Mo Jing Li’s group was quickly led to the memorial hall in the general’s mansion where Ye Li was temporarily staying. Being temporarily set up here, the memorial hall wasn’t large; the entire hall was covered in white cloth, giving off a cold and desolate feeling. Mo Xiu Yao’s coffin was placed in the center of the memorial hall, surrounded by countless flowers. Before the coffin, a memorial tablet was inscribed: Memorial Tablet of Ding Wang Mo Xiu Yao.

Standing in the memorial hall, both Mo Jing Li and Lei Zhen Ting felt moments of tension and excitement. They were about to see Ding Wang’s body; as his enemies, it was indeed difficult not to be excited.

“Wang Fei?” A Jin, who was guarding the memorial hall, had reddened eyes and watched Mo Jing Li and Lei Zhen Ting vigilantly. His gaze toward Mo Jing Li was particularly fierce; surely if this weren’t Mo Xiu Yao’s memorial hall, he would have already pounced. Mo Jing Li, knowing well what he had done to Mo Xiu Yao, felt somewhat guilty under A Jin’s stare and couldn’t help stepping back. But soon he became happy again – no matter what he had done, Mo Xiu Yao was dead, and after so many years of struggle, he had finally won. Moreover… Mo Jing Li swept a contemptuous glance at A Jin. This simple-minded fellow who had followed Mo Xiu Yao since childhood wouldn’t find it so easy to kill him.

Ye Li said calmly: “The Chu Emperor and Zhen Nan Wang wish to see His Highness.”

A Jin was stunned, glaring fiercely at Mo Jing Li: “No! His Highness has already been laid to rest. How can we open it again? Moreover… moreover he…” A Jin wanted to say that this was the murderer of His Highness, how could they let him disturb His Highness’s peaceful rest?

Lei Zhen Ting understood A Jin’s thoughts and stepped forward with a smile: “We truly wish to bid Ding Wang farewell. Perhaps, let me take a look at Ding Wang, to avoid disturbing his peace too much. What does Wang Fei think?” Ye Li frowned, her expression clearly showing some displeasure, but she didn’t object. Mo Jing Li didn’t object either; although it was somewhat regrettable not to see Mo Xiu Yao’s body personally, the most important thing now was confirming whether Mo Xiu Yao was dead or alive. He believed that on this matter, Lei Zhen Ting had no reason to deceive him.

Ye Li gently patted A Jin’s shoulder, saying softly: “Let them see His Highness, and they won’t disturb him again.” A Jin looked at Ye Li – since Mo Xiu Yao’s passing, besides his uncle, Ye Li was the person A Jin trusted most, even ahead of his betrothed, Qing Shuang. Hearing Ye Li’s words, A Jin finally gave Mo Jing Li one more fierce glare before walking over to carefully push open the coffin lid. Since it needed to be transported back to Li City for burial, the coffin hadn’t been nailed shut yet. A Jin only needed to push lightly to open it.

Mo Jing Li and Zhen Nan Wang didn’t mind A Jin’s rudeness at all, as their attention was completely focused on the opened coffin. Lei Zhen Ting stepped forward and immediately smelled a somewhat strong fragrance. This was a type of incense used by nobles to preserve bodies, generally only available to princes and above. Mixed with the scent of golden nanmu wood, it made Lei Zhen Ting furrow his brow slightly.

In the coffin lay a white-haired man wearing a white robe embroidered with silver dragons and cloud patterns, resting peacefully. Although the weather was still cold, and the coffin contained preservative incense, with the coffin itself placed on a huge block of ice, the body showed no changes. If not for a hint of deathly pallor unlike the living, it could have been described as lifelike.

Lei Zhen Ting’s sharp eyes noticed a wound extending from inside on the man’s exposed right wrist. Although carefully treated, it was still clearly visible. Thinking of the information he had received from Mo Jing Li… Lei Zhen Ting stared fixedly at the man’s extraordinarily handsome features, frowning. Finally, he raised his hand to reach into the coffin.

“Zhen Nan Wang, what are you doing?” Ye Li, standing to the side, asked with some displeasure at seeing his movement.

Lei Zhen Ting smiled faintly: “This king noticed Ding Wang’s sleeve was somewhat disheveled. This king has been discourteous.” Lei Zhen Ting calmly adjusted the white sleeve, then turned to give Ye Li an apologetic smile.

Ye Li lowered her eyes, “Do Zhen Nan Wang and the Chu Emperor have any other matters… if not…”

Lei Zhen Ting smiled: “Please don’t let us detain you, Wang Fei. This king won’t disturb Ding Wang’s rest any further.”

“Thank you. A Jin, close it,” Ye Li softly instructed A Jin beside her. A Jin snorted lightly at Lei Zhen Ting in anger before stepping forward to close the coffin again.

After leaving the memorial hall, Mo Jing Li and Lei Zhen Ting were shown to a side courtyard in the general’s mansion to rest. Flying Phoenix Pass wasn’t Li City, and this wasn’t the time for Mo Xiu Yao’s formal funeral, so there weren’t many visitors. Although the general’s mansion wasn’t large, it was barely adequate to accommodate Lei Zhen Ting and Mo Jing Li.

“Chu Emperor, would you care to join me for tea?” Lei Zhen Ting asked. Although they had only come to pay respects, since it was already late, they would inevitably need to stay at Flying Phoenix Pass for the night before departing.

Mo Jing Li naturally agreed; he also had many questions he wanted to ask Lei Zhen Ting.

The two went to Lei Zhen Ting’s courtyard. After dismissing the maid who brought tea and snacks, Lei Zhen Ting smiled and said: “Congratulations to the Chu Emperor.” Mo Jing Li was startled but quickly realized what Lei Zhen Ting meant. “The one lying in that coffin… was truly Mo Xiu Yao?”

Lei Zhen Ting said: “Death from excessive blood loss, but no obvious external wounds. Must have been injured in the heart meridian. There’s a wound on the right wrist and calluses on the palm from long-term sword practice. Moreover… this person was a master in life, his face showed no signs of disguise, and his hair wasn’t dyed. If there exists another person in this world who looks identical to Mo Xiu Yao, practices swordsmanship similarly, and possesses equal martial arts prowess who died… then Mo Xiu Yao isn’t dead.”

After a while, Mo Jing Li was heard muttering softly: “Mo Xiu Yao… is really… dead…”

“Yes,” Lei Zhen Ting sighed softly. “Mo Xiu Yao is indeed dead.” Such a brilliant figure, gone just like that. Lei Zhen Ting’s eyes suddenly showed traces of bewilderment and melancholy. Mo Jing Li had no interest in Lei Zhen Ting’s thoughts; hearing his words, he burst into loud laughter: “This is wonderful! Mo Xiu Yao… Mo Xiu Yao! You died before me after all! Haha…”

Watching Mo Jing Li’s smug expression, Lei Zhen Ting’s eyes flashed with contempt and anger. He too had wanted Mo Xiu Yao dead, because he was an enemy. But being considered an enemy by someone like Mo Xiu Yao was an honor. Being considered an enemy by someone like Mo Jing Li, however, was a disgrace. Lei Zhen Ting had never acknowledged Mo Jing Li as a worthy opponent – he was nothing but a clown.

When Mo Jing Li finished laughing, he seemed to finally notice Lei Zhen Ting’s displeasure. Mo Jing Li raised an eyebrow: “Mo Xiu Yao is dead, isn’t Zhen Nan Wang happy?” Lei Zhen Ting tugged at the corner of his mouth, revealing a mocking smile: “Naturally not as ecstatic as the Chu Emperor.”

Hearing this, Mo Jing Li couldn’t help feeling sheepish. The grudge between Ding Wang Manor and the Da Chu royal family was well-known throughout the realm these years. His earlier reaction in Lei Zhen Ting’s eyes… Despite his thick skin, Mo Jing Li couldn’t help blushing. He snorted, saying forcefully: “Mo Xiu Yao betrayed the country first; such a treasonous rebel naturally deserved death.”

Lei Zhen Ting took a sip of tea, saying indifferently: “This king has no intention of discussing with the Chu Emperor whether Ding Wang deserved to die or not. Ding Wang’s death naturally only benefits this king.” Mo Jing Li’s eyes flashed with anger and unease, saying stiffly: “In that case, please speak, Zhen Nan Wang.” Some people are naturally brilliant, the focus of the world’s attention, earning admiration and respect even from their enemies. Mo Xiu Yao was such a person. And it was precisely because of this that Mo Jing Li had been insanely jealous.

Lei Zhen Ting leisurely observed Mo Jing Li, whose breathing had become somewhat unstable, and calmly said: “Has the Chu Emperor noticed that several of the Mo Family Army’s main generals are absent?” Mo Jing Li hesitated; from the beginning, he had focused his attention on Ye Li and Mo Xiao Bao, naturally not noticing who from Ding Wang Manor was missing. Hearing Lei Zhen Ting mention it, he finally recalled something and nodded: “Indeed, Mu Rong Shen and Nan Hou aren’t here. They…”

“They were probably sent out by Ye Li,” Lei Zhen Ting said.

Mo Jing Li frowned: “Sent out? Does Ye Li not want to defend Flying Phoenix Pass anymore?”

Lei Zhen Ting glanced at him and said: “It’s precisely because she wants to defend Flying Phoenix Pass that she sent people out.”

“What does Zhen Nan Wang mean by this?” Mo Jing Li didn’t like Lei Zhen Ting’s tone, as if suggesting he was a fool. Yet he truly couldn’t understand Ye Li’s thinking, so he had to suppress his anger and listen to Lei Zhen Ting speak.

“Flying Phoenix Pass is only so large; what difference would it make if all the generals were piled up here? But if Mu Rong Shen, Nan Hou, and others are sent out – these are all famous veteran generals of the battlefield. They don’t need to face us head-on; if they just want to cause us some trouble, it would naturally be an easy matter. And the Mo Family Army’s Black Cloud Cavalry excels at thousand-li raids, so when the time comes… Both our sides would likely have quite a headache,” Lei Zhen Ting explained.

Mo Jing Li gritted his teeth: “Was this Ye Li’s idea?! How cunning!”

Lei Zhen Ting smiled appreciatively: “For Wang Fei to be able to stabilize the entire Ding Wang Manor’s situation at this time as a lone woman, she is naturally no ordinary person. If Wang Fei were a man… I’m afraid…” Lei Zhen Ting shook his head, smiling silently.

Mo Jing Li snorted lightly and asked: “What does Zhen Nan Wang wish to discuss with Us?”

Lei Zhen Ting looked at Mo Jing Li and said: “Abandon Han Gu Pass, march west with your army. After our two armies join forces, we’ll attack Flying Phoenix Pass together.”

Mo Jing Li’s eyes narrowed as he smiled coldly: “Zhen Nan Wang truly has a brilliant plan, but unfortunately, We fear being sold out by Zhen Nan Wang again.” Mo Jing Li hadn’t forgotten about being tricked by Lei Teng Feng last time. How could he trust Lei Zhen Ting again?

Lei Zhen Ting frowned and said: “Once we take Flying Phoenix Pass, we can sweep across the entire Northwest. After eliminating Ding Wang Manor’s foundation, do you think Cold Huai in Chu Capital and Lu Jin Xian at Han Gu Pass will still need our attention?”

Mo Jing Li wasn’t a fool. “How do We know that once We lead troops westward, Cold Huai and Lu Jin Xian won’t pursue from behind? Wouldn’t that leave Us in an impossible position?” Lei Zhen Ting raised an eyebrow: “So, is the Chu Emperor confident in facing Cold Huai and Lu Jin Xian alone? This king has received news that Cold Huai has already begun organizing troops in Chu Capital. They will march to Han Gu Pass soon. Han Gu Pass may be the greatest stronghold in the Central Plains, but…” But it also depends on who’s defending it.

Under Lei Zhen Ting’s pressure, Mo Jing Li’s face alternated between green and white. “What does Zhen Nan Wang want to do?!”

Lei Zhen Ting nodded satisfactorily: “Please have the Chu Emperor hold back Cold Huai and Lu Jin Xian’s armies. This king doesn’t need the Chu army to achieve merit, just delay them and prevent them from interfering.”

Although being looked down upon by Lei Zhen Ting was humiliating, Mo Jing Li also didn’t want to continue fighting Lu Jin Xian and Cold Huai head-on with his troops. Rather than that, it would be better to wait for Lei Zhen Ting and the Mo Family Army to fight until both were wounded, then he could reap the benefits.

Lei Zhen Ting naturally understood Mo Jing Li’s thoughts but didn’t mind, giving a cold smile.

“Very well, we’ll do as Zhen Nan Wang says,” Mo Jing Li nodded, agreeing to Lei Zhen Ting’s proposal.

In the study of the main courtyard at the deepest part of the general’s mansion, Ye Li sat behind the desk looking at a roomful of people, sighing. Feng Zhi Yao glared at Ye Li: “Wang Fei, do you not know His Highness’s whereabouts?”

Ye Li shook her head, saying seriously: “I truly don’t know.”

Unfortunately, her sincere answer couldn’t convince Feng Zhi Yao and the others. “Does Wang Fei think we believe that?” Ye Li raised her delicate eyebrows, smiling as she looked at everyone. Han Ming Yue smiled faintly: “Wang Fei must at least know some news about Xiu Yao, right? Otherwise… how would Wang Fei know what wounds should be on his body?” After seeing Ding Wang’s wounds, Zhen Nan Wang’s brow had noticeably relaxed, and his smile when facing Ye Li had become more genuine. Zhen Nan Wang had received prior information about Ding Wang’s injuries, and the wounds on Ding Wang’s body matched exactly with the information Lei Zhen Ting had received.

Ye Li sighed helplessly: “I don’t know.”

“Never mind, if Wang Fei cannot speak of it, we won’t ask,” Feng Zhi Yao still didn’t believe Ye Li didn’t know, just assuming she couldn’t talk about it. But at least it proved Mo Xiu Yao’s safety wasn’t an issue, and everyone present couldn’t help but feel relieved. Although they vaguely understood His Highness must still be alive, lacking definite news had made everyone somewhat uneasy. Now seeing Wang Fei so composed, they felt as if they had taken a reassuring pill.

“Mother, can we kill that big bad guy?” Mo Xiao Bao sat beside Ye Li, asking with an innocent face.

Ye Li looked down at Mo Xiao Bao gazing expectantly at her, and couldn’t help smiling: “How did you learn to bite people?” This was Mo Xiao Bao’s least dignified moment. Although Mo Xiao Bao loved mischief, he was still very proud. Even when playing tricks on people, he would never use such common childish tactics.

Mo Xiao Bao smiled sweetly: “Did the child act well?”

Ye Li raised her eyebrows, looking toward Feng Zhi Yao beside her. Feng Zhi Yao smiled: “The Young Master’s first words upon seeing Mo Jing Li were ‘You bad person who killed my father, I’ll bite you to death!’ Then he pounced and bit Mo Jing Li hard. I saw that chunk of flesh almost coming off – truly… good teeth.” The others couldn’t help covering their mouths and laughing softly.

Mo Xiao Bao’s little face reddened, and he said glumly: “It stank, made this Young Master rinse with lots of water. Next time I must use a different method.” However, this method was the most satisfying and least likely to raise suspicion. If he had injured Mo Jing Li with something else, it couldn’t have been explained away as mere child’s play.

Ye Li looked curiously at Mo Xiao Bao and asked: “What else did Xiao Bao do to Mo Jing Li?” Ye Li knew her son well enough; he definitely wouldn’t simply pounce and bite someone just to vent anger or embarrass Mo Jing Li.

Mo Xiao Bao giggled: “I sprinkled the medicine Master Shen gave me on his hand.”

Shen Yang, who had been sitting nearby listening to their conversation while organizing his medicines, suddenly stiffened, slowly turned his head to stare at Mo Xiao Bao, and asked: “Young Master, which bottle of medicine did you use?”

Mo Xiao Bao blinked his big eyes very innocently: “The bottle Master Shen just prepared last night. The green one… in the pretty jade bottle.” Shen Yang’s body swayed, and he quickly steadied himself on the table, asking calmly: “Did I give that to the Young Master?”

“I asked Master Shen if I could have the bottle, and Master Shen nodded,” Mo Xiao Bao asked in confusion.

Shen Yang fell silent – you asked about the bottle but took the medicine too.

Seeing Shen Yang’s strange expression, Feng Zhi Yao asked curiously: “What medicine did Master Shen prepare? Is it very important?” Mo Xiao Bao smiled sweetly: “I saw something written on Master Shen’s little bottle about ‘harmonious’ and ‘spring.'”

“Pfft—” On the other side, Han Ming Xi spat out his tea, looking at Shen Yang in disbelief: “It couldn’t be the Spring Harmony Powder, could it? Master Shen, why did you make… that?” As he spoke, he looked at Shen Yang with an expression that said “You’re so old, yet still interested in such things.” True to his reputation as the Romance Prince, after years in the pleasure quarters, Han Ming Xi was familiar with all sorts of strange medicines.

Shen Yang’s lips twitched as he rolled his eyes: “What do you mean I made it? Someone brought it to me days ago to research if there was an antidote.”

Han Ming Xi looked completely unconvinced. “Who would research an antidote for this kind of medicine?”

Everyone knew how to “cure” this type of medicine. Han Ming Xi looked at Shen Yang with an expression that said “I’d be a fool to believe you.” Shen Yang also understood that explaining would only make things worse and shot a resentful glare at Mo Xiao Bao. If not for this little devil, he wouldn’t be mocked by this younger generation Han Ming Xi.

Mo Xiao Bao hid in Ye Li’s embrace, peeking at Shen Yang with a mischievous smile.

Ye Li helplessly patted Mo Xiao Bao’s little head, cleared her throat, and asked: “So… will this medicine have any adverse effects?” Han Ming Xi said with a grin: “None, this is top-grade… medicine. Even with money, it’s not necessarily obtainable. It’s just… rather predictable in timing. It typically takes effect after about an hour, and once it starts, it’s unstoppable. So… Jun Wei, ahem… Master Feng San should have people prepare.” Han Ming Xi realized this matter wasn’t appropriate for Ye Li to handle, so he changed to addressing Feng Zhi Yao.

Feng Zhi Yao rolled his eyes impatiently. In his younger years, he had also been quite experienced in matters of romance, naturally knowing what this so-called Spring Harmony Powder was.

Mo Xiao Bao looked eagerly at everyone, asking curiously: “What needs to be prepared?”

Ye Li lightly flicked his forehead: “When adults are talking, children shouldn’t interrupt.” Mo Xiao Bao covered his forehead, looking pitifully at Ye Li. Zhuo Jing, who sat not far away busy handling documents, frowned and looked up: “Wang Fei, right now… Li Wang seems to be in Zhen Nan Wang’s courtyard.” From when Mo Xiao Bao bit Mo Jing Li until now, it had been just over an hour.

Hearing this, everyone looked at each other, and after a moment, Feng Zhi Yao and Han Ming Xi jumped up simultaneously and rushed toward Lei Zhen Ting’s courtyard. Of course, they weren’t going to help; they were going to watch the show.

Han Ming Yue raised an eyebrow and stood up: “Let’s go take a look too. It wouldn’t be good if the Chu Emperor or Zhen Nan Wang gets hurt.” Mo Xiao Bao kicked his little legs excitedly in Ye Li’s embrace, reaching out to Han Ming Yue: “I want to go too… I want to go too…”

Shen Yang beside them grabbed him back, saying: “Young Master, you’d better come with this old man to review the medical texts again. You can’t just use any medicine you want – aren’t you afraid of harming others or yourself one day!” Ye Li gratefully nodded to Shen Yang; she didn’t know how to explain this kind of medicine to Mo Xiao Bao. With the famous physician Shen Yang giving proper instruction, surely Mo Xiao Bao would soon understand which medicines could be used and which should be used with caution.

Ye Li, Han Ming Yue, and Qin Feng walked unhurriedly toward the guest courtyard. Before they reached the courtyard gate, they saw a serving girl running toward them, her face pale with panic. Seeing Ye Li, she finally relaxed: “This servant greets Wang Fei.”

Ye Li nodded and asked: “What happened?”

The girl, face ashen, said with terrified eyes: “Wang Fei, please… please come quickly. Zhen Nan Wang is going to beat the Chu Emperor to death!”

Everyone was stunned. Ye Li sighed: “Let’s take a look.”

Before they entered the courtyard, they could hear chaotic noise from inside.

Feng Zhi Yao and Han Ming Xi sat leisurely on the wall, watching with great interest, occasionally gesturing and commenting excitedly. Ye Li sighed, “Feng San, Ming Xi.” Were these two afraid Lei Zhen Ting wouldn’t know how happy they were?

The two floated down gracefully, smiling: “Don’t worry, Wang Fei. Zhen Nan Wang is almost mad with anger, he hasn’t noticed us.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, asking: “What’s happening inside?” She had thought Lei Zhen Ting and Mo Jing Li would be plotting together. Since they would eventually join forces anyway, Ye Li naturally didn’t mind them plotting at her place – it was better than them going somewhere she didn’t know about and creating situations she couldn’t control. But even if the poison in Mo Jing Li’s body had taken effect, Lei Zhen Ting would at most throw him out or find someone to help him deal with it – there was no reason for them to start fighting.

Han Ming Xi laughed softly: “It seems… the Chu Emperor attempted to take liberties with Zhen Nan Wang. Also, after the medicine takes effect, the poisoned person’s strength increases several times over. So…”

Ye Li couldn’t help but twitch her lips, feeling for the first time in her life that her face was turning slightly green.