Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 392 - 391. Strategy of Sowing Discord
391. A Stratagem of Discord
「Late at night」
Yaoji sat reading in the tent; Mu Lie, in the inner room, had already fallen asleep. Mu Yang had taken troops to intercept Lv Jinxian. Due to the recent spy activity, security throughout the entire camp had become extremely strict. Even the covert agents from Prince Ding’s Mansion found it difficult to find opportunities to relay any messages. Yaoji understood in her heart that if things continued this way, it would only be a matter of time before Old Marquis Muyang discovered her and Mu Lie’s true identities. After all, they were the least likely people to be present in the entire camp. Anything irregular was naturally the most likely to arouse suspicion.
A cold gust of wind swept past the entrance of the main tent. Yaoji looked up and saw Qin Feng, dressed in black, standing at the doorway. Startled, she had no time to speak, simply grabbing Qin Feng and pulling him inside. Mu Lie, asleep within, opened his eyes the moment Qin Feng entered. Rolling out of bed, he asked, "Godfather, why are you here?"
Qin Feng gently patted Mu Lie’s small head. "You two are in great danger right now. I’m here to take you away."
Yaoji frowned. "But..." Yaoji understood that Qin Feng’s arrival might be at the Princess Consort’s behest. However, if she couldn’t accomplish the task assigned by Prince Ding, not only would she suffer, but Mu Lie and Qin Feng would be implicated as well.
Qin Feng gave her a knowing glance. "We need to deal with Mu Yang immediately. Old Marquis Muyang will soon suspect you. If you stay here, not only will you be in danger, but the covert agents hidden within the army will also be threatened."
Mu Lie nodded and began to efficiently pack his belongings. In truth, there wasn’t much to pack. Although they had brought many items when they set out with Mu Yang, there was almost nothing they needed to take with them.
Yaoji nodded, her brow furrowed with worry. "The entire camp is under curfew right now. How can we get out? Moreover..." If she and Mu Lie suddenly disappeared from the army, Old Marquis Muyang would likely suspect them immediately.
Qin Feng smiled faintly. "If we can get in, we can naturally get out. We can’t stay any longer; Old Marquis Muyang is bound to suspect you."
Mu Lie grasped Yaoji’s hand and said gravely, "Mother, let’s go. Once things here are settled, we can return to Licheng."
Yaoji was taken aback, her expression softening. That’s right. Once this is over, they could return to Licheng. Mu Lie, still just a child, would no longer have to live in constant fear by her side, and she could see her son again.
"Let’s go!"
Qin Feng nodded in satisfaction. Soon, shouts of "Catch the assassin!" erupted outside, the commotion drawing nearer. Qin Feng grabbed Yaoji, making it appear as though he was taking her hostage, and casually tossed Mu Lie to a Mo Family Army covert agent waiting outside the tent. To onlookers, it seemed as if a spy from Prince Ding’s Mansion had been discovered and, pursued by the Army of Great Chu, had taken Yaoji and her son hostage.
After all, Mu Lie was the only grandson of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, so the soldiers of the Army of Great Chu dared not act too rashly. This inevitably hampered their movements. By the time Old Marquis Muyang arrived, Qin Feng and his group had already broken through to the periphery of the Chu camp with Yaoji. Old Marquis Muyang understood deeply that ever since the campaign began, things had gone awry. Mu Yang’s crushing defeat by Lv Jinxian, in particular, had left Mo Jingli profoundly disappointed with Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. If the spy from Prince Ding’s Mansion escaped now because of Yaoji and Mu Lie, Marquis Muyang’s Mansion would truly be doomed. Moreover, a small doubt gnawed at the Old Marquis: how had the spy from Prince Ding’s Mansion managed to take Yaoji hostage so conveniently?
Assessing the situation, Old Marquis Muyang roared decisively, "Capture the assassin at all costs!"
"Grandfather..." Mu Lie cried out tearfully, held captive by the agent.
Old Marquis Muyang’s heart trembled, but he ultimately hardened his resolve. "Archers, fire!" Mu Lie was his only grandson, true, but with the survival of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion at stake, the Old Marquis did not hesitate to sacrifice him. As long as Marquis Muyang’s Mansion endured, as long as Mu Yang was alive, there would be other grandsons in the future.
A volley of arrows rained down on Qin Feng and his companions. However, they had already reached the edge of the Chu camp, accompanied by elites from the Qilin. Within moments, they vanished into the night.
Old Marquis Muyang stared blankly in the direction where the black-clad figures had disappeared for a long time. After so many years together, he was genuinely fond of Mu Lie. Although he had sacrificed him for the sake of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, it didn’t mean he wasn’t heartbroken. Now, he could only hope that the spies from Prince Ding’s Mansion wouldn’t kill recklessly and would spare Mu Lie’s life.
"My Lord Marquis, His Majesty summons you," an Imperial Guard, who had hurried over, announced gravely from behind.
Old Marquis Muyang sighed, nodded, and turned towards Mo Jingli’s main tent.
Inside the tent, Mo Jingli stared at Old Marquis Muyang. "Was the spy captured?"
Old Marquis Muyang bowed his head. "The spy escaped. Please, Your Majesty, punish me."
Mo Jingli’s expression darkened, but he didn’t lash out. He merely said calmly, "I hear Marquis Muyang’s wife and child were taken by the assassin?"
Old Marquis Muyang nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty, that is correct."
Mo Jingli fixed the Old Marquis with a cold stare. "What are your thoughts on the spies from Prince Ding’s Mansion, Old Marquis?"
The Old Marquis was taken aback, not quite grasping Mo Jingli’s implication.
Mo Jingli continued, "Such a coincidence... Marquis Muyang’s military intelligence was leaked on the expedition, and tonight... spies from Prince Ding’s Mansion just happened to abduct the Marquis’s wife and child. Furthermore, if abduction was the goal, wouldn’t it have been far more convenient to take only the young heir? I truly cannot comprehend what value there is in taking a concubine who was formerly a dancer. What is your opinion, Old Marquis?"
Hearing Mo Jingli’s words, Old Marquis Muyang’s heart pounded, and cold sweat beaded on his forehead. His Majesty suspected Yaoji of being a spy for Prince Ding’s Mansion! If His Majesty truly believed this, Marquis Muyang’s Mansion would be finished.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please see the truth! Marquis Muyang’s Mansion is utterly loyal to Great Chu!" Old Marquis Muyang exclaimed, dropping to his knees with a thud.
Mo Jingli snorted. "Rise. I am merely curious. The investigation into Prince Ding’s spies must continue. If there are any further leaks of information, I will show no mercy!"
"Yes, Your Majesty! This subject obeys!" Old Marquis Muyang heaved a sigh of relief and quickly responded. Inwardly, however, he resolved to investigate this matter thoroughly. If Yaoji truly was a problem, it would be best to have a contingency plan.
Just as Mo Jingli’s mood was at its worst, even more terrible news continued to arrive. Early the next morning, before Mo Jingli had even risen for breakfast, an urgent report arrived: "Your Majesty, our four covert detachments have been successively ambushed by the Mo Family Army! We have suffered heavy losses!"
"What?!" Mo Jingli, about to eat, accidentally knocked over the soup bowl on his table. He shot to his feet. "Summon all generals for an audience!"
Upon receiving the order, the generals of the Army of Great Chu hurried to the main tent. Seeing Mo Jingli’s grim expression, they all sensed that something terrible had occurred.
Mo Jingli, in no mood to consider their thoughts, threw the newly arrived report to the ground. "See for yourselves!"
Old Marquis Muyang, standing at the forefront, bent to pick it up. His face paled instantly. "Your Majesty," he stammered, "I fear we have truly fallen for Yun Ting’s deception. Princess Consort Ding is not with the Mo Family Army at all." A few days ago, they had dispatched scouts, who reported that Princess Consort Ding was indeed with the army. Now it seemed likely that this was merely Yun Ting’s diversion tactic; Princess Consort Ding had never been at Cold Valley Pass from the very beginning.
"Ye Li! Damn you, Ye Li!" Mo Jingli seethed, his teeth clenched. "Since this is the case, then don’t blame *this King* for being ruthless!" In his anger and frustration, Mo Jingli even forgot to use the imperial pronoun.
"Issue my edict! March out of the pass immediately and annihilate Yun Ting’s forces!" Mo Jingli commanded sharply.
"We obey the decree!" a general responded. Seeing Mo Jingli’s ferocious expression, the other generals dared not say more, simply acknowledging the order with grim voices.
An Imperial Guard hurried to Mo Jingli’s side, presenting a sealed letter with both hands. Mo Jingli tore it open and read it, his gaze sweeping coldly over the assembled officials before finally resting on Old Marquis Muyang. "Marquis Muyang, stay. The rest of you are dismissed."
The others cast sympathetic glances at Old Marquis Muyang as they departed.
Clutching the letter, Mo Jingli stared coldly at the Old Marquis. "Old Marquis, do you know what this letter you wrote says?"
Old Marquis Muyang’s heart tightened; he knew this likely concerned him. After a moment’s thought, he asked cautiously, "Your Majesty... is it about Yaoji and Mu Lie last night?" At that moment, the Old Marquis was overcome with complex emotions. It was unclear whether he was more worried about Yaoji’s potential ties to Prince Ding’s Mansion or about Mu Lie’s fate.
Mo Jingli sneered. "Old Marquis, I recall Yaoji disappeared for several years, did she not?"
Old Marquis Muyang nodded. "Indeed, Your Majesty."
"Do you know where Yaoji was and what she was doing during those years?" Mo Jingli pressed.
The back of Old Marquis Muyang’s robe was soaked with sweat; he dared not answer.
Mo Jingli slammed the letter onto the table. "During those years, Yaoji was in Licheng! And she even opened a teahouse! Well done... I placed so much trust in Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, only to discover the traitor was right beside me!"
Old Marquis Muyang’s legs buckled, and he collapsed to his knees. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, please see the truth!" he pleaded. "That was all the doing of that hussy Yaoji! Marquis Muyang’s Mansion has absolutely no connection to Prince Ding’s Mansion! This old subject... this old subject bears a grudge against Prince Ding! How could I possibly defect to him? I beg Your Majesty, discern the truth!"
Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes. "You couldn’t? Then what about Mu Yang? The saying goes, ’a tender embrace is a hero’s grave.’ Would Mu Yang defect to Prince Ding’s Mansion because of Yaoji? With one hundred thousand men, he couldn’t defeat Lv Jinxian’s five thousand troops, and he even let Lv Jinxian return alive. Old Marquis, how do you expect me to believe you?"
Many things are fine if left unthought about. Once you start thinking in a certain direction, however, numerous questions will rush into your mind, unstoppable.
Mo Jingli was inherently suspicious. Moreover, Marquis Muyang’s Mansion had not been loyal to him from the start. Since Old Marquis Muyang could betray Mo Jingqi to serve him, he could just as easily betray him to serve Mo Xiuyao. Upon this realization, the look he gave the Old Marquis became increasingly hostile.
The Old Marquis secretly lamented in his heart, realizing that at this point, any further defense would just be considered sophistry by Mo Jingli. He wished he could flay Yaoji alive. He, an old fox who had played his cards right all his life, never imagined his son’s woman would outsmart him.
"Your Majesty..." Old Marquis Muyang began, attempting to say more.
Mo Jingli, however, cut him off with a cold snort. "Enough! I don’t want to hear any more from you."
Old Marquis Muyang frantically shook his head. "No! Your Majesty, please listen to this old subject! Yaoji... that wretched Yaoji will surely seek out Yang’er after leaving the camp... I implore Your Majesty..."
Mo Jingli sneered. "If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have forgotten. Don’t worry, you’ll be reunited with Mu Yang soon enough! Guards, take him away!"
Seized by guards on either side, he was unceremoniously dragged out of the tent. Old Marquis Muyang knew his cause was lost; no matter what he said now, it would be useless, so he reluctantly fell silent.
「At the camp of Great Chu’s West Route Army」
Mu Yang was discussing military strategy with the General of the West Route Army and Lei Tengfeng when a guard reported, "General Mu, a child is outside seeking an audience. He claims to be the heir of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion."
Mu Yang was slightly taken aback, wondering why Mu Lie would come to find him alone. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂
Lei Tengfeng’s eyes flickered. With a smile, he said, "Brother Mu, perhaps you should see if the young heir needs anything."
Mu Yang nodded; Mu Lie’s sudden arrival also made him somewhat concerned about what might have happened. Lei Tengfeng’s suggestion naturally suited him. He rose and cupped his hands towards Lei Tengfeng. "Thank you, Heir."
Exiting the main camp, he indeed saw a disheveled Mu Lie standing outside, shivering. It was early February, and the northern spring was still bitingly cold. Mu Lie wore tattered clothes, and his lips were tinged with purple. Mu Yang quickly removed his own cloak, wrapped it around the boy, and asked anxiously, "Lie’er, what are you doing here all alone?"
Mu Lie’s lips trembled. "Mother... Mother..." Before he could finish, tears streamed down his face.
Alarmed, Mu Yang asked urgently, "What happened to your mother?"
Mu Lie stared blankly at Mu Yang, then burst into loud sobs.
Seeing his state, it was clear he was terrified. Mu Yang hugged him tenderly. "Good boy, don’t be afraid. Tell Father... what happened?"
Nestled in Mu Yang’s embrace, Mu Lie finally stammered between sobs, "Bad men... bad men took Mother and Lie’er. Later, Lie’er escaped... I wanted to go back and ask Grandfather to save Mother, but... but they said Grandfather was arrested by His Majesty! WAH... Father, save Mother... save Grandfather..."
"What?" Such drastic news stunned Mu Yang. Supporting Mu Lie, he asked, "You said your grandfather was arrested by His Majesty? Why?"
Mu Lie looked bewildered and shook his head blankly. "Don’t... don’t know... Lie’er heard others say it. Lie’er didn’t dare go back, so I asked a kind uncle to bring Lie’er to find Father."
Mu Lie was young, and his words were fragmented and disjointed. Mu Yang’s heart was thrown into turmoil.
Lei Tengfeng, who had followed him out, overheard their conversation. He looked thoughtfully at Mu Lie, who was weeping in Mu Yang’s arms, and said gravely, "Brother Mu, don’t panic yet. Ask him clearly first. Besides... Cold Valley Pass isn’t far from here. If something truly happened, news should arrive soon. Young heir... how did you get here?" Cold Valley Pass wasn’t extremely far, but it wasn’t close either. It was at least two hundred miles away. How could a child travel here alone?
Mu Lie, sobbing in Mu Yang’s arms, shook his head. "WAH... I don’t... I rode a horse..."
"You rode a horse here?" Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow. "Whose horse? Who brought you?"
"WAH... I don’t know! Father, save Mother! Mother was bleeding so much... Lie’er is scared..." Mu Yang quickly hugged him tightly, gently patting his back. "Alright, alright, don’t be afraid, it’s okay... Lie’er, be good..."
After taking Mu Lie into his tent, Mu Yang questioned him carefully and pieced together the events from Mu Lie’s broken account. It turned out that not long after Mu Yang had left, the Mo Family Army spies hidden within the ranks grew restless. After being discovered by the Army of Great Chu, they kidnapped Mu Lie and Yaoji while fleeing. Yaoji then managed to help Mu Lie escape. The escaped Mu Lie had intended to return to his grandfather for help in rescuing his mother, but then he heard that Old Marquis Muyang had also been arrested. So, he begged a kind passerby to bring him here.
Mu Yang was already consumed with worry listening to Mu Lie. Lei Tengfeng, also present, remained much calmer and noticed details that Mu Yang had overlooked. Smiling at Mu Lie, Lei Tengfeng asked, "Young heir, where is the person who brought you here?"
Hearing this, Mu Yang frowned. "Brother Lei, what do you mean by that?" Mu Yang had been getting along well with Lei Tengfeng recently and didn’t want to offend him. However, Lei Tengfeng’s question made him vaguely uncomfortable.
Lei Tengfeng smiled. "Brother Mu, we are in the midst of war. Don’t you find it a bit strange that the young heir just happened to encounter a passerby on horseback willing to bring him here?" In a war zone, ordinary people would steer clear. How could someone have the leisure to ride a horse specifically to bring a child to a military camp?
Mu Yang looked at Lei Tengfeng with thinly veiled anger. "Brother Lei, are you suggesting Lie’er is lying?"
Lei Tengfeng frowned slightly. "Brother Mu, you misunderstand. That’s not what I mean. I just find it peculiar. The young heir is still young; it’s possible someone is using him."
Mu Yang took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Regardless, we must first find out what exactly happened. Brother Lei, I’ll have to trouble you with the army for a few days. I need to make a trip back."
"Don’t!" Mu Lie clung tightly to Mu Yang’s hand, refusing to let go. "Father, don’t go back! His Majesty will kill you! They said... His Majesty wants to capture Father and kill him along with Grandfather! Lie’er doesn’t... doesn’t want Father to die!" he cried.
Mu Yang’s expression grew even darker. He believed seven or eight parts of what Mu Lie said, but he couldn’t understand why His Majesty would suddenly arrest his father. As he was pondering, a somewhat shrill voice announced from outside the tent, "An Imperial Edict has arrived! Marquis Muyang, Mu Yang, receive the edict!"
Mu Yang quickly settled Mu Lie and hurried out of the tent. Seeing the expression of the eunuch standing beside Mo Jingli’s personal attendant in the main camp, his heart sank.
"Your subject, Mu Yang, receives the edict," Mu Yang said, kneeling respectfully.
The eunuch glanced at Mu Yang, unfurled the bright yellow edict in his hands, and intoned solemnly, "Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, for colluding with Prince Ding’s Mansion in treason and rebellion, is condemned to death! Mu Yang’s military command is hereby revoked. He is to be escorted back to the main camp to await judgment on a later date! By Imperial Decree!" The eunuch snapped the edict shut and shrieked, "Arrest Mu Yang at once!"
"Hold!" Mu Yang declared loudly. "May I ask the Eunuch, when did Mu Yang collude with Prince Ding’s Mansion? When did I commit treason and rebellion?"
The eunuch sneered. "That is something Marquis Muyang should ask himself. I am here under His Majesty’s orders to make an arrest. Does Marquis Muyang intend to defy the Imperial Edict?"
Mu Yang gritted his teeth. "If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a pretext! Mu Yang does not accept this!"
The eunuch chuckled coldly. "Not accept? If Marquis Muyang has anything to say, he can say it to His Majesty. I am merely following orders. Please do not make things difficult for me, Marquis Muyang. However... I’m afraid Marquis Muyang won’t have much to say. This morning, the Old Marquis Muyang was already executed."
"What?! Father..." Mu Yang’s face turned ashen. He hadn’t thought that after Mu Lie said his father had been captured by Mo Jingli, he would have been executed so quickly.
The eunuch, seemingly oblivious to Mu Yang’s changed expression, said triumphantly, "Marquis Muyang, you had best surrender obediently. Your esteemed father already confessed to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion colluding with Prince Ding’s Mansion before his death."
Mu Yang’s face alternated between shades of green and white. He knew his family’s affairs better than anyone. If it were possible, his father naturally wouldn’t refuse to ally with Prince Ding’s Mansion. But the problem was that his father had plotted against Princess Consort Ding under Mo Jingqi’s orders, incurring the deep resentment of Prince Ding’s Mansion. They could ally with anyone but Prince Ding’s Mansion. How could his father confess to such an absurd charge, unless... he was tortured into a false confession!
At this thought, Mu Yang was overwhelmed with grief and indignation. "My Mu Family has served His Majesty with utmost loyalty, yet His Majesty treats lives so callously! How can this not break the hearts of loyal subjects!"
The eunuch frowned, waving his hand impatiently. "Seize Marquis Muyang! I need to return and report."
The surrounding guards moved to apprehend Mu Yang. However, even though Mu Yang was young, his father, Old Marquis Muyang, was a veteran of countless battles. He was also well-respected for his ability to win people over, which had earned him many loyal family retainers. With Old Marquis Muyang inexplicably executed by the Emperor, how could these men allow Mu Yang to be taken as well? The atmosphere between the two groups instantly grew tense.
By the time the General of the West Route Army arrived, most of the men the eunuch had brought had been killed. The eunuch himself had fled the camp with only two remaining guards.
A few miles from the camp, the eunuch who had delivered the edict stared, his limbs weak with terror, at the figure standing a short distance ahead. His last two guards lay dead at his feet. The eunuch, ever adept at reading expressions, hurried forward with a fawning smile. "Commander Qin, your servant did everything according to your instructions. That Mu Yang... that Mu Yang audaciously defied the Imperial Edict and even killed the guards His Majesty sent! Please, Commander Qin, spare this lowly one’s life!"
Qin Feng turned to look at the sycophantic eunuch. "You need not worry," he said with a smile. "I will not kill you."
The eunuch was stunned, then overjoyed. He had originally thought delivering the decree would be a simple task, but he had been captured by men from Prince Ding’s Mansion even before he set off. In the end, he had no choice but to follow Qin Feng’s script and deceive Mu Yang about Old Marquis Muyang’s execution. He had almost become a victim of Mu Yang’s sword and had barely managed to survive, so naturally, he was ecstatic.
"Not only will I not kill you, but I will also arrange for a safe escort back for you. Once you return, you know what to say, don’t you?"
"This servant understands, this servant understands!" the eunuch replied hastily. "Mu Yang brazenly defied the Imperial Edict, killed imperial envoys, and intended to rebel!"
Qin Feng nodded, satisfied. "Very good. I enjoy dealing with intelligent people."
