After sending Mo Jingyu away, Mo Xiuyao was clearly in a good mood. Drawing Ye Li into his embrace, he sighed contentedly and smiled, “A’Li, what do you think those old men were thinking? They knew I wouldn’t agree, yet they still insisted on sending someone to persuade me?”

Ye Li leaned against him with a faint smile, “Why would they know you wouldn’t agree? I think they believed there was a high possibility you would.” After all, the concept of the Prince Ding Manor’s loyalty to Da Chu for hundreds of years was deeply rooted in everyone’s minds. Although Mo Xiuyao had previously declared severance of ties with Da Chu after Mo Jingqi issued his edict of self-blame, many old ministers saw it as merely a misunderstanding. Now that the truth had come to light, they believed the Prince Ding Manor would naturally return to being Da Chu’s guardian.

But they hadn’t considered that while Mo Jingqi could apologize before the world, there were no rules stating that Prince Ding Manor and Mo Family Army had to accept it or choose forgiveness. From this perspective, perhaps Mo Jingli saw things more clearly. At least Mo Jingli would never come to beg Mo Xiuyao, whether because he knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t agree or for his dignity.

Mo Xiuyao let out a light snort and smiled faintly, “Very well, let them completely give up hope this time.”

Ye Li looked up, “The envoy from Xi Ling?”

Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, “Let him wait a while longer. He’s also an acquaintance of ours.”

“Lei Tengfeng?” After just a moment’s thought, Ye Li understood the visitor’s identity. If the Regent wanted to negotiate with Mo Xiuyao, he wouldn’t send just anyone. Although Xi Ling was now under the Regent’s control, they were still very wary of the Xi Ling royal family members Lei Zhenting and his son. Therefore, someone both trustworthy and capable could only be Lei Tengfeng. Ye Li asked curiously, “How do you plan to respond to Lei Tengfeng?”

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise and smiled, “Why should this prince respond to him?”

Ye Li blinked, “Doesn’t Prince Ding want to know what conditions the Regent has offered?”

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Mo Xiuyao’s lips, a cold light flashing briefly in his eyes, “Whatever conditions he offers… Lei Zhenting will regret it.”

After drinking half a cup of tea and talking for a while longer, they finally ordered someone to invite Lei Tengfeng over.

Lei Tengfeng had arrived before Mo Jingyu, though Mo Jingyu came shortly after. However, Mo Xiuyao chose to see Mo Jingyu first. This made Lei Tengfeng’s confidence in the upcoming negotiations waver somewhat. Worse still, after Mo Jingyu left, Mo Xiuyao didn’t immediately receive him but made him wait about another half hour. Such treatment further diminished his confidence, but his years of experience weren’t wasted. Lei Tengfeng had never been an impulsive person, so when Zhuo Jing came to invite him, he still sat drinking tea with a composed and calm expression.

“This humble one greets Prince Ding and the Princess Consort. Since our parting in Xi Ling last year, both of you appear even more distinguished than before.” Looking at the couple sitting side by side in the main seats, Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help but feel moved. These two people… just the Prince’s wholehearted devotion to his Princess Consort over the years was enough to make others envious. Of course, if one could have a wife like the Princess Consort, surely anyone would be willing to be similarly devoted. Although Lei Tengfeng himself had numerous concubines in his mansion, seeing these two always walking side by side and supporting each other still made him feel a touch of envy.

Ye Li smiled and said, “Please sit, Crown Prince of the Southern Regent. It seems that since our parting last year, the Crown Prince also appears equally distinguished. Oh, and I haven’t yet congratulated you on your promotion to Prince of the Commandery. Should we address you as Prince Rui now?”

Lei Tengfeng was startled. His appointment as Prince of the Commandery happened only after Xi Ling sent troops, and it hadn’t been widely announced. He hadn’t expected Ye Li to already know about it. The Princess Consort’s intelligence network was indeed not to be underestimated. Though surprised internally, Lei Tengfeng’s face remained composed as he smiled faintly, “This prince is humbled. The Princess Consort is too kind.”

“Then… may I ask what brings Prince Rui on such a long journey?” Ye Li asked.

Lei Tengfeng glanced at the white-haired man sitting beside her, smiling as he watched Ye Li. Mo Xiuyao had no intention of speaking, seemingly leaving the matter entirely to his wife to handle. Although it was well known that the Princess Consort’s position in the Prince Ding Manor was arguably the highest of any princess consort in history, Lei Tengfeng was still surprised that Mo Xiuyao would entrust even such an important matter to her.

Meeting Ye Li’s calm and graceful gaze, Lei Tengfeng collected his thoughts and said seriously, “The Prince Ding Manor has excellent intelligence. Surely Prince Ding and the Princess Consort are already aware of Xi Ling’s military campaign against Da Chu?”

Ye Li nodded, smiling without speaking.

Lei Tengfeng sighed inwardly and said, “The current situation in the world is surely clear to Prince Ding and the Princess Consort. This prince dares not presume to teach fish to swim. Currently, Da Chu faces the Northern Border and Northern Rong in the north, Xi Ling in the west, and even pirates causing trouble in the east from time to time. Although Da Chu has vast territory and a large population, having soldiers but no generals means they may not be able to withstand attacks from three nations. This prince has come under my father’s orders to ask Prince Ding what plans he has regarding this war?”

Mo Xiuyao turned his head and gave him a faint look. This look made Lei Tengfeng feel like a fool. He certainly knew Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t tell him what the Mo Family Army was planning, but faced with these two impenetrable people, he had to start the conversation somehow. With these two, being direct was undoubtedly the best approach.

Ye Li pretended not to notice Lei Tengfeng’s awkwardness and smiled, “What is the Regent’s intention? This war… what if Prince Ding Manor intervenes? And what if it doesn’t?”

Lei Tengfeng said, “Prince Ding Manor has already severed ties with Da Chu, and my father believes Prince Ding is surely a man of his word. If the Mo Family Army is willing to join the three nations in dividing Da Chu, that would be ideal. Everyone can rely on their abilities. If Prince Ding keeps his troops still, after taking Da Chu, Xi Ling is willing to gift two provinces near the northwest.”

“The Regent is quite generous,” Ye Li praised with a smile. The northwest currently only had four provinces and thirteen cities in total, and the Regent offered two provinces right away, equivalent to half of the current northwestern territory, without requiring the Mo Family Army to deploy a single soldier. In normal business terms, this would be a profitable deal with no downside.

Lei Tengfeng smiled, “This is also a show of sincerity from my father and Xi Ling. As long as the Mo Family Army doesn’t assist Da Chu, everything is negotiable. Additionally, Xi Ling and the Northwest can sign an agreement for permanent peace and friendship between both parties. What does the Princess Consort think?”

Ye Li furrowed her brows in thought for a moment, then smiled lightly, “Prince Rui’s conditions are indeed very tempting… however, this princess cannot make such a decision at this moment.” Ye Li looked helplessly at Mo Xiuyao, who was sleeping with his head on her lap and gestured to Lei Tengfeng. If Prince Ding didn’t want to work, nobody could do anything about it.

Lei Tengfeng could only smile bitterly, understanding that Ye Li wasn’t unable to decide at the moment, but rather that their offered stakes weren’t enough. Gritting his teeth, Lei Tengfeng said, “I recall that many of the Northwest’s minerals are purchased from various countries, particularly from Xi Ling. If Prince Ding agrees not to interfere in this matter, all payment for goods before this year will be waived completely.”

Seeing the sleeping Mo Xiuyao turn his face and raise an eyebrow without opening his eyes, Lei Tengfeng’s face nearly turned green. He gritted his teeth and said, “There is a mountain mine at the border of Xi Ling, the Northwest, and Northern Rong, which belongs to Xi Ling. From now on, it will be transferred to the Prince Ding Manor.”

It wasn’t that Lei Tengfeng was particularly reluctant to part with that mine. After all, if it could be included in the originally expected conditions, it wasn’t something that couldn’t be sacrificed. Moreover, the mine was located at the intersection of Xi Ling, the Northwest, and Northern Rong, and was frequently harassed by the Northern Rong people, making peaceful mining practically impossible. The annual output didn’t even account for a fraction of Xi Ling’s total production. Once Xi Ling took Da Chu, even if not all of it, with Xi Ling’s geographical advantage, they wouldn’t need to compete with Northern Rong and the Northern Border in the north. As long as they took the south, all the most prosperous parts of Da Chu would belong to Xi Ling. With such enormous benefits, they would be willing to invest in not just one but three or five mines.

However, the conditions he had just proposed were already the bottom line of what he could offer, as Mo Xiuyao would get so many benefits without having to do anything. If there were to be more, it would be beyond his authority to decide.

Ye Li’s eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled, “Prince Rui is indeed very generous. In that case… this princess and the prince indeed need to give it careful consideration.”

Lei Tengfeng said somewhat anxiously, “Please forgive me, Princess Consort, but I don’t have time to stay long in the Northwest.”

Ye Li smiled, “Rest assured, Prince Rui, we can give you an answer by tomorrow morning at the latest. You’ve come from afar and must be tired, shouldn’t you rest for a night before setting out again?”

Lei Tengfeng hesitated for a moment but still nodded. He had rushed here at full speed, fearing that Da Chu might get ahead, and was indeed quite exhausted. “In that case, thank you, Princess Consort.” Ye Li nodded with a smile and called for Zhuo Jing, who was waiting outside, “Escort Prince Rui to the guest house to rest.”

Hearing this, Lei Tengfeng secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If Ye Li had asked him to stay in the Prince Ding Manor to rest, he would have been more worried. After thanking Ye Li again, Lei Tengfeng left with Zhuo Jing.

The great hall fell silent. Ye Li leaned against her chair, looking down at Mo Xiuyao, who was still resting his head on her lap, and softly laughed, “It seems Lei Zhenting is determined to take Da Chu this time.”

Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, “Lei Zhenting is almost sixty.”

Ye Li was slightly taken aback – although Lei Zhenting was over fifty, he was still some distance from sixty, wasn’t he? However, this didn’t prevent her from understanding Mo Xiuyao’s meaning. Lei Zhenting was already old. Although his martial arts were still world-class, no one could be certain he would live to Murong Xiong’s age. Moreover, even if he could live to Murong Xiong’s age, Mo Xiuyao was far too young in comparison. Especially after taking the antidote made from the Biluo Flower, whether it was the poison in Mo Xiuyao’s body or his old injuries, everything had healed, and even his appearance hadn’t changed much. After these years, Mo Xiuyao, now over thirty, still looked like a young man of twenty-six or twenty-seven.

At least for the next twenty years, Mo Xiuyao would remain in his prime while Lei Zhenting would only grow more frail. To put it more bluntly, even if it came down to a war of attrition, Mo Xiuyao could outlast Lei Zhenting. Lei Zhenting’s pride absolutely couldn’t tolerate being repeatedly defeated by the Mo Liufang father and son, so he couldn’t do anything. Since he couldn’t move against Mo Xiuyao for the time being, he could only strengthen Xi Ling and then deal with Mo Xiuyao. The fastest way to strengthen Xi Ling was to obtain the wealthy and vast Da Chu, which was why he abandoned Nanzhao to attack Da Chu.

“Do you think… when Lei Zhenting finally realizes your plan, will he die of anger?” Thinking of someone’s wicked intentions, Ye Li couldn’t help but ask with curiosity and a smile.

“No, Lei Zhenting won’t die so easily, and even if he does die…” The lazily resting person’s tone carried a barely detectable chill, “he will die on the battlefield.” Die by my hand!

Shaking her head, Ye Li sighed, “With wars and disasters linked together, I wonder about the common people of the world…” Ye Li had to admit there was still a bit of anxiety in her heart. She had never seen real war – even the Xi Ling massacre of Xinyang a few years ago was just a short-term, small-scale conflict. And now, the impending chaos throughout the land and the suffering of the people was almost foreseeable…

Mo Xiuyao reached out to hold her hand, “A’Li, don’t be afraid…”

Ye Li smiled and said, “Mm, I’m not afraid. No matter what, I will always be by your side.”

Early the next morning, Lei Tengfeng left Xi Ling satisfied, carrying Mo Xiuyao’s promise and personally signed the agreement. Once the Northwest decided to stand aside, the impending destruction of Da Chu was almost certain. To ensure Xi Ling’s investment would yield definite returns, Lei Tengfeng couldn’t wait to announce this news to the world as soon as he left Li City. This news was absolutely good news for the armies of various countries currently at war with Da Chu, but for Da Chu, which was struggling to resist, it was like adding frost to snow. When this news spread across the world, while the nobles of various countries celebrated and rubbed their hands together, eyeing the already tottering massive empire nearby like tigers watching their prey, countless Da Chu officials and citizens could only weep in anguish.

In the southern Sueixue Pass, when Murong Shen heard the news from his subordinate, he merely let out a long sigh and waved for the messenger to withdraw. Standing on the city tower of Sueixue Pass looking northward, the legendary general could almost see the entire Da Chu slowly collapsing at a visible speed. Yet they could do nothing about it. Those who could save Da Chu had been driven from Da Chu by the Prince on the dragon throne years ago. Da Chu had betrayed them, and now when Da Chu faced a crisis, they would no longer support it wholeheartedly as they once did.

At the Hua Duke’s Manor in the Chu capital, the white-haired Duke of Hua watched as an exhausted Mo Jingyu turned and left. His wrinkled face showed a trace of sorrow and helplessness, yet also gained some determination and resolution.

“Someone, I want to enter the palace,” after a while, the Duke of Hua said in a deep voice. His eldest grandson, attending at his side, asked worriedly, “Grandfather, what are you going to the palace for at this time?”

The Duke of Hua said solemnly, “To request to fight. There’s no one to guard the Northern Rong border… although this old one is advanced in years, I can still barely move.”

The Hua family’s eldest grandson’s eyes reddened, “How can that be? Grandfather is so old now and should be enjoying his later years. I will go to the palace right now to request orders, I am willing to take grandfather’s place in blocking the Northern Rong army!” Thinking of this, he couldn’t help but secretly hate his weakness. The Hua family was originally from a military background, but because the emperor was wary, every one after his grandfather had to study civil administration. Even if he wanted to go to the battlefield… what use would he be?

“Grandfather… Aunt and Sister are in the Northwest, why not ask them…”

“Nonsense!” The Duke of Hua said sternly, “They are women and shouldn’t be involved in these matters. Moreover… the Prince Ding Manor has its path to walk, and the Hua family has its path to follow!”

“Yes, grandson understands his mistake.”

“Very well, prepare to enter the palace.”

In the northern Zijing Pass, at the General’s Manor within the pass, Leng Huai looked at the newly arrived battle report on the table and let out a deep sigh. His subordinates, Leng Jingyu and Mu Yang both looked over at him, with Leng Jingyu frowning and asking, “Father, what’s wrong?” Leng Huai closed his eyes briefly and said in a deep voice, “Prince Ding has refused to send troops to assist Da Chu, and has agreed to Xi Ling’s request. He will no longer interfere in Da Chu’s affairs.” Although the Leng family and the Prince Ding Manor weren’t on the same side, Leng Huai personally had no ill will toward the Prince Ding Manor. It was just a difference in positions. But it had to be said that like all Da Chu subjects, at this time Leng Huai also still held hope for Da Chu. However, now everyone has to face reality. The Mo Family Army was truly no longer the elite force guarding Da Chu.

Leng Jingyu frowned and said, “How could Prince Ding do such a thing? Does he not fear being condemned by Da Chu’s common people?”

On the side, Leng Haoyu, who had been sitting and whispering with Murong Ting, raised an eyebrow and sneered faintly, “Why can’t Prince Ding do this? Years ago, the Prince Ding Manor and Da Chu already had no connection. Why does Big Brother think Prince Ding Manor must send troops to help Da Chu? No one appreciated the Prince Ding Manor guarding Da Chu for hundreds of years, and now when there’s trouble, it’s a great sin if they won’t help?”

Leng Jingyu frowned, looking at Leng Haoyu with displeasure, “Regardless, the Mo Family Army are still subjects of Da Chu, and the Mo Family Army’s soldiers are all Da Chu citizens. How is Mo Xiuyao standing aside any different from pushing someone deeper into a well? Moreover… the late emperor already issued an edict of self-blame and restored all honors to the Prince Ding Manor. The Prince Ding Manor naturally remains Da Chu’s subject.”

Leng Haoyu gave a contemptuous cold laugh, “Who made the rule that the Prince must accept just because the late emperor issued an edict? Is there a rule that you must forgive when someone apologizes? Big brother, if your younger brother accidentally stabbed you some time, I suppose you would also be magnanimous enough to forgive your brother, right?” Seeing Leng Jingyu’s face instantly turned ashen, Leng Haoyu shrugged and spread his hands, “See? We’re blood brothers and you won’t even forgive your little brother, let alone Prince Ding and the late emperor who are separated by who knows how many generations.”

“Enough, is this the time to argue?” Leng Huai looked at these two forever-disagreeing brothers with a headache and said to Leng Jingyu, “Your second brother is right, it’s better not to say such things in the future.” Leng Jingyu’s face was already unpleasant, and now it became even more gloomy. He wasn’t used to his father taking Leng Haoyu’s side. Ever since Leng Haoyu appeared on the battlefield with Murong Ting this time and saved Leng Huai who had nearly been injured by stray arrows, father seemed to have developed something different toward this brother.

While part of Leng Huai’s words agreed with Leng Haoyu’s viewpoint, they were more for his eldest son’s benefit. After all, he had experienced the Prince Ding Manor’s foundation and secret guard capabilities firsthand. Now that the late emperor was gone, and they were no longer in completely opposing positions with the Prince Ding Manor, there was no need to offend the Prince. As for this younger son who never used to look up… Leng Huai looked somewhat puzzled at Leng Haoyu, who was sitting improperly leaning in his chair chatting and laughing with his wife, a trace of contemplation flashing in his eyes.

Leng Huai wasn’t unconcerned about his illegitimate son – at least compared to Feng Huaiting’s complete disregard for Feng Zhiyao, he was willing to discipline Leng Haoyu. It’s just that as Leng Haoyu grew older, his personality became more unruly, indulging in drinking, gambling, and all sorts of vices, until gradually he became completely disappointed. Later when Leng Haoyu suddenly said he wanted to do business, although he wasn’t happy about his son wanting to become a merchant, he didn’t stop him. At least compared to a wastrel son indulging in pleasure-seeking, being a merchant, though of low status, was still proper work. Moreover, Leng Haoyu was an illegitimate son who originally couldn’t receive any titles or even official positions easily. If he went into business, at least he wouldn’t lack food and clothing, and with the General’s Manor as backing, no one would dare bully him.

It wasn’t until this time that Leng Huai discovered he had been wrong about this son all along. Leng Huai still remembered that day during the city battle, when the Northern Border army’s attack was unprecedentedly fierce, and the city walls were almost covered in a rain of arrows. Standing on the wall supervising the battle, Leng Huai watched helplessly as several sharp arrows flew toward him. Suddenly his second son appeared on the wall, and with a long sword in hand, wove a net of sword light that blocked all the arrow rain. By the time he came to his senses, he had already been pulled behind the battlements by Murong Ting who had followed. Just seeing that casually drawn sword weaving an almost impenetrable net of sword light, Leng Huai knew this second son’s martial skills were definitely above those of his eldest son who had always made him proud.

Thinking again of last month’s news from the capital about the Feng family, Leng Huai had always known Feng Zhiyao was Prince Ding’s confidant. And his second son had always been close to Feng San…

Leng Haoyu naturally noticed his father’s thoughtful examination but carelessly threw Leng Huai a somewhat roguish smile before turning back to continue chatting and laughing with Murong Ting.

On the side, Mu Yang looked at this family of a father and three sons, shaking his head somewhat helplessly. As the only son of the Marquis of Muyang’s household, with no illegitimate brothers or sisters, he naturally couldn’t quite understand the intrigue among them. Although due to their status, he had always been closer to Leng Jingyu, his relationship with Leng Haoyu wasn’t bad either, so at this time he naturally couldn’t say much. He could only ask, “General Leng, are there any orders from the court?”

Leng Huai shook his head and said calmly, “We guard Zijing Pass, and cannot let the Northern Border people step one foot past Zijing Pass, what orders do we need?”

The two young men became solemn, “The General is right.”

“Father is right.”

On the side, in a place where he couldn’t be seen, Leng Haoyu contemptuously curled his lip – guarding Zijing Pass… that would only work if the rear court could hold on. Once the rear military supplies were cut off, even if Zijing Pass’s soldiers fought to the death, it would still be a dead end.

In the main seat above, Leng Huai’s brows also furrowed slightly, an almost imperceptible worry flashing in his eyes.