Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 394 - 393. The death of Mu Yang

393. The Death of Mu Yang

"Because I am originally from Prince Ding’s Mansion!"

This sudden twist left everyone dumbfounded. In the instant Mu Yang was startled, Mu Lie, who had been sitting in his arms, leaped up and lunged towards Qin Feng. As everyone was stunned by this sudden turn of events, none of Mu Yang’s guards managed to stop him, allowing Mu Lie to reach Qin Feng’s side. After all these years as father and son, Mu Yang only now realized he didn’t understand his son at all; at the very least, he hadn’t known he possessed such proficient lightness skill.

Mu Lie stood beside Qin Feng, grinning as he brandished the dagger in his hand. "Adoptive Father, how did I do?" Qin Feng approvingly patted Mu Lie’s head, causing the young boy to beam with delight. To Mu Lie, Qin Feng’s praise wasn’t merely that of a father for his son; more importantly, it was the commendation of the Commander of Qilin for a future member. Mu Lie, who aspired to become the youngest official member of Qilin, was naturally overjoyed.

Mu Yang, in pain, clutched his abdomen where a large amount of blood was gushing out and slumped over on his horse. He looked in disbelief at his son, who looked so familiar yet felt utterly alien. "Lie’er... you..."

Mu Lie sighed helplessly at Mu Yang and said softly, "Don’t you understand? I am not your son."

"What?!" Mu Yang shook his head, somewhat dazed. Everything happening before my eyes is utterly absurd. He even wondered if he was hallucinating from exhaustion. After a long moment, he lifted his head and asked Mu Lie, "If you are not Lie’er... then who are you? What happened to Lie’er?"

Mu Lie replied, "I am indeed Mu Lie, but... your son is not named Mu Lie. Did you ever even bother to ask what name Yaoji gave the child back then?"

Unable to support himself, Mu Yang finally toppled from his horse. The guards beside him quickly caught him and glared furiously at Mu Lie, who stood beside Qin Feng. Mu Lie merely shrugged innocently. Seeing Mu Yang’s face, deathly pale from pain and shock, Mu Lie felt a pang of sympathy. After all, Mu Yang hasn’t treated me poorly over these years. Even though his wife plotted against me several times, what prominent household doesn’t have its share of unsavory secrets? It’s just a pity that Marquis Muyang’s Mansion offended those they shouldn’t have. Prince Ding had already sealed the mansion’s fate when they arrived in the Capital of Great Chu years ago. The few years of peace they enjoyed were already a bonus.

"You... you are from Prince Ding’s Mansion?" Mu Yang gritted his teeth and asked, "Where is my son?"

Mu Lie nodded. "Correct. As for where your son is... I don’t know, and even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you."

Mu Yang stared at him. "He is from Marquis Muyang’s Mansion! Could it be that Prince Ding’s Mansion wouldn’t even spare a newborn infant?" Perhaps my son died long ago, and the person I’ve loved and spoiled all these years was just a spy planted in Marquis Muyang’s Mansion by Princess Consort Ding? The thought made Mu Yang shudder.

"If I hadn’t been the one staying in Marquis Muyang’s Mansion all these years, your son would have been killed by your wife long ago," Mu Lie pouted, clearly displeased. If it had truly been Yaoji and an ignorant child who returned to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion back then, that child would likely have died countless times by now. Mu Lie felt a small grievance at Mu Yang’s accusation.

Stunned for a moment, Mu Yang suddenly burst into bitter laughter. He looked at Mu Lie and said, "So, the defensive deployments and confidential information for the battle against Lv Jinxian were all leaked by you? Prince Ding’s Mansion is truly formidable... even a child can..."

Mu Lie pursed his lips into a smile, not responding to his words.

The excessive blood loss made Mu Yang feel dizzy. Perhaps realizing he couldn’t escape his fate today, he stopped trying to hold himself upright. He waved his hand, shrugging off his subordinates’ support, and allowed himself to collapse to the ground. After resting for a moment, Mu Yang opened his eyes and asked, "How is Yaoji? Even if you are not her son, she has treated you well these past few years. Surely you didn’t also..."

Mu Lie looked troubled and didn’t speak. Truthfully, I had hoped Mu Yang wouldn’t ask this question. Ignorance would spare him some pain and save Yaoji from having to confront this. But to his dismay, Mu Yang had asked. Mu Lie looked up at Qin Feng, who regarded Mu Yang with a calm expression.

A clear, melodious female voice came from behind the crowd. "Let me explain."

The Mo Family Army soldiers parted, and Yaoji walked out from behind them, her expression serene as she looked at Mu Yang. Mu Yang stared at the Yaoji before him, dressed entirely in white. Her white fox-fur cloak accentuated her fair skin and delicate features, a stark contrast to her former flamboyant radiance. Though she had shed the lavish attire of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, she now possessed an air of greater peace and refined beauty. Evidently, she hadn’t suffered any hardship these past few days. As he gazed at the woman before him, a bitter smile finally touched Mu Yang’s lips. Seeing the situation playing out before me, what is there left not to understand?

"Why? Yaoji..." Mu Yang coughed. "Why do this...?" He looked at the woman before him in anguish, as if her appearance inflicted more pain than the stab wound from Mu Lie.

Yaoji looked at him calmly. "Do you remember the letter I left when I fled with our child all those years ago?"

Mu Yang seemed dazed. After a long pause, he finally recalled it and nodded. "I remember... you wrote that you never wanted to see me or anyone from Marquis Muyang’s Mansion again in this lifetime. But then, you returned with Lie’er, and I thought..."

Yaoji’s smile was somewhat bitter. "You’ve never taken my words seriously. I realized that the day I returned with Lie’er. Don’t you understand even now? I didn’t return with Lie’er because I’d come to my senses. It was because I was a spy for Prince Ding’s Mansion all along. From the day I returned, you should have been wary of me."

Mu Yang loved her deeply; Yaoji had always believed that. But Mu Yang never truly listened to what she said. Consequently, he never questioned her motives for suddenly reappearing at Marquis Muyang’s Mansion with a child. He simply assumed she had endured enough hardship outside with the child and had naturally returned.

"You... you hate me that much?" Mu Yang cried out in agony.

Yaoji shook her head. "No, I don’t hate you." I just don’t love you anymore. "Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Princess Consort saved my child’s life and mine. Mu Yang, I only want my child to live peacefully and happily in this world. Even if..." Even if it means sacrificing you.

A mouthful of blood sprayed from Mu Yang’s lips. He raised a hand to stop the guards who tried to support him, shook his head, and laughed bitterly. "Yaoji... I never imagined..." I never expected Marquis Muyang’s Mansion would be destroyed by your hand. Looking at the sky, bright yet filled with dark clouds, Mu Yang’s gaze was distant and empty. He still remembered when he was a spirited young man, "riding a horse by a slanting bridge, with red sleeves beckoning from every window." He had ridden past the Qingcheng Workshop and chanced upon a stunning woman with light makeup, languidly leaning against a window, her eyes tinged with weariness. From that moment, he had fallen into a sea of infatuation from which he could not escape.

And now this woman, in her white dress, her expression cool and detached, was no longer the stunning dancing girl whose performance had captivated the capital from the Qingcheng Workshop. And he, he was long past being that charming, flamboyant young man.

Mu Yang suddenly threw his head back and laughed, as if he had never laughed so freely in his entire life. Yet, those who heard his laughter showed no trace of joy; their expressions were solemn, tinged with sorrow and dejection.

"Yaoji, come here... I have a few questions to ask you," Mu Yang said, staring fixedly at Yaoji.

Yaoji nodded and slowly walked forward.

"Mother, don’t!" Mu Lie cried out anxiously.

"Yaoji!" Qin Feng frowned. Mu Yang was clearly at his wit’s end; no one knew if he might try to drag Yaoji down with him.

Yaoji looked back and offered a faint smile. "It’s alright."

Seeing her calm smile, Qin Feng’s heart sank slightly. He frowned but said nothing more to stop her.

Yaoji squatted down in front of Mu Yang. "What do you want to ask?"

Mu Yang looked at her. "Aren’t you afraid I’ll kill you?" Even though I’m severely injured, at this close range, it wouldn’t be difficult to kill Yaoji, who has no strength to defend herself.

Yaoji’s expression remained placid; she said nothing.

Mu Yang gave a faint, bitter smile and asked in a low voice, "The child..."

"The child is in Licheng. He’s doing very well," Yaoji replied.

"Was the child taken away by Prince Ding’s Mansion?" Mu Yang asked, a sliver of hope in his voice. Perhaps in my heart, I still don’t believe the woman before me would betray me; perhaps she had no choice, forced to do this for the child’s sake?

Regrettably, the cruel reality forced him to confront it. Yaoji shook her head slightly. "No, I requested it. I don’t hate you, but Marquis Muyang’s Mansion left no place in this world for my child and me. The only place I could go, the Northwest... held a grudge against Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. Prince Ding wanted to destroy Marquis Muyang’s Mansion; he wanted the Old Marquis to suffer unbearable pain. And I, I just wanted my child to live safely and peacefully under the protection of Prince Ding’s Mansion. It’s as simple as that."

"Prince Ding..." Mu Yang closed his eyes in pain. Originally, Marquis Muyang’s Mansion had no feud with Prince Ding’s Mansion. But that year, when Father, obeying the late Emperor’s command, moved against Princess Consort Ding, he brought disaster upon our house. Over the years, those who targeted the Princess Consort have all met their end: Mo Jing is dead; the powerful families of Xiling have suffered heavy casualties; the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion nearly lost its entire line; King of Northern Territory Ren Qining lost his kingdom and family. Why should only Marquis Muyang’s Mansion be spared? So, Prince Ding had already begun to move against Marquis Muyang’s Mansion; we just didn’t know it.

The honor of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, which Father valued most in his life, will be stained with the shameful brand of ’treasonous traitors’ after our deaths. Marquis Muyang’s Mansion will be left without descendants; our own child... cast adrift, whom we’ve never even seen. Yet, we cherished an unknown spy as our sole heir, doting on him for years. Prince Ding’s revenge... truly ruthless!

"Father... is my father still alive?!" Mu Yang snapped out of his chaotic thoughts and abruptly grabbed Yaoji’s arm. If Prince Ding orchestrated all this purely for revenge against Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, then he certainly wouldn’t let Father die so soon.

Yaoji sighed softly, looked at Mu Yang’s anxious eyes, and gently nodded. Marquis Muyang is indeed still alive, but no one can save him. His fate is already sealed, and it will certainly be no more comfortable than Mu Yang’s current state.

If Yaoji understood these things, how could Mu Yang not? He was an exceptionally intelligent man. Knowing this much, it only took him a moment to piece everything together. From the instant Yaoji and Mu Lie were abducted, it was all a meticulously laid trap, aimed directly at Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, and perhaps Mo Jingli as well.

"Prince Ding... Such cunning..." Finally, Mu Yang could only manage a bitter smile as he spoke.

"Yaoji," Qin Feng said gravely. "The commotion we’re causing is considerable. If we delay any longer and Zhao Lian’s army catches up, there will be trouble."

Yaoji nodded and silently moved to stand behind Qin Feng. Mu Yang’s gaze shifted from Yaoji to Mu Lie, who stood by Qin Feng. He eventually shook his head. "I, Mu Yang, will bear all the sins of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. I beg Prince Ding and the Princess Consort to spare my father’s life."

No one present answered. Decisions made by Prince Ding were not so easily overturned. The fact that Prince Ding had endured tormenting Marquis Muyang’s Mansion for so many years, instead of killing the old Marquis Muyang with a single stroke back then, spoke volumes. It seemed even a personal plea from the Princess Consort would likely be ineffective.

Qin Feng said in a low voice, "I will relay your words to the Prince. However, no one can sway his decisions. Marquis Muyang will not die for the time being." The Prince still wishes to see the old Marquis Muyang, so he naturally won’t let him die. Of course, if he takes his own life, that’s another matter entirely.

Finally, Mu Yang sighed quietly, "I was overly hopeful... Yaoji... take care..." His voice trailed off. Mu Yang, his eyes already somewhat glazed from excessive blood loss, suddenly snapped them wide open and snatched a long sword from a nearby guard. A flash of crimson light arced through the air. Mu Yang stared into the distance, the light in his eyes gradually fading.

Yaoji closed her eyes, no longer looking at the man lying in a pool of blood behind her. She turned and walked away. Mu Lie glanced at Qin Feng, then turned and followed her.

Qin Feng surveyed the scene and instructed in a low voice, "Go bring Marquis Muyang out... and send Mu Yang’s body to him."

Even the battle-hardened soldiers of the Black Cloud Cavalry, witnessing this, couldn’t help but show a hint of pity. The old Marquis Muyang truly had terrible luck, provoking someone he absolutely shouldn’t have, they sighed inwardly.

「Atop a quiet, deserted hillside,」 Yaoji sat alone, gazing abstractedly at the somewhat desolate scenery in the distance. Mu Lie walked over and sat beside her in silence.

After a long while, Yaoji smiled faintly. "Why didn’t you leave with them?" The war is currently raging, and Qin Feng and the others cannot stay here for long.

Mu Lie shook his head. "Adoptive Father said there’s nothing more for me to do, so I stayed to protect you."

Yaoji had not wished to leave with the main army, and Qin Feng hadn’t forced her. He had left some men to protect her secretly, and Mu Lie had also stayed behind. What follows will be open combat on the battlefield; even if the Mo Family Army is short-handed, they wouldn’t send a child to fight. Seeing Yaoji’s dejected and lost expression, Mu Lie sighed. "If you want to cry, just cry. I won’t tell anyone."

Actually, I also somewhat want to cry. I’ve been an orphan since I was young. Although Prince Ding’s Mansion took care of me and I didn’t suffer much, I certainly wasn’t as happy as children with loving parents. Mu Yang acted as my father for several years and genuinely treated me well. No wonder my old teacher once said that the most crucial attribute for a spy isn’t martial skill or ability, but a heart as hard as iron. If even I feel this way, Yaoji must be feeling even worse.

Yaoji gave a light smile, saying, "I anticipated today’s outcome years ago. What’s there to cry about?"

Mu Lie looked at her and asked softly, "Just now, did you want Mu Yang to kill you?"

Yaoji remained silent, but Mu Lie knew he had guessed correctly. He quickly grabbed Yaoji’s arm. "Don’t give up! Don’t forget... you still have a son. You have me too, didn’t I also call you Mother? You... you don’t blame me for stabbing Mu Yang, do you?"

Yaoji shook her head and gently stroked his small head. "Silly child, no matter what you did... the outcome would have been the same. Don’t worry about me. I still have to return to Licheng to watch you and your younger brother grow up safely."

Only then did Mu Lie relax. He asked, "Will you bring your younger brother back?"

Yaoji shook her head. "As long as he grows up safe and sound, that’s enough. Besides... his adoptive parents have cared for him for so many years, why should I go and disturb his life? What... you don’t plan on supporting me in the future?"

Mu Lie hastily shook his head. "How could that be? Don’t worry, I will definitely take care of you and Adoptive Father until you’re old! Uh... If you want to see your brother, I can bring him back for you."

Looking at the child gazing at her so cautiously, Yaoji felt a warmth spread through her cold heart. She smiled faintly, leaned against Mu Lie, and began to hum a soft tune. The gentle, moving melody carried an extra layer of lingering sorrow in the bleak, cold spring. Yaoji watched the sun gradually set in the distance, tears silently tracing paths down her cheeks...

「In Lv Jinxian’s camp of the Mo Family Army,」 Lv Jinxian watched the woman in white sitting before him with a joyful expression, laughing heartily. "Everyone says the Qilin are elusive and unpredictable. Today, I’ve witnessed the capabilities of the Mo Family Army firsthand. I’m truly impressed."

This time, Lv Jinxian had managed to break through a blockade of over one hundred thousand enemy soldiers with minimal losses, largely thanks to Qilin. If the secret agents of Prince Ding’s Mansion hadn’t delivered timely intelligence on the Army of Great Chu, Lv Jinxian, though confident of breaking through, would undoubtedly have suffered significant casualties. Not to mention, he had received a sudden message from the Princess Consort earlier that day, ordering an immediate attack on the camp of the West Route Army of Great Chu. Initially, he had been apprehensive; the disparity in numbers was considerable, and a direct assault was ill-advised. Unexpectedly, midway through the battle, not only did the Princess Consort arrive with reinforcements, but the Army of Great Chu also inexplicably retreated.

Only after withdrawing his troops and hearing the Princess Consort’s explanation did he understand that in just a few short days, she had orchestrated such an ingenious plan to sow internal chaos within the military of Great Chu.

Hearing Lv Jinxian’s words, Ye Li shook her head and smiled wryly. "This wasn’t my scheme..." Mo Xiuyao’s strategy was ostensibly to sow discord within the Army of Great Chu, but its primary aim was to deal with Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. Therefore, from the outset, it was designed for Marquis Muyang’s Mansion; Mo Jingli was merely an unfortunate casualty caught in the fallout. Naturally, such matters couldn’t be divulged to her subordinates. It was best if fewer people knew about Prince Ding seeking personal revenge.

Lv Jinxian said, "Now that Yun Ting is pinning down Mo Jingli’s main army at Cold Valley Pass, we must also act quickly. Yun Ting only has a little over a hundred thousand troops, and the terrain outside Cold Valley Pass isn’t particularly favorable for the Mo Family Army. If Mo Jingli becomes desperate and recklessly throws in tens of thousands of his soldiers, Yun Ting’s situation could become truly precarious."

Ye Li nodded. "The Grand General’s assessment is timely. With the West Route Army having just suffered a setback, their morale is low, and their forces are unsettled. We must deploy our troops quickly to resolve the situation on this front."

"However, Lei Tengfeng is also here, which might complicate matters," Lv Jinxian frowned. "If it were only Zhao Lian’s two hundred thousand plus troops, the Mo Family Army would secure a definite victory. But Lei Tengfeng also has over a hundred thousand soldiers from the Xiling Army here. A protracted battle would be manageable, but we don’t have the time for that."

Ye Li shook her head. "Lei Tengfeng won’t fight us to the death here." Lei Zhenting didn’t send Lei Tengfeng here to help Mo Jingli fight the Mo Family Army to the death.

"Reporting to the Grand General and the Princess Consort, Commander Qin has returned," a guard announced from outside the main tent.

Lv Jinxian nodded. "Let Commander Qin enter."

Qin Feng lifted the tent flap and entered, saying solemnly, "Greetings to the Princess Consort and the Grand General."

Ye Li glanced at Qin Feng. "Mu Yang...?"

Qin Feng respectfully replied, "Mu Yang has taken his own life. Gao Ming, a general from the Army of Great Chu, has surrendered. I have brought him back."

"Gao Ming?" Ye Li furrowed her brow slightly. I don’t recall much about this person.

Behind her, Zhuo Jing reported, "He is an old subordinate of Mo Jingli, having served him since Mo Jingli was Prince Li. However, after Mo Jingli ascended the throne, Gao Ming was constantly suppressed by Mu Yang and was at odds with Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. Regarding the recent events concerning Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, it’s likely he kicked them while they were down."

Ye Li frowned slightly. "Lock him up for now. We’ll take him back for the Prince to deal with later."

A thought struck Lv Jinxian. "Princess Consort, since this man is Mo Jingli’s confidant, he must know many secrets of the Army of Great Chu."

Qin Feng said, "Gao Ming has already indicated that as long as the Princess Consort spares his life, he is willing to tell us everything he knows."

"Sparing his life isn’t a difficult matter," Lv Jinxian nodded. "However, Princess Consort, this person cannot be employed. Traitors are never well-liked, especially those like Gao Ming, who enjoy kicking people when they’re down and whose methods are crude."

Ye Li nodded. "The Grand General speaks wisely. Zhuo Jing, you handle this."

"Yes, this subordinate will take his leave," Zhuo Jing responded respectfully.

Seeing Qin Feng return alone, Ye Li whispered, "Did Yaoji not come back?"

Qin Feng nodded. "She wanted some time to herself. I’ve left a few people to protect her. Mu Lie is with her as well."

Ye Li nodded. "Let her be. This whole affair has been very difficult for her." From a woman’s standpoint, I would never wish for Yaoji to face such a predicament. Yet, as a wife, I couldn’t stop Mo Xiuyao from deploying such a plan. In my heart, no matter how much I sympathized with Yaoji, my feelings for Mo Xiuyao would always take precedence. Furthermore, Mo Xiuyao’s hatred for Marquis Muyang’s Mansion stemmed from me. Even if I could forgive them, I would never force Mo Xiuyao to erase his hatred for their sake. I am no longer the soldier from my past life, who always viewed matters from a standpoint of impartiality and justice. I am the Princess Consort of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, Mo Xiuyao’s wife.

"Thank you, Princess Consort," Qin Feng said solemnly.