Master Qingyun’s birthday celebration had come to a perfect end, with many guests beginning their journeys home. Xu Qingbai and Master Xiuting were among the first to return to Western Ling, as the recently subdued region still needed someone to maintain order. However, the various powers, including Southern Regent Mo Jingli, showed no intention of leaving. Everyone understood that the real negotiations and power plays would only truly begin today. Whoever left at this point would signal their marginalization in this multi-sided competition, losing the opportunity to seize the initiative.
The already turbulent Li City became even more mysterious with the sudden appearance of Cangmang Mountain’s successor at Master Qingyun’s birthday feast.
In Prince Ding’s residence, Lei Zhenting sat in the study drinking tea while observing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao seated in the host position, his expression complex. Although he had considered the possibility of Mo Xiuyao’s rejection when bringing Dong Fangyou to Li City, hearing Mo Xiuyao’s actual answer still left him somewhat shocked. Truthfully, if not for the poor timing and the fact that Western Ling’s royal family had once had a queen from Cangmang Mountain, Lei Zhenting wasn’t even sure if he could have rejected such an alliance. However, now that Mo Xiuyao had refused, though slightly shocking, the overall situation was advantageous to him. He naturally wouldn’t be foolish enough to push Cangmang Mountain’s power toward Mo Xiuyao.
“Prince Ding’s decisions never fail to surprise me,” Lei Zhenting raised his teacup toward Mo Xiuyao in respect.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, “The Southern Regent flatters me. Weren’t you also uninterested?”
Lei Zhenting sighed with some regret, “To say I have no interest in Cangmang Mountain’s power would be lying to Prince Ding. However… it simply wasn’t suitable. Besides, at my age now, rather than be manipulated by others, I might as well be dead.” If Cangmang Mountain only had Dong Fangyou, it would be useless. After Dong Fangyou, others would surely join. Lei Zhenting’s grandmother had been from Cangmang Mountain. As perhaps the person who best understood Cangmang Mountain in the world, he naturally wouldn’t do anything that would leave him controlled like a puppet.
“I hear Prince Ding has formally rejected Dong Fangyou, but knowing her as I do, she likely won’t give up easily,” Lei Zhenting reminded him quietly. Though he and Mo Xiuyao were destined to be enemies, occasional cooperation was still possible.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, saying disdainfully, “What does it matter if she doesn’t give up? If Cangmang Mountain’s successor behaves like that, surely the so-called Cangmang Mountain must be declining?” Dong Fangyou was indeed formidable – at least in terms of martial arts, Mo Xiuyao hadn’t seen any woman who could surpass her, and even among men, she would likely rank in the top ten in the martial world. Being from Cangmang Mountain, she must also excel in the four arts, and with Lei Zhenting’s guarantee, she was also skilled in medicine. Unfortunately, while Dong Fangyou excelled in everything else, she lacked intelligence.
Watching Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li share a smile, their subtle intimacy seemed to wrap them in an invisible layer that set them apart from others and prevented any outsider from intruding. Lei Zhenting lowered his gaze thoughtfully, “Now that Cangmang Mountain’s people have emerged, they must choose someone to assist. Since Prince Ding has refused, who is most likely?”
Mo Xiuyao didn’t conceal anything, “Mo Jingli.”
Lei Zhenting’s expression darkened. Mo Jingli was currently in a standoff with him at the Yunlan River – if he gained Cangmang Mountain’s assistance, Lei Zhenting would be the one to suffer. Mo Xiuyao, being far away, naturally wouldn’t be immediately affected. Seeing Lei Zhenting’s displeased expression, Ye Li smiled faintly, “The Southern Regent need not worry. Mo Jingli becoming too powerful wouldn’t benefit our Prince Ding’s household either, so we naturally won’t stand idly by.”
Lei Zhenting wasn’t easily persuaded, looking at Ye Li with a smile, “Let Cangmang Mountain support Mo Jingli, then have the Southern Regent and Mo Jingli fight to the death while Prince Ding’s household reaps the benefits. What a fine calculation. If that’s the case, I think Ren Qining would be more suitable – an orphan of the previous dynasty would be more legitimate, wouldn’t that better suit Cangmang Mountain’s choice?”
Mo Xiuyao’s smile turned cold, “Ren Qining doesn’t have that fate.”
Lei Zhenting’s eyes focused, quickly calculating the meaning behind Mo Xiuyao’s words. Was Prince Ding’s household planning to move against the Northern Border? He had thought their greatest enemy should be the Northern Barbarians.
Seeing Lei Zhenting’s confusion and speculation, Mo Xiuyao didn’t explain, saying coolly, “The Southern Regent can just watch. Mo Jingli is Cangmang Mountain’s only choice. Of course… the Southern Regent has another option.”
“I’m all ears,” Lei Zhenting said cautiously. Mo Xiuyao smiled, speaking as if casually, “Before Cangmang Mountain chooses whom to assist, eliminate them.”
“Hiss—” Lei Zhenting couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath, staring at Mo Xiuyao for a long while before finally confirming he wasn’t joking but truly making this suggestion. After a long time, Lei Zhenting finally sighed, “Prince Ding doesn’t understand Cangmang Mountain. That’s why you don’t know their strength.” Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Indeed, I don’t know much about Cangmang Mountain.” Cangmang Mountain’s successors had never provoked Prince Ding’s household, so to them, the so-called Cangmang Mountain was nothing more than an ethereal legend. Perhaps Cangmang Mountain’s people also knew that Prince Ding’s household’s leaders had never been suitable targets for their manipulation. “But… even so, surely Cangmang Mountain doesn’t have the power to contend with an entire country?” Having schemed so many things proved Cangmang Mountain’s people had ambition. Having ambition yet always hiding behind others only proved they could not truly compete for the world.
Lei Zhenting shook his head, “The reason Cangmang Mountain’s people never participate directly in fighting for the world isn’t that they lack such power. Rather…” Lei Zhenting hesitated, seeming uncertain whether to continue. After a pause, he finally spoke, “The reason they’ve always remained in seclusion is that Cangmang Mountain’s leaders have always been women. They simply cannot openly compete for the throne themselves. The Central Plains are not like the Southern Frontier – neither common people nor scholars and generals would ever accept a woman ascending to the throne. Therefore, they can only control things from the shadows. After centuries of building their influence, Cangmang Mountain’s power now extends throughout Great Chu, Western Ling, and even Southern Zhao and the Northern Barbarians, with traces even in the Western Regions. Does Prince Ding know why Dong Fangyou suddenly appeared this time?”
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow silently.
Lei Zhenting said coldly, “Because among those Prince Ding killed in Western Ling’s imperial city, many were Cangmang Mountain’s forces, which alarmed this generation’s leader. Prince Ding is right – now Mo Jingli is indeed Cangmang Mountain’s best choice, because currently… Great Chu’s court has the most Cangmang Mountain forces. Furthermore… even in your Prince Ding’s household, I dare not guarantee there are no Cangmang Mountain people.”
Though Prince Ding’s household had been fortified like an iron bucket by generations of princes, even as Lei Zhenting said this, he understood in his heart. If there was any place most difficult for the otherwise all-penetrating Cangmang Mountain to enter, it would certainly be Prince Ding’s household.
Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Thank you for the Southern Regent’s guidance. I understand now. Honestly, I can’t spare the effort to deal with Cangmang Mountain’s people right now. However, I can guarantee that when you’re in a standoff with Mo Jingli, I won’t attack you from behind. When necessary, I can even provide you with some information. Of course, limited to matters concerning Cangmang Mountain.”
Lei Zhenting naturally knew that although Great Chu’s court had moved south, Prince Ding’s household’s intelligence in Great Chu hadn’t fallen behind at all. Getting such a promise from Mo Xiuyao was already far beyond Lei Zhenting’s expectations. However, how much of Mo Xiuyao’s words could be trusted was another question. Mo Xiuyao also saw Lei Zhenting’s doubt and said solemnly, “Once I make a promise, I naturally won’t go back on my word. If I am to face the Southern Regent in battle, I’d prefer to do so openly on the battlefield.”
Lei Zhenting gave them both a deep look before rising, “I understand. In that case, I’ll take my leave.”
“No need to see me out.”
Shortly after Lei Zhenting’s departure, they received Yelü Hong and Princess Ronghua. The four-spoke privately in the study for nearly an hour, and while the content of their discussion remains unknown, news of Prince Ding’s secret meeting with Yelü Hong reached Yelü Ye’s ears without hindrance.
In the guest quarters, Yelü Ye’s face was as cold as water. Dismissing the guard who had come to report, a cold light flashed in his dark eyes. Yelü Hong wanted to ally with Mo Xiuyao against him… not so easy!
In the inner chamber, Consort Liu sat pale-faced against the headboard. Though she had rested for a night, the wound in her abdomen still throbbed with pain. Thinking of Princess Zhenning’s unhesitating strike to her abdomen with the hairpin, and how her children now obeyed Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li without question, Consort Liu’s expression grew even colder.
“Your Highness,” after some thought, Consort Liu called out.
A moment later, Yelü Ye entered with a dark face, his gaze toward Consort Liu full of disgust and disdain. They had originally been merely using each other, and after last night, Yelü Ye’s look toward Consort Liu contained even more disgust. Although she had helped him greatly in the previous attack on Great Chu’s city, she hadn’t been very useful since then. The only reason he hadn’t abandoned her was that this woman knew how to please men, especially his father. Yelü Ye couldn’t understand how his wise and mighty father could become so muddled after turning sixty. Though he had no real relationship with Consort Liu, every time he saw Yelü Hong’s meaningful smirk directed at him, Yelü Ye wanted to strangle this woman.
“What is it?” Yelü Ye asked coldly.
Due to Yelü Ye’s cold tone, Consort Liu bit her lip in hatred. But knowing they were in Li City and she depended entirely on Yelü Ye, she dared not throw a temper, forcing a smile instead, “Your Highness seems unhappy? Is it because of Yelü Hong and Prince Ding’s household?” Yelü Ye looked at her coldly, and Consort Liu said quietly, “Your Highness need not look at me like that, this isn’t hard to guess. After all… Yelü Hong’s crown princess is Princess Ronghua, and although Princess Ronghua’s relationship with Prince Ding’s household wasn’t good before in the capital, her relationship with Ye Li seems quite good this time in Li City. If Yelü Hong wants to ally with Prince Ding against Your Highness, he naturally must start with his crown princess.”
Yelü Ye snorted coldly, “If Yelü Hong wants to deal with me, he’ll have to see if he has the ability. He’s just lucky to have a queen mother.”
Consort Liu said, “Indeed, it’s just a pity that while Your Highness excels in everything else, you lack a mother who could be queen.”
These words struck Yelü Ye’s sore spot, and he glanced at her irritably, “If you just want to waste my time with idle talk, there’s no need. Focus on recovering, lest… you accidentally die here in Li City.” At the word ‘die’, Consort Liu trembled slightly. Over these two years, she had experienced too much pain and struggle, and better understood the terror of death. She also knew of Yelü Ye’s dissatisfaction with her – if she angered him, even if others didn’t move against her, Yelü Ye would find ways to have her killed in Li City. Thinking of this, Consort Liu couldn’t help but resent Ye Li’s good fortune again. She considered herself no worse than Ye Li in any aspect, yet Ye Li was the Princess Consort of Prince Ding, enjoying her husband’s love and the world’s respect, while she had to struggle bitterly just to stay alive.
Seeing Consort Liu being sensible, Yelü Ye finally gave a satisfied snort. Consort Liu quickly pushed aside her thoughts and said to Yelü Ye, “Your Highness, if His Majesty learns of the Crown Prince’s close relationship with Prince Ding, do you think he would be angry? Even if His Majesty wouldn’t do anything to the Crown Prince, what about the Crown Princess?” The Northern Barbarians were inherently prejudiced against outsiders, which was why Consort Liu had originally taken the name Qing Yina. Having lost her noble status, if she had remained identified as a woman from Great Chu in the Northern Barbarians’ territory, she would likely have been trampled into the mud long ago.
Hearing this, a glint flashed in Yelü Ye’s eyes. If he could eliminate Yelü Hong, that would be best; if not, eliminating Princess Ronghua would do. Once Princess Ronghua was gone, Yelü Hong’s connection with Prince Ding’s household would naturally become precarious. “Continue,” he said.
Consort Liu nodded, “If His Majesty learns of the Crown Prince’s collusion with Prince Ding’s household, and then Your Highness makes some moves, or if something happens at the border…”
Yelü Ye lowered his eyes in silence, and Consort Liu, knowing he was thinking, didn’t disturb him. After a long while, Yelü Ye finally looked up at Consort Liu and said, “This matter will depend on you.”
Consort Liu understood, smiling faintly, “I understand, I’ll write a secret letter to His Majesty immediately.” The Northern Barbarian King was advanced in years, and his increasing senility in recent years had led to his favoring Consort Liu. He even disregarded the fact that she had been his son’s betrothed – although this was merely something Yelü Ye had said offhandedly to keep Consort Liu in his army, many people still knew about it. This had greatly damaged Yelü Ye’s face.
Shortly after a secret letter was sent from the guest quarters, a grey figure appeared in Prince Ding’s study. In the study, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li sat drinking tea leisurely with Yelü Hong and Princess Ronghua. Taking the secret letter presented by A Jin with both hands, Mo Xiuyao didn’t even look at it before casually passing it to Yelü Hong. Yelü Hong silently opened and read the letter, his face turning ashen as he slammed it heavily onto the table.
Princess Ronghua frowned with concern and picked up the letter to read it, her expression also turning ugly. If this letter reached the Northern Barbarians, she would be the first to suffer.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, “Crown Prince Yelü need not worry. Within this Li City, without my consent, not even a mosquito could fly out. However… once Yelü Ye returns to the Northern Barbarians, I’ll be powerless to help.”
Yelü Hong looked at Mo Xiuyao and said calmly, “Doesn’t Prince Ding just want to watch us brothers fight?”
Mo Xiuyao smiled, “Does Crown Prince Yelü mean that without me, you brothers would live in harmony? In these years, I haven’t made any moves in the Northern Barbarians.”
Yelü Hong fell silent. Not just in recent years since he had been established as Crown Prince, the struggle with Yelü Ye had never ceased. Don’t think that frontier tribes didn’t have their intrigues; their struggles were even more brutal and bloody than those hidden schemes. Yelü Ye was an ambitious person, but Yelü Hong wasn’t a pushover either. Having already attained the position of Crown Prince, he couldn’t possibly yield. So the conflict between the brothers was not something anyone could change. Though he understood Mo Xiuyao’s words were true, it didn’t change the fact that he had been outmaneuvered by Mo Xiuyao.
Mo Xiuyao smiled, “Actually, Crown Prince Yelü needn’t worry too much. At least our goals align, don’t they? You don’t want to be defeated by Yelü Ye, and I want to drive the Northern Barbarian army out of the Central Plains and, incidentally… take a few lives.” Yelü Hong said irritably, “I am the Northern Barbarian Crown Prince.” How could talk of driving out the Northern Barbarian army from the Central Plains sound pleasant to him? Although the territory was conquered by Yelü Ye, and Yelü Hong was indeed jealous, it was still territory gained by the Northern Barbarians. The Central Plains were rich in resources – who wouldn’t want them?
Mo Xiuyao said quietly, “The Central Plains differ greatly from the Northern Barbarians in many ways. Does the Crown Prince truly think the Northern Barbarians can succeed in the Central Plains?”
Yelü Hong raised an eyebrow defiantly, “How does Prince Ding know it’s impossible?”
“At least not now,” Mo Xiuyao refuted bluntly. “The Central Plains haven’t weakened to such an extent. Even without Great Chu, there’s still my Prince Ding’s household; even without my Prince Ding’s household, there’s still Western Ling. The Northern Barbarians aren’t strong enough to lay claim to the Central Plains.” These words were both fact and warning. Although Yelü Hong was unwilling to accept it, he knew Mo Xiuyao spoke the truth. Throughout history, the number of times the Northern Barbarians had tried to invade the Central Plains was countless. But they had never truly succeeded – even when the Central Plains dynasties had declined to their lowest point, they were still ultimately destroyed by the Central Plains people themselves. Perhaps the Central Plains people were prone to internal strife, leading to dynasty after dynasty of succession. But they were equally firm in resisting foreign invasion, even able to set aside their internal conflicts when necessary to unite against external enemies. This was why many foreign invasions had ultimately failed.
Yelü Hong sighed, “Perhaps Prince Ding is right.” He wasn’t here to discuss with Mo Xiuyao whether the Northern Barbarians should invade the Central Plains or not. Before he could ascend to the Northern Barbarian throne, he had no right to discuss this issue.
Mo Xiuyao also didn’t wish to dwell on this, looking at Yelü Hong with a smile, “Crown Prince Yelü can rest assured, I have no interest in the Northern Barbarians either. So… there’s no conflict of interest between us, is there? After Yelü Ye is finished, Crown Prince Yelü gets the Northern Barbarian throne, and I take back what originally belonged to the Central Plains people. Moreover… there’s almost nothing Crown Prince Yelü needs to do in this process – you could say Crown Prince Yelü will reap the benefits.”
“Then, what are Prince Ding’s plans?” Yelü Hong had to admit he was indeed moved by Mo Xiuyao’s words. As the Northern Barbarian Crown Prince, he absolutely wouldn’t have any treasonous thoughts of colluding with Prince Ding’s household. But his position as Crown Prince wasn’t particularly secure. Although his mother was the Northern Barbarian Queen, his father favored Yelü Ye’s mother more. More importantly, Yelü Ye had far more military support behind him than Yelü Hong did. And in the Northern Barbarians, without sufficient military power, you were nothing. In the past year, his father had increasingly favored the woman Yelü Ye had brought back, and although he often mocked Yelü Ye, his pressure had increased. If not forced by circumstances, he would never have accepted the olive branch from Prince Ding’s household. He wouldn’t betray the Northern Barbarians, but he had to protect his position and his life.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, looking toward Ye Li beside him. Ye Li had been writing on paper the whole time, and only now set down her brush to hand the letter covered in writing to Yelü Hong. When Yelü Hong took it and looked, he was startled – the handwriting was at least ninety percent similar to the previous letter, but the content was completely different. Yelü Ye’s letter naturally concerned Yelü Hong’s collusion with Prince Ding and betrayal of his country, while this one changed the protagonist to Yelü Ye himself, and the other party wasn’t Prince Ding’s household but Ren Qining of the Northern Border. Previously, the alliance Ren Qining and Yelü Ye had signed at Purple Thorn Pass had been Yelü Ye acting without authorization – there was room to make something of this. Thinking of this, Yelü Hong’s eyes showed more appreciation when looking at Ye Li, “Thank you, Princess Consort.”
Ye Li smiled faintly, “Crown Prince need not be polite. Though my imitation has some slight differences from Consort Liu’s handwriting, it shouldn’t be a problem.”
In Great Chu, there might have been some issues, as there were many calligraphy masters in the Great Chu court. But in the Northern Barbarian court, being able to fully translate a letter was considered quite good, let alone identifying handwriting. Even if someone compared it with Consort Liu’s previous handwriting, they probably couldn’t spot these tiny differences.
“But even if His Majesty is temporarily deceived, won’t it be exposed once Yelü Ye and Consort Liu return to the Northern Barbarians?” Princess Ronghua frowned, saying worriedly.
Mo Xiuyao said, “There’s no need to worry too much about that. For the time being… Yelü Ye probably won’t be able to return to the Northern Barbarian court. As long as the Crown Prince keeps watch and doesn’t let him write to the Northern Barbarian King, it will be fine. As for Consort Liu… she won’t need to return.” Given the Northern Barbarian King’s favor for Consort Liu, letting her return to the Northern Barbarian court would not be good. Moreover, from the beginning, Mo Xiuyao had never intended to let those two leave Great Chu. “However, there is one more thing I need the Crown Prince’s help with.”
With so many things planned by Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, Yelü Hong naturally knew he couldn’t do anything in return. He nodded, “Please speak, Prince Ding.”
Mo Xiuyao said quietly, “Has He Lian Zhen transferred to the Central Plains to assist Yelü Ye.”
“This…” Yelü Hong hesitated. Although He Lian Zhen had gradually fallen from favor due to military defeats years ago, he was still Yelü Ye’s uncle. In recent years, he had shown signs of gradually regaining influence, not to mention how many commanders in the Northern Barbarian army had once been He Lian Zhen’s subordinates. If he were truly allowed to lead troops, it might be like nurturing a tiger to later cause harm.
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you deal with He Lian Zhen as well.”
Only then did Yelü Hong remember that Mo Xiuyao had a deep blood feud with He Lian Zhen? After pondering for a moment, he nodded, “In that case, I will petition father to allow He Lian Zhen to lead troops when I return.”
“Thank you.”