News of the Nanzhao Queen’s disappearance near Li City couldn’t be completely concealed, nor did the manor try to hide it. As Mo Xiuyao had said, no wall is completely impenetrable. The people currently in Li City were nobles and rulers from various countries, each with their secret channels of information. Even if they couldn’t probe into the manor’s internal affairs, they could still learn about major and minor events in Li City.

Among them, Mo Jingyu was the most shocked. He had originally thought Mo Jingli’s talk of targeting the Nanzhao Queen was just empty words but never expected the madman to do it—and succeed. Decades of careful discretion made Mo Jingyu instinctively feel his current position was precarious. But such important leverage and the imperial seal’s matter made it impossible for him to withdraw safely. Hearing his subordinate’s report, Mo Jingyu took a deep breath and took a while to regain his composure before waving for the reporting subordinate to withdraw.

“Uncle, has something happened?” Mo Suiyun, sitting to one side, asked curiously.

Mo Jingyu glanced at him indifferently and said, “Didn’t you hear? Someone kidnapped the Nanzhao Queen and prince.” Mo Suiyun blinked, somewhat puzzled, “Why kidnap the Nanzhao Queen and prince? This is the manor’s territory—if someone had a grudge against the Nanzhao Queen… wouldn’t it be better to take action elsewhere?”

Mo Jingyu studied him for a moment and smiled, “Your Majesty thinks quite deeply.”

Mo Suiyun lowered his head, appearing somewhat shy, “Didn’t Uncle and Imperial Grandmother say… we shouldn’t provoke the manor? Uncle Ding Wang seems very formidable… aren’t those assassins afraid of him?” Mo Jingyu sighed softly and murmured, “Perhaps he’s gone mad.”

Though his voice was low, Mo Suiyun sat close enough to hear clearly. He kept his head down without responding as if he hadn’t heard Mo Jingyu’s words at all. Yet beneath his seemingly blank gaze flashed a strange light.

Although the manor’s secret guards had searched almost everywhere around Li City, they still couldn’t find any trace of Princess Anxi. Later, the Western Region envoys accompanying Xu Qingbo also arrived safely in Li City. Because the manor’s secret guards had escorted them from far away, they hadn’t encountered any trouble on the road, though several of the manor’s secret guards had been injured.

In the manor’s study, Xu Qingbo sipped tea while looking at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li seated above, and asked, “Has something happened?” If nothing was wrong, even though the Western Region envoys were guests from afar, there would have been no need to send secret guards to meet them a hundred li out. After these years of independent leadership, Xu Qingbo had become increasingly mature and steady. Although he was quite young among the manor’s civil and military officials, his bearing already showed several touches of Master Xu’s dignity.

Ye Li nodded and explained Princess Anxi’s disappearance. Xu Qingbo raised his eyebrows but showed no surprise. After thinking for a moment, he said, “Even if Mo Jingli wanted to vent his anger, he wouldn’t target the Nanzhao Queen who has no grievance with him. Given his personality, in the end… I fear his real target is still the manor.”

Ye Li nodded; they all understood what Xu Qingbo meant. She sighed worriedly, “I’m just afraid Mo Jingli deliberately wants to embarrass the manor and will harm Princess Anxi and the young prince.”

“There’s been no news these two days so that probably won’t happen. Besides, Mo Jingli isn’t someone who disregards his own life. With Princess Anxi and the young prince in hand, at least we’ll be restrained in our actions. So Princess Anxi should be safe for now,” Xu Qingbo analyzed calmly. He had no relationship with Princess Anxi, could even say he didn’t know her at all. This made his analysis more objective, “Rui’er needn’t worry too much. If Mo Jingli wanted to kill her, he would have done it on the spot—why go to the trouble of kidnapping and hiding her?”

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and smiled, “That’s what I said, but Ali insisted on worrying. Now that Qingbo thinks the same, surely you can relax?” Ye Li smiled somewhat embarrassedly and said to Xu Qingbo, “Fourth Brother, Second Brother is in charge of the Western Region envoys’ lodging and reception, please help look after things too. Also, I’m worried Mo Jingli might target these Western Region envoys—if there are any issues, you can find Qin Feng or Zhuo Jing.”

Xu Qingbo nodded solemnly. The Western Region envoys had come from afar to offer congratulations—whatever their true intentions, they were still guests from afar. If anything happened in Li City, it would indeed be difficult to explain. One misstep could reignite the flames of war on the Western Region border.

“Since we’re certain it’s Mo Jingli, could he… be in contact with the people who came from Da Chu?” Xu Qingbo thought for a moment, put down his teacup, and asked. Ye Li smiled faintly, “Fourth Brother is indeed sharp. We do suspect Mo Jingli has met with Mo Jingyu. Moreover… Mo Jingyu has likely been caught by some leverage Mo Jingli has over him.”

“So, you plan to wait for them to make a move?” Xu Qingbo raised an eyebrow, “But we should still be careful. That Mo Jingli dares to sneak into Xi Ling now and hasn’t been caught by the manor’s secret guards shows he still has some cards to play.” Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Don’t worry, I have a good idea what he might still have up his sleeve.”

“Mo Jingyu has always been cautious—what leverage could Mo Jingli have over him?” Bringing this up, Xu Qingbo was also curious. He had spent quite some time in the Chu capital and had even been an official of Da Chu. He naturally had some understanding of these princes of the Da Chu royal family. That Mo Jingyu could remain safe under someone as suspicious as Mo Jingqi, then gain favor under Mo Jingli, and even now still holds power after Mo Jingli’s fall shows he’s no simple character. What kind of leverage could Mo Jingli have over such a person?

Mo Xiuyao frowned, “Given Mo Jingyu’s current position, ordinary leverage wouldn’t affect him. What could make him wary… treason, rebellion, regicide? He had nothing to do with Mo Jingqi and Mo Xuyun’s matters. Rebellion… Mo Jingyu isn’t that rash, and he has no troops. So that leaves… treason!” As he spoke, a sharp glint flashed across Mo Xiuyao’s brow.

“Treason?” Both Ye Li and Xu Qingbo were surprised. For Mo Jingyu, a prince of Da Chu, treason was more unexpected than rebellion or regicide.

Mo Xiuyao touched his forehead lightly, thinking while speaking, “It might not exactly be treason… very likely he sold something from Da Chu to…” He frowned in thought before slowly pronouncing two words, “Bei Rong.”

“Are you sure?” Ye Li frowned. A traitor who sells out their country is despised by people in any era. If true, it’s no wonder Mo Jingyu would be under Mo Jingli’s control.

“Not certain, it’s just my guess,” Mo Xiuyao said calmly. “However, whether it’s true or false, we’ll know soon.” Ever since learning of Mo Jingyu’s contact with Mo Jingli, the manor had begun investigating Mo Jingyu. Surely before long, all of Mo Jingyu’s life history would be laid before them. If even Mo Jingli could discover the secret, it wouldn’t be impossible for the manor to find it through careful investigation. Ye Li just hoped it wasn’t true. If Mo Jingyu had done something he shouldn’t have done, he likely wouldn’t have been able to leave Li City alive no matter what he did.

“My Lady, Princess Helan from the Northern Territory has arrived,” a guard reported from outside.

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. She had quite a good impression of this straightforward, passionate Northern Territory princess. Standing up, she said to Mo Xiuyao, “I’ll go welcome Princess Helan.” Although Helan held the title of princess, the Northern Territory could hardly be called a country yet—at best it was still just a tribe. As the Prince of Ding, Mo Xiuyao naturally didn’t need to personally welcome such a princess, even if she might become the future ruler of the entire Northern Territory.

Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Very well, I still have some matters to discuss with Qingbo.”

Ye Li didn’t say more, just stood up and left. In the study, there was a brief silence after Ye Li’s departure. After a while, Mo Xiuyao spoke calmly, “Does Qingbo have something to say?” Xu Qingbo nodded slightly, “I hear… the officials in Li City have some complaints about Rui’er?”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Master Xu Four surely knows what kind of people those old scholars are, having dealt with them before?” Xu Qingbo lowered his eyes and nodded, “Indeed. So what are Your Highness’s thoughts?”

Mo Xiuyao’s smile grew more satisfied, “This matter will have to rely on Master Xu Four.”

“I understand,” Xu Qingbo nodded. Mo Xiuyao’s smile grew even more pleased—it was indeed comfortable talking to intelligent people. Though Xu Qingbo appeared graceful and good at social niceties on the surface, he was quite vindictive. If not for the absolute strength of his character, how could someone with Xu Qingbo’s scholarly appearance have brought those great families in Xi Ling to heel in just two or three years? Although all five Xu brothers now followed Xu Qingchen’s lead, Mo Xiuyao understood the eldest Xu brother was too detached and would likely not stay long in officialdom. So to get things done, they still had to find the fourth Xu brother.

As for what kind of torment those troublesome old fellows would suffer at the fourth Master Xu’s hands, His Highness the Prince of Ding expressed complete indifference. If they thought those earlier small matters were the Prince’s punishment, they were greatly mistaken—the title “Prince of Ding” could also represent pettiness, grudge-holding, transferred anger, and so on.

“Helan.” Outside the manor’s main gate, Ye Li smiled at the striking woman in red wearing the distinctive Northern Territory attire.

“Princess of Ding!” Princess Helan rushed forward with a bright smile and gave Ye Li an enthusiastic embrace, “Princess, you’re still so beautiful after all this time.” Ye Li returned the hug somewhat helplessly and smiled, “Not as striking as the Princess.” Having stayed in this era for so long, Ye Li found herself somewhat unaccustomed to such enthusiastic greetings.

“Really?” Princess Helan looked at Ye Li joyfully. Many people naturally complimented her beauty, but what praise could be more delightful than a compliment from someone you consider beautiful?

Ye Li smiled, “Of course it’s true. It seems the Princess has had a pleasant year and more.”

Princess Helan smiled, “Not bad. Though your Central Plains is wonderful, I still prefer the Northern Territory. I’ve heard you’ve had quite an exciting year too. Someday I really must compare martial arts with you—all along our journey, the common people of the Central Plains speak of the Princess of Ding as if she were a goddess of war incarnate.”

“You’re most welcome to,” Ye Li smiled. “Princess, you must be tired from your journey. Please come rest inside. Please enter.” Princess Helan didn’t stand on ceremony, taking Ye Li’s arm as they walked into the manor. At the entrance, Ye Li suddenly stopped and gazed toward a spot outside the manor gate. Princess Helan asked puzzled, “What’s wrong?” Ye Li smiled faintly, “Nothing, Princess, please.” In an inconspicuous spot, she made a hand signal to Qin Feng. She had distinctly felt someone watching her from that direction. Qin Feng nodded slightly, watching the two enter the manor gates before directing guards to search the area Ye Li had indicated.

In the manor, Princess Helan walked arm-in-arm with Ye Li while saying quietly, “Princess, is someone causing trouble for the manor?”

Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise, not expecting Princess Helan’s intuition to be so sharp. Princess Helan quickly shook her head, “No, it’s just that we encountered assassins on our way here. It was before we reached Flying Swan Pass. At first, I thought it was Ren Qining’s remaining followers seeking revenge, but later it didn’t seem quite right. Just arrived in Li City to hear assassins had kidnapped the Nanzhao Queen, and just now…” Princess Helan hadn’t noticed anything herself, she had merely guessed from Ye Li’s reaction that she might have spotted something. Thinking of this, Princess Helan somewhat dejectedly admitted she was indeed inferior to the Princess of Ding.

Ye Li sighed softly and briefly explained the situation. Princess Helan wasn’t concerned, smiling, “This Mo Jingli is quite bold. If there’s a chance, this princess would like to meet him.” Ye Li shook her head helplessly and smiled, “I hope you never encounter him.” That Mo Jingli would set an ambush to assassinate Princess Helan on her journey showed he had truly gone mad, completely disregarding that he might become a target for all nations.

In a dim alley in Li City, a middle-aged man in plain clothes slowly raised his head, sharp light flashing in his eyes. Worthy indeed was Ye Li—he had almost been discovered! Recalling the gentlewoman in white robes with her faint smile at the manor gates, complex emotions flashed across the middle-aged man’s face. A moment later, thinking of something, his expression became twisted and savage, “Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao! I won’t let you get away! I won’t let you get away!”

In the Da Chu envoys’ residence, Mo Jingyu pushed open his chamber door with a dark expression. He had just heard that Princess Helan’s party had encountered assassins on their journey. He didn’t need to guess who was responsible—at this time when the manor’s power was at its peak, who else would dare oppose the manor except for that madman Mo Jingli?

As soon as he entered, he sensed something was wrong. Mo Jingyu alertly looked up sharply, only to see someone lounging casually on his chamber’s couch reading a book. Mo Jingyu was startled, quickly turned to close the door, and whispered angrily, “Are you mad! You dare come here so brazenly at this time!”

Mo Jingli sneered slightly, raising an eyebrow disdainfully, “Are you afraid? Don’t worry, the manor’s people won’t discover me.”

Mo Jingyu looked closely and realized Mo Jingli looked very different from the last time. The once conspicuous beard had been cleanly shaved off, and his previously sallow, gaunt face was now unnaturally pale. He wore the uniform of a Yu Wang Manor guard from Da Chu. Rather than looking like a middle-aged man in his thirties, he resembled a sickly youth in his twenties.

“You…” Mo Jingyu approached and stared at Mo Jingli, only noticing up close that the whiteness of his face was unnatural—he had applied powder. Mo Jingli hadn’t lived comfortably lately, and returning to his previously pampered appearance wasn’t possible in a short time, so naturally, he had to use makeup to conceal it. But for a grown man, even though Mo Jingyu as a royal family member was also fond of refined appearances, he could hardly stand seeing such a powdered face. He frowned and said, “You really will stop at nothing.” With such a disguise, anyone not familiar with Mo Jingli probably wouldn’t recognize him even standing right in front of him. No wonder Mo Jingli was so fearless.

Mo Jingli’s face twisted for a moment before quickly returning to calm.

“What do you want from me?” Mo Jingyu asked. Being controlled by someone else’s leverage was not pleasant, so Mo Jingyu didn’t want to see Mo Jingli at all. Mo Jingli smiled, “Naturally I have a business. In two days is the manor’s banquet. What I need you to do is on that day.”

Mo Jingyu raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue. Mo Jingli said, “I want you to bring Mo Yuzhen out of the manor that day.” Mo Jingyu looked at him calmly, “You think I can take the manor’s heir out of the heavily guarded manor? Moreover, even if I could get him out, how would I escape afterward?”

“That’s your problem,” Mo Jingli said indifferently. “There’s always a way if you think of one, you’ll naturally find a method if you want to.”

Mo Jingyu flatly refused, “I have no way.”

Mo Jingli was silent for a moment before saying gravely, “No way? Then let me remind you… if you have no way, perhaps that little emperor you brought might have one.” Mo Jingyu’s expression changed slightly, “You want to use His Majesty?” Indeed, Mo Suiyun was only eleven or twelve, being children they naturally wouldn’t arouse suspicion.

Mo Jingli gave a cold laugh, “His Majesty? How glibly you say it! Don’t tell me you’re worried about him—he’s Mo Jingqi’s son anyway, even if he dies it has nothing to do with you. Isn’t that right?”

Mo Jingyu was silent for a long while before saying, “I understand. But… you’d better be certain you have that ability. If things go wrong halfway… the manor’s secret guards and Qilin aren’t to be underestimated.”

Mo Jingli smiled, “Don’t worry, when that day comes, they’ll have plenty to keep them busy. Also, there’s one more thing.”

“Mo Jingli, don’t push your luck!” Mo Jingyu exploded in anger, speaking in a low roar. Seeing his rage, Mo Jingli smiled with pleasure and said leisurely, “Don’t worry, this is even easier. On the day of the manor’s banquet, I want to go to the manor with you.”

“You’re mad!” Mo Jingyu said through gritted teeth.

Mo Jingli looked at him indifferently, not arguing. Mo Jingyu took a deep breath and said roughly, “I understand, but what you have…” Mo Jingli nodded, “Don’t worry, once I see Mo Yuzhen, I’ll naturally give you everything you want.”

“You’d better keep your word!” Mo Jingyu said hatefully.

“Click…” A low sound came from outside the door. Mo Jingli’s expression changed as he leaped toward the door, “Who’s there?!” The door opened, and a figure in imperial yellow quickly turned down the corridor. Mo Jingli gave a cold laugh, caught up in a few steps, and dragged the person back.

Seeing Mo Suiyun thrown into the room, Mo Jingyu’s expression also turned ugly. Looking at Mo Jingli, he asked, “What should we do?” Mo Jingli snorted coldly, “What do you mean what should we do? Since he overheard, we’ll just kill him.”

Mo Suiyun sat on the ground, face deathly pale, looking in terror at the two men before him. He had accidentally seen someone enter Mo Jingyu’s room and had quietly come to see who it was. He had seen Mo Jingyu return, but never expected to overhear their plotting. When he accidentally bumped the wall, Mo Jingli discovered him.

“Uncle Yu Wang…” Mo Suiyun looked fearfully at Mo Jingyu. Mo Jingyu frowned and said, “If His Majesty suddenly dies, it will arouse the manor’s suspicion. Then…”

Mo Jingli thought for a moment and also acknowledged Mo Jingyu’s words. The manor must be heavily guarding Mo Xiaobao now, tricking him out wouldn’t be easy. Among those who came from Da Chu, only Mo Suiyun had the best chance. But…

“I… I won’t say anything… Uncle Li Wang…” Though Mo Jingli had changed considerably, Mo Suiyun still recognized him. The fear on his face grew stronger—among the princesses and princes left by Mo Jingqi, none feared this uncle who had killed the previous young emperor Mo Xuyun.

Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes, staring at Mo Suiyun for a while before saying calmly, “If you don’t want to die… then obediently do as I say.”

Mo Suiyun nodded repeatedly, wiping his tears, “I’ll obey… Uncle Li Wang, don’t… don’t kill me…”

Seeing his terrified appearance, Mo Jingli nodded with satisfaction and reached out to pull him up. Mo Suiyun stood fearfully, uneasy under Mo Jingli’s knife-like gaze. Mo Jingli looked at him and asked, “Do you know what to do?”

Mo Suiyun hesitated for a moment but finally nodded.

“Can you do it?” Mo Jingli asked.

“Yes,” Mo Suiyun quickly nodded. “Mo Yuzhen… Mo Yuzhen wants me to play with him, but these past days I haven’t… haven’t gone. I’ll go find him to play later, he’ll come with me.”

A cold smile curled Mo Jingli’s lips as he raised his hand to pat Mo Suiyun’s head, “Very good, uncle knows you’re a good child. As long as you bring Mo Yuzhen out of the manor on the day of the banquet, you’ll still be the emperor of Da Chu, and your uncle won’t harm you.”

Mo Suiyun couldn’t help shuddering, saying quietly, “Uncle, I understand…”