“This subordinate pays respects to the Princess,” a black-clad man knelt on one knee before the desk in the study at Flying Swan Pass, speaking solemnly.

Ye Li looked at him with a composed expression and asked, “Where is His Highness?”

The black-clad man reported, “His Highness leads a million troops approaching Flying Swan Pass. They will arrive at most in two days.” Ye Li nodded, “Does His Highness have any other instructions?” The black-clad man drew a letter from his sleeve and presented it, saying, “His Highness instructed this subordinate to deliver this to the Princess.” Ye Li took the letter, quickly scanned its contents, and nodded calmly, “I understand. You may go.”

The black-clad man looked at Ye Li’s composed expression, hesitating slightly. As one of Mo Xiuyao’s trusted secret guards, he instinctively felt something was off about the Princess, but couldn’t pinpoint exactly what the issue was. He could only respectfully take his leave, “Princess, take care. This subordinate takes his leave.” The study quickly returned to silence. Ye Li gazed at the letter before her, lowering her eyes slightly as a faint smile curved her lips. “Xiuyao… have you considered… what if Flying Swan Pass falls?”

“Princess.” Outside the door, Feng Zhiyao spoke solemnly.

“Enter.”

Feng Zhiyao entered, looked at Ye Li, and hesitated before asking, “Princess, His Highness… is returning, isn’t he?”

Ye Li nodded, smiling faintly, “Yes, in at most two or three days, he’ll be back.”

Feng Zhiyao’s face lit up with joy, but seeing Ye Li’s still calm expression, he asked in confusion, “Princess, aren’t you happy that Xiuyao is returning?”

Ye Li looked up at him and asked slowly, “Feng Three, can we… hold out until Xiuyao returns?” Feng Zhiyao was startled, “What does the Princess mean?” Ye Li sighed softly, “A full million troops… how could Lei Zhenting not know? Tomorrow… the Western Ling army’s assault will likely be even more fierce.” Feng Zhiyao frowned, “Tomorrow Lei Zhenting will still attack the city?” Ye Li smiled lightly, “If he cannot take Flying Swan Pass before the army arrives, he has only death awaiting him. If it were you, would you fight or not?”

Feng Zhiyao’s expression gradually grew serious as he asked, “What are His Highness’s plans?”

Ye Li extended her hand to pass him the letter she held. Feng Zhiyao took it and looked, then frowned at Ye Li and said, “His Highness requests the Princess to leave Flying Swan Pass first, but the Princess seems…” From Ye Li’s manner, she showed no intention of leaving. Feng Zhiyao tried to persuade her, “Since His Highness has made arrangements, shouldn’t the Princess… still leave first?” Feng Zhiyao well understood Mo Xiuyao’s temper. If anything happened to the Princess Consort, everyone would suffer the consequences.

Ye Li gave him a calm look and asked, “Leave? Where to?”

“Naturally back to Crystal City,” Feng Zhiyao said. “His Highness will arrive soon. Princess, you’ll be safe once you leave Flying Swan Pass. No matter how fast Lei Zhenting moves, he couldn’t possibly reach Crystal City, could he?”

“Feng Three, Lei Zhenting is now like a cornered beast. Do you know… what will happen if he enters Flying Swan Pass?” Ye Li asked softly. Feng Zhiyao remained silent as Ye Li continued, “He will drag all the common people of the northwest into disaster, not because Lei Zhenting is naturally cruel, but because he must do so. At this point, Lei Zhenting isn’t thinking about turning the situation around—he’s thinking about perishing together with the Mo Family Army, and likewise… buying time for Western Ling.”

“If that’s truly the case, the Princess must leave even more urgently.” When it came to what would impact Mo Xiuyao most, Ye Li was undoubtedly the prime candidate. Feng Zhiyao said solemnly, “Please rest assured, Princess. As long as Feng Three has breath remaining, the Western Ling army won’t take one step into Flying Swan Pass. But please, leave Flying Swan Pass immediately.” Ye Li looked at Feng Zhiyao and shook her head. Feng Zhiyao’s brows furrowed deeply as he said anxiously, “Princess! Please reconsider. If anything happens to you…”

“Feng Three,” Ye Li looked at Feng Zhiyao and said seriously, “I won’t leave. As long as Flying Swan Pass has even one soldier remaining, I absolutely won’t leave before them. Today I sacrificed the Qilin unit, and I could tell myself it was for Flying Swan Pass. So now… what would abandoning Flying Swan Pass and its garrison be for? For my life? Feng Three, in this world… there are always some things more important than life.” Feng Zhiyao fell silent. He understood Ye Li’s thoughts perfectly well. If any other commander planned to abandon their troops and post before a major battle, he would only feel hatred and contempt. But Ye Li was different—not only because she was a woman, but because she was the mistress of the Stable Prince’s household, the person the Prince valued most. Perhaps in the eyes of the Mo Family Army soldiers, including Feng Zhiyao, the Princess Consort herself was someone worth protecting at the cost of all their lives and blood. But they didn’t understand that Ye Li wasn’t just the Princess Consort, Mo Xiuyao’s wife and loved one—she was also a soldier. Dying in battle, wrapped in a horse’s hide, was a soldier’s destined fate. Abandoning a city and fleeing was something a soldier would despise and feel lifelong shame over.

Feng Zhiyao hesitated before finally asking, “Princess, do you… blame His Highness?” At first when he didn’t understand there was no particular feeling, but once Feng Zhiyao fully understood Mo Xiuyao’s plan, he had a vague sense that His Highness’s actions this time probably wouldn’t meet with the Princess’s approval.

As a commander of the Stable Prince’s household and Mo Xiuyao’s good friend, Feng Zhiyao saw absolutely nothing wrong with Mo Xiuyao’s decision. But equally, as a current defender of Flying Swan Pass, Feng Zhiyao understood clearly that from the beginning, the soldiers remaining at Flying Swan Pass were destined sacrificed in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes. This couldn’t be blamed on Mo Xiuyao—as the supreme commander of the Stable Prince’s household and Mo Family Army, his decisions were correct and made with the entire Stable Prince’s household and Mo Family Army in mind. But how was this fair to the soldiers defending Flying Swan Pass to the death? Those who would be commanders must decide on killing and strategy, weighing choices in an instant that determine countless lives and deaths. So Feng Zhiyao knew he was destined never to become a truly great general in this life.

Ye Li was startled for a long while. Just when Feng Zhiyao thought she wouldn’t answer, she smiled faintly and shook her head, saying, “No, I understand his meaning.”

Ye Li hadn’t read so many books on military strategy and command in her previous life for nothing—when necessary, she could speak even more eloquently than Mo Xiuyao on these theories, leaving people unable to refute them. But compared to Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao was the true commanding talent. His decision was not wrong—warfare that was originally expected to last at least several years could end quickly under Mo Xiuyao’s maneuvering. Then all the common people of the Central Plains could once again enjoy peace. Even calculating the number of sacrifices, under current circumstances, even if all the soldiers at Flying Swan Pass died in battle, the casualties would be far fewer than if the warfare continued.

But some things could be understood yet hard to accept. Even if acceptable, when it truly came to oneself, it was still difficult to do. At least, Ye Li couldn’t do it. While tens of thousands of Mo Family Army soldiers fought and bled for Flying Swan Pass, Ye Li couldn’t flee alone. Then emerge after the warfare ended to enjoy the glory and brilliance brought by the sacrifices. In the end, in her bones, Ye Li was still a soldier rather than a politician.

Seeing Feng Zhiyao about to say more, Ye Li waved her hand and said, “No need to say more. Unless you plan to commit insubordination and knock me unconscious. But if you truly do that, I will return on my own. Feng Three, if I flee from this battle, I will never know peace for the rest of my life.” Feng Zhiyao remained silent for a long while before finally sighing, “I understand. But… Princess, please take utmost care.”

Ye Li smiled gently and said, “Naturally, there are still people waiting for me to return.”

Unable to persuade Ye Li, Feng Zhiyao could only withdraw helplessly. He understood clearly that what Ye Li said could very likely become reality—the current Lei Zhenting had no hope of turning the situation around, and even if he broke into Flying Swan Pass, he would still be quickly eliminated once Mo Xiuyao’s army arrived. Therefore, Lei Zhenting was indeed very likely to stake everything on causing massive destruction within Flying Swan Pass. As the Mo Family Army, they absolutely couldn’t watch the lands they protected run with blood and be filled with suffering people. So they could only choose to fight, battling the Western Ling army to the last soldier. Delay as much as possible, striving for Mo Xiuyao to arrive with his army on time.

“The Princess Consort won’t leave?” In the moonlight, Han Mingyue’s handsome figure had an added touch of unique tranquility under the gentle moonlight. Feng Zhiyao sighed and shrugged, “Didn’t you already guess that?”

Han Mingyue nodded and said, “If the Princess Consort would leave at such a time, she wouldn’t be the Princess Consort. As for Xiuyao, he truly can let go.” Mo Xiuyao only sent back one letter—was he that certain Ye Li would do as he wished? Feng Zhiyao smiled bitterly and said, “Doesn’t His Highness think the young master is still at Flying Swan Pass? Even if not for herself, the Princess would leave Flying Swan Pass for the young master’s sake.”

Han Mingyue smiled and said, “Too bad he doesn’t know the Princess Consort would send the young master away early.”

“Indeed.” Feng Zhiyao frowned with worry and looked at Han Mingyue, asking, “Why haven’t you left?” Han Mingyue smiled calmly and said, “I’m alone in the world—isn’t anywhere the same?”

“Tomorrow… the Princess’s safety will be in your hands,” Feng Zhiyao said solemnly. Han Mingyue raised an eyebrow and asked, “Do you trust me?” Feng Zhiyao raised his brows and gave him a look, saying, “If I didn’t trust you, why would I waste words with you?” Han Mingyue nodded seriously and said, “Rest assured.”

“Thank you.”

“Princess.” In the study, Qin Feng and Lin Han stood before the desk and spoke solemnly. Both were wounded—Qin Feng’s left shoulder was wrapped in white cloth, while Lin Han showed no obvious external injuries, but his pale complexion revealed he was not unscathed. Ye Li put down her brush and frowned at them, saying, “Why haven’t you gone to rest?”

Qin Feng spoke solemnly, “This subordinate requests to join the Princess in battle tomorrow.”

Lin Han added, “This subordinate as well.”

“Nonsense!” Ye Li rebuked coldly, “When wounded you should properly recover—do you think you have more lives than others, or do you believe the world won’t turn without you?”

Qin Feng and Lin Han exchanged glances before Qin Feng stepped forward and said, “This subordinate begs the Princess’s permission. This isn’t just our request, but also the request of the hundred-plus Qilin brothers who returned.”

Ye Li gave a cold laugh and asked, “And then what? You’ll drag your severely wounded bodies onto the battlefield, and let the Qilin unit be completely wiped out? I gave the orders, so if anyone is to die with them, it won’t be you!”

“We wouldn’t dare!” Both men quickly knelt.

Ye Li gazed at them silently before finally letting out a long sigh, “Rise. I understand your feelings… but I hope you understand as well. The sacrificed Qilin warriors absolutely wouldn’t want to see you dying to accompany them. They would want you and all the survivors to live well, to live for their share too.”

Ye Li truly did understand their feelings. The bonds between Qilin soldiers were even deeper than those of the Mo Family Army and Black Cloud Cavalry. They were all elites among elites selected from various military units, almost all having experienced initial mutual dislike before gradually growing together. They had undergone hellish training together and completed numerous difficult missions together. It was truly sharing life and death. This time, losing nearly ninety percent of their numbers, the survivors wouldn’t feel fortunate to have survived a catastrophe. More of them… would only blame themselves for still being alive, and would only feel guilt.

Ye Li had seen many such examples—soldiers who had experienced brutal battles. They hadn’t died by enemy weapons but instead ended their own lives.

“Princess…” Both men’s eyes were reddening. These Qilin soldiers were all personally selected and trained by them. To them, these soldiers were more like brothers, students, and nephews. Watching so many die before them while being powerless to help—such pain was enough to make them question the meaning of their existence.

Ye Li stood up and looked at them seriously, “Go back and tell them, as long as I still live, I will personally bring Lei Zhenting’s head back to honor the fallen soldiers. But… I hope they will all live well, and carry on the Qilin legacy.”

“We obey!” Qin Feng and Lin Han rose and said. After speaking, Qin Feng hesitated before adding, “But this subordinate still requests to join the Princess in battle. This subordinate is not only a Qilin commander but also the Princess’s guard. As long as this subordinate hasn’t fallen in battle, I must stay by the Princess’s side to protect her safety.”

“This subordinate shares the same intention. This subordinate is the Stable Prince household’s secret guard—our purpose is to protect the Princess’s safety. Please allow us, Princess.”

Ye Li looked at them with difficulty as Lin Han said, “Princess, please don’t worry. This subordinate’s wounds won’t hinder me.” Qin Feng nodded and said, “This subordinate’s wounds won’t hinder me either, just flesh wounds.”

The study was silent for a long while before Ye Li raised her head and glanced at them both, saying, “Since you know there’s a hard battle to fight tomorrow, why aren’t you resting!”

“Yes, we take our leave!” Both men were overjoyed and quickly cupped their hands to bid farewell.

Sure enough, the next day before dawn, sounds of the Western Ling army’s advance came from outside the pass. Ye Li led Yuan Pei and others to appear on the city wall. In the pre-dawn light, they saw the Western Ling army deployed below the city, a dark mass. Even before engaging, one could feel the overwhelming killing intent and fighting spirit. Who knew what Lei Zhenting had done—the Western Ling army that should have had low morale after yesterday’s battle radiated powerful spirit and killing intent.

“Western Ling’s Southern Marquis Lei Zhenting requests to see the Princess Consort.” Below the city wall, this time Lei Zhenting no longer hid behind his army but instead rode to the front position, looking up at the people on the wall. Even his usual guards were nowhere to be seen, as if Lei Zhenting no longer cared about life or death, unconcerned even if the Mo Family Army on the wall suddenly loosed arrows.

Ye Li started slightly, stepping forward to appear between two battlements on the wall, saying calmly, “Ye Li is here. What guidance does the Southern Marquis seek?”

Lei Zhenting smiled faintly and said, “Nothing much, just some matters this King wishes to discuss with the Princess Consort privately. Originally I wanted to discuss with the Prince, but… it seems there won’t be that chance now.”

“At this point, does the Southern Marquis think there’s anything left to discuss?” Lei Zhenting waved his hand dismissively and said, “This King doesn’t mind, just some things that need to be said for peace of mind.”

Ye Li frowned as Feng Zhiyao and others beside her quickly advised, “Princess, no need to waste words with him.”

But Ye Li knew that speaking privately with Lei Zhenting wouldn’t harm the Mo Family Army. At least, it could buy some time. No matter how long, for the current defenders of Flying Swan Pass, the longer they could delay, the better for them.

Below the city, Lei Zhenting looked at Ye Li and smiled, “If the Princess is concerned, this King can enter the city alone to talk.”

“No need,” Ye Li smiled calmly and leaped down from the wall, floating down beside the city gate. Looking at Lei Zhenting, she said, “The Southern Marquis can come to speak here.” The moment Ye Li descended, Zhuo Jing, Qin Feng, and Lin Han who had been by her side also jumped down. They formed a triangle protecting her from behind. On the wall, Black Cloud Cavalry archers all aimed their bows below. If Lei Zhenting made the slightest suspicious move, successful or not, the Black Cloud Cavalry’s arrows would turn him into a porcupine. And with Qin Feng and others guarding Ye Li, Lei Zhenting’s chances of a successful strike approached zero.

Lei Zhenting smiled calmly and rode forward.

“Your Highness, don’t!” The commanders behind Lei Zhenting also spoke up to stop him—the Stable Prince’s household wasn’t the only side concerned. Lei Zhenting waved his sleeve, indicating no need for further words, and walked alone toward the city gate.

Lei Zhenting stopped several steps from Ye Li, unbothered by the intense stares of Qin Feng and others. After gazing at Ye Li for a long while, he sighed somewhat regretfully and said, “This King has lived a life of unrestrained dominance, rarely meeting worthy opponents. But I have repeatedly been defeated by people of the Stable Prince’s household. Over these years, this King has constantly pondered why and tried every means to defeat Mo Xiuyao. But now… I have failed again.”

Ye Li remained calmly silent, knowing Lei Zhenting simply wanted to speak rather than truly seeking answers. Sure enough, Lei Zhenting continued undeterred, “Only now at this point… does this King understand. The moment Western Ling allied with Great Chu and the Northern Alliance, we had already fallen into Mo Xiuyao’s calculations. This King prides himself on wisdom but must admit I cannot calculate to such depths. I imagine… even the matchlessly brilliant Young Master Qingchen couldn’t have such schemes. Prince Mo Xiuyao… truly surpasses all in cunning. Wouldn’t you agree, Princess?”

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, “If the Southern Marquis were like him, suddenly falling from high above into the dust one day, also like him forced to suppress and endure all emotions and pain, having to remain calm before mortal enemies with deep blood feuds, perhaps then the Southern Marquis would understand how he could accomplish all this.” Not just Lei Zhenting—even Ye Li was often startled by Mo Xiuyao’s arrangements and designs. If Mo Xiuyao didn’t wish to speak of it, Ye Li believed he absolutely could keep everyone in the dark even after ascending to supreme power.

“The Princess speaks truly.” Lei Zhenting had to admit Ye Li was right. Lei Zhenting was truly heaven’s favored son—in his life, aside from the hatred of Mo Liufang’s severed arm, he had hardly suffered any setbacks. Whatever he wanted to do, he could always achieve it. Except for matters involving the Stable Prince’s household.

Lei Zhenting looked at the calm Ye Li, his somewhat weathered eyes carrying slight admiration and amazement. At this point in the situation, setting aside the Western Ling army’s fate, at least for now, the Western Ling army could break through Flying Swan Pass within two hours. The fate of Flying Swan Pass, its Mo Family Army garrison, and even Ye Li was almost foreseeable. Even in such circumstances, to maintain such composure—even a man might not achieve this. The woman before him truly deserved the respect and admiration of all men in the world.

“This King originally thought the Princess would leave Flying Swan Pass last night,” Lei Zhenting said.

Ye Li said gravely, “I am not only the Stable Prince household’s Princess but also a member of the Mo Family Army. The Mo Family Army has no soldiers who flee without fighting.”

Lei Zhenting nodded and praised, “Such courage. Though I’ve said it more than once, this King still wants to say it. The Prince’s greatest fortune in this life must be marrying such an outstanding Princess.” Speaking of this, Lei Zhenting also felt some regret—why hadn’t he used any means necessary to bring this woman to Western Ling back then? What made Lei Zhenting even more regretful was, why such a woman became the Stable Prince’s Princess. Was it truly that heaven would not destroy the Stable Prince’s household?

Ye Li smiled slightly and said, “The greatest fortune in Ye Li’s life was also marrying the Prince as his wife.”

“Does the Princess know what this King will do once Western Ling’s forces enter the pass?” Lei Zhenting asked solemnly. Ye Li said calmly, “Whatever the Southern Marquis plans to do, you must first get past me.”

Lei Zhenting couldn’t help but smile, saying, “It seems the Princess has already guessed. The Princess appears to have no intention of compromising.”

Ye Li lowered her eyes, “At this point, between enemies… is there still room for compromise?” By now, it was destined to be a fight to the death.

Lei Zhenting praised, “Indeed. Since that’s the case… let this King see just how tenacious the Mo Family Army truly is. Also… this King wants to see… when the Prince loses his beloved forever, will he still have the heart for such schemes? This King takes his leave. Take care, Princess.” Having seemingly said his piece, Lei Zhenting nodded to Ye Li and turned his horse to return to his army.

Ye Li nodded, “Likewise.”