In an inconspicuous courtyard in the Chu capital…

Leng Haoyu sat in his study, his expression dark and fluctuating. Murong Ting entered carrying a cup of ginseng tea, and seeing the dark circles under his eyes, she frowned and asked, “What’s troubling you so much?”

Since receiving a letter last night, Leng Haoyu had been moody and hadn’t slept, just sitting in his study lost in thought. If this were the Murong Ting of a few years ago, she would have grabbed him and berated him immediately. But after several years of marriage, her impression of Leng Haoyu was no longer that of an idle noble’s son. Moreover, becoming a wife and mother had notably improved her temperament.

Setting down the tea, Murong Ting glanced at the letter on the table. Leng Haoyu did not attempt to hide it from her; the letter lay open on the desk. It was from Leng Huai at Purple Thorn Pass, reporting their desperate need for supplies. Yet with the court embroiled in major events, with Chancellor Liu’s faction and Prince Li’s faction locked in heated competition, no one had paid attention to Leng Huai’s plea for aid.

Murong Ting frowned and laughed coldly, “Does Father-in-law think we’re the imperial treasury? He doesn’t even consider whether you have such capability, asking for a hundred thousand dan of supplies right away. Where are we supposed to get that from?”

It wouldn’t be difficult for Leng Haoyu to procure a hundred thousand dan of supplies, but those were Prince Ding’s assets, not something Leng Haoyu could use at will. Moreover, though people knew Leng Haoyu had been in business for several years, casually producing a hundred thousand dan of grain would surely draw unwanted attention from various factions. Prince Ding’s house no longer had ties with Da Chu – who would dare provide supplies to Da Chu’s army without the Prince’s explicit permission?

But Murong Ting understood Leng Haoyu’s struggle and difficulty. No matter how much Leng Huai neglected and disregarded Leng Haoyu, he was still his father. Murong Ting felt equally conflicted about Da Chu. Leng Haoyu belonged to Prince Ding’s household, and as his wife, Murong Ting naturally belonged there too. But her father, Murong Shen, was the Great General guarding Da Chu’s borders – how could blood ties of the same origin be so easily severed?

Seeing her husband’s haggard and exhausted appearance, Murong Ting could only sigh helplessly and comfort him, “We’ve already sent word to the Northwest, surely the Prince and Princess will reply soon. Father-in-law’s situation can’t be so desperate that he can’t hold out for a few days.”

Leng Haoyu forced a smile, leaning back in his chair and taking his wife’s hand from his shoulder, saying apologetically, “I’ve made you worry.” Murong Ting gave him a look, “What are you saying? We’re husband and wife – if I don’t worry about you, who will I worry about? Instead of sitting here worrying, you’d better get some sleep. What if Prince Ding sends orders and things get busy? You won’t be able to handle it if you’re exhausted.”

Leng Haoyu smiled bitterly – how could he not understand the logic? But the person currently on the battlefield, facing weapons and possibly starving, was his father. Though his father had only ever had eyes for his older brother since childhood, he couldn’t deny that he still yearned for his father’s recognition. That was why he and Feng San had become close friends – they both craved their fathers’ attention and recognition but had never received it, though Feng San was more carefree and resolute about it.

“Report to Young Master Leng, a confidential letter from the Prince has arrived,” someone announced quietly from outside. Leng Haoyu stood up excitedly, calling out, “Come in quickly!” He didn’t know the Prince’s decision, but he hoped to know the result as soon as possible. The man outside quietly handed over a sealed letter and withdrew, and Leng Haoyu broke the seal and quickly scanned its contents, his eyes flashing with joy.

Murong Ting could tell from his expression that it must be good news, and she felt relieved. Though she disliked the Leng family, she didn’t wish them dead. At least she didn’t want Leng Huai to die that way, as it would surely break Leng Haoyu’s heart. After finishing the letter, Leng Haoyu looked up. Murong Ting asked, “How is it? What did Prince Ding say?” Leng Haoyu thought for a moment and said, “Ting’er, go to the Marquis of Muyang’s mansion later. Like the Leng family, the Marquis’s family has a history of military achievements – they should contribute now that the border is in crisis.”

Murong Ting frowned, “The Marquis of Muyang has been thinking of retiring these past few years – can Yao Ji persuade him?” Leng Haoyu laughed coldly, “If he won’t do it, isn’t there still Mu Yang?” Murong Ting nodded, “I understand. It’s been a while since I’ve seen the Marquis’s heir’s wife – I’ll have someone send a visiting card over shortly.”

Leng Haoyu nodded and smiled, “There’s more good news.” Murong Ting raised her eyebrows, smiling at him expectantly.

Leng Haoyu said softly, “The Prince and Princess will be coming to the capital soon.” Hearing this, Murong Ting was startled, “At this time, the Prince and Princess…” Leng Haoyu chuckled, “With Master Hongyu and Master Qingchen guarding Li City internally, and various generals and hundreds of thousands of Mo family troops stationed outside, where can’t the Prince and Princess go? They plan to bring the young master back to sweep the tombs of the previous kings. Also, isn’t Mo Jingqi said to be near death? The Prince says he wants to come bid him farewell.”

Since Prince Ding and Li’er had decided to come, they naturally had security arrangements in place. Thinking of Ye Li, whom she hadn’t seen in years, Murong Ting’s expression brightened with joy.

Yao Ji hadn’t been in the Chu capital long, barely half a year at most. But in this time, she had successfully transformed herself from a lone woman with a child to the most favored secondary wife of the Marquis of Muyang’s heir. Though Prince Ding’s influence had helped pave her way behind the scenes, it also demonstrated Yao Ji’s considerable skill.

Now, her son was the Marquis’s eldest grandson and Mu Yang’s only son – this alone was enough to secure her position in the household. Yao Ji wasn’t ostentatious, and though favored, she wasn’t arrogant. This left the Marchioness, who had initially looked down on her background, with no weakness to exploit. It particularly infuriated the heir’s primary wife, who nearly ground her teeth to powder in hatred, cursing herself for not killing this troublemaker when she had the chance. But Mu Yang’s protection was fierce, and Yao Ji was no naive innocent – in their several confrontations over the months since her arrival, the heir’s wife hadn’t gained any advantage.

Yao Ji lounged by the window, her colorful, brilliant clothing appearing elegant rather than garish on her, radiating beauty. Though approaching thirty, she remained intoxicatingly beautiful. A handsome child of six or seven sat quietly beside her reading, while Yao Ji looked down at him with eyes full of love and compassion.

This wasn’t her child, of course. Her child remained in the Northwest, living an ordinary life with loving parents, forever provided for. He would never know he had a Marquis’s heir for a father or a former dancer for a mother. That was for the best. This child wasn’t ordinary either – he had been raised by Prince Ding’s household, where traditionally the Prince’s guards were selected and trained from such children. Though the guard system was gradually changing, they still needed special people for special tasks. This child had come with Yao Ji, and over these months together, she had truly come to love him as her own. Unable to raise her child, she was particularly soft-hearted toward other children.

This was the scene Mu Yang encountered when he entered. A beautiful woman lovingly watched a child absorbed in his studies, with the late afternoon sun streaming through the window, adding warmth to the late winter chill. The sight warmed Mu Yang’s heart, deepening his smile.

“Is Lie’er studying?” Mu Yang asked with a smile as he approached. The child, named Mu Lie, put away his book and stood respectfully, calling out, “Father.”

Mu Yang lovingly patted Mu Lie’s head, smiling, “I know you work hard on the teacher’s daily assignments, but you shouldn’t tire yourself too much.” A mix of embarrassment, shyness, and joy flashed across Mu Lie’s small face as he nodded, “I’m not tired, thank you for your concern, Father.”

Mu Yang found his son incredibly sensible, feeling deeply gratified. “Good child.” He truly loved this son who had been missing for six years, and feeling guilty, didn’t impose overly strict requirements. Mu Yang looked at Yao Ji, who sat quietly watching them, and said softly, “What were you doing this afternoon? If you’re bored, you could go for a walk.” Yao Ji shook her head gently, “There’s nothing worth seeing. I’d rather stay in the courtyard with Lie’er – going out would just invite trouble.”

Guilt flashed across Mu Yang’s face – he knew she hadn’t returned willingly. If not for their son, she likely would never have come back. Remembering when Yao Ji had appeared before him months ago, haggard and holding their gravely ill, unconscious Mu Lie, Mu Yang felt his heart twist with pain. So even though Yao Ji remained distant from him now, he still felt satisfied – as long as mother and son were by his side, everything was perfect.

Yao Ji observed his abstracted expression and lowered her gaze slightly, “You seem to have been busy these past days?” Mu Yang smiled, “Indeed, I’ve been quite busy – haven’t been able to dine with you and Lie’er for two days.” Pleased that Yao Ji showed interest in his affairs, Mu Yang took it as concern for him and smiled more deeply. He freely told her about recent events, “You know how chaotic the court has been lately. Our family is loyal to the Emperor, but now…” Now the Emperor was gravely ill, and the outcome of the struggle between the Liu family and Prince Li remained uncertain. Choosing sides now would be beneficial if they won, but disastrous if they lost. Both Prince Li’s people and the Liu family had been trying their utmost to win over the Marquis of Muyang, and though the Marquis hadn’t responded yet, he likely couldn’t hold out much longer. Few could remain neutral at this point – not because they didn’t want to, but because they couldn’t.

“I heard earlier that General Leng is besieged at Purple Thorn Pass. With such fierce disputes in court now, is it because the northern forces have withdrawn?” Yao Ji asked casually.

Mu Yang smiled bitterly, “The northern forces came well-prepared and strong – how could they withdraw so easily? General Leng is barely holding on now…” As he spoke, Mu Yang suddenly paused thoughtfully. Yao Ji didn’t look at him, casually leaning against the window frame, “The enemy is about to reach the city gates, yet these people still have something to fight about. Are they competing to be the ruler of a fallen nation?”

Mu Yang smiled wryly, looking at Yao Ji, “Such words shouldn’t be spoken carelessly.” But knowing her nature, he couldn’t bring himself to scold her. His mind turned to her earlier words – Purple Thorn Pass was in danger, yet Prince Li and the Liu family were too busy fighting for power to care about anything else. If Purple Thorn Pass fell, it was an unobstructed path from the north to the capital – the Northern Jin army could reach the city gates in just two days. If at this time the Mu family were to guard the border like the Leng family… they might be able to extract themselves from this struggle. As long as they held Purple Thorn Pass, the Mu family would be heroes no matter who won.

With this thought, Mu Yang couldn’t wait any longer. He said softly to Yao Ji and Mu Lie, “I have some matters to attend to, so I won’t join you for dinner tonight. I’ll come see you tomorrow.” As he turned to leave, Mu Lie respectfully called out, “Take care, Father.”

After Mu Yang left, the well-behaved Mu Lie looked up at Yao Ji lounging by the window and frowned, “You don’t still like this man, do you? He’s far inferior to Commander Qin.”

Yao Ji started, then irritably tapped his head, “What does a child know about liking someone or being inferior?”

Mu Lie pouted, his sword-like eyebrows furrowing as he showed a trace of mockery, “Of course, I know. He already has a wife yet acts deeply in love with you, but when his wife and mother bully you, he can’t help at all – he only knows how to be nice afterward. Can’t control his wife, can’t protect the person he claims to love – what is he if not useless?”

Yao Ji looked at him in surprise, “Are you only seven?” Mu Lie rolled his eyes, “I’m already eleven, don’t you know?” He explained that he was only small because he’d started martial arts training too early and injured his growth, but the doctor had said he would shoot up around fourteen or fifteen, and it wouldn’t affect his adult height. Yao Ji was speechless – eleven was still a child.

Looking at the little devil staring at her so seriously, Yao Ji smiled faintly, “Don’t worry, I know what I should and shouldn’t do. Prince Ding and the Princess gave me a second life – I won’t ruin their plans.” Only then did Mu Lie nod satisfactorily, “That’s more like it. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe until you can return to see your son.” Yao Ji couldn’t help but smile, “Thank you then.” Mu Lie snorted lightly, turning his face away uncomfortably. Yao Ji looked back out the window, a faint smile on her lips. When she had fled the Chu capital with her child years ago, all ties between her and Mu Yang had been severed. From now on… they would each serve their masters.

Mu Yang indeed moved quickly – somehow the Marquis of Muyang had convinced both the Liu family and Prince Li’s factions. Three days later, Mu Yang left for Purple Thorn Pass with two hundred thousand troops and supplies. Before leaving, Mu Yang looked back to see Yao Ji holding Mu Lie’s hand at the mansion gates, watching him depart. Seeing Yao Ji’s faint smile, Mu Yang’s heart suddenly skipped for no apparent reason, a subtle unease spreading in his chest. When he looked again, Yao Ji’s face was too distant to make out clearly, but he could see her standing there facing his direction, with Mu Lie waving his small hand. Mu Yang shook his head with a slight smile – perhaps he was overthinking things before heading to battle.

Days later, a group of guards escorting a carriage quietly entered the capital. The carriage stopped at the most prosperous inn in the city, its neat formation of nearly thirty guards drawing the attention of passersby.

The carriage curtain lifted, and a white-clad figure emerged, landing gracefully. Onlookers couldn’t help but gasp. It was the end of the first month, when even early spring hadn’t arrived in the Chu capital, and people could barely stop shivering from the cold. Yet this man wore only white silk robes, appearing elegant and unaffected by the cold. Most striking was his silver-white hair – in all the world, only one person with silver hair possessed such bearing. People’s hearts raced as they speculated silently. However, since Prince Ding had been disfigured years ago and stayed in seclusion, few in the capital knew his appearance, so doubts remained just doubts.

After dismounting, the man turned and extended his hand into the carriage. He helped out a beautiful young woman wearing an autumn-colored cloak trimmed with white fox fur. Though she appeared only around twenty, her bearing and temperament were beyond comparison with the usual young ladies of the capital. Even from a distance, she exuded an elegant yet commanding presence.

Before people could finish admiring this stunning couple, another small head appeared from the carriage – a five or six-year-old boy in black brocade robes emerged. His collar and cuffs were trimmed with white fox fur, which against the black fabric made his fair, tender face appear even more adorable. The little boy gave the woman a pure, sweet smile that made even distant onlookers’ hearts melt, wishing such an adorable, well-behaved child was their own.

Seeing Mo Xiaobao reach out for a hug, Mo Xiuyao stopped Ye Li’s outstretched hands, saying quietly, “Careful of the cold.” He lifted Mo Xiaobao into his arms himself, his movements far from gentle. Mo Xiaobao squirmed uncomfortably and received a moderate pat on his bottom from Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiaobao immediately lay still in Mo Xiuyao’s arms. Father was so annoying – being held by him wasn’t comfortable at all.

Ye Li smiled faintly, “It’s not that cold.” Though her inner power wasn’t as profound as Mo Xiuyao’s and she needed more winter clothing, Ye Li considered herself far more cold-resistant than most. Besides, if she hadn’t been cold in the Northwest, the Chu capital couldn’t be colder.

With such an impressive group outside, the innkeeper had naturally come out to greet them. One look told him these guests were either wealthy or noble. Though curious about Mo Xiuyao’s white hair, he eagerly led them inside. Not daring to ask them to register at the counter, the innkeeper said as they walked, “This way, sir and madam. Our humble inn has two superior courtyards available. Would you prefer a small courtyard or…”

In such a first-class inn, beyond the standard Heaven, Earth, and Human-grade rooms, there were private courtyards even better than the Heaven-grade rooms. They cost at least ten times more but came fully staffed with maids and servants. Mo Xiuyao said flatly, “Both courtyards. We’ll take them.” The innkeeper’s heart leaped with joy, his smile growing even more eager as he quickly said, “Yes, yes, this way, sir and madam. Might I ask your surname for registration?”

Mo Xiuyao stopped and gave him a calm look, “Mo. Mo Xiuyao…”

“Ah, Master Mo, what a fine surname… Mo… uh…” The innkeeper, who had been about to offer more flattery, suddenly realized just how unique the name Mo Xiuyao was. His feet slipped and he fell sitting on the ground. Looking up at the tall, white-haired man before him, he exclaimed in shock, “Prince Ding?!”

Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Indeed, it is Me.”