Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 387 - 386. Bonding between father and son, Princess Ronghua

Chapter 387: 386. Bonding between father and son, Princess Ronghua

386. A Bond Between Father and Son, Princess Ronghua

"I will not let Father down."

Lei Zhenting looked at his son before him with a sense of relief. While a man of more than thirty years shedding tears seemed unsightly, these were the truest emotions Lei Tengfeng had ever revealed before him all these years.

Lei Zhenting walked over to Lei Tengfeng and patted his shoulder, saying, "I believe you won’t disappoint me. Sit down and let’s talk about Mo Xiuyao." Lei Zhenting hadn’t had the chance to discuss the sudden appearance of Mo Xiuyao and others because of his previous rage at Lei Tengfeng’s reckless behavior. Lei Zhenting himself wasn’t sure whether his years of protection were beneficial for Lei Tengfeng’s future. However, as a father, he couldn’t force his son to experience hardships beyond normal comprehension just because he wished his son to excel. Lei Zhenting was indeed obsessed with defeating Prince Ding’s Mansion and Mo Liufang, but he had never thought of imposing this obsession on his son.

Lei Tengfeng nodded, walked to the side, and sat down to discuss his encounter with Mo Xiuyao on the battlefield. After he finished, Lei Zhenting sighed slightly and said, "Tengfeng, you were deceived by Mo Xiuyao. He didn’t have time to bring his troops back." Lei Tengfeng frowned, a hint of frustration crossing his features. He still had much to learn when compared to Prince Ding. Lei Zhenting looked at him with a smile and said, "But don’t be discouraged. This Prince is actually glad you didn’t rush off to war out of impulse." Even if he had managed to wipe out the over one hundred thousand strong Mo Family Army led by Marquis South and Murong Shen, it would have merely been a small victory which wouldn’t have impacted the overall situation, nor could it harm Mo Xiuyao. In contrast, an enraged Mo Xiuyao could easily kill Lei Tengfeng. This exchange would be a huge loss for Xiling and the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion.

Lei Tengfeng looked puzzled. He quickly understood the situation. Given Mo Xiuyao’s martial prowess, killing him would be extremely simple. Seeing the smile in his father’s eyes, Lei Tengfeng lowered his head guiltily. "I made Father worry."

Lei Zhenting nodded with relief. As long as Lei Tengfeng could stay calm, given his abilities, there would be no issue with him protecting his life.

"Alright, as long as you’re fine. The credit for our capturing Weicheng City goes to you. Now both Great Chu and Xiling have their forces gathering. Our army successfully seized Ruichang and Weicheng City, so the advantage still lies with us," said Lei Zhenting. Lei Tengfeng nodded and said, "Is Father worried about Mo Jingli’s side? If our army can hold off Prince Ding and most generals of the Mo Family Army, Mo Jingli should be able to handle the rest." The Mo Family Army did host a collection of talented generals, but they had too many territories to garrison. Zhang Qilan, one of the three original Grand Generals of the Mo Family Army, was stationed in the former Xiling imperial city assisting Fourth Young Master Xu in governance, and wasn’t able to return for the war. Leng Huai had to defend the Capital of Great Chu, intimidating the northeast to prevent betrayal by the people of the Northern Territory. Veteran General Yuan Pei, though able to defend a city, was too old to march and fight. Thus, only Marquis South, Lv Jinxian, Murong Shen, and others remained active. As for Yun Ting, Zhou Min, He Su, and other rising stars, their future prospects might be promising, but they currently can’t match the seasoned generals of Xiling. A prodigy like Mo Xiuyao, who at a young age was able to overrun countries, was indeed an anomaly even in Prince Ding’s Mansion. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Lei Zhenting frowned. "Don’t forget Ye Li."

Lei Tengfeng raised his brow. He had indeed forgotten about Ye Li; however, she was precisely the one that couldn’t be forgotten. She didn’t appear extraordinary, yet her military achievements were second to none. If she were to face Mo Jingli, there would be concern about Mo Jingli’s chances of winning.

"Your Highness, a secret letter from the north has arrived." Outside, a guard reported solemnly. Lei Zhenting’s expression darkened. He said indifferently, "Bring it in." Now that Mo Xiuyao had returned, the situation in the north was certainly no longer a secret. A guard walked in, handed over the letter, and withdrew. Lei Zhenting opened the letter and read it. His face changed slightly. He sighed and then passed the letter to Lei Tengfeng.

Lei Tengfeng accepted the letter with a puzzled look, and his expression changed dramatically as he read it. He exclaimed, "Mo Xiuyao has completely annihilated the entire Beirong army! Yelv Ye and Helian Zhen are both dead!" Reading about the final battle between the Mo Family Army and the Beirong army described in the secret letter, Lei Tengfeng’s feelings remained very complicated, even though his inner turmoil had been resolved.

Frankly speaking, from Lei Tengfeng’s perspective, he couldn’t see any brilliant maneuvers in this battle. It was essentially an unusual night attack. However, this very attack led to the total annihilation of the Beirong army, which just a few years ago had swept through the northern part of Great Chu. He looked up at Lei Zhenting, who was standing in front of the topographic map. After pondering for a moment, Lei Zhenting pointed to a certain spot on the map and asked, "What is this place?"

"Wind Return Valley?"

Lei Zhenting said, "This is where the Mo Family Army was defeated nineteen years ago. Not far from here is where Mo Xiuwen died of illness."

Lei Tengfeng was taken aback, then gasped, "So Father is suggesting that Prince Ding deliberately lured the Beirong army into Wind Return Valley for a total annihilation? In fact... could he have destroyed the Beirong army earlier?" What kind of person is Mo Xiuyao...?

Lei Zhenting calmly said, "It may not necessarily be the case. If it weren’t for the Mo Family Army intentionally underperforming for the past half a year, how could Yelv Ye believe that their strength was only equivalent to that of Beirong? How could he let down his guard enough to plan a night attack on the Mo Family Army’s camp?"

Lei Tengfeng nodded. His father’s analysis was indeed correct. However, Mo Xiuyao’s audacity to watch Ruichang and Weicheng City fall, just to buy time to wipe out the entire Beirong army at Wind Return Valley, was enough to command admiration. Once the news of this victory is made public, the prestige and popularity of the Mo Family Army and Prince Ding’s Mansion will once again reach unprecedented heights. The morale of the Mo Family Army will also be stronger than it is now, and they will no longer have any doubts or fears when facing the combined forces of Xiling and Great Chu.

Lei Zhenting sighed and said, "Tengfeng, set off immediately to meet Mo Jingli. Under no circumstances can that fool be defeated by Ye Li before our two armies meet." By implication, Lei Zhenting was certain that Ye Li would definitely go to intercept the Great Chu troops.

Lei Tengfeng furrowed his brows, saying, "Mo Jingli is a stubborn and conceited man; I’m afraid he will not listen to me."

Lei Zhenting pondered, then nodded. "This Prince will write a letter for you to deliver to him. As for him... if he takes your advice, then so be it. If he insists on not listening... let him be. You also take an army with you on a different route to hide in secret, in case Mo Jingli’s army is defeated..."

Lei Tengfeng understood and nodded. "I understand, Father."

Lei Zhenting nodded approvingly. "Remember, should you engage with Ye Li, do not act rashly. Although Ye Li is a woman, she is cunning and very adept at luring enemies."

"Yes, I will heed Father’s advice."

「Feihong Pass」

Due to the fall of Weicheng City, the Mo Family Army retreated to the Feihong Pass and Lingjiu Mountain line. Veteran General Yuan Pei, who was stationed at Feihong Pass, was delighted to welcome Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding. Although the old general was not afraid to die in battle, he knew that he was advanced in years and his energy was not what it used to be. It would be challenging to defeat the Southern Garrison Prince from Xiling. Now that Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding had rushed back, preventing the suffering caused by war for the tens of millions of Xiling citizens within the Feihong Pass border, the old general was naturally thrilled.

After welcoming Ye Li’s party into Feihong Pass and having them seated, Marquis South and Murong Shen both knelt down to plead for punishment. "We beg Your Highness to punish your subordinates for the failure to hold the city."

Mo Xiuyao smiled as he helped them up. "Gentlemen, why such formality? This loss wasn’t the fault of you two generals. Had this Prince not delayed, would Weicheng City have fallen? If so, shouldn’t this Prince’s fault be dealt with first?"

Marquis South hastily replied, "Your Highness has his reasons for the delay. The loss of Ruichang and Weicheng City was due to my incompetence."

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Marquis South, General Murong, you need not be so. None of this was your fault. If you hadn’t been putting up a strong defense against Lei Zhenting, this Prince might not have had the time to annihilate the Beirong army so successfully. If you insist on pleading for punishment, wouldn’t that make people say this Prince is unfair in rewarding and punishing?"

Seeing that Mo Xiuyao genuinely bore them no reproach, they hurriedly expressed their gratitude. Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "You both have been working hard these past days. Please, take a seat."

At the side, General Yuan Pei couldn’t contain himself and urgently asked, "Your Highness, is it true you have completely wiped out the Beirong Army?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. "Indeed."

Seated at a lower position, Feng Zhiyao happily recounted the details of their battle against Beirong. Upon hearing of the extermination of the massive Beirong army, with none returning to Beirong, and Helian Zhen’s execution, tears of joy streamed down Veteran General Yuan Pei’s face, and he repeatedly praised the good news. Marquis South also nodded and laughed, "With this news, our Mo Family Army’s morale will undoubtedly soar. With Your Highness and the Princess Consort back, what do we need to fear from the Xiling army?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded approvingly. "That’s very good. However, Mo Jingli, with his 800,000 Great Chu troops, has already arrived in the north. I wonder which general is willing to confront him?"

The hall fell silent. A hint of hesitation flickered on Murong Shen’s and Marquis South’s faces. Although they had pledged their allegiance to the Mo Family Army, they were ultimately once Great Chu’s subjects. Moreover, weren’t both the Mo Family Army soldiers and the Great Chu soldiers once citizens of Great Chu? Fighting amongst themselves was not as straightforward as fighting foreign enemies.

Mo Xiuyao observed their expressions and understood their thoughts. He didn’t push them. In fact, if they truly had no reservations about fighting the Great Chu army, he would be the one to worry. He turned to Ye Li and asked, "Ah-Li, how do you think we should proceed?"

Ye Li reflected for a moment and said, "Why not have General Lv Jinxian lead an army of 400,000 to confront them?" Lv Jinxian and Zhang Qilan, known as the ’Twin Pillars’ of the Mo Family Army, were both highly capable and well-respected, more than enough to command an army. If Lv Jinxian were only used as a mere warrior, it would be a waste of his talent. Although Lv Jinxian is not here at this moment, he would certainly have no objections to Mo Xiuyao’s orders.

General Yuan Pei showed some concern. "Is 400,000 not too few for the task?"

Ye Li shook her head and smiled. "Although General Lv only has an army of 400,000, General Leng Huai commands nearly 200,000 troops in the Capital of Great Chu. While this might not be enough to compare with the total Great Chu forces, in terms of combat power, the Mo Family Army is definitely stronger than the Great Chu forces. General Lv is experienced in commanding his troops and will not be defeated by Great Chu’s forces."

Hearing Ye Li’s comment, Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Let’s do as Ah-Li proposes."

After the discussion, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li took the sleepy Mo Xiaobao to the room prepared for them at Feihong Pass to rest. Watching Mo Xiaobao fall into a deep sleep, Mo Xiuyao pulled Ye Li aside, smiled and asked, "Does Ah-Li have something she wants to say?"

Ye Li hesitated for a moment before nodding. "I plan to follow General Lv to the Great Chu front line."

She thought Mo Xiuyao would refuse, but instead, he just pondered for a moment before nodding, "That would be good. However, Ah-Li must be careful about her safety." Seeing her obvious surprise, Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, lowered his head to gently touch her forehead, and said with a smile, "Did Ah-Li think I would refuse?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Wasn’t it obvious, based on their previous lengthy negotiations every time she wanted to travel?

Mo Xiuyao, in a good mood, pulled her into his arms and laughed, "Because this Prince has a feeling that after this, Ah-Li will never be able to leave my side again. So... if Ah-Li wants to go this time, then go." Mo Xiuyao knew in his heart that after this, the state of the world wouldn’t change for at least the next twenty years. As for what happened after twenty years... that was not his concern.

Ye Li nodded and smiled faintly. "In that case, thank you, Your Highness."

Mo Xiuyao gently nuzzled her dark hair and said with a smile, "After this, we won’t have to fight anymore. Ah-Li will no longer have a reason to leave this Prince and run around alone. But don’t worry, wherever Ah-Li wants to go, this Prince will accompany her." Ye Li leaned gently against his chest, feeling a tenderness like water flowing in her heart. In the blink of an eye, eleven or twelve years had passed. From initially just planning to get by together, to later sharing hardships and mutual devotion, they had journeyed together for over a decade. They had three children and had truly achieved being a sole couple for a lifetime. This was something Ye Li hadn’t even dreamed of at the beginning.

"Xiuyao, when Xin’er and Lin’er grow up, can we go traveling and see the sights, alright?" Leaning in Mo Xiuyao’s arms, Ye Li quietly asked.

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. "Anything Ah-Li enjoys, this Prince will do together with you." However, in his heart, he was somewhat dismissive of the idea of waiting for Xin’er and Lin’er to grow up. It would be enough when that boy Mo Xiaobao grew up. Isn’t an older brother meant to take care of his younger siblings? Otherwise, what was the point of having him?

So, in his father’s eyes, poor Mo Xiaobao was not only the one designated to clean up messes but also the future nanny for his two younger siblings.

The next morning, Ye Li quietly left Feihong Pass to go to Lv Jinxian’s camp. The commanders at Feihong Pass didn’t find it strange when they realized the Princess Consort had disappeared. They were already accustomed to her disappearing from time to time to handle important matters. Only Mo Xiaobao was dejected because after his mother left, his father began to exploit him even more.

「Beirong」

In the ice and snow of the Snow Domain prairie, the Beirong King’s Court stood deep in the snowy wilderness. Unlike the splendid, intricately carved Capital of Great Chu and the Xiling Imperial City, the Beirong King’s City appeared simpler and cruder, almost like a city constructed of stones. Despite this being the most prosperous economic and political center of Beirong, only the Beirong royal family actually lived in the city. Ordinary people and Beirong aristocrats still resided in their own tents. Thus, the area of the entire Beirong King’s Court was not even as large as the Imperial Palace of Great Chu.

The climate of the Beirong grasslands was harsh, with three to four months of heavy snow each year when humans and livestock couldn’t travel. It was no wonder the Beirong people so ardently coveted the fertile lands of Great Chu.

Within the Palace, the King of Beirong sat on his throne, which was draped with a tiger skin, angrily looking down at the people below. A charcoal fire warmed the room, but at this moment, it only added to the stifling heat. The King of Beirong was now sixty years old. In his youth, he had been a great hero and warrior on the prairie. However, with advancing age, or perhaps due to the influx of many things from the Central Plains into Beirong, or perhaps due to human fallibility, the elderly King of Beirong had gradually become muddle-headed, lecherous, and prone to believing hearsay. Even so, he was extremely furious upon hearing the news of Yelv Ye’s defeat and death.

Seated below, Yelv Hong, the Crown Prince of Beirong, was also lamenting inwardly. He couldn’t have imagined that Mo Xiuyao could act so quickly, crushing the entire Beirong army of hundreds of thousands in one fell swoop. As such, in three years, Beirong had lost nearly two million soldiers in its attempt to conquer Great Chu. Yet, all they had plundered were some meaningless gold, silver, jewels, and antique calligraphy and paintings. There were plenty of gold and silver mines on the prairies beyond the border, so the Beirong people were not particularly short of gold and silver. As for antique calligraphy and paintings, the Beirong people had no appreciation for them. Moreover, since they failed to capture the Capital of Great Chu, they naturally didn’t acquire any truly priceless treasures. For the Beirong people, these items were less valuable than silk, tea, and grain.

Yelv Hong had chosen to cooperate with Mo Xiuyao merely to bring down his brother, Yelv Ye; he had never intended to sacrifice the remaining hundreds of thousands of the Beirong army. But now... Looking at the letter in his hand, Yelv Hong felt a chill run down his spine. Yet, he couldn’t say much. He couldn’t blame Mo Xiuyao for being too formidable in battle and annihilating the entire Beirong army, could he? If anyone was to blame, it was Yelv Ye for being too incompetent!

"Crown Prince!" the King of Beirong called out, panting heavily.

Yelv Hong quickly composed himself, stepped forward, and responded in a deep voice, "Your son is here."

The King of Beirong ordered, "Bring that Great Chu woman of yours to this King!"

Yelv Hong was slightly taken aback and hesitated. Princess Ronghua had been with him for more than a decade and had borne him several children. Although she was from Great Chu, he still had some feelings for her. Moreover, Princess Ronghua and Princess Consort Ding were on very good terms. Even though he had been tricked by Mo Xiuyao this time, he hadn’t actually done anything significant himself, thus avoiding the danger of his father discovering his involvement. Besides, Mo Xiuyao had helped him get rid of Yelv Ye. If his father were to kill Princess Ronghua, it would probably be difficult to explain to Prince Ding’s Mansion.

"Father, this has nothing to do with Ronghua," Yelv Hong said in a solemn voice.

The King of Beirong snorted coldly. "This King doesn’t care whether she has anything to do with it or not! This King only knows that Mo Xiuyao killed this King’s son and wiped out this King’s million-strong army! This King wants to sacrifice that Great Chu woman to the war banner and send troops to avenge Ye’er!" Having said that, he disregarded Yelv Hong’s unwillingness and waved his hand to have Princess Ronghua seized.

Yelv Hong frowned. "Father, Ronghua is the mother of several princes. If she is killed, the princes..."

The King of Beirong was unimpressed and waved his hand. "What do a few children know? Just hand them over to your other consorts to raise. If they can’t be tamed... then kill them. We Beirong do not lack young princes." The King of Beirong was indeed entitled to say this; he had thirteen sons and seven daughters, and no fewer than thirty royal grandchildren. Naturally, he wouldn’t care about princes of impure bloodline born to a Great Chu woman.

After a short time, Princess Ronghua was escorted to the room’s entrance. The person escorting her pushed her mercilessly, and Princess Ronghua staggered into the room. Looking at the hostile and malicious crowd and then at Yelv Hong’s troubled expression, Princess Ronghua couldn’t help but smile faintly. As a Princess Friendship, she had understood long ago that her life, death, honor, and disgrace were all tied to the relations between the two countries. The only reason the Beirong people hadn’t killed her when Xiling waged war against Great Chu was due to the strategic advice from those sent by Prince Ding’s Mansion to assist her. Now that Beirong’s million-strong army had been wiped out by the Mo Family Army, the King of Beirong, unable to find anyone else to vent his anger on, would naturally think of her first.

"Ronghua pays her respects to the King and the Crown Prince." Princess Ronghua bowed slightly, saluting the King of Beirong with Beirong etiquette. Even so, she carried the nobility and elegance unique to a well-educated royal woman, distinctly different from the crude rudeness of Beirong women.

The King of Beirong sneered. "Princess of Great Chu, do you know what has happened?"

Princess Ronghua raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. "Ronghua is unaware. Please enlighten me, Your Majesty."

The King of Beirong’s face looked somewhat savage. It was unclear whether he was more aggrieved by the death of his son, Yelv Ye, or the loss of his million-strong Beirong army. "Quite unaware, are you! Are you also oblivious to the fact that this King’s Seventh Prince was killed by Mo Xiuyao?" Actually, it was normal for Princess Ronghua, being a woman and a foreigner, not to know. The King of Beirong was merely deliberately picking a quarrel, and there was nothing anyone could do.

Princess Ronghua lowered her eyes and remained silent. She understood now: the King of Beirong intended to kill her, and anything she said would be superfluous. Although she had been married into Beirong for over a decade, and Great Chu was left with only half its territory, she would not beg for mercy and thereby shame the dignity of a Princess of Great Chu.

"It seems you know you deserve to die! This King will leave your body intact and send it back to Great Chu!" the King of Beirong said with a ferocious grin.

Princess Ronghua calmly looked at Yelv Hong, who was to her side. Yelv Hong looked back at her with a troubled expression but ultimately said nothing. Seeing this, only a faint, bitter smile remained on Princess Ronghua’s lips. Over these years, although she had harbored some ulterior motives, she had genuinely cared for Yelv Hong. She also knew that she held a place in Yelv Hong’s heart, but it was ultimately less important than his position as Crown Prince and his royal power in Beirong. However, seeing Yelv Hong not utter a single word in her defense, Princess Ronghua couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed.

Seeing that Princess Ronghua no longer spoke, the King of Beirong assumed she was afraid. The raging anger in his heart subsided considerably, and he said smugly, "Drag her out for this King, and behead her!"

"Yes, Your Majesty." Two Beirong guards came forward, one on each side, grabbed Princess Ronghua, and started to drag her out. Princess Ronghua closed her eyes, then turned her head to look at Yelv Hong and said, "Please, Crown Prince, take good care of my children."

Without waiting for Yelv Hong to reply, Princess Ronghua glanced at the two guards beside her and said haughtily, "Let go! This Princess can walk by herself!"

Princess Ronghua composedly walked towards the exit. Just as she was about to step out of the room, a deep male voice sounded from inside, "Hold on!"