After welcoming Xu Qingbai into the camp and dismissing the curious young commanders, leaving only Feng Zhiyao, Zhang Qilan, and a few others, the main tent finally quieted down.

Feng Zhiyao curiously examined Xu Qingbai and said, “When did Fourth Young Master Xu arrive in Xiling? We had no news of this at all.” Xu Qingbai smiled as he noticed Ye Li studying him, and said with a smile, “I’ve been here for quite some days. I originally thought you would take longer to arrive.” Hearing this, Feng Zhiyao and the others understood that Xu Qingbai had likely been secretly sent to the Xiling Imperial City by their lord and lady. As for what he came to do… looking at Xu Qingbai’s refined and scholarly smile, understanding flashed in Feng Zhiyao’s eyes.

“Fourth Brother, have you suffered any mistreatment these days?” Although seeing Xu Qingbai safe and sound had greatly relieved her, Ye Li still worried that her fourth brother might have faced some hardships in Xiling. After all, Xiling didn’t have Great Chu’s tradition of respecting scholars, and before the Mo family army’s arrival, the Xiling people probably hadn’t been very courteous to her fourth brother.

Xu Qingbai smiled reassuringly and said, “Nothing serious happened, it was just a bit boring in Xiling. Now that you’ve arrived early, things have naturally become much smoother.”

Mo Xiuyao sipped his tea, patiently waiting for Ye Li and Xu Qingbai to finish their greetings before asking, “What are the Xiling Emperor’s intentions?”

Xu Qingbai nodded and said, “I met with the Xiling Emperor again yesterday. The pressure of our army at his gates is enormous. Moreover, the conditions we’ve offered are enough to tempt him. However… he likely can’t bring himself to lose face by simply handing over the Imperial City just yet. I expect we’ll need to fight two more battles. The reinforcements from various regions should arrive in these few days. I estimate that after we repel two forces, he’ll issue the awakening order.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, “I understand. Thank you for your hard work.”

Xu Qingbai smiled and replied, “It’s my duty, what hard work is there to speak of?” Beside them, Zhang Qilan finally came to his senses, staring at Xu Qingbai in amazement. After a while, he said, “My lord means we won’t need to attack the Imperial City. Fourth Young Master Xu has convinced the Xiling Emperor to give us the Imperial City?” Zhang Qilan now looked at Xu Qingbai as if he were looking at some kind of monster. Xu Qingbai smiled modestly and said, “It’s not exactly being given for free, we naturally have to provide some compensation.”

Zhang Qilan waved his hand and said, “This is the Xiling Imperial City! Whatever compensation we give, we’re still getting the better deal. Fourth Young Master Xu, to have such ability at such a young age – I’ve heard that the Xu family’s Second Master could debate with scholars in his teens, but now it seems Fourth Young Master Xu has surpassed even that.” After speaking, Zhang Qilan couldn’t help but marvel inwardly. These Xu family members were too frightening – with just their words, they could be more formidable than their army of hundreds of thousands. And there was the Xu family’s eldest young master, who could handle even the administrative matters that kept their lord constantly busy with ease and efficiency. Come to think of it… with their lord having such brothers-in-law… unconsciously, Zhang Qilan’s gaze toward Mo Xiuyao became almost sympathetic.

The others naturally noticed Zhang Qilan’s expression and gaze, causing Mo Xiuyao’s face to darken immediately. Although he also felt that among his brothers-in-law, only Xu Qingfeng was relatively easy to handle, with the others being more troublesome than the last, at least they were all very useful. Compared to their abilities, being occasionally annoyed by them seemed trivial to Mo Xiuyao. But even so, he didn’t appreciate seeing his subordinate’s sympathy.

Feng Zhiyao lowered his head and coughed to hide his smile, asking, “Is Fourth Young Master confident? The Xiling Emperor is still an emperor, after all. Will he abandon Xiling’s foundation?”

Xu Qingbai smiled and said, “Compared to an Imperial City that can be rebuilt, his life and throne are more important to the Xiling Emperor. Moreover, given the current situation, with unrest in the Western Regions, this location is no longer suitable as an Imperial City. Even if we didn’t want it, I guess he would consider relocating the capital within three months anyway.”

Zhang Qilan frowned slightly and said, “If that’s the case, what do we want such a city for? Are we going to fight the Western Regions?” Although they weren’t afraid of those small Western Region countries, weren’t they already too busy with their affairs? The Northwest was still surrounded by the Northern Rong and the Marquis of the Southern Garrison’s forces. Where would they find time to deal with the Western Region countries? Ye Li smiled gently and said, “General Zhang, it’s Xiling that has grudges with the Western Regions, not us.”

Zhang Qilan, having spent half his life in military affairs and not being well-versed in politics, asked puzzled, “What does my lady mean?”

Ye Li smiled softly and explained, “The Western Region countries harbor a deep hatred for Xiling, but we have no grudges against them. Their territories occupied by Xiling are not within our current control, and we haven’t received even a fraction of the wealth Xiling plundered from them. Although Xiling has been caught off guard by us and is temporarily struggling to catch its breath, it still maintains two-thirds of its territory. Once they recover… a centipede doesn’t die even when cut in half. If the Western Region countries want revenge, they absolutely won’t make another enemy at this time. As for us… we need this route to connect with the Western Region countries and even places beyond.”

Feng Zhiyao clapped his hands and smiled, saying, “I understand now. After taking these areas, Prince Ding’s territory will directly connect to the Western Region countries. Future trade with the Western Regions won’t have to worry about Xiling cutting off the routes. The Northwest may be resource-poor, but it can become a trade route between the eastern and western countries. Moreover, this terrain allows for both advance and retreat, attack and defense…”

Mo Xiuyao nodded approvingly and said, “Feng San speaks well.”

Zhang Qilan nodded and said, “I see now. With so many advantages, we naturally should take the Xiling Imperial City.”

After Xu Qingbai discussed the events of the past two months with Ye Li and the others, and they settled some matters regarding negotiations with the Xiling Emperor, he prepared to return to the city. Ye Li said worriedly, “Fourth Brother, you should just stay in the military camp. What if the Xiling Emperor suddenly changes his mind…” Although the possibility was small, it wasn’t entirely impossible. Ye Li never wanted her fourth brother to come to any harm.

Xu Qingbai smiled and patted Ye Li’s shoulder, saying, “Don’t worry, nothing will happen. Besides, if I, the negotiator, run away first, how would the Xiling Emperor believe in our sincerity?”

“But…” Ye Li was still worried. Xu Qingbai smiled and said, “Envoys to various countries are quite safe as long as they maintain proper boundaries. Moreover, we have the upper hand now. What good would it do the Xiling Emperor to harm me? At most, it would just be to vent anger, and he’s been able to endure under the Marquis of the Southern Garrison for so many years – he’s not that hot-blooded. Don’t worry. I’ll head back first.”

Ye Li thought for a moment and said, “I’ll have Third Brother accompany you back with some men.”

Hoping this would put her mind at ease, Xu Qingbai had to agree, nodding, “That’s fine, but not too many people.”

Ye Li nodded and quickly sent Zhuo Jing to fetch Xu Qingfeng.

Xu Qingfeng was naturally very willing to accompany Xu Qingbai to the Imperial City. Although they were only cousins, the five Xu brothers had always been closer than blood brothers. Xu Qingfeng was equally concerned about this fourth brother who had always been cultured and courteous since childhood. As soon as Ye Li mentioned it, Xu Qingfeng agreed without hesitation. He selected six Qilin guards from among his subordinates to accompany Xu Qingbai back to the Imperial City.

Just as Xu Qingbai had predicted, after the Xiling Emperor held out for a few more days, following the Mo family army’s consecutive defeats of two relief forces coming to support the Imperial City five days later, the Xiling Emperor finally couldn’t resist summoning Xu Qingbai again. No one knew exactly what Xu Qingbai said to the Xiling Emperor. That same day, the Xiling Emperor issued an imperial edict announcing to the world that the conflict between Prince Ding’s forces and Xiling was all due to the Marquis of the Southern Garrison, Lei Zhenting, who had arbitrarily attacked Great Chu. Afterward, not only did the Marquis not return his troops to provide aid, but he continued south to attack southern Great Chu. This led to the current situation with the Imperial City under siege. The Xiling Emperor, showing consideration for the suffering of the common people and Xiling soldiers, had negotiated peace with Prince Ding’s forces. They would cede five prefectures – Anping, Lingyang, Changping, Xuanhong, and Pingchuan – to Prince Ding’s forces. Xiling would relocate its capital to Ancheng in central Xiling within two months.

This edict not only shocked the entire court and country but also startled the rulers of neighboring countries. Although they hadn’t taken all of Xiling, the Mo family army had captured a third of Xiling’s territory, including the Imperial City, in less than three months. Such military prowess couldn’t help but inspire vigilance and fear, especially considering this wasn’t even the Mo family army’s full strength.

After the Xiling Emperor’s edict was issued, unlike the shock, fear, and anger elsewhere, the Mo family army’s camp was filled with celebration. On the ninth day of the Mo family army’s siege of the Imperial City, Xiling’s city gates finally opened. The Mo family army had taken Xiling’s most fortified city with almost negligible losses – truly a bloodless victory.

Since Xiling hadn’t completely surrendered to the Mo family army, the Xiling Emperor didn’t come out to welcome them. He only sent court officials along with Xu Qingbai to welcome them at the city gates. Even so, many Xiling officials’ faces still looked extremely unpleasant. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li rode side by side on fine horses, followed by Feng Zhiyao, Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and others in red brocade robes. Behind them were the Black Cloud Cavalry in black clothing, mounted on matching black steeds, along with some infantry. To avoid frightening the city’s residents, the Mo family army didn’t all enter the city. Only ten thousand troops entered, while the remaining hundreds of thousands stayed outside under Zhang Qilan’s command.

Although there had been rumors of the massacre in Biancheng, because of good handling afterward and the Mo family army’s general policy of not harming civilians along their march, the common people of the Xiling Imperial City weren’t particularly afraid of the Mo family army. They crowded along both sides of the streets to watch the spectacle. When they saw that the striking pair at the front were Prince Ding and his lady, countless admiring gazes fell upon them.

When they reached the main hall of the Xiling Imperial Palace, the Xiling Emperor finally came out to meet them. Seeing the couple standing side by side, he couldn’t help but be stunned. After all, while Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li’s reputation might not have been the greatest in the world, they were certainly household names. Moreover, Mo Xiuyao became famous too early and then remained quiet for many years, making it easy for unfamiliar people to categorize him with the previous generation. Now, looking at the couple before him – though the man had white hair, his features were handsome and his bearing imposing. The woman’s features were clear and elegant, with an air of grace mixed with boldness and free spirit. Looking at their age, they were barely in their twenties. Such figures, one of them, were undoubtedly among the most outstanding personalities in the world.

“Ha ha, Prince Ding, Princess Ding, I have long admired your names, and seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation,” the Xiling Emperor quickly recovered, withdrawing his gaze from Ye Li. Though he had certain weaknesses, he wasn’t so far gone as to be blinded by desire. He could still distinguish which women he could look at and which he couldn’t.

Mo Xiuyao gave him a cold glance before withdrawing his increasingly chilly gaze.

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, “Your Majesty is too kind. Please forgive any offense we may have caused.”

“Not at all, my lady speaks too seriously. Prince Ding, Princess, please come inside. I have ordered a modest feast prepared, I hope you won’t find it lacking.” Seeing Ye Li speak before Mo Xiuyao, and noting that the prince showed no displeasure at this, the Xiling Emperor became even more certain of the princess’s position in Prince Ding’s heart. He didn’t realize that Ye Li had spoken first to save him from embarrassment. Otherwise, his warm reception might have met with cold rejection, causing him to lose face in front of so many officials.

“After you, Your Majesty.”

Upon entering the main hall, they discovered that the Xiling Imperial Palace was surprisingly plain. Far from the golden splendor of Great Chu, there weren’t even many precious decorations. The entire hall felt empty, giving people an inexplicable sense of coolness and desolation. Feng Zhiyao glanced questioningly at Xu Qingbai, who sat below him. He remembered the intelligence Prince Ding’s mansion had received – while the Xiling Emperor couldn’t be called extravagant, he wasn’t known for frugality either. Xu Qingbai gave an ambiguous smile as he glanced at the Xiling Emperor, who was exchanging pleasantries with Mo Xiuyao.

Feng Zhiyao blinked, watching the smiling emperor on the throne, and suddenly understood. Since they were relocating the capital, the Xiling Emperor had worried that Prince Ding’s forces might take a fancy to his palace treasures, so he had hidden them away beforehand.

On the dais, the Xiling Emperor looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, “Prince Ding, regarding the letter I sent yesterday, I wonder if you have any thoughts?”

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, taking a letter from Zhuo Jing behind him, and said calmly, “Prince Ding’s mansion can agree to all the conditions Your Majesty has proposed, except for one… regarding Nanzhao, I’m afraid I cannot help.”

The Xiling Emperor’s smile instantly froze, though he forced himself to continue smiling, “How can that be? Prince Ding is so capable – if you truly wished to help, how could you be unable?”  After all, Xiling’s enemies weren’t just Prince Ding’s forces now. To the south, Nanzhao and the various small countries of the Western Regions were all watching like tigers eyeing their prey. Nanzhao had even already occupied a prefecture bordering Xiling.

Mo Xiuyao said gravely, “The Northwest is too far from Nanzhao. For the Mo family army to help Xiling block Nanzhao would be, firstly, without proper justification, and secondly, the distance is too great – by the time our army arrived, they would be exhausted from the journey and might fall into Nanzhao’s trap.”

The Xiling Emperor smiled and said, “That’s not what I meant.” Even if Mo Xiuyao truly intended to send troops to help, he wouldn’t dare accept. Now he only hoped that Mo Xiuyao and the Mo family army would stay quietly in their newly acquired territory without causing trouble for his remaining lands. Asking the Mo family army for help in driving away Nanzhao’s forces would undoubtedly be like driving away wolves only to invite tigers.

Mo Xiuyao raised an inquiring eyebrow, and the Xiling Emperor smiled, “Prince Ding’s name shakes the world. I believe that if Prince Ding merely shows some indication, Nanzhao will naturally exercise restraint.” In truth, the Xiling Emperor didn’t consider Nanzhao a serious threat, but now he had to deal with both the Western Region countries and prepare for Lei Zhenting. He had no time to tangle with Nanzhao. This time… he didn’t want to be a puppet anymore. Moreover, he had given up the Imperial City. The Xiling Emperor knew clearly that if he gave Lei Zhenting a chance to return, his days would not be peaceful.

Mo Xiuyao understood and nodded with a smile, “That’s no problem. I’ll send a letter to the Queen of Nanzhao.” As for whether the former Princess Anxi, now Queen of Nanzhao, would heed the letter after reading it – well, that would be her concern. Having received a satisfactory answer, the Xiling Emperor’s smile deepened. His gaze toward Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li also became more sincere. If Prince Ding’s forces could help him pacify Nanzhao and deal with Lei Zhenting, then perhaps giving up the Imperial City wasn’t such a loss.

“Prince Ding, to be frank… although we’ve decided to relocate the capital to Ancheng,… according to my knowledge, my nephew Lei Tengfeng is still within Xiling’s borders, and he still commands quite a few troops loyal to the Marquis of the Southern Garrison. This matter… how should we handle it?” the Xiling Emperor asked.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and said, “Your Majesty, our ancestors had a saying: without proper position, words carry no weight. Lei Zhenting is merely a Marquis of the Southern Garrison – he doesn’t even have the proper title of Regent. And Lei Tengfeng is just the heir to the Marquis of the Southern Garrison – surely Your Majesty can handle him?” The Xiling Emperor smiled bitterly and said, “Lei Tengfeng himself isn’t frightening, but the troops under his command and those loyal to the Marquis’s mansion cannot be underestimated.”

Mo Xiuyao propped his head with one hand, smiling faintly, “According to my knowledge… General Feng Ao of Shuntian is currently in the Imperial City. I assume he will accompany Your Majesty to Ancheng?”

The Xiling Emperor’s expression changed slightly. Feng Ao was indeed in the Imperial City, but this information hadn’t been shared with anyone except his closest confidants. Seeing Mo Xiuyao mention it so casually, it was not something he had just learned. The Xiling Emperor couldn’t help but shudder inwardly, his fear of Mo Xiuyao growing another layer.

Mo Xiuyao seemed not to notice the Xiling Emperor’s expression and continued, “Moreover, this conflict arose because of the Marquis of the Southern Garrison – surely his son wouldn’t dare move against the emperor who is cleaning up their mess? If so… the loyalty of the Marquis’s mansion…” Many things didn’t need to be spelled out explicitly. The Xiling Emperor suppressed his shock and smiled in understanding, “I understand. Thank you for your guidance, Prince Ding.”

“Your Majesty is too kind.”

Just as the atmosphere in the great hall was harmonious and both host and guests were enjoying themselves, suddenly a somewhat jarring voice burst in from outside, “Father! Father!”

Before the Xiling Emperor could react, a woman in magnificent robes had already rushed in. Without even looking at the others in the hall, she shouted at the Xiling Emperor, “Father! Are you giving the Imperial City to Prince Ding’s forces? Have you gone mad? How can you face our ancestors of Xiling by doing this!”

The Xiling Emperor’s expression changed as he said sternly, “How dare you! Lingyun, you’re becoming more and more brazen – don’t you see where you are, barging in like this!” Although what he had done indeed made it difficult for him to face his ancestors and subjects, it wasn’t his daughter’s place to criticize him.

Ye Li curiously looked at the richly dressed woman who had burst in – wasn’t this Princess Lingyun, the one who had tried to compete with her for Mo Xiuyao years ago?

That had been eight or nine years ago. The proud princess who had been in her late teens was now approaching thirty, and Ye Li almost didn’t recognize her at first glance. Now twenty-seven or twenty-eight, Princess Lingyun was still well-maintained, with snow-white skin and moving beauty. However, the pride she had shown as a young woman had, after experiencing more years, transformed into something more arrogant and harsh. Her magnificent clothing, carefully groomed eyebrows, and the sharp light in her eyes all revealed the princess’s personality. While a proud young woman might have a special kind of charm, an overbearing mature woman became somewhat less appealing in men’s eyes.

“Am I wrong?” Princess Lingyun raised her chin proudly, glaring defiantly at her father.

“You… you…” The Xiling Emperor was speechless, collapsing back into his dragon throne, clearly quite angered.

At the side, Feng Zhiyao rubbed his chin, looking at this fierce woman. Although he hadn’t seen much of Princess Lingyun, he had heard about the princess who had dared to challenge Prince Ding’s mansion but had been so frightened she couldn’t get up from the ground. He smiled at Princess Lingyun and said, “Is this the princess who competed with our lady years ago? It seems her temperament is even more pronounced than before. My lady, perhaps you could have another competition?”

At these words, Princess Lingyun finally seemed to realize there were others in the hall. She first glared at Feng Zhiyao, then saw the couple in white sitting nearby, and couldn’t help but freeze. The man who had captivated her proud young heart years ago, whom she had wanted to marry despite his disability, had not only completely recovered after all these years but appeared even more magnificent than before. Only that snow-white hair was jarring to her eyes. Even in Xiling, Princess Lingyun knew everything about Prince Ding, including why his black hair had turned white. She couldn’t help but turn her gaze to Ye Li beside him.

Ye Li met Princess Lingyun’s gaze and gave her a gentle nod.

However, Ye Li’s still elegant and graceful appearance deeply provoked Princess Lingyun. Looking at her heavy magnificent clothes, the jewelry adorning her body, and the thick makeup on her face, everything reminded her that she was no longer the proud and beautiful princess of years past. Anger surged in her heart, and Princess Lingyun pointed at Ye Li and declared, “Ye Li, I challenge you!”