While Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were busy dealing with various power holders, Xu Qingchen’s work efficiency had dropped to zero. Mo Xiuyao finally had a moment of conscience, realizing he hadn’t handled things properly this time, and very rarely took over Qingchen’s usual duties, allowing Young Master Qingchen to focus on dealing with a certain woman. In just a few days, almost everyone in the Definitive Prince’s mansion knew about a young lady who was persistently demanding to marry Young Master Qingchen, but unfortunately, he showed no interest in her and seemed to avoid her at all costs.

Madam Xu, concerned about her eldest son’s marriage prospects, came after hearing the news. However, after meeting Dongfang You for less than fifteen minutes, she left disappointed. In private, she told Second Madam Xu, “I would rather Qingchen never marry than let him marry a woman who lives in constant daydreams and tries to force others to share in them.”

Regardless of the Xu family’s attitude, Dongfang You’s daily visits to the Definitive Prince’s mansion to pressure Young Master Qingchen into marriage became a daily spectacle for everyone in the mansion, big and small. Some even started placing bets on how long Young Master Qingchen could hold out and whether he would eventually marry Miss Dongfang.

“Young Master, Miss Dongfang requests an audience.” Upon hearing the guard’s report during his rare moment of leisure, Young Master Qingchen looked at the guard’s barely suppressed smile and, for the first time in his typically cultured and refined life, wished he could tear Mo Xiuyao into pieces. Rubbing his temples, Xu Qingchen said, “Tell Miss Dongfang I’m not here.” For the first time in his life, Young Master Qingchen felt the urge to flee in panic.

The guard looked at him uncomfortably and said, “Miss Dongfang says she knows Young Master Qingchen is in the mansion. If Young Master refuses to see her, she’ll wait at the mansion gates and won’t leave. Young Master… there are already quite a few civilians gathering to watch outside.” Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but laugh bitterly but then realized that while these guards might want to watch the drama unfold, they were indeed in a difficult position. Given Dongfang You’s special status, at least until the Definitive Prince’s mansion could investigate the background of Cangmang Mountain thoroughly, they couldn’t be too harsh with her. Sighing helplessly, Xu Qingchen nodded, “Please invite Miss Dongfang in.”

As the guard left to carry out the order, Xu Qingyan poked his head in from outside, grinning as he asked Xu Qingchen, “Big Brother, is that Dongfang You coming to find you again?”

Xu Qingchen gave him a cool glance and asked, “If you’re so free, why don’t you help me receive the guest? Stop wandering around aimlessly all day.” Xu Qingyan ducked his head, looking pitifully at Xu Qingchen. These days, even his big brother was taking out his frustrations on him. He had been busy in the north for over a year, and it wasn’t easy to finally get a few days of rest during his grandfather’s birthday celebrations. How did that become aimless wandering?

Cautiously stepping into the study, Xu Qingyan obediently stood before Xu Qingchen like someone accepting punishment, “Big Brother, I was wrong.”

Xu Qingchen asked with a smile, “What did you do wrong?”

Xu Qingyan declared righteously, “I shouldn’t wander around aimlessly when I have nothing to do. I’ll go help father and uncle right away, then attend to grandfather.” My biggest mistake was gloating in front of Big Brother. Xu Qingchen nodded satisfactorily with a faint smile and said, “Since you know your mistake, stay here and help your big brother entertain Miss Dongfang.”

Huh? Xu Qingyan’s eyes widened in horror. He had witnessed Dongfang You’s power firsthand – she dared to lecture anyone she met. She spoke about the way of ruling the Definitive Prince, lectured Sister Li about being a wife and empress, and even dared to prattle on about motherhood to his mother. Had she ever even been a mother? Xu Qingyan even wondered if she would dare teach his grandfather about being a role model if she met him. Just thinking about it felt like a nightmare.

“Big Brother… is that necessary? Miss Dongfang is here to see you…”

Xu Qingchen smiled and said, “How could it not be? Miss Dongfang is an honored guest of the Definitive Prince’s mansion. It’s more proper if we brothers receive her together.”

Just as Xu Qingyan was about to say something else to beg for his brother’s mercy, a snow-white figure appeared at the doorway. Dongfang You stood there, slightly frowning when she saw Xu Qingyan and gave a slight nod before saying coolly, “Why is the Fifth Young Master here?”

Xu Qingyan couldn’t help but stare in disbelief. This young lady’s words were far too strange. What did she mean by asking why he was here? Even if the Definitive Prince’s mansion wasn’t his home, it was his cousin’s home – surely his presence was more normal than hers, someone with no connection to the place? And what was that seemingly arrogant frown and nod about? Taking a deep breath, the Fifth Young Master barely remembered his manners. With a stiff face, he nodded and said, “Isn’t Miss Dongfang here as well?”

Dongfang You’s eyes widened – even someone as obtuse as her could sense the hostility in Xu Qingyan’s words. However, she didn’t understand why Xu Qingyan was being so discourteous to her, completely failing to realize that her greeting to him hadn’t been particularly polite either.

Xu Qingchen smiled and said, “Miss Dongfang, please sit. What brings you here so early?”

Dongfang You nodded and said, “I want to ask if Young Master Qingchen is willing to marry me?” Hearing this, Xu Qingchen’s smile froze, while Xu Qingyan’s mouth twitched uncontrollably. After a pause, Xu Qingchen lowered his eyes and calmly drank his tea. After contemplating for a moment, he said, “Miss Dongfang, I believe I have already given you my answer. I refuse.”

“Why?” Dongfang You frowned, clearly struggling to understand why Xu Qingchen would reject her. After thinking for a moment, she said, “I’ve heard that Young Master Qingchen has an extraordinary relationship with the Queen of Nanzhao, but she is already married and about to have a child. Since Young Master Qingchen is an outstanding gentleman, you should know when to let go. Moreover, I am no less capable than the Queen of Nanzhao. Anything she can do, I can do better…”

“Miss Dongfang!” Xu Qingchen frowned, his handsome face showing a trace of displeasure as he said sternly, “The Queen of Nanzhao and I are merely friends. Please don’t spread baseless rumors. While it might not matter much to me as a man, the Queen and her consort are deeply in love. For you to say such things…”

Dongfang You paused for a moment, then nodded, “Very well, I was wrong. In that case, why won’t Young Master Qingchen marry me?”

Xu Qingyan, who had been listening from the side, deeply felt that although his brother was full of literary knowledge and strategies, Dongfang You was truly his nemesis. Clearing his throat with a light cough, Xu Qingyan smiled and asked, “Miss Dongfang, why must my big brother marry you?”

Dongfang You replied matter-of-factly, “Young Master Qingchen is the Definitive Princess’s cousin. After our marriage, naturally, our Cangmang Mountain will assist the Definitive Prince, and I will secretly help the Prince achieve his great endeavors. Is there something wrong with that?”

Xu Qingyan nodded and smiled, “There’s nothing wrong with that, but… why must it be you who assists the Definitive Prince’s mansion? Can’t the mansion achieve great things without you?”

Such a direct and nearly discourteous question caused considerable trouble for Dongfang You. She furrowed her brows in thought for a moment before saying, “But the Definitive Prince is the future ruler I have chosen, so naturally, he needs my assistance.”

Xu Qingyan rolled his eyes and said, “The Definitive Prince’s mansion has been doing fine without your assistance before.”

“Things will naturally be better with my help,” Dongfang You finally regained her confidence and said, “After all these years, the Definitive Prince’s mansion still hasn’t escaped its predicament of being surrounded by powerful enemies. Isn’t this enough to prove that the Prince’s current advisors are inadequate?”

The brothers remained silent. This was an indiscriminate attack, insulting everyone in the Definitive Prince’s mansion, young and old, with a single sentence. What predicament? Xu Qingyan cursed internally. Was Dongfang You blind? Currently, even if the Definitive Prince’s territory wasn’t the largest among all countries, it was at least the second largest. Their military strength was so formidable that other powers dared not challenge them. What more did she want? In just a few short years, they had gone from being surrounded by enemies to sweeping across the land – even storybooks couldn’t write such a legendary tale.

Xu Qingyan secretly gathered his composure and nodded at the self-assured Dongfang You, saying, “I understand now. We’re very happy that Miss Dongfang is willing to assist the Definitive Prince.”

Xu Qingchen, who had been fondling his teacup, raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at his usually clever fifth brother without saying anything. Dongfang You looked at Xu Qingyan with confusion, not understanding why he had suddenly changed his stance.

Xu Qingyan cleared his throat and said seriously, “Manager Mo of the Definitive Prince’s mansion has been a widower for many years, remaining single. But he is one of the people the Definitive Prince trusts most. If Miss Dongfang would condescend to marry him, I believe both the Prince and Princess would trust in your and Cangmang Mountain’s sincerity. Big Brother, what do you think?”

This time it was Young Master Qingchen’s turn for his mouth to twitch, but being skilled at concealment, he naturally raised his teacup to his lips to hide it. He calmly nodded and said, “Fifth Brother makes a good point.”

“Ma-Manager Mo?” Dongfang You was suddenly dumbfounded, unable to recall who this Manager Mo was. Actually, Dongfang You had seen Manager Mo several times, but she was so proud that she barely nodded even to the Fifth Young Master. In her eyes, Manager Mo, regardless of his special status, was just a servant of the Definitive Prince’s mansion, naturally not worth remembering.

Xu Qingyan nodded, saying with complete sincerity, “Yes, that uncle who wears black clothes. Speaking of which, in all of Li City, he’s the only uncle who can wear the Definitive Prince mansion’s black fitted clothes and still looks so spirited.” Other older men were either military officers or scholars. Only Manager Mo, who had a martial arts background but had been doing scholarly work, could make black-fitted clothes look both spirited and elegant.

Dongfang You immediately remembered the grey-haired manager in black whom she had met on her first visit to the Definitive Prince’s mansion, and her expression became extremely uncomfortable. Perhaps her face hadn’t looked this bad even when Mo Xiuyao had told her to get lost in front of so many people.

“He… how could that be possible?!” Dongfang You rejected almost reflexively.

Xu Qingyan blinked and said, “Why not? Although our Xu family is close to the Definitive Prince, we can’t compare it to the old servants who have served the mansion for generations. Manager Mo’s family has been loyal to the Definitive Prince’s mansion for generations. Moreover… Miss Dongfang, didn’t you say you didn’t care who you married? Marrying Manager Mo would be perfect then. I believe that although Manager Mo has no intention of marriage, he would sacrifice himself without hesitation for the Definitive Prince’s mansion. But my big brother is different – our Xu family cares very much about who he marries. My grandfather always says… better to have no marriage than a poor match.”

Dongfang You probably encountered someone who spoke like Xu Qingyan for the first time in her life. Her pretty face changed colors rapidly from red to purple to blue, like a color-changing palette.

Xu Qingchen secretly shot Xu Qingyan an approving glance, put down his teacup, and said to Dongfang You, “Miss Dongfang, my fifth brother speaks truly. If you are willing, the entire Definitive Prince’s mansion would welcome you most heartily, and I can even ask the Prince himself to personally visit Cangmang Mountain to propose marriage. What does Miss think of that?”

“No!” Dongfang You almost screamed, her outburst instantly dispelling any mysterious aura she had previously maintained. She shouted like an ordinary hot-tempered young girl dissatisfied with her marriage prospects, “He’s an old man! And a servant! How could he be worthy of me?”

Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingyan’s expressions darkened slightly, but they made no comment on Dongfang You’s words. Wasn’t it more accurate to say that this woman wasn’t worthy of Manager Mo? Although Manager Mo wasn’t young, his appearance was certainly not bad, and he didn’t look old. Moreover, as the General Manager of the Definitive Prince’s mansion, he was absolutely among the Prince’s most trusted confidants. It was only because he had no interest in marriage – if he wanted to marry, there would probably be quite a few families in Li City eager to offer their daughters.

Although it was somewhat improper to upset a young lady in this way, Xu Qingchen had truly become tired of Dongfang You’s persistent harassment these past few days. Seeing her current behavior, the displeasure on his face became even more apparent.

“In that case, it seems Miss Dongfang lacks sincerity. Originally, the Definitive Prince’s mansion didn’t need any capable people’s assistance. Please take your leave, Miss,” Xu Qingchen said coolly while serving tea to see the guest out.

Dongfang You left defeated once again, throwing a resentful glare at Xu Qingyan and leaving with the words “I won’t give up” before turning to leave.

After she left, the study remained quiet for a moment before Xu Qingyan finally couldn’t hold back and burst into laughter. Looking at his brother doubled over with laughter, Xu Qingchen merely shook his head slightly with a smile, saying nothing. Xu Qingyan wiped the tears of laughter from his eyes with one hand while holding his stomach with the other and asked, “Big Brother, is this woman really from Cangmang Mountain? This is too…”

Xu Qingchen calmly said, “Whether she is or not, we’ll know soon enough. However, it’s probably true, which goes to show… people shouldn’t stay away from the mortal world for too long, or they might accidentally produce such an oddity. I wonder if the Master of Cangmang Mountain regrets it when seeing this Miss Dongfang.”

“Young Master, Fifth Young Master, the Prince, and Princess request your presence,” at the door, Manager Mo had been standing there for an unknown time, looking at them with a calm expression.

The two men who weren’t skilled in martial arts looked at each other, feeling somewhat guilty about having just discussed someone behind their backs. “Manager Mo, when… when did you arrive?”

Manager Mo replied calmly, “When the Fifth Young Master said I would sacrifice myself without hesitation for the Definitive Prince’s mansion. Thank you for such high praise, Fifth Young Master.”

Xu Qingyan felt embarrassed, “Manager Mo is too kind.”

After leaving the Definitive Prince’s mansion, Dongfang You’s expression remained very unpleasant. The gazes that examined her along the way felt like needle pricks, making her extremely uncomfortable. She wasn’t a completely insensitive wooden block, of course, she could feel the people’s gazes and words around her. Although many people treated it as watching Xu Qingchen’s joke, Qingchen was an innocent victim in this matter – the person everyone looked down upon and mocked was Dongfang You. However, Dongfang You considered this just another obstacle and trial on her path to success, so she always gritted her teeth and pretended nothing had happened. But today, after being so openly mocked and teased by Xu Qingyan, even her thick skin couldn’t maintain composure anymore.

She genuinely wanted to help the Definitive Prince’s mansion, and she didn’t believe that the Prince and Xu Qingchen didn’t know how many benefits she and Cangmang Mountain could bring them. Yet they simply refused to take her seriously. In that moment, Dongfang You both hated the Definitive Prince for failing to recognize such a great talent and resented the Xu family for rejecting her gracious offer. If it were others, they would have long since scrambled to establish connections with Cangmang Mountain, yet the people of the Definitive Prince’s mansion were so arrogant and discourteous! However, even so, her ambition and determination would not change. Before leaving the mountain, she had sworn to her master that she would achieve accomplishments surpassing their ancestors. She would assist in creating an emperor who would unite the world, making Cangmang Mountain’s reputation known throughout the land.

“Miss Dongfang?” While Dongfang You was walking out of the Definitive Prince’s mansion in a daze, a deep male voice called from behind. Dongfang You turned around to see Mo Jingli standing not far behind, looking at her. She immediately suppressed her previous mixture of dejection and resentment, raising her head to look at Mo Jingli calmly.

It must be said that Dongfang You’s so-called secret technique was indeed quite well practiced. Just in that moment of raising her head, she seemed to transform into a different person entirely. Her beautiful face wore a calm expression without a smile, yet it possessed an irresistible attractiveness. Her whole being seemed like an immortal fairy bathed in a mysterious sunset glow – for a moment, Mo Jingli even felt his heart skip a beat.

“Prince Li, is there something you need?”

Mo Jingli composed himself and walked slowly to Dongfang You, looking down at her as he asked, “Is Miss Dongfang in a bad mood?”

Dongfang You weren’t a fool; how could she not see that Mo Jingli was trying to get close to her? But she quickly discovered that the Prince’s attentiveness didn’t make her happy; instead, it made her remember more clearly the ruthless rejection from the Definitive Prince’s mansion and the Xu family. She immediately felt somewhat dispirited and merely glanced at Mo Jingli before lowering her eyes.

As long as he wasn’t looking directly at Dongfang You’s face and eyes, Mo Jingli’s senses remained normal, and he naturally noticed Dongfang You’s indifference toward him.

“Did Miss Dongfang visit the Definitive Prince’s mansion again?” Mo Jingli didn’t mind, continuing to walk beside Dongfang You while asking casually.

Dongfang You stopped walking and looked at Mo Jingli seriously, asking, “Does Prince Li look down on me?” Mo Jingli shook his head and said, “How could that be? I just have some advice I’d like to share with Miss, to prevent you from running into more walls.”

Dongfang You paused, “Let’s hear it.”

Mo Jingli said, “Mo Xiuyao’s deep feelings for Ye Li are known throughout the world. He would never do anything that might make the Definitive Princess unhappy.” Dongfang You nodded and said, “I already know this, which is why I have no intention of coming between the Definitive Prince and Princess.” Mo Jingli continued, “I know Miss thinks Xu Qingchen is not bad, but… the Xu family people, especially Xu Qingchen, may appear gentle and refined, but their hearts are probably even more proud than Mo Xiuyao’s. He would never accept a marriage without love. That’s why after all these years, though Xu Qingchen is over thirty, he still hasn’t married, and even Master Qingyun and Master Hongyu cannot force him to do anything. Miss, pursuing him like this will only backfire.”

Dongfang You’s heart stirred slightly as she pondered, “Is that so? Then if…” If I could make Xu Qingchen fall in love with me?

Seeing her expression, Mo Jingli could guess what she was thinking. He smiled faintly and said, “Also, there’s one more thing. The Xu family has strict family rules. Although they dote on the Definitive Princess and don’t restrict her, that’s actually because the Definitive Princess’s family name was Ye, and after marriage became Mo, not Xu. The women of the Xu family, no matter how talented, ultimately must stay at home to support their husbands and teach their children. Even the current Madam Xu, Second Madam Xu, and Second Young Madam – weren’t they all famous talented ladies in their day? But now they live in obscurity. So, Miss, if you truly wish to marry into the Xu family, you should consider carefully.”

Dongfang You gave him a cool glance and said, “I know what you’re thinking, but I’ve already chosen the Definitive Prince’s mansion. No matter what you think, it’s useless.”

Mo Jingli’s smile instantly froze, and he forced a laugh, saying, “Miss jests. I was merely trying to give you a friendly reminder.”

Dongfang You let out a light snort and no longer paid attention to Mo Jingli as she headed toward her temporary residence.

Behind her, Mo Jingli watched her departing figure, his eyes gleaming with determination.

Dongfang You weren’t staying at the guest house with the Southern Pacification King. The Southern Pacification King was right – Cangmang Mountain’s influence truly did extend throughout the world. Even in Li City, they had their strongholds. Dongfang You’s residence was a rather spacious empty courtyard in Li City. When Mo’s army first arrived in Li City, many officials and wealthy merchants had fled inland, leaving many houses empty. This house had been bought during that time but had remained uninhabited until Dongfang You’s arrival.

Dongfang You dismissed the servants who came to greet her and turned back to her room. Just as she closed the door and turned around, she saw a figure sitting by her bed. The room was dimly lit, and through the layers of gauze curtains, she couldn’t see who the visitor was. With a flick of her wrist, two short swords appeared in her hands. Dongfang You pointed one at the person and demanded harshly, “Who are you?” Without waiting for an answer, she launched herself forward, her short swords cutting through the layers of gauze-like silver rainbows.

“Yu’er.” A low, slightly hoarse female voice rang out in the room. Dongfang You’s heart jumped in shock, and she quickly halted her attack, landing gracefully. Seeing the figure emerging from inside, she hurriedly knelt and bowed, “Master.”

The newcomer was a middle-aged woman who appeared to be in her forties or fifties, with features even more striking than Dongfang You’s. Though her prime had passed, she still retained her charm. Looking coolly at Dongfang You, the woman nodded and said, “You’re quite bold.”

Dongfang You froze, asking somewhat fearfully, “Master… what did Yu’er do wrong?”

The woman stared at Dongfang You for a long while before suddenly raising her hand and delivering a harsh slap to her face. Dongfang You’s jade-white cheek instantly turned red, but facing her master’s cool, deep gaze, she dared not say a word. She only heard the woman say, “You eavesdropped on half a conversation between me and the elders, and dared to secretly come down the mountain? Coming down the mountain is one thing – with your martial arts skills, few people out here could bully you. But you dared to seek out the Definitive Prince! Who gave you such courage? Cangmang Mountain has never chosen the Definitive Prince’s mansion in all these years – do you know why?”