HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 52: The Famous Sword Unsheathed

Chapter 52: The Famous Sword Unsheathed

After a long discussion, Xu Hongyu left a large collection of official histories, secret histories, and unofficial histories for Ye Li to read at her leisure, then departed with Xu Hongyan, leaving Minister Ye in an anxious state. Ye Li met her father’s complex gaze, gave a slight curtsy, and returned serenely to her Qingyi Pavilion to study the historical texts.

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s wedding date was set for the twentieth of May, said to be the most auspicious day that month. It was said that Minister Ye had initially been dissatisfied with this date, as it wasn’t considered an especially favorable day in the almanac. With all the troubles surrounding Ye Ying’s marriage already causing him considerable anger, if anything went wrong with Ye Li’s wedding, Ye Shan and Ye Lin might never be married off. However, the Prince of Ding’s estate, the Xu family, and Ye Li herself had no particular views about auspicious dates. If they didn’t choose this date, the wedding would have to be delayed until August, as June and July were even less suitable for weddings. Given the recent incident of Ye Li’s abduction, neither the Prince of Ding’s estate nor the Xu family would allow any postponement of the wedding date. So Minister Ye’s minor dissatisfaction was naturally disregarded.

As mid-May arrived, Ye Li’s previously leisurely life came to a complete end. The once-quiet Qingyi Pavilion became bustling with constant visitors. Every day, countless items were delivered to the pavilion, and numerous ledgers and lists required Ye Li’s review. Even with two senior maids assisting and advising, Ye Li was thoroughly exhausted. When the people of the capital saw that the Ye family, Xu family, and the Prince of Ding’s estate were proceeding with wedding preparations without being affected by rumors, the previously half-believed gossip gradually subsided.

“I’m so envious of Li’er! The wedding at the Prince of Ding’s estate will surely be the most magnificent in the past decade!” In Qingyi Pavilion, Murong Ting sprawled inelegantly on a divan, hugging a newly delivered bolt of precious first-grade silk as she exclaimed.

While Ye Li, Qin Zhong, and Hua Tianxiang were organizing accounts, Ye Shan and Ye Lin sat quietly nearby doing needlework, with the sounds of coming and going still bustling outside the door. Hua Tianxiang looked up from the accounts and glanced at her, saying, “Li’er didn’t invite you here to be envious and jealous. Instead of idle chatter, why not see if you can help? Though… you’re not wrong.”

Qin Zhong, while writing and marking in the ledgers, asked, “Is the Princess Consort not planning to help at all with the wedding arrangements? It won’t reflect well on her reputation when word gets out.”

Ye Li smiled faintly and replied, “The Old Madam has added quite a bit more to the dowry. She’s been unwell these past few days. Says Fourth Sister is ill at Prince Li’s residence and needs looking after. She left early this morning.”

Murong Ting snorted dismissively at this. “Who’s ever heard of a mother rushing over to care for her daughter less than a month after her marriage? But… could Ye Ying be ill? We haven’t seen her come back to show off in all this time.”

Hua Tianxiang raised her eyebrows and smiled, “That’s assuming she has anything to show off about. If Prince Li treated her well, she might come back to display her newlywed happiness. But I hear Princess Qixia still clings to Prince Li daily. She’s lucky if she hasn’t become a lonely, bitter wife.”

Qin Zhong shook her head, uninterested in such gossip, and focused instead on Ye Li’s wedding matters. “I don’t understand what the Princess Consort is thinking. Everyone knows how many betrothal gifts the Prince of Ding’s estate sent. Even if the Ye family adds more, she won’t lose out. By making such a fuss, isn’t she just embarrassing the Ye family?”

Hua Tianxiang said, “You know the Princess Consort’s background. Even though she’s Minister Ye’s principal wife now, her status isn’t sufficient to oversee Li’er’s wedding. The Old Madam will probably have to personally handle it. By the way, the Prince of Ding’s estate lacks female elders to take charge. Li’er, has the Prince mentioned who will be in charge there?”

Ye Li nodded and said, “Originally, Princess Zhaoyang had this intention. Though the Prince calls Princess Zhaoyang ‘aunt’, they’re said to be of the same generation. So Princess Zhaoyang suggested inviting Grand Princess Xifu.”

“Wow!” Murong Ting exclaimed, nearly jumping up from the divan. Seeing everyone’s eyes turn to her, she laughed nervously and said, “Grand Princess Xifu… she’s the late emperor’s aunt! Even the previous Prince of Ding had to respectfully address her as Imperial Sister. I heard Grand Princess Xifu is seventy-five this year.”

Qin Zhong nodded, “Actually if it weren’t for Li’er’s wedding, I’d forgotten this princess was still alive. I heard she withdrew from worldly affairs over twenty years ago. Unexpected that she’d come out to support the Prince’s wedding.”

Hua Tianxiang waved her hand and smiled, “It’s not so surprising. My grandfather said the Grand Princess’s favorite young relative was the Prince of Ding. She even held him when he was born. When the Prince was injured and nearly died, it was the Grand Princess who tirelessly cared for him day and night. In short, the Prince requesting the Grand Princess to oversee the wedding shows his sincerity toward Li’er.”

Murong Ting smiled sweetly, “That’s why I said Li’er’s wedding will probably be the most grand in the past decade. I heard nobles from other countries will attend too.”

Ye Li frowned, “What do nobles from other countries have to do with a wedding at the Prince’s estate?”

“Li’er, don’t underestimate the Prince of Ding’s estate’s influence. In its hundred-year history, it could be said to have swept across all directions. Every country bordering Da Chu has dealt with the Prince of Ding’s estate.”

Ye Li nodded, “I understand. They’re coming to mock. The mighty Prince of Ding’s estate’s only heir, the current Prince, is a disfigured invalid in a wheelchair. What could make the foreign nobles happier? The royal families of various countries are probably more interested in this wedding than in Da Chu getting a new emperor.” Everyone fell silent for a moment, sighing. Indeed, the various foreign envoys weren’t coming to congratulate the Prince’s wedding, but to see how far the only heir of the Prince of Ding’s estate, silent for seven years, had fallen, and whether he could still pose any threat to them.

“Li’er…”

Ye Li waved dismissively, “It’s no big deal. What can they do to me here in Da Chu’s capital? Instead of worrying about these things, you’d better help me organize all this stuff. Second Aunt wants to review it tomorrow.” Ye Li looked painfully at the numerous and varied ceremonial lists and account books before her. “Now I know that Arabic numerals and double-entry bookkeeping are wonderful things. But now’s not the time to show off, there’ll be plenty of time to organize things slowly once I’m at the Prince of Ding’s estate.”

Hua Tianxiang and Qin Zhong looked wordlessly at the remaining half of the account books before them and lowered their heads helplessly. “When we get home, we must study household management with mother again. These things are just too much.”

Ye Lin and Ye Shan listened to their chat from the side, feeling both envious and sympathetic toward Ye Li. But knowing they couldn’t contribute much to this aspect, they could only keep their ears open while keeping their heads down and focusing on their needlework.

“Eh?” Murong Ting, who had been lying listlessly on the divan, suddenly sprang up and rushed to a half-open window. After peering out for a while, she pulled back with a puzzled and confused expression.

Hua Tianxiang looked at her and asked, “What’s wrong? What’s outside?”

Murong Ting shook her head and looked at Ye Li, but still didn’t say much. Ye Li smiled slightly, “I just saw what looked like a green bird fly past the window. Did Murong see it too?”

Murong Ting blinked and said frustratedly, “Yes, I saw a beautiful bird. But when I got to the window, it was gone.” Qin Zhong burst out laughing, covering her mouth, “Birds fly so fast, how could you expect it to wait for you?” Hua Tianxiang gave her a sideways glance, “Since when did you become interested in birds? If you like them, ask your father to catch one, or just buy a pretty one. No need for such excitement.”

“I’ll do as I please,” Murong Ting lay back proudly on the divan, while discreetly glaring at Ye Li. Ye Li smiled, pressing her lips together; she knew what Murong Ting had heard. These past few days, strange people had been trying to visit the Ye residence without going through the main gate, but they were all thrown out by the guards Mo Xiuyao had secretly assigned for protection. However, attempts to break in during broad daylight were rare.

“Miss, the Crown Prince of Xilin’s Prince of Zhennan has sent wedding gifts to congratulate Miss on her marriage to the Prince of Ding,” announced the Ye residence’s steward, who had come personally to report.

Ye Li frowned, “The Crown Prince of Xilin’s Prince of Zhennan? Shouldn’t gifts be sent directly to the Prince of Ding’s estate?”

The steward respectfully replied, “The Crown Prince says this gift was specially prepared by Xilin for the future Princess Consort of Ding, so it must be delivered directly to Miss to show Xilin’s sincerity.”

“Where is the Crown Prince now? Is Father present?” Ye Li asked.

“In the main hall. The Master just returned and is entertaining him,” the steward said.

Ye Li nodded, “I understand. Please ask Father and the Crown Prince to wait. I’ll be out shortly.”

After the steward withdrew, Murong Ting worriedly held onto Ye Li, “Li’er, be careful when you go out. This Crown Prince surely has ill intentions.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow; the capital’s young ladies indeed knew little about such matters. Murong Ting, having spent her early years campaigning with General Murong, probably knew more than them. As Qingluan and others helped Ye Li change and touch up her makeup, Murong Ting stood aside reciting what she knew: “Xilin’s Prince of Zhennan is the current Xilin Emperor’s younger brother, and also a famous general of Xilin. But twenty years ago, he was defeated by the Prince’s father, Regent Mo Liufang. At that time, my father was just a minor captain. I heard from him that the Prince of Zhennan was badly defeated in that battle, losing an arm in the chaos. Afterward, the Prince of Zhennan sent people to assassinate the Regent multiple times, but all attempts failed. You know… the Regent died early, so if the Prince of Zhennan holds a grudge…” The implication was clear – with Mo Liufang gone, any vengeance would fall on his son Mo Xiuyao, and future daughter-in-law Ye Li.

“So, the Crown Prince of Zhennan is here to make trouble?” Qin Zhong’s pretty face paled as she looked anxiously at Ye Li. “Should we send someone to notify the Prince?”

Ye Li shook her head, “No need. The Prince will know soon enough. Besides, surely the Crown Prince wouldn’t come to trouble a young lady in her boudoir? That would bring shame to both Xilin and the Prince of Zhennan. If he wants to make trouble, he should target Mo Xiuyao – we’re not even married yet.” Looking in the mirror to check that everything was in order, Ye Li stood up and said, “I’ll go see what this is about. You all wait here.”

Murong Ting quickly stood beside Ye Li, saying firmly, “I’ll go with you. Tianxiang and Zhong’er can stay.” Ye Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, “Murong, I’m not going to battle.” Murong insisted, “I don’t care, I’ll even follow quietly. If that Crown Prince has any ill intentions, I can save you.”

“Plot against the future Princess Consort of Ding in broad daylight in Da Chu? Only Murong could imagine such a thing.” Hua Tianxiang waved her hand, “Fine, Li’er, take Murong with you. She just loves to watch the drama unfold.” Murong Ting didn’t care what they thought, happily holding onto Ye Li’s arm, “Let’s go, let’s go!”

“Father.” Upon entering the hall, Ye Li realized the steward’s report had been quite imprecise. She’d thought only her father and the guest would be present, but Mo Jingli and Ye Ying were also there. Murong Ting gave her a look that said ‘Why is he everywhere?’ Ye Li smiled helplessly at her before stepping forward to greet Minister Ye. In front of outsiders, Minister Ye was quite willing to play the role of a loving father, smiling kindly at Ye Li: “Li’er has come. Ah, Miss Murong is here too?” Murong Ting pursed her lips and smiled, “I came uninvited, please forgive me, Uncle.” Minister Ye smiled, “Not at all. I’m deeply gratified that Li’er has such a good friend as Miss Murong. Li’er, Miss Murong, this is the Crown Prince of Xilin’s Prince of Zhennan.”

Only then did they turn their attention to the young man sitting to the side. Xilin lay to the northwest of Da Chu, and their customs differed somewhat from Da Chu’s. One interesting point was that within Xilin, they called themselves Da Ling and referred to Da Chu as East Chu, while Da Chu called them Xilin and referred to themselves as Da Chu. Just from these terms of address, one could see that the two countries had never been particularly harmonious.

This Crown Prince was tall and straight, with deep-set features as if carved by a knife, sharp and distinct. Ye Li noticed his eyes had a hint of dark purple. It was said that the Xilin royal family all had brown eyes; this Crown Prince’s appearance clearly showed he wasn’t of pure Xilin ancestry. “Greetings, Your Highness.” Even the usually casual Murong Ting displayed proper etiquette before a foreign envoy.

The Crown Prince’s gaze assessed them without restraint, quickly dismissing Murong Ting to focus entirely on Ye Li. After a while, he finally said, “Future Princess Consort of Ding, Miss Murong, no need for formalities. I am Lei Tengfeng.”

Lei – a Xilin surname. Good that there was no language barrier.

Minister Ye looked at the imposing Crown Prince before him, then at Ye Li, cleared his throat, and said, “Li’er, the Crown Prince has come specially to bring you wedding gifts.”

Ye Li nodded, “Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you for making the journey. I hope Da Chu makes you feel welcome.”

Lei Tengfeng laughed heartily, “Of course, I’ve long admired Da Chu’s beauty and will certainly tour it well. Bring in the gift this Crown Prince has prepared for the future Princess Consort of Ding.” He clapped lightly, and two guard-like men entered, one carrying a long, narrow carved wooden box. Looking at the box’s length and size, Ye Li had some unpleasant premonitions. This gift probably wouldn’t be anything conventional.

Lei Tengfeng made a gesture, and the other man opened the wooden box. A sharp chill emanated from within. Minister Ye’s face darkened as he stood up abruptly, saying sternly, “Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?”

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow, appearing confused, “This is a gift personally chosen by my father and uncle for the future Princess Consort of Ding. Is something wrong?”

Minister Ye said, “My daughter’s wedding is approaching, what do you mean by sending a sword? A sword is a weapon, an ill omen.” Inside the exquisitely carved wooden box lay an ancient-looking long sword. Even still in its scabbard, one could feel its piercing cold light and killing intent. This was a peerless treasure sword tempered in seas of blood.

“This is a gift specially sought out by our country and my father to show our sincerity. Or… perhaps those present don’t recognize this sword’s origins?” Lei Tengfeng carelessly folded his arms, looking at everyone with a half-smile. Hearing the contempt hidden in his tone, Mo Jingli’s brows furrowed as he stood to look at the sword in the box. Murong Ting’s heart stirred as she hesitantly glanced at Ye Li.

“This is—Lanyun!” After a long moment, Mo Jingli said gravely.

Lei Tengfeng praised, “The Prince Li has good eyes. Indeed, this is the Lanyun sword.”

Everyone was deeply moved. Though not an ancient famous sword, this blade’s reputation was no less than any legendary sword. This sword shared its name with the first Prince of Ding, Mo Lanyun, and was his weapon as he conquered the world. It was also the sword carried by several generations of subsequent Princes of Ding. This sword had accompanied generations of Princes of Ding across battlefields, remaining undefeated – who could know how much blood it had drunk? Seven years ago, when the previous Prince of Ding, Mo Xiuwen, died of illness at the frontier, this sword had vanished without a trace. Countless people had searched for it openly and secretly, but it was never seen again. This gift was indeed weighty enough and sincere enough.

Lei Tengfeng clapped and smiled, “Since learning the Lanyun sword was missing, my father has spared no effort in having people search everywhere. Finally, the effort paid off, and we found this sword in Northern Di a year ago. What perfect timing to return it during the Prince of Ding’s wedding. What does the future Princess Consort think?”

Minister Ye’s expression was grave as he stood and addressed Lei Tengfeng, “We are truly grateful to Your Highness for such a magnificent gift. The Lanyun sword could be considered a national treasure of Da Chu.” Lei Tengfeng’s gift was such that Minister Ye didn’t dare refuse it. In his heart, Minister Ye secretly regretted not refusing the Crown Prince’s visit.

Lei Tengfeng nodded with satisfaction, raising an eyebrow as he smiled, “To be honest, upon obtaining such a treasure, I did consider keeping it. However, this Lanyun sword seems to have a spirit – despite my countless efforts, I could not draw it from its scabbard. Finally, though we found a first-rate master swordsmith who managed to draw the blade, unfortunately, the sword wouldn’t obey at all. Even Xilin’s greatest swordsman couldn’t control it. I thought perhaps the Lanyun sword only recognizes people of the Prince of Ding’s household, which is why I wanted to ask the future Princess Consort to try the sword.”

Minister Ye said unhappily, “My daughter knows nothing of swordplay. Besides, if Your Highness wants to test the sword, you should ask the Prince of Ding.”

Lei Tengfeng looked at Ye Li and smiled, “Isn’t the future Princess Consort a member of the Prince of Ding’s household? It’s said that a hundred years ago, the first Princess Consort of Ding used this sword to cut down sixteen enemy soldiers, saving the Prince’s life. It became a famous tale. The sword doesn’t require the blood of the Prince of Ding’s family – one worthy to be the Prince’s companion would suffice. What does the future Princess Consort think?”

Before Ye Li could speak, Mo Jingli snorted coldly, “Princess Qingyun was an exceptional woman skilled in both civil and military arts – no wonder she could use the Lanyun sword. Is the Crown Prince of Zhennan deliberately trying to embarrass our Da Chu by asking Ye Li to use the Lanyun sword? Everyone knows Ye Li probably couldn’t even perform a complete sword form.”

Lei Tengfeng smiled, “I trust the Prince of Ding’s household’s judgment. Throughout history, every Princess Consort of Ding has been an extraordinary woman.”

Mo Jingli sneered, “This generation is the exception.”

Murong Ting said indignantly, “Crown Prince, you bring a sword you couldn’t even draw yourself and ask a woman who has never practiced martial arts to wield it? Is Xilin always so unreasonable?”

“Why not ask the future Princess Consort herself whether it’s unreasonable? My father instructed that this sword must be given to the future Princess Consort. Could it be… I can only take it back to Xilin?” This was already a threat. Lei Tengfeng’s meaning was clear – if the future Princess Consort couldn’t draw the Lanyun sword, couldn’t control it, then he would have no choice but to take it back to Xilin. If that happened, Da Chu would lose not just face, but substance as well.

“Third Sister, why don’t you try? Maybe you can draw it,” Ye Ying said softly. “The Crown Prince of Xilin has brought such a precious gift – wouldn’t it be discourteous to our neighboring country if we don’t accept it?” Minister Ye frowned at Ye Ying, weighing in his mind which would be more embarrassing – Ye Li refusing to draw the sword or failing to draw it.

“The Prince of Ding arrives!” came the announcement from outside. Mo Xiuyao appeared at the main door with A-Jin. Everyone present secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and Murong Ting secretly winked at Ye Li.

Lei Tengfeng, who had been sitting relaxedly in his chair, straightened up the moment Mo Xiuyao entered. His gaze swept like a knife blade across Mo Xiuyao’s calm, gentle face. Then he turned his head to look at Ye Li. Ye Li laughed inwardly – this Crown Prince was probably assessing which was more important to Mo Xiuyao, the Lanyun sword or his fiancée, and why he had come.

“Greetings to the Prince of Ding. I, Lei Tengfeng, have long admired you,” Lei Tengfeng stood and smiled.

“Your Highness is too kind. In my youth, I had the honor of seeing the Prince of Zhennan’s bearing. After many years, I trust the Prince remains as distinguished as ever?” Mo Xiuyao nodded slightly in return. Lei Tengfeng’s eye twitched, but he quickly smiled and said, “My father is in good health and often tells me of Your Highness’s manner in those days, hoping we might emulate it.” Mo Xiuyao’s expression remained unchanged as he calmly said, “The Prince flatters me. Seeing Your Highness today, it’s clear the Prince of Zhennan has a worthy successor.”

Watching these two men exchange pleasantries in this tense atmosphere, Ye Li found herself wanting to laugh. Someone once said diplomacy was a very feminine activity.

After the pleasantries, Mo Xiuyao wheeled his chair to Ye Li’s side and said softly, “Is A-Li in good spirits?”

Ye Li smiled faintly, “The Crown Prince of Zhennan has brought a very precious gift. Since Your Highness is here, why don’t we appreciate it together?”

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile, his gaze falling on the Lanyun sword in the box. His eyes were calm without a ripple, as if it were just an ordinary precious sword. He turned back to Lei Tengfeng and said, “Your country’s Emperor and Prince have gone to great trouble. This sword was lost for many years – I never expected to see it again today.”

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow, “The Lanyun sword is Da Chu’s greatest treasure – it should naturally be returned intact. But I wonder if I might be allowed to witness the famous sword’s brilliance?”

“A-Jin.”

A-Jin stepped forward to carefully take the long sword from the Xilin guards and present it to Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao took it with one hand and looked up to ask, “A-Li, what do you think?”

Ye Li lowered her head, gently touching the ancient scabbard, and nodded, “Though I know nothing of swords, I can tell this is indeed a fine blade.” Ye Li truly knew nothing of swordplay – in her past life, the most she’d seen were the tai chi swords elderly people practiced within parks. Even on modern battlefields, when cold weapons were used, it wasn’t swords but rather short blades, daggers, and emei piercers that were handy in close combat.

Slowly gripping the sword handle, Ye Li didn’t rush to draw it. If this sword was truly as difficult to draw and control as Lei Tengfeng described, then there must be some mechanism in the scabbard or blade. Mo Xiuyao smiled and covered Ye Li’s hand on the hilt, his other hand lifting the scabbard. Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Ye Li keenly felt Mo Xiuyao’s grip on her hand move slightly before pulling outward—

A flash of cold light burst forth, and in that instant, the sword sang like a dragon. The entire hall seemed to freeze for a moment, but only for a moment. Ye Li quickly felt the sword’s overwhelming battle intent and the mountain-toppling killing aura emanating from the blade. This was the dangerous essence that only those who had truly been on battlefields could sense. At some point, Mo Xiuyao released his grip, and Ye Li, sword in hand, casually swung to the side – the ancient painting on the wall nearby split in response. “What a fine sword!” Ye Li exclaimed. To cut through the painting with just the blade’s essence – truly it could split a hair.

Holding the long sword steady, Ye Li calmly gazed at Lei Tengfeng, who was staring intently at her.

Before anyone could recover their senses, Mo Xiuyao had already taken the Lanyun sword from Ye Li’s hand and returned it to its scabbard. Lei Tengfeng looked at the ancient painting on the wall, now split in half, and after a long moment finally let out a soft breath, sighing, “Indeed, a fine sword.” As for whether Ye Li could truly control this sword, no one cared anymore – she had drawn the blade that proved razor-sharp in her hands. Everyone knew Miss Ye San couldn’t even tie up a chicken, but being able to hold and steady such a sword was enough. Even the Crown Prince of Zhennan, though he came with hostile intent, couldn’t bring himself to demand she demonstrate swordplay.

Faced with such a situation, Minister Ye stroked his beard with satisfaction, his face full of smiles. His daughter had helped Da Chu recover a long-lost treasure and would bring the Lanyun sword as part of her dowry. What a tremendous honor this would bring!

Ye Li sighed inwardly – if this sword stayed at the Ye residence, people would wear down their roof trying to get to it. She didn’t believe Lei Tengfeng would quietly let such a significant gift go without further action, yet they couldn’t refuse to accept it.

“Your Highness, this sword?” Ye Li smiled faintly at the somewhat dazed Lei Tengfeng.

Lei Tengfeng stared at the woman before him, then looked at Mo Xiuyao sitting beside her, and smiled, “This sword is naturally a wedding gift for the future Princess Consort of Ding. I wish you both a hundred years of happiness together, to grow old side by side.”

Mo Xiuyao said, “Then we thank Your Highness for the kind wishes.”

Lei Tengfeng stood and addressed everyone, “Now that the gift has been delivered, I shall take my leave. I’ll impose upon Your Highness again on the wedding day.”

“Safe journey.”

After seeing off the Crown Prince of Zhennan, Murong Ting stared eagerly at the Lanyun sword in A-Jin’s hands, her eyes nearly popping out. She tugged at Ye Li’s sleeve absent-mindedly, “Li’er, Li’er… the Lanyun sword… the real Lanyun sword… can I touch it?” Ye Li looked helplessly at her covetous expression, then turned to look at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow slightly, “It’s fine. Since it was given to you, it will naturally be A-Li’s from now on.”

Ye Li looked at him and said, “I thought this was the Prince of Ding estate’s hereditary treasure. It doesn’t seem so important now?” Murong Ting didn’t care about any of that, cheering as she pounced forward to snatch the precious sword from A-Jin’s hands, cradling it and touching it all over.

Mo Xiuyao nodded, “After being passed down for so many years, of course, it’s a hereditary treasure. If it can be passed down another thousand years, it won’t be inferior to legendary swords like Ganjiang and Moye.”

While lovingly stroking the precious sword, Murong Ting said, “Actually, it’s said the Lanyun sword contains the Prince of Ding’s military treatises and treasures. But that’s not important – what’s important is that this sword was used by every generation of Princes of Ding! Being able to touch it is truly a heaven-sent fortune. My father will be so envious of me.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow – fan worship existed in every era. Military treatises? Treasures? Was this sword still intact? Xilin should have taken it apart piece by piece, examining it thoroughly inside and out. Mo Xiuyao glanced at the sword in Murong Ting’s hands, a trace of warmth flashing in his eyes as he said calmly, “They did examine it. The sword itself suffered no damage.”

“So?” Murong Ting forgot who she was talking to, eyes wide as she waited for Mo Xiuyao to reveal the mystery.

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and smiled, “So it’s just a sword. It’s good to have it back since it’s an ancestral relic, but if we couldn’t find it, we could just have found a master swordsmith to forge another.”

“What? But what about the military treatises? The treasures?” Murong Ting asked disappointedly.

Mo Xiuyao looked calmly at everyone, “The Lanyun sword was forged when my ancestor was sixteen, using all his savings at the time. What treasures and military treatises could there be?”

Everyone was struck speechless. People only remembered that the Lanyun sword had accompanied Mo Lanyun throughout his life and had never left the side of subsequent Princes of Ding. They assumed it must contain some secrets, but forgot that the Lanyun sword was forged in Mo Lanyun’s youth, when the later-famous Mo Lanyun was just an unrestrained young noble. He couldn’t be compared to the Prince of Ding who would help his elder brother conquer the world and pacify all directions twenty years later. Even Minister Ye, who knew little about the Lanyun sword, couldn’t help feeling disappointed.

“If the Lanyun sword were that important, who would carry it around? How could it be lost so easily? A-Li, I’ll head back first. Shall I send a few more people over later?” Ye Li nodded, taking the Lanyun sword from Murong Ting’s hands and tossing it to A-Jin, “You’d better take the Lanyun sword back to the Prince of Ding’s estate first. It’s inconvenient to keep it here.” She had no interest in having people climb her roof every day.

Mo Xiuyao nodded, “That would be best.”

Watching the Lanyun sword disappear out the door, Murong Ting reluctantly withdrew her gaze.

Mo Jingli suspiciously stared at Ye Li, “You believe the Lanyun sword has no secrets?”

Ye Li nodded matter-of-factly, “If I had military treatises and treasures, I wouldn’t put them in a sword either. As a frequently used, must-carry, very famous, and not particularly small sword, it’s not a good place to hide secrets.”

“You philistines! That was the Prince’s relic! A relic!” Murong Ting angrily scorned the hall full of materialistic people.

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