Perhaps it was because Ye Li’s prestige within the Mo Family Army was already sufficient, or perhaps because all the commanders throughout the Mo Family Army appeared very calm and composed. After the news of Mo Xiu Yao’s severe injury spread, the entire Mo Family Army did not fall into chaos or low morale as Feng Zhi Yao and others had worried. Even when, ten days later, news of Mo Xiu Yao’s death spread and the entire army donned white mourning clothes, there weren’t any major issues. Instead, all the Mo Family Army soldiers showed more hatred toward the enemy and a shared determination for revenge.

When everyone received Mo Xiu Yao’s obituary, they were all stunned. Even the confident Mo Jing Li and the previously worried Lei Zhen Ting. Who could believe that Mo Xiu Yao—that man who had inspired both jealousy and awe, who had wielded power over half the world for ten years—had just… died like this?

Looking at the letter delivered before him, Lei Zhen Ting sighed with a complex expression.

“Father King?” Lei Teng Feng stood at his side, looking at Lei Zhen Ting’s expression that seemed both happy and sad, asking in confusion. Mo Xiu Yao’s death was naturally a good thing, but he didn’t understand why his father would have such an expression. This led Lei Teng Feng to some unsettling speculations, “Father King, could there be… something wrong with the news of Mo Xiu Yao’s death?”

Lei Teng Feng also couldn’t believe Mo Xiu Yao had died just like that. Mo Xiu Yao’s craftiness and unpredictability had left a deep impression on Lei Teng Feng, so he couldn’t help but suspect whether Mo Xiu Yao was faking his death. But for the moment, he couldn’t understand the purpose of Mo Xiu Yao faking his death. Originally in this great war, things had already begun tilting in favor of the Ding Wang Manor, and barring any accidents, even if it took another two or three years, Ding Wang Manor’s chances of winning were far greater than Zhen Nan Wang Manor’s. With this move, Mo Xiu Yao seemed to have completely abandoned all his early advantages.

Lei Zhen Ting shook his head with furrowed brows and said: “It doesn’t seem likely, but we can’t be careless. Send more people to investigate, we must confirm whether Mo Xiu Yao is truly dead or not.” If Mo Xiu Yao was truly faking his death, he must have grand plans, and they absolutely couldn’t let their guard down. But in the current situation, it was also impossible to stand still and do nothing, giving up this opportunity.

“Son understands.” Lei Teng Feng nodded seriously. He naturally understood the importance of this matter, and someone else sharing the same thoughts as Lei Zhen Ting was Mo Jing Li, far beyond the Hangu Pass.

At a secret base of Ding Wang Manor, Mo Xiu Yao couldn’t help but laugh helplessly when he saw the secret memorial presented by his subordinate. Looking at the memorial before him filled with writing about himself, he couldn’t help but murmur: “A’Li must be angry… This is troublesome. However… such opportunities are hard to come by…” Since A’Li had announced the news of his death, she must have had ways to make outsiders believe in the authenticity of this news. This was extremely beneficial for his secret plans. Indeed, not keeping this from A’Li had been a good decision. If Feng Zhi Yao and others were managing Flying Phoenix Pass at this time, things would likely have backfired. This wasn’t about capability, but rather that Feng Zhi Yao and others didn’t have Ye Li’s prestige and position, nor did they have this wordless understanding with Mo Xiu Yao.

“Your Highness…” The subordinate standing before him looked at his lord who was muttering to himself, somewhat confused.

Mo Xiu Yao’s lips curled into a smile as he said: “Leave the battlefield to A’Li and Feng San. We should prepare as well.” Finding such an opportunity to leave the battlefield without arousing suspicion was truly not easy. After all, his martial arts were too powerful; without a convincing explanation, even if they placed his corpse before Lei Zhen Ting, Lei Zhen Ting would probably think it was someone else in disguise. Cang Mang Mountain… was truly a perfect excuse. Since that’s the case, he naturally should take this opportunity to send Lei Zhen Ting and Mo Jing Li an earth-shattering gift.

“But, Your Highness… your injury…”

Mo Xiu Yao glanced down at his chest, waving dismissively: “What kind of injury is this? It’s nothing serious. Go now.”

“Yes, this subordinate takes his leave.”

The death of Ding Wang was an earth-shattering event that couldn’t be handled carelessly. So once the news spread, the entire Mo Family Army camp and Flying Phoenix Pass immediately donned white mourning clothes. White cloth was hung everywhere, and the entire army wore mourning garments. When civilians near Flying Phoenix Pass received the news, they too wore plain white clothes, and many wept in grief. In these chaotic times, the civilians throughout the Northwest had been living peacefully and happily, all thanks to Ding Wang Manor’s protection. Now the civilians’ grief was not only worry for their future but also mourning and sorrow for the death of Mo Xiu Yao, their Ding Wang.

“Reporting to the Wang Fei, Xi Ling’s Zhen Nan Wang has arrived.” In Flying Phoenix Pass, Ye Li was sitting in the study reviewing the high stack of memorials piled on the table before her. With Mo Xiu Yao’s sudden “death,” there were naturally countless matters that needed handling, and everyone both at Flying Phoenix Pass and at Ding Wang Manor in Li City was extremely busy. Xu Hong Yu, Xu Qing Chen, and others in Li City had also sent a letter and were too busy to spare any time after that.

Ye Li raised her head to look at Qin Feng, frowning as she asked: “Lei Zhen Ting? What is he doing here?”

Qin Feng said: “Naturally, he’s here to mourn His Highness.” Although they were currently enemies, since Lei Zhen Ting came to mourn in Xi Ling’s name, the Mo Family Army really couldn’t do anything to him.

Casually putting aside the memorial, Ye Li stood up and said: “Mourn? More likely here to investigate. I thought he would send Lei Teng Feng instead.”

Qin Feng thought for a moment and said with a soft laugh: “In this subordinate’s opinion, he’s probably afraid that Wang Fei might kill Lei Teng Feng in anger.” Lei Teng Feng was Lei Zhen Ting’s only son, and Lei Zhen Ting was already nearly sixty; it would probably be too late to try to have and raise another son.

“Never mind, let’s go see him. Have people prepare; Mo Jing Li will probably come too,” Ye Li said.

“Mo Jing Li?” Qin Feng frowned and asked: “Would he dare to come?” Mo Jing Li wasn’t someone known for being brave despite his skill; entering enemy territory didn’t seem like something Mo Jing Li would do.

Ye Li walked out while saying: “He should have received the news by now, and knowing Mo Jing Li as I do, he definitely won’t miss an opportunity like this.” After all, in Mo Jing Li’s life, Mo Xiu Yao’s death was the first time and possibly the only time.

“This subordinate understands,” Qin Feng nodded.

In the main hall, Lei Zhen Ting was drinking tea while observing the entire hall. This residence was originally the mansion of the general guarding Flying Phoenix Pass, not particularly large or luxurious. After Mo Xiu Yao and others moved in, they hadn’t taken special care in decorating it, and now with the entire residence covered in white mourning cloth, it added several degrees of coldness and solemnity.

Not far away, Feng Zhi Yao, who was responsible for receiving guests, and Leng Hao Yu, who had just rushed back from Chu Capital, were both glaring at Lei Zhen Ting with quite hostile gazes. Being treated thus, Lei Zhen Ting didn’t get angry, just sat calmly drinking tea. After having just paid respects at the memorial hall, Lei Zhen Ting was considering how he might personally go see Mo Xiu Yao’s corpse. In such a heavily guarded residence, trying to sneak in and investigate secretly was not feasible.

“This subordinate greets Wang Fei.”

Ye Li wore a plain white dress, her cloud-like hair casually arranged in a simple bun. A white flower was pinned in her hair bun, making her entire person appear even more cold and pale. Standing on Ye Li’s left was Mo Xiao Bao, wearing dark brocade clothes with a white gauze robe over them. As soon as he entered, Mo Xiao Bao gave Lei Zhen Ting a fierce glare.

Seeing Mo Xiao Bao glaring at him intently, Lei Zhen Ting couldn’t help but smile. He secretly sighed that Mo Xiu Yao had fathered a good son; though still young, he already showed his father’s bearing. Just looking at those round eyes that seemed cute but couldn’t hide their sharp intelligence, one could tell this boy wasn’t as docile and adorable as he appeared on the surface.

“Ding Wang Fei, Young Master, please accept my condolences,” Lei Zhen Ting stood and cupped his hands in greeting.

Ye Li nodded slightly, smiling faintly: “Many thanks to Zhen Nan Wang for coming personally. Please be seated.” Lei Zhen Ting looked at Ye Li, saying with apparent sincerity: “Ding Wang’s sudden passing, this king is also deeply regretful. Though Ding Wang Manor and Xi Ling are enemies, you were still opponents this king respected. This king’s visit today is firstly to mourn Ding Wang, and secondly, to discuss peace negotiations with Ding Wang Manor.” Satisfied at seeing the flash of surprise in Ye Li’s eyes, Lei Zhen Ting smiled silently.

Feng Zhi Yao and Leng Hao Yu similarly stared at Lei Zhen Ting with disbelieving expressions. Everyone knew well what kind of relationship existed between Ding Wang Manor and Xi Ling. Once Lei Zhen Ting confirmed that Ding Wang was truly gone, he would move to annex Ding Wang Manor without a second word. Anyone who believed he would now show gentlemanly virtue and not take advantage of widows and orphans would be a fool.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking at Lei Zhen Ting before her with a faint smile: “Peace negotiations?”

Lei Zhen Ting nodded: “Indeed. Now that Ding Wang has passed, I imagine… Wang Fei must be overwhelmed for the moment. If Wang Fei agrees, Xi Ling is willing to negotiate peace with Ding Wang Manor.” Ye Li smiled: “If that is truly the case, Ding Wang Manor naturally couldn’t ask for more. For this, this consort thanks Zhen Nan Wang.”

Looking at Ye Li’s proper smile, though her eyes couldn’t hide a trace of weariness and haggardness, Lei Zhen Ting inwardly frowned. For a moment he couldn’t determine whether Ye Li’s current appearance was an act or genuine. With his vast experience in reading people, he actually couldn’t detect any flaws in Ye Li’s demeanor. His earlier words about peace negotiations were merely meant to probe Ye Li’s thoughts and Ding Wang Manor’s current situation. But Ye Li’s attitude made it impossible for him to gauge exactly what was happening within Ding Wang Manor.

“Reporting to Wang Fei, the Chu Emperor requests an audience outside the pass,” a guard announced loudly from outside.

Lei Zhen Ting’s eyes flickered, though his face showed no trace of surprise. He turned to look at Ye Li seated in the main seat, wanting to see how she would handle this. He heard Ye Li say calmly: “The Chu Emperor has come from afar, please show him in. Feng San, take the Young Master to welcome the Chu Emperor.” The formalities of official occasions shouldn’t be neglected for any reason. Although Zhen Nan Wang currently appeared more powerful than Mo Jing Li, Mo Jing Li was still a country’s ruler and sending someone to welcome him was proper courtesy.

“This subordinate obeys,” Feng Zhi Yao responded solemnly.

“Child obeys,” Mo Xiao Bao jumped down from the chair beside Ye Li and followed Feng Zhi Yao out.

“Ding Wang Manor’s subordinates are indeed exceptionally loyal,” Lei Zhen Ting watched Feng Zhi Yao leave, his words carrying deeper meaning. Given Feng Zhi Yao’s pride, his going to welcome Mo Jing Li was enough to show these people’s submission to Ye Li. Clearly, Ding Wang Manor showed no signs of chaos under Ye Li’s control; even if they truly… lost Mo Xiu Yao, that was all they lost. Thinking of this, Lei Zhen Ting’s gaze at Ye Li grew more complex, secretly regretting that Ye Li had escaped Ling Tie Han’s assassination attempt days ago.

Sitting to the side, Leng Hao Yu snorted lightly and said with a laugh: “Zhen Nan Wang praises too highly. Loyal ministers don’t serve two masters. We are merely doing what we should.” Meeting Leng Hao Yu’s hostile gaze, Lei Zhen Ting remained unbothered, smiling faintly.

Ye Li looked at Leng Hao Yu with a smile, showing no displeasure, “Zhen Nan Wang speaks truly. These days if not for their support, this consort truly would have been… somewhat overwhelmed.”

“In that case, why doesn’t Wang Fei invite Young Master Qing Chen to take charge?” Lei Zhen Ting asked. This was also what puzzled him most. Under normal circumstances, if Mo Xiu Yao had truly died, Ding Wang Manor would necessarily support Mo Yu Chen’s succession. But now Mo Yu Chen was not yet nine years old, naturally unable to take control of Ding Wang Manor and the Mo Family Army. So by all reasoning, Ye Li should have summoned Xu Qing Chen or Xu Hong Yu to Flying Phoenix Pass to take charge. But now none of the Xu family members had appeared, which inevitably made Lei Zhen Ting doubt the claims of Mo Xiu Yao’s death.

Ye Li smiled bitterly and shook her head: “Li City also needs Big Brother to take charge, moreover…” She shook her head without continuing. This undoubtedly invited more speculation. Lei Zhen Ting naturally knew the importance of the entire Northwest to Ding Wang Manor, especially since after news of Mo Xiu Yao’s death spread, he had secretly ordered Xi Ling’s troops to move northward. This wasn’t truly meant to attack the original Xi Ling imperial city, but rather to contain Zhang Qi Lan’s army stationed in the west.

There was also Bei Rong. Mo Xiu Yao had just destroyed nearly half of Bei Rong’s military power and killed one of their princes. Now hearing news of Mo Xiu Yao’s death, how could the Bei Rong King not come cause trouble to save face? Therefore, at this time, whether the Northwest, especially Li City, could remain stable became particularly important. As long as the Northwest remained, even if the Mo Family Army lost this time, they would still have a place to retreat to. After a few years when Mo Yu Chen grew up, the Mo Family Army might yet make a comeback. After all, based on Lei Zhen Ting’s understanding of Ding Wang Manor’s almost supernatural bloodline inheritance, there was virtually no doubt that Mo Yu Chen could take charge independently of his teens. Of course, Lei Zhen Ting had no intention of giving him this opportunity.

Seeing Ye Li’s manner of holding back words, Lei Zhen Ting became more convinced of Mo Xiu Yao’s death. He didn’t mind that Ye Li wasn’t crying and wailing like ordinary women, her countenance unchanged. After all, Ye Li wasn’t an ordinary woman; if she were truly overcome with grief and sorrow now, Lei Zhen Ting would instead doubt or think less of her.

“Wang Fei! Wang Fei, something terrible has happened!” Outside the door, a guard hurriedly came in to report. Ye Li frowned slightly and asked: “What is it?” The guard glanced at Lei Zhen Ting, saying somewhat awkwardly: “The Young Master… the Young Master has injured the Chu Emperor.”

Everyone present was stunned – how could Mo Xiao Bao, no matter how extraordinary, being only an eight or nine-year-old child, have injured Mo Jing Li? Seeing everyone’s doubtful looks, the guard hurriedly said: “It’s true, the Young Master… the Young Master bit the Chu Emperor hard.”

“Is the Young Master alright?” Leng Hao Yu quickly asked, never expecting anything good from Mo Jing Li’s character. Mo Jing Li was so petty he wouldn’t let something go just because Mo Xiao Bao was a child. The guard wiped his sweat and said: “The Young Master is fine… but, the Young Master says he wants to kill the Chu Emperor. Master Feng San can’t restrain him and requests Wang Fei to come take a look.”

Ye Li lowered her eyes, hiding a trace of amusement. Standing up, she said somewhat anxiously to Lei Zhen Ting: “Zhen Nan Wang, I deeply apologize. This consort must take leave first.” Lei Zhen Ting smiled: “Wang Fei is too polite. Why doesn’t this king accompany Wang Fei to take a look?” Ye Li hesitated for a moment, but finally couldn’t resist her worry for her son, nodding: “Please, Zhen Nan Wang.”

“After you, Wang Fei.”

Ye Li didn’t stand at on ceremony with him, hurriedly walking out first.

Not far from the manor gate, Mo Jing Li’s entourage plus Ding Wang Manor’s guards had completely blocked the already not-so-wide street. In the center of the crowd, Mo Jing Li in his bright yellow imperial robes was glaring at Mo Xiao Bao. On his right hand held before him was a bloody wound from being bitten, clearly showing that whoever bit him had no intention of holding back.

Mo Xiao Bao was being held tightly in Feng Zhi Yao’s arms, but just looking at the anger on that small face and the fierce way he bared his teeth at Mo Jing Li, one could tell that if Feng Zhi Yao weren’t holding him so tightly, Mo Xiao Bao would likely charge forward again immediately.

“What happened?” Ye Li came through from behind the crowd, frowning as she asked.

Seeing Ye Li arrive, Feng Zhi Yao noticeably relaxed. He wasn’t worried about the Young Master biting Mo Jing Li, but rather concerned that Mo Jing Li might harm Mo Xiao Bao in his anger.

“Mother…” As soon as Feng Zhi Yao released Mo Xiao Bao, he threw himself pitifully into Ye Li’s arms. Nuzzling his little face in Ye Li’s embrace, his round large eyes glared at Mo Jing Li, his delicate little face full of grievance, completely different from his fierce appearance moments ago when he wanted to pounce on someone.

Ye Li held him in her arms, gently patting him as she said softly: “What happened to Xiao Bao? Are you hurt?”

Mo Xiao Bao buried his little face in Ye Li’s embrace, shaking his head. Only then did Ye Li relax, stroking his little head: “That’s good then, but you must be careful. What if you had gotten hurt?”

“He’s a bad person! Xiao Bao hates him!” Mo Xiao Bao said grievously, his childish pure, and naive voice carrying far. Everyone present couldn’t help but glance at Mo Jing Li. Just how bad must one be to make Ding Wang Manor’s adorable young master hate him so much?

Mo Jing Li’s face immediately darkened. He had nearly had a piece of flesh bitten off by this little brat, and now this brat dared to play the victim first!

“Ye Li, is this how you teach your son? Truly lacking in manners!” Mo Jing Li glared at Ye Li, saying coldly.

Ye Li’s clear eyes darkened slightly. She stood up to face Mo Jing Li without showing any weakness, saying calmly: “How this consort teaches her son is not for the Chu Emperor to meddle in. The Chu Emperor would do better to spend that time teaching his son.”

“Pfft—” Feng Zhi Yao beside them couldn’t help but burst out laughing. The Wang Fei had stepped on Mo Jing Li’s sore spot – who in the world didn’t know that Li Wang was already over thirty and didn’t have even a daughter, let alone a son? There were even rumors among the common people that Li Wang suffered from some incurable disease. Of course, Feng Zhi Yao, Ding Wang Manor’s confidant, knew even more clearly. Precisely because he knew, Feng Zhi Yao almost felt sympathy for Mo Jing Li. The most painful thing in this world wasn’t never having had something, but having it, losing it, regaining it, only to find it was all for nothing.

So now, even a hundred curse words probably wouldn’t anger Mo Jing Li as much as Ding Wang Fei’s light-floating words.

“Ye Li!” Mo Jing Li shouted harshly. Ye Li turned around, holding Mo Xiao Bao’s hand as she faced Mo Jing Li, saying gravely: “This consort respects the Chu Emperor as a ruler, but if the Chu Emperor shows no guest manners whatsoever, please forgive this consort for not seeing him off.”

Mo Jing Li laughed in extreme anger, raising his hand with a cold smile: “We came with good intentions to pay respects, and just after arriving, were bitten by this boy. Is this how Ding Wang Manor treats guests?”

Mo Xiao Bao stood beside Ye Li, raising his delicate little chin, and said crisply: “You didn’t come to mourn Father King at all, you came to make trouble! Someone who came to mourn Father King wouldn’t wear clothes like yours!”

Everyone once again turned their gaze to Mo Jing Li. Even though Mo Jing Li was an emperor, Ding Wang Manor’s status was no less prestigious than Da Chu’s. As a guest, while not required to wear mourning clothes, he should at least have changed into plainer attire. Instead, Mo Jing Li had swaggered in wearing bright imperial robes. Standing to the side wearing black clothes with dark patterns, Lei Zhen Ting suddenly felt the Mo Family Army members’ gazes toward him become notably friendlier. Mo Jing Li’s attire didn’t look like he came to mourn, but rather to show off his power and pick a fight.

Mo Jing Li was speechless. He indeed hadn’t truly wanted to come to mourn Mo Xiu Yao – Mo Xiu Yao’s death made him want to laugh even in his dreams, how could he possibly want to come to mourn him? But to have this exposed by a child in front of so many people left him unable to save face.

After a while, Mo Jing Li finally snorted lightly, looking at Ye Li: “Wang Fei, We have come from thousands of miles away, do you intend to keep Us standing here?” Ye Li glanced at him calmly: “If the Chu Emperor truly came to mourn Ding Wang, this consort naturally wouldn’t dare obstruct.”

Mo Jing Li said proudly: “We naturally came for this purpose.”

Ye Li nodded calmly: “In that case, please proceed to the memorial hall to offer incense, Li Wang.”

Mo Jing Li didn’t object, nodding: “Perfect, We also want to see Ding Wang’s remains. After all… we grew up fighting together. Surely, Wang Fei won’t object?”

Ye Li was silent for a moment, then said faintly: “Please proceed, Chu Emperor.”