Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 365 - 364. The remnants and elites, Dongfang Hui perishes

Chapter 365: 364. The remnants and elites, Dongfang Hui perishes

364. Remnants and Elites, the Death of Dongfang Hui

"This subordinate, Zhou Min, greets Princess Consort Ding."

Ye Li didn’t know Zhou Min well, having only met him a few times in Zhang Qilan’s army, where he was highly regarded. Zhang Qilan was an upright and fair man; his promotion of Zhou Min to independent command was undoubtedly a testament to his capabilities. Ye Li glanced at the earnest, resolute man, barely past thirty, before her and nodded. "General Zhou, please rise."

Seeing Zhou Min’s prompt arrival put a strain on Sun Yaowu’s face. His previous drunken stupor entirely faded, his small eyes revealing a flicker of shrewdness. With a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, he looked at Zhou Min and said, "General Zhou, how did you arrive so quickly? Your main camp isn’t very far from my location, is it?"

Zhou Min seemed oblivious to Sun Yaowu’s insinuation. Furrowing his brows, he reported to Ye Li, "Princess Consort, it is getting late. Would you like to rest here for the night, or proceed to the Mo Family Army’s main camp?"

Ye Li now had a clearer understanding of the relationship between the two armies. The remnants of Great Chu were naturally envious, jealous, and resentful towards the elites of the Mo Family Army, finding fault with them in every way. Similarly, these elite Mo Family Army troops looked down upon the tattered remnants of Great Chu, who had been utterly routed by the Beirong forces. Sun Yaowu was clearly feigning compliance while passively resisting Zhou Min’s orders. Zhou Min, in turn, also looked down on these remnants. If you’re not willing, then fine, I don’t need you. Go stay wherever you feel comfortable, she surmised was his attitude.

Ye Li pondered for a moment and then said, "It’s already late; we won’t disturb the generals’ rest. We’ll make do here for the night. General Zhou, if there is nothing pressing at your camp, please remain as well. I have matters to discuss tomorrow morning."

Zhou Min hesitated for a moment but said nothing more. He nodded. "Yes, Princess Consort."

Seeing Ye Li make such arrangements, a hint of smugness flashed across Sun Yaowu’s eyes. He approached Ye Li with an obsequious smile and said, "Princess Consort, please. This subordinate was unaware of Your Highness’s arrival and thus, the camp has no maids in service. I shall immediately send men to find a couple to attend to you."

Ye Li paused, looked at Sun Yaowu coolly, and asked, "Where does General Sun intend to find maids at this late hour?"

Sun Yaowu nonchalantly replied, "There are many villages near Lingjiu Mountain. Finding a couple of maids is an easy task. To be able to serve the Princess Consort is their good fortune."

"There’s no need. This Princess Consort is not particular when traveling. If General Sun has no other business, it’s best he rests early." Saying this, Ye Li ignored Sun Yaowu’s expression and walked towards the camp. Sun Yaowu, momentarily stunned, quickly hurried forward to lead the way.

Early the next morning, when Ye Li stepped into the main tent, it was already filled with people. Even the commanders of the Mo Family Army from their camp ten miles away had arrived. The two groups of men sat on opposite sides, clearly demarcated; even without looking at their uniforms, one could tell at a glance which men were under Zhou Min and which were Sun Yaowu’s. Ye Li frowned slightly and asked, "Where is General Sun?"

Everyone exchanged glances. Finally, a young officer stood up and said, "To... to answer the Princess Consort, General Sun... hasn’t risen yet..."

Upon hearing this, the men of the Mo Family Army showed expressions of disdain. One of the more outspoken ones couldn’t help but mock, "It’s almost high noon and he still hasn’t risen? General Sun certainly can sleep. No wonder..."

The other faction looked indignant, and someone couldn’t help but grumble, "There’s no battle to fight, why get up so early?"

Ye Li lowered her eyes briefly, then looked up and said in a solemn voice, "Go and get General Sun. He is to receive forty strokes of the cane."

The main tent instantly fell silent. The men of the Mo Family Army, however, wore expressions that clearly said, ’He deserves it.’ Even Zhou Min’s face softened considerably. He, too, couldn’t stand Sun Yaowu’s conduct, but his rank wasn’t higher than Sun Yaowu’s, and the special status of these Great Chu remnants meant that even if he disapproved, he could only turn a blind eye. The Princess Consort’s actions naturally made them feel as if a weight had been lifted, a sense of vindication.

Shortly after, Sun Yaowu was dragged out and pressed down outside the tent. THWACK! THWACK! THWACK! The heavy rod fell repeatedly. Surprisingly, Sun Yaowu, who appeared to be someone who bullied his subordinates and fawned on his superiors, didn’t even groan once throughout the punishment. Ye Li’s gaze slowly swept across Sun Yaowu’s subordinates, a thoughtful expression on her face.

After the caning was over, Sun Yaowu was dragged back in. With Lin Han personally supervising the punishment, there was certainly no leniency; Sun Yaowu’s back was a blur of bloodstains on his clothes. Placed on the ground, he lay there and managed to say, "This subordinate... This subordinate greets the Princess Consort."

Ye Li looked down at him from her seat and said calmly, "General Sun, this punishment, do you accept it or not?"

Sun Yaowu was taken aback, then gave a bitter smile. "The Princess Consort bestows this punishment; this subordinate naturally wouldn’t dare not to accept." Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Wouldn’t dare not to accept? So that means you still don’t accept it, is that right?" Sun Yaowu hastily changed his words, "I accept! I accept it wholeheartedly!"

"Then tell me, why did this Princess Consort have you beaten?" Ye Li asked.

This... Sun Yaowu faltered. If I say it’s because I woke up late, it feels like that shouldn’t be the only reason. Actually, I had an inkling of the answer from the beginning, I just didn’t dare voice it in front of the Princess Consort.

Ye Li didn’t look at him and said calmly, "Do you think this Princess Consort had you beaten because General Zhou Min and the others have issues with you? Or perhaps... because of what happened last night?" Sun Yaowu’s expression changed slightly; clearly, Ye Li had hit the mark.

Ye Li shook her head. "This Princess Consort had you beaten simply because you woke up late today."

Sun Yaowu was stunned, finding it hard to believe the reason was truly so simple. Naturally, he also didn’t believe that Zhou Min wouldn’t have spoken ill of him to Princess Consort Ding. Then, he heard Ye Li say, "General Zhou, in the Mo Family Army, if a commander is late for a military council, how is it handled?"

Zhou Min, his gaze lowered respectfully, replied formally, "Reporting to the Princess Consort, being late without a valid reason is punishable by forty strokes of the cane."

Ye Li looked at Sun Yaowu with a slight smile and asked, "General Sun, is oversleeping considered a valid reason?" Sun Yaowu said rather sheepishly, "This subordinate knows his error. This subordinate accepts the punishment wholeheartedly." Ye Li nodded and instructed, "Help General Sun up."

Zhuo Jing and Qin Feng, one on each side, helped Sun Yaowu up and, allowing no refusal, settled him into a nearby chair. Having just received forty strokes, Sun Yaowu was drenched in cold sweat from the pain. The moment he touched the chair, he reflexively tried to stand up, but Qin Feng pressed him back down with a light but firm touch. It seems Princess Consort Ding is only now truly ready to deal with me, Sun Yaowu thought, and with a grimace, he forced himself to remain seated.

Casting a look that was not quite a smile at Sun Yaowu, Ye Li finally addressed the assembly, "From today onwards, this Princess Consort will oversee the Lingjiu Mountain main camp. Military affairs will remain the responsibility of General Zhou and General Sun. All that has happened before, this Princess Consort will consider it as though it never occurred. However... if anything that shouldn’t happen occurs again... Lin Han, recite the military regulations of the Mo Family Army."

Lin Han swept his gaze over Sun Yaowu and his men, then stated expressionlessly, "Gathering to cause trouble: one hundred strokes. Drinking alcohol during wartime: fifty strokes. Failing to adhere to the duty roster: thirty strokes... Neglect of duty: one hundred strokes. Delaying military operations: execution. Disobeying military orders: execution. Retreating in the face of the enemy: execution..." The repeated mention of "execution" made the faces of many present turn pale.

When Lin Han finished, Ye Li said, "From today onwards, these are also your military regulations. This Princess Consort will not punish ordinary soldiers. If there are any violations, this Princess Consort will hold you commanders responsible for the crime of failing to manage your subordinates strictly."

After saying this, Ye Li dismissed everyone. Sun Yaowu, who was the last to leave, hesitated, looking as if he wanted to say something but was holding back. Ye Li seemed to have anticipated this and, looking at him with a gracious smile, asked, "Does General Sun have something to say?" Sun Yaowu pondered for a moment, then said, "Does the Princess Consort mean that... from now on, we will be the same as the Mo Family Army?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Has General Zhou been withholding your military pay?"

Sun Yaowu grimaced and remained silent. The Mo Family Army indeed hadn’t mistreated them. Although for the past few months they had basically done nothing in the barracks, with all combat and garrison duties handled by the Mo Family Army, Zhou Min had truly not withheld a single cent of their military pay. Receiving the same pay and provisions as the others, while one side was constantly vigilant and prepared for arduous battles, and the other idled away in the barracks picking lice—anyone with even a shred of a conscience would feel ashamed.

"The Mo Family Army looks down on us, these defeated generals," Sun Yaowu finally managed to squeeze out after a long silence.

Hearing this, Ye Li chuckled softly. After a moment, she looked at Sun Yaowu and said, "General Sun, based on what this Princess Consort saw last night, even executing you would have been lenient. Do you know why I didn’t punish you then? Surely you don’t think it’s because this Princess Consort is soft-hearted and couldn’t bring herself to kill you, do you?"

"I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare..." Sun Yaowu stammered. Just based on being forced to sit there motionless for the better part of an hour earlier, he knew this Princess Consort definitely had numerous ways to handle people. She was truly far from being soft-hearted.

Ye Li looked at him with a smile and said lightly, "It’s good that you wouldn’t dare."

Sun Yaowu flinched slightly and dared not make a sound, finally understanding that this renowned Princess Consort Ding was truly not someone to be trifled with or easily fooled. No wonder even the arrogant commanders of the Mo Family Army were completely subservient to her. Thinking this, Sun Yaowu shed his timid, shifty-eyed demeanor, raised his head, and said to Ye Li, "Princess Consort, as long as the Mo Family Army genuinely accepts us, we will naturally serve Prince Ding’s Mansion with all our hearts." Sun Yaowu looked anxiously at the composed Princess Consort on the seat, unsure if this gamble of his was right or wrong.

After a long pause, Ye Li said calmly, "General Sun, do you know why, after seeing the situation in your camp last night, this Princess Consort didn’t punish you directly?" Sun Yaowu, startled, no longer dared to be cunning and replied honestly, "This subordinate does not know. Please enlighten me, Princess Consort." Ye Li said, "It’s because, on my way here, I observed that the common people near your barracks are still living relatively peacefully. This shows that although you are lax with your subordinates, you still exercise some restraint. Furthermore, when you came out to greet this Princess Consort, although you reeked of alcohol, that alcohol... was freshly poured onto you; you weren’t actually drunk. Marquis South once mentioned you to this Princess Consort. His words led me to have certain expectations, but our first meeting left me rather disappointed."

Sun Yaowu lowered his head, a bitter smile on his face. "So Marquis South is still among the living. For a defeated general like myself, it is an honor to still be remembered by the Marquis." So that’s why. It turned out that Sun Yaowu had served under Marquis South in his youth. Although it was for a short time and he was only a minor squad leader, Marquis South had retained a distinct impression of him, which suggested he wasn’t supposed to be an incapable man.

Ye Li looked at him. "This Princess Consort understands your meaning. However, I also hope you understand that the Mo Family Army never looks down on the strong. You lost before, so fight again. If you lost last time but win next time, no one will look down on you. As the saying goes, ’Victory and defeat are common occurrences in military affairs.’ But right now... they indeed have reason to look down on you."

Sun Yaowu mumbled resentfully in a low voice, "General Zhou only assigns us miscellaneous tasks like rearguard actions or cleaning up the battlefield. Where would we get the chance to fight our way back?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "From now on, you and General Zhou will each command your own army and independently defend a pass. This way, if you lose again..." Sun Yaowu’s eyes lit up, and he declared loudly, "If I lose again, this subordinate is willing to remove his armor and return to the fields for good! The soldiers under my command will be entirely at the Princess Consort’s disposal!"

Ye Li smiled with satisfaction. "Very good. Our word is our bond."

"Our word is our bond! This subordinate takes his leave."

Waving Sun Yaowu out, Zhuo Jing voiced his concern, "Princess Consort, is this Sun Yaowu reliable?" It wasn’t that Zhuo Jing looked down on him, but the situation he had witnessed yesterday was truly too appalling. Even their military bearing was sloppy, the soldiers were listless and without any fighting spirit. Entrusting a large camp to him for defense was indeed unsettling.

Ye Li smiled. "This man is quite interesting. Look at the battles he has fought. There’s a saying that’s apt: ’The fault lies not in the battle fought.’ It’s not that he’s incompetent, but the situation at the time was such that he couldn’t turn the tide. Moreover, to be able to gather tens of thousands of remnant soldiers and still manage to keep them from harming the populace—this person does have some ability." She pointed to a petition on the table and pushed it towards Zhuo Jing.

Qin Feng asked, puzzled, "Then what was he up to before?" If it hadn’t been the good-tempered Princess Consort who came, but someone like Lv Jinxian or Zhang Qilan, Sun Yaowu would likely have been immediately dragged out and executed. Ye Li smiled. "He probably felt that Zhou Min and his men looked down on them, so this was, in a way, his form of protest. As for whether he’s truly capable or not, his future performance will show. If he is indeed capable, the Mo Family Army will gain another fierce general. If not, it won’t be too late to deal with him then."

Zhuo Jing put down the petition and chuckled. "He really is rather interesting. This Sun Yaowu nearly reclaimed Luozhou City several times, but due to insufficient troops and depleted reserves, he could only be chased all over by the large Beirong army. Even so, he still managed to gather fifty to sixty thousand troops along the way."

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow and smiled. "It seems he truly has some skill. Princess Consort, your judgment is excellent."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "I hope he won’t disappoint me."

Sun Yaowu’s abilities indeed proved to be quite good. Although the overall combat strength of his troops was not on the same level as Zhou Min’s Mo Family Army, in subsequent engagements with the Beirong forces, they achieved more victories than defeats. The soldiers of Great Chu were not as vulnerable as others had imagined. By the time He Su arrived with his army of over two hundred thousand, the commanders of the Mo Family Army had gradually come to accept Sun Yaowu and his contingent of ’defeated generals.’ With He Su’s large reinforcement, the Lingjiu Mountain front line became as solid as a fortress. After consulting with the generals, Ye Li readjusted the defensive lines. The entire force of over three hundred thousand troops was divided into three camps, arranged in a crescent formation to protect the region outside Feihong Pass. She also transferred fifty thousand troops from He Su’s army to Sun Yaowu, whose forces were the weakest. This made Sun Yaowu immensely grateful and utterly devoted to Princess Consort Ding.

「Meanwhile, in the north, Prince Ding’s Mansion had just pacified the Northern Territory and was engaged in all-out war with Beirong, naturally having no capacity to attend to matters in the south.」

However, those in the south were not idle. Ever since Mo Jingli had brought Dongfang You back to Jiangnan, Dongfang Hui, with the forces of Cangmang Mountain, had been secretly infiltrating the inner and outer circles of the Great Chu imperial court. Although Dongfang Hui did not appear in court herself, the entire Great Chu court was subtly falling under Cangmang Mountain’s control. The only one who could offer some resistance was, surprisingly, the Empress Dowager residing in the inner palace. The Empress Dowager had previously reached a truce with Mo Xiuyao, thereby preserving her life and her title; naturally, having received something, she also had to give something in return. Moreover, Cangmang Mountain’s control over Great Chu’s power would only be more detrimental to the Empress Dowager, who was already gradually losing her authority. Thus, the Empress Dowager was naturally willing to cooperate with Prince Ding’s Mansion.

Thus, in the imperial court, the Empress Dowager and Mo Jingli completely tore off all pretenses of civility. With the backing of Cangmang Mountain, Mo Jingli was naturally eager to ascend the throne himself and found the sight of his young nephew occupying what he considered *his* imperial seat utterly intolerable. However, the Empress Dowager and some of the older court officials vowed to protect the young emperor, even at the cost of their lives. Consequently, the two factions engaged in open strife and covert struggles, causing tumultuous undercurrents to surge both within and outside the Great Chu court.

Dongfang Hui, secretly manipulating the Great Chu court, gradually found it rather engaging. Although Cangmang Mountain holds an exalted status, how can the secluded life of cultivation compare to the intoxicating allure of wielding power that can overturn situations at will? she thought. Thus, Dongfang Hui poured more energy into suppressing the Empress Dowager’s faction. By the time she snapped back to reality and realized something was amiss, the Xiling army had already laid siege to Cangmang Mountain.

To Mo Jingli, Cangmang Mountain was merely a mountain; if it was lost, he could simply find another base. But for Dongfang Hui, Cangmang Mountain’s significance was no less than that of the Capital of Great Chu to Great Chu itself. Mo Jingli could afford to lose Great Chu, but she, Dongfang Hui, could not allow the Xiling army to destroy Cangmang Mountain. She could not afford that humiliation.

Left with no other choice, Dongfang Hui had to entrust all affairs in Jiangnan to Dongfang You and hurriedly lead her people back to Cangmang Mountain. Dongfang Hui was unaware that, given Dongfang You’s temperament, entrusting her with such critical matters was bound to stir up significant trouble. More importantly, this departure would be her last; she would never return to Great Chu.

Although Dongfang Hui received the news extremely quickly, the Xiling army and Xu Qingchen were evidently faster. The natural protective mountain formation of Cangmang Mountain could not hold back Young Master Qingchen for long. By the time Dongfang Hui reached Cangmang Mountain, the Xiling army had already seized its main peak. Having acquired many of Cangmang Mountain’s secrets, both Xiling and Prince Ding’s Mansion began to ruthlessly eliminate the spies Cangmang Mountain had planted and dismantle its assets accumulated over the years. In a short period, almost everything was purged, save for their holdings in Jiangnan and a few extremely well-hidden cells. Cangmang Mountain’s vitality was severely damaged; even if not completely annihilated, it would take at least fifty to sixty years for it to recover.

Dongfang Hui harbored extreme hatred for Lei Zhenting and Xu Qingchen, yet she was powerless against them. She could only lead her remaining subordinates back towards Jiangnan. However, before they could cross the Yunlan River, their path was intercepted by Lei Tengfeng and Xu Qingchen.

"What a fine Heir of Southern Garrison Prince! What a fine Young Master Qingchen! Truly impressive abilities!" Dongfang Hui, now at the end of her rope, gazed at the two juniors before her with a complex expression. She had never imagined that Cangmang Mountain would one day be so easily destroyed under her stewardship, much less that she herself would be pushed to such an extent by two younger men. Young Master Qingchen, ever gentle and refined, merely smiled without speaking.

Lei Tengfeng chuckled. "Madam Dongfang, you overpraise us. Speaking of which... our ability to await your esteemed arrival here is actually thanks to one of your own from Cangmang Mountain. Were it not for that, even with half of Cangmang Mountain’s power decimated, we juniors would likely have been unable to locate you, no matter where you chose to go."

Dongfang Hui’s heart jolted, her eyes flickering. "One of Cangmang Mountain’s own people... Who is it?!"

Lei Tengfeng chuckled. "Madam, why ask what you already know? In this world, how many people could possibly know your intended destination?"

Dongfang Hui’s face turned pale. She shook her head. "It’s her... No, impossible. She... Why would she do this?" Seeing Dongfang Hui’s expression, Lei Tengfeng couldn’t suppress a surge of pleasure. Although his royal father hadn’t desired Cangmang Mountain’s assistance, the fact that Cangmang Mountain had chosen Mo Jingli over considering them had still left Lei Tengfeng feeling somewhat resentful. Witnessing Dongfang Hui’s downfall now naturally brought him a measure of satisfaction. "As for why she did it, Madam, you should probably ask yourself. After all, she is... your beloved disciple."

Dongfang Hui was not an impulsive or foolish woman; she quickly grasped her current predicament. Ignoring Lei Tengfeng’s gloating, she looked at him calmly and said, "Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince, how do you intend to deal with me?"

This... Lei Tengfeng hesitated. Lei Zhenting’s instruction had been to kill Dongfang Hui directly. He feared that if she were allowed to recover, they would face her ferocious retaliation. Cangmang Mountain had existed for centuries, its tendrils deeply enmeshed in the court politics of various nations. Although the bulk of its strength had been shattered, no one knew what hidden forces Dongfang Hui might still command. Often, a single, decisive blow was all that was needed. However, Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help but entertain a different idea: he needed capable aides. For years, despite his utmost efforts, his achievements had been mediocre. Even Mo Jingli, whom he often disdained, was far more renowned. He knew he needed to fully consolidate his own power and effectively command his subordinates, and Dongfang Hui’s recent performance in Great Chu proved she was an exceptionally capable woman.

With just one look, Dongfang Hui knew Lei Tengfeng was wavering. A dark glint flashed in the depths of her eyes, and she said in a solemn voice, "Since things have come to this, I, Dongfang Hui, admit defeat. Myself and all of Cangmang Mountain will submit to the Heir’s disposal."

Lei Tengfeng was indeed moved. He gave a faint smile. "Madam is truly a heroine, able to adapt to circumstances."

"Commandery Prince Rui," Xu Qingchen, standing beside Lei Tengfeng, suddenly spoke with a smile. The moment Xu Qingchen opened his mouth, Dongfang Hui knew things were about to go awry. How regrettable, she thought, in my haste to ingratiate myself with Lei Tengfeng, I actually forgot Xu Qingchen was still here. Before Xu Qingchen could continue, Dongfang Hui said coolly, "Since when does Young Master Qingchen concern himself with the affairs of the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion?"

Although Lei Tengfeng was somewhat tempted by Dongfang Hui and the remaining forces of Cangmang Mountain, he hadn’t completely lost his head. Towards Xu Qingchen, whom he had always both admired and feared, he naturally couldn’t just brush him off. He responded good-naturedly, "Does Young Master Qingchen have something to say?"

Xu Qingchen’s gaze swept lightly over Dongfang Hui, and he said softly, "I merely wished to say, Commandery Prince, be careful. If you don’t kill a snake when you strike it, you’ll suffer its bite in return."

Lei Tengfeng’s heart jolted; his mind instantly cleared. He recalled his royal father’s wary stance regarding Cangmang Mountain. If even his father lacked the confidence to control Cangmang Mountain, preferring to collaborate with Prince Ding’s Mansion to destroy it, what made him think he could manage it? Indeed, instead of becoming an asset, she might end up being a wolf I’ve led into my own house, he thought. At this realization, Lei Tengfeng broke out in a cold sweat. He felt a secret shame, remembering his father’s words that he still lacked tempering. It was indeed true.

"Thank you for the reminder, Young Master," Lei Tengfeng said in a solemn voice.

Hearing Lei Tengfeng’s words, Dongfang Hui knew the situation was hopeless. Her face turned ashen as she glared at Xu Qingchen with deep resentment. "Xu Qingchen, what profound enmity exists between us for you to harm me like this?!" she demanded. Because of Xu Qingchen, Dongfang You had to disrupt her plans and reluctantly marry Mo Jingli; I don’t believe for a second Xu Qingchen wasn’t scheming in that. Then, Xu Qingchen personally came south, aided the Xiling army in breaking Cangmang Mountain’s protective formation, leading to Cangmang Mountain’s ruin. Now, with just a few casual words, he has severed my last hope of survival. It can be said that Cangmang Mountain was defeated by Xu Qingchen single-handedly! Dongfang Hui truly wanted to scream, What grievance did Cangmang Mountain and I, Dongfang Hui, possibly have with you, Xu Qingchen, in a past life?!

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Madam, you worry too much. It is nothing more than a difference in our allegiances."

Dongfang Hui alive is a threat to Prince Ding’s Mansion. If she can be eliminated, why leave behind a potential future problem?

Such casual words made Dongfang Hui’s eyes burn red with fury. Staring at Xu Qingchen, she moved her lips, about to speak, when WHOOSH! A silver streak pierced the air. A lurid flower of blood instantly blossomed on Dongfang Hui’s chest. She lowered her head, staring fixedly at the arrowhead protruding from her chest, having entered from her back. In the sunlight, the silver tip, stained with her crimson blood, glinted with a cold, cruel light.

"Why... why?" Dongfang Hui’s head drooped, her eyes filled with pain, unwillingness, and bewilderment.

Xu Qingchen’s voice drifted over softly, "Even if I had not intervened, Madam, you should have known you could never leave this place alive. This manner of death... is perhaps more agonizing for you than falling into the hands of the Xiling army, wouldn’t you agree?"

Dongfang Hui twitched the corners of her lips, as if trying to force a smile. Alas, she no longer had any strength remaining. The light in her eyes gradually dimmed, finally fading into nothingness.

Lei Tengfeng and Xu Qingchen stood side by side, gazing at the woman lying in a pool of her own blood. After a long moment, Lei Tengfeng sighed. "Young Master Qingchen, your ’compassion’... is truly more than one can bear. There’s a saying that’s indeed true... ’The most venomous is a woman’s heart...’"

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, then looked up. "Now that the Cangmang Mountain affair is concluded, I must return to Licheng. Commandery Prince Rui, please convey my farewells to the Southern Garrison Prince." Lei Tengfeng was startled. "Young Master... you’re leaving already?"

Xu Qingchen smiled. "I am burdened with mundane affairs and indeed have no leisure to linger."

Lei Tengfeng wrestled with a brief internal conflict: should he try to detain Xu Qingchen? But seeing the man’s serene smile, as clear as moonlight and refreshing as a breeze, and the formidable aura of the guards standing behind him, Lei Tengfeng decisively abandoned the idea. He cupped his hands with a smile. "In that case, I shall not see you off, Young Master."

Xu Qingchen smiled. "Commandery Prince Rui, no need for such courtesy. Farewell."

「Jiangnan, within the Regent Prince’s Mansion.」

In a somewhat cold and gloomy room, Dongfang You sat alone, silently lost in her thoughts. Had anyone been beside her, they would have seen that her beautiful eyes, usually so full of tenderness, were now completely red, clearly from a recent bout of intense sorrow. Her lovely face was etched with exhaustion and worry, yet also held a trace of fierce determination and resolve.

KNOCK, KNOCK... A soft knocking came from outside. Dongfang You, as if startled, abruptly stood up and stared at the door. "Who is it?"

"Miss... Madam, Madam is..." an anxious voice cried from outside. Dongfang You, startled, rushed to the door and flung it open. "What happened to Madam?" The woman at the door, tears in her eyes, choked out, "Madam... was killed by Lei Tengfeng and Xu Qingchen by the Yunlan River! And Cangmang Mountain... Cangmang Mountain is finished too..."

"Master..." Dongfang You murmured, her entire body swaying as if she were about to collapse.

The woman beside her quickly supported her, saying worriedly, "Miss, Madam has passed away, and the Elders... they’ve all been killed by Lei Tengfeng too! Now, Cangmang Mountain can only rely on you, Miss! You must pull yourself together!"

Dongfang You waved her hand weakly. "I understand. You may leave first. I want to be alone for a while. Tell them... tell them to come see me tomorrow." The woman looked at Dongfang You with concern, finally sighed, and retreated dejectedly. With Madam and the Elders suddenly killed, the heavy burden of Cangmang Mountain now rests solely on Miss’s shoulders. But, considering Miss’s temperament... she worried.

Dismissing the messenger woman, Dongfang You slowly closed the door. The room returned to its previous gloom. Dongfang You threw herself onto the bed and began to weep softly. I am the child Master adopted. From childhood, Master single-handedly raised me, taught me to read and write, taught me martial arts, taught me strategy. But now... Master, please don’t blame You’er... I despise Mo Jingli! Why did you force me? You always doted on You’er the most... please don’t blame me...

Simultaneously with Dongfang You receiving the news of Dongfang Hui’s death, Mo Jingli also learned of it. In stark contrast to Dongfang You’s utter despair, Mo Jingli was filled with elation. Though it had only been a few short months, Mo Jingli had long grown weary of Dongfang Hui’s control and her constant interference. This was entirely different from how he had imagined gaining the power of Cangmang Mountain. If Dongfang Hui hadn’t died, he feared he would one day have become her puppet.

With Dongfang You, however, it was a completely different matter. Dongfang You considered herself exceptionally clever, but she was far easier to handle than Dongfang Hui. Moreover, Mo Jingli had sensed Dongfang Hui’s growing lust for power, whereas Dongfang You herself had little interest in it. Mo Jingli was confident that, given time, he could definitely control the remaining power of Cangmang Mountain through Dongfang You. Although a large part of it had been destroyed by the Southern Garrison Prince, what was left was still substantial. At least within the Jiangnan region, Mo Jingli believed he could become the undisputed authority, wielding absolute control.

When Mo Jingli rushed to Dongfang You’s room and heard the sounds of sobbing from within, he frowned. Pushing the door open, he entered. "Princess Consort..."

Dongfang You abruptly sat up, her gaze sweeping towards Mo Jingli like a sharp blade. "What are you doing in here?!" she demanded, displeased.

Mo Jingli ignored her anger, walked further into the room, raised his eyebrows, and smiled. "What are you crying for? For your Master?" Dongfang You wiped away her tears, staring at him coldly. "What are you trying to say? Or do you think that just because Master is dead, I’ll be afraid of you?"

Mo Jingli looked at her. "Not only is your Master dead, but your Cangmang Mountain is also finished. Dongfang You, do you think this Prince still needs to be polite to you?" Dongfang You gave a cold laugh. "The power of my Cangmang Mountain isn’t so easily destroyed! Even if the forces of Xiling and Prince Ding’s Mansion were wiped out, Mo Jingli, do you believe this young lady could crush you to death right now?!"

A flicker crossed Mo Jingli’s eyes as he stared at Dongfang You warily. He knew she wasn’t joking. The greatest difference between this woman and her master was her inability to weigh pros and cons. Such a woman was far more dangerous because if provoked, she might genuinely try to kill him. Although it was humiliating for Mo Jingli to admit he couldn’t defeat a woman, he had to acknowledge that Dongfang You’s martial skills were superb. She was, in fact, the most skilled female martial artist he had ever encountered, even more formidable than Ye Li or Leng Liyue of the King of Hell Pavilion.

His eyes darkened. Mo Jingli then smiled faintly and said, "There’s no need for this. This Prince has no intention of making things difficult for you."

Dongfang You snorted coldly, clearly unconcerned. Mo Jingli looked at her and said in a low voice, "This Prince knows what’s on your mind. We can cooperate."

Dongfang You was startled and looked at him with suspicion. Mo Jingli maintained a calm expression. "You still can’t forget Xu Qingchen, can you? Don’t worry. As long as you cooperate with this Prince, I can help you get him."

"You?" Dongfang You said disdainfully.

A hint of displeasure flashed in Mo Jingli’s eyes at being slighted, but he didn’t show anger. "Since this Prince dares to say it, I naturally have the confidence and capability. It all depends on whether you want it or not. Or perhaps... Young Master Qingchen isn’t that important in your heart? In that case, you can just obediently be the Princess Consort in the Regent Prince’s Mansion. This Prince won’t treat you unfairly. However, Young Master Qingchen is already past thirty. No matter what, it probably won’t be more than two years before he marries. At that time, with a peerlessly beautiful woman, a flower-like wife, by his side..."

"Shut up!" Dongfang You snapped.

Mo Jingli raised his eyebrows at her. After a long moment, Dongfang You said in a deep voice, "I will cooperate with you!"

Outside the door, a white figure departed silently.

「In Consort Rong’s courtyard within the Regent Prince’s Mansion.」

Ye Ying, with an indifferent expression, handed a letter to the delicate-featured young maid beside her. "Have this letter delivered to Madam Yaoji at Marquis Muyang’s Mansion."

Not long after, a figure in grey emerged gracefully and headed out of the mansion...