Two days later, when Mo Jingli sent people to the Chu Manor again, the Chu family had already vanished without a trace. They left behind only a letter personally written by Chu Junwei, stating that while the Chu family couldn’t serve the emperor loyally, they also couldn’t commit treason by harming him. As for the guards Mo Jingli had sent, no one ever saw them again.

When Mo Jingli heard the news, he flew into a rage, but how could he find any trace of Ye Li now?

At this time, Ye Li was already in the mountains dozens of miles outside Nanjing city. Standing beside several small thatched cottages, she surveyed the scenery before her and nodded with a smile: “This is indeed a good place to recuperate.”

“Sister Li!” Yun Ge came out from the cottage and, seeing Ye Li standing outside with a smile, joyfully used her lightness skill to land in front of her. “Sister Li, how did you get in?”

Ye Li smiled, “The formation outside is quite good. It took me over two hours to make my way in.”

Yun Ge blinked in confusion, saying, “But I didn’t sense anyone coming in.”

Ye Li smiled sweetly and patted her rosy cheeks, asking, “How is Big Brother doing?”

“Oh no, I forgot… Xu Qingchen’s medicine!” Yun Ge cried out in dismay and rushed back into the cottage, not even minding that Ye Li was still following behind her. She had just finished brewing the medicine when she heard movement outside and hurried out to look, nearly forgetting that Xu Qingchen’s medicine had already been poured out. If not drunk quickly, it would get cold.

Watching Yun Ge carry a bowl of medicine from the cottage toward another small house, Ye Li raised an eyebrow and followed.

“Xu Qingchen, time for medicine.” Yun Ge carried the medicine into Xu Qingchen’s room. Xu Qingchen put down the book in his hand and frowned at the medicine bowl in her hands. “Yun Ge, can’t you make all these medicines into pills?” After this injury, Young Master Qingchen discovered that he was afraid of taking medicine. In the past, Young Master Qingchen naturally wasn’t afraid of taking medicine, but this time, for half a month, drinking medicine three times a day. Moreover, while Yun Ge’s medicinal pills were sweet and melted instantly in the mouth, her brewed medicine was incredibly bitter beyond belief. Xu Qingchen would swear he had never drunk such awful medicine in his life. But… he had seen the prescription Yun Ge wrote, which was just the most common internal injury prescription. Xu Qingchen, who knew a bit about medicine, silently calculated that even adding an extra handful of Coptis chinensis while brewing wouldn’t make it taste worse than the bowl before him.

“That won’t do! Although pills are tasty and easy to store, their efficacy is much lower than freshly brewed medicine,” Yun Ge firmly rejected his suggestion, saying, “This isn’t some complicated medicine that takes a lot of time to prepare, so naturally it’s better to brew and drink it. This way your injury will heal faster.”

Looking at the young girl smiling with curved eyes before him, Xu Qingchen helplessly took the medicine bowl and drained it in one go.

Yun Ge nodded in satisfaction and praised, “Xu Qingchen, you’re the fastest medicine drinker I’ve ever seen.” Yun Ge knew how awful the medicine tasted, as she had grown up drinking her father’s concoctions. Every time she had to take medicine, she would dawdle for ages. And the people her father had saved in the mountains mostly refused point-blank to drink the medicine he brewed.

“Since you know it tastes bad, you should brew it to taste better,” Xu Qingchen said with a bitter smile.

“That won’t do! Father said that herbs that moderate the taste mostly counteract the medicine’s effects. And…” Yun Ge smiled at him sweetly, “Knowing the medicine tastes bad makes people more careful to avoid injury and illness.”

Young Master Qingchen very much wanted to say: you’re thinking too much, I just hope you can brew medicine with a normal taste.

“Hehe, Big Brother, who would have thought the world-renowned Young Master Qingchen would be afraid of taking medicine?” From outside the door, Ye Li finally couldn’t help but laugh.

“Li’er?” Xu Qingchen looked up toward the door. Ye Li stepped into the room and looked around. Although it was just a simple mountain cottage, with the room furnished with only a bed, a table, and two stools, it was kept very clean. On the table sat a somewhat crude but very lovely wooden vase with two simple flowers. A faint medicinal fragrance permeated the entire room.

Looking at Xu Qingchen again, perhaps because he had been taking more medicine than food lately, Young Master Qingchen’s incomparably handsome face appeared somewhat thinner, but his complexion was good. He didn’t look at all like someone who had suffered internal injuries, clearly showing that Young Miss Yun Ge had taken very good care of him.

Seeing Ye Li enter, Yun Ge suddenly remembered she had left her guest outside. Somewhat embarrassed, she smiled at Ye Li and said in a clear voice, “Sister Li, please sit. I’ll pour you some tea.”

“Thank you, Yun Ge.” Ye Li smiled and sat down on the stool by the bed, smiling as she watched Yun Ge wave and quickly leave the cottage to pour tea.

“She’s an adorable young girl. Don’t you think so, Big Brother?” Ye Li smiled.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and nodded in agreement, “Indeed, she’s very interesting.” Ye Li was stunned – so in Young Master Qingchen’s eyes, young girls weren’t classified as pretty, cute, or beautiful, but rather as interesting or not interesting?

“How is Big Brother’s injury?” Ye Li asked with concern. Xu Qingchen touched his chest and smiled, “Although Yun Ge’s medicine is very hard to drink, its effects are quite good. It’s almost healed.”

Ye Li smiled, “Good medicine tastes bitter but cures the illness.”

The usually ethereal face of Young Master Qingchen rarely showed such a troubled expression as he said somewhat helplessly, “I’m starting to regret my earlier decision. Yun Ge says I need to take medicine continuously for three months to completely heal the internal injury.” Taking medicine for three months wasn’t scary; what was scary was that no matter what prescription ended up in Young Miss Yun Ge’s hands, it would all brew to the same taste. There absolutely couldn’t be anything that tasted worse – even Yun Ge herself couldn’t achieve that as it was already at the limit of awfulness. And with Young Miss Yun Ge’s enthusiasm, she would brew the medicine for him. Young Master Qingchen deeply felt he couldn’t accept such fortune.

Seeing Xu Qingchen’s troubled expression, Ye Li couldn’t help covering her mouth and laughing softly, “It’s rare to see Big Brother with such an expression. Yun Ge means well – wouldn’t refuse her make her sad?” Ye Li’s hearing, vision, and sense of smell were all better than ordinary people’s. Outside the door earlier, she had already smelled the strong strange odor emanating from Xu Qingchen’s bowl of medicine. At the same time, she had made up her mind to ask Young Miss Yun Ge to continue caring for Big Brother’s injuries. It was truly rare to see Big Brother with such an expression.

Seeing Ye Li’s rare teasing smile, Xu Qingchen helplessly shook his head and asked her, “Weren’t you handling matters in Nanjing? How do you have time to visit me today? Did something happen?”

Ye Li sighed, “Big Brother truly sees through everything. Something did happen.”

“What is it?” Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow and asked. Ye Li explained the Regent’s Manor situation in detail – Mo Jingli’s sudden desire to depose Mo Xuyun and establish himself was indeed somewhat unexpected to Ye Li.

Xu Qingchen smiled, “Li’er is still too soft-hearted. What does it matter if you wrote the abdication edict for him? Mo Jingli wanted to establish himself as emperor at this time mostly just to gain an advantage in status over the Wang Manor when facing off on the battlefield in the future. As long as the Chu family comes forward later to explain there was no such person as Chu Junwei, it won’t affect anything.”

Ye Li shook her head with a bitter smile, “Perhaps… If I had written the edict that day, I’m afraid what Big Brother would be hearing now would be news of Mo Jingli ascending the throne.” Xu Qingchen sighed softly, “Mo Jingli is still too impatient. Li’er, do you pity that child?”

“Pity is useless, that child is already terminally ill. Even if we saved him, he wouldn’t live much longer,” Ye Li shook her head and said. Although that was true, when it came to personally harming a child who didn’t understand anything, Ye Li still couldn’t bring herself to do it. Xu Qingchen looked at her somewhat pitifully and said, “With you and Mo Xiuyao having such different personalities, I don’t know how you’ve managed to live so harmoniously all these years.”

Fundamentally speaking, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s personalities were truly as different as heaven and earth. Ye Li could be ruthless toward bad people but easily softened toward innocent people. Mo Xiuyao was different – appearing cultured, but as long as he could achieve his goal, he didn’t mind at all who got dragged into his schemes. Who would dare say Mo Jingli and Mo Xuyun’s current relationship didn’t have Mo Xiuyao’s handiwork in it? If Mo Xiuyao had truly wanted to investigate back then, how could he not have discovered Mo Xuyun’s identity? Most likely Mo Xiuyao had already guessed, which is why he didn’t let anyone investigate.

Ye Li smiled, “Xiuyao is Xiuyao, I am me. Even spouses don’t have to think the same way. As long as we can understand and accept each other, that’s enough.”

“Then how do you plan to deal with Mo Jingli? Just let him continue like this?”

Ye Li smiled bitterly and helplessly, “Does Big Brother think I could overthrow Mo Jingli’s years of rule in Jiangnan in just a short month?” It would be easy to cause some trouble for Mo Jingli, but to directly drive him from power in Jiangnan, even if Mo Xiuyao came personally it would be somewhat difficult in a short time.

Xu Qingchen smiled at Ye Li, “What does Li’er plan to do?” After so many years together, Xu Qingchen understood Ye Li well enough. If she said she wasn’t planning to do anything, that would be impossible.

Ye Li pondered, “Tell Ye Ying Mo Xuyun’s true identity.”

“Li’er is still soft-hearted, no wonder the Prince doesn’t trust you completely,” Xu Qingchen sighed lightly.

Ye Li shook her head, “No, I want to gamble… that in Mo Jingli’s eyes, his son isn’t as important as the throne. Big Brother, is Yun Ge’s medical skill very good?”

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow, “You want Yun Ge to save Mo Xuyun?”

Ye Li lowered her eyes, “Mo Xuyun’s illness is already beyond medical treatment, I just want him to live a bit longer. I also want to see, if Mo Xuyun doesn’t die quickly, what choice Mo Jingli will make.”

Xu Qingchen nodded, “I’ll ask Yun Ge later.”

“Ask me what?” Yun Ge entered with light steps carrying a pot of tea, somewhat embarrassedly smiling at Ye Li, “We don’t have any good tea at home, Sister Li will have to make do.” What Yun Ge brought wasn’t any famous tea, but rather a flower tea she had made herself. A faint floral fragrance lingered in the air, and Ye Li took a deep breath, smiling, “It smells wonderful.”

“I’m glad Sister Li likes it. What did you want to ask me?” Seeing that Ye Li didn’t look down on her simple flower tea, Yun Ge was very happy. Although she rarely interacted with people, she had been to the city. She naturally knew that wealthy people living in large mansions looked down on such rustic things. Moreover, Sister Li was even a high-ranking princess consort. If Ye Li knew what she was thinking, she would introduce Zhang Baiwan to her. At least Zhang Baiwan absolutely wouldn’t look down on Yun Ge’s flower tea, and might even hope Yun Ge would provide it free for all 365 days of the year.

Xu Qingchen said, “Li’er wants to ask you to save a child. Would Yun Ge be willing to go?”

“Sure!” Yun Ge agreed without even thinking about it. Xu Qingchen looked at her somewhat surprised, “Yun Ge is truly willing?”

Yun Ge asked in confusion, “Father says a doctor should care for patients like their own children, why wouldn’t I be willing?”

Xu Qingchen suddenly felt he had been too worldly – indeed, having too many schemes wasn’t always good. Seeing Yun Ge and her father living in seclusion here, he had habitually assumed her father was unwilling to practice medicine and help people because of some misfortune…

“Thank you, Yun Ge,” Xu Qingchen said with a smile.

Yun Ge smiled gently, “No need to thank me, I don’t even know if I can cure him. Just don’t blame me for my poor medical skills when the time comes. I’ll try my best!” Xu Qingchen nodded, “In that case, I need to take you to see someone anyway, right? We can go to the city together later.”

Yun Ge nodded without objection, obediently saying, “I’ll go prepare things.”

They naturally couldn’t return to the Chu Manor. Ye Li stayed at Yun Ge’s home for one night, and the next day the group packed their belongings and quietly returned to Nanjing city. This time, they settled in an unremarkable mansion in a somewhat noisy area of the city. Ye Li could no longer return as Chu Junwei – instead, she transformed into a refined young lady accompanying her sickly elder brother and young sister to Nanjing for medical treatment.

This place was both the most prosperous and chaotic area of Nanjing city. Their group’s low-key arrival at the mansion naturally wouldn’t attract any attention. After settling in the mansion, that evening Qin Feng and Lin Han personally took Yun Ge to the Li Prince Manor to treat Mo Xuyun.

That night, Ye Li and Xu Qingchen sat in the study playing chess. Ye Li slowly placed a piece and glanced at Xu Qingchen across from her, saying with a soft laugh, “Big Brother’s injury isn’t healed yet, you should go back to rest. I can wait here for Yun Ge to return.”

Xu Qingchen shook his head, “It’s fine, they should be back soon. I’ll wait a while longer to see what happens. Try not to go out these days – Mo Jingli’s people are probably still searching secretly.” Ye Li smiled, “I know, Big Brother needn’t worry. Qin Feng and Lin Han are reliable in handling matters, and Yun Ge is also skilled – nothing will happen.”

Xu Qingchen slowly placed a piece and looked up at her with a half-smile, “Who said I was worried?”

Ye Li shrugged indifferently and smiled, “I’m a bit worried.”

Xu Qingchen shook his head and said no more.

A light sound came from outside, and soon the study door was pushed open as Qin Feng and the others filed in. Yun Ge’s clear big eyes seemed especially bright, her little face flushed – clearly, she had never done anything like sneaking into someone’s mansion late at night before and was somewhat nervous.

Ye Li pulled Yun Ge to sit down and personally poured her a cup of tea, saying, “Thank you for your hard work, Yun Ge. Did you encounter any danger?”

Yun Ge smiled, “Not at all! Brother Qin Feng and Brother Lin Han are so amazing. None of the Regent’s Manor guards even saw us.” In terms of lightness skill, Qin Feng and Lin Han might not necessarily surpass Yun Ge, but in experience with nighttime infiltration, they were naturally leagues ahead of her. If rookie Yun Ge had gone alone, she probably would have been chased all over the place.

Ye Li smiled gently and patted the young girl’s head, asking, “How is that child’s condition?”

Hearing Ye Li’s words, Yun Ge’s little face immediately fell. She looked at Ye Li with teary eyes, and Ye Li pondered before asking, “Not good?” Yun Ge nodded dejectedly, “That child was already born weak, and probably didn’t have a good childhood either. The poison has completely ruined his body – even without being poisoned, that child might not have lived past twenty. But now… that child has suffered many shocks over a long time. Even if I detoxify him, he needs to be cared for extremely carefully. Just a slight shock could be fatal. But Brother Qin and Brother Lin said we can’t bring him back.” When speaking of patients, Yun Ge became somewhat emotional. Especially since she had lived in seclusion in the mountains and hadn’t experienced much of the world. Seeing such a pitiful child naturally aroused her sympathy and compassion.

Ye Li nodded, “That child is the current emperor. Taking him from the Li Prince Manor would cause major trouble.”

Yun Ge nodded – she was pure-hearted but not ignorant. After thinking for a moment, she said, “I’ll make some medicine pills tonight, Sister Li can take them to that child tomorrow. Although we can’t cure his illness, we can still make him more comfortable.” Ye Li said softly, “You’re tired tonight, no need to rush – tomorrow is soon enough to prepare them. I’ll have them prepare the medicinal ingredients you need.”

“Alright… Xu Qingchen…” Actually, among everyone in the room, Yun Ge was most familiar with Xu Qingchen, so she unconsciously kept looking at him. After all, the reason she trusted Ye Li, Qin Feng, Lin Han and the others whom she’d only met twice was fundamentally based on them being Xu Qingchen’s acquaintances.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, “Yun Ge is tired too, go rest early.”

“Oh. Then… you all should rest too.” Yun Ge nodded obediently and followed the waiting man back to her room.

Watching Yun Ge leave, the study door closed again, and silence fell over the study.

After a while, Xu Qingchen finally said, “Li’er, don’t think too much about it. Given the situation… the Prince Manor can’t be blamed for that child anymore.” Mo Xuyun was indeed innocent and pitiful, but in these chaotic times, which common people weren’t innocent and pitiful? At least Ye Li had given Mo Jingli and Ye Ying a chance to make amends.

Ye Li smiled faintly, “No need to persuade me, Big Brother. I understand everything.”

That night, a note silently appeared at Ye Ying’s bedside. The note contained just three simple characters – Mo Xuyun.

Ye Ying held the note in a daze for a long time, her face gradually growing paler.

“My Lord! My Lord?!”

Early the next morning, Ye Ying’s urgent calls could be heard outside Mo Jingli’s study. Mo Jingli, who was handling state affairs, frowned in displeasure. He was already quite displeased about Chu Junwei’s sudden disappearance from Nanjing city, and at this moment he wasn’t in the mood to deal with Ye Ying. He had thought Nanjing city was completely under his control, but in less than a month, both Chu Junwei and Dong Fangyou had vanished from under his nose – how could this not make Mo Jingli angry and wary?

“Princess Consort, His Lordship ordered that he’s not to see anyone,” came the guard’s refusing voice from outside.

x

“Step aside! I have important matters to discuss with His Lordship!” Ye Ying angrily rebuked.

“Princess Consort…”

Hearing Ye Ying’s voice that seemed determined not to give up until she achieved her goal, Mo Jingli frowned, put down his brush, and called out, “Let her in.”

Ye Ying pushed open the door and entered, not even bothering to bow to Mo Jingli, hurriedly walking forward saying, “My Lord! I’ve found our child!” Mo Jingli was startled, but quickly recovered, saying coldly, “What nonsense are you talking about now?” It wasn’t that Mo Jingli didn’t believe Ye Ying, but she stayed in the Li Prince Manor all day and had no forces of her own. When even Mo Jingli had no clues, how could Ye Ying possibly know?

Ye Ying anxiously said, “It’s true! My Lord, please believe me.”

Mo Jingli frowned, saying somewhat impatiently, “Fine, tell me. Where is the child?”

Ye Ying said, “It’s His Majesty… My Lord, please save him. He’s our child!”

“You’ve truly gone mad!” Mo Jingli pushed her away irritably. After being pushed away, Ye Ying rushed forward again and grabbed his sleeve saying, “It’s true, believe me. He is our child, wuwu… please save him, he’s dying…”

“How do you know he’s our child?” Mo Jingli asked with a dark expression.

Ye Ying was speechless – she naturally knew the note was from Ye Li, but she couldn’t say so. Once she mentioned Ye Li, not only would Mo Jingli not spare her, but even the Prince Manor’s people absolutely wouldn’t spare her. She shook her head in fear, “No… I can’t say…”

A cold light flashed through Mo Jingli’s eyes as he sneered, “Can’t say? If you can’t say, why come to me? Get out.” Ye Ying was stunned, biting her lip saying, “But the child…” Mo Jingli said indifferently, “What child? Mo Xuyun is Mo Jingqi’s son.”

“No! He’s our child, My Lord, he’s your only son!” Ye Ying cried in panic. If Mo Jingli didn’t acknowledge this child, then this child as Mo Jingqi’s son and current emperor would only have death awaiting him. Seeing Mo Jingli’s cold expression without even the slightest change, Ye Ying’s heart grew cold. Somehow she suddenly thought of the day Princess Qixia died, and couldn’t help but shudder.

“Someone, escort the Princess Consort back to her chambers. Without my orders, no one is to see her,” Mo Jingli said deeply.

Unable to resist, Ye Ying was forcibly escorted back to her courtyard by the guards. Back in her room, she collapsed onto her bed and finally burst into loud sobs. At this moment, she finally understood why Ye Li had said she would regret it. Because now, she had indeed begun to feel regret.

In the study, Mo Jingli’s expression was grim and unsettled. Although he had mercilessly sent Ye Ying away, her words still left deep traces in his heart. Ye Ying naturally wouldn’t lie about such a thing for no reason, but saying Mo Xuyun was that long-lost child… For some reason, Mo Jingli’s heart held not the slightest joy at finding his lost son. Instead, he felt more irritation and anger.

At the same time, Mo Jingli also began to consider why Mo Jingqi had passed the throne to Mo Xuyun back then. Among all of Mo Jingqi’s princes, Mo Xuyun had the most humble maternal family background and the worst physical condition and potential. Passing the throne to such a prince was practically deliberately allowing him to seize power. Could it be… Mo Jingqi wanted to make father and son destroy each other.

Thinking of this, Mo Jingli shook his head violently – unconsciously he had already accepted Ye Ying’s words in his heart. “Someone, bring the Empress Dowager to the Prince Manor for me!”

The guard outside couldn’t help but shiver. The Empress Dowager naturally referred to the young emperor’s birth mother, Lady Li. But even though Lady Li was weak and incompetent, she was still the emperor’s birth mother and the nation’s Empress Dowager. For His Lordship to so casually have someone bring her from the palace to the Li Prince Manor was somewhat…

“Go quickly!” Mo Jingli roared.

“Yes, this servant will go at once!”

The palace was very close to the Li Prince Manor, and soon Lady Li was brought over. However, she didn’t come alone – accompanying her was the Empress Dowager who had been under house arrest. Although Mo Jingli was angry that the Empress Dowager had once again defied his orders by leaving the palace without permission, he also knew that for the Empress Dowager to leave the palace safely despite his guards watching her meant she must still have no small number of people loyal to her in the palace. But at this moment he had no mood to deal with the Empress Dowager, only staring at Lady Li, who was already trembling in fear, with a grim expression.

“Imperial Consort Xianzhao has arrived!” Before anyone could speak, the shrill voice of a eunuch came from outside. Mo Jingli was startled, stood up to welcome her, and said, “Why has Mother Consort come?” Imperial Consort Xianzhao had fallen ill from Dong Fangyou’s anger some days ago and hadn’t fully recovered despite resting all this time. Now she was being supported as she came in, her appearance still somewhat thin. Seeing the Empress Dowager sitting in the study, she paused briefly before saying with a faint smile, “Sister is here as well?”

The Empress Dowager was naturally dissatisfied that her son showed such courtesy to Imperial Consort Xianzhao while keeping her, his birth mother, under house arrest. She merely gave Imperial Consort Xianzhao a cold look without answering. Imperial Consort Xianzhao paused, then seemed to magnanimously smile and sat down opposite the Empress Dowager.

Everyone was seated except Lady Li, who stood alone and uncertain in the center of the study. Since Mo Xuyun had ascended the throne and she had become Empress Dowager, she had always stayed quietly in her palace. Not only were palace matters controlled by the Empress Dowager, but even knowing her son was being mistreated by Mo Jingli, she didn’t dare speak half a word for him. Now suddenly being brought to the Li Prince Manor by guards, Lady Li was bewildered and didn’t know what she had done to offend the Prince.

Mo Jingli stared at Lady Li with a dark expression, causing her face to grow increasingly pale and her body to sway as if about to collapse.

The Empress Dowager frowned and coughed lightly, saying, “Prince Li, why have you brought Lady Li to your manor? She is your imperial brother’s widow after all – it’s not appropriate for her to stay in your manor too long.”

Mo Jingli snorted softly and stared at Lady Li, saying, “Answer my questions truthfully.”

Lady Li nodded repeatedly in fear, and Mo Jingli asked flatly, “When was His Majesty born?”

Lady Li was stunned, clearly not expecting Mo Jingli to ask such a strange question. Mo Jingli said coldly, “You’d better think carefully before answering.” Frightened by his grim expression, Lady Li stepped backward before stammering, “In… in response to Your Highness, His Majesty was born on the second day of the ninth month in Emperor Jing’s twelfth year. Doesn’t… doesn’t Your Highness already know this?” The princes’ birth dates were recorded in the imperial genealogy. If the Prince wanted to know, he could simply have someone check the records.

Mo Jingli snorted coldly. Mo Xuyun was born on the second day of the ninth month, while Ye Ying’s child was born on the thirtieth day of the eighth month – less than three days difference.

The Empress Dowager started slightly, seeming to realize something. Looking at Mo Jingli, she asked, “Why is Prince Li asking about His Majesty’s birth date now?” Mo Jingli seemed not to hear Empress Dowager’s words, his gaze not moving from Lady Li as he continued, “Did you see Mo Xuyun after he was born?”

Lady Li nodded fearfully, “I… my health was fine, I didn’t… didn’t faint. So after His Majesty was born, the palace maids brought him for me to see.”

“Very good.” Mo Jingli nodded with satisfaction and said, “According to my knowledge, His Majesty should have been born full-term. Why do the imperial physicians now tell me His Majesty was weak from birth, that he was premature?” The physicians hadn’t said Mo Xuyun was premature, only that he was weak from birth and might have been premature. Back then Lady Li wasn’t favored, and if not for giving birth to a prince who was later made heir, people inside and outside the palace would have long forgotten this mother and son – who would have paid attention to whether Mo Xuyun was premature or not?

Lady Li’s face went white, and she stammered unable to speak.

Mo Jingli’s eyes turned cold, and he slammed his palm heavily on the armrest, shattering the solid zitan wood. “Still not telling the truth!”

Lady Li said in panic, “I don’t know… don’t know what to say… His Majesty is my son!”

Mo Jingli sneered, “Is that so? Someone, take this woman out and kill her.”

“Your Highness!” The Empress Dowager glared at Mo Jingli in shock and anger. She finally understood what Mo Jingli was trying to do, and said angrily, “No matter what, Lady Li is His Majesty’s birth mother – how can you just kill her? How will Prince Li explain to the court officials about murdering an Empress Dowager?” Mo Jingli looked coldly at the Empress Dowager and sneered, “If Mo Xuyun isn’t even the late emperor’s son, who do I need to explain to?”

“No… Your Highness wrongly accuses me…” Lady Li was startled. Even the most foolish person would know the crime of confusing imperial bloodlines. Lady Li’s legs gave way and she collapsed to the ground, “Your Highness wrongly accuses me, I… this consort is wronged…” She had lived quietly her whole life, never expecting to become an imperial consort, never expecting to give birth to a prince, and certainly never expecting to become Empress Dowager. Yet after this series of bewildering changes that had left her panicked, such a thing still awaited her.

“Since you won’t tell the truth, then die.” Mo Jingli’s voice was cold and merciless.

“No… I don’t want to… I don’t know…” Lady Li wailed, “It wasn’t my doing… His Majesty… His Majesty…”

Imperial Consort Xianzhao, who had been silent until now, frowned and suddenly said to Lady Li, who was so frightened she could barely speak coherently, “You just need to say clearly whether His Majesty is your son or not.” Lady Li paused for a moment, looked at the three seated people, and finally said timidly, “I… I don’t know… When His Majesty was born I wrapped him… when he was one month old… the late emperor had someone take him to see him. After the child was returned, his health was always poor. I thought children were prone to illness when young and didn’t think much of it…”

“Foolish woman!” the Empress Dowager said angrily. “The child was already a month old – you couldn’t tell if it was your child when it was brought back?” A one-month-old infant would have grown – how could one not recognize their features?

Lady Li bit her pale lips and dared not speak. Understanding flashed in Imperial Consort Xianzhao’s eyes, and she said calmly to Mo Jingli, “Your Highness, it seems she doesn’t know much. Let her return. After all, she is the nation’s Empress Dowager…”

Mo Jingli had more questions to ask, and even after questioning had not planned to let Lady Li live. But he had always respected Imperial Consort Xianzhao and didn’t want to go against her wishes, so he nodded and had people take Lady Li away.

Only the Empress Dowager, Mo Jingli, and Imperial Consort Xianzhao remained in the study. The Empress Dowager frowned and said, “Sister, what do you mean by this?” Imperial Consort Xianzhao sighed softly and said, “This can’t be blamed on Lady Li. She was just a low-ranking consort of palace maid origin, and the child was taken away by the late emperor’s order. Even if she knew it wasn’t the original child, how could she dare say anything then? If she had spoken up, not only would the child have been lost, but her own life as well.”

Imperial Consort Xianzhao’s words were very calm, but for some reason, the Empress Dowager felt they held deeper meaning, and an odd expression flashed across her face. She turned to look at Mo Jingli and sneered, “If so, I suppose Prince Li now understands His Majesty’s identity. What does Prince Li plan to do now?”

Staring at Mo Jingli, the Empress Dowager suddenly felt a strange satisfaction rise in her heart. She naturally knew what Mo Jingli wanted to do. Although she could barely protect herself now and had no power to interfere with Mo Jingli’s decisions, but now… if Mo Xuyun turned out to be Mo Jingli’s son, she very much wanted to see what decision this son of hers would make.

Mo Jingli said calmly, “This matter does not concern the Grand Empress Dowager. Please return to the palace and enjoy your remaining years.”

“You!” The Empress Dowager flew into a rage, but meeting Imperial Consort Xianzhao’s calm smile, she somehow swallowed her anger, snorted, and turned to leave the study.

“Jingli…” In the study, Imperial Consort Xianzhao called softly to Mo Jingli, whose expression was terrible, “Mother was wrong in this matter, but… I’ll have the imperial physicians treat His Majesty well. There should still be hope – after all, His Majesty is your only son.”

Mo Jingli was silent for a long time before saying, “This isn’t Mother’s fault – Mother was thinking of me. Let me think about it.” Imperial Consort Xianzhao nodded and stood up, saying, “Then Mother will leave first. Don’t think too much about it. His Majesty will be fine…”

“Safe journey, Mother.”

Imperial Consort Xianzhao turned and walked out. At the doorway, she looked back at Mo Jingli, who sat behind his desk with a lowered head lost in thought. A faint smile lifted the corners of her still-beautiful lips.

In the small courtyard where Ye Ying was temporarily staying, she sat alone in her room, lost in a daze. Her beautiful eyes were red and swollen from tears, her pale, haggard face showing no trace of her former glory as the premier beauty of Chu capital.

Suddenly, the main door was kicked open from outside with a bang. Ye Ying lifted her head in a stupor to look toward the entrance. Mo Jingli stood there emanating coldness, though the backlight prevented Ye Ying from seeing his expression. Upon seeing Mo Jingli, Ye Ying seemed to suddenly come to her senses, hurriedly rushing from her bed to throw herself before him, crying out, “My Lord, the child… my child… please, please save Xuyun!”

Looking at Ye Ying’s disheveled state, disgust flashed in Mo Jingli’s eyes as he grabbed her hand, dragged her into the room, and threw her to the ground. Looking down at her imperiously, he demanded, “Ye Ying, who exactly told you about Mo Xuyun’s identity?”

Ye Ying bit her lip hard, refusing to speak. Mo Jingli grew furious and yanked her up from the ground, “Still won’t talk?!” Mo Jingli would never believe she had discovered this herself. Ye Ying had never even seen that child, so how could she know whether Mo Xuyun was that child or not? Someone must have told her, which meant others knew Mo Xuyun’s true identity, and perhaps… this might even be a trap. A perfectly laid trap set by someone using the news of his missing son.

“You think… that if you stay silent I can’t deal with you?” Looking at Ye Ying’s stubborn expression, Mo Jingli felt not the slightest pity. Leaning close to Ye Ying’s ear, he said softly, “Ye Ying, do you believe I’ll have Mo Xuyun killed right now?”

“Beast!” Ye Ying finally couldn’t contain herself, her face changing as she glared fiercely at Mo Jingli and cursed, “He’s your flesh and blood!” She reached out trying to claw at his face. Mo Jingli easily restrained her with one hand, “Will you talk or not?”

Ye Ying gritted her teeth and said, “Mo Jingli, Xuyun is your son too.” Mo Jingli stared at her, suddenly laughed, and said coldly, “I can naturally have other sons. Besides… even if I saved Mo Xuyun, he’d still just be a sickly thing.” Originally, Mo Jingli had said this just to frighten Ye Ying. But the moment the words left his mouth, he suddenly had a moment of enlightenment. Indeed, he would have other sons in the future. Although none of the women in his manor had announced any news yet, the imperial physicians had said that was because he had been poisoned for too long and still needed treatment. But his poison had truly been cured. Given time, he would naturally have other children. Why bother keeping such a weak, incompetent, sickly son and create trouble for himself?

Moreover, Mo Jingli’s treatment of Mo Xuyun in recent years could hardly be called good. So since accepting in his heart that Mo Xuyun was his missing son, Mo Jingli inevitably felt some guilt and discomfort. But even more than that was anger at being manipulated by Mo Jingqi before his death. So he wasn’t particularly willing to see this recovered son. Additionally, Mo Xuyun’s identity was truly troublesome to deal with – whether to acknowledge him or not would be problematic. Mo Jingli certainly didn’t want Mo Xuyun to continue sitting on the throne, even though acknowledging him would make Mo Jingli the Emperor Emeritus. But how could the title of Emperor Emeritus compare to being Emperor?

Ye Ying stared at Mo Jingli in shock. She had originally thought Mo Jingli just wouldn’t believe her words. She hadn’t expected him to say such heartless things, but she quickly understood. She only had Mo Xuyun as her son, but Mo Jingli could have more sons with others. Now… Mo Xuyun’s existence was simply blocking Mo Jingli’s path!

“Will you talk, or not?” Mo Jingli asked leisurely.

“I’ll talk…” Ye Ying closed her eyes in despair and spoke painfully. Crystal tears slid from her eyes but aroused not the slightest sympathy from the man before her. She said tremblingly, “The Prince Manor’s people told me.”

“What did you say?!” Mo Jingli said harshly. Now that Great Chu had allied with Xi Ling and Bei Rong, they could be considered officially opposed to the Prince Manor. Therefore Mo Jingli was increasingly sensitive to news about the Prince Manor. How could he not be angry hearing that the Prince Manor was involved in this matter?

Having already spoken, Ye Ying no longer had any reservations and said through gritted teeth, “I said the Prince Manor told me Xuyun’s identity.”

“Whore!” Mo Jingli slapped Ye Ying hard across the face, “You dare conspire with Prince Manor behind my back – how bold of you!” Ye Ying said tearfully, “I just wanted to find my son, what’s wrong with that? If the Prince Manor could help me find my son, why shouldn’t I help them?” Mo Jingli bent down and pulled Ye Ying up, “Tell me, what information did you give the Prince Manor? Who did you usually contact, how did you pass messages?”

Ye Ying wasn’t someone who could withstand pressure. With just a bit of effort from Mo Jingli, she revealed that one of her maids, several guards, and a steward in the manor were all Prince Manor people. Unfortunately, by the time Mo Jingli sent people to arrest them, they had all already fled.

In Ye Ying’s room, Mo Jingli sat in a chair staring at Ye Ying who sat injured on the floor. Ye Ying endured her pain and said, “I’ve told you everything I know, Xuyun…”

Mo Jingli said coldly, “Mo Xuyun is the late emperor’s son, not your child.”

Ye Ying was stunned, staring at Mo Jingli in disbelief. Mo Jingli frowned and said, “The Prince Manor deceived you.” As he said these words, Mo Jingli had already decided to abandon this son. Not just because of the throne or his mental block about Mo Xuyun, but also because this news came from the Prince Manor. Mo Jingli had to suspect this news itself was a plot, and that his missing child had been killed by Mo Jingqi long ago. Since they hadn’t found him in so many years, why not… just pretend this son had never existed?

“No!” Ye Ying shook her head violently, “That’s impossible, the Prince Manor wouldn’t deceive me about this. I know… Xuyun and my child were born only three days apart, how could it be such a coincidence… I know you just brought Lady Li from the palace to question her. She must know, I must ask her!” As she spoke, she stood up to leave.

“Stop!” Mo Jingli said coldly, “The Empress Dowager is unwell and has returned to the palace to rest. You will stay properly in the manor. I don’t have time to deal with you now, you’d better behave yourself!”

“No… Jingli!” Ye Ying froze, shaking her head in terror, suddenly rushing to kneel before Mo Jingli, clutching his legs and crying, “Jingli, you know, you know Xuyun is our child. I beg you, spare him. He’s your only child, your only child right now!”

Seeing Ye Ying’s tear-streaked face, Mo Jingli’s expression softened slightly. He raised his hand to stroke her hair and said softly, “He was born weak and hasn’t been properly cared for. He won’t live long anyway. Be good, we’ll have other children in the future.”

“No… we won’t…” Ye Ying shook her head.

Suddenly her scalp hurt as Mo Jingli grabbed her hair to make her look at him, saying coldly, “We will, as long as you behave. After I ascend the throne, I’ll make you empress.”

Ye Ying’s eyes flickered as she whispered, “Make me empress?”

Mo Jingli nodded, “That’s right, just be good. I won’t hold your previous contact with the Prince Manor against you, but… you must help me with something. Tell me, what other Prince Manor spies do you know of in Nanjing? There must be more than just those in the manor.”

“…”

“I don’t know anymore,” Ye Ying said, lowering her eyes.

Mo Jingli said gently, “Think carefully again. I know I haven’t treated you well before. But look, now you’re the only one left in the manor. When all is said and done, you’re still the only Princess Consort of the Li Prince Manor, aren’t you? How did those people send messages out? I remember those people couldn’t freely leave the manor or city. They must have had others they contacted, right?”

Half an hour later, Mo Jingli walked out of Ye Ying’s room satisfied. The guards originally posted outside Ye Ying’s courtyard were withdrawn as well.

In the room, Ye Ying sat numbly on the floor. After a long while, a bitter smile finally appeared on her lips, “Mo Jingli… how cruel you are… since that’s how it is, don’t blame me…”

Even before Mo Jingli came to find her, the several Prince Manor agents who had been by Ye Ying’s side and in the Li Prince Manor had already withdrawn. Before leaving, they had left Ye Li’s instructions: “Seven parts truth, three parts lies – if you want to save Mo Xuyun, you’d better know what to say and what not to say.”

This time, Ye Ying had done well. What Mo Jingli learned was just a few relatively unimportant spies in Nanjing city, and most of them had probably already withdrawn by now. As for the truly important ones, Ye Ying hadn’t revealed a single one. She didn’t know whether Ye Li could save her son – Mo Jingli was right, that child wouldn’t live much longer anyway. And all this… was the fault of her, his mother. Because she had coveted the glory of being empress, even knowing Imperial Consort Xianzhao was poisoning that child, she not only hadn’t stopped it but hadn’t told anyone from the Prince Manor either. She had harmed him… Ye Li said she would regret it… she had never regretted anything as much as she did now… Now, she only hoped someone could avenge her son.

Mo Jingli said they would have other children. No, she would never have another child again. Even if she did, it would never be this one.