Noble Consort Liu’s face instantly twisted into an unprecedented ugliness. Though she didn’t know what the Qingfeng Pavilion was, it didn’t prevent her from understanding the meaning behind Ye Li’s words. How dare she compare her to those thirsty courtesans! How dare she?!

“Ye Li! You lowly—”

Before Noble Consort Liu could finish, with a loud bang, the already blood-stained figure in white was sent flying out of the hall, crashing into the garden’s stone path outside. This strike showed no mercy – Noble Consort Liu’s fall created quite an impact. The guards outside kept their eyes down, but couldn’t help wincing at what sounded like breaking bones.

As soon as she hit the ground, Noble Consort Liu coughed up blood. Her usually cold eyes were wide open, staring at the white-robed man walking out slowly as if she had never known him before.

Mo Xiuyao walked up to her, looking down at the disheveled woman on the ground, his eyes showing not a hint of pity or emotion.

“Who gave you the courage to insult her?” Mo Xiuyao’s words were like ice, making Noble Consort Liu’s entire body tremble in pain.

“Mo Xiuyao… how cruel!” Noble Consort Liu struggled to sit up with one hand, while her other arm hung oddly at her side – broken from the fall. Mo Xiuyao slightly frowned, finding the hatred in the woman’s eyes before him utterly laughable. “You think because you helped this prince once or twice years ago, this prince would especially favor you? Even allow you to humiliate this prince’s wife?” The Ding Prince Manor owed her nothing. True, Noble Consort Liu had helped him before, but the manor had repaid her in kind. It was merely a mutual exchange. Bringing it up now was simply ridiculous.

“That woman… is that woman so important to you? For her… you’d even give up the vast northern territories within your grasp?” Noble Consort Liu struggled to ask.

Mo Xiuyao coldly laughed: “Wasn’t A-Li clear enough? Moreover… for her, forget about things not yet in hand – this prince would give up the entire world.”

“You?!” Noble Consort Liu stared at the white-robed man before her in shock. Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly, seemingly tired of the blood-covered, completely disheveled woman before him, and waved to the guards: “Throw her out!”

“Yes, Your Highness.” The waiting guards dared not delay, quickly moving to grab Noble Consort Liu and drag her away. Severely injured and restrained, Noble Consort Liu could only turn her head to glare hatefully at Mo Xiuyao, cursing: “Mo Xiuyao, you’ll regret this!” Mo Xiuyao responded with a cold laugh, ignoring her. Noble Consort Liu was dragged to the manor’s entrance and unceremoniously thrown out, landing heavily at the bottom of the steps, the impact causing more injury as she groaned. Her attendants quickly rushed forward to help her up. Several people clumsily trying to assist only caused her more unbearable pain, making her angrily shout: “Get away from me!”

Everyone jumped in fright, truly not understanding how Noble Consort Liu had ended up in such a state from just one visit to the Ding Prince Manor. Fortunately, the manor was located in the noble district of Chu Capital where aristocrats resided, so there weren’t many passersby at this time. Otherwise, the imperial family’s face would have been completely lost.

Finally, as Noble Consort Liu struggled to stand, she froze. At the corner of the street not far away, a richly dressed youth of twelve or thirteen years was silently watching her with a dark expression.

“Your Highness, it’s the Qin Prince…” a palace maid quietly reminded.

“My son…” Noble Consort Liu called softly.

The Qin Prince silently looked at Noble Consort Liu for a moment before turning and disappearing around the street corner. Noble Consort Liu stared blankly at the empty street, an inexplicable unease quietly spreading in her heart.

Inside the Ding Prince Manor

Feng Huaiting and the Empress were startled by Feng Zhiyao’s appearance but neither dared to ask. Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Ye Li had to speak up: “Feng Three, are your injuries serious?” Feng Zhiyao looked at Ye Li almost gratefully and smiled: “Thank you for your concern, Princess Consort. Just some superficial wounds, nothing serious.”

Beside them, Feng Huaiting and the Empress both secretly sighed in relief.

Mo Xiuyao sat to the side, absently tapping the armrest with his fingers. He looked at Feng Zhiyao with an ambiguous smile: “Feng Three, do you have anything to say?”

Feng Zhiyao’s face immediately fell as he said dejectedly: “I accept whatever punishment Your Highness deems fit.”

“Very good.” Mo Xiuyao clapped and smiled, “Since you accept punishment, how about… going to Qin Feng to receive it? I don’t want to see you for the next few months.” Feng Zhiyao widened his eyes in surprise, momentarily unable to understand what the prince was planning. Go to Qin Feng for punishment? Since when did Qin Feng have that authority? More importantly, was Mo Xiuyao willing to not exploit his labor for several months?

His surprise, in the eyes of the two uninformed people, seemed to suggest Mo Xiuyao’s punishment was extremely severe. Their expressions became somewhat troubled. After a long while, Feng Zhiyao finally accepted Mo Xiuyao’s order with some trepidation: “Your servant obeys.” Whatever Mo Xiuyao planned to do with him, since he couldn’t escape it anyway, he might as well face it with dignity.

“Your Highness…” two voices spoke simultaneously. Feng Huaiting and the Empress looked at each other, but ultimately Feng Huaiting spoke: “Your Highness, this all started because of this old one’s doing. Please, for this old one’s sake, show some leniency.”

Feng Zhiyao looked with surprise at Feng Huaiting, whose face remained composed though his brows were slightly furrowed. He hadn’t expected Feng Huaiting to plead on his behalf.

Mo Xiuyao said indifferently: “Lord Feng, you’re too modest. This was caused by Feng Three – how could it be Lord Feng’s fault? Besides, this prince has always been known for fair rewards and punishments. How could I maintain authority if Feng Three isn’t punished for causing such trouble?” As someone in a position of power himself, Feng Huaiting naturally understood the importance of fair punishment. But Mo Xiuyao’s next casual words made his heart sink: “Don’t worry… this prince will spare his life.”

“Your Highness… isn’t that too severe?” There was a serious misunderstanding between Mo Xiuyao and Feng Huaiting. Mo Xiuyao had never intended to take Feng Zhiyao’s life, so of course he would spare it. But Feng Huaiting interpreted it as meaning Mo Xiuyao would leave him barely alive.

Taking a deep breath, Feng Huaiting said seriously: “Your Highness, regardless of everything else, Feng Zhiyao is my son. Now that he has erred, it should be me, his father, who punishes him.”

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise, looking at Feng Huaiting: “This prince recalls the Feng family had already banished Feng Three.”

“His name has not been removed from the family records,” Feng Huaiting said firmly. As long as Feng Zhiyao’s name remained in the family records, he would forever be a descendant of the Feng family.

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment, then shook his head: “Still not possible. Feng Zhiyao is already in his thirties and fully capable of taking responsibility for his actions. Moreover, this is an official matter, not a family one. Naturally, this prince should handle it. Feng Three, do you have anything to say?”

Feng Zhiyao had been stunned since Feng Huaiting first pleaded for him – how could he have anything to say? He just shook his head blankly. Mo Xiuyao turned back to Feng Huaiting in good spirits: “See? Feng Three himself has no objections.”

Feng Huaiting gritted his teeth and said: “It was this old one’s failure in teaching his son. This old one is willing to take his punishment – please grant this request, Your Highness.”

Mo Xiuyao stared steadily at Feng Huaiting and said flatly: “Has Lord Feng thought this through? The Ding Prince Manor’s punishments are known to be severe. Let alone someone of Lord Feng’s age and frailty, even those young men who’ve undergone special training can’t endure more than a few. Taking punishment for another means double the severity.”

Feng Huaiting said firmly: “Failing to teach is the father’s fault. This is what this old one deserves. Please grant this request, Your Highness.”

Mo Xiuyao’s smile grew more pleased: “Feng Three, what do you say?”

Feng Zhiyao finally came to his senses and said coldly with furrowed brows: “One must face the consequences of their actions. Who wants him to take the punishment? This young master has nothing to do with him!”

Mo Xiuyao looked at Feng Huaiting with apparent difficulty: “Lord Feng, you see…” Ye Li secretly tugged at his sleeve, signaling him to stop. Feng Huaiting glanced at Feng Zhiyao and said to Mo Xiuyao: “As long as he bears the Feng name, it’s not his decision to make. Please grant this request, Your Highness.”

“Very well!” Mo Xiuyao turned to give Ye Li a reassuring smile. “Guards! Take Lord Feng down to receive punishment.”

“Your Highness!” Feng Zhiyao jumped up in anger. He certainly knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t try to kill him, but just because he could handle whatever punishment didn’t mean his nearly sixty-year-old father could.

The guards outside had already come in to escort Feng Huaiting away. Feng Zhiyao moved to chase after them, but a gust of force swept past, making his leg go numb as he fell to his knees, only able to watch helplessly as Feng Huaiting was led away.

“Where are you running? This prince hasn’t settled accounts with you yet.” Mo Xiuyao smiled at Feng Zhiyao, who was kneeling on one leg. Feng Zhiyao said miserably: “Your Highness, that old man is almost sixty – you’re not planning to kill him, are you?”

Mo Xiuyao glanced at him: “Wouldn’t killing him just suit your wishes? Didn’t you hate him to death?”

Feng Zhiyao gritted his teeth: “He’s my father!” No matter how upset he was about the old man’s favoritism, he could never actually want his father dead.

“This prince recalls someone just telling me they had nothing to do with him, so how has he become ‘father’ now?”

“Your Highness…” Feng Zhiyao was so anxious he wanted to cry, just hoping the men below hadn’t acted too quickly. Given how quickly Noble Consort Liu had met her misfortune earlier, if they delayed a bit longer the punishment might already be over. “Your Highness, I was wrong. What do you want? Isn’t it enough that I serve you until death?”

Mo Xiuyao said disdainfully: “You were already supposed to serve me until death.”

“Then what else do you want?”

“Have your father come with us to the Northwest.”

“No prob— what?” Feng Zhiyao was dumbfounded – since when had Mo Xiuyao taken an interest in his father?

“You disagree?” Mo Xiuyao’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

“Agree! Agree!” Feng Zhiyao nodded repeatedly, “But… I’m afraid my father won’t agree.”

Mo Xiuyao leisurely clapped his hands and smiled: “That’s not this prince’s concern. Ah, you can tell him that if he doesn’t agree, this prince will kill you. Now go…” With a wave of his hand, Mo Xiuyao satisfied, dismissed Feng Zhiyao. Seeing Ye Li and the Empress covering their mouths to suppress their laughter, Feng Zhiyao finally realized he’d been played.

Hanging his head helplessly, Feng Zhiyao went to find his father. Behind him came Mo Xiuyao’s delighted voice, “After you’re done with your father, remember to go to the study and handle these days’ accumulated official business. You said it yourself – serve until death…”

Feng Zhiyao’s legs went weak. He was pig-headed…

Watching Feng Zhiyao leave with a smile, Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao and said helplessly: “Why must you tease him so?” Mo Xiuyao snorted coldly: “Tease him? This prince wasn’t teasing him. If he’s not worked to the bone these next few months, this prince will have failed him!”

Ye Li shook her head and asked: “Do you think Feng Zhiyao can persuade Lord Feng?”

Truth be told, a business genius like Feng Huaiting was exactly what they needed now. Neither Han Mingshi nor Leng Haoyu could be considered talented in this area. While Leng Haoyu could manage the Ding Prince Manor’s properties without issue, when it came to handling the economy of the entire Northwest or even larger regions, he seemed somewhat inadequate. Moreover, Leng Haoyu came from a military family – it was quite unfair to have him quietly play the role of a merchant all these years for the Ding Prince Manor. When he was sent to Purple Thorn Pass this time, Ye Li understood that Mo Xiuyao was likely already preparing to find his replacement. However, that he would settle on Feng Huaiting still surprised her.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow: “Unless he doesn’t care about Feng Zhiyao’s life anymore.”

Ye Li shook her head, somewhat pessimistic: “He’s just Feng Zhiyao’s father – on the other side are two legitimate sons and the entire Feng family. I’m afraid Feng Zhiyao alone doesn’t carry enough weight.”

Mo Xiuyao said: “This will show whether Feng Huaiting is a true merchant or not. A merchant without sufficient foresight is inadequate. If that’s the case, we needn’t bother with him.”

The Empress looked at the two of them and said with a gentle laugh: “Your Highness takes such care of your subordinates – truly a rare and enlightened master in this world. The Feng family won’t lose out if they follow you in the future.”

Mo Xiuyao looked at her: “Then what about the Hua family?”

The Empress froze, then shook her head helplessly: “The Hua family… I can’t make that decision.” She knew her father well enough – even if the Great Chu were truly facing destruction, he wouldn’t take one step away from it. Having fought for this country their whole lives, these people of the older generation considered Great Chu more important than their own lives. Trying to convince them to leave was simply impossible.

Mo Xiuyao clearly understood Duke Hua well enough too, nodding: “This prince won’t force the Hua family to decide.”

“Thank you, Xiuyao,” the Empress said with a faint smile.

Mo Xiuyao smiled slightly.

In the Li Prince Manor, Mo Jingli, having just acquired almost the entire Feng family, sat in his study in a good mood looking at the account books just sent by the Feng family. A cold smile curved his lips – so what if Mo Jingqi’s divine intervention had disrupted all his plans? He was still alive, while Mo Jingqi was dead. Only the living could see the outcome, only the living could achieve everything. Mo Jingqi had hoped Mo Xiuyao would clean up his mess, but unfortunately, Mo Xiuyao had absolutely no interest in these matters. Moreover, with his current strength, even if he were to clash directly with Mo Xiuyao, he might not necessarily be at a disadvantage. However… thinking of the still deadlocked situation at Purple Thorn Pass, Mo Jingli snorted lightly – he couldn’t provoke Mo Xiuyao just yet.

“Your Highness, Noble Consort Liu has arrived,” the steward reported from outside.

Mo Jingli frowned in displeasure: “What is she doing here?” Although he no longer feared idle gossip, Noble Consort Liu was still his imperial brother’s widow – how could it look proper for her to run to the Regent Prince’s manor before the late emperor’s body was even cold? Moreover, Mo Jingli had never particularly liked Noble Consort Liu, so naturally he was unhappy to hear of her sudden visit.

“Noble Consort Liu appears to be severely injured, and says she must see Your Highness,” the steward reported carefully.

Mo Jingli snorted: “Went to the Ding Prince Manor to court trouble, did she?” He stood up irritably, ordering: “Take her to the flower hall, this prince will be there shortly.”

When Mo Jingli entered the flower hall and saw Noble Consort Liu’s miserable state, he was shocked – her snow-white silk robes were stained with blood, clearly from whip lashes. In some places, even the clothing was torn, and there was unwiped blood on her pale face, plus her right arm hanging unnaturally. “What happened?” Mo Jingli asked in displeasure. Noble Consort Liu showing up at his manor in this state would cause another storm of gossip when word got out.

Noble Consort Liu looked up at him and laughed coldly: “What else could have happened? You know perfectly well – Mo Xiuyao did this.”

Mo Jingli carefully observed Noble Consort Liu, only now realizing this woman seemed somewhat different. Previously, whenever Mo Xiuyao was mentioned, there was always undisguised infatuation and love in her eyes, but now there was only grinding hatred. Though there was still inevitably some lingering attachment deep in her eyes, Mo Jingli believed that at this moment, the hatred in Noble Consort Liu’s heart outweighed any love.

Mo Jingli sat down opposite her and said calmly: “I warned you long ago not to provoke Mo Xiuyao. Now you finally understand? In this life, besides Ye Li, when has Mo Xiuyao ever shown affection to any woman? Even Su Zuidie… didn’t she die by Mo Xiuyao’s hand?”

“Don’t compare that woman to me!” Noble Consort Liu said with disgust.

Mo Jingli curled his lip, thinking to himself: “You think you’re any better than Su Zuidie?” Not bothering with her thoughts, Mo Jingli asked impatiently: “Why have you come to this prince’s manor at this hour instead of going to the Liu family?”

Noble Consort Liu lowered her eyes and said flatly: “The Liu family? Heh… Earlier my father told me he planned to betroth my young niece to the Li Prince. The Li Prince has such good fortune. My little niece is just coming of age, and could be counted among the top beauties in the capital.”

Mo Jingli frowned, quickly understanding Noble Consort Liu’s meaning and what the Liu family was planning. He stared at Noble Consort Liu: “What do you want to do?”

Noble Consort Liu smiled: “I know you want the Liu family’s support but don’t want to be controlled by them. I can help you get the entire Liu family completely… without having to marry into them.”

“What are your conditions?” Mo Jingli asked straightforwardly – Noble Consort Liu wouldn’t help him for no reason.

Noble Consort Liu smiled: “The Li Prince is indeed straightforward. The condition is… I want you to help me kill Ye Li!”

Mo Jingli froze, then said with lowered eyes: “Kill Ye Li? Am I crazy… who could bear Mo Xiuyao’s revenge for killing Ye Li?” Back when Ye Li fell from the cliff, Mo Xiuyao had decisively cut ties with Great Chu and occupied vast territories in the Northwest, nearly causing catastrophic chaos throughout the land. After these few years, Mo Jingli had naturally been able to investigate some of what happened then. After Ye Li’s fall, Mo Xiuyao’s health had been very poor for a time – otherwise, Mo Xiuyao might have truly dared to raise an army against Great Chu. Not to mention that now they had a child together, their feelings must be even stronger than before.

Noble Consort Liu laughed coldly: “With the Li Prince’s current strength, do you still need to fear the Ding Prince Manor? As long as you have the Liu family’s power, at least half the court will support you, and then you can rightfully ascend to the throne…”

“Foolish woman,” Mo Jingli said bluntly. The Mo family army might not have been so fearsome originally, but now the situation between the various countries seemed peaceful but was actually on the verge of explosion. Moreover, Great Chu was already facing attacks from the northern border – if the Mo family army intervened now, they would be fighting on two fronts and the Northern Rong would certainly take advantage of the situation. The current Great Chu could afford to offend Mo Xiuyao less than ever.

“You truly won’t agree?” Noble Consort Liu narrowed her eyes: “Then do you still want your son?”

A flash of murderous intent appeared in Mo Jingli’s eyes, but he quickly suppressed it. “Choose another condition. Killing Ye Li is impossible – never mind anything else, Ye Li herself is a top-tier expert, with shadow guards and Qilin by her side. If killing her was so easy, would you have come to find this prince?”

Noble Consort Liu bit her lip, pondering for a moment before saying: “Kill Ye Li’s son!”

“Why?” Mo Jingli frowned and asked.

“I want her to suffer a fate worse than death!” Noble Consort Liu’s beautiful face twisted like a fierce ghost, “I want her to lose the person most important to her, I want her to live day and night in heart-wrenching pain, never finding peace for all eternity!”

The hall was silent for a moment before Mo Jingli said: “I refuse.”

“You!” Noble Consort Liu glared at Mo Jingli. Mo Jingli laughed coldly: “Don’t think this trick will work every time – until now this prince hasn’t seen even a glimpse of my son. This prince told you… if you dare deceive me, I’ll make you wish for death!” Noble Consort Liu’s body trembled slightly, the pain she had been desperately ignoring beginning to surface, making her groan in agony.

Pale-faced, Noble Consort Liu stood up and said: “Since you don’t believe me, there’s nothing more to discuss. I’ll take my leave.”

Mo Jingli stared at her: “This prince doesn’t care what you’re planning to do, but you’re not allowed to touch Ye Li.”

Noble Consort Liu raised her eyebrows in surprise, turned back to study Mo Jingli for a while, and then said: “Not allowed to touch Ye Li? It seems the Li Prince’s refusal isn’t because he fears the Ding Prince, but rather… he truly cares about that woman Ye Li. How rare… could it be that Li Prince can’t let go of a woman he rejected? Or is it… men are just that despicable, only wanting what they can’t have?!”

Mo Jingli gave a cold laugh, “None of your business – at least it’s better than throwing yourself at someone who won’t even look at you.”

“You… hmph!” Noble Consort Liu gritted her teeth and stormed off. Though she left proudly, her mind was churning with countless thoughts and calculations, not knowing that the truly unfortunate events were still waiting for her ahead.