Hearing Xu Qing Chen’s words, the Southern Marquis and his son were equally startled. Even after the Prince Regent’s mansion and Da Chu had been at odds for so many years, there was still a hidden force within Da Chu’s borders. That it remained concealed even now when Da Chu was engulfed in warfare from all sides made them marvel at the Prince Regent mansion’s deep resources. However, being men who knew their place, since Xu Qing Chen didn’t elaborate, they naturally wouldn’t ask.

The Southern Marquis gazed at the fluttering banners not far beyond the pass and asked, “How does Master Qing Chen plan to handle the Northern Rong army and Western Ling forces outside the pass?”

Xu Qing Chen replied calmly, “Northern Rong is single-mindedly focused on moving south to occupy Da Chu’s territory; they won’t clash with us head-on. As for Western Ling, they’re merely making empty shows of force while following behind Northern Rong’s army, cheering them on. Since that’s the case… we’ll swallow up both forces together.”

The Southern Marquis looked at Xu Qing Chen and asked, “Master Qing Chen has such confidence?”

Xu Qing Chen smiled gently, “Military affairs are the Marquis’s domain – how could you ask whether I have confidence? To be honest, while I might be able to strategize somewhat, military deployments and tactics are not my strength.” The Southern Marquis smiled, “Master is too modest.” Just based on Xu Qing Chen’s earlier plans, he couldn’t be considered completely ignorant of military matters. However, compared to Master Qing Chen’s literary grace and governance abilities, this aspect was simply less prominent.

“It’s not modesty. This battle will have to trouble the Marquis and General Lu,” Xu Qing Chen said seriously.

Knowing that he was being entrusted with Flying Phoenix Pass and these Mo family troops, the Southern Marquis felt moved and replied earnestly, “Please rest assured, Master Qing Chen. This old man wouldn’t dare show the slightest negligence.”

“Very good then.” Xu Qing Chen nodded and smiled, “Let’s show the Northern Rong whether the Mo family army has grown weaker after years without battle.”

This casual remark stirred a surge of pride in the Southern Marquis’s heart. Though he had fought many battles in the first half of his life, he had never imagined commanding the Mo family army against two mighty enemies like Northern Rong and Western Ling.

That day, outside the Western Ling Imperial City, crowds surged while the atmosphere remained somber. The Mo family soldiers in black had replaced the original Western Ling garrison atop the city walls, marking the city’s complete transfer to Mo family control. Outside the city gates, dragon-embroidered imperial yellow banners fluttered in the wind. Rows of various carriages lined the official road outside the Imperial City, waiting to depart. Today was when the Western Ling Emperor would officially leave the Imperial City for An City, along with many nobles and court officials who would accompany him.

As for common citizens following the Western Ling Emperor, while there were some, the numbers weren’t large. For ordinary people, loyalty to the emperor and patriotism were quite distant concepts, especially since the Imperial City hadn’t been forcibly captured but handed over by the Western Ling Emperor. Thus, naturally, even fewer citizens were willing to follow him. The Mo family army had always had a good reputation – rather than abandoning their ancestral homes and businesses to follow the Western Ling Emperor toward an unknown future, it seemed better to live quietly under the Prince Regent’s rule.

Therefore, among the packed crowds outside the city, there were far more people coming to bid farewell or watch the spectacle than those planning to leave. This inevitably made the Western Ling Emperor feel somewhat desolate, but since common people made up the majority of the world, he naturally hadn’t placed much importance on them anyway.

“Prince Regent, the Princess Consort has arrived.”

With the Western Ling Emperor departing, Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li naturally had to bid farewell. Fortunately, after several days of rest, Ye Li had recovered significantly, though Xu Qing Bai still lay bedridden and immobile.

Mo Xiu Yao had one arm around Ye Li’s waist, holding her close without any regard for the surrounding crowd’s gazes. However, Ye Li was surprised to discover that the people around them, especially many high officials and nobles, looked at them not with their usual respectful fawning but with extreme fear. Looking more carefully, she realized these fearful gazes weren’t directed at her but at the person beside her, causing her to look up at Mo Xiu Yao in confusion.

Because Ye Li was pregnant, and perhaps because Mo Xiu Yao had vaguely noticed that Ye Li disliked his widespread killing, or maybe Mo Xiu Yao himself was unwilling to let Ye Li know this side of his nature, in the days since Ye Li had awakened, no one around her had told her what had happened during her unconsciousness. Thus, Ye Li naturally didn’t know the source of these people’s fear.

“Your Majesty, we wish you a smooth journey.” Quite unusually, Mo Xiu Yao cupped his hands and said with a bright smile to the Western Ling Emperor.

The Western Ling Emperor was stunned, feeling somewhat flattered. He hurriedly returned the gesture, “Thank you for your kind wishes, Prince Regent. We also congratulate you and the Princess Consort on your coming child.”

Ye Li nodded with a gentle smile, “Thank you, Your Majesty. Please take care.”

Though it felt quite bitter having to smile at someone who had taken so much of his territory and Imperial City, at least he would soon leave this place and completely escape from Mo Xiu Yao, this god of death. This made the Western Ling Emperor’s smile contain more sincerity as he said, “Thank you, Princess Consort. We shall take our leave.”

Mo Xiu Yao smiled faintly, “No need to see us off.”

The Emperor’s dragon palanquin waited in the center of the official road not far away, surrounded by the original palace guards, servants, and palace maids. Behind the dragon palanquin were the carriages of palace consorts, princesses, and royal family members. Only after watching the Western Ling Emperor being helped onto his palanquin did others board their carriages, preparing to depart.

After the dragon palanquin began moving, Mo Xiu Yao waved to the crowd behind him who had come to bid farewell, “Alright, everyone may disperse.” He then moved to escort Ye Li back into the city. Those behind remained silent – Your Highness, you could at least make the act more convincing. If not seeing them off into the distance, at least don’t turn away before the Emperor’s palanquin has gone more than a step.

However, the Mo family military commanders naturally had no opinion on this, and the original Western Ling nobles had no heart to show respect to their old master in front of their new one. After a moment of silence, they all dispersed.

“Princess Consort… this humble one begs to see the Princess Consort…” Just as Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao were about to enter the city, a somewhat shrill cry came from behind. Ye Li turned to see Lady Bai rushing toward her with an anxious expression. Unfortunately, after the recent assassination attempt, all the guards around Ye Li had been replaced with Qilin Guards after she awoke. Though Ye Li was somewhat reluctant about this, she knew this incident had surely frightened many people, so she didn’t voice any opposition, treating it as a way to reassure those who cared about her.

Lady Bai was stopped by the Prince Regent’s guards as soon as she called out, still over a dozen steps away from Ye Li. Seeing that Ye Li was about to be escorted into the city by Mo Xiu Yao, Lady Bai, unwilling to give up, called out loudly, “Princess Consort… this humble one has a matter to discuss with the Princess Consort…”

Everyone present remained silent, as they all knew about the Bai family’s situation – their daughter had been killed by the Prince Regent that very day. Many were wondering in their hearts when the Prince Regent’s mansion would move against the Bai family.

Ye Li frowned slightly, then after some thought said, “Please escort Lady Bai to the post station.” The guard behind her acknowledged and lifted Lady Bai away, disappearing from everyone’s sight.

The Western Ling Emperor had departed, leaving behind an empty palace. Though Western Ling’s palace was smaller than both Da Chu’s Imperial Palace and the former dynasty’s southern palace, it was still an imperial palace. Since Mo Xiu Yao had no intention of relocating to Western Ling, the palace’s disposition became an issue. Traditionally, former imperial palaces either became new dynasty palaces or auxiliary palaces or were simply left to decay over time. But none of these aligned with the Prince Regent mansion’s practices. After some consideration, Mo Xiu Yao decided that the front half of the palace would be converted into Western Ling City’s future highest administrative office after removing the emperor-specific elements. The back half – the inner palace – would be sealed, for now, pending future decisions.

Since they would soon leave Western Ling, Mo Xiu Yao, and Ye Li had no frivolous plans like moving into the palace to experience living in an imperial residence. After seeing off the Western Ling Emperor, they returned to their temporary quarters at the post station. Their first action upon returning was to visit Xu Qing Bai, who was still recovering from his injuries.

Though Xu Qing Bai hadn’t been wounded in any vital areas, his injuries were still severe. After these days of recovery, he could only sit up in bed supported by high-piled pillows to talk with them. When Ye Li entered, Madam Xu was feeding Xu Qing Bai medicine, making him feel somewhat uncomfortable. He was already grown, and though his hands weren’t injured, having his mother personally feed him medicine still felt awkward. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao enter, his eyes brightened as if seeing saviors. Madam Xu naturally knew what he was thinking and snorted lightly in displeasure, “No matter who comes, you’ll finish this medicine first before anything else!”

Xu Qing Bai said helplessly, “Mother, just hand me the bowl and I can drink it myself.” He could hold the bowl and gulp it down at once – drinking it sip by sip like this… everyone knew medicine never tasted good! Madam Xu looked at him with a half-smile, “Now you know it’s bitter? Then shouldn’t you take better care of yourself? You think I don’t know you were looking at those documents again last night?”

This made Ye Li feel somewhat guilty – if not for their rush to leave Western Ling, Fourth Brother wouldn’t need to work while recovering from his injuries.

Finally, after watching her son’s handsome face turn into a bitter melon long enough, Madam Xu handed him the medicine bowl. Xu Qing Bai quickly took it and tilted his head back, downing most of the bowl in one go, his brows furrowed in disgust. Madam Xu irritably stuffed a preserved fruit into his mouth before taking the empty bowl and leaving.

Feeling somewhat embarrassed at being seen in such an awkward state by his cousin and her husband, the usually sophisticated Fourth Master Xu smiled at them and asked, “Has the Western Ling Emperor left?”

Ye Li nodded, sitting down by the bed to carefully examine Xu Qing Bai’s complexion, which was indeed somewhat better than yesterday, before saying, “Just saw him off. Fourth Brother, why are you rushing to look at those documents again? If your injuries haven’t healed, you should rest properly. If there’s anything that needs attention, don’t we have Xiu Yao and Feng San?”

Xu Qing Bai smiled, “Lying in bed for so many days with nothing to do is quite boring, I was just looking through them casually.” Glancing at Mo Xiu Yao who had taken a seat on a nearby stool, Xu Qing Bai asked, “When do you plan to return?”

With Da Chu in chaos, it was originally the perfect time for them to absorb Western Ling. However, Western Ling’s territory was vast, and though they had taken the Imperial City so easily this time, there was certainly an element of luck involved. If they truly wanted to take all of Western Ling’s territory, even three to five years might not be enough. By then, if Northern Rong, the Northern Border, and Lei Zhen Ting had established firm footholds in Da Chu, that would be an unfavorable trade. After all, however large Western Ling was, it couldn’t compare to Da Chu’s rich and fertile lands.

Mo Xiu Yao said seriously, “In half a month. Ah Li is with child, we’ll need to travel slowly, so we can’t stay long.”

Xu Qing Bai nodded, calculating, “Half a month should be enough. By then I should be able to get out of bed.”

Mo Xiu Yao said, “I’ve already sent word to Shen Yang, he should arrive before we leave.”

Xu Qing Bai started, then shook his head with a smile, “There’s no need, Master Shen needs to take care of Li’er.”

Ye Li pressed him down, frowning, “What do you mean no need? I’m just pregnant, not ill or injured. Childbirth needs midwives, not doctors, and how could Li City lack physicians? If you don’t properly recover and develop chronic problems, how sad would Aunt be?”

Xu Qing Bai wanted to say more, but Ye Li glared at him and said firmly, “No objections! Master Shen has also said he’s been feeling confined in Li City these past years, getting out would do him good. Besides, Western Ling has just come under our control, and as they say, even a strong dragon can’t overpower a local snake. Having a skilled physician here would put us more at ease.”

Knowing he couldn’t argue with Ye Li, Xu Qing Bai could only smile helplessly in agreement.

Mo Xiu Yao continued, “Additionally, thirty thousand troops will remain in Western Ling, under Zhang Qi Lan’s command. Zhang Qi Lan is straightforward but not stubborn, so you two should work well together, one civil and one military. What do you think?”

Xu Qing Bai naturally had no objections. Though the Mo family army had now taken this vast territory of Western Ling, Xu Qing Bai didn’t believe it would be peaceful from here on. Zhang Qi Lan was also a veteran Mo family general with rich military experience; having him stay with thirty thousand troops gave Xu Qing Bai much more peace of mind.

Remembering Madam Xu’s situation, Ye Li quickly asked, “Will Aunt return with us?”

Xu Qing Bai smiled bitterly and shook his head, “Mother knows I’m staying in Western Ling, so she probably plans to stay here for a while.” Madam Xu’s exact words were “I can’t control your elder brother, and your younger brother is even younger than you. I won’t return to the Xu family until I see you married with children!” By now, Madam Xu had lowered her standards for a daughter-in-law from being from a scholarly Da Chu family to simply having a clean background and good temperament.

Seeing Xu Qing Bai’s helpless expression, Ye Li could imagine what Madam Xu had said. After pondering for a moment, she agreed with a smile, “If that’s the case, Aunt must be worried about Fourth Brother, so staying in Western Ling for a while is fine. When Aunt misses us, we can send people to escort her back.”

Mo Xiu Yao had no objections either, nodding, “That’s excellent. In half a month, Ah Li and I will return to Li City. Everything here will be entrusted to you.”

Xu Qing Bai hesitated, but still voiced his concern, “I don’t have much experience before this, I’m afraid…”

Mo Xiu Yao furrowed his brows in thought, understanding Xu Qing Bai’s worry. Xu Qing Bai was only twenty-four or twenty-five, yet he would be managing territory equivalent to a third of the original Western Ling – truly a frontier governor among frontier governors. It was foreseeable that he might have difficulty commanding respect at first. Mo Xiu Yao believed in Xu Qing Bai’s ability, but the ability needed time to demonstrate itself. After they left the Imperial City, Xu Qing Bai’s days wouldn’t be easy. Previously he had only considered ability and the fact that the Prince Regent’s mansion was indeed short of people, forgetting to consider Xu Qing Bai’s age.

Ye Li’s eyebrows lifted slightly as she smiled, “I have an idea, though I don’t know what Fourth Brother thinks of it?”

Xu Qing Bai smiled at Ye Li, “Li’er always has good ideas, quickly tell Fourth Brother.”

Ye Li said, “Why doesn’t Fourth Brother try inviting Master Xiu Ting from Bian City here? Master Xiu Ting’s students are spread throughout Western Ling. If he could come out of retirement to assist Fourth Brother, surely Fourth Brother’s affairs in Western Ling would go much more smoothly.”

Although Master Xiu Ting had already expressed his allegiance to the Prince Regent’s mansion, scholars, especially those of exceptional achievement, often had peculiar temperaments. If Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao asked him to come, he would certainly come, but he might harbor some mental blocks and look down on Xu Qing Bai, which would hinder Xu Qing Bai’s work.

As a Xu family descendant, Xu Qing Bai naturally understood all the outstanding scholars and Confucian masters in the world, especially Master Xiu Ting, who was highly respected by his grandfather, father, and uncles. After thinking for a moment, he nodded and smiled, “Li’er never disappoints Fourth Brother. Fourth Brother knows what to do now.”

Ye Li smiled gently, “We’re the ones troubling Fourth Brother. Well then, I won’t disturb Fourth Brother’s rest anymore. Please focus on recovering these days.”

Mo Xiu Yao helped Ye Li up to leave, but before going said, “I’ll send Feng Huai Ting over later, he can help you handle the Western Ling merchant issues.”

Xu Qing Bai started, then smiled gently, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Watching them leave, Xu Qing Bai thought for a moment and still called for brush and ink to write a sincere invitation letter to be sent to Bian City. He considered whether he had time to make a personal trip to Bian City, but unfortunately with his current injuries, and even less free time after Mo Xiu Yao and the others left, it seemed impossible.

After leaving Xu Qing Bai’s courtyard, Ye Li turned to smile at Mo Xiu Yao, “Xiu Yao, thank you.”

Mo Xiu Yao started, looking down at Ye Li with gentle eyes, “Thank me for what?”

Ye Li said, “Thank you for what you did for Fourth Brother.” Whether it was bringing Shen Yang to Western Ling or Feng Huai Ting, neither had been in Mo Xiu Yao’s original plans. Especially Feng Huai Ting, who was currently busy integrating the Prince Regent mansion’s properties and commerce in the Northwest.

Mo Xiu Yao lowered his head to rest his forehead against Ye Li’s, nuzzling slightly as he said softly, “Xu Qing Bai is your Fourth Brother, isn’t he? And he saved you and saved our child. I should treat him well.”

Ye Li smiled, “You’ve always been good to them, I know.” Though Mo Xiu Yao always exploited Big Brother to the extreme, it was limited to just Big Brother alone. He was indeed quite good to the other cousins. This time, before attacking Western Ling, Mo Xiu Yao had already planned to have Xu Qing Bai stay in Western Ling, which could be considered paving the way for Xu Qing Bai’s future. Xu Qing Bai was still too young and had always been away, rarely participating in the Prince Regent mansion’s core affairs. But if he could handle Western Ling’s matters well, his prospects would be no less than any of the Prince Regent mansion’s core confidants.

“If Ah Li likes it, of course, I should be good to them.” Mo Xiu Yao smiled, lowering his head to gently bite her pink lips.

Ye Li glared at him helplessly and said, “Then can you be a bit nicer to Big Brother too?” I don’t want to be caught in the crossfire between you two.

Mo Xiu Yao chuckled softly, “About that… how could Ah Li bear to trouble your husband so? Your husband is quite distressed.”

Ye Li rolled her eyes, “How is that troubling you? Must you always be at odds with Big Brother?”

“Well… who told him to be so unlikeable? Look… he still can’t find a wife, isn’t that proof?” Mo Xiu Yao nuzzled her fragrant hair lazily.

“…” So, are you jealous that Big Brother is better looking than you?

“Your Highness, Princess Consort…” As they were about to return to their chambers after leaving Xu Qing Bai’s courtyard, Ye Li remembered there was still Lady Bai waiting to see her. So Mo Xiu Yao had to accompany Ye Li to meet her, though full of complaints.

As soon as they entered the reception hall, Lady Bai, who had originally wanted to come forward, immediately froze. She stared at Mo Xiu Yao helping Ye Li enter with a pale face, forgetting even to come forward and bow.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, not minding Lady Bai’s discourtesy too much, and smiled faintly, “Lady Bai, you sought an audience with me – is there something you wish to say?”

“This humble one… this humble one…” Lady Bai looked at Mo Xiu Yao, her limbs stiff as if frozen, her ears seeming to ring with the countless screams from that day and her daughter’s tragic cries as she was dragged away. Her face grew even more unsightly as her whole body trembled as if about to collapse.

“Lady Bai?” Ye Li frowned and asked, “Are you unwell somewhere?”

Lady Bai jumped in fright, finally coming back to her senses, and hurriedly said, “This humble one… this humble one is fine, thank you for the Princess Consort’s concern, this humble one… is fine…”

Ye Li remained silent, though Lady Bai certainly didn’t look fine.

“Lady Bai came to see me – is there something you wish to say?”

Lady Bai’s face was deathly pale as she inwardly cursed her misfortune. With the Prince Regent right there, forget about begging for mercy – she couldn’t even manage ordinary greetings and well-wishes.

Seeing this, Ye Li turned to look at Mo Xiu Yao. Yet she saw his expression was calm and could even be called gentle – he seemed to be in a good mood, so he shouldn’t be frightening people.

“Xiu Yao?” After thinking for a moment, Ye Li still decided to dismiss Lady Bai quickly, “It seems Lady Bai has something she wishes to tell me privately. Why don’t you return first?”

Mo Xiu Yao kept one arm around Ye Li and said, “Of course not. Whatever you have to say, say it. Since you’re not speaking, clearly you have nothing to say. Isn’t that right, La-dy-Bai?”

Lady Bai’s body trembled as she hurriedly nodded, “Your Highness speaks truly. This humble one was momentarily confused to disturb the Princess Consort! This humble one… this humble one takes her leave!” Without waiting for Ye Li to speak, she stumbled away.

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiu Yao in confusion, “What was that about?”

Mo Xiu Yao shrugged, “Who knows?”