Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 371: The tragedy of Qixia, the young man’s heart is as strong as iron.
370. The Demise of Qixia, a Heart of Iron
In the Xia Court of Prince Li’s Mansion, where Princess Qixia resided, she was sitting leisurely on a noble consort chair, looking quite pleased. Recently, she had been ruthlessly suppressed by Dongfang You. Although Prince Li was protecting her, he couldn’t be with her all the time, let alone punish Dongfang You, who held all the power in Cangmang Mountain. So, these days, her life had been truly miserable. Today, she had finally seized an opportunity to lodge a serious complaint against Dongfang You in front of Prince Li.
Compared to Ye Ying, who had long since fallen out of favor, Princess Qixia, despite lacking an official title, had been continuously favored all these years. Mo Jingli didn’t conceal many things from her, so Princess Qixia already knew about Mo Jingli’s plan to intercept Young Master Qingchen. She hadn’t been very optimistic about Mo Jingli’s plan from the start, knowing full well how formidable Xu Qingchen was. Sure enough, the men Mo Jingli sent returned empty-handed. It hadn’t been a particularly important matter. However, yesterday, upon accidentally overhearing two maids chatting, an idea struck her: she would pin the blame on Dongfang You. Who cared about the truth? As long as the story made sense and Mo Jingli believed it, wasn’t that enough?
Judging by Prince Li’s expression when he left her chambers, his subsequent rush to the study, and how he had stormed off to Dongfang You’s place first thing this morning to give her a harsh scolding, it was clear that Prince Li was thoroughly convinced by her words.
"You wretched woman, you certainly seem to be enjoying your leisure!" Dongfang You’s voice suddenly rang out from the doorway. The coldness in her voice sent a chill down Princess Qixia’s spine. Princess Qixia abruptly stood up, glaring at Dongfang You, who had just entered with her attendants, and demanded, "What are you doing here?"
Dongfang You strode into the hall, stopping in front of Princess Qixia, looking down at her.
SLAP! Just as Princess Qixia grew impatient and was about to erupt in anger, Dongfang You suddenly raised her hand and delivered a swift, vicious slap to Princess Qixia’s face. Men, when striking women, mostly held back their strength. Conversely, women often used their full force when hitting other women. Dongfang You, being a martial artist, was no exception. This slap sent Princess Qixia’s head snapping to the side. Several red, swollen finger marks immediately appeared on her fair cheek. A trickle of blood oozed from the corner of her lips, dripping onto the front of her robe.
"You..." Princess Qixia was slightly dazed by the sudden slap. She evidently hadn’t expected Dongfang You to strike without any warning. Clutching her stinging cheek, flames of fury practically erupted from her eyes. "Dongfang You, how dare you hit me!"
Dongfang You sneered. "So what if I hit you? What do you think you are? Just a concubine without an official title. No, you don’t even count as a concubine; at best, you’re merely a secondary concubine." Princess Qixia’s former status as a princess, now reduced to such an awkward and untitled position, had always been a hidden pain in her heart. Yet Dongfang You had so bluntly used it to mock her. Princess Qixia laughed in fury. Covering her face, she shot Dongfang You an equally contemptuous smile. "Even if I have no proper status, at least Prince Li favors me. It’s certainly better than some people who throw themselves at men only to be rejected, and now resort to kidnapping him. Could it be that you’re so desperate for a man you’ve gone mad, even thinking of forcing yourself on Young Master Qingchen?"
"So it really was you who spouted all that nonsense to Mo Jingli!" Dongfang You growled.
Princess Qixia said triumphantly, "So what if I did? If you dare to do it, you shouldn’t fear people talking about it. It’s a true disgrace to all women. If you’re afraid you can’t get a man, why not settle for those dogs by your side? Don’t go licking your chops and defiling Young Master Qingchen. Perhaps Young Master Qingchen would rather die than be subjected to a woman like you."
Dongfang You’s words were merciless, and Princess Qixia naturally didn’t hold back either. Both ruthlessly jabbed at each other’s sore spots. A cold smile spread across Dongfang You’s beautiful face as she looked at Princess Qixia coldly. "Prince Li likes you? Good... this lady will see just how much Mo Jingli likes you. Men, drag her out and strip her naked!"
"Dongfang You, you dare?" Princess Qixia’s expression changed drastically as she glared fiercely at Dongfang You.
The people accompanying Dongfang You were taken aback, hesitating as they looked at her. Although they were Dongfang You’s people, ultimately Prince Li was the master of this Regent Prince’s Mansion, and Princess Qixia was, after all, Mo Jingli’s woman.
Dongfang You sneered coldly, "Watch if I dare or not! Still not going? Go and ask Prince Li to come over. Tell him this lady has matters to discuss with him." One of her subordinates reluctantly complied and went to fetch Mo Jingli. The other two men grabbed Princess Qixia, one on each side, dragged her into the courtyard, and began tearing off her clothes. Princess Qixia was not a helpless woman; with a flick of her whip, she started to fight back. But her martial arts skills were not enough to ensure her safety, and she was subdued after only a few exchanges.
Dongfang You had followed them out and watched the spectacle impassively. She sneered coldly, "What are you waiting for? Strip off her clothes and use that whip to flog her mercilessly!"
Soon, Princess Qixia was stripped down to just a thin inner robe. The weather in the south during the ninth and tenth lunar months was already far from warm. Dressed only in her thin inner robe, Princess Qixia shivered from the sudden cold. But this was nothing compared to the pain of the whip lashing through the air and striking her body. With the first lash, Princess Qixia cried out in pain and fell to the ground. The continuous lashes that followed left her no place to hide. The disheveled, screaming woman was a far cry from the bright, beautiful, and arrogant princess who had freely wielded her whip against outsiders when she first arrived in the Capital of Great Chu.
"Dongfang You, what are you doing?" A furious shout echoed from the entrance of the courtyard. Mo Jingli rushed over with Ye Ying in tow. One glance at the scene made his face darken with anger. He assumed that because he had lost his temper with Dongfang You this morning, she had taken her anger out on Princess Qixia. And indeed, that was exactly what had happened.
Dongfang You, however, paid no mind to Mo Jingli’s fury. She laughed provocatively, "Haven’t you seen it? As the Princess Consort Regent, do I need to ask for the Prince’s permission to discipline a woman who isn’t even fit to be a concubine or a secondary concubine?"
Mo Jingli coldly replied, "I already told you this morning, you don’t get to interfere in the affairs of this Prince’s mansion."
Mo Jingli had arrived only a moment too late; Princess Qixia had already suffered six or seven lashes. The inner robe on her upper body was also torn. Upon seeing Mo Jingli, it was as if she had found her savior. She immediately threw herself into Mo Jingli’s arms, "Prince, sob... Prince, you must stand up for Xia’er! Sob... Dongfang You has gone too far. Xia’er is in so much pain..."
Seeing Princess Qixia covered in wounds, Mo Jingli’s face grew even darker. Ye Ying, who had been standing next to him, suggested, "My Prince, let’s call the doctor to check on Princess Qixia first." Mo Jingli cast Ye Ying an approving glance and ordered, "Fetch the doctor quickly."
"Don’t go!" Dongfang You’s voice rang out from behind.
"How audacious! In Prince Li’s Mansion, this Prince makes the decisions, and it’s not your place to dictate," Mo Jingli retorted coldly. Dongfang You tilted her head to look at him, then she suddenly let out a low chuckle. She looked at Mo Jingli with a half-smile, saying, "Prince, although the forces of Cangmang Mountain have been mostly wiped out by Xiling and Prince Ding’s Mansion, at least thirty percent still remains."
"I am aware," Mo Jingli said indifferently. "Are you planning to use the power of Cangmang Mountain to threaten this Prince?" If it were before, Mo Jingli might truly have been afraid. But now, the remaining thirty percent, while capable of causing some trouble, was not enough to make him fearful.
Dongfang You smiled and glanced at Princess Qixia. The princess, nestled in Mo Jingli’s embrace, couldn’t help but shiver under that gaze, the last trace of color draining from her face. Dongfang You laughed, "Of course not. I just wanted to tell Prince Li... that Cangmang Mountain actually... still has some people in Prince Ding’s Mansion. I can give them to you, Prince. I wonder if you want them?"
Mo Jingli’s eyes contracted, his sharp gaze fixed on Dongfang You. Prince Ding’s Mansion was renowned for its tight security. It wasn’t that no one had tried to plant spies in Prince Ding’s Mansion, but those who were inserted either quickly disappeared without a trace or were pushed to the periphery, never obtaining any useful information. Dongfang You was unperturbed by Mo Jingli’s intense gaze. She raised her eyebrows and smiled, "Don’t be so surprised. Cangmang Mountain has, after all, a heritage of several hundred years; naturally, it has some secrets unknown to others. Although they are not very important people, if used well, they can produce unexpected results."
"What do you want?" Mo Jingli asked coldly.
Dongfang You pointed at Princess Qixia. "Her. I want the Prince to hand her over to me for disposal."
Mo Jingli wanted to refuse outright, but though he opened his mouth, no words came out. Princess Qixia, panicked, grasped the hem of Mo Jingli’s robe. "Prince... Brother Jing Li, that woman will kill me!"
Dongfang You looked at Mo Jingli with ridicule, as if certain he wouldn’t refuse. Dongfang You took out a slip of paper from her sleeve and said, "To show my sincerity, the Prince can first see if my price is worth it."
Mo Jingli took the paper with a grim face, glanced at it, and put it into his sleeve. Princess Qixia’s eyes suddenly widened. "Brother Jing Li..." Seeing the dark, chilling smile on Dongfang You’s face, Princess Qixia, utterly terrified, clutched Mo Jingli’s sleeve, as if unable to believe he would really hand her over to Dongfang You. Dongfang You gave a triumphant smile and ordered her men, "Drag her back! Continue the whipping!"
Two men in green robes glanced at each other, stepped forward, and dragged Princess Qixia towards the center of the courtyard. Princess Qixia knew that if she fell into Dongfang You’s hands, she would probably not survive. Clinging tightly to Mo Jingli’s sleeve, she pleaded, "Brother Jing Li, save me... don’t... Prince, save me..."
Mo Jingli stared, expressionless, at the terrified and despairing woman before him. Princess Qixia had accompanied him for ten years, abandoning her status as a princess to follow him without name or title. It would be a lie to say he had no feelings for her whatsoever. Although he did not love her, the affection built over ten years was not false. It was just...
In the end, Mo Jingli merely silently pulled Princess Qixia’s hand from his sleeve. Watching those slender fingers being pried away, bit by bit, the last remaining light in Princess Qixia’s eyes gradually vanished.
Finally, Princess Qixia was dragged to the center of the courtyard. The sound of whipping, CRACKLE-CRACKLE, mingled with the woman’s painful screams, causing even those passing by outside the courtyard to tremble in fear.
"AHH... Save me... Prince, Brother Jing Li... Don’t! It hurts... AHH!" Princess Qixia writhed in pain on the ground. Soon, she was covered in blood, barely breathing. "Prince... why... why... save me..."
"No one can save you," Dongfang You sneered. "Didn’t you say your Prince loves you? It seems he prefers the things I give him more. His affection for you isn’t even worth a piece of paper."
Listening to Dongfang You’s merciless taunts, Princess Qixia felt her mind grow dim. Apart from the searing pain, bit by bit, memories from the past ten-odd years slowly surfaced. Meeting Mo Jingli’s dark, somber eyes again, Princess Qixia suddenly felt like laughing. In Mo Jingli’s eyes, there wasn’t the slightest hint of emotion or pity. What on earth had she been doing all these years?
"Heh heh... HA HA..." Princess Qixia let out a low laugh. She suddenly lifted her head, her face already covered in tears. "Brother Jing Li, you are so heartless..."
CRACK! Another lash whipped across her body. Princess Qixia convulsed in pain but still couldn’t stop laughing. "Heh heh... sob... Imperial Sister... Imperial Sister... Xia’er was wrong..."
Watching Princess Qixia’s misery, Ye Ying, standing behind Mo Jingli, suddenly felt a chill run through her body, even though she was wearing a warm cloak woven from peacock feathers. She couldn’t help but take a step back. Looking at the tall, handsome man in front of her, she felt an irresistible urge to get far away from him.
Mo Jingli silently watched Princess Qixia’s dying form. Finally, his eyes darkened slightly, and he turned to leave. Seeing him walk away, Ye Ying wanted to follow, but she was suddenly fearful of being alone with Mo Jingli. Her legs seemed unable to move; she could only stare blankly at the scene before her.
Watching Mo Jingli leave, Dongfang You let out a soft snort and signaled her men to stop. She leisurely walked up to Princess Qixia and, smiling, looked at her. "Well? Do you still think Mo Jingli likes you now? Daring to act so presumptuously before me, what do you think you are? This lady wants you to die with your eyes wide open in regret."
Princess Qixia lifted her head, her slightly bloodshot eyes filled with boundless resentment and venom. "Dongfang You, in this lifetime, Young Master Qingchen will never give you a second look! You psychologically twisted madwoman, a withered flower that no one wants! Even if Young Master Qingchen liked a village girl, he would never look at a despicable woman like you! I curse you, for lifetimes to come, to seek but never obtain..."
"Beat her to death for me! This lady will definitely end up with Young Master Qingchen. It’s just a pity you won’t have the fortune to see that day!" Dongfang You’s pretty face darkened as she ordered sharply.
The whip sounded again. Princess Qixia, who had been cursing loudly, gradually fell silent. "Princess Consort, she’s dead."
Dongfang You glanced with disgust at the person on the ground, who was almost unrecognizable. "Throw her onto a mass grave. No burial. I want her corpse to be eaten by wild dogs!" Everyone in the courtyard couldn’t help but shiver. Even Dongfang You’s own men had expressions of shock and terror in their eyes. Although the successive masters of Cangmang Mountain were never kind or soft-hearted—after all, such people couldn’t control such a large force—there had never been anyone so brutal and vicious. This woman before them... Was she truly the same intelligent and innocent Young Master from Cangmang Mountain?
Ignoring everyone, Dongfang You snorted coldly and walked out. As she passed Ye Ying, she stopped and whispered, "Behave yourself. If not, that wretched woman is your example."
Ye Ying was so frightened she stumbled back several steps and fell to the ground in disarray. Clenching her teeth, terrified, she nodded repeatedly. Dongfang You curled her lip in disdain. "Truly useless. Are you really Ye Li’s sister? Tell me, do you think Young Master Qingchen will like me?"
If Young Master Qingchen likes you, wouldn’t he be blind and deaf?
But in front of Dongfang You, even if Ye Ying had ten times the courage, she would never dare to voice such thoughts. She could only nod vigorously. Dongfang You didn’t pay her any more mind, nodded in satisfaction, and turned to leave.
Watching Princess Qixia being carelessly hauled away, Ye Ying felt her whole body go limp, completely unable to stand. She had fought with Princess Qixia for more than ten years. Originally, she thought the woman she would be most jealous of in her life was Ye Li, and the woman she hated most was Princess Qixia. Yet, she never expected... this woman who had made her unhappy for ten years, just like that... was dead?
"Help... help me back to my room..." Ye Ying said weakly, not daring to stay any longer. A pair of steady hands supported her from behind. A plainly dressed maid in the attire of Prince Li’s Mansion carefully helped Ye Ying up and whispered in her ear, "Fourth Miss, don’t be afraid. Dongfang You can’t hurt you."
Ye Ying nodded. "Let’s go back first..." Today’s events had been too much of a shock for Ye Ying. Not only because of Dongfang You’s viciousness but even more so because of Mo Jingli’s heartlessness. If Mo Jingli could be so cruel to Princess Qixia, whom he had favored for ten years, then what about herself, who had long since fallen out of favor... Ye Ying shivered, leaning on the maid supporting her as she stumbled towards her own courtyard.
「Far from Nanjing City, a badly mutilated body wrapped in a straw mat was casually thrown onto a mass grave. The desolate mass grave, with only the occasional caw of crows, seemed exceptionally grim and terrifying.」
After a long time, a dark figure appeared on the mass grave. He walked to the corpse, squatted down to look at it, then reached behind to check the pulse and breath of the mutilated body. Shaking his head, he tutted in admiration, "Good technique." He then stuffed a medicinal pill into her mouth. Unconcerned by the blood and gore, he lifted her onto his shoulder and said lightly, "If you live, consider yourself lucky. If you die, at least you won’t be left exposed in the wilderness..." After speaking, the man, carrying the body on his shoulder, swaggered away and disappeared from the mass grave.
「In a small courtyard within the city, as the lamps were just being lit, Ye Li was sitting under a lamp, looking at a petition in her hand. Wei Lin pushed open the door and entered. "Princess Consort."」
Ye Li put down the petition and nodded. "How is she?"
Wei Lin frowned. "Not so good. Her wounds are not fatal, but she developed a high fever this morning. We couldn’t find a doctor in Southern Border City as skilled as Mr. Shen Yang or Doctor Lin. If the fever doesn’t break, I’m afraid she won’t survive."
Ye Li said lightly, "Do what man can, and leave the rest to fate. Have someone rub her with strong alcohol to see if it can bring down the fever." Wei Lin nodded, then asked with some confusion, "That woman isn’t a good person. Why is the Princess Consort going to such lengths to save her?"
Ye Li smiled faintly. "In this matter, she truly suffered an undeserved calamity. Besides, while Princess Qixia is indeed annoying, her actions don’t warrant death. Moreover... she is, after all, the biological younger sister of the Queen of Nanzhao. If I weren’t in Nanjing City, it wouldn’t matter. But since I am here, I must make some effort, if only for the Queen of Nanzhao’s sake."
Wei Lin finally understood and nodded. "I understand now." No matter what, by saving Princess Qixia, the Princess Consort would earn the gratitude of the Queen of Nanzhao.
"Any news from Prince Li’s Mansion?" Ye Li asked.
Wei Lin shook his head. "Not at the moment. Prince Li and Dongfang You’s relationship is very strained; he has forbidden Dongfang You from interfering further in the mansion’s affairs. Also, about the Cangmang Mountain spies in our Prince Ding’s Mansion, Dongfang You gave that list to Mo Jingli. However... Ye Ying might also know. She was standing beside Mo Jingli when he looked at the list, but it’s uncertain if she actually saw it. She’s been badly frightened these past two days and has refused to speak."
Ye Li nodded. "She is, after all, a woman raised in the inner chambers. Give her two days. Have our people investigate as quickly as possible too. Ye Ying is not a trained spy; in that situation, she might not have paid attention to the list. Also, send a message back to First Uncle and Xiuyao, telling them to be careful. You may leave."
Wei Lin replied, "Yes. This subordinate will take his leave."
Ye Li’s activities in Nanjing this time were not particularly discreet. She had many matters to attend to; being overly secretive would, on the contrary, more easily arouse suspicion. The Chu Family was considered one of the renowned scholarly families of the former Great Chu. Now that a Young Master of the Chu Family had come to Nanjing, it was natural that some people would pay visits. Ye Li delegated all reception duties to her subordinates. Others merely thought that this Young Master Chu from a scholarly family was naturally arrogant and didn’t think much of it. Most young masters from distinguished families tended to have some temperament.
"Young Master, an invitation has arrived from Marquis Muyang’s Mansion." At the door of the study, Zhuo Jing held an invitation and reported in a low voice.
Ye Li emerged from her thoughts and raised an eyebrow. "What invitation?"
Zhuo Jing replied, "In three days, Nanjing will hold its annual Chrysanthemum Appreciation Gathering. Marquis Muyang’s Mansion has sent an invitation." Ye Li gave a somewhat helpless, bitter smile. "Decline it. Where would I find the mood to attend any Chrysanthemum Appreciation Gathering now?" Zhuo Jing said in a low voice, "Yaoji sent word that Helian Zhen arrived in Nanjing last night. In three days, at the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Gathering, both Mo Jingli and Helian Zhen are likely to attend. That’s why I wanted to ask if Young Master wishes to go."
Hearing this, a cold glint flashed through Ye Li’s eyes. "Helian Zhen... In that case, let’s go and take a look." Zhuo Jing nodded. "Yes, this subordinate will go prepare immediately."
The weather in the south is warmer than in the north, but this season, only chrysanthemums were worth viewing. This Chrysanthemum Appreciation Gathering could naturally be called a major event in Nanjing City marking the transition from late autumn to early winter. Everyone in the city, from young masters of prominent families to young ladies from noble households, received invitations and were expected to attend. Even ordinary commoners could stroll through the city’s flower market, filled with chrysanthemums, and bring a pot or two back home to match the festive occasion.
「Early in the morning, Ye Li, accompanied by a lightly disguised Wei Lin and Zhuo Jing, arrived at the venue for the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Gathering. This was a very large villa in Nanjing City belonging to Prince Li’s Mansion. Presenting their invitations, they entered and were immediately greeted by various kinds of chrysanthemums vying in beauty, lending the courtyard less of autumn’s desolation and more of a colorful, bustling splendor.」
What surprised Ye Li somewhat was that this chrysanthemum gathering was actually being managed by Ye Ying, not Dongfang You, who had always been in charge of Prince Li’s Mansion. Perhaps still badly frightened by Dongfang You, Ye Ying’s complexion remained poor even after several days had passed. Dongfang You sat to one side, her expression indifferent, yet she seemed somewhat absent-minded. The noblewomen and young ladies of Nanjing had evidently long grown accustomed to Dongfang You’s demeanor; no one went to court displeasure, instead gathering around Ye Ying to chat and offer greetings.
Ye Li found a seat at a moderate distance, sipping light chrysanthemum wine and appearing to casually admire the flowers, while in reality, she was keenly observing Ye Ying’s side.
Wei Lin, beside Ye Li, said in a low voice, "Ever since marrying into Prince Li’s Mansion, Dongfang You has always been poor at socializing. At first, she offended quite a few people, but with Mo Jingli and Dongfang Hui protecting her, no one dared to do anything to her. Afterward, many matters in Prince Li’s Mansion were still handled by Princess Qixia and Grand Consort Wise Zhao. Now that Princess Qixia is dead, and Grand Consort Wise Zhao is reportedly bedridden with anger, it has fallen to Consort Rong to manage the situation."
Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking at Dongfang You from afar. "Don’t you think she has changed a lot?"
Zhuo Jing nodded. "Indeed, she has changed a lot. The Dongfang You of the past gave the impression of being self-important yet ignorant. But the Dongfang You of today, even sitting there saying and doing nothing, still exuded a chilling aura. One could tell just by seeing how the surrounding ladies all avoided her and crowded around Ye Ying." Actually, Ye Ying was even more terrified. If she could, she probably would have stood up and run away long ago, unwilling to spend another moment in Dongfang You’s presence.
"It hasn’t even been half a year, yet this woman has changed so much," Wei Lin said, finding it somewhat incredible. "It’s not that people can’t change, but Dongfang You’s transformation could be described as going from one extreme to another. Just how twisted must one be to change so much so suddenly?"
Ye Li also sighed. "The matter of ’love’... How could we outsiders ever understand it clearly?"
"Mo Jingli is here..." Zhuo Jing whispered.
Ye Li looked up and indeed saw Mo Jingli approaching in grand style, surrounded by a group of guards, not far away. Walking shoulder to shoulder with Mo Jingli was a man in his fifties, dressed in Central Plains attire, but whose physique and appearance were clearly different from those of Central Plains people. Although Ye Li had never actually met Helian Zhen, she understood that this man walking with Mo Jingli was undoubtedly Helian Zhen. Judging by the expressions on their faces, it was clear that even if the alliance hadn’t been finalized, it was probably close.
Although Mo Xiuyao was ambitious and wanted to wipe out the allied forces of the three parties in one go, Ye Li still felt it was somewhat adventurous. When she came to Jiangnan, she had even considered whether to try and sabotage this alliance. However, ultimately, based on her trust in Mo Xiuyao, she suppressed this thought.
As Ye Li observed Mo Jingli and his entourage, Mo Jingli’s group naturally also saw Ye Li’s trio. Although Ye Li, in her white robes, was slightly shorter than Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin standing behind her, her appearance and aura were far beyond what they could compare to. Such a graceful young master, if seen once, would surely not be forgotten. Mo Jingli glanced over, couldn’t help but frown, and asked, "Who is that?"
The guards around Mo Jingli were all ordinary guards; how would they know the identity of a young master they had never met before? One of them quietly apologized and turned to leave to investigate Ye Li’s identity.
Ye Li was quite confident in her disguise. Seeing Mo Jingli staring and sizing her up, she didn’t avoid his gaze. She generously took a step forward, cupped her hands, and smiled, "Chu Junwei of Yunzhou greets the Regent Prince."
Hearing the word "Yunzhou", Mo Jingli couldn’t help but frown. When people mentioned Yunzhou, the first thing they thought of was not its rich natural resources, making it as prosperous as Jiangnan, but rather the Xu Family of Yunzhou. Although Mo Jingli didn’t know who Chu Junwei was, he remembered that the maiden family of First Madam Xu was surnamed Chu, and Chu was also a major and respected surname in Yunzhou. He raised an eyebrow and said, "So you are Young Master Chu. How is Young Master Chu related to Eldest Young Master Xu?"
Ye Li smiled. "The Regent Prince is too kind. First Madam Xu’s father and my paternal grandfather were paternal cousins. By that connection, I could perhaps be considered a distant cousin to Eldest Young Master Xu." This relationship sounded close, but when calculated, it wasn’t that near. The Xu Family members were few, but the Chu Family was an extremely large clan in Yunzhou. Counting the main family, branch families, legitimate lines, and concubine lines, there were several hundred, if not a thousand, members. Moreover, First Madam Xu had no direct siblings, and her ties with the Chu Family weren’t particularly close after marrying into the Xu Family. Thus, for this Chu Junwei to claim a connection with the Xu Family seemed somewhat tenuous.
Mo Jingli nodded, sizing up Ye Li, and pushed the faint sense of familiarity to the back of his mind. A relative of First Madam Xu’s family; it wouldn’t be surprising if he bore some resemblance to Xu Qingchen. "The Chu Family has resided in Yunzhou for generations. What brings Young Master Chu to Jiangnan?"
Ye Li lowered her eyes, a bitter smile on her lips, and said softly, "Although I am a legitimate son, I belong to a branch family. And now, Yunzhou..." She shook her head, as if sighing. "There’s not much meaning for me to stay in Yunzhou, so I thought of coming to Jiangnan to have a look. It’s just for travel. Thank you for your inquiry, Regent Prince." Mo Jingli observed him for a good while but detected nothing unusual. He then nodded. "In that case, I hope Young Master Chu enjoys his stay. The Chu Family is also a renowned family of Great Chu. If Young Master has any intention of staying in Nanjing and contributing to Great Chu, perhaps you could visit the Regent Prince’s Mansion in a couple of days, and we can talk further?"
Ye Li was slightly taken aback. She hadn’t expected Mo Jingli to actually show an interest in recruiting her. However, whether he was interested in recruiting Chu Junwei the individual, or the Chu Family behind him, was debatable. Although she had no intention of becoming an official, Ye Li still put on an expression of being overwhelmed by favor, cupped her hands, and said, "Many thanks, Regent Prince. In a few days, I will certainly pay a visit."
With Helian Zhen there, Mo Jingli naturally couldn’t focus on Ye Li for too long. He nodded and proceeded into the garden with Helian Zhen. Helian Zhen, however, turned back to glance at Ye Li’s group with some curiosity and asked with a smile, "That Young Master Chu seems quite remarkable. I didn’t expect that besides the Xu Family’s Immortal Young Master, Great Chu would have such a handsome and outstanding individual."
Mo Jingli had no intention of discussing this much. He smiled faintly. "The Chu Family is a renowned family of Great Chu; they have produced many astonishingly talented individuals throughout the generations. In the vast Great Chu, how could it be that only the Xu Family’s young master is outstanding?"
Helian Zhen smiled faintly and said nothing, but he turned back to look once more. Seeing that the handsome young master was also looking at him with a faint smile, for some reason, a sense of unease suddenly arose in his heart. When he looked again, Young Master Chu had already led his two attendants away in another direction.
「In the center of the chrysanthemum-filled garden was a pavilion open on all four sides. On the second floor, Mo Jingli and Helian Zhen sat facing each other. Helian Zhen took a sip of chrysanthemum wine and couldn’t help but frown. "Your Central Plains wine is fragrant, yes, but it lacks the true taste of alcohol." The Beirong people favored strong spirits; honeyed wines like chrysanthemum wine naturally didn’t appeal to them.」
Mo Jingli wasn’t bothered. He calmly sipped the fine wine and smiled. "Strong spirits have their merits, and this chrysanthemum wine has its own charm. This wine requires careful tasting." Although both sides had reached a consensus in their hearts regarding the alliance, deep down, they still held considerable disdain for each other. The Beirong people looked down on the affectations of the Central Plains people, and the Central Plains people, likewise, looked down on the barbaric ways of the Beirong people.
Helian Zhen put down his wine cup, frowned, and looked at Mo Jingli. "Regarding my earlier proposal, I wonder what Prince Li has considered?" Mo Jingli remained silent in contemplation. It wasn’t that he deliberately wanted to whet Helian Zhen’s appetite; Helian Zhen’s proposal naturally had its attractions for Mo Jingli. However, to truly wage all-out war against Prince Ding’s Mansion was not a decision to be made lightly. Even now, with Mo Jingli holding the entire Jiangnan firmly in his grasp, he couldn’t guarantee how many civil and military officials in the imperial court would support him if he were to go to war with Prince Ding’s Mansion.
Seeing Mo Jingli’s indecisive look, Helian Zhen knew that Mo Jingli wasn’t unmoved; rather, the bait he had offered wasn’t big enough. With Mo Jingli’s temperament, as long as the temptation was great enough, he would absolutely not care whether he was making an enemy of Prince Ding’s Mansion or of Heaven itself.
After a moment of silence, Helian Zhen said in a deep voice, "Prince Li, to be frank, before coming to Nanjing, I also met once with the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling." Mo Jingli started, then narrowed his eyes at Helian Zhen. "What does General Helian mean by this?" he asked.
Helian Zhen smiled. "This time, I sincerely wish to ally with Prince Li and the Southern Garrison Prince. Moreover, I have already persuaded the Southern Garrison Prince. As long as Prince Li agrees to the alliance and sends troops, the Southern Garrison Prince is willing to concede a portion of his benefits..."
Hearing this, Mo Jingli’s eyes flickered. His expression, however, did not change. Instead, he sneered, "A sincere alliance? I’m afraid it’s because Beirong can no longer withstand the attacks from Prince Ding’s Mansion, isn’t it?" A flash of anger crossed Helian Zhen’s eyes, but he suppressed it instantly. Staring at Mo Jingli, he said, "It’s true that in the current war against Prince Ding’s Mansion, Beirong is indeed at a slight disadvantage. However, for Prince Li to say we cannot withstand it is not necessarily true. My Beirong has strong soldiers and robust horses; even now, within the borders of Great Chu, we still have nearly a million troops. Reinforcements from Beirong can also arrive at any time. Furthermore... what good would Beirong’s defeat do for Prince Li?"
Mo Jingli’s expression was very grim. If Beirong were driven out of the north by Mo Xiuyao, Prince Ding’s Mansion’s power would only grow stronger. Moreover, Prince Ding’s Mansion would then legitimately occupy the entire northern region. After all, Prince Ding’s Mansion had already broken away from Great Chu. Great Chu had lost the north to Beirong and the Northern Territory. Then Prince Ding’s Mansion pacified the Northern Territory and expelled Beirong. These territories would naturally have no connection to Great Chu or Mo Jingli.
After a long silence, Mo Jingli said solemnly, "To ally with Beirong and Xiling, I’m afraid no one in the Great Chu imperial court would agree." This was Mo Jingli’s greatest concern. Xiling and Beirong occupied Great Chu’s lands. For the Great Chu imperial court not to expel the enemy and reclaim its territory, but instead to ally with Beirong and Xiling against the Mo Family Army, would indeed invite criticism.
Helian Zhen laughed loudly. "These trivial matters, I believe, will surely not hinder Prince Li. It all depends on whether Prince Li... truly desires to defeat Mo Xiuyao and annihilate Prince Ding’s Mansion."
Mo Jingli remained silent. His mind was already spinning rapidly. Of course, he wanted to defeat Mo Xiuyao. Ever since he was young, he had dreamed of fiercely grinding Mo Xiuyao underfoot. Even though his current status and position were by no means inferior to Mo Xiuyao’s, in Mo Xiuyao’s presence, he still felt as if he were a step lower. Therefore, he always longed for the day he could truly crush Mo Xiuyao underfoot and reclaim everything that should have originally belonged to him.
If Beirong was truly defeated by Mo Xiuyao, and Lei Zhenting was advanced in years, Lei Tengfeng didn’t look like he could be Mo Xiuyao’s opponent. It was likely that once Lei Zhenting passed away, Xiling would fall to Mo Xiuyao. At that time, he, Mo Jingli, would be isolated and helpless, with no chance to ever turn the tables... But now, if the armies of the three parties launched a massive coordinated attack, even if Mo Xiuyao possessed heavenly abilities, he absolutely couldn’t simultaneously resist an army of two to three million from three kingdoms. Then, the chances of victory were still very high.
Helian Zhen smiled as he watched Mo Jingli’s sometimes hesitant, sometimes conflicted expression. "The Southern Garrison Prince has already promised. As long as Prince Li agrees to send troops, he will immediately withdraw his forces from Guangling City and the four prefectures north of it. This serves as a sign of sincerity to Prince Li and also allows Prince Li’s troops to pass through without concern. What does Prince Li think?"
Mo Jingli gripped the wine cup in his hand tightly, so much so that he didn’t even notice when the fragrant chrysanthemum wine spilled onto his hand.
"Why must Prince Li be so hesitant? Once your three parties defeat Prince Ding’s Mansion, Great Chu can return its capital to the Capital of Great Chu. Everything His Highness Prince Li has lost will be returned, and His Highness Prince Li might even gain more," Helian Zhen said, staring fixedly at Mo Jingli.
Mo Jingli gritted his teeth, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes. He said in a deep voice, "Alright, this Prince agrees to General Helian’s terms. Great Chu... will soon dispatch troops northward!"
Helian Zhen was overjoyed. He paid no mind to his dislike for the bland chrysanthemum wine in his cup, raised it, and smiled, "In that case, let us first wish our armies swift success and the complete annihilation of the Mo Family Army!" Mo Jingli remained silent, merely tilting his head back and fiercely draining the fine wine from his cup. Seeing him like this, Helian Zhen finally burst into loud laughter.
In the garden, amidst the colorful chrysanthemums of various forms, countless young nobles, talented scholars, and beautiful ladies were composing poetry and exchanging pleasantries, their laughter echoing. Ye Li held a brush and inscribed a poem dedicated to chrysanthemums on a sheet of Xuan paper.
"The soughing west wind fills the courtyard,
Pistils cold, fragrance faint, butterflies find it hard to come.
If, in a future year, I become the Green Emperor,
I shall bid the peach blossoms to bloom together with you."
As she slowly finished the last stroke, Helian Zhen’s smug laughter reached her ears. Ye Li set down her brush and smiled faintly. "It seems they’ve reached an agreement."
