Mo Xiuyao leaned against the palace roof. With his martial prowess, he could hear the conversations inside without needing to disturb the glazed tiles and naturally didn’t need to worry about being discovered by those below. Ye Li, knowing her lightness skills weren’t up to par, didn’t try to join in the commotion. She simply sat in place waiting for Mo Xiuyao. In less than a quarter-hour, Mo Xiuyao swiftly flew back, pulled Ye Li up, and left the palace, picking a few Dark Netherworld flowers along the way before taking her out of the Southern Border’s sacred grounds as silently as they had entered.

The two left the valley and retraced their original path back. The two horses they had thought might have run off were still leisurely grazing on the grass where they had left them.

They chose a comfortable flat spot to sit down and ate some of their dried rations and water. Mo Xiuyao took out the two types of flowers they had brought from the valley, his brows furrowed deeply.

Ye Li gave them a light glance, half leaning against him as she said, “We were prejudiced before. If one of these flowers is the Dark Netherworld flower, it must be this one. Although the Red Spider Lily has antidote properties, it contains deadly poison. Combined with its name as the flower of the yellow springs, we assumed it was the Dark Netherworld flower. But in terms of medicinal effects, this one… seems more like the flower that drags people into the netherworld.” Mo Xiuyao nodded, putting down the plants, and asked, “Does Ali know what Lei Tengfeng came to do?”

Ye Li frowned in thought before looking up, “He also wants medicine made from that flower?” Mo Xiuyao nodded, “That’s right. He got information from somewhere and indeed wants to buy this medicine from the Southern Border people. Moreover… he wants to buy it in large quantities. However, it seems even the Southern Border people don’t understand this medicine very well. It’s very difficult to produce, so the elder only agreed to sell him a small amount.”

Ye Li’s expression grew even more troubled. If someone like Mo Jingli wanted it to control or harm a few people, they wouldn’t need to buy so much. “How much does Lei Tengfeng want?” Mo Xiuyao had clearly thought of this too and said gravely, “He said he wants as much as possible, not just now, but every year in the future.” Ye Li thought for a moment before looking solemnly at Mo Xiuyao, “That valley can’t be allowed to exist anymore. If this thing spreads, the consequences would be unthinkable.” With Lei Tengfeng buying so much, what he wanted to use it for was already obvious without being said.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, “Those Dark Netherworld flowers still need some days to mature. We weren’t prepared today and didn’t have time, but we can have Qilin’s people come burn down this valley later.” Ye Li nodded, “Have people watch the Southern Border territory – there may not be only one place with such things.” Mo Xiuyao nodded in agreement.

After resting a while, Mo Xiuyao pulled Ye Li up with a smile and said, “We should head back now. Why don’t we find something interesting to do along the way?”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, not understanding what he meant by something interesting. Mo Xiuyao gave a sinister smile and said, “Highway robbery.”

On the official road to the Southern Zhao royal city, several fine horses galloped past. Lei Tengfeng led the way, his handsome face wearing a smile of smug satisfaction. Just as he was lost in thought, the whistling sound of an arrow cutting through the air came. Lei Tengfeng’s heart jumped as he spurred his horse to leap up and dodge the arrow. The guards behind him were also startled, “Assassins! Protect the Crown Prince!”

The assassins didn’t show themselves. Two more arrows shot out simultaneously, instantly dropping two guards. The enemy’s archery was excellent – unable to see their attackers, the guards could only be shot down like targets. Several guards gritted their teeth – two stayed to protect Lei Tengfeng while the others charged toward where the arrows had come from. But rushing into the forest, they found it empty without a trace of anyone.

Not far away, Ye Li leaned against a large tree, watching the guards searching below as she lifted the corner of her mouth in a slight smile. These people couldn’t think she would stay in place waiting for them.

After searching the forest for a while, the guards found nothing. Just as they were about to leave, a white figure suddenly flashed past. A guard cried out in shock, “You…” Everyone felt a chill on their necks before silently collapsing.

Lei Tengfeng waited outside the forest for a while but still heard no movement from inside. He knew the guards who had gone in were likely dead. On this trip, to avoid drawing attention he had only brought a few personal guards but hadn’t expected to encounter such troublesome assassins.

Though anxious inside, Lei Tengfeng maintained his composure outwardly. He cupped his hands and said, “I don’t know which esteemed expert is inside. If I have given offense, I will certainly prepare generous gifts to make amends another day. I hope the expert can show mercy.” The response was two arrows flying at his face – his last two remaining guards fell. Lei Tengfeng’s heart sank and he could no longer care about anything else as he turned to flee. But Mo Xiuyao had been waiting for exactly this moment – as soon as he turned and ran a few steps, an overwhelming force came sweeping from behind. Lei Tengfeng felt a pain in his chest before losing consciousness.

Mo Xiuyao stood with his hands behind his back, coldly looking at Lei Tengfeng collapsed on the ground. Ye Li walked out from the forest, putting away her bow and arrows as she smiled at Lei Tengfeng, “Speaking of which, this is the second time the Southern Marquis’s Crown Prince has fallen into our hands, isn’t it?” Mo Xiuyao gave a light snort, completely unconcerned. Seeing Ye Li about to search Lei Tengfeng’s body, he pulled her back and bent down to search him himself.

Moments later, Mo Xiuyao held two white porcelain bottles that looked similar to what Mo Jingli had obtained. Ye Li took the bottles Mo Xiuyao handed her and opened them, pouring out several pills to smell. Though the pills looked strange, Ye Li couldn’t be fooled by their ingredients. They were indeed made from the Dark Netherworld flowers – or rather poppies – that filled the valley in the Southern Border’s sacred grounds. This small bottle had at least twenty pills, and what surprised Ye Li was that the purity of these refined pills was quite considerable. First-time users likely couldn’t handle it at all.

She turned to ask Mo Xiuyao, who said flatly, “The elder said to start by dissolving only a quarter in water.” Ye Li said gravely, “So it’s true.”

“What should we do with him?” Mo Xiuyao asked, gesturing with his chin at the unconscious Lei Tengfeng.

Ye Li thought for a moment and smiled, “We’ve already traded Lei Tengfeng for benefits once – if we use this trick again the Southern Marquis will be furious with embarrassment. Let’s just leave him lying here. People pass by on this official road frequently, and it would be inconvenient for us to bring someone along.” This suggestion matched Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts exactly – he also didn’t want to bring along someone troublesome with himself and Ali. The two unscrupulously cleaned out all of Lei Tengfeng’s valuables, leaving him only his clothes before calling their horses and riding away.

The two took a detour along the way, delaying several days until returning to the Southern Zhao royal city just two days before Princess An Xi’s wedding. By now, envoys from various countries had all arrived for the wedding.

As soon as they entered the courtyard of the guesthouse, they encountered Lei Tengfeng coming toward them. Perhaps because of what happened a few days ago, Lei Tengfeng’s expression and demeanor weren’t very good. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao enter hand in hand, he first froze before coming forward to greet them, “Duke, Duchess, you were…” Ye Li didn’t avoid the topic, smiling graciously, “Ah, Crown Prince. We arrived some days before you, and went around with His Highness to experience Southern Zhao’s local customs – we couldn’t let the trip go to waste. But Crown Prince… I see you don’t look too well. Did you just arrive in Southern Zhao after a bumpy journey?”

Ye Li spoke with such sincerity that even Lei Tengfeng couldn’t tell if she was genuinely asking after him or gloating. After all, though his encounter with bandits on the road was common knowledge in the royal city, the Duchess had said she and the Duke had just returned from outside.

Looking at Mo Xiuyao standing behind Ye Li, Lei Tengfeng suddenly had a thought. He smiled faintly and said, “Thank you for your concern, Duchess. Where did the Duke and Duchess go sightseeing? After Princess An Xi’s wedding, I’d like to take some leisure time to visit myself.”

Ye Li smiled, “His Highness mentioned Snake Valley in Southern Zhao, with its thousands of venomous snakes and beautiful fire-red flowers. I was curious and went with His Highness to see for myself. Please excuse my frivolity.”

Lei Tengfeng frowned slightly – Snake Valley and the official road where he was ambushed were east and west of each other, not even on the same path. Lei Tengfeng hadn’t particularly suspected Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. After all, his trip to the Southern Border’s sacred grounds was extremely secret, one could even say impromptu. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li couldn’t have known in advance to wait for him on the road. It was just that the force of that final strike had been so overwhelming – there weren’t many people in the world capable of such power. Seeing Mo Xiuyao now, he couldn’t help wanting to probe a little.

Lei Tengfeng smiled, “That does sound like a rare worldly beauty. I must go appreciate it myself later. The Duke and Duchess must be tired from just returning – I won’t disturb you further. Please excuse me.”

Ye Li nodded with a smile, “Take care, Crown Prince.”

When the two returned to the courtyard Princess An Xi had arranged for them, Xu Qingchen was already waiting in the yard. Master Qingchen wore flowing white robes, sitting elegantly by a stone table under a tree brewing tea. Though he only gave the two a light glance, it was enough to make Ye Li feel inexplicably guilty. While Ye Li felt guilty, Mo Xiuyao didn’t know what guilt was. He pulled Ye Li to sit down at the table without hesitation. Xu Qingchen poured tea for both of them and smiled faintly, “Did the Duke and Duchess enjoy your excursion?”

“It was decent, though too short,” Mo Xiuyao said flatly.

The corner of Xu Qingchen’s mouth twitched almost imperceptibly as he gave Ye Li a look. Ye Li guiltily tugged at Mo Xiuyao’s sleeve – they had suddenly run off, leaving all the social obligations in the royal city to her brother. It was very normal for him to be angry. Mo Xiuyao gave a light snort and casually told Xu Qingchen what they had seen at the Southern Border’s sacred grounds.

After listening, Xu Qingchen’s elegant face finally showed an expression uncharacteristic of Master Qingchen. With a rare dark expression, he said through gritted teeth, “Your Highness is telling me that after discovering such an important matter, instead of returning to handle it you took the Duchess on a roundabout detour to continue sightseeing?” Mo Xiuyao looked at him innocently, “Was there something wrong with that?” Finally, he gave Ye Li an aggrieved look – see, your brother just likes to make unreasonable complaints.

Ye Li rolled her eyes skyward as Xu Qingchen’s anger hadn’t subsided, “Do you have any brains at all? Nobody knows how many experts and dangers are in the Southern Border’s sacred grounds. Yet you dared to take Li’er directly inside? If you want to court death, don’t drag Li’er along!” Mo Xiuyao said, “There wasn’t anyone inside at all. Ali and I went in, looked around, and came out without anyone discovering us.” Xu Qingchen sneered, “That was just your luck. The very day after you left, Shu Manlin secretly brought over a hundred first-rate experts into the royal city from outside.” Mo Xiuyao nodded in agreement. “Mm, this King has always had good luck.”

Seeing Xu Qingchen’s expression about to change again, Ye Li quickly poured him tea, “Brother, calm down… Your Highness!” She gave Mo Xiuyao a warning glance, making him pout in dissatisfaction. Ali was always so biased.

Looking at the two men with their varied expressions and mutual displeasure, Ye Li sighed helplessly and gave up on Mo Xiuyao, deciding to explain the subsequent events herself. Upon hearing about the Dark Netherworld flowers, Xu Qingchen couldn’t maintain his anger at Mo Xiuyao anymore. His handsome brows furrowed as he said gravely, “Mo Jingli wants to use that thing on the Emperor?”

Ye Li nodded, “That must be it. These past few years, though the Mo Jingqi brothers appear harmonious, they’ve been constantly competing openly and secretly. How could Mo Jingli, who controls the richest half of Southern Da Chu, be content with being second to anyone? He must be getting impatient.”

Xu Qingchen gave a cold laugh, “Foolish! The Southern Border people have ill intentions. Does Mo Jingli think that after using this method to kill Mo Jingqi, he won’t have weaknesses for Shu Manlin to exploit?” Da Chu was different from the Southern Border – they valued propriety, honor, loyalty, and filial piety above all. If word got out that Mo Jingli had plotted against his elder brother and sovereign, he wouldn’t be able to secure the throne anyway – he might as well openly rebel. Once the Southern Zhao people had this leverage, Mo Jingli would be nothing more than a puppet.

“Shu Manlin has quite the scheme. Brother, do you have news of Tan Jizhi?” Ye Li asked with a faint smile.

Xu Qingchen nodded, “I know something of Shu Manlin – she doesn’t have the brains for this. It must be Tan Jizhi advising her from behind the scenes. Eliminate Princess An Xi to gain Southern Zhao, then control Mo Jingli from behind the scenes to control Da Chu – indeed a fine plan. But he’s thinking things will go too smoothly.”

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao and asked, “Xiuyao, what do you think?” Mo Xiuyao leaned against the large tree behind him, smiling lazily, “What could I think? What business is it of outsiders like us if brothers want to fight over the throne?” Speaking thus, he meant to stay out of it.

Xu Qingchen sighed lightly. Mo Xiuyao’s hatred for the Da Chu royal family ran deep as the sea – many people were already secretly surprised that he hadn’t immediately sent troops. Naturally, he wouldn’t go save Mo Jingqi either. From the moment he ascended the throne, Mo Jingqi had been guarding the Duke’s mansion, against Mo Xiuwen and Mo Xiuyao. Yet he probably never imagined that the one most wanting his life would be his brother of the same parents.

After some thought, Xu Qingchen nodded, “Very well, it’s right for us not to get involved in this matter.” Since the Northwest had already broken with Da Chu, completely staying out of Da Chu’s affairs was best. Though things were peaceful now, everyone knew that one day Da Chu and the Northwest would inevitably have to fight. If the Northwest intervened in Da Chu’s internal politics during this time, it wouldn’t be good for the Duke’s or the Mo Family Army’s reputation.

“Shu Manlin must have grand ambitions this time.” Thinking of the hundred-plus experts Shu Manlin had brought from the Southern Border’s sacred grounds, Xu Qingchen frowned. Those who could live in the Southern Border’s sacred grounds were top-tier experts, and more importantly, the Southern Zhao people were skilled with poisons and insects, making them even more dangerous. This was precisely why Central Plains people traditionally avoided contact with the Southern Border tribes. They hadn’t brought many guards this time either – if something happened, it could be very troublesome.

Mo Xiuyao smiled, “I suspect Princess An Xi isn’t a pushover either. With Master Qingchen’s secret guidance, she must be even more formidable.” For Princess An Xi to have fought with Shu Manlin for so many years and remained undefeated despite the Southern Zhao King’s favoritism, she wasn’t someone easily pushed around. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and nodded, “Princess An Xi told me that Pu A and her maternal grandfather’s tribe have sent many experts. Moreover, she has accumulated many loyal death squads over the years. It’s just this wedding…” What should be a joyous wedding would inevitably be tainted with bloodshed.

Mo Xiuyao said, “The Southern Zhao people don’t believe in such things – they probably won’t mind.”

Xu Qingchen was helpless – was this about minding or not minding? Would anyone be happy about their wedding turning into a bloodbath? Ye Li propped her elbow on the table, contemplating, “Could it be that Princess An Xi organized this wedding specifically to deal with Shu Manlin?”

Xu Qingchen started, “What do you mean?”

Ye Li shook her head, “I don’t know, it just feels like Princess An Xi’s wedding came too suddenly. And… she even secretly invited experts to help. If Princess An Xi didn’t foresee this, then she must have deliberately set a trap for Shu Manlin to fall into. But that doesn’t make sense either – after all, with the Southern Zhao King still around, Princess An Xi couldn’t kill Shu Manlin even if she won.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled, “Princess An Xi was probably forced into a desperate move by Shu Manlin and the Southern Zhao King. Have you noticed the King’s attitude toward Pu A is practically dismissive? Which means he doesn’t approve of this marriage. In his heart… he probably wants to depose Princess An Xi.”

“The Southern Zhao King has no other children if he deposes Princess An Xi…”

Mo Xiuyao smiled, “Naturally he would establish Shu Manlin. The Southern Border Holy Maiden holds a unique position in Southern Zhao. Historically, there have been cases of Holy Maidens temporarily taking the throne, though only for very brief periods. Moreover, in recent years Shu Manlin has been revered as Southern Zhao’s savior, with far fewer restrictions than historical Holy Maidens – practically none at all. Her influence in court has gradually grown to rival Princess An Xi’s. Under these circumstances… convincing the Southern Zhao King to establish a new Crown Princess might not be impossible.”

Ye Li sighed helplessly – just hearing about these power struggles in the royal family was exhausting. It was remarkable that Princess An Xi, as a woman, could persist in such hostile circumstances.

“What does Your Highness mean?”

Mo Xiuyao smiled calmly, “The Crown Princess naturally cannot be deposed, and the Holy Maiden cannot die.”

Xu Qingchen fell silent. Mo Xiuyao wanted to keep them fighting each other, to prevent Southern Zhao from having free time to stir up other troubles. After all, the Southern Zhao people had always coveted the Central Plains. Even though Da Chu had no relationship with the Mo Family Army now, they couldn’t allow Southern Zhao’s ambitions to go unchecked.