Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 400 - 399. Visitors from all sides

399. Probes From All Sides

Perhaps it was because Ye Li’s reputation in the Mo Family Army was substantial enough, or perhaps it was because all the generals in the Mo Family Army demonstrated remarkable calm and composure. When the news of Mo Xiuyao’s serious injury spread, the Mo Family Army did not descend into the chaos and low morale that Feng Zhiyao and the others had worried about. Furthermore, even when news of Mo Xiuyao’s death arrived ten days later and the entire Mo Family Army donned mourning white, the army did not encounter significant problems. Instead, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army harbored even greater hatred and shared animosity towards their enemies.

Everyone who received the official news of Mo Xiuyao’s death was stunned. This included the supremely confident Mo Jingli and the initially apprehensive Lei Zhenting. It was hard for anyone to believe that Mo Xiuyao... the man who had inspired both envy and awe, who had manipulated global events for a decade and controlled more than half the known world, had just... died?

Looking at the missive before him, Lei Zhenting sighed, his expression complex.

"Father?" Lei Tengfeng stood to one side. Observing Lei Zhenting’s bittersweet expression, he asked, somewhat puzzled, "Mo Xiuyao’s death is undoubtedly good news, but why do you look like that, Father? Is there... a problem with the news of Mo Xiuyao’s death?" This led Lei Tengfeng to some unsettling conjectures.

Truth be told, Lei Tengfeng also found it hard to believe Mo Xiuyao was dead. Mo Xiuyao’s cunning and unpredictable nature had left a profound impression on Lei Tengfeng, making him wonder if Mo Xiuyao was faking his death. But he was unsure: what was the purpose if Mo Xiuyao was indeed feigning death? Originally, the war had already gradually tipped in favor of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Barring any unforeseen incidents, even if the standoff lasted for another two or three years, Prince Ding’s Mansion still held a greater chance of victory than the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion. This move by Mo Xiuyao, however, seemed to completely relinquish all their prior advantages.

Lei Zhenting frowned and shook his head. "It doesn’t seem likely, but we cannot afford to overlook it. Send more men to investigate. We must confirm whether Mo Xiuyao is truly dead." If Mo Xiuyao was indeed faking his death, he would surely be plotting something significant, and they absolutely could not take it lightly. However, under the current circumstances, standing still and doing nothing, thereby forfeiting this opportunity, was also out of the question.

"Your son understands," Lei Tengfeng nodded solemnly. He, of course, understood the gravity of the situation. Far away, beyond Cold Valley Pass, Mo Jingli shared these very same thoughts.

「Inside a secret base at Prince Ding’s Mansion」

Mo Xiuyao looked at the secret memorial presented by his subordinate and couldn’t help but chuckle ruefully. Gazing at the document filled with mentions of himself, he murmured, "Ah-Li must be furious... This is terrible. Still... such a golden opportunity is hard to come by..." However, since Ah-Li had announced his death, she must have a way to convince outsiders of its authenticity. This would be immensely beneficial for his clandestine plans. Indeed, not hiding it from Ah-Li from the start was a good decision. If Feng Zhiyao and the others were currently in charge at Feihong Pass, their efforts would likely backfire. This wasn’t a matter of competence; rather, Feng Zhiyao and the others lacked Ye Li’s prestige and standing, nor did they share that unspoken, intuitive understanding he had with Ah-Li.

"Prince..." the subordinate standing before him said, looking at the muttering Prince with some confusion.

A slight smile touched Mo Xiuyao’s lips. "Leave the battlefield to Ah-Li and Third Feng. We should begin our preparations." An opportunity to leave the battlefield without arousing suspicion was truly rare. After all, his martial arts skills were incredibly formidable. Without a convincing explanation, even if his corpse were placed before Lei Zhenting, Lei Zhenting would probably assume it was someone else in disguise. Cangmang Mountain... what a splendid excuse. Since that was the case, he naturally wanted to use this chance to deliver a shocking gift to Lei Zhenting and Mo Jingli.

"But, Prince... your injury..."

Mo Xiuyao glanced at his chest and waved his hand dismissively. "What kind of injury is this? It’s nothing serious. Go."

"Yes, your subordinate takes his leave."

The death of Prince Ding was a monumental event, one that naturally couldn’t be handled perfunctorily. Thus, as soon as the news spread, the entire Mo Family Army encampment and Feihong Pass were immediately draped in white mourning cloth. All public places were covered in white, and the entire army observed mourning rituals. When the citizens near Feihong Pass received the news, they all followed suit, with many wailing in grief. In these tumultuous times, the people of the Northwest had consistently lived in peace and stability, all thanks to the protection of Prince Ding’s Mansion. The people’s sorrow now was not only for their own uncertain future but also a genuine expression of mourning and grief for the passing of Mo Xiuyao, their Prince Ding.

"Reporting to the Princess Consort, the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling has arrived."

「Inside Feihong Pass」

Ye Li was in her study, working through a tall stack of memorials on her desk. Mo Xiuyao’s sudden "demise" had naturally created countless urgent matters. Everyone, both at Feihong Pass and at Prince Ding’s Mansion in Licheng, was exceedingly busy. Xu Hong Yu and Xu Qingchen from Licheng had sent a letter, and soon after, they too became swamped with work and could no longer spare any time.

Ye Li looked up at Qin Feng and frowned. "Lei Zhenting? What is he here for?"

Qin Feng replied, "To mourn the Prince, naturally." Even though the two sides were currently enemies, with Lei Zhenting coming to offer condolences in the name of Xiling, the Mo Family Army truly couldn’t do anything to him.

Casually setting the memorial aside, Ye Li stood up. "Mourning? More like gathering intelligence, I’d wager. I thought he would send Lei Tengfeng."

Qin Feng pondered for a moment, then chuckled softly. "In this subordinate’s opinion, he probably feared that the Princess Consort, in her wrath, might actually kill Lei Tengfeng." Lei Tengfeng was Lei Zhenting’s only son, and Lei Zhenting was already nearing sixty. It seemed there was no time left for him to father and raise another son.

"Never mind. Let’s go meet him. Have your men prepare; Mo Jingli will likely arrive soon too," Ye Li said.

"Mo Jingli?" Qin Feng frowned. "Does he dare to come?" Mo Jingli wasn’t known for his boldness or skill; infiltrating an enemy camp didn’t quite seem his style.

As Ye Li walked towards the entrance, she added, "He should have received the news by now. Knowing Mo Jingli as I do, he absolutely wouldn’t miss an opportunity like this." After all, in Mo Jingli’s life, Mo Xiuyao’s death was the first, and perhaps the only one.

"Your subordinate understands," Qin Feng nodded.

「In the main hall」

Lei Zhenting sipped his tea, surveying the hall. This residence had originally belonged to the general stationed at Feihong Pass; it was neither particularly large nor opulent. After Mo Xiuyao and the others moved in, they apparently hadn’t made any particular effort to redecorate. Now, the entire mansion was draped in plain white cloth, adding to the cold, somber atmosphere.

Nearby, Feng Zhiyao, who was responsible for receiving guests, and Leng Haoyu, who had just rushed back from the Capital of Great Chu, glared at Lei Zhenting with unconcealed hostility. Despite this treatment, Lei Zhenting remained unperturbed, calmly sitting and drinking his tea. Having just paid his respects by offering incense in the mourning hall, Lei Zhenting was now contemplating how he might get a personal look at Mo Xiuyao’s body. Secretly sneaking around to investigate in this heavily guarded mansion was clearly impossible.

"Your subordinate greets the Princess Consort."

Ye Li entered, dressed in plain white robes. Her cloud-like hair was casually tied in a simple bun, adorned with a white hairpin, giving her a more solemn and pale appearance. To Ye Li’s left stood Mo Xiaobao, dressed in dark brocade clothes with a white gauze outer robe. The moment they entered, Mo Xiaobao shot a fierce glare at Lei Zhenting.

Noticing Mo Xiaobao’s intense stare, Lei Zhenting couldn’t help but smile faintly. The boy is a chip off the old block, he thought. Mo Xiuyao had a terrific son. Although young, he already showed signs of his father’s demeanor. Judging by his seemingly cute yet sharp and astute eyes, one could tell this boy was not as simple as he appeared.

"Princess Consort Ding, Young Heir, my condolences," Lei Zhenting said, rising and clasping his hands.

Ye Li nodded slightly, a faint smile on her lips. "We appreciate the Southern Garrison Prince making the journey personally. Please, be seated."

Lei Zhenting looked at Ye Li and said with an air of sincerity, "Prince Ding’s sudden passing is a great sorrow to me as well. Although Prince Ding’s Mansion is an enemy of Xiling, he was an opponent I deeply respected. I have come today, firstly, to mourn Prince Ding, and secondly, to discuss the matter of a truce with Prince Ding’s Mansion." Satisfied, he fell silent as he noted the surprise that flashed across Ye Li’s eyes.

Feng Zhiyao and Leng Haoyu also stared at Lei Zhenting with disbelief. Everyone knew the true nature of the relationship between Prince Ding’s Mansion and Xiling. Once Lei Zhenting confirmed that Prince Ding was truly gone, he would undoubtedly move to annex Prince Ding’s Mansion without a second thought. Anyone who believed he would maintain a gentlemanly demeanor and not take advantage of a widow and orphan would be a fool.

Ye Li raised a delicate eyebrow, her smile faint as she looked at Lei Zhenting. "A truce?"

Lei Zhenting nodded. "Indeed. With Prince Ding’s passing, the Princess Consort must be overwhelmed. If the Princess Consort agrees, Xiling is willing to negotiate peace with Prince Ding’s Mansion."

Ye Li smiled. "If that is truly the case, Prince Ding’s Mansion would naturally be most grateful. For that, I thank the Southern Garrison Prince."

Watching Ye Li’s appropriate smile, yet noting the faint weariness she couldn’t quite hide, Lei Zhenting frowned inwardly. Is she genuinely grieving, or is this an act? He, who had prided himself on his ability to read people, found himself unable to see through Ye Li. His earlier suggestion of peace had merely been a probe, an attempt to gauge her state of mind and the current stability of Prince Ding’s Mansion. However, Ye Li’s composed reaction left him even more uncertain about the true situation within the Mansion.

"Reporting to the Princess Consort, the Emperor of Great Chu is outside the pass seeking an audience," a guard announced loudly from the doorway.

Lei Zhenting’s eyes flickered, but his expression remained impassive. He turned his head to look at Ye Li, seated in the primary position, curious as to how she would handle this.

He heard Ye Li say calmly, "The Emperor of Great Chu has traveled a long way. Please show him in. Third Feng, you and the heir will go and welcome the Emperor of Great Chu." Formal etiquette should not be neglected for any reason. Even though the Southern Garrison Prince appeared more powerful than Mo Jingli at that moment, Mo Jingli was still the ruler of a country. Sending someone to welcome him was a necessary courtesy.

"Your subordinate obeys," Feng Zhiyao replied in a deep voice.

"Your son obeys," Mo Xiaobao declared, hopping down from the chair beside Ye Li and following Feng Zhiyao out.

"Those under Prince Ding’s Mansion are truly loyal and righteous," Lei Zhenting remarked thoughtfully, watching Feng Zhiyao depart. For someone as proud as Feng Zhiyao to go out and welcome Mo Jingli spoke volumes about the allegiance these people held for Ye Li. It was evident that Prince Ding’s Mansion was not in chaos under Ye Li’s control; even if Mo Xiuyao was truly gone... the only loss was Mo Xiuyao himself. Thinking of this, Lei Zhenting’s gaze on Ye Li grew even more complex. He secretly regretted that Ye Li had managed to escape Ling Tiehan’s assassination attempt some days prior.

Leng Haoyu, seated to one side, let out a soft snort and smiled. "You are too generous with your praise, Southern Garrison Prince. Loyal subjects do not serve two masters. We are merely doing what we ought to do." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Lei Zhenting met Leng Haoyu’s unfriendly gaze with indifference, offering a faint smile.

Ye Li smiled at Leng Haoyu, not taking offense. "What the Southern Garrison Prince said is very true. Without their help these past few days, I indeed would have... found it overwhelming."

"In that case, why didn’t Princess Consort Ding invite Young Master Qingchen to come and take charge?" Lei Zhenting asked. This was what puzzled him the most. Normally, if Mo Xiuyao had truly died, Prince Ding’s Mansion would inevitably support Mo Yuchen’s succession. However, Mo Yuchen was currently less than nine years old and naturally incapable of governing Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Mo Family Army. Therefore, logically, Ye Li should have summoned either Xu Qingchen or Xu Hong Yu to Feihong Pass to take charge. Yet, not a single member of the Xu Family was present, which made Lei Zhenting increasingly skeptical about the news of Mo Xiuyao’s death.

Ye Li shook her head with a wry smile. "Licheng also needs my eldest brother to oversee matters, and besides..." She shook her head again, not finishing her sentence, which undoubtedly fueled further speculation. Lei Zhenting certainly knew the importance of the Northwest to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Furthermore, ever since Mo Xiuyao’s death was announced, he had secretly ordered Xiling Kingdom’s troops to move north. His intention was not actually to attack the original Xiling Imperial City, but to pin down Zhang Qilan’s army stationed in the west.

And then there was Beirong. Mo Xiuyao had recently decimated nearly half of Beirong’s forces and killed one of their princes. Upon hearing of Mo Xiuyao’s death, wouldn’t the King of Beirong try to stir up trouble to regain some face? Therefore, the stability of the Northwest, especially Licheng, was exceptionally crucial at this time. As long as the Northwest remained secure, even if the Mo Family Army suffered a defeat this time, they would still have a place to retreat and regroup. In a few years, once Mo Yuchen came of age, it wasn’t impossible for the Mo Family Army to make a comeback. After all, Lei Zhenting’s understanding of the exceptionally talented lineage of Prince Ding’s Mansion made him confident that Mo Yuchen would undoubtedly be capable of standing on his own by his early teens. Of course, Lei Zhenting had no intention of giving him that opportunity.

Seeing Ye Li’s hesitant and unfinished words, Lei Zhenting’s belief in Mo Xiuyao’s death grew a little stronger. He wasn’t bothered by the fact that Ye Li wasn’t behaving like a typical woman—crying inconsolably or losing her composure. After all, Ye Li was no ordinary woman. If she had truly been overcome with grief and unable to function at this moment, Lei Zhenting would have either doubted her or looked down on her.

"Princess Consort! Princess Consort, there’s trouble!" A guard rushed in from outside to report.

Ye Li frowned slightly. "What is it?"

The guard glanced at Lei Zhenting, then said with some difficulty, "The young heir... the young heir has injured the Emperor of Great Chu."

Everyone present was taken aback. Mo Xiaobao, however capable, was only an eight or nine-year-old child. How could he have injured Mo Jingli?

Seeing their doubtful expressions, the guard quickly added, "It’s true! The young heir... the young heir bit the Emperor of Great Chu quite fiercely."

"Is the heir unharmed?" Leng Haoyu asked quickly. He had no illusions about Mo Jingli’s character. Mo Jingli, being petty, wouldn’t let it slide, even if Mo Xiaobao was just a child.

The guard wiped sweat from his brow. "The young heir is fine... but he says he wants to kill the Emperor of Great Chu. Third Young Master Feng couldn’t stop him. Please, Princess Consort, go quickly and see."

Ye Li lowered her gaze, concealing a flicker of amusement in her eyes. She stood up and, with a slightly anxious expression, said to Lei Zhenting, "Southern Garrison Prince, my apologies. I must take my leave of you for a moment."

Lei Zhenting smiled. "Princess Consort is too courteous. Perhaps I could accompany you to see what’s happening?"

Ye Li hesitated for a moment, but her concern for her son ultimately won out. She nodded. "If the Southern Garrison Prince wishes."

"After you, Princess Consort."

Dispensing with formalities, Ye Li quickly headed out of the hall.

Not far from the mansion entrance, Mo Jingli’s imperial retinue, along with the guards of Prince Ding’s Mansion, had congested the already narrow street. In the center of the crowd, Mo Jingli, clad in bright yellow imperial robes, glared furiously at Mo Xiaobao. His outstretched right hand bore a bloody bite mark, evidently inflicted by someone who had shown no restraint whatsoever.

Feng Zhiyao was firmly holding Mo Xiaobao in his arms. However, one look at the fury on the child’s small face and the way he bared his teeth at Mo Jingli made it clear that Mo Xiaobao was ready to attack. If Feng Zhiyao weren’t holding him so tightly, the boy would have already charged forward.

"What happened?" Ye Li asked, making her way through the crowd.

Upon seeing Ye Li arrive, Feng Zhiyao visibly relaxed. He wasn’t worried that the heir might have injured Mo Jingli; rather, he was concerned that Mo Jingli, in his anger, might harm Mo Xiaobao.

"Mother..." As soon as Feng Zhiyao released him, Mo Xiaobao threw himself into Ye Li’s arms, aggrieved. He rubbed his small face against hers, his large, round eyes glaring at Mo Jingli. His delicate little face, now full of grievance, was a stark contrast to his ferocious demeanor moments before.

Ye Li held him close, gently patting his back. "Xiaobao, what’s wrong? Are you hurt?"

Mo Xiaobao buried his face in Ye Li’s embrace and shook his head. Only then did Ye Li let out a sigh of relief. Stroking his small head, she said, "It’s good that you’re not hurt. You must be careful. What if you had been injured?"

"He’s a bad man! Xiaobao hates him!" Mo Xiaobao cried out, his uniquely innocent and tender childish voice carrying far. Everyone present couldn’t help but glance at Mo Jingli. How terrible must a person be to earn such hatred from the adorable young heir of Prince Ding’s Mansion?

Mo Jingli’s face instantly darkened. He had nearly lost a chunk of flesh to this little imp! And now the imp had the audacity to play the victim!

"Ye Li, is this how you raise your son? Such insolence!" Mo Jingli glared at Ye Li and said coldly.

Ye Li’s clear eyes narrowed slightly. She stood up, facing Mo Jingli without any sign of weakness, and said calmly, "How I raise my son is none of the Emperor of Great Chu’s concern. If Your Majesty has such leisure, perhaps you should focus on teaching your own son."

"PFFFT—" Feng Zhiyao, standing nearby, couldn’t help but burst out laughing. The Princess Consort had definitely hit Mo Jingli where it hurt. It was common knowledge that Prince Li was already in his thirties and had no sons, not even a daughter. Rumors even circulated that Prince Li suffered from some incurable ailment. Of course, Feng Zhiyao, as a trusted confidant within Prince Ding’s Mansion, knew more. That was why he almost felt a twinge of sympathy for Mo Jingli. The most painful thing isn’t to never have something. It’s to have it, lose it, get it back again, only to realize it was all in vain.

Therefore, Mo Jingli was likely more infuriated by the Princess Consort’s light, dismissive remark than he would have been by a hundred curses.

"Ye Li!" Mo Jingli roared.

Ye Li turned, holding Mo Xiaobao’s hand, and faced Mo Jingli directly. She said in a firm voice, "I respect the Emperor of Great Chu as the ruler of a nation. However, if His Majesty shows no courtesy as a guest, then forgive me for not seeing you out."

Mo Jingli was so furious he laughed. He held up his injured hand and sneered, "I came with good intentions to offer condolences. I had barely entered the pass when this brat bit me. Is this how Prince Ding’s Mansion treats its guests?"

Mo Xiaobao stood beside Ye Li, his delicate chin held high, and declared in a clear, crisp voice, "You didn’t come to mourn Father! You came to cause trouble! Someone who truly came to mourn Father wouldn’t dress like you!"

Once again, all eyes turned to Mo Jingli. Even though Mo Jingli was an emperor, Prince Ding’s Mansion held a status in Great Chu that was by no means inferior. As a guest, he wasn’t expected to wear mourning attire, but he should have at least worn something more subdued. Instead, Mo Jingli had arrived flaunting a bright, conspicuous dragon robe. Lei Zhenting, standing to one side in a dark, subtly patterned robe, instantly felt the gazes of the Mo Family Army on him soften considerably. Mo Jingli’s attire didn’t make him look like he was there to offer condolences; rather, he seemed to be there to display his power and disrupt the proceedings.

Mo Jingli was speechless. He indeed had no sincere intention of mourning Mo Xiuyao. He was overjoyed by Mo Xiuyao’s death; why would he possibly want to mourn him? But being publicly exposed by a child was still deeply embarrassing, making it difficult for him to maintain his composure.

After a long moment, Mo Jingli finally let out a light snort. Looking at Ye Li, he said, "Princess Consort Ding, I have traveled a great distance to come here. Are you planning to keep me waiting out here?"

Ye Li glanced at him coolly. "If the Emperor of Great Chu has genuinely come to mourn Prince Ding, then I naturally will not obstruct you."

Mo Jingli declared proudly, "Of course, that is why I am here."

Ye Li nodded calmly. "In that case, Prince Li, please proceed to the mourning hall and offer incense."

Mo Jingli did not object. He nodded. "Very well. I also wished to see Prince Ding’s remains. After all... we’ve known each other since childhood. I trust Princess Consort Ding wouldn’t object?"

Ye Li remained silent for a moment before saying faintly, "Emperor of Great Chu, please."