Killing people wasn’t as simple as slaughtering chickens – it always brought complications. Soon enough, it became clear that the people they had sent hadn’t achieved the desired effect. So early the next morning, the head of the Bai family personally paid a visit.

The Bai family held the title of Xiling Imperial City’s premier noble house. Their status in Xiling was comparable to that of the original Xu family in Great Chu. However, while the Xu family traditionally focused on scholarship rather than politics, the Bai family was quite the opposite. Since Xiling’s founding, the Bai family has consistently held high government positions. Many Bai women had even entered the imperial harem – the family had produced several Empresses and over a dozen Noble Consorts, truly earning their reputation as a family of imperial consorts.

However, since Regent Lei Zhenting took power, although the Empress was still from the Bai family – and even the beloved Imperial Noble Consort Su Meidie had entered the palace under the Bai surname – things had changed. While the Bai family maintained secret connections with the Marquis of Southern Garrison, one crucial fact remained: the Empress was childless, and neither the late wife of the Marquis nor his current daughter-in-law bore the Bai surname. This had imperceptibly diminished the Bai family’s power.

Lei Zhenting was far more calculating than the weak Emperor of Xiling. Though he utilized the Bai family’s influence and didn’t strip their power despite their status as imperial in-laws, he absolutely would not allow their glory to surpass its former heights. In recent years, few Bai women had married into either the palace or the Southern Garrison Marquis’s manor, let alone other noble houses. Over time, how could the Bai family not see the Marquis’s intention to suppress them? For a family like the Bai, concepts of loyalty to the throne and patriotism held little weight – the continuation of their family line and maintenance of power and wealth were paramount. So when the Mo family’s army reached the city gates, they had already begun planning their next move. And the Xu family of Great Chu… was undoubtedly their model to follow.

The Xu family had only married one granddaughter to Prince Ding, yet now their influence in his manor was unmatched. The Bai family didn’t aspire to replace the Princess Consort, but if Prince Ding could favor just one Bai daughter, their future status in Xiling Imperial City would far surpass other noble houses. Thus, among the eight servants they had sent over, there were two illegitimate Bai daughters and one illegitimate son. However, after these people entered the guesthouse, there had been no news of them. Since the Mo army was here for war, they hadn’t brought their servants. Besides Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, and other close attendants, most of the manual laborers in the guesthouse were still Xiling locals. While the Xiling noble houses couldn’t do much else, gathering intelligence was within their capabilities. The guesthouse wasn’t large, yet there was no trace of those people – clearly, their fate was grim. How could the Bai family head not be anxious?

“Master Bai, His Highness requests your presence.” After being left to drink tea in the outer hall for half an hour, the Bai family head was growing anxious and displeased, though his face revealed nothing. Seeing Lin Han come to deliver the message, he showed none of a noble family head’s typical arrogance, instead nodding politely with a smile: “Thank you, young sir. Please lead the way.”

Mo Xiuyao received the Bai family head in the small courtyard of the guesthouse. The guesthouse wasn’t very large, to begin with – the inner courtyard was where Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao resided. These past few days, with Ye Li in low spirits, Mo Xiuyao naturally wouldn’t allow outsiders to disturb her, so he handled official business in the study of the outer courtyard. When Master Bai was led to the garden by Lin Han, Mo Xiuyao was sitting under a tree, carefully carving something in his hands. Master Bai glanced over – it was a hairpin that was taking shape. Though he couldn’t make out the pattern yet, seeing how carefully Mo Xiuyao was carving and polishing it, he knew it must be important. Moreover, just looking at the jade quality… Master Bai’s heart twinged. It was a piece of premium warm jade, rarely seen even in all of Xiling. Currently, there was only one such piece in the Imperial City, which Master Bai had greatly coveted but was ultimately purchased by the Sun family. More importantly, this precious jade that he had dreamed of having a master craftsman carve into a priceless treasure had become an unremarkable hairpin in Prince Ding’s hands. For a moment, Master Bai was utterly heartbroken.

Mo Xiuyao paid no attention to the person standing not far away, frowning slightly in dissatisfaction as he held the carving knife in one hand and the jade hairpin in the other. It had been too long since he’d worked with his hands – he’d grown rather rusty…

“I, Bai Yuncheng of the Xiling Bai family, pay my respects to His Highness Prince Ding.” Master Bai understood that if he didn’t speak up, he might well stand there for an hour or two before the Prince would acknowledge him. Though slightly uncomfortable, thinking of how his family’s advisors had analyzed the prospects of Prince Ding’s manor, Master Bai felt he could endure it.

Mo Xiuyao carefully placed the jade hairpin and carving knife back in a sandalwood box beside him before finally raising his head to look at Bai Yuncheng, nodding: “So it’s Family Head Bai. A pleasure. Please, sit.” Bai Yuncheng’s mouth twitched as he looked around before saying, “Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness, but I’ll stand.” There wasn’t a chair in sight, not even a stone stool. Mo Xiuyao himself was merely sitting casually on a rock by the artificial mountain and had no intention of having someone prepare a chair.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow indifferently, “Whatever pleases Family Head Bai.”

Bai Yuncheng nearly coughed blood internally – how was this pleasing? He was a noble family head of considerable age, how could he just sit on the ground?

“What brings Family Head Bai here today?” Mo Xiuyao asked casually. Bai Yuncheng responded respectfully, “With Your Highness and the Princess Consort newly arrived in the Imperial City, I, as something of a host, merely wished to fulfill my duties as such. I hope Your Highness and the Princess Consort might honor us with your presence.” Mo Xiuyao shook his head, saying somewhat helplessly, “It’s not that I don’t wish to give Face to Family Head Bai, but the Princess Consort has been feeling unwell these past few days, so I’m afraid we must decline Family Head Bai’s kind invitation.”

Bai Yuncheng’s heart leaped with joy – he had only included the Princess Consort out of courtesy. While the Bai family wanted to place someone in Prince Ding’s manor, they had no intention of offending the Princess Consort. Naturally, her absence would be ideal.

“Then perhaps Your Highness…” Bai Yuncheng probed.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, “With the Princess Consort unwell, I am worried and have no desire to go out.”

At this, Bai Yuncheng could only smile along. The Prince had refused so clearly and cleanly, he couldn’t say more without being counterproductive. After some thought, Bai Yuncheng could only try to change to a topic the Prince might find interesting: “In just over a month, His Majesty will relocate the capital to An City. Might Your Highness be planning to… temporarily reside in the Imperial City?”

Though Bai Yuncheng had never been to the Northwest, he knew something of Li City. To those who had long lived in the Imperial City, Li City was rather unremarkable. Not that Li City wasn’t prosperous – in fact, after years of management by Prince Ding’s manor, Li City’s prosperity now rivaled that of the Chu capital and Xiling’s Imperial City. Such results in just a few short years demonstrated Prince Ding’s capability and methods. However, the most important part of Li City, Prince Ding’s manor, couldn’t compare to the palaces of Chu and Xiling. After all these years, it was just a mansion somewhat larger and more magnificent than other manors. Therefore, in Bai Yuncheng’s view, Mo Xiuyao moving his political center to Xiling’s Imperial City was almost certain.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, his expression calm: “Xiling’s Imperial City is unsuitable as a royal capital.” Though Xiling’s Imperial City was grand and magnificent, it was too far from the Central Plains. Any ambitious ruler who wished to compete for the Central Plains would not choose this location. After all, warlords who grew up immersed in Central Plains culture typically dreamed of unifying the Central Plains rather than dominating the Western Regions. When Xiling’s founding ancestor chose this location, it was largely because Great Chu was too powerful at the time.

Bai Yuncheng was no fool – he understood Mo Xiuyao’s meaning after just a moment’s thought. His heart trembled, and his gaze toward Mo Xiuyao gained even more reverence. There had been much private debate about whether Mo Xiuyao’s sudden attack on Xiling was opportunistic or premeditated. But looking at the young ruler in white before him, Bai Yuncheng suddenly believed this was absolutely part of Mo Xiuyao’s long-term plan. Realizing this, the light in Bai Yuncheng’s eyes grew brighter, and his resolve strengthened further.

“Your Highness’s ambitions are far-reaching. I am in awe. My Bai family wishes to offer our humble service, and hopes Your Highness won’t reject us.” Bai Yuncheng said respectfully.

Mo Xiuyao looked up, calmly observing the middle-aged man before him. Bai Yuncheng felt a strange pressure descending like the sky itself – if he hadn’t been constantly on guard, he might have fallen to his knees on the spot. Such tangible pressure had never occurred even when facing the Marquis of Southern Garrison. Bai Yuncheng maintained his respectful demeanor, though fine beads of sweat appeared on his forehead. After a long while, he finally heard Mo Xiuyao say calmly: “Family Head Bai need not be so formal. I will be returning to Li City soon, and there will be many matters here that will require Family Head Bai’s assistance in the future.”

Bai Yuncheng rejoiced, quickly responding: “Thank you, Your Highness. The Bai family will not dare disappoint Your Highness.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded and was about to say something when Zhuo Jing came in to report: “Your Highness, the Sun family head requests an audience.”

Hearing this, Bai Yuncheng’s heart sank. Originally, with the Bai family in government and the Sun family in business, one in court and one in commerce, they hadn’t interfered with each other much, nor did they have any deep grudges. But when the Marquis of Southern Garrison was in power, though the Sun family wasn’t strictly loyal to the imperial lineage, they had no good feelings toward the Marquis either. The Marquis had several times extracted gold and silver from the Sun family through the Bai family’s hands. By the time the Bai family realized the Marquis was trying to sow discord among the noble houses, the enmity had already been established. These past few years, as the Bai and Sun families fought openly and secretly, the Marquis helped neither side, allowing them to fight while occasionally supporting whichever side seemed weaker, causing their hatred to deepen until neither side had any desire to reconcile.

Having just pledged loyalty to Prince Ding’s manor, Bai Yuncheng naturally didn’t want the Sun family to appear more impressive. Unfortunately, he had no say in the matter – even if only for that piece of premium warm jade, Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t refuse to see the Sun family.

Sure enough, hearing Zhuo Jing’s words, Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said, “Show them in.”

Soon after, the Sun family head strode in. Unlike Bai Yuncheng who was over fifty, the Sun family head was completely different, and more importantly, she was a woman. The Sun family head wasn’t yet thirty, and while her appearance wasn’t particularly striking, she possessed a dignified beauty, her bearing carrying a decisiveness and sharpness rarely seen in ordinary women. She was a woman of strong character – no wonder she had dared to give Princess Lingyun trouble. She was the wife of the previous Sun family head, who had been sickly since childhood. After marrying into the family, Madam Sun managed most of the family’s affairs. Three years ago, when the family head passed away leaving only a daughter, Madam Sun, despite being a woman, had held off the branch families coveting the Sun family’s wealth. She became the family head as a widow, waiting only for her sole daughter to come of age and take a husband to continue the Sun family bloodline. Though Xiling’s restrictions on women weren’t as severe as Great Chu’s, for Madam Sun to establish herself in this hostile Imperial City as a widow demonstrated considerable skill and insight.

“I, Sun Huiniang of the Yu clan, pay my respects to Prince Ding.” Madam Sun didn’t use the self-deprecating terms common among women like “your servant” or “this worthless one.” Instead, she referred to herself as “I” like a man would, her manner graceful and forthright, instantly earning goodwill.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, “I’ve long heard that the Sun family head is a woman whose capability matches any man’s – seeing you today proves the reputation well-earned. Madam Sun, please sit.”

Madam Sun smiled in thanks, not minding taking a seat on a rock not far opposite Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao turned to Lin Han behind him and said, “Go see if the Princess Consort is available – didn’t she mention wanting to meet Madam Sun the other day?” Madam Sun quickly said, “How dare I – I should be the one paying my respects to the Princess Consort.”

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively, “Ali doesn’t care about such things.” Besides, the guesthouse wasn’t as spacious as their original manor. Neither Ye Li nor Mo Xiuyao wanted outsiders entering their temporary quarters in the inner courtyard.

After Lin Han left with his orders, Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and said, “Master Bai and Madam Sun must be old acquaintances?”

With his perception, even if he hadn’t known beforehand, he couldn’t have missed the antagonism between these two families. But neither Madam Sun nor Bai Yuncheng dared show it before him – as people of status, they naturally understood the Prince’s thoughts. As a ruler, he couldn’t spend extensive time mediating subordinates’ conflicts, nor would he favor one family over another just because they didn’t get along. As long as their conflict didn’t interfere with the Prince’s manor’s affairs, he had no intention of intervening in their feud, but they also couldn’t let their discord annoy the Prince.

Madam Sun smiled coolly, “Your Highness speaks truly. The Sun and Bai families have long resided in the Imperial City – we are indeed old acquaintances. I am quite honored to meet Master Bai here today.”

Bai Yuncheng’s mouth twitched as he smiled, “Madam Sun is too modest. With your busy affairs, we haven’t met in some time, yet your grace remains unchanged.” A cold light flashed in Madam Sun’s eyes, though she smiled and said, “Master Bai is too kind.” As a widow, even Madam Sun had to be careful in her conduct. What she hated most was others commenting on her appearance. Firstly, as a widow, she couldn’t dress too beautifully, and secondly, if someone praised her radiance, others might think deeply and suspect her of being unchaste.

“The Princess Consort has arrived.”

Hearing the guard’s voice at the door, Mo Xiuyao immediately set aside his conversation with the Bai and Sun heads and went to greet her. Both Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun looked over curiously, wanting to see what the world-renowned Princess Consort who had earned such deep affection from Prince Ding looked like. Today Ye Li wore only a light cyan robe with subtle embroidery, her hair loosely pinned up. A pearl tassel hairpin was inserted at an angle, and as she moved, the jade beads by her cheeks swayed gently, giving her an appearance of delicate fragility. As she drew closer, they could see her face was somewhat pale, with shadows under her eyes – it seemed the Prince’s earlier words about her being unwell weren’t merely an excuse. However, the famed Princess Consort wasn’t known for her beauty, but rather her talent and martial prowess. Neither had seen her on the day they entered the city, so they found it hard to believe that the reportedly mighty Princess Consort could be such a delicate young woman.

“Ali, are you still unwell… I’ll have Zhuo Jing bring a physician from outside the city to examine you.” Seeing Ye Li looking more haggard than yesterday, Mo Xiuyao worriedly drew her into his arms, carefully supporting her waist. Ye Li smiled faintly, “It’s nothing, I just didn’t sleep well last night.”

“So without my care, Ali can’t sleep well?” Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao immediately became somewhat smug, and regardless of Ye Li’s thoughts, firmly declared, “Tonight I should still stay to look after Ali. Otherwise, you won’t sleep well again. With no one to attend to you now, how could I possibly not worry about you being alone?”

Ye Li helplessly glared at Mo Xiuyao before casting a calm glance at Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun. They hadn’t thought anything improper – they assumed the Princess Consort was ill and they were sleeping separately to avoid passing the illness to the Prince. At the same time, they were surprised that the Prince would be so attentive as to personally serve his wife like a servant. However, while Bai Yuncheng felt concerned, Madam Sun felt envious.

“Greetings to the Princess Consort,” they said in unison, standing up.

Ye Li nodded, smiling faintly, “Master Bai, Madam Sun, no need for such formality.”

After they thanked Ye Li, she said, “I’ve prepared some tea and snacks ahead – why don’t you both come sit for a while?” They naturally agreed, respectfully asking Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li to lead the way.

It was just around a corner, and indeed the stone table had already been set with tea and refreshments. After the host and guests were seated, Madam Sun looked at Ye Li and asked with concern, “The Princess Consort looks somewhat unwell – are you feeling ill?”

Bai Yuncheng naturally wouldn’t let Madam Sun steal all the glory, and followed with a smile, “My household has several skilled physicians – why not send them over to attend to the Princess Consort?”

Ye Li smiled gently, “You’re both too kind. I probably just haven’t rested well since arriving in Xiling’s Imperial City – it’s nothing serious.” This wasn’t merely a polite deflection – apart from some damage from carrying and giving birth to Mo Xiaobao years ago, her health had always been excellent. These past few years, with Shen Yang and Doctor Lin’s careful treatment, she had fully recovered. Though she felt inexplicably troubled recently, she truly had no physical discomfort. Ye Li had always believed that medicine was three parts poison – naturally, without illness, there was no need to see a physician.

Madam Sun said, “Li City is quite far from the Imperial City, and the climate is quite different. It’s natural for the Princess Consort to need time to adjust. My household is quite knowledgeable about nutritional therapy – I’ll have someone send over some recipes later. The Princess Consort might want to try them.” With Madam Sun putting it this way, Ye Li had no reason to refuse and simply smiled in thanks. Bai Yuncheng followed with a smile, “The cooks in my household are quite skilled in Eastern Chu cuisine. The Princess Consort must be unaccustomed to Xiling food – I’ll send someone over right away to serve at your disposal.”

“I’m not that delicate – how could I trouble Master Bai so?” Ye Li said.

Bai Yuncheng smiled, “To serve the Princess Consort would be their good fortune.”

Ye Li wasn’t ignorant of household affairs – having accepted the Sun family’s goodwill, she couldn’t coldly reject the Bai family. The art of balance was never about following one’s whims, so she no longer declined, nodding, “Then I thank Master Bai.” Bai Yuncheng hurriedly said it was his honor.

Mo Xiuyao held his teacup with one hand while holding Ye Li’s hand under the table with the other, frowning slightly at how cool it felt to the touch. Ali had always been in good health – this slight chill in her constitution wasn’t good, so she indeed needed some proper nourishment. Thus, his manner toward both Sun and Bai became somewhat more cordial.

The four chatted over tea, maintaining proper host-guest etiquette – if one ignored the subtle competition between Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun. It was less mutual competition and more Bai Yuncheng’s one-sided targeting of Madam Sun, while she seemed rather weary of his actions.

Madam Sun saw things very clearly – no matter how eager Bai Yuncheng was now, the Bai family would eventually offend the Princess Consort. This had been determined by the very nature of their family from the beginning. Since Xiling’s founding, the Bai family had been a clan of imperial consorts – to put it plainly, they climbed up through marriage connections. Throughout their history, the Bai family had produced few truly outstanding individuals, yet they had several Prime Ministers and many high officials. This was entirely due to the positions their daughters held in the imperial harem. Thus, although the Bai family had always been among Xiling’s noble houses, other truly capable and established families secretly looked down on them.

Now the Bai family had pledged loyalty to Prince Ding’s manor, but neither the family nor its head Bai Yuncheng possessed any great ability or genius – otherwise, they wouldn’t have been so easily suppressed by the Marquis of Southern Garrison for so many years. Even with one of their own as the Empress, they still couldn’t improve their situation at all. If the Bai family wanted to regain their former glory and achieve an elevated position in Prince Ding’s manor, they could only continue down their traditional path. And this would inevitably offend both the Prince’s manor and the Xu family. Therefore, Madam Sun saw no need to engage in a life-or-death struggle with Bai Yuncheng before the Prince and Princess Consort, which would only make her appear combative.

But Bai Yuncheng didn’t see it this way. In his view, letting a mere woman – and a widow at that – overshadow him before the Prince was intolerable. Moreover, the feud between the Sun and Bai families was irreconcilable – if the Sun family gained favor, they would surely seek revenge for these years of enmity. Since that was the case, the Bai family might as well strike first!