HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 71: Light Kiss

Chapter 71: Light Kiss

“Mo Jingli would never collude with Nanzhao – that would be treason. He wouldn’t do such a thing!” Feng Zhiyao said through gritted teeth. However, Ye Li’s words left a deep impression on his heart. If Mo Jingli did that, the consequences would be unthinkable. “A’Yao?” Feng Zhiyao turned to Mo Xiuyao, who was lost in thought beside him, hoping to get his agreement. Mo Xiuyao’s sword-like eyebrows furrowed slightly as if he hadn’t heard Feng Zhiyao’s words, staring at the map Ye Li had placed before them, deep in thought. After a long while, he said quietly, “If Mo Jingli is pushed too far, who knows what he might do? Feng San, I need information about the Southern Frontier, as detailed as possible.”

Feng Zhiyao nodded, “I understand, I’ll have it delivered to you within half a month. About this… should we inform His Majesty in the palace?”

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, “If we let him know now, he’ll immediately send troops south.” Mo Jingqi couldn’t tolerate anyone coveting his empire – if he learned of this suspicion, he would force Mo Jingli into rebellion even if the latter had no such intentions. Feng Zhiyao asked in confusion, “If Mo Jingli has such thoughts, wouldn’t it be better to eliminate him before his power grows?” Mo Xiuyao sighed lightly, “If we deploy troops against Nanzhao now, it would only cause the Nanzhao King and the Southern Frontier Holy Woman to set aside their differences and unite against us. And we would likely face attacks from both Xiling and Northern Rong simultaneously. Originally, I wanted to deal with either Xiling or Northern Rong first, but since Nanzhao also wants to cause trouble, then… let’s find a way to deal with them first.”

“Deal with them?” Feng Zhiyao and Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao simultaneously, finding it hard to believe that in such a short time he had already thought of a way to handle Nanzhao.

Mo Xiuyao furrowed his brows and said, “Since the people of the Southern Frontier find themselves too idle, let’s give them something to keep them busy. Brother Xu seems to have quite a connection with the Nanzhao Princess.”

Ye Li nodded slightly – since Xu Qingchen had mentioned this in front of them, he presumably had no intention of hiding it. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Since Jingli secretly supports the Southern Frontier Holy Woman, then as the ruler of Da Chu, and given Nanzhao’s traditionally good relations with Da Chu… it wouldn’t be inappropriate for Da Chu to provide some support to the Nanzhao royal family. Feng San, keep the information about Jingli under wraps for now. No need to let Mo Jingqi know.” Feng Zhiyao nodded and smiled, “Good plan. However… Mo Jingqi won’t listen to you.” Mo Xiuyao couldn’t suggest anything to Mo Jingqi, because regardless of whether it would benefit or harm Da Chu, Mo Jingqi would reject it. Mo Xiuyao wasn’t worried about this, “There are always people whose words he will listen to. Also, regarding Suixue Pass… we must have someone capable stationed there just in case. Who is the current commander of Suixue Pass?”

“Cloud Banner General Guan Ting,” Feng Zhiyao answered.

“If I remember correctly… Guan Ting has never won a single battle,” Mo Xiuyao frowned. Although Guan Ting had no connection to the Mo family army, he still had some impression of this name.

Feng Zhiyao raised his eyebrows disdainfully and smiled, “In fact, he’s only fought three battles in his entire life. In the first two, he was Deputy General Murong’s vice commander and gained some undeserved military merit. The last one was suppressing bandits. Hmm… eight hundred bandits at Panlong Mountain – he used five thousand troops, lost one thousand seven hundred men, but managed to win somehow. Moreover, his last battlefield appearance was seven years ago. But… more importantly, Your Highness, you have a grudge with him.”

“I remember,” Mo Xiuyao certainly remembered. Back then, Guan Ting led troops to suppress Panlong Mountain, being stubborn and refusing to listen to his subordinates’ advice. In just three days, he had lost over a thousand troops without even reaching the outskirts of the Panlong Mountain fortress. Coincidentally, Mo Xiuyao was passing through the area on business and went to take a look. He happened to hear Guan Ting righteously ordering soldiers to be used as meat shields for a frontal assault. At that time, Mo Xiuyao’s temper and cultivation were far inferior to what they are now, and he immediately drew his whip and gave Guan Ting a thorough beating. Of course, afterward, Mo Xiuyao was also severely punished by his elder brother.

“Find a way to replace him. I don’t want to see that fool remaining at Suixue Pass,” Mo Xiuyao said.

“That might not be possible. He was one of Mo Jingqi’s study companions and is also his confidant. I think Mo Jingqi kept him at Suixue Pass specifically to guard against Mo Jingli,” Feng Zhiyao spread his hands and said. Mo Xiuyao gave him a cool glance and said, “Feng San, one month to get that incompetent out of Suixue Pass. I don’t care what method you use.” Receiving Mo Xiuyao’s threatening look, Feng Zhiyao immediately dropped his casual manner and took on a serious expression, just short of swearing to heaven, “Yes, Your Highness. I think Mo Jingli would be very interested in Guan Ting. But… who will guard Suixue Pass after Guan Ting is gone? Our people certainly won’t do – Mo Jingqi won’t trust them.”

“General Murong,” Mo Xiuyao said after a moment of contemplation, “General Murong has been detained in the capital for two years now. Although Mo Jingqi says it’s to show consideration for General Murong’s hard work guarding the border, you and I both know it’s not good for a military general to remain in the capital for long. It only dulls their edge.”

“Mo Jingqi can’t be suspicious of General Murong too, can he?” Feng Zhiyao asked. After all, General Murong was far superior to that waste Guan Ting – why keep a capable battle-winning general idle while employing an idiot?

“No, it’s just that Guan Ting is more trustworthy to him than General Murong. You go figure out how to get Guan Ting back here, I’ll handle General Murong’s matter.”

“No problem, Your Highness.”

After Feng Zhiyao left, the small study returned to its original tranquility. Ye Li lazily reclined in her chair, watching Mo Xiuyao bow his head to continue studying the map on the table. Their long association was enough for Ye Li to understand this man – he seemed very accustomed to preparing for all contingencies, and thought far more than ordinary people, “Aren’t you tired? What if what you’re considering never happens?”

Mo Xiuyao looked up at her and smiled faintly, “If nothing happens, that would naturally be best.”

“If you work yourself to death, what about everything else?”

Mo Xiuyao smiled gently while putting away the maps on the table, he said, “I’ve never intended to work myself to death, besides, don’t I have A’Li helping me now? Moreover… I only do what I should while I’m still alive. If I die… what does it matter to me what becomes of this world or Da Chu’s empire?” Ye Li was speechless. Ever since Mo Xiuyao discovered that she could handle account books faster and better than him, he had used the excuse of poor health to avoid accepting any more account books. Whether internal affairs or external matters, even the Mo family army’s accounts were thrown to her to handle. This further helped Ye Li understand why the royal family was so wary of the Dinguo Prince’s Manor. After more than a month, Ye Li was certain that while the Dinguo Prince’s Manor might not be wealthier than the national treasury, Mo Xiuyao was richer than Mo Jingqi. Although the Mo family army was still maintained by the court, Ye Li believed that even if the court stopped providing provisions and pay for the Mo family army and Black Cloud Cavalry, the Dinguo Prince’s Manor could still support these two armies. Just looking at the account books Mo Xiuyao had given her showed gold mines, silver mines, and copper mines scattered throughout Da Chu, along with vast amounts of land and enterprises. How could an emperor not be jealous and hateful knowing he was poorer than his subject? Shen Wansan of the Ming Dynasty set a very good example of what happens when one becomes as wealthy as a nation.

While undercurrents of conflict between the Emperor and Empress Dowager swirled at court, Cloud Banner General Guan Ting, commander of Suixue Pass, was thrown from his horse while hunting and had his leg broken by his beloved steed – a seemingly insignificant incident that subtly increased tensions between the Emperor and Prince Li. The matter of who would be appointed as the new commander of Suixue Pass stirred up another wave of controversy at court. However, the Dinguo Prince’s Manor, which had stirred up these undercurrents, remained independent of people’s view, appearing peaceful and comfortable.

In an elegantly furnished bedroom, a middle-aged man in his fifties sat by the bed, carefully taking Mo Xiuyao’s pulse while holding his hand. The middle-aged man had refined features, but his eyes revealed a sharp glint. His brow carried a hint of unrestrained pride – though he was a physician, he looked more like a wandering knight-errant roaming the world.

“Your Highness says last year’s prescription is no longer effective?” the middle-aged man frowned and asked.

Physician He, who usually treated Mo Xiuyao, stood to the side and added, “That’s right, last year’s prescription became completely ineffective as soon as winter began this year. Master Shen, His Highness’s illness…” The middle-aged man, who was none other than Da Chu’s premier physician Shen Yang, frowned and said, “Let me see the current prescription.” Physician He hurriedly presented Mo Xiuyao’s current prescription. Shen Yang examined it carefully and raised an eyebrow, “This prescription… is quite suitable. However, I’m quite surprised you didn’t add any pain-relieving medicines.” Since taking over Mo Xiuyao’s treatment, Shen Yang had become familiar with Physician He, the former military doctor, and naturally understood his prescribing habits. How painful Mo Xiuyao’s condition could be – besides Mo Xiuyao himself, no one knew better than he and Physician He. Physician He was usually more soft-hearted than him, so being able to resist including pain medication was truly unexpected to Shen Yang.

Physician, He said somewhat shamefully, “I did add pain medication initially, but the Princess Consort opposed it, so…”

Shen Yang finally noticed Ye Li, who had been standing silently to the side. When Ye Li wished, she could make her presence so subtle as to be almost unnoticeable. So although he knew the Prince had married a Princess Consort this year, he hadn’t noticed what she looked like even after being here so long. Looking up at Ye Li, Shen Yang praised, “The Princess Consort’s decision was correct. Without pain medication, His Highness will indeed suffer more, but there won’t be any troublesome after-effects. Moreover, the poison’s progression will be slower than when using medication. This is why I’ve always insisted on not using pain-relieving herbs. This room is well-arranged – if things continue like this, His Highness should be able to endure another two or three years without incident.”

At his words, however, no one in the room showed any joy. This indicated that Shen Yang’s journey to the Eastern Sea to find the Phoenix Grass had failed, or that the Phoenix Grass would have no effect on Mo Xiuyao’s condition.

Physician He, still harboring some hope, asked, “Master Shen, the Phoenix Grass…”

Shen Yang shook his head regretfully, “Phoenix Grass is indeed effective against cold poison. However, it would be greatly detrimental to His Highness’s body. Therefore, we should wait until the Fierce Fire Lotus seeds mature before making further plans. Of course, I’ll also look for other methods over these two years.” Mo Xiuyao, leaning against the headboard, calmly asked, “Does the Phoenix Grass have side effects?” Shen Yang nodded, “Phoenix Grass could indeed improve Your Highness’s condition, but it cannot truly expel the cold poison. Instead, it would use its fire poison to counteract the cold poison. Once control is lost, not only would the cold poison in Your Highness’s body worsen, but fire poison would be added. At that point… even with the Fierce Fire Lotus seeds in hand, we wouldn’t be able to administer treatment.”

Physician, asked puzzledly, “Wouldn’t fire poison and cold poison naturally counteract each other?”

Shen Yang replied irritably, “While it’s true that cold and fire counteract each other, not every opposing medicinal property can neutralize each other. Most poisons can coexist and may even form more unpredictable toxic effects.” Mo Xiuyao nodded, “In that case, thank you for your troubles, Master Shen. Since I’ve endured for so many years, waiting two more years is no matter. Master Shen has just returned and is already working so hard, please go rest first.” Shen Yang looked admiringly at the ever-calm Mo Xiuyao and nodded, “Your Highness’s mental fortitude is the strongest I’ve seen in my life. Your Highness, Princess Consort, please be at ease. Though my skills are insufficient to cure Your Highness’s poison before the Fierce Fire Lotus matures, I can ensure Your Highness’s safety. Tomorrow I will adjust Your Highness’s prescription anew. Your Highness’s condition hasn’t worsened excessively this year, and there should be no major issues once the weather warms.”

Ye Li nodded, “Thank you for your effort, Master Shen. Steward Mo, please escort Master Shen to the guest quarters to rest.”

Steward Mo complied and came forward to escort both Shen Yang and Physician He out.

The room fell silent. Mo Xiuyao looked up to see Ye Li gazing at him absently and smiled faintly, “A’Li, don’t worry. If the cold poison were so easy to cure, we wouldn’t have waited so many years. I didn’t hold too much hope to begin with.” Ye Li sat down by the bed and looked at him, sighing softly, “But you’re still somewhat disappointed, aren’t you?”

Mo Xiuyao paused briefly, looking at Ye Li for a while before smiling bitterly, “Is it that obvious?”

Ye Li remained silent as Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his embrace. She wanted to resist at first, but abandoned the thought in an instant, quietly leaning against Mo Xiuyao and letting him hold her. Mo Xiuyao embraced her tightly, burying his face in her faintly fragrant hair, “A’Li… I can’t accept this…” Mo Xiuyao’s voice revealed an unprecedented emptiness and despair. Ye Li frowned slightly, raising her hand to support Mo Xiuyao’s shoulder. She knew that Mo Xiuyao had never been as carefree as he appeared. If he truly could maintain such equanimity, he wouldn’t be the Prince of Dinguo who still strategized even while confined to his sickbed – he would be close to achieving sagehood.

“If Father and Big Brother were still here… give me just five years and I could sweep away Xiling, at most ten years and I could drive all of Northern Rong back to the northern desert! Then no enemy could ever threaten Da Chu’s peace again. Da Chu could truly become a dynasty more glorious than its predecessor. This has always been the lifelong wish of generations of the Dinguo Prince’s Manor, and also the Emperor Founder’s wish. Why did they… why did they do this? A’Li… do you know, seven years ago when I first woke up… I wanted nothing more than to kill every single one of them right then! How dare they… how dare they treat Big Brother that way?” Mo Xiuyao held Ye Li tightly, his voice deep and weary, “Father said we should protect Da Chu’s people, and Big Brother also said the peace of Da Chu was more important than anything to the Dinguo Prince’s Manor. But how did they treat us? I told myself then… even if I could never stand again, I would still kill them all!”

“But you didn’t move to kill them, did you?” Ye Li said softly, leaning against him. With the Dinguo Prince’s Manor’s strength, directly confronting all of Da Chu’s military forces might have been impossible in that situation, but if they truly wanted mutual destruction, killing a few people would have been possible. But Mo Xiuyao hadn’t done so, even at his angriest.

Mo Xiuyao was silent for a while before saying softly, “I couldn’t… The soldiers of the Mo Family Army and Black Cloud Cavalry have served for generations guarding Da Chu’s borders. I couldn’t let them bear the crime of treason. If that happened… what would the hundred years of sacrifice and perseverance of the Dinguo Prince’s Manor and Mo Family Army amount to?” Ye Li fell silent, perhaps this was the root of Mo Xiuyao’s pain. His intelligence and the Dinguo Prince’s Manor’s power had allowed him to skip the process of agonizing over who his enemies were. He hated the ruler of this country, and even more so, he hated this country. But he couldn’t destroy them outright, and he had to protect them. Protecting those you hate most… this would be torture for anyone.

“A’Li, someday… I will kill them. Will you… be afraid of me?” Mo Xiuyao asked softly, leaning against Ye Li’s shoulder.

Ye Li lowered her eyes, gazing at the bed curtains behind Mo Xiuyao, and said quietly, “Haven’t you known all along? I’m not a timid person.”

“But I know A’Li has a soft heart,” Mo Xiuyao said softly with a laugh, “If one-day A’Li discovers I’m not a good person, I might as well tell you first.” Ye Li was somewhat surprised, pulling back slightly to see Mo Xiuyao’s attentive and gentle gaze fixed on her, “Does it matter much whether you’re a good person or not?”

Mo Xiuyao raised his head and gently brushed the hair by her ear, “Of course it does. A’Li is my Princess Consort… even if one-day A’Li discovers I’m not a good person, I still… won’t let you leave.” Mo Xiuyao smiled, that smile seeming unprecedentedly bright and warm, leaving Ye Li somewhat dazed. She only felt a faint, slightly warm kiss landing lightly on her lips. Just an extremely light touch, lingering for a moment. Then she heard Mo Xiuyao’s laughing voice in her ear, “A’Li, I will never let you leave.”

Her lips still tingling slightly, Ye Li felt her usually proud reaction ability seemed to have completely stalled. Hey, did I agree to this?

“Your Highness, Miss Murong requests an audience,” Qingluan announced clearly from the doorway.

Ye Li suddenly stood up, giving Mo Xiuyao’s smiling face a fierce glare, and said to the outside, “Please escort Miss Murong to the flower hall, I’ll be there immediately.” Qingluan acknowledged and left. Ye Li gave a light snort and turned to leave. Mo Xiuyao caught her hand, and meeting Ye Li’s angry watery eyes, he smiled helplessly and said, “A’Li, change your clothes before going out.” Ye Li looked at her clothes in confusion – though somewhat casual, it wouldn’t be too disrespectful to meet Murong. Mo Xiuyao said, “Leng Er must have come with Miss Murong. I’m a bit tired, please meet with him in my place.” Seeing the weariness in Mo Xiuyao’s brow, Ye Li remembered that since Shen Yang’s arrival, they had been occupied for so long, and though Mo Xiuyao showed no outward signs, his mood must have experienced significant fluctuations and disappointment. Her heart softened and she said quietly, “I’ll meet with him, you get some rest.”

After helping Mo Xiuyao lie down and tucking in his blanket, Ye Li turned to go to the inner room to change clothes. Mo Xiuyao lay in bed watching Ye Li’s departing figure, a faint smile on his lips. A’Li, your soft heart makes me not want to let go. So… even if you don’t like me, I won’t give you a chance to regret it.

In the flower hall, Murong Ting eagerly examined the elegant and dignified furnishings. Seeing Leng Haoyu sitting leisurely drinking tea, she gave him a disapproving glare, “I came to bid farewell to A’Li, why did you have to shamelessly tag along?” Leng Haoyu smiled good-naturedly, “Ting’er, I’ve also met the Princess Consort of Dinguo. If you’re coming to say goodbye, why can’t I?” Murong Ting said irritably, “Leng Haoyu, I’m going because my father has to go to Yongzhou. What business does a young master like you have running around everywhere? Be careful you don’t die of exhaustion on the road.” Leng Haoyu blinked, looking at her with an affected expression of being deeply moved, “Is Ting’er worried about me? Don’t worry, for Ting’er’s sake, no matter how difficult the journey, I’ll persevere.”

“Leng Haoyu! Go die!” After being pestered by Leng Haoyu for so many years, Murong Ting discovered she had always underestimated this fellow’s thickness of skin, and her pretty face flushed red with anger as she couldn’t help but stamp her foot. Leng Haoyu contentedly watched his angry fiancée while smiling and drinking tea. His half-lowered eyes held a trace of helplessness – in Ting’er’s eyes, he would forever be just a wastrel young master who only knew how to eat, drink, and play. He would never measure up to his elder brother’s achievements and abilities. Only when seeing Ting’er angry at him did he feel he existed differently in her eyes than others did?

“Ahem… Murong, who made you so angry?” Ye Li entered the flower hall with measured steps, smiling as she looked at the fuming Murong Ting. Only then did Murong Ting remember this wasn’t her home or some outside location, but the Dinguo Prince’s Manor that many of the capital’s powerful treated with such caution. She couldn’t help but be startled. Glaring at Leng Haoyu, she complained, “Who else but this fellow? Making me behave so rudely.”

Leng Haoyu stood to pay his respects, “Greetings, Princess Consort.”

Ye Li smiled, “No need for such formality, Young Master Leng, please sit.” Taking Murong Ting’s hand, she sat down beside her and playfully pinched her still-angry little face, saying with a smile, “Murong coming to the Dinguo Prince’s Manor at this time – have you come to bid farewell?” Murong Ting looked at her in surprise and smiled, “I didn’t expect someone who rarely leaves home to be so well-informed. I only got the news yesterday afternoon. But time is tight – Father has to set out early tomorrow morning, so I could only take advantage of having some time today to come say goodbye.”

“Will Murong also accompany General Murong to Yongzhou?”

Murong Ting said proudly, “Of course! How could I not go along to take care of my father when he’s going to the border alone?”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, “General Murong agreed to let you go?” Murong Ting wasn’t exactly young anymore – she would have to marry within two years at the latest. General Murong’s border posting might keep him away for three to five years. Murong Ting glanced at Leng Haoyu sitting to the side and tugged at her braid, saying softly, “Father has already agreed.” Originally Father indeed hadn’t agreed, but Leng Haoyu had said something to Father that somehow changed his mind. Murong Ting thought jealously that she didn’t know whether she was Father’s real daughter or if that bastard Leng Haoyu was Father’s real son. Father had changed his mind just from listening to him, while she had begged for an entire evening.

Noticing Murong Ting’s discontent, Leng Haoyu helplessly rubbed his nose and said, “Princess Consort, I’ve also come to take my leave. I will be heading south in the coming days.”

Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise, “Oh? Is Young Master Leng also going to Yongzhou?”

“No, I’m going to Lingzhou,” Leng Haoyu smiled, “There are some business matters to handle in Lingzhou, and I might also visit Nanzhao. I hear Young Master Xu is currently traveling in Nanzhao – if I’m fortunate enough to meet him, does the Princess Consort have any message for him?” Murong Ting gave him a contemptuous glance and snorted lightly, “You, doing business? In all these years, when have you ever successfully conducted any business besides squandering the Leng family’s money? Lord Leng agreed to let you go?”

Leng Haoyu pulled out a rakish, unrestrained smile, “Ting’er is right – my father thinks I’m too useless, so he decided to throw me out to fend for myself.”

“Uh…” Murong Ting hadn’t expected Leng Haoyu to be thrown out of his home. She had thought Leng Haoyu would probably spend his whole life being supported by Lord Leng and his elder brother. Though she disliked his frivolity, thinking of him going to Lingzhou all alone in the future made her feel somewhat sympathetic, “Well… if you can’t manage, you can come to Suixue Pass. My father’s command probably needs quite a few people…”

“I knew Ting’er still cared about me.” Leng Haoyu clutched his chest in an affected display of rapture, angering Murong Ting so much that she couldn’t help but throw a flying dagger straight at his face. Leng Haoyu tilted his head slightly, his folding fan casually deflecting the dagger into a nearby flower pot. Ye Li covered her mouth to suppress a laugh and held Murong Ting back, saying, “Alright, Murong. I do have a letter I’d like to ask Young Master Leng to deliver to my elder brother. Second Young Master Leng, might we speak in the study?”

Leng Haoyu stood up, “It would be my honor, Princess Consort, please lead the way.”

Ye Li apologized to Murong Ting and called Qingshuang and others to keep her company before leading Leng Haoyu to the study. Murong Ting watched Leng Haoyu’s departing figure and was stunned for a moment: when this fellow was serious, he didn’t seem quite so annoying.

“Please sit, Young Master Leng.”

In the study, Leng Haoyu’s previously wastrel young master’s smile gradually faded, and his brow gained several traces of sharp alertness. He looked like a completely different person, absolutely lacking his previous harmlessness.

“Since you know what kind of person Murong likes, why insist on presenting yourself in a way she dislikes?” Sitting behind the desk, Ye Li asked curiously.

Leng Haoyu raised his eyebrows and smiled, his smile carrying a hint of bitterness, “If not for coincidence, the original Leng Haoyu would be exactly as people see him today.” Every family has its difficulties, and the Leng family certainly wasn’t spotlessly clean either. Ye Li didn’t inquire further into Leng Haoyu’s private matters, only saying, “Murong has a lively personality and is somewhat competitive. She’s destined to like someone stronger than her. I wish you luck.”

“Thank you, Princess Consort,” Leng Haoyu smiled.

Looking at the sharp-edged young man before her, Ye Li sighed inwardly. People only saw how the Leng family’s eldest son, Leng Qingyu, excelled in both civil and military affairs and earned the Emperor’s high regard, but no one knew that this youth who seemed to spend his days lingering in brothels and taverns, fooling around with unsavory friends, actually controlled nearly half of the Dinguo Prince Manor’s enterprises. The money that passed through his hands daily was enough to make any powerful family’s heart race. Ye Li methodically ground some ink, picked up her brush and wrote a few characters, dried them, folded the paper, and without even using an envelope, handed it directly to Leng Haoyu, saying, “If you meet my elder brother, you can give this to him. If not, it doesn’t matter – just dispose of it as you see fit.” Leng Haoyu opened it to look, confirmed he couldn’t understand what was written, and raised his eyebrows unconcernedly as he tucked the note into a hidden pocket, asking, “Do His Highness and the Princess Consort have any other instructions?”

Ye Li smiled slightly, “His Highness has always trusted Young Master Leng’s handling of matters, and I have no further instructions. Only, regarding Mo Jingli – I fear we have all somewhat underestimated him. Young Master Leng should be careful on your journey, and of course, concerning General Murong’s safety as well. I believe His Highness agreed to Young Master Leng’s departure with these considerations in mind.” Leng Haoyu said somewhat apologetically, “His Highness… agreed?” Ye Li looked at him with raised eyebrows, “Otherwise, why would I speak with you privately?”

A flash of joy crossed Leng Haoyu’s brow – he had insisted on going south earlier. Though His Highness hadn’t been furious, he had still gone against His Highness’s wishes, which had left him feeling quite guilty and uneasy. Ye Li looked at him and said, “His Highness is unwell and has already retired to rest. Since he didn’t stop you, he naturally agrees with your plan. However, tensions in the Southern Frontier will inevitably rise in the coming period. You are different from Feng Zhiyao and the others. Going south at this time is quite risky.” Though Feng Zhiyao now appeared to be a romantic young master, like Mo Xiuyao, he had fought his way up from the battlefield since his youth. Their operations were all conducted in secret. Leng Haoyu controlled vast wealth, which was very likely to attract attention. If Mo Jingli or the Emperor detected anything unusual about him, it would likely mean immediate disaster.

Hearing Ye Li’s words, Leng Haoyu felt somewhat reassured, “Please set your mind at ease, Princess Consort. Haoyu will not ruin His Highness’s plans. I had thoughts of doing some small business in the Southern Frontier several years ago, and the current unrest there actually presents an opportunity.”

“As long as Young Master Leng knows what he’s doing. General Murong sets out tomorrow – Young Master Leng will…”

Leng Haoyu shook his head, “I’ll depart in five days, taking the water route south.”

Seeing that Leng Haoyu had thought everything through carefully, Ye Li had nothing more to say. She only gave a few words of advice before inviting him to return to the flower hall to see Murong Ting.

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