Li City in the northwest, barely noticeable among Chu’s northwestern cities six or seven years ago, had transformed dramatically since Prince Ding Manor made it its seat. In just a few short years, it had become an essential hub connecting the Western Regions’ trade routes with the Central Plains, emerging as one of the most prosperous cities in the surrounding nations. Now, forming a line with the original Xiling Imperial City in the far west and Changxing in Chu’s capital to the east, Prince Ding Manor’s carefully cultivated east-west trade route was finally complete. Li City had inevitably become the central transfer and distribution point between the two regions, its prosperity surpassing its Western counterparts.

By mid-June, the influx of visitors to Li City had increased significantly. Among them were not just wealthy merchants, noble families, and scholarly gentlemen, but also ruling powers and royal family members from various nations. Li City had become a gathering place for the elite. While Master Qingyun was renowned throughout the land, his birthday alone wouldn’t have drawn such a crowd. However, as the Princess Consort’s great-grandfather, with the Xu family holding crucial positions in Prince Ding Manor, everything had changed considerably. Moreover, with Prince Ding’s recent capture of two capital cities and the birth of his noble children, practically anyone who could attend wouldn’t miss this grand occasion.

In the city’s Prince Ding Manor, Master Qingyun and Su Zhe sat playing chess under a shady tree. No matter how noisy and chaotic it was outside, the sound wouldn’t reach them. While contemplating the game before him, Su Zhe smiled, “Li City has truly become a gathering place for talents. Master Qingyun is blessed.”

Master Qingyun shook his head calmly, “What’s the point of such an elaborate birthday celebration? I’d rather have a simple family meal together. Among all these people in the city, how many truly came to wish this old man well?” Su Zhe thought about it and realized that while Master Qingyun’s words were direct, they rang true. He smiled faintly, “At least it shows your children and grandchildren’s filial piety. Master Qingyun shouldn’t discourage them so.”

Master Qingyun laughed, “How could this old man be so insensitive? Though we elderly may be weak, we can still enjoy watching a few shows.”

Hearing this, Su Zhe chuckled and shook his head repeatedly. He slowly placed a piece and smiled, “Speaking like that makes those who rushed here feel quite embarrassed.”

“Greetings to Master Qingyun,” a servant in blue respectfully announced at the door. Master Qingyun looked up and asked, “What is it?”

The servant respectfully reported, “Fourth Young Master Xu has returned and waits outside to pay his respects. Additionally, Master Xiuting requests an audience.”

Su Zhe and Master Qingyun exchanged glances, and Master Qingyun quickly said, “Please invite Master Xiuting and Qingbai in.” After the servant left, Su Zhe smiled, “Chen Xiufu came. I heard he was helping the Fourth Young Master in Xiling. It seems he’s truly devoted himself to Prince Ding Manor now.” Master Qingyun smiled, “With his sincere assistance, Qingbai will surely accomplish twice as much with half the effort.”

As they spoke, Master Xiuting and Xu Qingbai entered one after another. Xu Qingbai approached Master Qingyun and respectfully knelt, “Grandson pays his respects to Grandfather. I apologize for not being able to attend to you for so long, please forgive me.” Master Qingyun quickly helped him up, looked him over, and nodded with a smile, “Good child, you look energetic. It seems you’ve been doing well in Xiling?” Xu Qingbai smiled, “Thanks to Master Xiuting’s help, I managed not to become overwhelmed.”

Beside them, Master Xiuting also hurried forward to pay his respects, “Junior Chen Xiufu greets Master Qingyun and Elder Master Su.” Master Xiuting had met Su Zhe during his travels to the Chu capital years ago, and though many years had passed, he still remembered him. Master Qingyun smiled, “Xiuting, no need for such formality. It’s rare for you to visit Li City – please forgive any discourtesies.” Master Xiuting hurriedly demurred. Su Zhe invited Master Xiuting to sit and chat, and the three great scholars of their time naturally fell into an engaging conversation. Seeing them chatting happily, Xu Qingbai excused himself to see Xu Hongyu.

Meanwhile, the main study of Prince Ding Manor was in chaos, with even Ye Li, who was usually restricted in her activities, being called in to help. Less than ten days remained until Master Qingyun’s birthday, and many distinguished guests had already arrived. This celebration was unprecedented in scale – in less than a month, Li City’s population had increased by more than thirty percent. Besides Prince Ding Manor’s guests, there were merchants from various nations who had heard the news, as well as scholars and travelers who came to participate in the grand occasion. Naturally, all the inns in Li City were full, and many latecomers couldn’t even find accommodation.

With such a sudden increase in population, issues of food, lodging, transportation, and security were endless. Moreover, there was a delicate balance between various national powers, relationships between people, their connections with Prince Ding Manor, what agreements could be reached, and what benefits each party could obtain – all requiring careful consideration. No wonder they were overwhelmed with work.

When Xu Qingbai entered, he saw his father, and two elder brothers, Mo Xiuyao, and Ye Li seated around a large rectangular table, each with piles of thick documents before them. Not to mention the even larger piles in front of Zhuo Jing and others in the outer room, who were conducting preliminary reviews and classification. Thinking of how he had been so busy in Xiling these past few months that he barely had time to eat, he couldn’t help but smile. It wasn’t just him being overwhelmed in Xiling – his father and brothers in Li City were equally busy.

“Your Highness, Father, First Brother, Second Brother, Li’er. I’m back,” Xu Qingbai said with a smile.

Seeing him enter, Mo Xiuyao, who had been sitting beside Ye Li, immediately showed a glint in his eyes that made Xu Qingbai’s spine chill. Mo Xiuyao spoke warmly, “Qingbai is back, you must be tired from your journey. Come, sit down.” Surprised by such courtesy from Mo Xiuyao, Xu Qingbai cautiously looked at him and smiled faintly, “Your Highness is too kind, I’m fine.”

At this, Mo Xiuyao smiled even more pleasantly, “Since you’re not tired… here, these are yours.” Mo Xiuyao casually raised his hand and pressed Xu Qingbai into the chair beside him – it didn’t hurt, but he couldn’t get up. Then he watched as Mo Xiuyao unceremoniously moved all the documents from in front of Ye Li to Xu Qingbai, smiling kindly, “Please handle these. A’Li, the doctor said you shouldn’t strain your eyes so soon after giving birth. Let’s have Qingbai look at these instead.”

Xu Qingbai stared blankly at the pile of documents before him, and only when he met his eldest brother’s teasing gaze did he realize he had walked right into becoming free labor.

“How has Fourth Brother been in Xiling?” Finally, Xu Qingze showed some decency by asking after Xu Qingbai, preventing him from feeling that his family had become so heartless in the less than a year he’d been away. While looking through the documents before him, Xu Qingbai replied, “It’s going well enough, things are more or less on track now.”

Ye Li looked somewhat helplessly at her empty table, then took a document from in front of Mo Xiuyao, smiling as she said, “Fourth Brother is being modest. These past few months, Xiling has been much more peaceful, showing Fourth Brother’s excellent governance.” Xu Qingbai shook his head and smiled, “I hardly deserve such praise. There was quite a bit of trouble last month, and this time General Zhang could only stay behind to guard the city. I’ll have to rush back as soon as Grandfather’s birthday celebration is over.”

Xu Hongyu calmly said, “Governing a region cannot show results in a short time, there’s no need to be hasty.”

Xu Qingbai nodded, “Thank you for the guidance, Father. I understand.” He had indeed been somewhat impatient, being too young. Becoming a regional governor before twenty-five naturally meant many people wouldn’t respect him. But he also understood, as his father said, that governing a region couldn’t show results without three to five years of effort. With this thought, his previously anxious mood gradually settled.

With an extra person, the work naturally went faster. In less than two hours, they had processed all the documents. These matters normally wouldn’t require so many people working together – usually, Mo Xiuyao, Xu Qingchen, or Xu Hongyu could handle them alone or in pairs. But during this period, it was different – they each had many things to do and simply didn’t have enough time to review all these documents.

Having finished their work, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The status-conscious rulers from various nations would be arriving in the next few days, and if they didn’t handle these matters now, they would have to wait until after the birthday celebration. But delaying many important matters for the celebration wouldn’t be good either. After finishing their work, fresh tea and snacks were brought in, and the family finally had time to chat.

“Second Brother, have Elder Aunt, Master Shen, and Wuyou returned?” Ye Li asked while reluctantly consuming the specially prepared supplements. Last year, when Shen Yang went to Xiling, he had taken Mo Wuyou along, as she was formally studying medicine under him and couldn’t stay confined in the small city of Li. No matter how talented she was, just reading books wouldn’t lead to much progress.

Xu Qingbai’s hand paused slightly as he held his teacup, “They’ve all returned. Mother was tired from the journey and went back to the manor to rest first. Master Shen mentioned having some new ideas he wanted to discuss with Doctor Lin, and took Wuyou with him.”

Hearing this, Ye Li raised her delicate eyebrows and glanced at Xu Qingchen across from her. Xu Qingchen maintained his gentle smile, elegant as always.

Xu Qingbai, seeming somewhat uncomfortable, changed the subject, “Where is Second Uncle?”

Xu Qingchen replied, “Second Uncle went to Northern Rong, though he should return with their envoys this time.” Being far away in Xiling, Xu Qingbai wasn’t familiar with affairs in Li City and gave a questioning look. Xu Qingchen briefly explained the events of the past few months in Li City, after which Xu Qingbai had to admit that his situation in Xiling was relatively peaceful in comparison.

“So after this year of fighting, things should be stable for a while, right?”

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “Who knows? However, except for the standoff with Northern Rong, the Mo Family Army should have some peace. Your Highness, what are your plans?” This year, the Mo Family Army demonstrated their strength to all surrounding powers with an almost perfect victory record. For the short term, likely no one would dare provoke them again. However, they needed to guard against the possibility of these powers uniting against them.

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, speaking lazily, “Rest and recuperate. I’m not in a hurry – if they don’t want to fight, let’s take a break. Besides… the Mo Family Army’s strength still differs from Northern Rong and Xiling, so it’s a good time to build up our forces.” After all, he didn’t aspire to be emperor, wasn’t rushing to grab territory, and didn’t need to worry about competing for the throne. But once he took territory, he wouldn’t give it up. Thus, compared to the rulers of surrounding nations, Mo Xiuyao was now the most relaxed. The Northern Rong King was elderly, with brothers Yelü Ye and Yelü Hong openly and secretly competing for fifteen years with no clear outcome. In the Northern Border, though Ren Qining seemed to hold absolute power, the conflict between his Northern Border and Central Plains subordinates would eventually erupt. In Xiling, Lei Zhenting and the Xiling Emperor had practically openly fallen out – Lei Zhenting, originally having the upper hand, was now evenly matched with the Xiling Emperor after being severely weakened by Mo Xiuyao’s bloodbath. The final victor would depend on who proved more skilled. As for Mo Jingli in Jiangnan and Princess Anxi of Southern Zhao, they weren’t yet worth Mo Xiuyao’s attention.

“What if they want to fight?” asked Xu Qingchen.

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, “If they want to fight, we’ll fight. Am I supposed to fear them?”

Hearing this, Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but smile – indeed, when had the Mo Family Army ever feared battle?

“Your Highness, Your Highness Consort, the Northern Border King has arrived,” Qin Feng announced from outside.

“Oh?” Mo Xiuyao was somewhat surprised – whether considering the distance or relations between their houses, Ren Qining shouldn’t have been the first to arrive. He had expected either Lei Zhenting or the Xiling Emperor’s people to arrive first. After a moment’s surprise, Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li’s hand and smiled, “Whether legitimate or not, he is still a nation’s ruler. A’Li, let’s go greet him personally.” Since they came under the pretext of offering birthday wishes, these visitors would naturally pay their respects to Master Qingyun at Prince Ding Manor. As the manor’s hosts, it would be discourteous for Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao not to go out and welcome them.

Ye Li smiled faintly at Mo Xiuyao, “Perhaps I should go with First Brother instead. Are you sure the Northern Border King won’t draw his sword on you?” Having killed his entire family – wives, concubines, children – it was too much to expect him to respond with a smile. Ye Li could imagine Ren Qining’s expression if Mo Xiuyao personally went to greet him. Mo Xiuyao smiled unconcerned, “How could he? His coming here shows he can endure it. Besides, if he draws his sword, am I supposed to fear him? Killing a Northern Border King wouldn’t be good, but if he strikes first, I’ll have no psychological barriers.”

Unable to argue with him, Ye Li could only let him enthusiastically lead her to welcome Ren Qining. Yes, enthusiastically. Even those around them could sense the Prince’s high enthusiasm for greeting the Northern Border King.

At Prince Ding Manor’s main gate, two rows of black-clad guards stood neatly outside, solemnly guarding the entrance while seemingly blind to the awkward scene before them. The newly arrived Ren Qining, wearing Northern Border royal attire, stared with a twisted expression at the handsome man in white robes and white hair smiling pleasantly at the gate. Though he had typical Central Plains features, Ren Qining’s Northern Border nomadic attire didn’t look out of place on him, instead giving him a rugged magnificence that Central Plains clothing lacked.

However, this majestic royal bearing vanished instantly upon seeing Mo Xiuyao’s face, replaced by distortion and ferocity. No matter how ambitious or willing to sacrifice everything for the world, no one could maintain the self-control they imagined when facing their family’s killer – especially when that killer smiled at them with such pleasure. Mo Xiuyao ignored Ren Qining’s thoughts; the more discomforted Ren Qining was, the happier he became. Seeing Ren Qining’s expression, he merely raised an eyebrow and asked puzzled, “Northern Border King, what’s wrong? Your temperament has changed quite a bit in a year or two. Or is there something lacking in our Prince Ding Manor’s hospitality?”

Ren Qining gritted his teeth and controlled himself, saying gravely, “The Prince jests. I’m merely tired from the journey.”

“I see.” Mo Xiuyao smiled, “It was thoughtless of me. In that case… perhaps the Northern Border King should rest at the guest house first. I can host a welcoming feast for you tonight?”

“No need. I should pay my respects to Master Qingyun first, to maintain proper etiquette,” Ren Qining replied.

“The Northern Border King needn’t worry, my great-grandfather will understand.” Understand what? That Northern Border people don’t know proper etiquette?

“Prince Ding, is this the renowned Princess Consort?” As Ren Qining’s expression grew increasingly dark, a beautifully dressed woman beside him spoke up. Mo Xiuyao seemed to notice the two women accompanying Ren Qining for the first time, both uncommonly beautiful. One wore blue and appeared delicate and gentle, clearly a Central Plains woman. The speaker, however, had striking features and skin not of the typical Central Plains jade-white but a healthy wheat color. Though beautiful and proud in bearing, she didn’t appear spoiled.

Ye Li stepped forward, smiling, “I don’t deserve such praise. I am indeed Ye Li. May I ask who you are?”

Ren Qining said, “This is my Queen Helan, and this is Consort Yun.”

Ye Li smiled inwardly – Ren Qining had moved quickly, replacing his wives and concubines in just a few months. But bringing both a wife and concubine on this visit suggested the conflict between local Northern Border people and Central Plains people must be quite serious. Ignoring the blue-clad woman, Ye Li smiled kindly at the striking Queen Helan, “The Queen’s presence truly honors Li City. Northern Border King, Queen, please come in.”

Queen Helan looked Ye Li over and smiled, “Though I don’t quite understand your fancy words, I know you’re praising me. Princess Consort, I like you.” Ye Li couldn’t help but smile, “Thank you for your kindness, Queen. Please enter.” Queen Helan didn’t stand on ceremony, stepping forward to take Ye Li’s hand. Mo Xiuyao, standing nearby, frowned slightly and moved to block Helan’s hand. Queen Helan turned her alluring eyes on him and struck out with her palm.

A slender, elegant hand intercepted, catching her wrist. Ye Li smiled at her, “Queen Helan, our Prince doesn’t like to fight with women. Let me play with you instead.”

Queen Helan’s eyes brightened, “Gladly!” Breaking free from Ye Li’s grip on her wrist, Helan drew a colorful whip and smiled at Ye Li, “I heard in the Northern Border that Prince Ding’s Princess Consort is quite remarkable. I’ve been wanting to test my skills against you. Here I come!” With that, she swung the whip at Ye Li. Ye Li smiled faintly, gracefully shifting position and drawing a sword from the nearby Qin Feng. With a flash of the blade, the two women began their duel.

“Helan!” Queen Helan’s sudden move caught Ren Qining off guard, his face darkening as he called out.

Mo Xiuyao remained unconcerned, watching the two women spar with a calm expression, “Northern Border King need not worry, it’s just casual practice. A’Li knows her limits and won’t harm Queen Helan.” Mo Xiuyao’s words weren’t mocking Ren Qining. Everyone present could see that while Queen Helan’s martial arts were impressive, she was far from matching someone like Ye Li who had fought on real battlefields.

Ren Qining’s face darkened, “The Queen has been discourteous. Thank you for not taking offense, Prince.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and turned his gaze to the two graceful figures at the gate.

The blue-clad woman beside Ren Qining was the consort he had taken when forced to marry Helan. As the daughter of Ren Qining’s trusted subordinate, she naturally enjoyed more favor than Queen Helan of Northern Border nobility. But today at Prince Ding Manor’s gate, both the Prince and Princess Consort had unanimously ignored her, causing the somewhat spoiled Consort Yun to feel embarrassed.

Now, seeing Queen Helan and the manor’s hosts drawing everyone’s attention, she felt even more displeased and muttered, “Wasn’t the Princess Consort supposedly from a scholarly family? How can she ignore proper hospitality and start fighting at the gate?” Though she thought she spoke quietly, everyone present was a highly skilled martial artist. Mo Xiuyao’s gaze passed over her coldly, his eyes flashing with faint coldness. The fighting Ye Li and Queen Helan separated instantly as her words fell, each returning to their original positions. Ye Li smiled, “Queen Helan’s skills are impressive. Perhaps we could practice together when you have time?”

Queen Helan smiled, “Gladly! Princess Consort, you’re truly formidable. I admire you and consider you a friend!”

Ye Li smiled, “Having the Queen as a friend is my honor. Northern Border King, Queen Helan, please enter.”

Ren Qining studied Ye Li deeply, saying faintly, “Thank you, Princess Consort. It’s been a while, but your spirit remains unchanged.”

Ye Li smiled elegantly, “The Northern Border King is too kind.”