Watching the edict-bearing eunuch flee in disarray, Mo Yang’s expression grew even darker. His father’s wrongful death, Yao Ji’s disappearance, Mo Jing Li’s suspicions – each matter weighed on Mo Yang like a mountain. Looking at the imperial guards’ corpses scattered before him, Mo Yang’s face turned ashen.

The Western Route General Zhao Lian had some friendship with the Old Marquis Mo Yang. When he rushed over after hearing the news, the situation was already beyond salvaging. Though he had a friendship with the Old Marquis, it wasn’t deep enough to stake his name and position on it. He could only order Mo Yang to be placed under house arrest in the camp and personally wrote a memorial to be delivered swiftly to Mo Jing Li.

Unfortunately, what he didn’t know was that his memorial had turned to ashes barely twenty li after leaving the military camp.

In Mo Yang’s tent, both Zhao Lian and Lei Teng Feng were seated, watching Mo Yang holding the sleeping Mo Lie, and couldn’t help but sigh. Truthfully, neither Zhao Lian nor Lei Teng Feng believed the Mo Yang Marquis Manor would side with Prince Ding’s manor. It wasn’t that they didn’t want to – they simply couldn’t. Lei Teng Feng felt something was wrong with all this, but with the Old Marquis already dead, he feared for Mo Yang…

Thinking of this, Lei Teng Feng discreetly gave Zhao Lian a meaningful look. Zhao Lian sighed helplessly in his heart. He was considered a veteran general of Great Chu, and though he had never fought any earth-shattering battles, he could be said to be well-experienced. Originally, Mo Jing Li’s decision to campaign north had already caused many to privately grumble. Now, with the campaign barely begun, the Emperor had executed one of his senior officials, making many deeply uneasy. The soldiers and officers who were close to the Mo Yang Marquis Manor showed particularly clear signs of discontent. If Mo Yang harbored any thoughts of rebellion, the army would surely fall into chaos. Originally, if thinking of maintaining order in the army, Zhao Lian should have decisively arrested Mo Yang. But coincidentally, half the commanders in his camp were former subordinates of the Marquis Mo Yang or had old ties with the Mo Yang Manor. Not just the emperor – even Zhao Lian himself occasionally worried privately whether the Mo Yang Marquis Manor truly had some ulterior motives.

“Marquis Mo Yang…” After some thought, Zhao Lian still decided to try persuasion first. With Lu Jinxian’s army pressing the border, they really couldn’t afford chaos in the ranks. Mo Yang gave a bitter smile and said, “General Zhao is too polite. What Marquis Mo Yang am I now?”

Zhao Lian sighed and said: “There must be some misunderstanding here. I’ve personally written a memorial to explain to His Majesty. General, please remain calm for now.”

“Even if there’s some misunderstanding, Mo Jing Li shouldn’t have killed my father!” Mo Yang said harshly, his eyes flashing with terrifying hatred. Zhao Lian was secretly shocked – this time, it seemed no matter what… the Mo Yang Marquis Manor would surely become estranged from the Emperor.

“Mother…” In Mo Yang’s arms, Mo Lie let out a small sob in his sleep. Mo Yang’s heart ached even more as he picked up Mo Lie and moved to leave.

“Mo Yang, where are you going?!” Zhao Lian hurriedly asked. Mo Yang turned back and said solemnly: “I’m going to rescue Yao Ji.”

In the current situation, how could Zhao Lian dare let him leave with troops? He quickly said: “How do you know where Madam Mo is now? We should first send people to investigate. Moreover… you should know that if you leave now…” If Mo Yang left like this, even if he hadn’t committed treason, it would become treason. Mo Yang laughed coldly and said: “Things have already come to this point, do you think I still care about such things?”

Zhao Lian gritted his teeth and said solemnly: “Fine, if you want to leave I won’t stop you. But you can’t take any troops with you.” If he let Mo Yang take troops away, his own life would likely be forfeit too.

Mo Yang gave a cold laugh. Alone, he could accomplish nothing – Mo Jing Li could easily have him killed just by sending pursuers, let alone trying to rescue anyone.

Beside them, Lei Teng Feng frowned and said: “Marquis Mo Yang, please stay calm. Don’t you all find this situation somewhat strange?” Mo Yang and Zhao Lian both looked at Lei Teng Feng, who continued solemnly: “The Chu Emperor isn’t a fool. If he wanted to kill the Marquis, why would he announce the Old Marquis’s death so quickly and only send a dozen guards to deliver the edict? Wouldn’t he fear that the Marquis might defy the edict or even rebel on the spot?”

Mo Yang looked at Lei Teng Feng and said coldly: “Is the Prince of Zhennan suggesting my father is unharmed? Or that the edict bearer wasn’t Mo Jing Li’s man, but someone in disguise?”

Lei Teng Feng was speechless. They all knew Mo Jing Li’s close associates. If it were someone in disguise, there would surely have been some flaw visible before so many people. Even those dead imperial guards had been seen before in Mo Jing Li’s army. How could they be fake?

After a long while, Lei Teng Feng sighed and said: “If Brother Mo trusts me, wait one more day. Let us clarify the news from the main camp first. If then it proves true… I will personally escort Brother Mo from the camp. If the Chu Emperor finds fault, I will bear the responsibility, sparing General Zhao from difficulty.” Hearing this, Zhao Lian naturally agreed – stabilizing Mo Yang was most important right now, otherwise the army would surely mutiny soon. He nodded repeatedly: “The Prince speaks well. Nephew, if it comes to that… this old one won’t stop you either!”

Mo Yang was silent for a moment, but finally nodded: “Very well, I’ll wait one more day!”

In the Chu army’s main camp, Mo Jing Li stared darkly at the trembling eunuch kneeling below and said solemnly: “What did you say?” The edict-bearing eunuch, pale-faced, stammered fearfully: “Your Majesty spare me! Your Majesty spare me… this servant was incompetent… Marquis Mo Yang refused to accept the edict and even said… the Mo Yang Manor was utterly loyal to Great Chu, and that Your Majesty was muddle-headed and wrongly harming loyal officials… he killed all the guards Your Majesty sent. Fortunately… fortunately the Western Route General arrived in time to save this servant’s life…” As he spoke, the eunuch was already crying, appearing thoroughly frightened.

Mo Jing Li stared at him for a long while. The eunuch’s originally clean clothes were now stained with blood and dust, his expression showing exhaustion and terror, along with signs of contained pain. He had been injured. “Good… good show, Marquis Mo Yang, good show Mo Yang! Bring Mo Jing Ming to me!”

Mo Jing Ming was the Old Marquis Mo Yang’s given name, though since he had been granted the title of Marquis Mo Yang in his youth, very few people called him by his original name anymore. Soon, the Old Marquis was brought into the tent under guard. In just two days, the previously spirited Old Marquis had aged considerably. His already graying hair was now disheveled, and his once sharp eyes had grown dim. Life in prison naturally wasn’t pleasant, and his whole person appeared aged and weak.

“Mo Jing Ming, what do you have to say now?!” Mo Jing Li demanded harshly.

The Old Marquis started, not understanding what had happened to anger Mo Jing Li so. Glancing at the disheveled eunuch kneeling nearby, the Old Marquis’s heart jumped as he seemed to understand.

“Your old subject is wronged, I beg Your Majesty to investigate clearly.” Though he had guessed what had happened, the Old Marquis could only play ignorant. Mo Jing Li laughed coldly, “Investigate clearly? You say Mo Yang has no thoughts of rebellion? Yet he dared kill the guards I sent to deliver the edict, dared call me muddle-headed – is this what you call the Mo Yang Manor’s utter loyalty to Great Chu?”

“Your Majesty… this must be a misunderstanding! My son would never be so disrespectful!” the Old Marquis said anxiously. He understood Mo Yang’s character – he would never act so impulsively. Moreover, he was still in the Chu army camp. Even if Mo Yang were being cautious, he would never rashly kill imperial edict bearers.

The kneeling eunuch’s heart stirred, and he said shrilly: “Old Marquis Mo, are you suggesting this humble one is deceiving His Majesty? Falsely accusing the Marquis? Your Majesty, this servant is wronged – please send your trusted men to investigate, to spare this servant from false accusations. The Marquis’s slaughter of Your Majesty’s guards was witnessed by thousands of soldiers in the army. This servant doesn’t believe the Marquis can silence so many mouths. Moreover, though the Western Route General arrived afterward, the Prince of Zhennan was present throughout – please investigate clearly, Your Majesty!”

Seeing the eunuch’s aggrieved expression, Mo Jing Li believed him even more. Besides, he had already suspected the Mo Yang Manor – his subordinates were merely adding fuel to the fire.

With a cold laugh, Mo Jing Li said: “Of course I will investigate! Gao Ming! Take My Imperial edict – tell Western Route General Zhao Lian to arrest Mo Yang and bring him to see Me. If there’s any resistance, execute him on the spot!” A commander stepped forward and cupped his hands: “This general obeys! This general will surely bring Mo Yang back to beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness!” Mo Jing Li snorted lightly – he had no interest in whether Mo Yang begged forgiveness or not, he only worried whether Mo Yang would take his hundred thousand troops and rebel. After all, the Mo family still had considerable influence in the Great Chu army. After some thought, Mo Jing Li said: “I’ll give you fifty thousand elite troops to assist the Western Route General in defending against Lu Jinxian’s forces!”

“Yes, thank you, Your Majesty.” Gao Ming responded loudly in thanks. He naturally understood Mo Jing Li’s meaning. These fifty thousand elite troops weren’t really for defending against Lu Jinxian – they were in case Mo Yang made any moves, so they could join with the Western Route General to suppress him.

The Old Marquis looked at the tall, straight Gao Ming who appeared so righteous and felt increasingly hopeless. No one can have only friends and no enemies – as it happened, this Gao Ming had never gotten along with the Mo family. The Mo family were hereditary military nobles; Gao Ming was close to Mo Yang in age, but Mo Yang’s family background was far beyond what Gao Ming’s common origins could compare to. So even though Gao Ming had followed Mo Jing Li since he was a powerless prince, after Mo Jing Li ascended the throne, his position was still far below Mo Yang’s. The animosity between these two was something known throughout the Chu army. Mo Jing Li sending him might have been out of concern that others with good relationships with Mo Yang would show mercy. But sending Gao Ming was practically cutting off any path of survival for the Mo Yang Marquis Manor.

The Old Marquis collapsed dejectedly to the ground. Mo Jing Li couldn’t even be bothered to look at him as he swept away.

The eunuch who had been kneeling quickly got up and had people take the Old Marquis back to prison under strict guard. The Old Marquis glared at the eunuch with bloodshot eyes – he keenly sensed something was wrong with all this, but imprisoned by Mo Jing Li, he was powerless to investigate the truth. The eunuch glanced around to see no one nearby, then suddenly drew close to the Old Marquis and smiled softly, lowering his voice to say: “Old Marquis, don’t blame this humble one. Who told you to offend those you shouldn’t have?”

“So it was you!” the Old Marquis cursed harshly.

“What are you standing there for? Take him away and guard him well. If Prince Ding’s manor rescues him, none of us will live,” the eunuch waved his hand and said shrilly. The Old Marquis was dragged away without any power to resist.

A day later, the news that arrived left everyone quite helpless.

“Reporting to General: His Majesty has ordered General Gao Ming to lead fifty thousand elite troops to assist the General.” The atmosphere in the tent immediately grew heavy, with the Mo Yang Manor’s commanders looking particularly grim.

Mo Yang gave a cold laugh and said: “Fifty thousand elite troops to assist General Zhao?” The mockery was evident in his words. Everyone present understood – talk of assistance aside, what use were fifty thousand troops? The camp currently had over a hundred thousand Western Route Army troops, Mo Yang’s hundred thousand men, and Lei Teng Feng’s hundred thousand plus, totaling over four hundred thousand – already twice Lu Jinxian’s forces. These fifty thousand troops were surely not meant for dealing with Lu Jinxian, but for keeping Mo Yang in check.

Zhao Lian sighed deeply and asked: “Where is General Gao now?”

The soldier reported: “General Gao’s army is thirty li away. Also… General Gao sent word… Marquis Mo Yang intends rebellion, requesting the General to arrest him immediately, to be escorted back to the main camp for His Majesty’s judgment after General Gao arrives.” At these words, the Mo Yang Manor’s commanders all stood up, staring hostilely at everyone present.

Just as Zhao Lian was caught in his dilemma, thunderous war drums sounded from outside the camp. Zhao Lian’s heart jumped, and he quickly made a decision, saying solemnly: “The Mo Family Army challenges us to battle. All commanders follow me out to meet them!”

With that, he left without regarding Mo Yang and the others. Lei Teng Feng stood up, looked at Mo Yang standing to the side, sighed, shook his head, and followed. In the tent, the remaining Mo Yang Manor commanders asked softly: “My Lord, we…”

Mo Yang closed his eyes and said decisively: “Those willing to stay can follow General Zhao out to battle. Those willing to come with me, we leave now!” Among those present, a few silently withdrew to follow Zhao Lian out. The rest were willing to follow Mo Yang. Though their choices differed, no one had the heart to despise others at this moment. Following Mo Yang wasn’t an easy path – the Mo Yang Manor didn’t have the power of Prince Ding’s manor; you couldn’t just take an army and carve out your territory. Those willing to follow Mo Yang were either the Mo Yang Manor’s most trusted or those who owed the manor life debts.

Mo Yang looked at everyone and said solemnly: “Mo Yang thank you all. Go back, gather your troops, we leave immediately.”

Thus, outside the main camp, two forces left in different directions. Mo Yang had brought a hundred thousand troops, but those who truly followed him numbered only thirty to forty thousand. Watching the direction Mo Yang’s troops departed, Zhao Lian sighed slightly, his desolate eyes showing regret. Mo Yang’s future path likely wouldn’t go far. Originally, given time, Mo Yang would have become a commander no less capable than his father. But now, with merely thirty to forty thousand men, no provisions, and no support, Mo Yang’s fate was essentially sealed.

Lei Teng Feng stood beside Zhao Lian and asked quietly: “General Zhao, you won’t regret letting him go?” Zhao Lian sighed: “This old one has done his best – it’s better than having the entire army mutiny.” Lei Teng Feng nodded in agreement. Letting Mo Yang take thirty to forty thousand troops didn’t greatly impact the army, but if they had truly arrested or killed Mo Yang, commanders friendly with the Mo Yang Manor would inevitably feel sympathy for his fate. If someone then stirred up trouble, they’d lose far more than thirty to forty thousand troops.

“But how will the General explain this to the Chu Emperor?” Mo Jing Li wasn’t someone who considered the bigger picture or showed magnanimity. He would likely overlook Zhao Lian’s compromise for army stability and only see that Zhao Lian defied orders by letting Mo Yang escape.

Zhao Lian gave a helpless bitter smile and said quietly: “This old one did what he could. Besides… who knows when one might die in battle? Why think so much? Truthfully, this old one isn’t confident about dealing with Lu Jinxian.” Seeing the Mo Yang Manor’s resolution, Zhao Lian’s heart wasn’t without its chill. But as a subject, when the ruler demands death, a subject cannot refuse to die.

“General is righteous,” Lei Teng Feng praised sincerely.

As for Mo Yang, barely two hours after leaving camp, he encountered Gao Ming’s army. Originally the two forces wouldn’t have met so quickly, but when Gao Ming was approaching the camp and received news of Mo Yang’s escape with his troops, he immediately turned his forces to give chase. He also swiftly sent a memorial to Mo Jing Li’s camp, declaring Mo Yang’s rebellion with his troops. He didn’t forget to report against Zhao Lian either. Gao Ming had always felt that despite years of serving Mo Jing Li like an ox or horse, he was still suppressed by these noble family commanders. Now that he had a chance, how could he let it go?

When the two armies met, without a word Gao Ming ordered an attack. In the chaos, countless died in moments. Just as Gao Ming was feeling pleased with himself, a black-armored force suddenly charged out from the side, surrounding both fighting armies.

Seeing the black flags flying in the wind, Gao Ming was so frightened he nearly fell from his horse. He cried in terror: “Mo Family Army… Black Cloud Cavalry…” Mo Yang’s face also darkened as he vaguely sensed something amiss. The Black Cloud Cavalry’s fighting power naturally far exceeded these ordinary Chu army soldiers. One charge scattered the Chu army’s formation to pieces. The black-clad commander leading them said solemnly: “Those willing to submit to Prince Ding’s manor, cease fighting immediately!” The black-clad commander’s voice, carried by profound internal energy, spread in all directions.

These soldiers, already dizzy from the sudden internal fighting, were now frightened by the Black Cloud Cavalry. Originally these soldiers had no ill feelings toward the Mo Family Army and even harbored some vague fear and dissatisfaction about this war with Prince Ding’s manor. Now with someone leading them, many quickly laid down their weapons and left the battlefield. Seeing that the Mo Family Army truly did as the black commander said – not only sparing those who laid down arms but even protecting them, shielding them from swords and blades in the chaos – even more people soon put down their weapons.

In less than half an hour, the entire battlefield had quieted. Over ten thousand troops chose to throw down their weapons and surrender to Prince Ding’s manor, from both Mo Yang’s and Gao Ming’s forces. Mo Yang was still protected by several loyal guards continuing to resist the Mo Family Army, but Gao Ming had already fallen into their hands.

The black-clad commander dragged Gao Ming forward and said solemnly: “Stand down!” The Black Cloud Cavalry soldiers surrounding Mo Yang immediately ceased fighting and respectfully withdrew to the side.

Mo Yang stared at the black-clad man for a while before finally frowning and saying: “You are… Qin Feng?” Mo Yang and Qin Feng had met face-to-face only a few times, but Mo Yang still remembered the silent man beside Prince Ding’s Princess Consort who supposedly led Prince Ding’s most mysterious Qilin forces.

Qin Feng nodded indifferently and casually threw Gao Ming at Mo Yang’s feet.

Gao Ming stood up looking dejected, staring at Qin Feng in fear. He felt extremely unlucky – having always been suppressed by Mo Yang, unable to raise his head, and now when Mo Yang was finally about to fall and the Emperor had sent him to arrest Mo Yang, he ended up sharing Mo Yang’s misfortune by being captured by the Mo Family Army. At this moment, Gao Ming truly felt Mo Yang was his nemesis.

“You… Prince Ding’s rebel! How dare you – this general is a general of Great Chu!” Gao Ming shouted at Qin Feng who didn’t take him seriously, his manner fierce but inwardly fearful.

A commander beside Qin Feng’s mouth twitched as he couldn’t help lowering his head to cough lightly, “Commander Qin, is something wrong with this fellow?” Was being a Great Chu general something to be so proud of? Especially now as a prisoner when armies were facing off?

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow and smiled, “What of being a Great Chu general? Now that armies face each other, wouldn’t this commander’s achievements grow greater the more Great Chu generals he kills?” Hearing this, Gao Ming’s face immediately went white, and he dared not speak again.

Mo Yang stared at Qin Feng and frowned, saying: “The Princess Consort is quite skilled. It seems she had already calculated that I and General Gao would meet here. Please ask the Princess Consort to come out and meet.” Qin Feng said calmly: “The Princess isn’t here now, I’m afraid I can’t fulfill the Marquis’s wish.”

Mo Yang frowned slightly, “Might I ask if my humble wife was taken by Commander Qin’s people? She is just an innocent woman. Commander Qin, as a military leader, surely wouldn’t trouble a helpless woman who knows nothing.”

“Knows nothing?” Qin Feng’s expression turned somewhat strange.

Mo Yang nodded and said: “Indeed. I have lost to Commander Qin and can die without regret. But my humble wife and young son have nothing to do with this matter. Please, Commander Qin, show mercy and spare them.”

Qin Feng looked at Mo Yang and shook his head, saying quietly: “What a pity.” Mo Yang himself wasn’t a detestable person. If the Mo Yang Manor hadn’t offended Prince Ding, he wouldn’t be so unfortunate. Even at this point, he hadn’t forgotten to plead for Yao Ji – who could be called loyal and righteous. Unfortunately… they each served different masters, and their positions were different. Mo Yang had to die.

“Commander Qin…” Mo Yang’s expression changed slightly.

Qin Feng said casually: “I certainly won’t harm Yao Ji and Mo Lie. Because…”

Mo Yang was staring intently at Qin Feng, not knowing what he meant to say. Suddenly he felt an icy pain in his abdomen. He looked down in shock to see Mo Lie’s smiling bright eyes, twinkling with an innocent, obedient smile. He heard Mo Lie say with a giggle: “Because I was Prince Ding’s manor’s person all along!”