In the early morning, Bian City had returned to its usual peace and tranquility, though it no longer held its former prosperity and bustle. The empty streets were devoid of the usual crowds of vendors and pedestrians, with only Mohist soldiers on patrol. The shops and restaurants that once welcomed customers on both sides of the street remained closed. The vast city appeared extraordinarily quiet and vacant.

Early in the morning, Mo Xiuyao had been summoned to the study by Zhang Qilan and others. Taking advantage of this free time, Ye Li brought Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Qin Feng for a walk around the city. Looking at the empty streets, she remained silent for a moment before asking, “Those people at the execution ground yesterday…” The three exchanged glances, and Qin Feng responded, “Your Highness, the Prince ordered all civilians to be expelled from Bian City.”

Hearing this, Ye Li felt slightly relieved. At least there hadn’t been a true massacre of the city.

“All expelled from Bian City? Where did they go?” After thinking for a moment, Ye Li asked. Qin Feng replied, “Having escaped with their lives, anywhere would be better than here. However… Lei Tengfeng retreated westward with only twenty to thirty thousand remaining troops, and the civilians headed in that direction too. I fear many will be conscripted into his army, and when they reach the battlefield…”

Ye Li spoke calmly, “Once on the battlefield, they become enemies. Spread the news about Long Yang using Da Chu civilians as human shields on the city walls. It doesn’t matter if the story becomes somewhat exaggerated.” The three looked at her questioningly, and Ye Li continued, “The matter of the prisoners and the Prince’s intention to kill civilians cannot be kept secret. With this as justification, it will be better for the Prince’s and the Mohist Army’s reputation.” Once word spread about Long Yang using Da Chu people as human shields, Mo Xiuyao’s actions would become more understandable. Whether viewed as revenge or a moment of anger, it would be easier for people to overlook Mo Xiuyao’s behavior, especially since the Prince ultimately didn’t massacre the city.

Zhuo Jing went to carry out the task, while Ye Li continued walking with Qin Feng and Lin Han. “Where is Long Yang?”

Qin Feng hesitated before answering, “He’s in the prison in the western part of the city, heavily guarded on the Prince’s orders.”

“Let’s go see him,” Ye Li said softly.

Mo Xiuyao truly hated Long Yang deeply. The place where Long Yang was imprisoned wasn’t a secure dungeon, but rather a small building facing the western execution ground. From its windows, one could see the execution ground outside the city. No one knew exactly how many people were killed at the execution ground last night, but Long Yang certainly did, as he had been forced to watch each prisoner die one by one. Even after the executions were complete, Mo Xiuyao had deliberately chosen a cell facing the execution ground for him, likely forcing him to smell the blood all night long.

The soldiers guarding the building didn’t stop Ye Li. She waved off the others from following, bringing only Qin Feng and Lin Han up to the small building. In just one night, Long Yang had become completely different from the day before. Already in his seventies, his once-strong back had finally become hunched. Overnight, the wrinkles on his face had multiplied, making him appear to have aged more than a decade. His sparse white hair lay disheveled, and his aged, clouded eyes had lost their luster.

Anyone could see that Long Yang was in great pain. His suffering wasn’t physical, but rather his heart was being tortured by guilt and regret. He was already a septuagenarian, long past the iron-hearted, ruthless warrior of his youth. Watching Western Ling soldiers die one by one because of his mistake made him wish he could take their place.

“Cough cough… Princess Consort of Din?” Hearing footsteps coming up the stairs, Long Yang turned around with difficulty. He saw the young woman standing at the top of the stairs. Dressed in simple cyan clothing, she lacked the glitter of pearls and jade or the grandeur of brocaded silk, yet her beautiful face carried a dignity that ordinary maidens and noble ladies couldn’t match. Long Yang hadn’t expected the world-renowned Princess Consort of Din to be a young woman who appeared not yet twenty, but in this place, only the Princess Consort of Din could move about freely with such presence.

Ye Li nodded, saying softly, “General Long Yang, it’s a pleasure to meet you.”

Long Yang smiled bitterly, “A defeated general hardly deserves such courtesy. Yesterday… thank you for saving the lives of all the civilians in Bian City.”

“I didn’t do it for Bian City’s civilians,” Ye Li sat down in a chair not far from Long Yang, responding coolly. Long Yang shook his head, “Regardless of your reasons, Your Highness saved them, that’s a fact. I… I’m just a foolish old man who nearly caused the death of these innocent civilians, so I must thank Your Highness.” As he spoke, Long Yang stood and bowed to Ye Li. As a man facing death, he naturally cared little for worldly fame and glory. He felt no loss of face in kneeling before a young woman in her early twenties.

Ye Li was startled and glanced at Qin Feng and Zhuo Jing standing nearby. The two quickly stepped forward to help Long Yang up and guide him back to his chair. After catching his breath, Long Yang looked at Ye Li and asked, “What brings Your Highness here at this time? Is there something you wish to discuss with this old man?” Long Yang’s spirit and strength were both very poor, not only from the exhaustion of recent days but also from spending the entire previous night staring through the open window at the execution ground without sleep, which had utterly exhausted the septuagenarian. Although the Mohist Army hadn’t harmed Long Yang and hadn’t even reduced his food rations, his complexion and physical condition had become extremely weak.

Ye Li nodded, pondering for a moment before saying, “General Zhu Yan and Zhu Ling have both fallen in battle.”

Long Yang smiled wryly, “That… I expected as much. Zhu Yan spent his whole life in the palace, feeling stifled for twenty years. Being able to die on the battlefield is a good thing for him. He was luckier than me. It’s just a pity about young Zhu Ling… That boy was thrown into the Jing Guo Army by his grandfather when he was just over ten. He struggled for more than a decade before finally taking command of the Jing Guo Army, but now…” Shaking his head with a sigh, Long Yang looked at Ye Li and said, “When we heard that Your Highness had single-handedly defeated Lei Tengfeng’s army of hundreds of thousands, we thought Lei Tengfeng had just grown too arrogant and careless, leading to his defeat. Now I see it was I who was arrogant. Your Highness is truly no less capable than any famous general. Just being able to find the Jing Guo Army in such a short time is enough to earn my admiration.”

“It was just a minor skill, General overpraises me.”

The small building fell silent for a moment before Long Yang asked, “How did Zhu Yan die?”

“General Zhu… jumped from the city walls to his death after the city fell,” Ye Li said quietly.

“Good… he died as he should, with no regrets.” Long Yang nodded. Looking at Ye Li, he said, “Actually, even if Your Highness hadn’t come today, I wanted to meet with you.” Ye Li replied solemnly, “General Long Yang, please speak freely.” Long Yang sighed, gazing at the empty execution ground through the window, “I’m sure Your Highness has heard that in my youth, I was also ruthless and killed without batting an eye.”

Ye Li nodded, “Indeed, General Long Yang’s reputation as the Killing God of the Western Regions was not only famous there but well-known throughout the Central Plains as well.”

Long Yang shook his head, “What Killing God? In my youth, I believed in neither heaven nor gods nor fate and caused countless deaths needlessly. Only in these past twenty years of leisure did I come to understand my past mistakes. But I never imagined… that all the killing I did would come back to haunt me in my old age. My life… losing my wife in middle age and now being alone without children in my twilight years. I suppose there must be some reason for this.”

Ye Li remained silent for a moment before looking up at Long Yang and saying, “I understand what General Long Yang means.”

Long Yang nodded, “Though I am old, I still have some ability to judge people. Your Highness is naturally peaceful and not one who delights in killing. But the Prince… though I’ve only met him a few times, behind his seemingly calm and indifferent demeanor, his eyebrows are like knives, and there’s a gathering darkness in his eyes. I fear this doesn’t bode well. I hear Your Highness comes from a scholarly family in Da Chu, so you must know that casualties are inevitable in the war between armies. However, killing innocent civilians indiscriminately offends heaven.” Ye Li frowned, showing slight displeasure in her eyes, and said coolly, “General Long, the Prince hasn’t harmed a single ordinary civilian in Bian City.”

Seeing Ye Li’s displeasure, Long Yang smiled gently and nodded, “That’s why I must thank Your Highness. If not for your presence, I fear Bian City would now be awash in blood, filled with the wails of wronged spirits.”

Ye Li furrowed her brow and asked, “What exactly does General Long Yang wish to tell me?”

Long Yang looked steadily at Ye Li and said solemnly, “Please counsel the Prince more often. Deaths and injuries on the battlefield are all heaven’s will. But killing innocents outside the battlefield is not what a general or ruler should do.” Ye Li felt a slight stirring in her heart as she calmly looked at Long Yang. He turned to look out the window, his expression dejected, “When a person is near death, their words become wise. I say this not for Western Ling, but purely from what I’ve learned in my life. If one allows bloodshed to cloud their eyes, eventually it will also cover their heart. The battlefield has always been a place that can turn the living into ghosts.”

Ye Li lowered her gaze, her thoughts in turmoil. She understood Long Yang’s meaning; the battlefield was indeed a place that could easily amplify the evil in people’s hearts to its greatest extent. Ye Li had always known that Mo Xiuyao wasn’t what he appeared to be on the surface. Whether it was his initial gentle refinement and cool indifference, or his later occasional willfulness and carefree attitude – how could someone who had suffered such heavy blows and injuries, who had endured humiliation for so many years and even completely reversed his personality, be truly peaceful and calm inside? At least, if it were her, she couldn’t do it.

Mo Xiuyao harbored vengeance in his heart, but he could suppress such hatred. He also had hatred, but he had only watched Mo Jingqi die before him without taking any retaliatory actions. This might easily lead people to think his hatred wasn’t deep, or that he was broad-minded and had gradually let go. But Ye Li knew that Mo Xiuyao had never been someone who was broad-minded or who would return kindness for evil.

This time, Mo Xiuyao’s sudden outburst was unreasonable. While Long Yang’s use of Da Chu civilians as human shields was certainly wrong, an ordinary person would have wanted to capture Long Yang and kill him by a thousand cuts to vent their anger. But Mo Xiuyao wanted Long Yang to live, to watch Western Ling soldiers and even civilians die one by one – he wanted Long Yang to suffer a fate worse than death. He wasn’t angry at Long Yang’s actions; he hated Long Yang with extreme loathing. Yet in truth, there was no real enmity between Long Yang and Mo Xiuyao – killing on the battlefield couldn’t be called hatred.

Long Yang had seen all this, and Ye Li could understand it too. So Long Yang was regretful. He wasn’t truly regretting his action of using civilians as shields, but rather regretful that his actions had awakened the killing intent in Mo Xiuyao’s heart, perhaps even unleashing a demon who thirsted for blood.

Ye Li looked at the elderly man before her, whose eyes were full of worry despite his age, and said seriously, “He won’t become that kind of person. He will be fine.”

Long Yang nodded and said, “I believe Your Highness can achieve this. Having you as his wife is the Prince’s blessing.” Ye Li smiled gracefully and said softly, “Being able to meet him is also my blessing.” Who was whose blessing wasn’t really important? But Ye Li believed that Mo Xiuyao was the right person for her. Even if there might be people in this world more handsome than Mo Xiuyao, with more power or ability than him, there was only one Mo Xiuyao.

At this point, they exchanged smiles. The atmosphere in the small building was surprisingly peaceful, unlike that between enemies.

Just as Ye Li was about to speak, steady footsteps were heard from below. Qin Feng, standing at the top of the stairs, looked down and made a gesture to Ye Li. She stood up and walked to the stairs, and the person coming up had already reached the top. Seeing Ye Li, he paused slightly and smiled, “Ali.”

Ye Li reached out to take Mo Xiuyao’s hand and led him into the small building, smiling, “What brings you here?” Mo Xiuyao looked down at her and said softly, “After finishing official business, I thought of taking you for a walk. They told me you had come out.” Ye Li smiled, “I came out for a walk this morning since I had nothing to do, and thought to visit General Long. You’ve been busy since early morning, why don’t you sit and rest for a while?”

Seeing Long Yang sitting by the window, a flash of coldness passed through Mo Xiuyao’s half-lowered eyes, but he didn’t go against Ye Li’s wishes. He allowed her to lead him to sit down nearby. Naturally, there wasn’t much to say between two people who had been mortal enemies just yesterday. Mo Xiuyao had no intention of speaking with Long Yang anyway, acting as if he didn’t exist while holding Ye Li’s hand and asking softly, “Is there anywhere Ali would like to go? We’ll be departing in a few days. I hear there are several places worth seeing in Bian City.”

Ye Li smiled, “Wherever you think is good, let’s go take a look. I remember, isn’t Long Shan Academy within the city?”

Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly, nodding with some displeasure, “Yes, but unfortunately, Lei Tengfeng took away several famous teachers from Long Shan Academy. Only some useless scholars remain, though they say some ancient texts weren’t taken away in time. Ali can see if there’s anything you like, and we can have it sent back for your grandfather and uncles.”

Ye Li smiled gently, “How thoughtful of you. However… let’s just pick some that grandfather and the others would like. The rest should stay in Bian City. They’ll be useful in the future.” This usefulness wasn’t about returning them to the people of Long Shan Academy. Since the Mohist Army had occupied Bian City, they would need civilians to maintain long-term rule. Although Mo Xiuyao had currently expelled all the civilians from Bian City, people would eventually have to live here again. As one of the three great academies in the world, if Long Shan Academy could be restored, it would be extremely beneficial for the Prince’s governance.

Mo Xiuyao naturally understood Ye Li’s meaning and smiled slightly, “Whatever Ali says is good. But if Ali is interested in Long Shan Academy… there is still one person in Bian City whom I can have brought to meet Ali.” Ye Li was somewhat helpless – what did he mean by her being interested in Long Shan Academy? However, she was quite interested in what Mo Xiuyao had said, raising her eyebrows slightly to ask, “Which teacher from Long Shan Academy has remained in Bian City?”

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and smiled, “The head of Long Shan Academy, Master Xiuting Chen Xiu.”

Hearing this, not only Ye Li but even Long Yang showed surprise. Master Xiuting’s reputation might not have spread across nations like Master Qingyun and the Xu family, but this didn’t mean his talent was much inferior to Master Qingyun’s. It was just that compared to Da Chu, Western Ling had always valued martial arts over literature. They had fewer scholars and literati than in Da Chu, and the status of scholarly officials was far less elevated than in Da Chu. This Master Xiuting indeed didn’t involve himself in court politics, focusing solely on teaching and nurturing talent. The fact that Long Shan Academy could become one of the three great academies of the time, despite Western Ling being seen by Central Plains people as barbaric as South Zhao and North Rong, was enough to prove Master Xiuting’s talent and knowledge. Moreover, unlike the ancient heritage of Li Shan Academy, Long Shan Academy had risen to prominence under Master Xiuting’s guidance.

“How is this master still in Bian City? He’s still here now?” Ye Li asked in wonder.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and smiled, “Of course.” Even if he had wanted to kill everyone in Bian City, he hadn’t completely lost his reason. He naturally knew what kind of people couldn’t be killed or released. In Bian City, there were only a handful of people with such value. Even before Bian City fell, Mo Xiuyao had ordered Qilin to keep them under control – they couldn’t have left even if they had wanted to. “Shall we go see him now?” Mo Xiuyao asked softly, “I hear that master can be quite troublesome.”

Ye Li rose with him; they didn’t have much time to stay in Bian City, so they naturally needed to seize the opportunity to visit.

Mo Xiuyao released Ye Li’s hand and smiled, “I have a few words I want to say to General Long Yang. Ali, would you mind waiting for me downstairs?”

Ye Li glanced at Long Yang sitting by the window, nodded, and said gently, “I’ll wait for you below.”

Only after the footsteps completely disappeared downstairs did Mo Xiuyao turn to look at Long Yang by the window. The gentle smile that had been on his face had completely vanished, replaced by sharp killing intent in his gloomy eyes, “If I ever hear you speaking such nonsense to Ali again, I will make you regret it beyond measure!”

Although he hadn’t heard exactly what Long Yang had said to Ali, the flash of concern in Ali’s eyes when she looked at him earlier hadn’t escaped Mo Xiuyao’s notice. Long Yang must have said something he shouldn’t have, causing Ali to worry about him.

Long Yang looked at him calmly, no longer showing yesterday’s heart-wrenching pain and hatred, and said mildly, “Having such a Princess Consort truly is the Prince’s great fortune.”

Mo Xiuyao coldly snorted, his eyes fixed menacingly on him. Long Yang shook his head and smiled, “Your Highness need not worry, what could this old man say to the Princess? It was just casual conversation. Besides… we won’t be meeting again, will we?” At this point, Long Yang sighed melancholically.

Mo Xiuyao stared at Long Yang for a long while before suddenly breaking into a low laugh, “Long Yang, don’t count on Lei Zhenting coming back. Even if he does return, he can’t save Western Ling. I have four hundred thousand troops waiting for him at the border. And with several hundred thousand elite troops from South Zhao, guess whether the local garrisons will have time to come back for support? And those small Western Region countries you once suppressed, guess whether they’ll take this opportunity for revenge? Western Ling… is beyond saving!”

Long Yang froze, and after a long while finally came to his senses and laughed helplessly, though his laughter was incredibly desolate and dejected, “As expected of Prince Din, years of planning… truly extraordinary when you finally make your move. Enough… I’m old and should die. Future matters… I can’t concern myself with them anymore… Your Highness, please…”

Outside the door downstairs, seeing Mo Xiuyao stroll out, Ye Li smiled and went to meet him. Mo Xiuyao wrapped his arm around her slender waist and said softly, “Shall we go visit Master Xiuting now?” Ye Li blinked and asked with some worry, “Will Master Xiuting not drive us away?” Scholars always had their pride, and with Mo Xiuyao’s actions in Bian City, Ye Li wouldn’t be surprised if Master Xiuting charged at them with a knife.

Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly, holding Ye Li as they walked forward, “Who would dare?”

Ye Li looked back at the small building with its still-open windows and asked, “What did you say to General Long Yang? How do you plan to deal with him?”

Mo Xiuyao’s eyes flickered slightly, and he smiled faintly, “Just told him not to talk nonsense to Ali anymore, Ali doesn’t need to worry about me.”

Ye Li was startled and took hold of his hand at her waist, saying softly, “I’m not worried, we’ll be together no matter what.” Mo Xiuyao’s expression softened, his smile becoming more gentle, “Ali need not worry, I have no interest in settling scores with a half-dead old man. As long as he doesn’t cause trouble, I’ll just ignore him.”

Ye Li smiled, “Aren’t you more important to me than him? Xiuyao, I don’t care how you deal with him.” As a soldier, Long Yang’s dedication to his country was certainly admirable, but Long Yang had accumulated a lifetime of blood debts, and with his actions in Bian City this time, even if Mo Xiuyao executed him, she wouldn’t say anything. The fall of a famous general was certainly regrettable, but Long Yang wasn’t innocent either.

As they walked further away, a soldier suddenly ran up to them, breathing heavily, “Your Highness, Princess Consort, Long Yang has set himself on fire.”

Ye Li was startled, “What happened?” Looking back, they could no longer see the small building where Long Yang had been imprisoned from where they stood. But they could still see thick smoke rising from that direction.

The soldier paused for a moment, then said, “General Long Yang poured wine over himself and set himself on fire.”