A few days remained before Prince Ding’s son’s full-month celebration, but Ruyang City was already bustling with activity. Due to last year’s northwestern unrest, many wealthy merchants had fled to the interior, leading to economic stagnation and even regression across the northwest. This time, as soon as Mo Xiaobao was born, Prince Ding’s mansion announced grand celebrations for the young heir to the world. Moreover, due to matters concerning the previous dynasty’s treasure and Imperial Seal, people continuously poured into the northwest. In less than a month, Ruyang City showed signs of growing prosperity. After Xinyang, the former largest northwestern city had been reduced to ashes, and with Prince Ding’s mansion now stationed in Ruyang, the city was gradually trending toward becoming the northwest’s new premier city. The citizens, eager to welcome visitors from all directions, prepared their establishments early, hoping to profit from the festivities.

Within Prince Ding’s mansion, with the addition of the Xu family members, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li felt much relieved. Besides Master Qingyun who, due to his advanced age, mainly stayed in the mansion enjoying his twilight years and occasionally visiting the recuperating Su Zhe, from Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan to the five young masters of the Xu family, even the youngest Xu Qingyan could help Xu Qingbai with small tasks. Xu Hongyu and Xu Qingchen were already unparalleled talents, and with their presence, Mo Xiuyao immediately and unhesitatingly delegated most of the northwest’s affairs to them, living quite leisurely and contentedly.

“Li’er, did you write this?” In the spacious study, several desks were arranged together forming a large workspace, with various documents and files neatly arranged on top. Several people sat around the desk, handling files while occasionally exchanging words. Although everyone had their study, they generally preferred handling official business in the main study, which not only prevented loneliness but also allowed them to seek others’ opinions when uncertain. Xu Qingchen held up a document about northwestern commercial plans and asked.

Ye Li raised her head from between the documents, looking somewhat bewildered at Xu Qingchen, unsure what he meant. Mo Xiuyao, sitting beside her, glanced over and said, “The plan for northwestern commercial development.”

“Ah… yes, I wrote it,” Ye Li finally remembered, saying somewhat embarrassedly, “Actually, I only had a rough idea, I’m not very familiar with these matters. Weren’t they supposed to be handed over to Mingshi and Leng Er?” Mo Xiuyao replied, “Leng Er returned to the interior, and Han Mingshi alone can’t manage both the northwest and matters with Nanzhao and the Northern Rong, so it was temporarily shelved.” Hearing this, others raised their heads to look at Xu Qingchen. Xu Qingchen passed the document to Xu Hongyu, and after everyone had a chance to review it, Xu Hongyu nodded in approval, “Li’er’s ideas are innovative. We could try it, it might work.”

Though the Xu family came from a scholarly background, they weren’t inflexible, naturally understanding what commerce meant for a city or even a country. Compared to the wealthy Central Plains and Jiangnan regions, the northwest was neither prosperous nor agriculturally fertile. Without finding alternative paths, the Mo family army would eventually decline due to the northwest’s poverty. Initially, everyone was surprised to see Ye Li accompanying Mo Xiuyao in handling northwestern politics and military affairs daily, but seeing the Mo family army’s commanders treating it as normal made everyone feel quite gratified. Li’er had sufficient talent and ability, and most importantly, Prince Ding was willing to give her trust and space to demonstrate her capabilities, which significantly improved the Xu family’s impression of Mo Xiuyao.

The document circulated among everyone, with Xu Qingbai showing the most interest in this plan. Originally, when he was posted to the southwestern region, he had been ready to make his mark but was then recalled to the capital. Now seeing this plan immediately reminded him of his initial ambitious feelings upon arriving in the southwest. “Li’er, what’s your thinking behind this?”

Seeing everyone staring at her, Ye Li put down the document in her hands and had Zhuo Jing bring a map to hang on the wall beside them, while also having fresh tea brought in. After carefully organizing her thoughts, she said, “The northwest comprises less than one-sixth of Da Chu’s territory, and its population is not even one-tenth of the entire Da Chu. Although Hongzhou is known as the northwest’s granary, it still falls short compared to the Central Plains, Jiangnan, or even the southwest known as the ‘Land of Abundance.’ In peacetime, this might not matter, as we would only need to import a small amount of grain to feed the northwestern citizens and soldiers. But in reality, in the worst case, we might face over three million troops simultaneously from Da Chu, Northern Rong, and Xiling. Even without war, if the three countries simply unite to blockade the northwest’s food and economy, the northwest, while not immediately falling into crisis, would only become increasingly impoverished, and similarly, the Mo family army would grow increasingly weak, with its demise being only a matter of time.”

Everyone remained silent. What Ye Li said was all fact – those present weren’t unaware, but no one had ever laid out these statistics so clearly before their eyes. The clarity made it all the more alarming.

Feng Zhiyao frowned and asked, “What if we take the initiative? Expand the northwest’s territory?”

Xu Hongyu furrowed his brow and said, “It’s not impossible, but… Xiling’s land itself is barren, their grain comes mostly from Da Chu, Nanzhao, and Western countries, while Northern Rong consists of vast grasslands and deserts, with the Northern Rong people subsisting mainly on cattle and sheep. As for Da Chu… we can’t move against them for now. Once the Mo family army makes a move against Da Chu, it’s very likely to provoke simultaneous attacks from Xiling, Northern Rong, and Nanzhao. Actually, given the Mo family army’s prowess, what General Feng suggests isn’t entirely impossible, but the losses would certainly be enormous. I believe Li’er intends to proceed gradually.”

Ye Li nodded, “Indeed if we leave the northwest in tatters, we’ll be the ones cleaning up the mess in the end. Unless we can take down either Xiling or Northern Rong within half a year, otherwise, once they retaliate, it would be enough to give the Mo family army more than they can handle.” The Mo family army wasn’t like any other army – they appeared immensely powerful but were fraught with crisis. Regardless of who wants to rise to compete for the world or do anything else, when their power isn’t strong enough, they’ll only be ignored, and when their power is strong enough, they can form alliances. But the Mo family army was positioned as everyone’s opponent from the very beginning. Neither Xiling nor Northern Rong would cooperate with the Mo family army; if given a choice, they would rather eliminate the Mo family army at any cost first.

Xu Qingyan tilted his body and stretched his neck to look at what was in Xu Qingbai’s hands, while asking, “Sister Li’er has considered so much already, surely you must have a solution?”

Ye Li smiled helplessly, “How could such problems be solved quickly? However, after having people survey the entire northwestern territory, besides the Hongzhou area, there’s a large plain region in Ganzhou, which is the middle reaches of the Min River, where both soil and water quality are excellent. It’s just that this area borders Northern Rong, so it’s sparsely populated with large tracts of good farmland lying uncultivated.” Xu Qingbai pondered, “You mean to relocate people to Ganzhou to cultivate the land? That would require large armies stationed at the border to prevent Northern Rong raiders at any time.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded, “That’s not a problem, the Mo family army still has several hundred thousand troops with nothing to do right now. Besides, the Mo family army will certainly expand in the future, so there’s no worry about lack of guards.” Ye Li also nodded, “If the people are unsure, the Mo family army can cultivate the land first, or farm together with the civilians.”

“The Mo family army farming together with ordinary civilians?” Everyone frowned, somewhat hesitant.

Xu Qingchen raised his sword-like eyebrows, smiling, “Li’er’s idea is quite good. Several hundred thousand troops aren’t needed for fighting at the moment, farming isn’t bad either. This way, the Mo family army would have their grain harvest, and can also reduce taxes on civilians.”

Xu Qingbai nodded, showing unusual eagerness as he asked, “Then Li’er, what about this commercial hub you mentioned here, what’s your thinking on that?”

Ye Li pressed her temples, organizing her thoughts before saying, “This world isn’t limited to just Da Chu, Northern Rong, Xiling, and Nanzhao. West of Xiling there are countless small countries and possibly large countries we don’t know about. It’s just that due to the distance travel, ordinary people don’t know about them. Our northwest is currently surrounded by various countries. If we can sell East Chu, Northern Rong, and Nanzhao’s goods to countries further west through Xiling, and bring back their goods to sell to Da Chu or the Northern Rong people, and even guide merchants from those countries to come here… given time, Ruyang, even the entire northwest, will become an important region for east-west economic exchange and interaction…” Xu Qingbai was a clever person, naturally understanding immediately, and smiled, “When does Li’er plan to start? Count me in.”

“Me too!” Xu Qingyan, always following his fourth brother’s lead, quickly raised his hand to vote.

Ye Li smiled, “We’ve already sent some people over for the agricultural aspect. As for commerce… Fourth Brother, if you lack experience, you can ask Han Mingshi and Leng Haoyu…” Thinking of Han Mingshi and Leng Haoyu running around busily gave Ye Li’s headache. Then, remembering a certain person now wallowing in decadence somewhere, she felt some regret about killing Su Zuidie too quickly – she would have made such a good free laborer.

“Your Highness, Prince and Princess Li from the capital have arrived,” a guard came in to report.

“Prince Li? Mo Jingli?” Ye Li was startled, not expecting him to come to Ruyang, and with Ye Ying no less. Come to think of it, Ye Li hadn’t seen Ye Ying for nearly two years. Originally imprisoned by Mo Jingqi, now that Mo Jingli had returned to the capital and commanded significant forces, seemingly able to rival Mo Jingqi, Ye Ying as Princess Li naturally gained her freedom.

Mo Xiuyao stood up smiling, “Mo Jingli? In that case… Ah Li, let’s go, welcome Prince and Princess Li. I’d also like to see how much this Mo Jingli has grown after not seeing him for so long.” Ye Li naturally had no objections and stood up to follow Mo Xiuyao out. Only Xu Qingbai, still having unfinished questions, showed some lingering reluctance.

Speaking of welcoming, it merely meant Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao walking to the main hall’s entrance to receive them when Steward Mo brought them in. Mo Jingli didn’t expect any grand reception from Mo Xiuyao, his expression remaining relatively normal. Just as he approached the main hall of Prince Ding’s mansion, he saw the striking couple standing at the entrance. Mo Xiuyao wore light purple brocade robes, his snow-white hair casually tied back, seeming even more aloof and intimidating than before. Ye Li wore a light cyan dress with silver thread peony patterns, her smile still gentle as ever, though her bearing now carried more nobility and charm. Looking at the cyan-clad woman standing beside Mo Xiuyao with a smile, Mo Jingli’s eyes flickered, his heart filled with indescribable feelings.

“Welcome, Prince and Princess Li, to our humble abode,” Ye Li said with a light smile, seeing Mo Xiuyao had no intention of speaking.

After a year of separation, Ye Ying appeared quite different from the Fourth Miss Ye who once made a name in the capital. Her originally delicate and touching demeanor now carried more melancholy and woodenness, her once autumn-clear eyes had grown sharper, significantly weakening her formerly fragile air. Silently following beside Mo Jingli, she looked more like a proper princess than before. However, Ye Li didn’t miss the flash of jealousy and resentment in Ye Ying’s eyes when she looked at her. She inwardly smiled – Ye Ying might have truly suffered these past two years, but what was there to be jealous of? Was she jealous of her leading troops into battle, risking life and death? Or jealous of her falling off a cliff, nearly losing two lives?

Mo Jingli looked at the two standing side by side and said flatly, “It’s been a long time, how have you been?”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in surprise – Mo Jingli knew how to greet him properly. It seemed this past year had truly taught him some new tricks. He nodded slightly with a faint smile, “Thanks for your concern.” Mo Jingli’s expression stiffened, immediately looking as if he’d swallowed a fly: who was concerned about him? Ye Li smiled, glancing at Mo Xiuyao, then said to Mo Jingli, “Please, come in.”

After entering the hall and sitting down, Ye Li noticed that Mo Jingli had brought another person – another familiar face from long ago: Princess Qixia. Princess Qixia wore a maid’s attire and followed beside Mo Jingli, keeping her head lowered so that Ye Li thought she was just an ordinary maid. Only when she followed everyone into the hall did Ye Li realize something was amiss. No wonder Ye Ying’s expression was so difficult – when Mo Jingli left the capital back then, he had taken Princess Qixia with him, and unexpectedly still kept her by his side even now in the northwest, clearly showing his unusual regard for her.

After the host and guests were seated, Ye Li hesitated before looking at Princess Qixia and saying, “This is…”

Before Mo Jingli could speak, Ye Ying coldly interrupted, “Just a maid, why should Third Sister concern herself?”

Hearing this, Mo Jingli’s face darkened, and Princess Qixia’s expression also turned unpleasant. Given Princess Qixia’s status, she could have easily been made a secondary consort. But after that scene at the wedding, Princess Qixia had to hastily fake her death to resolve the matter. Originally, Ye Li had thought Mo Jingli would quickly arrange a new identity for Princess Qixia, but unexpectedly, her status remained ambiguous even now. Seeing Mo Jingli’s silence, Ye Li didn’t pursue it further and ordered tea to be served.

“Prince Ding’s current appearance quite startled me,” Mo Jingli said. Though he had heard about Prince Ding’s white hair before, seeing it in person still surprised him. He glanced sideways at Ye Li sitting beside Mo Xiuyao, inwardly assessing that Ye Li’s importance to Mo Xiuyao seemed greater than they had assumed.

Mo Xiuyao showed no concern, casually brushing back the hair falling to his chest, and smiled, “Flowers bloom and wither, life and death are ordinary matters, why bother about it? I hear Prince Li has been quite successful in Jiangnan this past year?”

Mo Jingli’s lips twitched as he said, “Your Highness overstates it. How could it compare to your comfortable position in the northwest?” The two men began exchanging veiled barbs. In the past, Mo Jingli might not have had the courage or backing to spar with Mo Xiuyao. But now things were different – while Mo Xiuyao controlled the northwest, he held Jiangnan. Compared to the northwest’s poverty, the prosperous Jiangnan had some advantages.

Ye Li smiled at Ye Ying, saying, “How has Fourth Sister been this past year?”

Ye Ying looked at Ye Li with complex emotions, letting out a cold laugh, “Could Third Sister not know about my imprisonment by His Majesty? How well could a prisoner be?” The implication was that she blamed Ye Li for not rescuing her despite knowing she was imprisoned by Mo Jingqi. Ye Li didn’t mind – she and Ye Ying had no deep sisterly bond. If it had been a simple matter, she would have saved her, but at the time, Ye Ying was essentially Mo Jingqi’s hostage against Mo Jingli, naturally under heavy guard. Why would she risk sacrificing her subordinates? Faced with Ye Ying’s questioning, Ye Li maintained her composure and consoled, “Now that Fourth Sister has reunited with Prince Li and has the young prince, surely better days lie ahead.”

At these words, Ye Ying’s face darkened further. Ye Li thought briefly and immediately understood – presumably Mo Jingli had no intention of naming Ye Ying’s child as his heir. Indeed, Mo Jingli was still young, he could have children anytime. And now Ye Ying could be said to have no foundation at all except for her half-sister, not even comparable to an ordinary official’s family. And this sister happened to have a poor relationship with her, their families even being opponents. Of course, Mo Jingli wouldn’t consider making Ye Ying’s child his heir. He was probably already planning to choose a new wife from a good family.

These matters were naturally not Ye Li’s concern. She simply avoided the topic and began discussing other things with Ye Ying. Ye Ying listened silently to Ye Li for a long while before suddenly asking, “Third Sister, why did you make Father retire to his hometown?!”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow – this was an accusation?

She pressed her lips together in a faint smile, her expression somewhat cold, “Father is advanced in years, and has reached his peak in court. What’s wrong with making a timely retreat?”

Ye Ying bit her lip, giving Ye Li a resentful look. No one knew how she felt when she was released from prison only to find her parents and family no longer in the capital. The prince no longer treated her with the same careful attention as before, just cold indifference, not even properly looking at her child. If Father were still there, still a minister, how could things be like this?

Ye Li naturally understood Ye Ying’s unwillingness and resentment, inwardly laughing coldly. If Minister Ye hadn’t retired to his hometown, he probably would have been killed by Mo Jingqi long ago, not living to see Ye Ying’s release. She had thought Ye Ying would have grown up after more than a year of hardship, but looking now, she was still just as childish and ignorant!