The First Jasmine - Chapter 71

Chapter 71: A Gentle Kiss

"If Mo Jing Li truly launched a coordinated attack with Nanzhao from both inside and outside, it would be tantamount to treason. He wouldn't do something like that!" Feng Zhi Yao ground his teeth. Even so, Ye Li's words left an incredibly heavy imprint on his heart. If Mo Jing Li truly went that far, the consequences would be absolutely unthinkable. "Ah Yao?" Feng Zhi Yao turned to look at Mo Xiu Yao, who was lost in thought beside him, hoping to receive his agreement. Mo Xiu Yao's sharp brows were knit slightly. As if he hadn't heard Feng Zhi Yao's words, he stared fixedly at the map Ye Li had laid out before them, his thoughts a mystery. Only after a good long while did he say indifferently, "Given Mo Jing Li's temperament, if he is driven to the absolute brink, who is to say he wouldn't? Feng Third, I want information on the Southern Borders—the more detailed, the better."

Feng Zhi Yao nodded. "I understand. It will be delivered to you within half a month. Regarding this... should we leak it to the one in the imperial palace?"

Mo Xiu Yao shook his head. "If we let him know right now, he will immediately march his armies south." What Mo Jing Qi could tolerate least was anyone else coveting his empire. If he truly learned of this conjecture, Mo Jing Li would be forced to rebel by him even if he didn't want to. Feng Zhi Yao asked in confusion, "If Mo Jing Li truly harbors such intentions, wouldn't it be the perfect opportunity to eliminate him before his wings are fully grown?" Mo Xiu Yao sighed softly, "If we deploy troops against Nanzhao right now, it will only cause the King of Nanzhao and the Southern Border Holy Maiden to cast aside their disputes and unite against an external threat. Meanwhile, we would highly likely face a simultaneous pincer attack from both Xiling and Beirong. Originally, I intended to resolve either Xiling or Beirong first. Since Nanzhao refuses to remain peaceful as well, then... we will just have to find a way to deal with them first."

"Deal with them?" Feng Zhi Yao and Ye Li looked toward Mo Xiu Yao in unison, finding it hard to believe that in just this short span of time, he had already devised a way to deal with Nanzhao.

Mo Xiu Yao's brows knit as he murmured, "Since the people of the Southern Borders feel they are too bored with nothing to do, let's give them something to keep them busy. Brother Xu once seemed to mention that he possesses a rather deep acquaintance with the Crown Princess of Nanzhao."

Ye Li nodded calmly. Since Xu Qing Chen had spoken of it right in front of them, he naturally had no intention of hiding it. Mo Xiu Yao raised his eyebrows and laughed, "Since Jing Li is secretly supporting the Southern Border Holy Maiden, then as the sovereign of Great Chu, and given that Nanzhao has always maintained amicable relations with Great Chu... it wouldn't be excessive for Great Chu to grant the royal family of Nanzhao a bit of support. Feng Third, suppress the news about Jing Li for now. There is no need to let Mo Jing Qi know." Feng Zhi Yao nodded and laughed, "An excellent method. However... Mo Jing Qi won't listen to your words." In reality, it was absolutely impossible for Mo Xiu Yao to propose any suggestions to Mo Jing Qi, because regardless of whether what he said was beneficial or detrimental to Great Chu, Mo Jing Qi would absolutely refuse to adopt it. Mo Xiu Yao was not worried about this. "There will always be someone whose words he can listen to. Furthermore, Suixue Pass... just to be absolutely safe, a capable individual must be stationed there. Who is the current defending general of Suixue Pass?"

"The General of Cloud and Pennon, Guan Ting," Feng Zhi Yao answered.

"If I remember correctly... Guan Ting has never won a single battle in his entire life," Mo Xiu Yao noted with a frown. Although Guan Ting had no relations to the Mo Family Army, he still retained some impression of the name.

Feng Zhi Yao raised his eyebrows in a disdainful smile. "In reality, he has only fought three battles in his entire life. For the first two, he served as General Murong's lieutenant general and tagged along to skim quite a bit of military credit. The last one was an operation to suppress bandits. Well... facing eight hundred bandits at Panlong Mountain, he deployed five thousand troops and lost one thousand seven hundred, but he managed to win in the end. In addition, the last time he stepped onto a battlefield was already seven years ago. However... what is most vital, Your Highness, is that you have a grudge against him."

"This Prince remembers." Mo Xiu Yao naturally remembered. Years ago, when Guan Ting led troops to encircle and suppress Panlong Mountain, he had been obstinate and self-opinionated, refusing to listen to his subordinates' remonstrances. In just three days, his forces suffered heavy losses with casualties exceeding a thousand, yet they hadn't even touched the outermost perimeter of the Panlong Mountain stronghold. It so happened that Mo Xiu Yao was passing through the vicinity on business and went over to take a look, arriving just in time to hear Guan Ting righteously demanding his soldiers act as human shields to launch a brute-force assault on the stronghold. Back then, Mo Xiu Yao's temperament and forbearance were a far cry from what they were today; he had drawn his whip on the spot and given Guan Ting a severe thrashing. Of course, Mo Xiu Yao was also heavily disciplined by his elder brother afterward.

"Find a way to replace him. This Prince does not wish to see that idiot remain at Suixue Pass," Mo Xiu Yao commanded.

"I'm afraid that won't be easy. He was one of Mo Jing Qi's childhood study companions and is also his trusted confidant. I wager the reason Mo Jing Qi stationed him at Suixue Pass was precisely to guard against Mo Jing Li," Feng Zhi Yao said, spreading his hands. Mo Xiu Yao cast a detached glance at him and said, "Feng Third, make that useless fool leave Suixue Pass within one month. I do not care what method you employ." Receiving Mo Xiu Yao's threatening gaze, Feng Zhi Yao immediately retracted his improper expression, looking so solemn that he practically came close to swearing an oath to the heavens. "Yes, Your Highness. I imagine Mo Jing Li should be highly interested in Guan Ting. But... once Guan Ting is replaced, who will go to defend Suixue Pass? Our people definitely won't do. Mo Jing Qi won't rest easy."

"General Murong." Mo Xiu Yao pondered for a brief moment before stating, "General Murong has already been detained in the capital for two years. Although Mo Jing Qi claims it is out of consideration for General Murong's hard work guarding the borders, you and I both know that it is never a good thing for a military commander to remain in the capital for a prolonged period. It will only erode his sharp edge."

"Mo Jing Qi wouldn't suspect even General Murong, would he?" Feng Zhi Yao inquired. Otherwise, General Murong was vastly superior to that waste Guan Ting; to leave a general capable of winning battles idle while employing an idiot?

"No, it is merely that compared to General Murong, Guan Ting is someone he can trust more. Go find a way to get Guan Ting brought back. This Prince will resolve the matter of General Murong."

"No problem, Your Highness."

Having seen Feng Zhi Yao off, the small study returned to its original tranquility. Ye Li leaned lazily back in her chair, watching Mo Xiu Yao as he lowered his head to continue studying the map on the table. Living together for so long was sufficient for Ye Li to understand this man; he seemed excessively accustomed to preparing for a rainy day, and his thoughts ran far deeper than ordinary people. "Aren't you tired? What if the things you are considering never happen at all?"

Mo Xiu Yao raised his head to look at her, smiling faintly as he replied, "If nothing happens, that would naturally be for the best."

"If you work yourself to death, what will happen to the remaining matters?"

Mo Xiu Yao smiled broadly, clearing away the map on the table as he laughed, "I have never intended to work myself to death. Besides, don't I have Ah Li to help me right now? Furthermore... I only do what I ought to do while I am still alive. If I truly die... then whatever state this world or Great Chu's empire falls into, what does it have to do with me?" Ye Li was left speechless. Ever since Mo Xiu Yao discovered that her speed in handling account books was faster than his and her results were better than his, he had used the excuse of physical discomfort to absolutely refuse to accept any more account books. Whether it was the inner manor or the outer courtyard, he had even thrown the account books of the Mo Family Army to her to manage. This further allowed Ye Li to comprehend why the imperial family was so deeply wary of the Prince of Ding’s Manor. Having gone through this past month or so, Ye Li could be certain that the Prince of Ding’s Manor might not necessarily be wealthier than the imperial treasury, but Mo Xiu Yao was definitely richer than Mo Jing Qi. Although the Mo Family Army was still sustained by the imperial court, Ye Li believed that even if the court cut off the provisions and salaries for the Mo Family Army and the Black Cloud Cavalry, the Prince of Ding’s Manor could just as easily afford to maintain these two armies. One only needed to look at the account books Mo Xiu Yao had dumped onto her, which spanned across virtually all of Great Chu's gold mines, silver mines, copper mines, as well as vast amounts of land and estates, to understand. When an Emperor knew that he was poorer than his own subject, how could he not feel envy, jealousy, and hatred? As for the fate of someone whose wealth rivaled a nation's, Shen Wan San of the Ming Dynasty had set an exceptionally good example for future generations.

Just as the undercurrents of overt and covert power struggles between the Emperor and the Empress Dowager were surging through the imperial court, the incident where the defending general of Suixue Pass, General of Cloud and Pennon Guan Ting, inadvertently threw himself from his horse while hunting and had a leg bone snapped by his favorite steed seemed minor and insignificant. Yet it subtly caused the situation between the Emperor and the Prince of Li to grow even tighter. Regarding who exactly would step forward to occupy the vacancy of the newly appointed defending general of Suixue Pass, another wave of ripples was whipped up in the court. Yet the Prince of Ding’s Manor, which had instigated these hidden currents, remained entirely isolated from the public's line of sight, appearing tranquil and comfortable.

Inside the elegantly and comfortably decorated bedroom, a middle-aged man in his fifties sat by the bedside, holding Mo Xiu Yao's wrist to meticulously check his pulse. The middle-aged man possessed a refined and scholarly appearance, yet a sharp brilliance subtly gleamed within his eyes. A trace of free-spirited and proud arrogance lingered between his brows; though he was said to be a physician, he looked far more like a wanderer who drifted across the ends of the earth.

"Your Highness says that the medicinal prescription from last year is already useless?" The middle-aged man asked with a frown.

Physician He, who usually tended to Mo Xiu Yao's illnesses, stood to one side and interjected, "Precisely. The prescription from last year completely lost its efficacy the moment winter set in this year. Master Shen, Your Highness's illness..." The middle-aged man, who was none other than Great Chu's medical expert of the orthodox medical community, Shen Yang, knit his brows and said, "Show me the current prescription." Physician He hurriedly presented the prescription Mo Xiu Yao had been taking recently. Shen Yang examined it meticulously, raising an eyebrow as he remarked, "This prescription... is passable. However, that you did not add any pain-relieving herbs leaves me immensely surprised." Ever since taking over the responsibility of treating Mo Xiu Yao's illness, Shen Yang had become quite familiar with Physician He, this former military doctor, and naturally understood his habits in administering medicine. Exactly how agonizing the onset of Mo Xiu Yao's illness could be, no one understood better than himself and Physician He, aside from Mo Xiu Yao himself. Physician He's heart had always been softer than his own, so to be able to endure not prescribing pain-relieving medicine truly left Shen Yang somewhat surprised.

Physician He spoke with a hint of shame, "I did indeed include pain-relieving herbs inside, but the Princess Consort opposed it, which is why..."

Only now did Shen Yang notice Ye Li, who had been standing to one side without making a sound. If Ye Li wished it, her sense of presence could be kept low enough to be almost entirely ignored. Consequently, although he knew the Prince of Ding had wed a Princess Consort this year, having been inside for so long, he truly hadn't noticed what this Princess Consort standing behind them looked like. Raising his head to glance at Ye Li, Shen Yang praised, "The Princess Consort's decision was not wrong. Lacking the pain-relieving agents, His Highness will admittedly suffer a fraction more torment, but it won't leave behind any troublesome sequelae. Furthermore, the speed at which the poison erupts will also be slower than when using the herbs. This is precisely the reason I have always insisted against using pain-relieving medicinal ingredients. This house has been set up quite well. If things continue like this without any accidents, it won't be an issue for His Highness to endure another two to three years."

As soon as he said this, the faces of everyone in the room showed no sign of joy. Because this indicated that Shen Yang's trip to the Eastern Seas to locate the Phoenix Grass had clearly ended in failure, or perhaps the Phoenix Grass held no utility whatsoever for Mo Xiu Yao's body.

Physician He still harbored a sliver of hope as he inquired, "Master Shen, the Phoenix Grass..."

 

Shen Yang shook his head with a trace of regret. "The Phoenix Grass is indeed effective against cold poison. However, regarding His Highness's body, it is exceedingly detrimental. Therefore, it is still best to wait until the seeds of the Blazing Fire Lotus mature before making further plans. Of course, over these next two years, I will also see if there are any other alternative methods." Mo Xiu Yao leaned against the headboard, inquiring calmly, "The Phoenix Grass possesses side effects on the body?" Shen Yang nodded. "The Phoenix Grass can indeed allow Your Highness's body to improve, but it cannot truly eradicate the cold poison. Instead, it uses its own fiery toxicity to contend against the cold poison. Once control is lost, not only will the cold poison within Your Highness's body become more severe, but a new fiery toxicity will also be added. When that time comes... even if the Blazing Fire Lotus seeds are in hand, it will be impossible to administer medicine."

Physician He spoke in puzzlement, "Do fiery toxicity and cold poison not happen to counteract each other?"

Shen Yang replied testily, "That cold and fire counteract each other is correct, but it doesn't mean every type of counteracting medicinal property can cancel each other out. In reality, the majority of toxicities will coexist with one another and might even form an even more unpredictable toxicity." Mo Xiu Yao nodded. "In that case, Master Shen has been inconvenienced by this trip. Since so many years have already passed, waiting another two years is of no consequence. Master Shen has expended so much care the moment he returned; it is best to go rest for a while first." Shen Yang cast an appreciative look at Mo Xiu Yao, who remained as calm as always, and nodded. "The strength of Your Highness's mind is something this humble one has witnessed only once in his life. Rest easy, Your Highness, Princess Consort. Though Shen Yang's skills are substandard and cannot neutralize the poison for Your Highness, before the Blazing Fire Lotus matures, Shen Yang can absolutely guarantee Your Highness's safety. Tomorrow, this humble one will readjust the prescription for Your Highness. This year, Your Highness's body has not excessively deteriorated; once the weather warms up, there shouldn't be any major issues."

Ye Li nodded. "We must trouble Master Shen then. Steward Mo, escort Master Shen to the guest rooms to rest."

Steward Mo voiced his assent, stepping forward to invite Shen Yang and Physician He to exit together.

The room fell into an absolute tranquility. Mo Xiu Yao raised his head to look at Ye Li, who was currently staring at him in a daze, and smiled faintly. "Ah Li, you do not need to worry. If cold poison were so easily treated, it wouldn't have dragged on for so many years. I originally didn't harbor too much hope either." Ye Li sat down by the bedside, looking at him as she sighed softly, "Still, there will always be a bit of disappointment, won't there?"

Mo Xiu Yao was slightly startled. He stared at Ye Li for a long while before letting out a bitter laugh. "Is it that obvious?"

Ye Li remained silent. Mo Xiu Yao reached out his hand and pulled Ye Li into his embrace. Ye Li felt a bit unaccustomed and instinctively wanted to push away, yet in the next instant, she abandoned that notion, quietly leaning against Mo Xiu Yao and allowing him to restrict her within his arms. Mo Xiu Yao held her tightly, burying his face among the strands of hair that carried a faint, clear fragrance. "Ah Li... I am unreconciled..." Mo Xiu Yao's voice manifested a hollowness and despair that had never appeared before. Ye Li's brows knit slightly, and she raised her hand to support Mo Xiu Yao's shoulder. She knew that Mo Xiu Yao had never been as relaxed and indifferent as he appeared on the surface. If he could truly accomplish absolute peace of mind, then he wouldn't be the Prince of Ding who still devised strategic maneuvers while lying on a sickbed right now; instead, he would be not far from a saint.

"If Royal Father and Elder Brother were both still here... as long as I was given five years, I could have completely leveled Xiling. At most ten years, and I could have driven all of Beirong into the northern deserts! When that time came, no enemy would ever be able to threaten Great Chu's tranquility again. Great Chu could also truly become an empire even more glorious than the previous dynasty. This has always been the cherished wish of successive generations of the Prince of Ding’s Manor, and it was also the wish of the Imperial Ancestor Emperor. Why... why did they have to do this? Ah Li... do you know? Seven years ago when I first woke up... I wished nothing more than to slaughter every single one of them cleanly right then! How did they dare... how did they dare treat Elder Brother like that?" Mo Xiu Yao held Ye Li tightly, his voice low and exhausted. "Royal Father said we must protect the common people of Great Chu, and Elder Brother also said that the tranquility of Great Chu and the Prince of Ding’s Manor was more important than anything else. But how did they treat us? I told myself back then... even if I could never stand up again for the rest of my life, I would still kill them!"

"But you didn't actually move to kill them, did you?" Ye Li said softly as she leaned against him. Given the power of the Prince of Ding’s Manor, directly resisting the military force of the entire Great Chu under the circumstances of that time might have been impossible, but if they truly intended to pull down the pillars to crush everyone together and kill a few individuals, it would absolutely have been no issue. Yet even in his absolute peak of fury, Mo Xiu Yao had not done so.

Mo Xiu Yao fell silent for a while before saying softly, "I couldn't... The soldiers of the Mo Family Army and the Black Cloud Cavalry have generationally served in the military to guard Great Chu's frontiers. I cannot allow them to bear the stigma of treason. If that happened... what would the sacrifices and persistence of the Prince of Ding’s Manor and the Mo Family Army over this past century and more even amount to?" Ye Li fell silent. Perhaps this was precisely the root of Mo Xiu Yao's agony. His intelligence and the strength of the Prince of Ding’s Manor allowed him to skip even the process of entangling over who his enemies were. He hated the rulers of this nation, and furthermore, he hated this nation itself. Yet he could not delightfully and thoroughly destroy them; instead, he even had to protect them. Protecting the people he hated most... no matter who it was, this was absolutely a form of torture.

"Ah Li, there will come a day... when I will kill them. Will you... be afraid of me?" Leaning against Ye Li's shoulder, Mo Xiu Yao inquired in a low voice.

Ye Li lowered her eyes, gazing at the bed curtains behind Mo Xiu Yao as she said softly, "Didn't you already know long ago? I am not a cowardly person."

"But I know that Ah Li is a soft-hearted person," Mo Xiu Yao laughed softly in a low voice. "If there comes a day when Ah Li discovers I am not a good person, it is better for me to tell you first." Ye Li was somewhat surprised. She backed away slightly, meeting Mo Xiu Yao's focused and gentle gaze directed at her. "Does whether you are a good person or not have a very significant correlation to me?"

Mo Xiu Yao raised his hand, gently brushing past the strands of hair near her ear. "Naturally. Ah Li is my Princess Consort... even if there comes a day when Ah Li discovers I am not a good person, I... still won't allow you to leave." Mo Xiu Yao smiled faintly. That smile seemed to possess a clarity and warmth that had never been seen before, leaving Ye Li involuntarily somewhat dazed. She only felt a faint, warmth-imbued lip gently descend upon her own lips. It was merely an exceptionally light touch, appearing to linger for a brief moment. Then, she heard Mo Xiu Yao's laughter echo beside her ear, "Ah Li, I will never allow you to leave."

A slight sensation of tingling still seemed to remain at the edge of her lips. Ye Li felt as though her usually proud reaction capabilities had completely ground to a halt. Ah, hey, did I agree to that?

"Reporting to the Princess Consort, Miss Murong requests an audience," Qing Luan announced clearly from the doorway.

Ye Li snapped upright. Seeing Mo Xiu Yao looking at her face with a smile, she gave him a fierce glare before speaking to the outside, "Invite Miss Murong to the flower hall. I will head over immediately." Qing Luan voiced her assent and left. Ye Li let out a soft snort, turning around to depart. Mo Xiu Yao reached out his hand to pull her back. Meeting Ye Li's water-like eyes infused with anger, Mo Xiu Yao laughed helplessly, "Ah Li, change your attire before going out." Ye Li looked at the clothes on her body in puzzlement. Although they were slightly casual, going to see Murong shouldn't be considered too disrespectful, right? Mo Xiu Yao noted, "Leng Second definitely came together with Miss Murong. I am a bit tired; go see him on my behalf." Seeing that a trace of exhaustion truly lingered between Mo Xiu Yao's brows, Ye Li only then recalled that after Shen Yang arrived, things had been disrupted for so long. Although Mo Xiu Yao appeared unfazed on the surface, his mood inevitably experienced significant fluctuations and disappointment. Her heart couldn't help but soften as she said in a low voice, "I will go see him. Sleep for a while."

Assisting Mo Xiu Yao to lie down and tucked the blanket securely around him, Ye Li only then turned around to enter the inner chamber to change her attire. Mo Xiu Yao lay on the bed, watching Ye Li's departing figure with a faint smile lingering at the corners of his lips. Ah Li, your soft-heartedness leaves me unwilling to let go. Therefore... even if you do not like me, I will not give you the opportunity to regret it.

Inside the flower hall, Murong Ting was surveying the elegant and grand decor of the main hall with great enthusiasm. Seeing Leng Hao Yu sitting to one side sipping tea leisurely, she didn't forget to cast an displeased glare at him, stating, "I came to bid farewell to Ah Li. Why did you have to follow along so thick-skinned?" Leng Hao Yu smiled with good temper, "Ting'er, the Princess Consort of Ding and I can also be considered to have met once. Since you came to bid farewell, is it possible that I cannot come to bid farewell as well?" Murong Ting spoke with a hint of irritation, "Leng Hao Yu, I am going because my father is heading to Yongzhou, so I am going along to look after him. Why is a young master like you running around all over the place for no reason? Be careful not to work yourself to death halfway through the journey." Leng Hao Yu blinked his eyes, gazing at her with a face full of touched emotion as he said, "Is Ting'er worrying about me? No need to worry. For Ting'er's sake, no matter how treacherous and difficult the journey may be, I will absolutely persist through it."

 

"Leng Hao Yu! Go die!" Having been entangled by Leng Hao Yu for so many years, Murong Ting nonetheless discovered that she had consistently underestimated the extent of this fellow's thick skin. Flushing with anger, she couldn't help but stamp her feet. Leng Hao Yu gazed at his fuming fiancée in a fine mood, sipping his tea with a beaming smile. Yet a trace of helplessness was added within his half-lowered eyes. In Ting'er's eyes, he would forever be a profligate son who only knew how to eat, drink, and play. He could never match up to his elder brother's prospects and capability. Only when seeing Ting'er directing her anger at him did he feel that he still existed as something different from others in her eyes.

"Ahem... Murong, who provoked you to anger for you to throw such a massive tantrum?" Ye Li walked slowly into the flower hall, looking at the fire-eyed Murong Ting with a smile. Only now did Murong Ting recall that this was not her own home, nor was it some ordinary place outside. Rather, it was the Prince of Ding’s Manor, which many powerful nobles in the capital treated with utmost gravity; she couldn't help but feel abashed. She gave Leng Hao Yu a glare and chided, "Who else could it be besides this fellow? Causing me to be so discourteous."

Leng Hao Yu stood up to greet her, "Greetings, Princess Consort."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Master Leng does not need to be overly courteous, please be seated." She pulled Murong Ting to sit down to one side, raising her hand to pinch Murong Ting's still-fuming little face as she laughed, "For Murong to come to the Prince of Ding’s Manor at this time, could it be to bid farewell to me?" Murong Ting looked at her in surprise, laughing, "I didn't expect that you wouldn't even step out of your door yet your information is actually so well-informed. I only received the news yesterday afternoon myself. But the schedule is far too rushed; Father must set out tomorrow morning, so I had no choice but to take advantage of having a bit of time today to come bid you farewell."

"Murong is also going to accompany General Murong to Yongzhou?"

Murong Ting stated proudly, "Naturally. My father is heading to the borders entirely by himself; how could I not follow along to look after him?"

Ye Li raised her eyebrows and asked, "General Murong also agreed to let you go?" Murong Ting's age could no longer be considered small; at the latest, she must wed within two years. General Murong being stationed at the borders meant it was possible he wouldn't return for three to five years. Murong Ting cast a glance at Leng Hao Yu, who sat to one side, pulling at the braid before her chest as she said in a small voice, "Father has already agreed." Originally, Father had indeed disagreed, but Leng Hao Yu had spoken to Father about who knew what, actually causing Father to change his mind. Murong Ting thought with a hint of jealousy that she truly didn't know if she was Father's biological daughter or if that scoundrel Leng Hao Yu was Father's biological son. Father had actually listened to his words and changed his mind, whereas she herself had begged for an entire night.

Perceiving Murong Ting's dissatisfaction, Leng Hao Yu touched his nose helplessly and said, "Princess Consort, in truth, this humble one has also come to take his leave. This humble one will also depart for the south in a matter of days."

Ye Li raised her eyebrows in some surprise, "Oh? Master Leng is also going to Yongzhou?"

"No, this humble one is going to Lingzhou," Leng Hao Yu laughed. "There are some matters regarding business over at Lingzhou that need to be handled, and perhaps I will also take a trip to Nanzhao. I have heard that the Eldest Young Master Xu is currently traveling in Nanzhao. If I am fortunate enough to cross paths with him, I wonder if the Princess Consort has any words she wishes me to bring to Master Xu?" Murong Ting cast a disdainful look at him, letting out a soft snort as she chided, "You're even doing business? Over these years, apart from taking the Leng family's money out to fool around, when have you ever successfully completed a single piece of business? Uncle Leng would actually agree to let you leave home?"

Leng Hao Yu pulled out a dissolute and unbridled smile, "Ting'er is correct. My father feels I am far too directless, so he decided to kick me out to survive on my own."

"Uh..." Murong Ting conversely hadn't expected that Leng Hao Yu had actually been kicked out of his home. She had once thought that Leng Hao Yu would likely have to be sustained by Uncle Leng and Eldest Brother Leng for the rest of his life. Although she detested Leng Hao Yu's mischievousness, thinking of him heading to Lingzhou entirely alone in the future left her somewhat unable to bear it. "That... if you find yourself unable to get by, you can come to Suixue Pass. Under my father's command, there should also be a need for quite a few people..."

"I knew Ting'er still cared about me." Leng Hao Yu cupped his chest, assuming an expression of pure intoxication. Murong Ting was so incensed that she couldn't contain herself, throwing a flying dagger directly toward Leng Hao Yu's face. Leng Hao Yu's head tilted slightly, and the folding fan in his hand casually deflected it to the side with minimal effort; the flying dagger subsequently fell into a nearby flowerpot. Ye Li covered her lips to suppress a chuckle, pulling Murong Ting back as she said, "Alright, Murong. I do indeed have a letter I would like to request Master Leng to bring to Eldest Brother. Second Young Master Leng, would it be possible to adjourn to the study for a brief conversation?"

Leng Hao Yu stood up and said, "It is this humble one's fortune. Princess Consort, please."

Ye Li offered her apologies to Murong Ting, calling over Qing Shuang and the others to accompany Murong Ting in conversation before inviting Leng Hao Yu to head toward the study. From behind, Murong Ting stared at Leng Hao Yu's departing figure, dazing slightly: when this fellow became serious, he didn't seem to look quite as detestable after all.

"Master Leng, please be seated."

Inside the study, the smile belonging originally to a profligate son gradually faded from Leng Hao Yu's face, and a fraction of sharp brilliance was added between his brows. He appeared virtually as if he had transformed into a completely different person, absolutely lacking his previous harmlessness.

"Since you know what kind of person Murong likes, why must you insist on assuming an appearance that makes her detest you?" Sitting behind the writing desk, Ye Li inquired with some curiosity.

Leng Hao Yu raised his eyebrows and smiled, a trace of mild bitterness lingering within his smile as he said, "If it weren't for a stroke of coincidental luck, the original Leng Hao Yu would have been precisely the appearance the world sees today." Every family had its own difficult scriptures to read; the Leng family naturally wouldn't be a place entirely clean and flawless either. Ye Li also desisted from asking further into Leng Hao Yu's private matters, merely stating, "Murong possesses a lively temperament and is somewhat competitive. She is destined to like individuals stronger than herself. I wish you good luck."

"Many thanks, Princess Consort," Leng Hao Yu smiled.

Gazing at the young man before her who was revealing his sharp edges, Ye Li sighed softly in her heart. The world only saw how the eldest young master of the Leng family, Leng Qing Yu, was thoroughly accomplished in both literary and martial arts and deeply regarded by the Emperor. Yet no one knew that this young man, who seemingly indulged himself daily in brothels and taverns and fooled around wantonly with his fair-weather friends, actually held nearly half of the Prince of Ding’s Manor's properties within his hands. The wealth that flowed through his hands daily was sufficient to leave any powerful noble family incomparably envious. Ye Li unhurriedly ground some ink, lifting her brush to write down several characters. Once it dried, she folded it up, directly handing it over to Leng Hao Yu without even using an envelope as she said, "If you encounter Eldest Brother, you can hand this over to him. If you do not encounter him, it is of no consequence; just dispose of it as you please." Leng Hao Yu opened it to take a look, confirming that he couldn't comprehend what was written upon it, yet he didn't mind either. He raised his eyebrows and tucked the slip of paper into a concealed pocket, inquiring, "Do His Highness and the Princess Consort have any further instructions?"

Ye Li smiled faintly and replied, "His Highness has always rested easy regarding Master Leng's handling of matters; I also have nothing further to instruct. However, regarding Mo Jing Li, I am afraid we all previously underestimated him somewhat. Master Leng must proceed with caution on this trip, and naturally, there is also the safety of General Murong. Presumably, the reason His Highness agreed to let Master Leng head out also encompasses considerations in this regard." Leng Hao Yu spoke with a trace of apology, "His Highness... agreed?" Ye Li looked at him, raising her eyebrows as she countered, "Otherwise, why did Master Leng think I wanted to converse with you privately?"

A flash of joy flitted between Leng Hao Yu's brows. He had previously insisted on heading to the south. Although His Highness had not erupted in a massive fury, he had ultimately gone against His Highness's intentions after all, which left him feeling quite guilt-ridden and uneasy. Ye Li looked at him and said, "His Highness is physically indisposed and has already retired to rest. Since he did not obstruct you, he naturally agreed to your plan. It is merely that moving forward, the situation in the Southern Borders growing tense has already become an inevitable trend. You are different from Feng Zhi Yao and the others after all. Heading to the south at this time is truly somewhat risky." Feng Zhi Yao currently looked to be a romantic and dissolute young master as well, but just like Mo Xiu Yao, he had fought his way through blood on the battlefields since his youth. His operations were also entirely carried out in secret. What Leng Hao Yu managed was a massive amount of wealth, which was truly exceptionally easy to draw attention. Once Mo Jing Li or the Emperor perceived anything anomalous about him, it would likely bring immediate mortal peril.

Hearing Ye Li's words, Leng Hao Yu's heart settled slightly. "Please rest easy, Princess Consort. Hao Yu will absolutely not disrupt His Highness's affairs. A few years ago, I originally already harbored the notion of doing some minor business in the Southern Borders. This time, though the Southern Borders are chaotic, it conversely presents an opportunity."

"As long as Master Leng has a clear understanding in his heart, that is well. Tomorrow, General Murong will set out; Master Leng is..."

Leng Hao Yu shook his head, "I will set out five days from now, heading south via the waterways."

Seeing that Leng Hao Yu's considerations were comprehensive, Ye Li had nothing left to say. She merely offered a few words of caution before inviting Leng Hao Yu to return to the flower hall together to see Murong Ting.