Late at night, Yao Ji sat reading in her tent while Mo Lie slept in the inner chamber. Mo Yang had taken his troops to intercept Lu Jinxian. Due to recent incidents with spies, security in the military camp had become extremely strict. Even the Ding Wang Manor’s hidden guards found it difficult to pass any messages. Yao Ji understood that if things continued this way, it would only be a matter of time before Old Marquis Mo Yang discovered her and Mo Lie’s true identities. After all, they were the most out-of-place people in the entire military camp. Such irregularities naturally drew the most suspicion.

A cold wind swept through the entrance of the large tent. Yao Ji looked up to see Qin Feng standing at the doorway in black clothes. Startled, she had no time to speak before grabbing Qin Feng and pulling him inside. Mo Lie, who had been sleeping inside, opened his eyes the moment Qin Feng entered and rolled out of bed, saying, “Adoptive Father, why have you come?” Qin Feng reached out to pat Mo Lie’s head and said, “You’re in danger now. I’m here to take you away.”

Yao Ji frowned and said, “But…” She understood that Qin Feng’s arrival was likely the Princess Consort’s intention. However, if they couldn’t complete the task assigned by Prince Ding, not only would she be in trouble, but Mo Lie and Qin Feng would suffer as well. Qin Feng gave her a knowing look and said, “We’ll deal with Mo Yang now. The Marquis will soon suspect you. Staying here not only puts you in danger but also threatens the hidden guards within the army.”

Mo Lie nodded and began efficiently packing his belongings. There wasn’t much to pack really – although they had brought plenty when joining Mo Yang’s campaign, there was almost nothing they needed to take with them. Yao Ji nodded slightly, frowning with worry as she said, “The entire camp is under martial law now. How will we get out? Moreover…” If she and Mo Lie suddenly disappeared from the army, the Marquis would surely suspect them immediately.

Qin Feng smiled faintly and said, “Just as we could get in, we can get out. We have no choice but to leave now – the Marquis will suspect you.” Mo Lie took Yao Ji’s hand and said solemnly, “Mother, let’s go. Once this is over, we can return to Li City.” Yao Ji froze, her expression becoming emotional. Yes, once matters here were concluded, they could return to Li City. Mo Lie would no longer have to stay by her side as a child living in fear, and they could see her son again.

“Let’s go!”

Qin Feng nodded with satisfaction. Soon shouts about catching assassins could be heard outside, gradually moving in their direction. Qin Feng grabbed Yao Ji, making it appear as if he was holding her hostage, while casually tossing Mo Lie to the Mo Family Army’s hidden guard waiting outside the tent. To outside observers, it looked as if spies from Prince Ding’s manor had been discovered and were now fleeing with Yao Ji and her child as hostages while being pursued by the Chu army.

Since Mo Lie was the Marquis Mo Yang’s only grandson, the Chu army’s soldiers didn’t dare act too forcefully, inevitably holding back. By the time Old Marquis Mo Yang arrived, Qin Feng and his group had already reached the outer perimeter of the Chu army’s main camp with Yao Ji as their hostage. The Old Marquis deeply understood that since the beginning of the campaign, nothing had gone smoothly. Mo Yang’s devastating defeat by Lu Jinxian had already made Mo Jing Li extremely disappointed in the Mo Yang Marquis Manor. If they let Prince Ding’s spies escape with Yao Ji and Mo Lie this time, the Mo Yang Marquis Manor would surely face disaster. Moreover, the Marquis harbored some small doubts about how conveniently Prince Ding’s spies had taken Yao Ji hostage.

Seeing the situation, Old Marquis Mo Yang made a decisive command, shouting sternly, “Capture the assassins at all costs!”

“Grandfather…” Mo Lie called out with a sob while being held by the hidden guard. The Old Marquis’s heart trembled, but he still hardened his resolve and ordered, “Release the arrows!” Though Mo Lie was his only grandson, when it came to the life or death of the entire Mo Yang Marquis Manor, the Old Marquis didn’t hesitate to sacrifice this grandson. As long as the Mo Yang Marquis Manor survived, as long as Mo Yang lived, there would naturally be more grandsons in the future.

Arrows rained down like a downpour toward Qin Feng’s group, but by now they had reached the outskirts of the Chu army’s main camp, and the elite Qilin warriors had accompanied Qin Feng. In no time at all, the group vanished into the night.

The Old Marquis stared lost in thought for a long while in the direction where the black-clad figures had disappeared. After so many years together, the Old Marquis had grown very fond of Mo Lie. Although he sacrificed himself for the sake of the Mo Yang Marquis Manor, it didn’t mean his heart didn’t ache. Now he could only hope Prince Ding’s spies wouldn’t carelessly take a life and would spare the boy.

“Old Marquis, His Majesty summons you,” announced an imperial guard who had hurriedly arrived behind him.

The Old Marquis sighed, nodded, and turned to head toward Mo Jing Li’s main tent.

Inside the tent, Mo Jing Li stared at the Old Marquis and asked, “Were the spies captured?” The Old Marquis lowered his head and said, “The spies escaped. I request Your Majesty’s punishment.” Mo Jing Li’s expression darkened, but he didn’t erupt. Instead, he said flatly, “I hear the Marquis’s wife and child were taken by the assassins?”

The Old Marquis nodded and replied, “Your Majesty, that is correct.”

Mo Jing Li coldly stared at the Old Marquis and asked, “What are your thoughts about Prince Ding’s spies, Old Marquis?” The Old Marquis was startled, not quite understanding the meaning behind Mo Jing Li’s words. He then heard Mo Jing Li continue, “What a coincidence… The Marquis leads troops and military secrets are leaked. Tonight… Prince Ding’s spies just happened to kidnap the Marquis’s wife and child. Furthermore, if they wanted hostages, wouldn’t taking just the young heir be more convenient? I really can’t understand what value there is in taking a concubine of dancing girl origins. What do you think, Old Marquis?”

Hearing Mo Jing Li’s words, the Old Marquis felt his heart race and cold sweat immediately broke out on his forehead. His Majesty’s meaning was actually to suspect Yao Ji of being Prince Ding’s spy. If His Majesty truly believed this, the Mo Yang Marquis Manor would be finished.

“Your Majesty, please see clearly! The Mo Yang Marquis Manor is utterly loyal to Great Chu!” The Old Marquis fell to his knees with a thud, speaking urgently. Mo Jing Li snorted lightly and said, “Get up. I was merely curious. The investigation into Prince Ding’s spies must continue. If there are any more information leaks, I will show no mercy!”

“Yes, this subject accepts the command!” The Old Marquis’s heart relaxed slightly as he quickly responded. But internally he was shocked and determined to investigate this matter thoroughly. If there was something wrong with Yao Ji, it would be better to have a strategy to deal with it.

Just when Mo Jing Li’s mood was already terrible, even worse news kept arriving. Early in the morning, before Mo Jing Li had even eaten breakfast, urgent reports came from outside: “Reporting to Your Majesty, our four secret forces have been successively attacked by the Mo Family Army, suffering heavy casualties!”

“What?!” Mo Jing Li, who was just about to eat, knocked over the soup bowl on the table. He stood up abruptly and ordered, “Summon all the military commanders for an audience!” Upon receiving the order, the Chu army’s commanders hurriedly gathered at the main camp within moments. One look at Mo Jing Li’s expression and everyone secretly knew something major had happened.

Mo Jing Li had no patience for their thoughts. He threw down the urgent report that had just arrived and said, “Look at this!”

Standing at the front, the Old Marquis bent down to pick it up. His expression also changed immediately as he trembled and said, “Your Majesty, I fear we have truly fallen for Yun Ting’s trick – the Prince Ding’s Princess Consort was never with the Mo Family Army.” Two days ago, they had sent people to investigate, and the reports claimed the Princess Consort was with the army. Now thinking back, this was probably just Yun Ting’s smokescreen – from the beginning, the Princess Consort was never at Han Gu Pass.

“Ye Li! You, Ye Li!” Mo Jing Li gnashed his teeth in hatred. “Since that’s how it is, don’t blame me for being ruthless!” In his fury, Mo Jing Li even forgot to use the imperial “We.”

“Convey Our imperial command – immediately leave the pass and eliminate Yun Ting’s army!” Mo Jing Li ordered harshly.

“This general obeys the command!” Seeing Mo Jing Li’s fierce expression, the commanders dared not say more and simply accepted the orders solemnly.

A guard hurriedly approached Mo Jing Li with a letter, presenting it with both hands. Mo Jing Li opened and glanced at it, his cold gaze sweeping over everyone below before finally landing on the Old Marquis. He said calmly, “Marquis Mo Yang, stay. The rest may withdraw.” Everyone cast sympathetic looks at the Old Marquis as they filed out.

Mo Jing Li held the letter and coldly regarded the Old Marquis, saying, “Old Marquis Mo, do you know what this letter you wrote contains?” The Old Marquis’s heart tightened, knowing it must relate to him. After some thought, he carefully asked, “Your Majesty… is this about Yao Ji and Mo Lie from last night…” At this moment, the Old Marquis felt extremely complex emotions. He wasn’t sure if he was more worried about Yao Ji having some connection to Prince Ding’s manor or about Mo Lie’s life and death.

Mo Jing Li gave a cold laugh and said, “Old Marquis Mo, I recall that Yao Ji disappeared several years previously?”

The Old Marquis nodded and said, “In response to Your Majesty, that is correct.”

“Do you know where Yao Ji was and what she was doing during those years?” Mo Jing Li asked. The Old Marquis’s back was drenched in sweat, and he dared not answer. Mo Jing Li slammed the letter onto his desk and said harshly, “During those years Yao Ji was in Li City! And she even opened a teahouse. How wonderful… We showed unlimited trust in the Mo Yang Marquis Manor, yet the internal traitor was right by Our side!”

The Old Marquis’s legs gave way and he fell to his knees, repeatedly saying, “Your Majesty, please see clearly! That was all done by that worthless woman Yao Ji – the Mo Yang Marquis Manor has no connection whatsoever to Prince Ding’s manor. This old subject… this old subject has a grudge against Prince Ding, how could I possibly defect to him? I beg Your Majesty to see clearly!” Mo Jing Li narrowed his eyes and said, “You wouldn’t? Then what about Mo Yang? Since ancient times the beauty’s bower has been the hero’s tomb – might Mo Yang have defected to Prince Ding’s manor because of Yao Ji? Ten thousand men couldn’t handle Lu Jinxian’s five thousand troops, and even let him escape alive. Old Marquis Mo, how can We trust you?”

Many things cause no trouble if you don’t think about them. But once you start thinking in a certain direction, numerous doubts flood in unstoppably.

Mo Jing Li was by nature a suspicious person. Moreover, the Mo Yang Marquis Manor hadn’t been loyal to him from the beginning – since the Marquis Mo Yang could betray Mo Jing Qi to serve him, he could naturally also betray him to serve Mo Xiu Yao instead. Thinking of this, his gaze toward the Old Marquis grew increasingly hostile. The Old Marquis secretly cursed his fate but also understood that any further explanations now would only be seen as quibbling by Mo Jing Li. In his heart he could only wish to flay Yao Ji alive – he never imagined that after a lifetime of calculating and maneuvering, he would end up being outmaneuvered by his son’s woman.

“Your Majesty…” the Old Marquis opened his mouth, wanting to say more. But Mo Jing Li didn’t want to hear anything else from him and snorted coldly, saying, “Enough! We don’t want to hear any more from you.” The Old Marquis quickly shook his head and said, “No! Please listen to this old subject one more time. That worthless woman Yao Ji… after leaving the camp she will certainly go find Yang’er… I beg Your Majesty…” Mo Jing Li laughed coldly and said, “If you hadn’t mentioned it, We would have forgotten. Don’t worry, you’ll be reunited with Mo Yang soon! Guards, take him away!”

Grabbed by guards on both sides and roughly dragged out of the tent, the Old Marquis knew the situation was hopeless and anything more he said would be useless, so he could only fall silent in dejection.

In the western army camp of the Chu forces, Mo Yang was discussing military intelligence with the Western Route General and Lei Teng Feng when a guard came to report, “Reporting to General Mo, there’s a child outside requesting an audience. He claims to be the young heir of the Mo Yang Marquis Manor.”

Mo Yang paused slightly, finding it strange that Mo Lie would come seeking him alone. Lei Teng Feng’s eyes flickered as he said with a smile, “Brother Mo should first go see if the young heir has any urgent matters.”

Mo Yang nodded, concerned about what could have brought Mo Lie here so suddenly. Lei Teng Feng’s suggestion naturally aligned with his thoughts, and he stood up, clasping his hands toward Lei Teng Feng saying, “Thank you, Your Highness.”

Outside the camp, he indeed saw Mo Lie standing there disheveled and shivering. It was only early February, and the northern spring was still bitter cold. Mo Lie wore tattered clothes, his lips turning purple. Mo Yang quickly removed his outer garment and embraced him, asking anxiously, “Lie’er, why are you here alone?”

Mo Lie’s trembling lips moved as he said, “Mother… Mother…” Before he could finish, tears started flowing. Mo Yang’s heart jumped as he quickly asked, “What happened to your mother?” Mo Lie stared blankly at Mo Yang before finally breaking into loud sobs.

Seeing his state, it was clear he was terrified. Mo Yang held him close compassionately, saying softly, “Good child, don’t be afraid. Tell Father… what happened?” Leaning in Mo Yang’s embrace, Mo Lie finally spoke between sobs, “Bad people… bad people took Mother and me away. Later, I escaped… wanted to go back and ask Grandfather to save Mother, but… they said Grandfather was arrested by the Emperor. Waa… Father, save Mother… save Grandfather…”

“What?” Such dramatic changes left Mo Yang stunned. Supporting Mo Lie, he asked, “You say your grandfather was arrested by the Emperor? Why?” Mo Lie hesitated, shaking his head blankly, “Don’t know… don’t know… I heard others saying it. I didn’t dare go back, so I begged a kind uncle to bring me to find Father.”

Mo Lie was young, and his words came out fragmented and scattered. Mo Yang’s mind was in chaos. Lei Teng Feng, who had followed out, had also heard their conversation. He thoughtfully looked at Mo Lie crying in Mo Yang’s arms and said solemnly, “Brother Mo, don’t panic. Let’s first get the full story. Besides… Han Gu Pass isn’t far from here. If something happens, news should arrive soon. Young Master… how did you get here?”

Mo Lie hid in Mo Yang’s embrace, shaking his head while sobbing, “Wuu wuu… I don’t know… came by horse…”

“You came by horse?” Lei Teng Feng raised his eyebrows, “Whose horse? Who brought you?”

“Wuu wuu… I don’t know. Father, save Mother, Mother was bleeding so much… I’m scared…” Mo Yang quickly held him close, patting him gently, “Alright, alright, don’t be afraid, it’s fine now… be good, Lie’er…”

Taking Mo Lie into his tent, Mo Yang carefully questioned him and gradually pieced together what had happened. It turned out that just two days after Mo Yang left, the Mo Family Army’s spies hidden in the army grew restless. When discovered by the Chu army, they took Mo Lie and Yao Ji hostage while escaping. Later, Yao Ji helped Mo Lie escape. After escaping, Mo Lie originally wanted to return to ask his grandfather for help saving his mother, but then heard that the Old Marquis Mo Yang had been arrested. That’s when he begged kind travelers to bring him here.

Hearing Mo Lie’s story, Mo Yang was already sick with worry, but Lei Teng Feng, also present, remained much calmer and noticed many details that Mo Yang had completely overlooked. Lei Teng Feng smiled at Mo Lie and asked, “Young Master, where are the people who brought you here?”

Hearing this, Mo Yang frowned and said, “Brother Lei, what do you mean?” These days Mo Yang and Lei Teng Feng had gotten along well, so Mo Yang didn’t want to offend him. But Lei Teng Feng’s questions gave him an uncomfortable feeling. Lei Teng Feng smiled slightly and said, “Brother Mo, there’s a war going on here, yet the young heir happened to meet horsemen on the road. Don’t you find that strange?” In wartime, most people stayed far away from battlefields – how could there be anyone leisurely riding horses around willing to escort a child to a military camp?

Mo Yang looked at Lei Teng Feng with slight anger, “Brother Lei, are you suggesting Lie’er is lying?”

Lei Teng Feng frowned slightly and said, “Brother Mo misunderstands, that’s not what I meant. I just find it odd. The young heir is still small, he could easily be manipulated.” Mo Yang took a deep breath and said solemnly, “Whatever the case, let’s first investigate what happened. Brother Lei, I must trouble you with the army matters for a few days – I need to return.”

“No!” Mo Lie grabbed Mo Yang’s hand tightly, refusing to let go. “Father mustn’t go back! The Emperor will kill you! They said… the Emperor wants to catch Father and kill you together with Grandfather. I don’t want… don’t want Father to die. Wuu wuu…”

Mo Yang’s expression grew even darker. He believed seventy to eighty percent of Mo Lie’s words but didn’t understand why the Emperor would suddenly want to arrest his father. As he was deep in thought, a somewhat shrill voice came from outside, “Imperial Edict arrives! Marquis Mo Yang Mo Yang, receive the edict!”

Mo Yang quickly settled Mo Lie and hurried out of the tent. Seeing the expression of the eunuch standing beside Mo Jing Li in the camp, his heart sank.

“Your subject Mo Yang receives the imperial edict.” Mo Yang respectfully knelt to receive it.

The eunuch glanced at Mo Yang and unfolded the golden imperial edict, announcing solemnly: “The Mo Yang Marquis Manor has conspired with Prince Ding’s manor in treason against the state, a crime punishable by death! Hereby ordered: strip Mo Yang of his military authority and escort him back to camp. The day of judgment is to be determined! By imperial decree!” The eunuch folded the edict and commanded shrilly, “Arrest Mo Yang at once!”

“Wait!” Mo Yang called out clearly, “May I ask the honorable eunuch, when did Mo Yang conspire with Prince Ding’s manor? When did I commit treason?” The eunuch laughed coldly, “That’s something the Marquis should ask himself about what he’s done. This humble one is here on His Majesty’s orders to make the arrest. Does the Marquis intend to defy the imperial edict?”

Mo Yang gritted his teeth and said, “When one wishes to condemn, any excuse will do. I do not accept this!”

The eunuch sneered, “Don’t accept it? The Marquis can say whatever he wishes before His Majesty. This humble one is here executing imperial orders, please don’t make things difficult. However… this humble one fears the Marquis will have nothing left to say. This morning, the Old Marquis Mo Yang was already executed.”

“What?! Father…” Mo Yang’s expression changed dramatically – he hadn’t expected that when Mo Lie said Mo Jing Li had arrested his father, he would be executed so quickly. The eunuch seemed not to notice Mo Yang’s changed expression and said smugly, “The Marquis should just surrender quietly. Your honored father already confessed to the Mo Yang Manor’s conspiracy with Prince Ding’s manor before his death.”

Mo Yang’s face alternated between pale and flushed. He knew his family’s affairs better than anyone. If possible, his father naturally wouldn’t have refused to side with Prince Ding’s manor, but the problem was that originally his father had attacked Prince Ding’s Princess Consort on Mo Jing Qi’s orders, creating a deep hatred for Prince Ding’s manor. Even if they were to defect to someone, it couldn’t possibly be to Prince Ding’s manor. How could his father admit to such an absurd crime unless… it was extracted through torture?

Thinking of this, Mo Yang was filled with grief and indignation. “My Mo family has been utterly loyal to His Majesty, yet His Majesty treats lives so carelessly! How can loyal officials not be disheartened!” The eunuch frowned, waving his hand impatiently, “Arrest Marquis Mo Yang, so this humble one can complete his task.”

The guards on either side quickly moved to seize Mo Yang. Although Mo Yang was young, the Marquis Mo Yang had spent half his life in glory and was extremely good at managing relationships. The Mo Yang Manor also had many loyal household guards. With the Old Marquis Mo Yang inexplicably executed by the emperor, how could they let Mo Yang be arrested too? The situation between both sides immediately became tense.

By the time the Western Route General arrived, most of the men the eunuch had brought were already killed, and he had fled the military camp with only two remaining guards.

Several li from the military camp, the edict-bearing eunuch stood pale-faced, his limbs weak as he looked at the person standing not far ahead. His last two guards had fallen before him. The eunuch was good at reading situations and quickly stepped forward, saying flatteringly, “Commander Qin, this humble one said everything according to your instructions. That Mo Yang… that Mo Yang was so audacious as to kill the Emperor’s guards. Please, Commander Qin, spare this humble one’s life.”

Qin Feng turned to look at the fawning eunuch before him and smiled, “You need not worry, I won’t kill you.”

The eunuch was startled, but greatly relieved. He had originally thought delivering the edict would be a simple task, but hadn’t expected to be captured by Prince Ding’s people before even setting out. In the end, he had to follow Qin Feng’s instructions to deceive Mo Yang about the Old Marquis’s death. He had nearly died by Mo Yang’s blade, and now having finally saved his life, he was naturally overjoyed.

“Not only will I not kill you, I’ll have people safely escort you back. You know what to say when you return, don’t you?”

“This humble one understands, this humble one understands. Mo Yang boldly defied the imperial edict and killed imperial envoys, intending rebellion.” The eunuch quickly replied.

Qin Feng nodded with satisfaction, “Very good, I do enjoy dealing with clever people.”