“General Long Yang poured wine over himself and set himself on fire.”

Hearing the soldier’s report, Ye Li was stunned for quite a while. She only came back to her senses when Mo Xiuyao gently touched her.

“Ali…” Mo Xiuyao looked down quietly at his composed wife in his arms, slightly frowning. Ye Li shook her head and sighed softly. After Zhu Yan’s death, another elderly general had taken his own life before her. Both rationally and emotionally, she could understand their choices. If it were her, she wouldn’t surrender to an enemy nation either. Both elderly generals had served Western Ling loyally all their lives, and their deaths preserved their lifelong reputations. Friend and foe alike could only respect their integrity. But Ye Li vaguely felt she couldn’t take it anymore. Perhaps she had seen too many deaths these days?

“Ali, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” Mo Xiuyao asked worriedly as he supported her. “Let’s go back first, we can deal with other matters tomorrow.” Ye Li held his hand and shook her head, smiling reassuringly, “I’m fine. We don’t have much time to stay in Bian City anyway. Issue an order to give General Long Yang a grand military funeral. Just… bury him next to General Zhu Yan.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded and commanded, “Do as the Princess Consort says. Go.”

After the soldier left with his orders, Mo Xiuyao waved away those following behind. Holding Ye Li’s hand and supporting her waist, they walked slowly forward as he said softly, “Are you very sad about Long Yang and Zhu Yan’s deaths?”

Ye Li shook her head, saying, “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Maybe it’s because both generals were so elderly. They were both over seventy, yet… I can’t help but feel moved.” Mo Xiuyao said softly, “If it upsets Ali, just stay away from military matters from now on.”

Ye Li smiled gently, “Does Your Highness think I’m such a delicate flower that can’t stand the wind? It’s just a momentary emotion. No matter what… both generals served their country loyally, and now they’re gone…” Mo Xiuyao said, “Would I hold grudges against the dead? If Ali says give them grand funerals, then that’s what we’ll do. Ali, please don’t be sad for others, alright?”

Hearing Mo Xiuyao’s somewhat heavy voice, Ye Li looked up to see him staring intently at her. She couldn’t help but smile, reaching up to touch his slightly furrowed brow, “In this world, you and Xiaobao, along with grandfather and my uncles, are the most important people to me. Besides you all, no one can truly make me sad. So, Xiuyao, you must take good care…”

“I will naturally take good care, and Xiaobao too… I will protect everyone Ali cares about. I absolutely won’t let Ali be sad. So… Ali, please don’t concern yourself with those unrelated people, alright?” Mo Xiuyao said in a low voice. Ye Li blinked and looked seriously at Mo Xiuyao, raising her eyebrows, “Unrelated people?”

“Isn’t Ali sad about Zhu Ling’s death?” Mo Xiuyao asked softly, but Ye Li could still hear the grinding of teeth when he said Zhu Ling’s name.

“Zhu Ling…” Ye Li sighed softly and said, “I just feel… he was still very young. And my strategy this time was somewhat underhanded.” She certainly knew it wasn’t just this. Ye Li wasn’t emotionally insensitive; she understood Zhu Ling’s feelings. However, leaving aside that she and Zhu Ling had only just met, leaving aside their opposing positions, in Ye Li’s heart, no man would ever be more important than Mo Xiuyao. It was impossible from the very beginning. She felt guilty about Zhu Ling, not because she had any feelings for him, but purely because she had failed to reciprocate his sincere feelings. But the rest didn’t need to be told to Mo Xiuyao. Between husband and wife… sometimes a kind lie wasn’t wrong, was it?

“Ali did nothing wrong. If he had seen through the ruse, he would have killed Ali too,” Mo Xiuyao said through gritted teeth. “However… Ali must not do such things secretly anymore. What if something happened? If we need a woman’s help, we can just have Qin Feng train some people.”

“I understand.” Ye Li silently rolled her eyes – she knew it would be like this.

Only after confirming that Ye Li had seriously agreed did Mo Xiuyao nod with satisfaction, holding her hand as they walked forward.

Master Xiuting’s residence was on Long Shan in the eastern part of the city. Because Long Shan Academy was temporarily sealed by the Mohist Army, some teachers and students who hadn’t managed to escape were temporarily housed in a small garden not far from the academy. Although the Mohist Army was composed entirely of soldiers, they showed considerable respect for scholars. Since Mo Xiuyao hadn’t made things difficult for these people, naturally the soldiers ordered to guard them wouldn’t either.

Arriving at the garden gate, they unexpectedly saw a familiar face. “Third Brother, why are you here?” The person guarding this garden was indeed Xu Qingfeng. Given Xu Qingfeng’s position as leader of the Qilin squad and his relationship with the Xu family and the Prince’s manor, having him guard this place was certainly a waste of talent. No one in the Mohist Army would assign him such a task; the only possibility was that Xu Qingfeng had volunteered.

Xu Qingfeng was quite happy to see Ye Li and smiled, “Isn’t Long Shan Academy one of the three great academies in the world? I just… had long admired its reputation and came to see it.” Ye Li shook her head slightly with a smile, not exposing him. Although Xu Qingfeng had also grown up in the Xu family and studied at Li Shan Academy for a few years, he had always preferred martial arts and couldn’t stand sitting at a desk reading and writing essays – he hadn’t even taken the imperial examinations. To say he was interested in paying respects to the teachers of Long Shan Academy was less believable than saying his eldest cousin would get married tomorrow. Thinking about it, Ye Li understood Xu Qingfeng’s intentions. He certainly disagreed with Mo Xiuyao killing those civilian prisoners, but he absolutely couldn’t persuade Mo Xiuyao otherwise. So he could only turn a blind eye. Although Xu Qingfeng didn’t love studying, he was still from the Xu family, and his respect for scholars was no less than any other member of the family. With him guarding here, no one would dare cause trouble.

“How is Master Xiuting?” Ye Li asked with a smile.

Xu Qingfeng shook his head helplessly and gestured inside for her to see for herself. Ye Li didn’t mind and led Mo Xiuyao inside. The small courtyard wasn’t very large, just a two-section compound, but its style had some of the delicate elegance of Da Chu’s Jiangnan region. Who knew why Long Shan Academy had built such an independent small courtyard? Before they even entered the inner courtyard gate, they could hear clear recitation coming from inside. However, the content being recited was tragicomic – all poems mocking the Mohist Army and Prince Din.

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao stood silently at the door listening, not going in to disturb. They saw the person sitting in the courtyard with his back to the gate, reciting one poem after another. For someone like Ye Li who wasn’t well-versed in poetry, being able to recite so many poems with similar themes without repetition would have been considered almost divine if not for the inappropriate time and place. When he reached some lines about “Wild ambition for imperial power, Bian City flows with blood,” Ye Li finally coughed lightly and smiled, “Master Xiuting seems to be in good spirits.”

The person sitting with his back to the door paused for a moment before turning around to look, quickly showing a flash of realization in his eyes, “Prince Din? Princess Consort?”

Only then did Ye Li get a clear look at Master Xiuting’s appearance. The elderly man approaching sixty had white hair and a beard, a thin face, and an elegant demeanor with traces of scholarly pride and arrogance. He looked more like a Southern scholar than someone from Western Ling.

Ye Li led Mo Xiuyao into the courtyard, nodding and smiling, “Indeed. I, Ye Li, pay my respects to Master Xiuting.”

Chen Xiu looked Ye Li up and down and snorted lightly, “I hardly deserve to be called senior by the Princess Consort.” Ye Li didn’t take offense and smiled gently, “Master Xiuting’s reputation for scholarship is outstanding. Even my grandfather and uncles highly praise you, so naturally, I should address you as senior.” Hearing this, Chen Xiu was somewhat moved, “Master Qingyun and Master Hongyu?” Although he had long lived in Western Ling, he had heard something of the Princess Consort’s family background.

Ye Li smiled, “Indeed.”

Chen Xiu was silent for a moment. His initially vigilant and somewhat hostile expression softened slightly as he said coolly, “In my youth, I traveled to study in Eastern Chu and was fortunate to receive guidance from Master Qingyun. I also had some friendship with Master Hongyu. Of course…” his gaze slowly passed over Mo Xiuyao as he continued, “I also paid respects to the Regent of Eastern Chu. Who would have thought that in the blink of thirty years… Mo Liufang and the Xu family’s descendants would all have come into their own. Alas, I have wasted my years and haven’t even produced a single successful student.”

Ye Li smiled, “Master Xiuting jests. At least half the civil officials in the Western Ling court are your students. How can you say you’ve wasted your years?” Long Shan Academy couldn’t have been named one of the world’s three great academies without reason. Even though Western Ling valued martial arts over literature, they couldn’t possibly let illiterate military officers manage state affairs. Indeed, half the officials in the Western Ling court were from Long Shan Academy. However, Long Shan Academy, built single-handedly by Chen Xiu, lacked the foundation of Li Shan Academy and another of Da Chu’s southern academies, Qionghua Academy, so it could only rank last among the top three. But for Chen Xiu to achieve such success by himself in a place like Western Ling that inherently valued martial arts over literature was enough to earn even Master Qingyun’s high praise.

As for Long Shan Academy not having outstanding disciples, this was quite understandable. The Prince of Zhennan, having learned from the lesson of Li Shan Academy’s far-reaching influence in Da Chu, wouldn’t let Long Shan Academy follow the same path. Chen Xiu’s strength was far from matching the foundation of the Xu family’s centuries of scholarly tradition. Even when there were outstanding students, they were quickly absorbed or dealt with by the Prince of Zhennan. As a result, Long Shan Academy still had no heir like Xu Qingchen who could uphold its reputation. If Chen Xiu were to pass away in the future, Long Shan Academy would likely fall into the hands of either the Prince of Zhennan or the Western Ling royal family.

Chen Xiu’s expression eased slightly, and he finally invited them to sit inside.

After entering the reception hall and taking their seats, naturally, there was no one to serve tea. Ye Li didn’t feel it was beneath her dignity and had water brought in to personally prepare tea for Chen Xiu and Mo Xiuyao. Since entering the courtyard, Mo Xiuyao hadn’t spoken a word. Watching Ye Li unhurriedly pouring tea, a flash of tenderness passed through his eyes. He cast a warning glance at Chen Xiu.

Chen Xiu drank his tea, noticed Mo Xiuyao’s look, and snorted lightly, showing no fear.

“Master Qingyun must be eighty years old now. Is he well?” After drinking tea for a while, Chen Xiu finally asked.

Ye Li smiled gently and said, “Next year will be grandfather’s eightieth birthday celebration. We hope Master Xiuting will honor us with your presence in the Northwest.”

Chen Xiu’s teacup paused for a moment as he looked calmly at Ye Li. He understood the meaning in her words but couldn’t accept it. Shaking his head with some regret, he said, “Unfortunately, I fear I won’t have the fortune to celebrate Master Qingyun’s birthday. However, over the years, our Long Shan Academy has collected many rare ancient texts. Please let the Princess Consort take them back to Master Qingyun as my birthday gift. Master Qingyun… having a granddaughter like the Princess Consort is a great fortune in his later years. I need not add flowers to brocade.”

Ye Li smiled and said, “What fortune has grandfather enjoyed from his junior? Instead, I’ve only caused him worry and trouble. It’s thanks to grandfather’s kindness that he doesn’t mind the trouble we juniors cause. Master Xiuting has spent your whole life’s effort on Long Shan Academy – do you truly wish to see it fade into obscurity?”

Chen Xiu shook his head and smiled, “This is fate, we scholars cannot force it.”

Ye Li said calmly, “Isn’t so-called fate just what people choose for themselves? Though I am a woman, I know a saying… ‘I command my fate, not heaven!’ And another saying goes, ‘Character determines destiny, choices determine life.’ Master, you are not a coward. Your choice determines Long Shan Academy’s future. If you wish it to survive, it will survive. If you wish it to perish, naturally it can only perish with you.”

Chen Xiu trembled slightly, staring steadily at Ye Li. After a long while, he sighed, “What fine words – ‘I command my fate, not heaven’… what fine words – ‘Character determines destiny, choices determine life’… The Princess Consort has such breadth of mind. Prince Din is fortunate, Master Qingyun is fortunate…”

“Then… what is Master Xiuting’s decision?” Ye Li asked.

Chen Xiu lowered his eyes and said solemnly, “I will not submit to the Prince’s manor. Prince Din may be a hero of his time, but to kill tens of thousands of civilians with a wave of his hand is too cruel!” Speaking of this, Chen Xiu’s voice carried more grief and hoarseness. He was extremely opposed to Mo Xiuyao’s actions. Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, giving him a contemptuous look. I killed them, what can you do about it?

Ye Li helplessly tugged at Mo Xiuyao’s sleeve, and only then did he purse his lips and lower his head to continue drinking tea. He understood that trying to persuade someone like Chen Xiu was useless on his part. Just based on his actions in Bian City, even if he talked until the flowers bloomed in the sky, Chen Xiu wouldn’t believe him. Even if he put a sword on Chen Xiu’s neck, this man might not comply. Since that was the case, he wouldn’t waste the effort. If Ali could persuade this person, he would stand on Ali’s side in the future, which would be good for her. Although Mo Xiuyao typically acted spoiled and willful in front of Ye Li, his long-term thinking on many matters might not be matched even by Master Qingchen.

After calming Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li turned to Chen Xiu and said, “This is exactly what your junior wanted to discuss with Master Xiuting. Master Xiuting’s literary talent flows freely into verse, but you shouldn’t casually slander my husband’s reputation.”

Chen Xiu was first stunned by how easily Mo Xiuyao was pacified by Ye Li, and now hearing her words, he was even more confused. Somewhat displeased, he said, “What does the Princess Consort mean? When did I slander Prince Din?”

Ye Li smiled and said, “Just now, I listened outside the door for quite a while. Every word and phrase of Master Xiuting was saying my husband killed innocents indiscriminately. Isn’t that slander?”

Chen Xiu was immediately angered to the point of laughter, glaring at Ye Li, “Could it be that those people Prince Din killed yesterday deserved to die?”

Ye Li lowered her eyes and said calmly, “In war between armies, each side fights for its interests. I’ve never heard Master Xiuting comment on how various countries handle prisoners of war. Regarding the killing of prisoners… though the Prince was indeed ruthless, there were reasons. Weren’t Master Xiuting’s poems too extreme?”

Chen Xiu glared at Ye Li with a cold face and said heavily, “Were the civilians in the city not innocent?”

Ye Li blinked her eyes in surprise and said, “What civilians? When did the Mohist Army kill civilians indiscriminately?”

Chen Xiu was also stunned. He had personally seen Mo Xiuyao take all the city’s civilians to the execution ground. Although Long Shan wasn’t very high, being confined in this courtyard meant news didn’t circulate well. Naturally, he didn’t know that these civilians had all been expelled from Bian City by Mo Xiuyao. Seeing Chen Xiu’s surprised expression, Ye Li smiled and said, “Master Xiuting’s information seems to be incorrect. General Long Yang used Da Chu civilians as human shields during battle, which no general should do. Although the Northwest has severed ties with Da Chu, the Mohist Army soldiers and Da Chu civilians still share the same roots. My husband’s momentary anger is understandable. But the Mohist Army truly hasn’t harmed a single civilian in Bian City. Please investigate this matter clearly, Master.”

Hearing Ye Li’s words, Chen Xiu was somewhat doubtful but also more delighted. Long Shan Academy had been in Bian City for decades, and he naturally didn’t want to see those innocent civilians lose their lives. After carefully scrutinizing Ye Li for a while, he finally determined she wasn’t lying to deceive him and breathed a sigh of relief. He stood up and cupped his hands to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, saying, “I was wrong in this matter, and here I apologize to the Prince and Princess Consort.”

Chen Xiu was different from Long Yang and Zhu Yan. He had never served as an official in the Western Ling court, and his youth, he had traveled widely among various countries, gaining broad knowledge and an equally broad mind. Moreover, he had no particularly deep attachment to the Western Ling court. The writing systems, customs, and even bloodlines of Da Chu and Western Ling shared the same origin. His opposition to Mo Xiuyao was more due to Mo Xiuyao’s bold invasion of Western Ling and apparent intention to massacre Bian City. Now knowing this was a misunderstanding, he naturally didn’t mind apologizing to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li in person.

Ye Li quickly rose to support him, saying, “Master Xiuting need not do this. Living temporarily on this mountain, news naturally becomes somewhat isolated.”

Chen Xiu sat down again and asked, “Then… where are Bian City’s civilians now? I seem… not to have seen anyone return.”

Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiuyao and said somewhat shamefully, “All the civilians have left the city.” What this “leaving” meant didn’t need an explanation for Chen Xiu to understand. He frowned – although their lives were spared, hundreds of thousands of civilians were displaced, many unable even to take their belongings. Their future days wouldn’t be easy. Shaking his head, Chen Xiu looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, “I remember… the Northwest’s four provinces aren’t very large in area. Your Highness’s actions… I somewhat understand, but cannot approve.”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow but didn’t answer.

Chen Xiu said, “Surely Your Highness doesn’t intend to drive away all of Western Ling’s civilians and then relocate people from the Northwest or even Da Chu here? Forgive my directness, but Your Highness’s actions might be even more inappropriate than massacring the city.” Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao finally raised his head and asked coolly, “Why?”

Chen Xiu said solemnly, “Western Ling’s civilians have lived in these places for generations. If Your Highness only plans to occupy territory, that’s one thing, but if Your Highness plans to drive out civilians all the way… where does Your Highness plan to drive all these Western Ling civilians? When they have nowhere left to retreat, even unarmed ordinary civilians will fight back. Though there is indeed enmity between Western Ling and Da Chu, the civilians of Western Ling and Da Chu don’t necessarily have any deep hatred. A thousand years ago, Western Ling and Da Chu were originally one family. If Your Highness wants Western Ling’s territory, you should know to accept Western Ling’s civilians.”

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li exchanged glances. Given Chen Xiu’s relationship and position with them, to speak such words was already quite forward. Moreover, it represented some special meaning. Ye Li nodded and said, “Master speaks truly. Last night’s events were indeed handled improperly by us. Please be magnanimous considering the circumstances, and additionally, we came to visit hoping Master could help make some amends.” The events of these two days had quite an impact on the Mohist Army’s reputation. Though reputation might seem trivial, if news of the Mohist Army massacring a city was deliberately colored, the Mohist Army’s future campaigns might face unprecedented stubborn resistance, even causing completely unnecessary losses.

Chen Xiu was silent for a moment before asking solemnly, “What does the Princess Consort want this old man to do?”

Ye Li said softly, “Please have Master Xiuting send out calling cards to inform people across the land that Bian City has returned to normal. Original Bian City residents who wish to return may do so, with all property returned. Additionally, reopen Long Shan Academy. We also request Master Xiuting to recommend several capable people to assist in managing Bian City.”

Chen Xiu stared calmly at Ye Li for a long time, but both people opposite him knew his heart wasn’t as calm as it appeared. Ye Li’s request seemed simple, but once he agreed, it would be equivalent to announcing to the world that Master Xiuting had submitted to the Prince’s manor. Knowing his hesitation and inner struggle, they didn’t rush him, sitting quietly drinking tea.

After a long while, a look of decision and determination crossed Chen Xiu’s face, and he looked at Ye Li, saying, “I agree to the Princess Consort’s request, but I also ask the Prince and Princess Consort to promise me one thing.”

Ye Li also felt relieved and smiled, “Please tell us, Master Xiuting.”

Chen Xiu said, “Please have the Prince and Princess Consort guarantee that you will not kill Western Ling’s ordinary civilians.”

Ye Li smiled gently and said, “Of course. The Mohist Army is not a bloodthirsty wolf or tiger army, and has never harmed ordinary civilians, has it?”

Chen Xiu nodded and smiled, “I believe the Princess Consort, and hope the Prince and Princess Consort will not go back on their word.”

“Then please wait and see, Master,” Ye Li smiled.

After Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao left, the Mohist Army soldiers guarding outside the courtyard also withdrew. This also showed the Prince’s manor’s sincerity. In the small courtyard, Chen Xiu looked at the now-cold tea on the table before him and sighed deeply.

“Master, are we going to submit to the Prince’s manor? This action might harm your reputation, and even with all their power, the Prince’s manor cannot stop the endless mouths of the world from talking,” a young student behind Chen Xiu asked worriedly.

Chen Xiu shook his head and looked up at the patch of sky above the small courtyard, saying solemnly, “Fame and infamy are both illusions. Seeing these two people… I suddenly feel that perhaps the pattern of this world truly needs to change.” Da Chu and Western Ling were currently the two great powers. But every scholar would remember that a thousand years ago, an incredibly vast empire once stood on this land. That era was truly a golden age that countless people looked up to. As they say, what has long been united must divide, and what has long been divided must unite. This world has been divided for too long. When that matchless pair stood before him, he seemed to finally see a lifelong unattainable hope – a dream of a true golden age.

“But Master, didn’t you say Prince Din’s killing energy was too strong, offending heaven? That it wasn’t a sign of longevity?” the student asked in confusion.

Chen Xiu chuckled and said, “That was because I hadn’t seen the other person then. With her presence, perhaps Prince Din won’t cause so much bloodshed. This time… weren’t Bian City’s civilians unharmed? I worried too much. Master Qingyun has great foresight, how could he not see this point? Since Master Qingyun didn’t stop Prince Din from sending troops, it means…” It meant Master Qingyun also had high hopes for Prince Din.

In his youth, Chen Xiu had also harbored great ambitions. Unfortunately, his aspirations weren’t something most people could understand. More people just considered it an arrogant delusion. After too many setbacks, he finally settled on Long Shan in disappointment to teach and nurture talent, hoping to pass on his aspirations and ideas. Later, with Western Ling’s emperor weak and incompetent, the Prince of Zhennan monopolizing power, Da Chu’s Mo Jingqi suspicious and cruel, and the entire Da Chu appearing strong but actually in decline – all of these made him despair and helpless until he completely gave up. He had even seen in midnight dreams scenes of foreign invasion, with Da Chu and Western Ling ceasing to exist. Yet unexpectedly, approaching his sixties, he once again saw a glimmer of hope.

For the first time in his life, Chen Xiu regretted that he had already passed his prime. If only he could be twenty years younger…

Looking up at the clear, cloudless sky, Chen Xiu murmured, “This old man has achieved nothing in life, death would not be regrettable. But now I only hope to live a few more years. Perhaps in my lifetime, I might still see a true golden age.”

A golden age? The young student behind him felt his heart shake. He hadn’t expected the teacher to have such high hopes for that matchless pair. Although he hadn’t seen the Prince and his consort in person, hiding in the back he had heard them talking, and when seeing them off, the young man also felt there couldn’t be a more perfectly matched pair in this world.

“Master will surely see that day,” the young student said softly.