“Wait!” Suddenly, Yelü Hong stood up.

“Crown Prince!” The Northern Rong King flew into a rage. The more incompetent and stubborn a person is, the less they can tolerate opposing opinions, especially when the Northern Rong King is already in a fury. Seeing Yelü Hong contradict him for a Da Chu woman, his anger immediately became uncontrollable. His gaze toward Yelü Hong filled with murderous intent. Yelü Hong lowered his eyes and said solemnly, “Father King, please hear your son out. Princess Ronghua cannot be killed.”

At the doorway, Princess Ronghua was startled to hear Yelü Hong’s voice. Turning to look at him, her beautiful eyes showed a trace of emotion. She had already given up hope, yet hadn’t expected Yelü Hong would speak up for her.

The Northern Rong King laughed in extreme anger, staring at Yelü Hong, “Cannot be killed? I didn’t know there was anyone in Northern Rong whom I cannot kill?” Yelü Hong said softly, “Son knows that Seventh Brother died in battle, and Father King’s heart must be extremely grieved. But please, Father King, consider the greater good of Northern Rong’s realm.”

The Northern Rong King narrowed his eyes, looking at Yelü Hong with a cold smile, “You mean that if I kill this woman, it will affect Northern Rong’s realm?”

Yelü Hong said earnestly, “Ronghua is Prince Ding’s wife’s sworn sister, and they are extremely close. Everyone knows how Prince Ding dotes on his wife. If Father King kills his wife’s sworn sister, I fear Prince Ding’s anger would be detrimental to our Northern Rong.” The matter of Princess Ronghua and Ye Li being sworn sisters was naturally fabricated by Yelü Hong – given the great distance between Da Chu and the Northern Rong royal court, the Northern Rong King couldn’t possibly send someone to verify it now. Yelü Hong said this only because in Northern Rong, sworn relationships were very important, with bonds between sworn brothers and sisters being no less significant than blood relations.

The Northern Rong King snorted coldly, “Detrimental to our Northern Rong?! I am about to raise an army to avenge Ye!” Yelü Hong raised his eyes to look at the Northern Rong King and said steadily, “Father King, now, do we Northern Rong still have troops to deploy? How does Father King plan to avenge Seventh Brother?” Northern Rong had vast territory but a sparse population; two million troops could already be considered their entire national strength. For twenty or thirty years, Northern Rong simply couldn’t wage war. Now, Yelü Hong also understood Mo Xiuyao’s intentions. Since Mo Xiuyao needed to deal with Xiling’s Zhennan Wang and Da Chu’s Mo Jingli, he couldn’t possibly leave Northern Rong a chance to recover their strength from the beginning. By the time several decades passed and Northern Rong recovered, Prince Ding’s mansion would likely have already unified the world. For some reason, even with the Central Plains situation unclear, Yelü Hong had never doubted that Prince Ding’s mansion would be the ultimate victor.

“Father King, please consider Northern Rong’s greater good and temporarily calm your thunderous anger. Killing Princess Ronghua would only vent some anger, but she is a princess of Da Chu, not of Prince Ding’s mansion. Even if Father King wanted to vent anger, it would be extremely limited. Why not exchange her for something of useful value?”

The Northern Rong King well knew that the current Northern Rong could not contend with the Mo family army; his clamoring about sending cavalry for revenge was merely because he couldn’t get over his anger. Yelü Hong’s words gave him a way to step down, so he took it. Looking at Yelü Hong, he asked, “Useful value? What value could a woman have?”

Yelü Hong thought for a moment and said, “We can exchange Princess Ronghua with the Mo family army for Seventh Brothers and our Northern Rong warriors’ remains. These warriors died in battle for our Northern Rong; if we can bring their remains back to the grasslands, it might be some comfort to Northern Rong’s people.”

The Northern Rong King lowered his head in thought. Though he was muddle-headed, he wasn’t a complete fool who understood nothing – he had had his brilliant and mighty moments in his youth. He naturally understood what Yelü Hong’s suggestion meant. Moreover, only having to give up a dispensable woman was indeed a good deal. Raising his head to glance at Princess Ronghua at the doorway, he asked, “Will Prince Ding’s mansion agree?”

Yelü Hong nodded, “Not to mention Princess Ronghua’s friendship with Prince Ding’s wife, just consider that Princess Ronghua came to Northern Rong as Da Chu’s peace-marriage princess. Although Prince Ding’s mansion now holds power, their subjects were once Da Chu’s people. If Prince Ding’s mansion shows no regard for Princess Ronghua’s life and death, it will inevitably cause dissatisfaction and discussion among Da Chu’s people.”

The Northern Rong King nodded somewhat irritably and waved his hand, “Leave this matter to you to handle. In any case, I don’t want to see this woman in Northern Rong anymore! Everyone dismisses!”

Yelü Hong accepted the command with a nod, but after thinking, still asked, “Father King, what about Seventh Brother’s funeral?”

“Handle it as you see fit.” Years of strong alcohol and beautiful women had made the Northern Rong King’s health somewhat poor. After such an outburst of anger, he felt tired and said impatiently. Yelü Hong acknowledged and withdrew. At the doorway, he looked back at the man who was now fondling a young Northern Rong woman, and a mocking smile appeared on his lips. So his seventh brother’s death was just worth one burst of anger to their father.

Back at the Crown Prince’s mansion, Princess Ronghua was escorted back to her room to pack her things, not even allowed to see her sons one last time. Princess Ronghua packed her years of Da Chu belongings, and looking at the room she had lived in for over a decade, she couldn’t help but burst into tears.

“Princess, the Crown Prince did save you after all,” said a woman who appeared to be a maid in the room.

Princess Ronghua raised her head to look at the speaker – this was someone Prince Ding’s mansion had sent to protect and help her. Over these years, Princess Ronghua had developed some trust in her. Wiping her tears, she nodded with a bitter smile, “I know. That he would speak up to save my life, I should already be satisfied.” The woman said no more, just calmly watching Princess Ronghua with a hint of warmth. One was a Da Chu princess, one was the Northern Rong Crown Prince. Between two enemy states meeting in war, Princess Ronghua’s current outcome was already quite good.

“Princess, take heart. When you return to Da Chu, you can start a new life,” the woman finally said softly after a long while.

Princess Ronghua smiled faintly, nodding, “Yes, I haven’t been back to Chu Capital for so long, I wonder if it’s still the same as before.” She knew that being able to keep her life and return to Da Chu was because Yelü Hong wasn’t completely heartless, and because of Prince Ding’s mansion’s help. Though she was reluctant to part with her children, neither the Northern Rong King nor Yelü Hong would allow her to take them. She could only hope there would be a chance for mother and sons to meet again in this life.

In a tent in the Da Chu military camp, Yaoji sat calmly, casually flipping through a book. Beside her, Mu Lie was also holding a book but reading very seriously.

Yaoji lounged lazily against the soft couch, her gaze peaceful and distant. To get Mu Yang to bring her and Mu Lie to the army camp, Yaoji had spent considerable effort. Fortunately, the Da Chu military camp’s rules weren’t as strict as the Mo family army’s. Moreover, after the precedent of Prince Ding’s wife accompanying Prince Ding in and out of military camps, making another exception became much easier. Although she didn’t have Prince Ding’s wife’s ability to manage affairs, as long as she could persuade King Li, wasn’t that enough? And persuading Mo Jingli seemed not difficult. Thinking of the beautiful women in King Li’s tent, Yaoji smiled faintly.

Mu Lie turned his head to look at Yaoji, who was smiling faintly lost in thought, and raised an eyebrow, “Mother, what are you smiling about?”

Yaoji raised her delicate eyebrows, smiling, “You’re getting more and more used to it.”

Mu Lie raised his chin proudly, “This young master has never been uncomfortable with it. Aren’t you just my mother?”

Yaoji smiled and hugged Mu Lie, raising her hand to rub his little head, “Isn’t that right, I am your mother!” Perhaps because he started practicing martial arts too early and injured his tendons and bones, although Mu Lie was eleven or twelve years old, he still looked like a seven or eight-year-old child. After spending these years together, they developed some feelings, and Mu Lie accepted Yaoji as his adoptive mother.

Yaoji truly loved and cared for Mu Lie, especially since this child had accomplished great merit for Prince Ding’s mansion at such a young age – his prospects would surely be limitless. Knowing her identity yet still willing to accept her as his adoptive mother, Yaoji was naturally even more delighted and showed even more love and care for Mu Lie.

Mu Lie grinned at her, making Yaoji feel a chill down her spine. Then she heard Mu Lie say leisurely, “Forgot to tell Mother, a few days ago I also accepted Commander Qin as my adoptive father.”

Yaoji’s smile immediately froze as she stared speechlessly at Mu Lie’s delighted expression for a long while.

As if not seeing Yaoji’s expression, Mu Lie leaned against his chair, smiling, “We’ll be able to go home soon. Haven’t you thought about what to do with my godfather after we return?” Originally it wasn’t anything special – Mu Lie separately accepting an adoptive father and mother – but mentioning them together made one blush. She glanced helplessly at Mu Lie and said, “You’re just a child, why meddle in so many idle matters?”

Mu Lie smiled, “Idle matters? I only have one adoptive mother and one adoptive father, and I don’t want to have to accept another adoptive mother or father later. Mother, don’t you agree?”

Yaoji raised her hand to place her book over Mu Lie’s face, “Stop talking nonsense. Be careful not to get carried away. If you capsize in the gutter when you’re almost at the end, people will laugh you to death.” Mu Lie rubbed his nose, understanding that Yaoji was right – the closer to the end, the more careful one needed to be.

“General Mu.” Outside the tent came a guard’s voice. Mu Lie and Yaoji exchanged glances and both stood up as Mu Yang walked in from outside. Seeing the book in Mu Lie’s hand, his face showed more smiles. He reached out to pat Mu Lie’s shoulder and smiled, “Lie’er is quite diligent, but you don’t need to work too hard.” Mu Lie nodded silently, mentally rolling his eyes. To be fair, this convenient father had treated him quite well, but unfortunately… who told the Mu family to offend His Grace Prince Ding? If in the end Mu Yang and old Marquis Mu Yang found out that the Mu family’s legitimate grandson they had loved and doted on for several years was just an impostor, and a spy, who knew how angry these two would be? Thinking of this, Mu Lie cast a somewhat sympathetic glance at Mu Yang.

Mu Yang naturally couldn’t understand the meaning of this glance, thinking his son was just worried about his studies, and smiled, “Silly child, what you’ve learned is already much more than most eight or nine-year-old children, don’t push yourself too hard.”

Mu Lie’s little face immediately darkened. Of course, he had learned much more than eight or nine-year-old children because he wasn’t an eight or nine-year-old child to begin with. Though convenient for missions, his height which hadn’t grown much in these years was an untouchable pain in Mu Lie’s heart.

Mu Yang sat down in the chair beside the soft couch, and Yaoji poured him a cup of hot tea from the table, smiling as she asked, “How do you have time to come by at this hour?” The army had just arrived at the front lines not far from the Mo family army, and these days Mu Yang and old Marquis Mu Yang had been busy with military affairs alongside Mo Jingli. Although Yaoji and Mu Lie had come to the army camp with Mu Yang, they hadn’t seen each other for several days.

Mu Yang said, “The Mo family army, led by Prince Ding, has annihilated the Northern Rong army. Now Prince Ding has returned to Feilong Pass to face off against Lei Zhenting, and Lü Jinxian’s army is also moving toward the front lines. I probably won’t have time to look after you in the coming days, so I came back to check on you while I had the chance.” Yaoji smiled charmingly, “I will take good care of Lie’er, you don’t need to worry about us.”

Mu Yang nodded, holding Yaoji’s hand with a smile, “That’s good. It must have been hard on you, marching with us all this way.” Yaoji lowered her eyes, smiling softly, “It’s all that I should do, why speak of hardship?”

Mu Yang looked at Yaoji’s gentle and beautiful face, his eyes showing a trace of satisfaction and tenderness. Holding Yaoji’s hand, he nodded, “Alright then, I’ll head back first. Take good care of yourselves.”

Yaoji and Mu Lie rose to see Mu Yang out. After returning to sit down, Mu Lie frowned and said, “With Mu Yang not coming back, and us unable to move around freely outside, how will we get information about Mo Jingli’s army’s deployments and news?”

Yaoji smiled calmly, “No need to hurry. When we come to that bridge, we’ll cross it – we can find a way to contact General Lü then.” Mu Lie nodded. The Duchess hadn’t required them to obtain Da Chu’s deployment plans; there must be more important tasks she would instruct them about. They only needed to wait quietly for news and provide some assistance to the Mo family army when necessary.

In the main tent of the Da Chu army, because the Emperor was personally leading the campaign, the tent’s specifications were naturally completely different from an ordinary army commander’s, appearing more spacious and magnificent. Even though the northern weather remained severe, thick carpets from the Western Regions covered the ground, and the finest silver charcoal burned quietly, making the entire tent warm and comfortable.

But Mo Jingli’s expression hadn’t become more amiable due to the tent’s warmth and comfort; instead, it had grown more sinister. The generals below all lowered their heads in fear, not daring to look at the emperor high above. Being emperor hadn’t improved Mo Jingli’s mood; since that night at King Li’s mansion before the new year, the cold air around Mo Jingli was enough to make anyone keep their distance. Those who didn’t know dared not ask, and the few who knew dared not say much. People only knew that the young emperor had suddenly fallen gravely ill and then passed away, and then King Li had ascended the throne. Everything happened so quickly that many people didn’t have time to react before King Li had already assumed the throne with absolute authority. But after ascending the throne, Mo Jingli’s temperament had become even colder and stranger than before, his moods unpredictable. As a newly enthroned emperor, busy with personally leading troops instead of pacifying court officials, royal clan members, and common people – Mo Jingli was probably the first.

“Northern Rong has been defeated, Mo Xiuyao’s attention will surely turn to the southern front. Now, Mo Xiuyao has sent Lü Jinxian to lead four hundred thousand troops to meet our Da Chu army. What are your views, my ministers?” Mo Jingli asked in a deep voice.

The generals looked at each other, none daring to speak. Northern Rong hadn’t just been defeated – they had been annihilated. This couldn’t help but send a chill through the hearts of Da Chu’s generals. Moreover, Da Chu’s alliance with Xiling to attack while the Mo family army was engaged with Northern Rong already made them somewhat guilty. Xiling and the Mo family army were pure enemies, naturally using every possible means. But Da Chu and the Mo family army were like broken bones still connected by tendons – King Li’s actions would inevitably make the people and soldiers feel cold-hearted.

“What? Does everyone have nothing to say?” Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes and said coldly.

“Your Majesty has divine wisdom, we servants await Your Majesty’s instructions,” the generals said in unison.

Mo Jingli snorted lightly. How could he not know what these people were thinking? He swept his gaze across everyone, letting it fall behind old Marquis Mu Yang, and said in a deep voice, “Old Marquis Mu, what do you think?”

Old Marquis Mu Yang hurriedly stepped forward and respectfully reported, “Your Majesty, this servant feels that if it’s just Lü Jinxian’s four hundred thousand troops, there’s no need for concern. However…”

“However what?” Mo Jingli asked. Old Marquis Mu Yang said, “However, there are still Leng Huai’s two hundred thousand troops in Chu Capital, and Leng Huai himself is an exceptional military talent. When the northern troops were pressing the border, Leng Huai alone defended Zijing Pass for months, not allowing the million-strong northern army to advance a single step past Zijing Pass. From this, we can see this man cannot be underestimated. Additionally… this servant thinks… either Prince Ding or his wife will likely come as well. Then…”

“Leng Huai… Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li?” Mo Jingli played with the jade ring on his hand and snorted coldly, “Leng Huai received deep imperial favor, yet betrayed the country to join Prince Ding’s mansion – his crime deserves death! As for Prince Ding’s mansion… I fear this time it will be Ye Li who comes, which is perfect…”

Hearing Mo Jingli’s words, the generals silently complained in their hearts: Leng Huai had desperately defended Zijing Pass alone, yet King Li not only didn’t provide aid but repeatedly cut Leng Huai’s military provisions, and finally even took away Yuan Bao’s provisions and pay meant for Leng Huai. If not for the Mo family army, the grass on Leng Huai’s grave would already be who knows how tall. How could one speak of receiving deep imperial favor? Moreover, to defend Chu Capital, Leng Huai had lost a son – Mo Jingli’s words had no persuasive power.

But Mo Jingli was emperor, naturally whatever he said went. The generals below didn’t dare open their mouths to contradict his words. They just silently listened to his instructions. Mo Jingli was displeased in his heart and waved his hand saying indifferently, “Old Marquis Mu, Marquis Mu Yang, I leave Lü Jinxian to you. As for Prince Ding’s wife… I will handle her personally!” Father and son Mu Yang hurriedly cupped their hands and accepted the order, “We accept the command.”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, Xiling’s Zhennan Wang’s heir seeks an audience,” a soldier announced loudly from outside. Mo Jingli frowned slightly and said, “Lei Tengfeng, what is he here for?” The soldier replied, “The Zhennan Wang’s heir only said he was here on Zhennan Wang’s orders, with important matters to discuss with Your Majesty.”

“Let him in,” Mo Jingli commanded.

Soon, Lei Tengfeng was brought in. He looked at the generals in the tent and Mo Jingli sitting high on the dragon throne, smiled faintly, and bowed saying, “I, Lei Tengfeng, greet the Chu Emperor.”

“Rise, Zhennan Wang’s heir,” Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes, examining Lei Tengfeng before him. The current Lei Tengfeng was much more steady than when they had met in Nanzhao. Even though Mo Jingli he now faced was emperor of Da Chu, he remained neither servile nor overbearing, calm and composed. More remarkably, his gaze had become extremely peaceful and stable, which the previous Lei Tengfeng had lacked.

Mo Jingli stared at Lei Tengfeng, and after a while asked leisurely, “What brings Xiling’s Zhennan Wang’s heir here?”

Lei Tengfeng smiled calmly, “In reply to the Chu Emperor, my father heard that Your Majesty had arrived at the front lines with troops, and specially ordered me to come welcome you.”

Hearing this, several old generals’ gazes toward Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help but show more approval. When Lei Tengfeng had come to Chu Capital as Zhennan Wang’s heir for Prince Ding’s wedding years ago, that faint trace of arrogance, though not outrageous, had inevitably made people feel he was somewhat proud. But now Lei Tengfeng was not only much more steady than ten years ago, his mentality had also become much more peaceful. Zhennan Wang hadn’t ordered him to come to welcome Mo Jingli, but it was admirable that he could lower his head like this himself.

Lei Tengfeng’s words also pleased Mo Jingli somewhat, and his gaze toward Lei Tengfeng showed more warmth. Mo Jingli nodded and smiled, “Zhennan Wang is too kind. Please be seated, heir.”

“Thank you, Chu Emperor.” Lei Tengfeng was at ease in speech and manner, showing no dissatisfaction or awkwardness that someone he had previously looked down upon was now far above him.

After giving thanks, Lei Tengfeng sat down in the first position. After the servants brought tea and withdrew, Mo Jingli also dismissed the generals, keeping only the Mu Yang father and son and several trusted generals. Only then did Mo Jingli ask, “I hear the Zhennan Wang’s heir captured Wei City in one stroke – I haven’t yet congratulated you.”

Lei Tengfeng smiled, “I was merely lucky. Some days ago I was trapped by General Nan Hou and General Murong, nearly losing my life. If not for my father’s thorough arrangements, there would be no Lei Tengfeng now – I dare not claim credit.”

Mo Jingli smiled faintly, not saying more, “Now that you’re here, does Zhennan Wang have any instructions?”

Lei Tengfeng said, “Father instructed me to follow all of the Chu Emperor’s orders. However… on my way here, I already received news that Prince Ding’s wife Ye Li has reached Lü Jinxian’s army, and will likely arrive at the front lines with Lü Jinxian in the coming days.”

“Is Ye Li leading the Mo family army this time?” Mo Jingli frowned and asked.

Lei Tengfeng shook his head, “No, according to what I know, Prince Ding’s wife serves as military advisor.”

Mo Jingli laughed coldly, “She certainly knows how to be flexible. Thank you for the news, heir – I understand.” Lei Tengfeng frowned slightly and asked, “May I know what strategy King Li has?”

Mo Jingli smiled, “The heir need not worry, I have my plans for dealing with this. The heir need only wait and see.” Seeing Mo Jingli had no intention of saying more, Lei Tengfeng didn’t press further, smiling calmly, “In that case, I shall await the good news.”

Mo Jingli laughed proudly, “Naturally.” Looking at Mo Jingli’s arrogant bearing in his bright yellow dragon robes high above, Lei Tengfeng lowered his eyes slightly, his lips curling in an almost imperceptible cold smile.