Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 316 - 314. The Southern Garrison Prince’s Costly Hemorrhage
314. The Southern Garrison Prince Coughs Up Blood
"Xiuyao..." Leaning into Mo Xiuyao’s arms, Ye Li was filled with guilt. It was indeed her carelessness this time that had led to the accident, even implicating Fourth Brother. This man beside her must have endured several challenging days. She raised her hands and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, whispering, "Xiuyao, I’m sorry. I was wrong this time. It won’t happen again..."
"It’s not Ah-Li’s fault; it’s mine. I was the one who didn’t notice that Ah-Li... is pregnant again." Mo Xiuyao’s hand gently rested on her flat abdomen, which once again carried their child. Ever since Mo Xiaobao’s birth, Mo Xiuyao had grown increasingly indifferent to the idea of having more children. He even harbored a faint wish that they would have no more. However, he also rationally understood that having more children would benefit Ah-Li in the future. But the fact that their children had arrived at inopportune times twice in a row, even putting Ah-Li in danger, caused a dangerous glint to appear in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes.
Ye Li looked up, helpless, at the man before her whose expression had suddenly darkened. It had been the same when she was carrying Mo Xiaobao. Mo Xiuyao would sometimes gaze warmly at the child in her womb, yet at other times, his gloominess would make Ye Li vaguely worried. Nonetheless, Ye Li still believed he would love their children.
"Xiuyao, do you think... this time it will be a girl?" Ye Li leaned against Mo Xiuyao and asked with a smile.
"A daughter?" The thought stirred Mo Xiuyao’s heart. Imagining a well-behaved, intelligent daughter exactly like Ah-Li, his expression involuntarily softened. Ye Li smiled and said, "Yes! We already have Mo Xiaobao, so I hope it’s a girl this time. That way, Mo Xiaobao will have a younger sister. At his age, wouldn’t it be perfect for him to protect his little sister when he grows up?"
Mo Xiuyao agreed it made sense. If it were a daughter like Ah-Li, she would be the only young Commendary Princess in Prince Ding’s Mansion in recent decades and would naturally be showered with love. It would be perfect for Mo Xiaobao, who was currently idle, to protect his younger sister. Mo Xiuyao was, in fact, secretly plotting in his heart whether he should intensify Mo Xiaobao’s training upon their return, lest he be unable to protect his little sister in the future.
Of course, Ye Li had no idea that her casual words had just sealed Mo Xiaobao’s future painful childhood years. Having just awakened with her health intact, learning she was pregnant again, and that Fourth Brother had also regained consciousness, Ye Li felt particularly relieved. The inexplicable gloom that had weighed on her heart for the past few days seemed to have vanished. Nestled in Mo Xiuyao’s arms, she softly spoke of her hopes and affection for their coming baby. Mo Xiuyao held Ye Li and listened in silence. After a while, Ye Li stopped and sighed softly. She looked up at the man holding her; he had already closed his eyes and fallen asleep. Faint dark shadows lay beneath his closed eyelids. Ye Li carefully raised her hand and pressed two of his acupoints. Then, she carefully rose, making some room on the bed so he could lie down comfortably, and gently pulled the quilt over him. Looking at his handsome face in sleep, Ye Li smiled faintly. In this world, perhaps she was the only one who could successfully affect Prince Ding’s acupoints?
「At the post house」
There was naturally a wave of joy due to Ye Li and Xu Qingbai awakening. However, in the Bai Family’s residence, on the other side of the imperial city, the atmosphere was one of pervasive gloom and panic.
Bai Yuncheng slumped into a chair in the main hall, his already aging face now looking even more worn. Initially, upon learning that his daughter had been killed by Prince Ding, Bai Yuncheng, though furious and heartbroken, still had some fight left in him. He had been silently planning his next move, but he hadn’t anticipated Prince Ding would act with such ruthless speed. In just two or three days, he had swept through the imperial city, eradicating all opposing factions like autumn wind scattering fallen leaves. Even the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion had been raided by him. Bai Yuncheng’s sole remaining hope, the Xiling Emperor, had been scared out of his wits by Mo Xiuyao. The emperor announced he would not wait two months but would depart for Ancheng City as soon as the palace was ready. The Bai Family, having openly pledged allegiance to Prince Ding’s Mansion, was naturally abandoned by the Xiling Emperor without a second thought. Years ago, when the Empress and Noble Consort Qingrong were still influential, the Xiling Emperor might have shown Bai Yuncheng some deference. But now, with Noble Consort Qingrong long missing and the Empress long deceased, the Xiling Emperor certainly wouldn’t protect the Bai Family—subjects he considered useless and disloyal.
Perhaps choosing to side with Prince Ding’s Mansion from the start was a mistake, Bai Yuncheng thought bitterly. If they hadn’t sided with Prince Ding and had instead followed the Xiling Emperor to Ancheng City, the Bai Family might not have prospered. However, their established foundation would have at least spared them from fatal disasters. But now... Recalling the scene he had witnessed outside the Sun Family’s flower garden, a chill pierced Bai Yuncheng’s heart. Would Prince Ding... truly offer the Bai Family a path to survival?
"My lord, what... what do we do now?" Madam Bai looked equally haggard; her usually immaculate makeup could no longer conceal the wrinkles and panic on her face.
"What to do? What to do? How would I know what to do?" Bai Yuncheng laughed bitterly. Madam Bai glanced at him and said tentatively, "My lord, why don’t we... why don’t we leave the imperial city sooner?"
Bai Yuncheng looked at her coldly and chided, "Ignorant woman! Do you think Prince Ding would allow us to leave the imperial city peacefully?" If Prince Ding intended to hold them accountable, how could they possibly escape? If Prince Ding didn’t plan to punish them, how could he bear to abandon so much family property and leave alone? Madam Bai, flustered, knew her words were impractical once Bai Yuncheng rebuked her. She could only clutch his arm anxiously, "Then... then what should we do? Should we... should we try to plead with someone from Prince Ding’s Mansion?"
Currently, they had no way to see Prince Ding or Princess Consort Ding. All these matters were being handled by Feng Zhiyao and two of Princess Consort Ding’s trusted aides. Besides, even if she had the chance, Madam Bai was certain she never wanted to see Prince Ding again.
Hearing her words, Bai Yuncheng fell silent for a moment, carefully considering his wife’s suggestion. Although Prince Ding did not currently seem inclined to harm the Bai Family, his unhesitating killing of Bai Qingning convinced Bai Yuncheng that Prince Ding undoubtedly held a grudge against them. This very silence and inaction, however, made them even more apprehensive. Seeing Bai Yuncheng lost in thought, Madam Bai asked gingerly, "My lord, I wonder if Princess Consort Ding has awakened. If we could plead with the Princess Consort... I’ve heard that the Princess Consort comes from a scholarly family and is gentle and kind-hearted. Although Qingning... behaved somewhat inappropriately, our Bai Family hasn’t done anything to wrong Prince Ding’s Mansion. Perhaps the Princess Consort will be merciful and spare us?"
"That... I’m afraid it won’t be easy to see Princess Consort Ding now." Princess Consort Ding had just been attacked. Considering Prince Ding’s deep attachment to his consort, how could he allow anyone not completely trusted to approach her?
Madam Bai’s eyes darted around, and she asked anxiously, "Is there really no way out? Must our... must our Bai Family really end like this...?"
Bai Yuncheng pondered for a moment before finally saying, "Perhaps there is... His Majesty is due to travel to Ancheng City in a few days. Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding will surely see him off. If we could see Princess Consort Ding then, we might be able to plead with her."
Madam Bai’s eyes lit up. "You’re right, husband!" she exclaimed with a smile. "Unless Princess Consort Ding hasn’t recovered, etiquette dictates that Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding must bid His Majesty farewell. I will do my utmost to see Princess Consort Ding then and beg for her mercy."
The more Bai Yuncheng considered it, the more feasible it seemed. He nodded repeatedly. "You are right, my lady. Rest well these next few days and don’t fret. I will arrange the meeting with Princess Consort Ding."
"Then I shall trouble you, my lord," Madam Bai said with a smile, a flicker of venom crossing her slightly lowered eyes.
「News travels」
The news of the Mo Family Army occupying the imperial city had just reached Great Chu when it was swiftly followed by reports that Mo Xiuyao had virtually conducted a bloodbath among Xiling’s nobility. Lei Zhenting, marching south with the Army of East Expedition, was still reeling from the swift loss of the imperial city. Then, another, even greater blow struck, nearly overwhelming him. Since he had abandoned the idea of returning west, the fall of the imperial city was almost a foregone conclusion. Although Lei Zhenting hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly, he was somewhat mentally prepared. However, Mo Xiuyao’s brutal purge of the imperial city’s elite was entirely beyond his expectations. As a result, the network Lei Zhenting had cultivated for many years in the imperial city suffered. Even the families of his subordinate commanders were affected. Not to mention, several of his own grandsons and granddaughters were among them. Hearing this news, Lei Zhenting was so enraged he nearly fainted on the spot. He gritted his teeth and squeezed out a few words, "Mo Xiuyao..."
"Prince?!" The guard beside him hurriedly reached out to support him. Lei Zhenting covered his mouth, and bright red blood seeped out from between his fingers.
"Prince, please take care of yourself!" Everyone present was startled, forgetting their own anger and grief, and rushed forward to check on Lei Zhenting. Although their advance had been relatively smooth and they had occupied a large swathe of Great Chu’s territory, Murong Shen’s interference prevented them from seizing the entire south before Mo Jingli’s southward migration, as they had planned. The current situation in Great Chu could only be described as chaotic. Most of the area south of the Yunlan River was in Mo Jingli’s hands, with a small portion preemptively occupied by them. Some areas north of the Yunlan River were controlled by the Xiling army, but behind them was Murong Shen’s army, which had recently advanced northward. Though only 200,000 strong, it posed a significant obstacle to their continued southward push. Further southwest lay Lv Songxian’s army of 400,000. To the north was the Mo Family Army’s territory in the Northwest. Even further north, the remaining Great Chu defense forces were entangled in a chaotic battle with Beirong and Northern Jin. It could be said that no part of Great Chu was untouched by chaos at this moment. Therefore, the Southern Garrison Prince absolutely could not afford any mishap.
Lei Zhenting steadied himself, suppressing the sweet taste rising in his throat. He waved away the guards supporting him and said in a stern voice, "This Prince is fine. You may all leave for now."
The crowd hesitated, looking at Lei Zhenting’s ashen face, but finally withdrew from the study.
"What exactly happened?" After a while, Lei Zhenting’s voice finally broke the silence in the study. The messenger’s face was also grim. He reported in detail the recent events in Xiling’s imperial city. This included Xu Qingbai’s premature appearance there, the Xiling Emperor’s voluntary relinquishment of the imperial city, and the assassination of Princess Consort Ding, which caused Prince Ding to unleash his fury in the Sun Family’s garden.
"Fool!" After listening to the man’s report, Lei Zhenting could only force out this single word. His breathing grew noticeably heavier. "That fool! This Prince should have deposed him back then! Why didn’t he think... why didn’t he consider that those who died were not only my confidants but also the elite of Xiling! With Mo Xiuyao killing them, he was probably secretly pleased, wasn’t he? Didn’t he consider that with all these people dead, could he manage Xiling alone?!" Lei Zhenting’s voice rose steadily, revealing the extremity of his anger. He had a point. Although those killed were his men, it was well known that Lei Zhenting had controlled politics for over a decade. How many competent officials in the court were not his appointees? After Mo Xiuyao’s purge, only a group of mediocre individuals remained. Even if the Xiling Emperor moved the capital to Ancheng City, it was anyone’s guess what this band of incompetents, led by the inexperienced Xiling Emperor, could possibly accomplish.
"Heh heh... What a Mo Xiuyao! Such methods, such cunning!" Lei Zhenting sneered repeatedly.
After venting some of his anger, Lei Zhenting quickly calmed down. He soon noticed discrepancies. His sharp eyes narrowed slightly, and he asked in a low voice, "This Prince does not recall ever ordering the assassination of Princess Consort Ding. Who acted so presumptuously?"
The man was equally bewildered. He was merely an insignificant operative placed in the imperial city by the Southern Garrison Prince, usually handling trivial local news. That was how he had managed to escape Prince Ding’s Mansion’s recent purge and rush to deliver the report. However, he too was clueless about the cause and course of this incident, assuming it was the Prince’s order. Seeing his confusion, Lei Zhenting knew he wouldn’t get any more information from him and waved him away.
Once the man had left, Lei Zhenting swept the inkstone from the desk. It struck the floor with a sharp CRACK, the fine inkstone shattering into pieces. "Investigate! Find out who was so audacious... Mo Jingli... No, Mo Jingli doesn’t have the capability. Investigate Ren Qining, Yelv Hong, and Yelv Ye for this Prince!"
"Yes, Prince." A Golden Armor Guard, hidden in the shadows, responded and departed. The study fell into a cold, desolate silence, with only Lei Zhenting remaining. He sat in silence for a long time before he suddenly spewed a mouthful of blood.
「Atop Feihong Pass in the Northwest」
Young Master Qingchen, immaculately dressed in white, stood on the city gate tower of Feihong Pass, gazing into the distance. Not far off, a dozen or so miles away, lay the large encampments of the Xiling and Beirong armies. Viewed from below the pass, the handsome young master in white stood against the wind, his expression calm and ethereal, like a celestial being. Never mind the ordinary soldiers of both armies; even their commanders could not help but secretly admire Young Master Qingchen’s remarkable presence.
"Oh? Qingbai is injured?" On the tower, Xu Qingchen turned to look at the shadow guard who had come to deliver the message, a slight raise of his eyebrow.
The shadow guard felt his heart skip a beat, a chill running down his spine. Although Young Master Qingchen was known as the Immortal Young Master and was typically gentle in speech and demeanor—not as overtly intimidating as Prince Ding—the pressure he exuded was just as potent. "Replying to the Young Master, it is indeed so. However, the letter also mentioned that the Fourth Young Master was not injured in any vital areas and should have regained consciousness by now."
Xu Qingchen nodded. "I understand. You may go."
The shadow guard silently wiped a bead of sweat from his brow and cupped his fists. "This subordinate takes his leave."
"Young Master Qingchen, do you truly believe Lei Zhenting sent assassins after Princess Consort Ding? Lei Zhenting... should not be so unwise." Beside Xu Qingchen stood two men, also facing the wind. One was an elderly man with white hair; though his demeanor was gentle, his brow held a subtle look of determination. The other, a man in his early thirties, had a calm and steady presence and bore some resemblance to the older man.
These two were the Marquis South and his heir, who had narrowly escaped death at Mo Jingqi’s hands years ago. They had nearly lost their lives due to Mo Jingqi’s persecution. Although Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li saved them, they were left somewhat disheartened. For years, they had lived in seclusion in the Northwest, making little name for themselves. But now Mo Jingqi was dead, Great Chu was practically in ruins, and the Northwest faced encroachment from the Xiling and Beirong armies. Consequently, Marquis South and his heir felt compelled to act, voluntarily requesting to accompany Xu Qingchen to Feihong Pass.
A faint, cold shadow fell over Xu Qingchen’s handsome, ethereal features. "Even if it wasn’t Lei Zhenting’s idea, he cannot escape responsibility."
Although Marquis South had spent more than a decade of his later life feeling somewhat stifled, he was, after all, a fierce general who had once galloped across battlefields. As an outsider, he often saw things more clearly. Stroking his beard, he smiled. "This time, I’m afraid Lei Zhenting himself has been played." The Southern Garrison Prince’s losses this time were by no means small; the Southern Garrison Prince must be truly agonizing over it now. Prince Ding had lain low for many years, yet each move he made was enough to astound the world.
Fu Zhao, standing behind his father, asked with some concern, "Prince Ding’s actions... I fear they might tarnish the Prince’s reputation." Even though they were far away in the Northwest, Prince Ding’s fearsome reputation had already spread throughout the entire region. It was undoubtedly the same in other places. They, the people of Prince Ding’s Mansion, were naturally aware that Prince Ding had actually killed far fewer people than rumored. However, the influence of those who *were* killed was perhaps even greater than if he had truly massacred an entire city. Now, the external rumors claimed Prince Ding had wiped out the entire Xiling imperial city. Even the incidents in Biancheng City, which had previously been suppressed, were being brought up again. For a time, many scholars and literati had begun to voice unfavorable opinions about Prince Ding. However, the Xu Family—the current power holders in the Northwest and leading figures in its literary scene—had made no response. This left Fu Zhao somewhat confused.
Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Brother Fu, you still don’t see it clearly enough. It is said that silencing the voice of the people is more difficult than damming a river. Instead of blocking it, it’s better to let it flow. Once people have had their say, they will naturally stop talking."
"Won’t this affect Prince Ding’s reputation?" Fu Zhao frowned. Those who aspire to rule the world must always pay particular attention to their reputation.
Xu Qingchen turned to Marquis South. "What are Marquis South’s thoughts?"
Marquis South shook his head. "Winners become kings and nobles, losers become outlaws. Fleeting gossip amounts to little. Besides, rumors are merely rumors. When the day comes for them to be debunked, the world will only admire Prince Ding even more. As for those bookish fools who’ve read themselves silly, Prince Ding probably wouldn’t deign to bother with them."
Xu Qingchen nodded with a smile. "Marquis South speaks the truth. Given the relationship between the Xu Family and Prince Ding’s Mansion... the Xu Family cannot easily speak out in Prince Ding’s defense unless it is absolutely necessary. Furthermore, in the current chaotic times, such a reputation for Prince Ding... is not without its benefits." At least, far more people will fear Mo Xiuyao than dare to scheme against him. Presumably, those who dare betray Prince Ding’s Mansion will also be far fewer. Sometimes, fear is an effective means of command. Of course, it must not be overdone. And this assassination attempt on Princess Consort Ding serves as an excellent pretext, does it not? Li’er will be safer in the future, won’t she? After this incident, everyone should understand something. Even if Prince Ding is deeply in love with the Princess Consort, should anything happen to her, he wouldn’t collapse or fall into despair; he would only become more frenzied, more ruthless.
"Now that the Prince is still in Xiling, things are relatively stable. But when the Prince returns to Licheng, will there be any unforeseen problems in Xiling?" Marquis South asked, still somewhat worried.
Xu Qingchen said, "Qingbai is still young. But after this lesson, he should understand what it means to ’use severe punishments in chaotic times.’"
Marquis South and his son exchanged a glance. Fu Zhao raised an eyebrow, looking at Xu Qingchen with curiosity. "Young Master Qingchen, you don’t seem to feel any regret for those Xiling dignitaries?" Although some involved in the assassination were among them, everyone knew most were confidants of the Southern Garrison Prince and genuinely talented individuals from Xiling. The Prince’s actions have severed Xiling’s supply of talent for the next decade.
Xu Qingchen’s smile was cold. "As long as the Prince doesn’t slaughter the common people, as for those individuals... how many are truly innocent? Even if they were innocent..." He gazed beyond the pass, where outside Feihong Pass, the land was barren for a thousand li, a scene of crumbling ruins and pervasive cries of sorrow. Xu Qingchen gestured towards a distant, unseen place. "Are there any who are more innocent than them?" The truly innocent are the common people struggling to survive the war, not the Xiling dignitaries who instigated it.
Marquis South sighed softly. "Young Master Qingchen is right." Gazing into the distance, those lands... once his homeland, were now scenes of widespread lamentation, where rivers of blood flowed.
Xu Qingchen’s eyebrow twitched slightly. He said calmly, "If it wasn’t the Southern Garrison Prince’s intention, then only one person has this capability... Ren Qining. Very well. If I don’t do something to repay him, wouldn’t Qingbai and Li’er have suffered for nothing? Attendants!"
A man in black appeared behind Xu Qingchen; it was Wei Lin, whom Ye Li had left behind in the Northwest.
"Wei Lin, make a trip to the Capital of Great Chu yourself. Tell Leng Haoyu there is no need for him to return to the Northwest for the time being. He is to assist the Great Chu defense forces and ensure the Capital of Great Chu is held," Xu Qingchen said impassively.
Wei Lin asked no questions, merely nodding. "This subordinate understands. This subordinate takes his leave."
"Young Master Qingchen, defending the Capital of Great Chu might be somewhat..." Marquis South frowned. He had some understanding of Great Chu’s military strength and combat capabilities. Even with Leng Huai and State Duke Hua present, the Capital of Great Chu is unlikely to hold for more than three months. Within that time, it would be difficult for the Mo Family Army to spare troops for its relief.
Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "General Lv’s several hundred thousand troops have long been eager for action. They had only been held back because they were wary of Lei Zhenting. Now, Lei Zhenting is locked in a bitter struggle with Mo Jingli; even if he wanted to withdraw, it would be too late. Once we resolve the siege before us, there should still be time to reach the Capital of Great Chu. By then, the Prince should also have returned."
Marquis South silently calculated. He felt that while Xu Qingchen’s plan was risky, it was not unfeasible. Most importantly, if successful, Prince Ding’s Mansion’s territory would more than double.
"However, this means we will be directly confronting the entirety of Beirong and the Northern Territory. And Lei Zhenting in the south... once he solidifies his position, it’s hard to say he wouldn’t turn back and join forces with Beirong and the Northern Territory to encircle us. Given Mo Jingli’s cowardice, he likely wouldn’t dare to, nor would he, stop him."
Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Doesn’t Lei Zhenting still have Murong Shen to contend with? Besides, we also have a hidden contingent within Great Chu’s borders that can be mobilized."
...
