The innkeeper’s arrangements were indeed quite appropriate, with the three staying in a secluded courtyard at the back of the inn. The small yard had a door opening to another street corner, allowing people to come and go without arousing suspicion. After Mo Xiuyao’s group rested for a night, the innkeeper came again the next morning to pay his respects.

The three had just finished breakfast when the innkeeper came in, bowed, and asked, “Is there anything lacking in this servant’s preparations?” Ye Li smiled and waved her hand, saying, “When traveling, we don’t need so many formalities. The Prince and I are quite comfortable. Master Tan?” Seeing Ye Li ask for his opinion, Tan Jizhi could only smile bitterly and say quietly, “Thank you for your concern, Princess. Everything is fine.” If even the Ding Prince and Princess had no complaints, what complaints could he, a recently released prisoner, possibly have?

Mo Xiuyao asked calmly, “Has anything happened in the Northern Border palace since Ren Qining’s return?”

The innkeeper’s expression became serious as he respectfully replied, “Reporting to Your Highness, since the Northern Border King returned to Changqing City, his temper seems to have been quite poor. Upon returning to the palace, he severely rebuked several northern nobles who opposed him. These days, the conflicts between the original northern tribal nobles and the former dynasty officials who follow the Northern Border King have become increasingly intense. The Northern Border King has even repeatedly undermined Queen Helan’s face for the sake of Consort Yun. The palace situation is extremely tense, and the conflict between the northern tribespeople and former dynasty officials seems ready to explode at any moment.”

“With things at this stage, Ren Qining still has the mood to attack Zijing Pass?” Ye Li asked curiously. They had just left the pass when they discovered that Ren Qining was also gathering troops to attack Zijing Pass again. The alliance between Ren Qining and Yelü Ye still existed. The innkeeper shook his head, “Originally when the Northern Border King returned to Changqing, he immediately ordered troops to be gathered to attack Zijing Pass. However, the original northern tribal nobles disagreed with deploying troops, which is why they haven’t set out yet. These past two days, the Northern Border King has lashed out at two northern tribal leaders in the palace, and it’s said that only then were the troops finally assembled.” Although the northern army had a million men, most were Central Plains people. But the real main fighting force was still the northern people. The million Central Plains troops were all forcibly recruited over the past two years from territories conquered beyond Zijing Pass. These people not only had no sense of belonging to the North but were also poor at warfare. If Ren Qining wanted to attack Zijing Pass, he needed the northern troops to lead the way.

Ye Li smiled and said, “This Ren Qining is… no wonder Dong Fanghui would abandon him and choose Mo Jingli instead.” He entered the north as a consort and built a nation with northern people’s strength, yet before the nation was stable, he couldn’t wait to start pushing aside the northerners while still needing them to fight his battles. Even if the northerners weren’t skilled at scheming, they weren’t fools. How could anyone expect to run the horse without feeding it?

Mo Xiuyao said calmly, “Ren Qining likely has no choice. Though this king hasn’t met those so-called former dynasty officials around him, I can imagine what kind of people they are. After so many years of hardship following the former dynasty’s orphan, now that they’ve finally succeeded in restoring the nation, how could they allow those they view as barbarians from the northern tribes to be above them? Naturally, they can’t wait to seize all power for themselves.”

“Succeeded in restoring the nation?” Tan Jizhi looked at Mo Xiuyao with an odd expression. Still clinging to the northern territory’s name, Ren Qining didn’t even dare openly use Lin Yuan’s name – what kind of restoration was that? Mo Xiuyao gave Tan Jizhi a meaningful look and smiled, “That’s why this king said… Master Tan is much luckier than Ren Qining.”

Tan Jizhi stared at him with an unfriendly expression, but Mo Xiuyao continued undisturbed, “Master Tan might think you would do better in Ren Qining’s position, but… that’s only because you’re not in his position. Therefore, Master Tan can’t understand how painful it is for someone to bear the expectations of their entire family and everyone around them for two hundred years from birth. At least Doctor Lin never told Master Tan that you must restore the nation, right? So, Master Tan, you can retreat, but Ren Qining will never have that option.”

“You’re not Ren Qining either, how do you know his pain?” Tan Jizhi said rudely.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and shook his head without speaking. Though he didn’t bear a two-hundred-year mission of national restoration like Tan Jizhi, the Mo family army’s descendants were born with the mission of protecting Great Chu, so he could understand something of Ren Qining’s feelings and predicament.

Ye Li sighed softly, “Ren Qining is truly talented, but it’s a pity…” Someone like Ren Qining, lacking neither schemes nor strategies, if not for those so-called former dynasty officials, if not for the pressure of national restoration if he had simply ruled the north as the northern consort, he might have achieved great things, and wouldn’t be caught in such a difficult situation. Conversely, without those officials who had served the Lin family for generations, Ren Qining might not have developed such schemes and tactics. Victory and defeat, gain and loss – how could such things be explained in just a few words?

Tan Jizhi remained silent. Though he refused to admit it, in his heart, he knew he couldn’t match Ren Qining. However you looked at it, Ren Qining had unified the northern tribes and forced the Great Chu court to relocate to Jiangnan. While he had achieved nothing after so many years of effort, eventually becoming Mo Xiuyao’s prisoner.

“Since Ren Qining is preparing to deploy troops, we need to move quickly too. Should I go see Queen Helan?” Ye Li asked.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, “Queen Helan is clever. She’ll come to see us when she knows we’re here. No need to rush.”

Tan Jizhi started, then shook his head with a bitter smile, “Even Queen Helan is on your side? I can’t imagine any reason why Ren Qining wouldn’t be defeated.”

Ye Li smiled gently, “Though Queen Helan is from the north, she’s a remarkably intelligent woman. Her wisdom and ability make her truly outstanding among women.” Without a doubt, Ye Li greatly admired Queen Helan. Compared to Princess Anxi, Queen Helan had an additional measure of ruthlessness and decisiveness. Just by daring to gamble her whole life to marry Ren Qining as queen, then unhesitatingly choosing to cooperate with the unfamiliar Ding Prince Manor – the Central Plains saying about “a day’s marriage bringing a hundred days of affection” meant nothing to her, so she showed no mercy in scheming against her husband. In comparison, Princess Anxi was much more likely to soften toward her relatives.

Tan Jizhi sighed, “The world today truly abounds with remarkable women – the Ding Princess, Princess Anxi, and Queen Helan – they truly put us, men, to shame.”

Ye Li smiled gracefully, “Master Tan flatters me. How could I compare to the Nanzhao Queen and Queen Helan?”

Tan Jizhi shook his head, “I think the Ding Princess is truly the cleverest woman in the world.” Whether Princess Anxi or Queen Helan, they might eventually wield immense power, making even the world’s men bow before them. But they could only obtain power. While Ye Li only had the title of Ding Prince’s wife, in people’s eyes she wasn’t the Prince’s subordinate but truly his equal. More importantly, she not only gained enviable power but also had a husband who truly loved her, relatives who always put her first, and both sons and daughters – everything a woman in the world could desire, she had obtained, and obtained the best. How could such an extraordinary woman not inspire admiration?

Hearing others praise Ye Li, though Mo Xiuyao felt a touch of sourness in his heart, he was still happy. While he naturally wished he was the only one who could see Ari’s goodness, he also hoped the world would acknowledge her and couldn’t tolerate anyone looking down on her in the slightest. Moreover, today’s Mo Xiuyao was no longer the severely injured, disfigured Ding Prince whose life hung by a thread from years ago. After ten years of marriage with Ye Li, he naturally did not need to doubt their feelings. He was confident that no one in the world could be more worthy of Ari than himself, and his daily jealousy was merely a form of endearment.

“Of course, this king’s Ari is the cleverest woman in the world. Did you need to say it?” Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows.

Ye Li gave him a helpless glance, remaining silent. She had good self-awareness and knew that in terms of cleverness, she couldn’t be considered the cleverest. Her advantage was merely having an additional lifetime and experiences completely different from others in this world.

Seeing the hidden threat in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes, Tan Jizhi couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Even if he had enormous courage, how could he dare covet the Ding Princess? If he had such thoughts before, after being tormented by Mo Xiuyao these past two years, he didn’t have even a shred of such ideas left. Everyone in the world knew the Ding Prince valued his wife more than his own life – the ghosts of Xiling Imperial City and Ren Qining were living examples. Moreover, the Ding Princess herself was no pushover; anyone without real ability who tried to provoke her would only be asking for humiliation.

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li stayed temporarily in Changqing City but weren’t in a hurry to deal with Ren Qining. Instead, they left these matters for Tan Jizhi to handle himself, while the idle couple occasionally walked around Changqing City, quite leisurely and carefree.

One day, while they were dining, the innkeeper came to report that the northern army’s vanguard had set out for Zijing Pass, and in a few days, Ren Qining would personally lead the army into battle. Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and smiled, “He’s quite confident, not afraid at all of trouble at home.” Ye Li smiled, “It seems that although the northerners are fierce, they can also act. Ren Qining probably only thinks the northerners don’t get along with the former dynasty officials; he never imagined they’re planning to rebel against him.” Mo Xiuyao said, “In Ren Qining’s view, the northern tribes have long been without leadership, so he naturally couldn’t imagine that Queen Helan would have such ability. Speaking of which, the northern people have long been used to each tribe governing itself. Even without Queen Helan secretly coordinating, they would have rebelled sooner or later.”

“Go ahead and send the news to General Leng Huai at Zijing Pass,” Mo Xiuyao instructed.

The innkeeper was about to withdraw when a commotion erupted downstairs. Seeing their frowns, the innkeeper hurriedly excused himself to investigate. Mo Xiuyao suddenly smiled and said to Ye Li, “Ari, let’s go take a look too.” The two left their room and from their vantage point on the second floor could see several elegantly dressed Central Plains men confronting several northern men in the hall below. The northerners were all bear-like in build, with fierce expressions – not people ordinary folk could provoke. But though the Central Plains men had the frail, fair appearance of scholars, their bearing was no less imposing, and their words were sharp as knives in the confrontation.

The northerners, unskilled in verbal sparring, couldn’t match the Central Plains men’s rhetoric and became red-faced with anger, their fury rising. When tempers flared and they moved to fight, though the Central Plains men themselves had no martial ability, they were accompanied by many skilled guards and showed no fear of combat.

Sure enough, the two sides quickly came to blows. The innkeeper, seemingly accustomed to such scenes, anxiously tried to mediate but was pushed aside and retreated behind the counter, falling silent. In less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea, the once-orderly inn hall was reduced to shambles.

These men were so absorbed in their fight that they didn’t even notice Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao coming down from upstairs. From behind the counter, the innkeeper hurriedly came forward to guide them to a secluded corner away from the fighting. Mo Xiuyao watched the ongoing brawl in the center of the hall with curiosity and asked with a smile, “You don’t seem worried at all?”

The innkeeper wiped his forehead and smiled bitterly, “These days in Changqing City, there isn’t a day without fighting. Even this humble establishment has seen three such incidents this month. As for the pleasure houses, it goes without saying… whenever the two factions meet, fighting is inevitable.” Of course, this inn was a Ding Prince Manor outpost – profit was good but losses didn’t matter. If it were truly a commoner’s establishment, they would have packed up and left long ago. The so-called Northern Border capital was already quite desolate; except for the former dynasty officials and northern tribal nobles, ordinary people lived in extreme poverty. There were few shops in all of Changqing City, so the innkeeper’s modest establishment often became a casualty of these conflicts.

Ye Li frowned, “Isn’t there anyone to stop this?”

The innkeeper shook his head and sighed, “Who could? Those who dare fight in the city are all court nobles. That northern leader is the youngest son of the second-largest northern tribe’s chief – Queen Helan’s cousin. Those Central Plains men are the Prime Minister’s son and Consort Yun’s brother.”

Mo Xiuyao stroked his chin thoughtfully, “Indeed, quite notable figures.”

As they spoke, the fighting gradually moved in their direction. One of the Central Plains men, struck by a northerner’s punch, flew toward Ye Li. Mo Xiuyao snorted softly and waved his sleeve, causing the man to falter and fall to the side. However, instead of seeking revenge against his attacker, the man’s gaze fell on Ye Li. He stared, his eyes, clouded by wine and debauchery, filling with lecherous intent.

Though disguised, Ye Li still possessed elegant and refined beauty. Though this young man was a high official’s son under Ren Qining, he had only seen the tall, athletic northern women for years, and since returning to Great Chu, hadn’t seen anyone with Ye Li’s outstanding grace in the impoverished Changqing City. Even the most favored Consort Yun couldn’t compare. Ignoring the ongoing fight with the northerners, he leered at Ye Li’s beautiful face and said with a lascivious smile, “May I know how to address this lady?”

Ye Li was slightly startled, finding it somewhat amusing. She had encountered many things over the years, but being harassed so openly in public was genuinely a first. She smiled gracefully, “And how should I address this young master?”

Seeing that Ye Li showed none of the typical feminine shyness, the man was delighted, “This young master is the Prime Minister’s son. Lady, why not come stay at the Prime Minister’s manor for a while? It would be better than suffering in this shabby inn.” The man glanced at Mo Xiuyao standing with Ye Li, showing a contemptuous smile.

The innkeeper discreetly retreated. This Prime Minister’s son had been running wild in Changqing City for over a year – this time he’d truly walked into death’s door by encountering the Prince.

On the other side, the northerners who had been fighting enthusiastically saw their opponent run off to flirt with a lady and grew furious. “Coward, fight another hundred rounds if you dare!”

“This young master won’t bother with you northern barbarians today!” the Prime Minister’s son said arrogantly. He could fight with northerners any day, but such beauties were rare. Though the northerners lacked cunning and directness, their martial abilities far surpassed these sickly scholar-nobles. Their judgment in such matters was naturally much better, and they could see at a glance that the couple wasn’t to be trifled with. Therefore, they stopped fighting and stood aside to watch the show. Seeing the northerners stop fighting, the Prime Minister’s son grew even more arrogant.

Looking at the beauty’s elegant, otherworldly smile before him, the Prime Minister’s son couldn’t contain himself. He reached out to grab Ye Li’s hand but was stopped by another hand gripping his wrist. The Prime Minister’s son was startled and looked up at Mo Xiuyao, who had been silent beside them, “Who are you? Release this young master at once!”

A cold smile curved Mo Xiuyao’s lips as he slightly increased his grip, causing the Prime Minister’s son to let out a pig-like shriek that startled the onlookers who had been enjoying the scene.

“Outrageous! Do you know who I am?” The Prime Minister’s son’s face was deathly pale, sweating profusely. This man in blue had merely gripped lightly, but his hand… he could feel that his hand bones were already shattered. Even if the legendary physician Hua Tuo were alive, he probably couldn’t help.

“Of course, the Prime Minister’s son,” Mo Xiuyao said calmly, giving the innkeeper a look. The innkeeper immediately understood, and with a wave of his hand, the servants who had been trembling in corners swiftly moved to close the inn’s main doors. It was strange – Changqing City was too desolate; in other cities, such a commotion would have drawn crowds of onlookers. But here, common people could barely feed themselves, let alone frequent inns. This inn was located near where the nobles lived, usually saw few passersby, and those who did see noble sons fighting would flee. Now a group of people was locked inside the inn, yet no one outside noticed. The occasional passerby assumed the innkeeper had closed for business.

“What do you intend to do?” As the doors closed, others sensed something was wrong. Several northerners, relying on their agility, tried to break out, but the seemingly unremarkable servants were well-trained and wouldn’t let them succeed.

“Who… who exactly are you?” the Prime Minister’s son asked, trembling, his face paper-white.

Mo Xiuyao carelessly tossed him aside and said coldly, “So these are the descendants of Ren Qining’s former dynasty officials? Nothing but useless wine sacks.”

“You… how dare you! Directly using His Majesty’s name!”

Mo Xiuyao let out a contemptuous laugh, “What’s wrong with using his name? This king even killed his entire family.”

“You!” At this, everyone’s expressions changed – after Mo Xiuyao’s words, how could they not know his identity? “You… you’re the Ding Prince?!” In recent years, Mo Xiuyao’s reputation had been quite fearsome, no wonder these people were terrified.

Ye Li smiled gently, “Don’t be afraid, we don’t kill indiscriminately.”

“You… you’re the Ding Princess?” the Prime Minister’s son asked, trembling.

Ye Li smiled charmingly, “I am indeed Ye Li.”

“Ding Prince, Ding Princess, we haven’t offended you,” the northerners exchanged glances before their leader carefully stepped forward. Even if considered barbarians, northerners feared death too, and Mo Xiuyao’s god of death reputation had reached even their ears.

Ye Li smiled, “So this young master is Queen Helan’s cousin? Please inform Queen Helan that an old friend seeks a meeting.” As a tribal leader’s son, this young man had some cunning and knew many things. Hearing Ye Li’s words, his expression changed slightly as he nodded, “I will certainly convey the message. May we leave now?”

Ye Li nodded, “Please go ahead.”

Seeing the northerners leave safely, the Central Plains noble sons hesitated before stepping forward to negotiate with Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, “Your Highnesses, we…” Ye Li said, “I’m afraid we’ll have to ask you all to wait here for a while.”

Everyone’s expressions changed, “Ding Princess, no matter how powerful you are, this is still northern territory!”

Mo Xiuyao laughed coldly, “This king wants to detain you – what can you do about it?” The speaker immediately wilted – what could they do if the Ding Prince wanted to detain them?

“Aren’t you afraid the court will come looking?”

“Isn’t Ren Qining busy preparing for war? Would he have time to look for some missing noble sons?” The alliance between Ren Qining and Yelü Ye was crucial to the north – even major issues wouldn’t affect Ren Qining’s military deployment now, let alone the disappearance of some worthless youths.

“My father will send people to rescue me,” the Prime Minister’s son said trembling, his face twisted with the pain in his wrist.

Mo Xiuyao smiled, “No need for your father to rescue you – this king will have you sent back. Come, take him to Tan Jizhi – he knows what to do. As for the others, lock them up for now.”

“As commanded,” the innkeeper stepped forward, grabbed the Prime Minister’s son, and headed for the back courtyard. The others were also led away, and the chaotic inn suddenly fell silent. Ye Li smiled at Mo Xiuyao, “You plan to use these people to incite conflict between the northerners and former dynasty officials – will it work?”

Mo Xiuyao’s smile turned cold, “We’ll find out when we try.”