapped in red swaddling clothes, everyone rushed forward. Xu Qingyan bounced most excitedly, rushing to the front and calling, “Let me see what my little nephew looks like!” The midwife smiled, “The young master is naturally very handsome. When he grows up, he’ll surely be as outstanding as the Prince and Princess.” Xu Qingyan eagerly looked down at the baby in the midwife’s arms and froze. Was this red, wrinkled little thing what the midwife called handsome and destined for greatness? Though all present were considered the elite of their time, few had seen newborn infants. Even Xu Qingze and Xu Qingfeng hadn’t seen Xu Qingyan right after birth, only seeing him nearly a month later when he was fair and plump. Everyone looked back at Mo Xiuyao sitting to the side, silent.

It was Steward Mo who happily said, “The young master truly looks exactly like the Prince when he was born. Prince Ding’s mansion finally has an heir.” His usually serious face showed traces of joy and kindness. A-Jin, standing beside him, blinked curiously at the baby who hadn’t yet opened his eyes.

Xu Qingyan asked doubtfully, “Steward Mo, was the Prince really like this when he was born…” red and wrinkled like a little monkey?

Steward Mo replied matter-of-factly, “All newborns look like this. After a few days when his eyes open, he’ll naturally become a fair, chubby baby.”

Feng Zhiyao looked enviously at the red baby, sighing, “It’s been barely two years, and the Prince already has a son. How enviable.” Steward Mo smiled, “Young Master Feng is the same age as the Prince. If you had married earlier, your child might be running around by now.” Feng Zhiyao’s eyes dimmed slightly as he smiled, “How could it be so easy? Finding someone suitable like the Prince and Princess is rare.”

After everyone had seen the baby, they made their way to bring him before Mo Xiuyao, saying, “Prince, please look at the young master.”

Mo Xiuyao glanced coldly at the red, wrinkled little thing sleeping in the swaddling clothes, his eyes and expression showing nothing but disdain as he said flatly, “Ugly!” Thus, although the baby could neither see nor hear nor remember when Prince Ding’s heir grew up, he would know that his father’s first word about him was criticizing his ugliness. The father-son grudge was established from this moment.

Glancing at his son and finding his legs much better, Mo Xiuyao stood up and asked, “How is the Princess?” The midwife quickly replied with a smile, “The young master’s birth was very smooth, and the Princess didn’t suffer much. She’s resting now.” In the midwife’s view, for a first birth, taking only two hours from labor to delivery wasn’t much suffering. But Mo Xiuyao saw it differently. He only knew that A-Li had been in pain for several hours before giving birth to this ugly little fellow. He snorted lightly and said, “I’ll go see the Princess.” With that, he swept his sleeves and walked into the room. Behind him, even the midwife couldn’t help but marvel at the deep love between the Prince and Princess – in this world, there were truly few men who would rush to see their wife instead of their newborn son.

Having confirmed his little nephew wasn’t ugly, Xu Qingyan happily moved closer. Carefully extending his finger to gently poke the baby’s wrinkled face, he said, “Little nephew, I’m your young uncle.” Feng Zhiyao rolled his eyes, saying, “Can he understand now?” Yet he too couldn’t resist bending down to peer at the baby, “Hmm? Did the Prince look like this as a baby, Steward Mo?” Steward Mo examined carefully for a moment before saying, “Newborns all look about the same, I suppose?”

“Make way, make way!” Shen Yang and Doctor Lin came side by side, looking down at the crowd, “This old man needs to examine the young master. Unnecessary people step aside.” Though reluctant, everyone could only watch as Shen Yang expertly took the baby from the midwife.

Mo Xiuyao re-entered the room, where the maids had already cleaned everything. Ye Li sat propped against soft cushions on the bed, her face pale but her spirits good. Matron Lin and Matron Wei were keeping her company, with Matron Wei sitting on the bed holding a bowl of porridge to feed Ye Li. Seeing Mo Xiuyao enter, both matrons quickly rose to pay their respects. Mo Xiuyao waved his hand asking, “How is A-Li?” Matron Lin smiled, “The Princess is well, nothing serious. Few women are as spirited as the Princess right after giving birth. My Prince need not worry.” Mo Xiuyao took the porridge from Matron Wei’s hands saying, “You may go, I’ll stay with A-Li.” Both matrons smiled, looked at Ye Li, and turned to leave. That the Prince hadn’t stayed outside to see the young master but rushed in to see the Princess showed how he valued her. They were naturally happy for the Princess.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao seriously holding the porridge wanting to feed her, Ye Li said helplessly, “I can drink it myself.” It was just childbirth that had been painfully irritating, but now that it was over, it was nothing to her. How could she need someone to feed her? Mo Xiuyao moved away, avoiding Ye Li’s reaching hand, and carefully brought a spoonful of porridge to her lips. Ye Li had no choice but to open her mouth and eat. She asked, “Have you seen the baby? Matron Lin and Matron Wei both say he looks as lovely as I did as a child. Although… I can’t see it…” That red wrinkled little bundle, she really couldn’t see how it resembled her. Perhaps she had looked like that as a baby? Don’t all babies look about the same? Mo Xiuyao recalled Steward Mo’s words, his mouth twitching as he nodded, “I’ve seen him, very lovely.” Ye Li looked at him smiling, raising her eyebrows doubtfully. Mo Xiuyao said, “As long as A-Li gave birth to him, what does it matter if he’s lovely or not?”

After Ye Li had eaten most of the bowl of porridge, Matron Lin who had left earlier returned carrying the baby. Ye Li had only glimpsed the child before he was taken away, and now seeing him again, a strange feeling rose in her heart. This child was hers and Mo Xiuyao’s, her flesh and blood, and her closest person in this world. Taking the baby gently from Matron Lin’s arms, Ye Li tilted her head to look at his red little face and tightly closed eyes, unable to help to smile. She lovingly reached out to poke the baby’s face and pinch his little hand, feeling her heart suddenly filled with tender love and joy just looking at this tiny thing. Mo Xiuyao watched the faint smile on Ye Li’s face, then looked down at the sleeping infant in her arms, finding the little fellow extremely irritating.

“Look, this is our baby. In the future he’ll call you Father and me Mother, do you like that?” Ye Li brought the baby before Mo Xiuyao, asking with a smile.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and reached out to take the child, “You just gave birth, you shouldn’t tire yourself. Let me hold him.” Ye Li looked at him doubtfully, “Do you know how?” These past months, Mo Xiuyao had consistently shown little interest in the child. Not to mention learning how to hold a baby beforehand. Mo Xiuyao hesitated, though he felt it shouldn’t matter how one held a baby, looking at the little one in swaddling clothes, he seemed so fragile that the slightest carelessness might break him. Though he didn’t much like this little fellow who would very likely compete with him for A-Li’s attention in the future, he knew A-Li was very fond of him. Seeing his hesitation and difficulty, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile gently, placing the baby in his arms and saying, “Hold him like this… gently…” She carefully instructed him before finally letting the baby rest in Mo Xiuyao’s arms. Mo Xiuyao looked down at the little thing in his arms feeling completely uncomfortable.

Watching Mo Xiuyao sit stiffly on the bed, without any of his usual ease and casualness, Ye Li secretly covered her mouth and smiled.

The birth of Prince Ding’s heir probably felt to the Northwestern common people not much different from the birth of the Great Chu Crown Prince. Ruyang City was filled with the sound of gongs and drums, and firecrackers echoing as if it were New Year’s. Not to mention that as soon as news of the young master’s birth spread, the Governor of Ruyang announced that this year’s various taxes in Ruyang City would be halved. There were also various notices of benevolent acts posted on the bulletin board outside the Governor’s mansion. The common people were naturally even more jubilant, with the sound of firecrackers so loud it could faintly be heard even in the prison cells.

In the dark and filthy dungeon, Su Zuidie lying on the ground moved her body with some difficulty. The sound of firecrackers from outside made the entire dungeon seem even more desolate and gloomy, also making her already unclear mind increasingly confused. Was it New Year’s time again? She had almost forgotten how long she had been imprisoned here. The only thing she could remember was that she must stay alive. As long as she lived, she would have a chance to leave this place; only by living could she get everything she wanted. Sometimes she couldn’t help thinking that if she hadn’t wanted so much back then, would she now be peacefully serving as Prince Ding’s second wife, perhaps even a Great General’s wife given Mo Xiuyao’s military achievements. But… she wanted more than just that… She, Su Zuidie, was beautiful enough to topple kingdoms, extraordinarily talented, and called the Great Chu’s first beauty. Why should she submit to those mediocre women? Stay alive, leave this place, and get everything she wants. Su Zuidie told herself this every day.

Clang——

The dungeon door opened, and Qin Feng entered with a cold expression, accompanied by Zhuo Jing and Lin Han. None of them looked pleased – at the moment of the young master’s birth, instead of being able to first go see the Princess’s newborn child, they had to come to interrogate this woman, which truly dampened their spirits. Hearing footsteps, Su Zuidie crawled up to sit on the ground, turning to look at the three with a smile, “Starting again, are we?” Her face, mostly covered in grime, flickered with mocking laughter and a triumphant expression. So what if these people tortured her daily? They still couldn’t do anything to her. Every time she saw their frustrated and angry looks, a strange pleasure would rise in her heart.

Qin Feng carelessly kicked aside the debris before him, looking at her coldly with a sneer, “You think those are the only methods we have to deal with you? Let me tell you some good news – the Princess just gave birth to the young master, and right now Ruyang City is quite lively.”

A flash of jealous hatred passed through Su Zuidie’s eyes as she remained silent. Qin Feng continued indifferently, “There’s also some not-so-good news – the Prince has ordered that we must have answers by today.” Su Zuidie sneered, “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Qin Feng nodded unsurprisingly, “I knew you’d say that, so the Prince gave additional instructions. If we can’t get answers, you can die.”

“What did you say?” Su Zuidie froze, staring at Qin Feng in disbelief, her voice trembling.

Qin Feng looked down mockingly at the woman on the ground, coldly sneering, “Forgot to tell you, two months ago we captured Xue Chengliang, the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards – you should know him? Nothing in this world stays completely secret. If we can’t get answers from you, can’t we get them from others?”

“Xue Chengliang?” Su Zuidie seemed confused, clearly showing no recognition of the name. Qin Feng lowered his head in brief thought and understood – ten years ago, Xue Chengliang was just a personal guard to Mo Jingqi, so Su Zuidie might not remember him. He continued, “Ten years ago, what did you take from Prince Ding’s mansion and give to the current Emperor? It was handed to Commander Xue then – surely you haven’t forgotten?”

Su Zuidie suddenly widened her eyes, dragging her somewhat disabled leg to quickly shrink into the corner, screaming, “I don’t know what you’re talking about! What thing? I never took anything from Prince Ding’s mansion!” Qin Feng glanced sideways at Zhuo Jing and Lin Han beside him. All three naturally noticed Su Zuidie’s subtle trembling. Zhuo Jing curled his lip saying, “Bring her out for torture. No need to show mercy – after today she’ll be dead anyway.” Two guards entered at the command, roughly pulling Su Zuidie up from the ground and dragging her to the outer chamber of the dungeon.

The outer chamber was cleaner and drier than the inner cell, with a row of desks and chairs. Someone sat to the side grinding ink, clearly preparing to record confessions. The three men sat down, opening the files on the table, while Su Zuidie had already been tied to a wooden post. Qin Feng coldly regarded the filthy woman before him who bore no resemblance to the former First Beauty of the realm, “Well, Miss Su? Will you speak on your own, or shall we slowly proceed with torture to see how many methods you can endure?”

Su Zuidie gritted her teeth in silence. Qin Feng leaned back lazily in his chair, smiling, “I’m not in a hurry today. If we can’t get answers by midnight, killing you will still let me complete my duty to the Prince. As for whether you’re missing an arm or a leg by then, I trust Miss Su won’t mind?” After studying Su Zuidie for a long while, Qin Feng pointed to the two men standing nearby, “They say Miss Su was called the First Beauty under Heaven – if we make a few cuts on that face, will anyone still find it beautiful?” Zhuo Jing sneered impatiently, “Does she look anything like the First Beauty now? She’s already ugly enough without cuts, isn’t she?” Qin Feng giggled, “How could that be? We haven’t starved Miss Su these past six months. We definitely wouldn’t let her become thin and sallow – I bet that face is still quite fine.”

Lin Han frowned, “Then let’s begin. Let’s finish quickly so we can return.”

Qin Feng raised his chin, and the guard standing to the side knowingly drew his dagger and walked toward Su Zuidie. Seeing the cold glint of the blade, Su Zuidie’s eyes filled with terror. She had prided herself on being the First Beauty – if her face was ruined… “No! You dare… the Prince won’t let you get away with this! How dare you treat me like this…”

Qin Feng sneered contemptuously, “Foolish woman.”

The man doing the deed had no quality of mercy. His dagger flashed twice like silver flowers, and Su Zuidie felt a chill on her face before letting out an anguished scream, “No… ah, my face!” Two perfect crosses appeared on her left and right cheeks, with blood gushing forth from the wounds. Su Zuidie felt her heart grow cold as she realized Qin Feng wasn’t just threatening her – her face was truly ruined. “Ah… my face! My face! I’ll kill you all! Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, you deserve to die!”

The man standing before her unhesitatingly slapped her twice. Her newly wounded face struck hard twice more, and immediately swelled up, with blood flowing everywhere, looking fierce and frightening.

The destruction of her beauty affected Su Zuidie more severely than her lame leg and daily torture. As the torture continued, Su Zuidie kept cursing uncontrollably, as if the cruel torments meant nothing to her. Even Zhuo Jing couldn’t help sighing that such a woman if properly trained as a spy, would have been exceptionally capable – at least they wouldn’t have to worry about her betraying them under torture. Finally, Qin Feng ran out of patience. Although he had some torture methods he hadn’t yet used on Su Zuidie, they were too bloody, and with the young master just born, he didn’t want to go too far. When midnight passed, Qin Feng’s patience was completely exhausted. He stood up and ordered, “Do it – let her watch herself die slowly. Wasting the Commander’s time. Pass down the order: according to Xue Chengliang’s confession, immediately depart for the capital to secretly arrest all of Mo Jingqi’s former confidants from ten years ago and Tan Jizhi.”

“Yes, Commander!”

Su Zuidie’s hands were bound to the wooden post, and one wrist was deeply cut. Bright red blood dripped steadily onto the ground, while the prison cell was completely silent and empty. She turned her head to watch the blood continuously dripping, her ears hearing only the sound of falling drops. Gradually, Su Zuidie felt a buzzing in her ears, and suddenly heard Qin Feng’s cold voice: “The Princess has just given birth to a son, and Ruyang City is quite lively.” Quite lively… why couldn’t she hear anything? Watching more and more blood pool on the ground, she felt her body beginning to weaken as if she could feel the blood flowing from her pulse. She even thought she would have to watch until the last drop of blood flowed before slowly dying.

“No… I don’t want to die…”

“Help! I want to see Mo Xiuyao! I’ll talk, I’ll tell you everything!” The door outside remained silent and empty. Su Zuidie fearfully realized she really would die here, and this fear made her more panicked, even feeling her blood flowing faster, “I’ll talk! I’ll tell you everything! Help… I don’t want to die!”

Outside the door, Qin Feng’s lips curled into a cold smile, “Wouldn’t it have been better to talk earlier? And here we thought she could hold out without talking.”

Lin Han said, “She probably knows she has nowhere to go this time. If she doesn’t talk, Xue Chengliang will. Before, she was just relying on no one else knowing.”

“Go report to the Prince.”