The six-month war came to an abrupt end. The last few hundred thousand Northern Rong troops were all buried in Huifeng Valley, the entire valley flowing with blood and littered with corpses. As for the scattered Northern Rong soldiers stationed in various locations, they were naturally even less of a concern, being annihilated with lightning speed by the Mo Family Army. This battle, though seemingly unremarkable, achieved military results that could rewrite most of the Mo Family Army’s historical accomplishments. Of the million-plus Northern Rong soldiers, not a single one escaped back to Northern Rong. With this battle, Northern Rong lost not only over a million troops but also nearly seventy percent of their commanders. It would take several decades to recover from such losses.

When cleaning up the battlefield afterward, the person brought before Mo Xiuyao and others by the Mo Family soldiers was unexpected. It was none other than He Lianzhen, the Flying Cavalry General of Northern Rong. Even Yelü Ye had died in the chaos, yet surprisingly, He Lianzhen was still alive.

Mo Xiuyao’s handsome eyes darkened slightly as he cast a casual glance at the two soldiers escorting He Lianzhen. They quickly reported, “Your Highness, this man claims to have important information about Northern Rong to tell you. That’s why…”

Everyone understood – at the final moment, He Lianzhen feared death and tried to trade information for his life. The Mo Family Army commanders’ eyes showed not only contempt but also hatred. Nineteen years ago, those wrongfully killed Mo Family soldiers hadn’t even died at the hands of a true hero, but rather a cowardly, shameless wretch.

In truth, nineteen years ago, He Lianzhen might not have been such a coward. But he hadn’t been on the battlefield for over a decade, and even when he was defeated by Mo Xiuyao back then, he wasn’t at his peak. Over a decade, his original spirit and valor had been worn away, leaving only resentment at being defeated by Mo Xiuyao. When reality proved he truly couldn’t match Mo Xiuyao, even this resentment vanished. All that remained was his life.

“Prince Ding, if you spare my life, I’m willing to tell you all of Northern Rong’s troop distributions,” He Lianzhen said urgently, his eyes burning. He didn’t want to die – even nineteen years ago, he hadn’t been so acutely aware of his desire to live.

Mo Xiuyao’s lips curled into a contemptuous cold smile. “After nineteen years away from military command, General He, do you truly know Northern Rong’s troop distributions?” He Lianzhen was speechless. “I… I can tell you everything I know, just spare my life!” By this point, He Lianzhen finally realized he had no bargaining power with Mo Xiuyao and spoke somewhat frantically.

Killing intent surged in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes, but he didn’t act immediately. He slowly closed his eyes to calm his emotions, and when he opened them again, they were completely serene. But He Lianzhen vaguely sensed something was amiss.

Mo Xiuyao’s voice was as calm as still water: “Take him out and execute him.”

“Yes!” The two soldiers who had brought in He Lianzhen didn’t hesitate at all, dragging him out again. Hearing He Lianzhen’s increasingly frantic cries and pleas as he was taken away, everyone felt somewhat pitiful for him. A once-great general had lost his honor and still couldn’t escape death.

The large tent fell silent for a moment, everyone’s expressions somewhat dazed. Young commanders like Yun Ting could hardly believe they had annihilated the Northern Rong army, which had more troops than them and was no less powerful.

Sun Yaowu stared blankly for a moment before suddenly bursting into loud sobs. Though he didn’t share the old grievances with Northern Rong, three years ago when Northern Rong invaded Da Chu and killed countless people, Sun Yaowu’s hatred for the Northern Rong people was no less than that of the Mo Family Army veterans.

Zhou Min patted Sun Yaowu’s shoulder and smiled, “Old Sun, you cry too easily. Isn’t it a good thing that we won?” Sun Yaowu wiped his eyes and snorted angrily, “What do you know! I’m crying because I’m happy, understand?” Zhou Min rubbed his nose, deciding not to argue with this crude man.

Mo Xiuyao’s expression remained calm as he said in a deep voice, “Alright, the entire army will rest and reorganize for two days. Zhou Min, Sun Yaowu.”

“Present!” Zhou Min immediately stood up and responded loudly, while Sun Yaowu also quickly straightened up.

Mo Xiuyao said, “I leave the border to you two. Everyone else, we march south in two days!”

“We accept the command,” everyone responded in unison.

Da Chu’s northern border was extremely long, and originally having just Zhou Min, who was commanding independently for the first time, and Sun Yaowu, who had only been a provincial general, would have been far from sufficient. But now it was deep winter, and even if Northern Rong wanted to send reinforcements or avenge Yelü Ye, it would be two months before they could. Moreover, after half a year of tempering, these two could handle major responsibilities, so Mo Xiuyao wasn’t worried.

Zhou Min was naturally happy to accept the command, while Sun Yaowu, as a surrendered general, was very pleased with Prince Ding’s trust in him. Both gladly accepted their orders, and the others understood that following Prince Ding south meant countless fierce battles ahead, but also meant more opportunities for merit, so they were quite excited. The atmosphere in the large tent quickly became lively.

Ye Li sat beside Mo Xiuyao, quietly reaching out to hold his hand. Mo Xiuyao turned to look at the gently smiling Ye Li beside him, his eyes also filling with warmth and a smile as he tightly gripped her hand in return.

Mo Xiaobao sat between his parents, looking back and forth between his father and mother before happily placing his small hand on top of theirs.

On a small hill not far from Huifeng Valley stood an unremarkable solitary grave. The grave didn’t even have a headstone, and the mound was covered in withered grass. If one didn’t look carefully, it might have been mistaken for just a grass-covered mound of earth.

Mo Xiuyao stood before the grave holding Ye Li’s hand and leading Mo Xiaobao with his other hand. Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao somewhat puzzled, understanding flashing in her eyes. Mo Xiuyao said softly, “A’Li, this is Big Brother.”

Ye Li didn’t ask further questions, just nodded and stepped forward to bow gracefully, saying, “Sister-in-law Ye Li pays respects to Elder Brother.” Then she turned back to Mo Xiaobao and said, “Xiaobao, kowtow to your uncle.”

Mo Xiaobao blinked in confusion, wondering why there was another grave for his uncle here when they had already seen his grave in Chu Capital, but he still obediently went to Ye Li’s side, knelt, and respectfully kowtowed three times, saying, “Mo Yuzhen pays respects to Uncle.”

Mo Xiuyao sighed slightly, lifted his robes, and knelt beside Ye Li, saying in a deep voice, “Big Brother, did you see? Your little brother has avenged you.” Ye Li turned slightly and discovered that this grave’s position perfectly overlooked Huifeng Valley. If someone stood here, they would have had a clear view of everything that happened in the valley yesterday.

Mo Xiuyao had practically been raised by Mo Xiuwen in his childhood, so he naturally deeply respected his elder brother. Therefore, for all these years, Mo Xiuyao never forgot to avenge his brother. Yet no one had imagined that Mo Xiuyao would bury Mo Xiuwen in such a remote and desolate place far from Chu Capital.

After paying their respects, Mo Xiuyao helped Ye Li up and they sat down not far from the grave. Supporting Ye Li’s shoulders, he said slowly, “Everyone thinks Big Brother’s remains are buried in the Prince Ding Manor’s ancestral tomb in the capital. That’s not true. When I arrived at the border that year, Big Brother’s body had already been cremated. So, I switched them – Big Brother’s real remains are buried here. I wanted him to watch from here, to see that one day, I would avenge him and the wrongfully killed Mo Family Army soldiers.”

Ye Li held his hand and smiled, “You’ve done it. Big Brother must be very happy.” Mo Xiuyao said somewhat vacantly, “I don’t know if Big Brother would be happy. But… Big Brother can never come back.” He had once been so focused on revenge, but now that he had achieved it, his heart felt more desolate and empty. Mo Xiuyao had felt this way when Mo Jingqi died, and now this empty feeling was even stronger. Because even if he killed all the enemies, those who had died would never return.

“Xiuyao…” Ye Li called out worriedly.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and said, “Don’t worry, I still have you, still have the Prince Ding Manor, still have the Mo Family Army.” He smiled and held Ye Li’s hand, looking at the unusually well-behaved Mo Xiaobao beside them, feeling warmth in his heart. Fortunately… fortunately he had A’Li, and their children, their family. Otherwise, Mo Xiuyao might truly not have known how to continue living after achieving his revenge.

Mo Xiaobao pouted, his eyes rolling as he threw himself into Mo Xiuyao’s arms, “Father, you still have me and my younger siblings. When I grow up, I’ll help you destroy Northern Rong.”

Mo Xiuyao looked at him with an amused expression and smiled, “Is that so? I’ll be waiting.”

Mo Xiaobao unhappily humphed, “Father looks down on me! Just wait, when this Young Master grows up, I’ll definitely destroy Northern Rong to show you!” Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Yes, that’s exactly what I’m waiting to see.”

Mo Xiaobao deeply felt that his father was underestimating him and immediately started wailing in anger. He grabbed onto Mo Xiuyao and wouldn’t let go. Ye Li watched father and son roughhousing and couldn’t help but smile gently, saying softly, “Should we move Big Brother’s remains back to Chu Capital?”

Mo Xiuyao shook his head and smiled, “No need, let’s leave them here. In the future…” In the future, the Mo family’s ancestral tombs might not even be in Chu Capital anymore. Moreover, it was quieter here. Haven’t you seen how many princes, nobles, and imperial tombs, magnificent and wealthy enough to rival nations, have ended up benefiting tomb raiders when dynasties change?

Over the past year, major events have occurred continuously. At the end of the year, Da Chu’s Regent Mo Jingli in Jiangnan finally officially ascended to the throne. Before the new year had even arrived, earth-shattering news came from the north. The million-strong army that had attacked Da Chu had been annihilated by the Mo Family Army, with not a single soldier returning to Northern Rong. When this news broke, the world was shocked. Many Da Chu citizens who had been forced to relocate wept openly, secretly planning to return north. Unfortunately, though Northern Rong was defeated, warfare in the north continued unabated. The newly enthroned Emperor Mo Jingli, not even half a month into his reign, led seven hundred thousand troops north, vowing to reclaim their territory.

Meanwhile, the Xiling army led by Lei Zhenting had already breached Ruichang and was besieging Wei City. Wei City was in imminent danger.

Wei City

On the city wall, Nan Hou and Murong Shen sat facing each other, each moving pieces in a game of chess. Below the wall, several li away, was the Xiling army’s camp. The military banners could be seen fluttering in the wind, and even from a distance, one could feel the overwhelming fighting spirit.

Murong Shen shook his head and tossed down his chess piece somewhat helplessly, “Nan Hou, you really can keep your composure. I’ve never cared for these things.” Nan Hou looked up with a smile and said, “General Murong, please be patient.”

Murong Shen said anxiously, “We’ve already lost Ruichang, and now Lei Zhenting’s army is besieging Wei City, yet we’re helpless. How can I possibly be patient?” Nan Hou smiled, “Isn’t the situation already much better than expected? Originally, His Highness said it would be good if we could hold Feihong Pass for three months. Now it’s been almost two and a half months, and Wei City is still in our hands. This shows the situation hasn’t exceeded His Highness’s expectations. Our forces are inferior to Lei Zhenting’s, and we’re a step behind him in military strategy. Why should General Murong blame himself?”

Murong Shen sighed and looked somewhat embarrassedly at Nan Hou, “It’s just that I’ve become a bit impatient. It’s just… I’ve spent half my life on battlefields. This is the first time I’ve been so completely overwhelmed without any power to resist.” In Murong Shen’s life of hundreds of battles large and small, he had naturally experienced both victories and defeats, but being beaten so thoroughly from the start like this was a first. He couldn’t help feeling disturbed.

Nan Hou smiled, “Lei Zhenting bears the title of Xiling War God. In his lifetime, he’s only ever been defeated by the previous Regent and the current Princess Ding. If it weren’t for him, why would His Highness take the risk of wanting to eliminate Northern Rong first before focusing on dealing with Lei Zhenting?” As for Mo Jingli’s Da Chu, truthfully, the Mo Family Army didn’t take them very seriously. Half of Da Chu’s notable generals were now with Prince Ding Manor, and in recent years, there hadn’t been news of any remarkable young commanders emerging. With Mo Jingli’s paranoia no less than Mo Jingqi’s, he would surely keep tight control of military power himself to prevent another Prince Ding Manor from dividing his military authority.

Murong Shen nodded, “Thank you for the reminder, Nan Hou.”

Nan Hou patted his shoulder and smiled, “Just keep your mind at ease. At worst, we two must hold Wei City until His Highness returns. We can’t go causing trouble for Elder General at Feihong Pass, can we?” Murong Shen nodded and smiled, “The Marquis speaks reasonably.”

“Reporting to Marquis and General Murong. An urgent dispatch has arrived!” A soldier hurried up the city wall, delivering a wax-sealed letter. Nan Hou took it, opened it, and couldn’t help but beam with joy. Seeing his expression change, Murong Shen quickly asked, “Is there good news from His Highness?” Nan Hou nodded and smiled, “Indeed, His Highness has annihilated the Northern Rong army at Huifeng Valley. He killed the Northern Rong Seventh Prince and captured He Lianzhen.”

Hearing this news, Murong Shen was also extremely excited. Although they had now pledged allegiance to Prince Ding Manor, they were still Da Chu people at heart, and their hatred for the Northern Rong people was no less than anyone else’s. Now hearing the news of Prince Ding annihilating the Northern Rong army, they felt as if a weight had been lifted from their hearts. Nan Hou grabbed Murong Shen and smiled, “Don’t be hasty, General. His Highness will arrive in a few days. But before then… this news cannot be leaked.”

Murong Shen understood and smiled as he glanced at the distant Xiling camp, “Rest assured, Nan Hou. This general guarantees not even a bird will fly over Wei City’s walls.” They looked at each other and burst into hearty laughter. The soldiers guarding the walls outside heard their commanders’ laughter, and although they didn’t know why their leaders were so happy, they couldn’t help but feel somewhat relieved.

In the main tent of the Xiling camp, Lei Zhenting frowned as he looked at the report before him, glancing at the gathered commanders below as he asked in a deep voice, “Any news from Northern Rong?” Lei Tengfeng stepped forward and said, “Reporting to Father, we haven’t received any news from Northern Rong these past few days. The north is bitterly cold now, so both the Mo Family Army and Northern Rong Army’s movements must be slow. It’s probably normal to have no news.”

Lei Zhenting’s graying thick eyebrows furrowed even more as he shook his head, “Something’s not right. Mo Xiuyao knows Mo Jingli’s army is approaching, yet he dares to go north. He absolutely wouldn’t drag things out. I fear… Northern Rong has already met with trouble.”

“Father means…” Lei Tengfeng was startled and said somewhat skeptically, “Northern Rong’s military strength is not inferior to the Mo Family Army’s, and might even be superior. Even if Mo Xiuyao wanted to thoroughly defeat the Northern Rong army, it couldn’t be done in just a few months.”

Lei Zhenting shook his head and looked at Lei Tengfeng with some regret, “Tengfeng, you’re good at everything, but you always stick to conventional thinking and don’t dare to imagine the impossible.” Lei Tengfeng’s face showed some embarrassment as he asked in confusion, “Imagining the impossible… is that a good thing?”

Lei Zhenting smiled, “If you can’t do it, it’s imagining the impossible. If you can do it, it’s strategic planning.”

“Father believes Mo Xiuyao could defeat the Northern Rong army in just two short months? But they’ve been fighting for months before and only achieved minor victories,” Lei Tengfeng said with a frown.

Lei Zhenting pondered as he frowned, “That’s why I suspect Mo Xiuyao was deliberately hiding his strength before. Although the Mo Family Army performed well in those few months last year, compared to their previous military achievements, you could say their performance was mediocre, even… far below their usual standard.”

“Then, if Northern Rong has truly been defeated…” Lei Tengfeng frowned.

Lei Zhenting said, “Then it will be our turn to face Mo Xiuyao head-on. Now that Mo Jingli’s army has arrived, even if Mo Xiuyao returns, we still have better odds of victory. Moreover… I would rather face Mo Xiuyao in direct combat than let his scheme in the shadows.” Only in hindsight, thinking carefully, could one see what kind of game Mo Xiuyao had laid out. Every time he thought about it, Lei Zhenting felt chills run down his spine. The world’s situation these past few years, all these struggles, and the evolution of power dynamics had been within Mo Xiuyao’s control all along. Or rather, the current changes in the world’s situation were proceeding exactly according to Mo Xiuyao’s wishes. Such intellect and ability, how could it not inspire fear? No wonder… no wonder the Da Chu Emperor was so secretive and wary of the Prince Ding Manor.

“Father speaks truly. Then we should now focus all our efforts on attacking Wei City. If we can take Feihong Pass before Mo Xiuyao returns, we’ll have gained the initiative,” Lei Tengfeng said. Lei Zhenting nodded and smiled, “Correct. And as for Mo Jingli’s side… send someone to tell him to stop thinking about the Chu Capital. Even if he takes the Chu Capital now, he won’t be able to hold it. Tell him to march west and circle from the north to join forces with us, to avoid being defeated by Mo Xiuyao one by one.” In the end, Lei Zhenting didn’t trust the abilities of Da Chu’s commanders. Although as the Zhennan Wang of Xiling, he didn’t need to care about the lives of Da Chu’s people, they were now allies – they would rise or fall together, so Lei Zhenting couldn’t help but worry.

“Yes, Father,” Lei Tengfeng nodded and accepted the command.

With Lei Zhenting’s order, the assault on Wei City became even more intense. Nan Hou and Murong Shen, who were already barely holding on, began to feel they couldn’t sustain much longer. Standing on the city wall, watching the blood flowing like rivers below, the soldiers on the wall all wore exhausted expressions. The Mo Family Army garrison at Wei City had just repelled another attack by the Xiling army. But they all understood that the Xiling army wouldn’t retreat so easily – after a brief rest, they would charge again.

Murong Shen stood on the city wall, squinting at the nearby Xiling army, and said, “Has Lei Zhenting gone mad, attacking continuously like this for several days? Even if he takes Wei City, his losses will be severe.”

Nan Hou sighed and said, “Perhaps Lei Zhenting already knows His Highness is about to return.”

Murong Shen frowned, and Nan Hou smiled, “Even though we’ve blocked the news, he would be suspicious if he received absolutely no information. With Lei Zhenting’s intelligence, it’s not hard to guess the news of Northern Rong’s defeat.” Murong Shen thought this made sense and was about to speak while looking at the city below when his expression suddenly changed and he said, “They’re coming again!”

War drums thundered, and the soldiers who had been resting immediately rushed forward into position. In the distance, the Xiling army’s banners fluttered as they charged forward with an imposing presence. Lei Tengfeng led from the front, riding up to the city and pointing his long whip at Nan Hou and Murong Shen on the wall, smiling as he said, “Nan Hou, General Murong, why persist in this stubborn resistance? Your Wei City now has barely over a hundred thousand troops, how can you hope to stop our Xiling army of a million? Why not surrender to Xiling now? Father will surely treat you both with great courtesy, and promotion and ennoblement go without saying.”

Nan Hou smiled faintly and said, “Thank you for the Zhennan Wang’s heir’s regard, but although I lack talent and virtue, I cannot commit the act of battlefield betrayal.”

Murong Shen was even less interested in idle talk, calling out loudly, “Enough talk, if you want to fight, then fight!”

Lei Tengfeng’s expression darkened slightly as he smiled faintly, “Why must you both be angry? I’m only thinking of your interests. You are both generals of a generation – why sacrifice your lives for a battle that cannot be won?”

Murong Shen snorted lightly and grabbed a bow and arrow from a nearby soldier, shooting an arrow at Lei Tengfeng. Lei Tengfeng dodged to the side, his expression turning somewhat ugly. Pointing his whip at the people on the wall, he said harshly, “Murong Shen, if you don’t know what’s good for you, don’t blame me for showing no mercy.”

Murong Shen sneered, “This general didn’t know he had any favor to curry with the Zhennan Wang’s heir. If you want to fight, then fight! The Mo Family Army has no cowards who fear death.”

Lei Tengfeng had lost face in front of the entire Xiling army because of Murong Shen, and now he stopped wasting words. He shouted harshly, “Attack the city!”

At the rear of the Xiling army, Lei Zhenting watched Lei Tengfeng’s actions from afar and shook his head somewhat helplessly. He sighed softly, “Tengfeng still can’t keep his composure.” It wasn’t that he had to persuade Nan Hou and Murong Shen to surrender, but that Lei Tengfeng was so easily provoked – this was truly not befitting of one in a high position.