Compared to Mo Xiuyao’s merciless mockery and scolding, Xu Qingchen’s polite detachment made Dong Fangyou feel more uncomfortable. Dong Fangyou gazed at Xu Qingchen for a long while before finally sighing softly and asking, “Does Young Master Qingchen not believe my words?” Xu Qingchen merely smiled without speaking, neither confirming nor denying.

Dong Fangyou took Xu Qingchen’s silence as confirmation, speaking lightly, “Young Master Qingchen need not worry. My reason for choosing to become Prince Ding’s secondary consort is not because I desire his favor or anything else. It is only to assist Prince Ding. Once Prince Ding ascends to the throne, I will naturally withdraw and pursue my happiness, never lingering nor causing any trouble for the Prince’s primary consort.”

Xu Qingchen smiled and said, “Miss Dong can pursue her happiness right now. Pardon my directness, but Prince Ding does not appear to need your assistance. Furthermore, it seems Miss Dong has been away from the mundane world too long and is unfamiliar with some common customs. For instance, when speaking of becoming a secondary consort, one uses the term ‘taken in’ rather than ‘marry.'” A woman who could so openly speak of marrying Prince Ding could not truly be as unambitious as she claimed. Perhaps she truly did not need Prince Ding’s favor, but that was because what she wanted was something far more important than his favor. Xu Qingchen had never had a good impression of these so-called legendary reclusive families, and as for their claim of selecting rulers on heaven’s behalf, it was complete nonsense. If they truly had such foresight, they should have emerged ten years ago. Although the current state of affairs was not entirely clear, Mo Xiuyao had the greatest chance of success. With the power of Cangmang Mountain, creating a unified ruler would indeed not be difficult. But all of this could have been achieved by Prince Ding’s household without Cangmang Mountain’s involvement, so why bear such a reputation unnecessarily?

A flash of anger crossed Dong Fangyou’s eyes, finding it difficult to remain calm at Xu Qingchen’s complete dismissal. However, Xu Qingchen’s attitude made it impossible for her to vent her anger, leaving her expression complex and difficult to read.

Dong Fangyou had always known her advantages and capabilities, but she also knew that her innate talents did not affect people with unwavering determination like Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen, so she did not embarrass herself further. She calmly looked at Xu Qingchen and said, “I believe some matters should be discussed face-to-face with Prince Ding. Perhaps Prince Ding will give a different answer, after all… Young Master Qingchen cannot fully represent Prince Ding’s household, can he?” Xu Qingchen raised his eyebrows noncommittally, merely saying lightly, “Prince Ding is busy now.”

Dong Fangyou remained unhurried, “I can wait.”

Xu Qingchen frowned as he looked at the woman before him, suddenly feeling from the bottom of his heart that this woman was trouble. But what he didn’t know was that while this woman was indeed trouble, she would not be Mo Xiuyao’s trouble.

Dong Fangyou proved to be extremely patient. Xu Qingchen sat in the main hall accompanying her through six or seven cups of tea. Even the usually composed and elegant Young Master Qingchen was finding it difficult to maintain his composure sitting wordlessly with such a woman, yet Dong Fangyou showed no signs of impatience. She sat dignified in the hall, occasionally taking small sips of clear tea.

It wasn’t until nearly noon that Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li finally arrived. Seeing the hidden stiffness and helplessness beneath Xu Qingchen’s cultured facade, Mo Xiuyao’s mood notably improved. After the host and guests were seated, Mo Xiuyao leisurely leaned back in his chair, yielding control of the situation to Ye Li. Ye Li smiled at Dong Fangyou and said, “May I ask this young lady’s name?”

Dong Fangyou rose and gave a graceful curtsy, saying, “This humble one is Dong Fangyou, greetings to the Princess Consort.”

Ye Li nodded and smiled, “Miss Dong need not stand on ceremony. The Prince and I had some small matters to attend to, making you wait long.” Dong Fangyou smiled, “Not at all. With Young Master Qingchen as host, I found our conversation most enjoyable.” Mo Xiuyao smiled at Xu Qingchen and said, “If that’s the case, why doesn’t Miss Dong speak directly with Young Master Qingchen? Most affairs of Prince Ding’s household are now handled by him.”

Hearing this, Dong Fangyou frowned slightly and said, “Your Highness, pardon my directness. Although you and the Princess Consort share deep affection, and you trust and rely heavily on the Xu family, the monopolization of power by maternal relatives has historically been a source of chaos. Moreover, Your Highness has yet to truly establish your achievements, if in the future…”

The three people in the hall silently watched Dong Fangyou rattle off her admonishments. It wasn’t that these words were problematic – at certain times, they might even be considered sage advice. However, the issue was that Miss Dong was neither a relative nor a confidant of Prince Ding’s household, so was it appropriate to criticize others so directly in front of the Xu family and the Princess Consort? Had this young lady perhaps memorized these words from some book?

Finally, when Dong Fangyou finished speaking, Ye Li smiled and said, “Thank you for Miss Dong’s advice. I’m sure His Highness has his understanding of these matters.”

Dong Fangyou frowned slightly, looking at Ye Li with some dissatisfaction, “Princess Consort, although the Xu family is your maternal grandfather’s family, there’s a saying that ‘a married daughter is like spilled water,’ let alone the fact that you’re not even a daughter of the Xu family. Shouldn’t you be thinking solely for Prince Ding’s household? Seeking private gain for your family – is this the way of a wife and consort?”

Ye Li remained silent. This young lady not only wanted to be a loyal minister but also aimed to be like Ban Zhao or Empress Chang Sun. If all the successors of Cangmang Mountain were like this, Ye Li truly wondered how they had managed to attain positions as royal consorts. They should have been executed by emperors long ago for their harsh words.

“Miss Dong, these matters don’t require your consideration for now. Why don’t you tell us what brings you to Prince Ding’s household? Hmm?” Ye Li finally couldn’t help but interrupt. Dong Fangyou’s beautiful face showed a trace of disbelief as she stared at Ye Li, “Princess Consort, have you not understood yet?” Finding her intelligence questioned, Ye Li felt quite wronged, “What should this Princess have understood?”

Dong Fangyou said, “I came down from the mountain to assist the new ruler.”

“Then go find your new ruler,” Ye Li replied coolly, her mood growing darker. Dong Fangyou was stunned and speechless for a moment before saying with a faint smile, “Cangmang Mountain has chosen Prince Ding as the new ruler for this generation. I am this generation’s successor of Cangmang Mountain, coming by heaven’s mandate to assist Prince Ding.”

Ye Li looked at her and asked, “Miss Dong’s so-called assistance means entering Prince Ding’s household as his secondary consort?” Dong Fangyou dismissed it casually, “This is merely an expedient measure. Since Prince Ding is already married, I naturally won’t interfere. Once Prince Ding unifies the realm, I will naturally withdraw after completing my task.” Ye Li turned to defer the question to Mo Xiuyao, “Your Highness, what do you think? Do you want to accept a female strategist?”

Mo Xiuyao’s answer was merciless, “Throw her out. She’s wasting my time.”

“Prince Ding!” Dong Fangyou exclaimed in surprise, staring at Mo Xiuyao, “Does Prince Ding truly not want to know what benefits I can bring? Cangmang Mountain’s influence is far greater than you imagine.” Mo Xiuyao didn’t even look up, saying coldly, “I have no interest in your so-called Cangmang Mountain, and… with a successor like you, even if Cangmang Mountain could match a million-strong army, it would be useless.”

Such words were even harder for Dong Fangyou to accept than direct contempt for Cangmang Mountain. She had sincerely wanted to assist Mo Xiuyao, believing that with her and Cangmang Mountain’s help, Prince Ding would certainly unify the realm in the shortest time and become a great ruler. Meanwhile, Cangmang Mountain’s reputation and position would become even more renowned and secure. But she hadn’t expected Mo Xiuyao to show such disdain for her and the power behind her.

Looking from Mo Xiuyao to Ye Li, a flash of understanding crossed Dong Fangyou’s mind. Turning to Xu Qingchen, she frowned slightly and said, “Since Prince Ding cannot accept my proposal, we can try another approach.” Mo Xiuyao remained unmoved, his expression indifferent, as Dong Fangyou announced clearly, “Since Prince Ding is unwilling to have me marry into his household and disturb the relationship between him and the Princess Consort, I could join the Xu family instead.”

All three present were stunned, with Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li’s gazes turning simultaneously toward Xu Qingchen. Among the Xu family, only Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingyan remained unmarried, and since Dong Fangyou couldn’t possibly want to marry Xu Qingyan whom she had barely met, that left only Young Master Qingchen. Mo Xiuyao’s gaze immediately turned playful, looking at Young Master Qingchen as if eyeing a prime cut of meat. If Young Master Qingchen could secure Cangmang Mountain’s assistance, it would certainly be worthwhile. Of course, this woman called Dong Fangyou would have to be content with being a proper wife at home, caring for her husband and in-laws, without any other aspirations.

“Absolutely not.” Xu Qingchen flatly rejected Mo Xiuyao’s scheme.

Mo Xiuyao was indifferent; he didn’t view Cangmang Mountain’s support as particularly crucial. Having it would be good, but lacking it wouldn’t matter. Moreover, if he truly gained Cangmang Mountain’s assistance, he would need to find ways to bring them fully under his control, lest another bored woman emerge in a hundred years claiming to select rulers on heaven’s behalf. Shrugging his shoulders, Mo Xiuyao said, “Very well, this matter… I’ll leave it to Young Master Qingchen to handle. I won’t interfere further. Ah Li, let’s go. There are matters to attend to in the study.”

Ye Li hesitated, looking at Xu Qingchen. Mo Xiuyao pulled her toward the door, reassuring her, “Don’t worry, if Young Master Qingchen can’t handle this small matter, he wouldn’t deserve to be called the kingdom’s first young master. Brother Qingchen, I trouble you with this.” Watching Mo Xiuyao unhesitatingly disappear through the doorway with Ye Li, Xu Qingchen wished he could throw all the documents from the study at his face. He had worked tirelessly for Prince Ding’s household, and not only did Mo Xiuyao show no gratitude, but he constantly sought ways to cause trouble for him.

“Young Master Qingchen.” Dong Fangyou said softly.

“Miss Dong.” Xu Qingchen cut off Dong Fangyou’s words, saying calmly, “No need to continue. Prince Ding’s household does not need Miss Dong’s assistance.” More importantly, the Xu family did not need a daughter-in-law like Dong Fangyou. Dong Fangyou said unhappily, “Prince Ding hasn’t said so. Isn’t Young Master Qingchen being too selfish in making such a decision?”

Xu Qingchen waved his sleeve, summoning guards from outside, “Escort Miss Dong out, and don’t let her enter again.”

“I won’t give up!” Dong Fangyou declared firmly.

Xu Qingchen’s expression remained unchanged, “Take her away.”

After sending Dong Fangyou away, Xu Qingchen walked toward the study with a gloomy face. In the study, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li sat together, creating an intimate atmosphere that made others feel out of place. Seeing Xu Qingchen enter, Ye Li stood up with a slight smile and said, “Brother, has Dong Fangyou been sent away?” Xu Qingchen nodded, his sharp gaze sweeping toward Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao showed not the slightest shame, saying with a smile, “What is Young Master Qingchen doing? Those words weren’t proposed by me – wasn’t it Miss Dong herself who took a fancy to you?”

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “Such a woman, who even Prince Ding doesn’t fancy, who could she truly fancy?” Though they had only exchanged a few words, Xu Qingchen had seen things quite clearly. He couldn’t fathom how Cangmang Mountain had raised someone like Dong Fangyou. She had no concept of love or affection in her heart. So she truly had no intention of interfering with Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li’s relationship, and naturally, her proposal to marry Xu Qingchen wasn’t because she was attracted to him either. She simply thought it convenient – whether becoming Prince Ding’s secondary consort or Xu Qingchen’s wife would allow her to exercise her methods to assist Prince Ding’s household in dominating the realm. At the root of it all, she only harbored her so-called ambitions and achievements. But ironically, her grand ambitions appeared completely illusory to people like Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen. Apart from Cangmang Mountain’s influence behind her, she had nothing. Let alone the ability to assist an emperor.

The talent of ministers and empresses – the women behind an emperor needed more than just intelligence. The world was full of clever women, and those accomplished in the four arts were not few either. But women who could stand shoulder to shoulder with men like Ye Li were truly unique. In truth, if one were to compare skills in the four arts, poetry, literature, astrology, or medicine, perhaps Ye Li truly couldn’t match Dong Fangyou. But what Dong Fangyou could do, other women in the world could achieve as well. What Ye Li could accomplish, few women could match, and that made her unique. Moreover, even the previous queens from Cangmang Mountain had never positioned themselves as imperial advisors. In short, Dong Fangyou thought too highly of herself.

Mo Xiuyao laughed, “Perhaps Miss Dong truly likes divine young masters like Qingchen?”

“Your Highness, I suddenly feel the urge to travel for some days. The affairs of Prince Ding’s household will have to trouble Your Highness to handle personally.” Xu Qingchen said coldly, his expression unfriendly. At this, Mo Xiuyao could only concede. After all, if he truly drove Young Master Qingchen away, that would be a great loss. Clearing his throat, Mo Xiuyao declared righteously, “Anyway, just leave Dong Fangyou to you to handle. Whether you kill her, torture her, or marry her, I won’t question it. Brother Qingchen, rest assured, whatever you decide, Ah Li and I will support you.” After speaking, he didn’t forget to pat Xu Qingchen’s shoulder in support.

Xu Qingchen disdainfully brushed away Mo Xiuyao’s hand – had anyone ever seen someone so shameless? Young Master Qingchen deeply felt that having such a brother-in-law was the greatest misfortune of his life. If he had known this day would come, he would never have let Ah Li marry this shameless fellow.

Ye Li helplessly touched her forehead and spoke to break up their confrontation, “Brother, Xiuyao, what exactly is this Cangmang Mountain?” Ye Li, after all, wasn’t entirely of this world, and many things that weren’t particularly important, she wouldn’t specifically research. For instance, she truly didn’t have much impression of this Cangmang Mountain.

Xu Qingchen sat down, frowning, “Cangmang Mountain’s mysteriousness is greatly related to having produced three empresses, and indeed, those who have come down from the mountain for training have all been exceptional talents. But to say they’re truly powerful enough to determine the realm’s fate…” Young Master Qingchen’s lips curved slightly in mockery. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li knew him well enough to understand the derision in his expression.

Young Master Qingchen continued, “The three empresses belonged to three different countries, spanning several hundred years. So it’s probably true that Cangmang Mountain possesses great influence, otherwise they couldn’t have maintained their glory and mystery for these centuries. Now that Cangmang Mountain’s successor has come down the mountain, then… the others from Cangmang Mountain can’t be far behind. Therefore, Your Highness now has three strategies to choose from.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled thoughtfully, “I’m all ears.”

Xu Qingchen smiled, “The inferior strategy would be for Your Highness to ignore Dong Fangyou. After she gives up, she will surely choose someone else. At that time, Prince Ding’s household will gain a powerful enemy. The middle strategy would be for Your Highness to comply with Dong Fangyou’s wishes and take her as a secondary consort. Then Cangmang Mountain would certainly assist Prince Ding’s household with all their might.” Mo Xiuyao said, “I always prefer the superior strategy.”

Xu Qingchen smiled, “The superior strategy is… to eliminate Cangmang Mountain. Then the legend of selecting rulers on heaven’s behalf will cease to exist.”

“Good plan,” Mo Xiuyao nodded in agreement.

Xu Qingchen nodded and smiled, “Indeed it’s a good plan. This way, even after Your Highness unifies the realm, you won’t have to worry about being controlled by Cangmang Mountain. However, the current problem is… Cangmang Mountain might not be so easy to eliminate.” Although Prince Ding’s household disdained Cangmang Mountain, it didn’t mean others felt the same. As long as someone was interested in Cangmang Mountain’s successor and their claim of selecting rulers on heaven’s behalf, people would naturally deal with Prince Ding’s household without Cangmang Mountain having to act. One wrong move could even result in forces from all directions attacking Prince Ding’s household simultaneously. Even if Prince Ding’s household wasn’t afraid, fighting on multiple fronts would be extremely dangerous.

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment, then said, “It’s not as difficult as you think. The only ones who can truly oppose us are Mo Jingli and Lei Zhenting. Lei Zhenting is constrained by Western Ling’s emperor, and as for Mo Jingli… with Lei Zhenting between us, he’ll have to deal with Lei Zhenting first before opposing me. As for the Northern Barbarians and the Northern Border, they won’t have the chance.”

Xu Qingchen was aware of Mo Xiuyao’s arrangements regarding the Northern Barbarians and the Northern Border, and the chances of success were indeed not small. It was certainly feasible. He raised an eyebrow at Mo Xiuyao and asked, “Has Your Highness decided?”

Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly, disdaining to answer.

There was another path Xu Qingchen hadn’t mentioned. Mo Xiuyao could agree to cooperate with Cangmang Mountain, and then deal with them after achieving success. With Mo Xiuyao’s intelligence, Xu Qingchen didn’t think outmaneuvering Cangmang Mountain would be difficult. Ye Li, looking at the two serious men, asked, “Is it possible that Dong Fangyou isn’t actually from Cangmang Mountain? Don’t you think she seems too…”

Xu Qingchen shook his head, “Dynasties change, and no family can maintain excellence forever. But Dong Fangyou is definitely from Cangmang Mountain.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, not understanding. Xu Qingchen explained with some disgust, “The Dong family of Cangmang Mountain possesses a secret art that naturally makes people feel goodwill toward them. Ah Li, you saw what happened at last night’s banquet, didn’t you?”

Ye Li wanted to say, was that goodwill? She felt that what Dong Fangyou had stirred up was some kind of hidden desire in men.

“How does Brother know this so clearly?” Ye Li asked curiously.

Xu Qingchen didn’t conceal anything, saying plainly, “Isn’t there a legend that our Xu family ancestor once married a woman from Cangmang Mountain?”

“And the truth is?”

“There was indeed such a woman, but our Xu family ancestor didn’t marry her. However, he nearly fell for her tricks. So he mentioned this in his remaining notes, warning future generations to be careful of Cangmang Mountain women,” Xu Qingchen said.

This was the first time Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had heard of this story. Beyond their surprise, their impression of Cangmang Mountain diminished further.

Ye Li pondered for a moment before asking, “If Cangmang Mountain has this supposed ability to select rulers on heaven’s behalf, why would Lei Zhenting be willing to send Dong Fangyou to Prince Ding’s household? Could Lei Zhenting be under Cangmang Mountain’s control?” Xu Qingchen shook his head, “Being under their control seems unlikely. Perhaps Lei Zhenting knows that Lei Tengfeng’s abilities might not be enough to deal with Cangmang Mountain. As for Prince Ding’s household… Lei Zhenting might be gambling, betting that Prince Ding’s household won’t accept Dong Fangyou. This way, Prince Ding’s household and Cangmang Mountain will inevitably become enemies. Then, no matter whom Cangmang Mountain chooses to support, with Prince Ding’s household as a powerful enemy, he can seize opportunities for his benefit.”

Lei Zhenting had built a lifetime of reputation, but his greatest regret was his son Lei Tengfeng. It wasn’t that Lei Tengfeng was bad – Lei Tengfeng was good, both in character and ability, but he wasn’t good enough. Growing up under his father’s prominence, Lei Tengfeng didn’t have the temperament to surpass his predecessor like those in Prince Ding’s household. So, while he was sufficient as the heir of the Southern Marquis’s household, as a ruler who would shoulder the entire Western Ling, Lei Tengfeng wasn’t strong enough.

“Which means… Lei Tengfeng won’t cooperate with Cangmang Mountain either,” Mo Xiuyao pondered, “Then, Cangmang Mountain’s most likely choice would be Mo Jingli.” Mo Jingli, the regent of Great Chu. Controlling the richest Jiangnan region of Great Chu, commanding an army of a million strong, most importantly, while cruel enough, he lacked decisiveness and spirit. Such a person would be the perfect puppet candidate – if Mo Xiuyao were choosing, he would pick Mo Jingli too.

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow, “Do we need to move against Mo Jingli now?”

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, “It’s not time yet. Right now, the main focus is dealing with Yelü Ye and Ren Qining. However… what should be obtained must be obtained. Send someone to tell Mo Jingli that what I want should be sent quickly, or I’ll give what he wants to Lei Zhenting.” He only wanted a few treasures, but if they were in Lei Zhenting’s hands, who knew what Lei Zhenting would demand? “By the way, let Mo Jingli know about Dong Fangyou’s intentions too. Let’s see how Mo Jingli reacts.”

“If so, regarding Ye Ying…” Ye Ying was also an important piece, but if they wanted both Ye Ying to work for them and to place someone by Mo Jingli’s side, that would be impossible – Ye Ying wouldn’t be so docile.

Xu Qingchen shook his head, “Ah Li needn’t worry about this. If Dong Fangyou truly assists Mo Jingli, Ye Ying will become even more dependent on Prince Ding’s household.” The Ye family would never rise again, and Ye Ying’s current stable position as a princess consort was largely due to her identity as Prince Ding’s consort’s sister. Once an extremely important woman appeared by Mo Jingli’s side, Prince Ding’s household’s support and help would become even more crucial for Ye Ying.