Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 406 - 405. Choices of The Prestigious Family

405. The Decision of an Aristocratic Family

Although somewhat surprised by the Chu Family Head’s sudden change of heart, the two guards dutifully escorted him back to the hall. After all, His Majesty had no intention of killing the Chu Family Head. Such a prominent figure would not die so easily. If he were allowed to turn the tables, even a casual slap from him could kill insignificant guards like them.

As expected, Mo Jingli almost immediately ordered the Chu Family Head to be brought back to the hall.

This time, the Chu Family Head knelt without hesitation, bowing his head. "Commoner Chu Shaoying pays his respects to Your Majesty!" The hall erupted in an uproar. It was well known that, among those present, the Chu Family had previously been the most indifferent towards Mo Jingli. Moreover, given the relationship between the Chu Family and the Xu Family, any discerning person knew that even if the Chu Family pledged allegiance to Mo Jingli, they would not be entrusted with significant power.

Mo Jingli’s eyebrows rose in satisfaction. Witnessing the Chu Family Head, who had previously displayed such a noble and proud demeanor, kneeling before him was incredibly gratifying. It felt as if he were watching the Xu Family submit to him. Raising an eyebrow, Mo Jingli asked, "Mr. Chu, why the sudden change of heart?"

The Chu Family Head lowered his head. "This commoner was momentarily confused, I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness. If... if the Chu Family is ruined under my stewardship, then this commoner would deserve death ten thousand times over and could not shirk the blame."

"Oh?" Mo Jingli mused. If Chu Shaoying had offered any other reason, he might not have believed it. However, Mo Jingli knew that these so-called aristocratic families valued their own families above all else, willing to sacrifice anything for their continuation.

"Oh? The Chu Family is willing to pledge allegiance to Zhen? Then, my previous proposal?" Mo Jingli inquired.

Chu Shaoying nodded. "Yes, the Chu Family is willing to pledge allegiance to His Majesty and wishes His Majesty an early unification of the lands. Whatever His Majesty commands, the Chu Family will exert all its efforts to satisfy His Majesty." Seeing him like this, Mo Jingli was finally pleased. He laughed heartily, personally rising to help Chu Shaoying up. "Zhen was merely jesting with Mr. Chu earlier. Please, Mr. Chu, do not take offense."

Chu Shaoying, his face pale, nodded respectfully. "This commoner wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare..." He truly seemed to have been frightened.

Mo Jingli scanned the assembled crowd and smiled. "Mr. Chu has shown such understanding of the greater good; Zhen is deeply gratified. I wonder what the rest of you have decided?" Several of the family heads present, those closest to the Chu Family and who had also previously held Mo Jingli in very low regard, looked at Chu Shaoying with confusion. Chu Shaoying lowered his gaze, giving an almost imperceptible nod.

Although they didn’t understand the reason for his sudden turn, they still had some confidence in Chu Shaoying. The Chu Family wouldn’t abandon such strong backing as Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Xu Family to throw their lot in with Mo Jingli. Even if Prince Ding’s Mansion were truly defeated, retreating to the mountains would be a better option for the Chu Family than siding with Mo Jingli. At least then they wouldn’t have to worry about their entire family being exterminated or being toyed with to death by Lei Zhenting.

Having mulled it over, those few men also rose. "This commoner and others are willing to pledge allegiance to Your Majesty."

"Good! Excellent! Come... Zhen will toast Mr. Chu and all of you again!" Mo Jingli laughed heartily, his earlier anger completely dispelled.

Just as a semblance of peace returned to the hall, it seemed fate was determined that the night’s banquet would not proceed smoothly. A man rushed in from outside to report, "Your Majesty, the Mo Family Army has entered the city and just set fire to the granary in the western district!"

"What?!" Mo Jingli slammed his hand on the table and shot up, his voice harsh. "Where are they?"

"R-Replying to Your Majesty, General Li is leading men to apprehend them," the messenger stammered.

"Apprehend?! Apprehend my foot! Letting them sneak into the city and burn the granary before you even noticed—what use are any of you?!" Mo Jingli furiously kicked away a low table before him, roaring in anger.

"This subordinate... This subordinate knows his crime."

"Enough!" Mo Jingli cut short his pointless plea, scanned the remaining guests, and said coldly, "You may all return home. That is all for tonight." Chu Shaoying and the others rose to take their leave. After a moment’s thought, Chu Shaoying stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the Chu Family still has some grain reserves. We are willing to offer them to Your Majesty to alleviate this urgent crisis." Hearing Chu Shaoying’s words, Mo Jingli’s expression softened slightly. He nodded. "Zhen thanks Mr. Chu."

Once everyone else had departed, Mo Jingli asked coldly, "Exactly how much was burned?"

The subordinate below couldn’t help but swallow, his voice trembling. "The three granaries in the western district caught fire simultaneously; they’ve all been burned to the ground. And one granary in the northern district... a large portion of it has also burned. Our army’s rations... I’m afraid they won’t last more than two days." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Mo Jingli’s brows furrowed slightly, but he wasn’t excessively worried about the grain. This military campaign was rushed, so not all the provisions had arrived yet. More supplies would naturally come in a few more days. Besides... Liyang City was full of powerful aristocratic families. Even if they appeared less wealthy on the surface than so-called rich merchants, their underlying resources were something those merchants couldn’t hope to match. Especially now, in these chaotic times, he absolutely refused to believe they hadn’t privately hoarded grain.

What truly unsettled Mo Jingli was the Mo Family Army’s infiltration of the city. That the Mo Family Army could sneak into such a heavily guarded city and set fire to the granaries left Mo Jingli feeling deeply shocked and apprehensive.

"Tell General Li he must apprehend every single member of the Mo Family Army who entered the city for Zhen!" Mo Jingli ordered in a low voice.

"This subordinate obeys!"

"Get out!" Watching the man scramble away, Mo Jingli surveyed the empty hall with disgust. With a sweep of his hand, he smashed the wine cup he held onto the floor. "Mo Xiuyao! Zhen refuses to believe Zhen can’t defeat you even when you’re dead!"

「Late that night」

An inebriated Mo Jingli was helped back to his chambers by an attendant. An enchanting woman, who had been waiting there, quickly came forward to support him, guiding him towards the bed while cooing softly, "Your Majesty... are you drunk?"

Mo Jingli, his eyes hazy with drink, looked at the woman before him. "Insolence! Who are you?"

The woman, feigning grievance, said, "Your Majesty, what’s wrong... I am Consort Li."

"Consort Li?" Mo Jingli was irritable from drinking too much. He was momentarily confused. "Who is Consort Li... Mmm... it’s you... you are..." Consort Li smiled delightedly. "Yes, it is I..." Although she was merely of dancer origins, she was Mo Jingli’s most favored consort; otherwise, he wouldn’t have even brought her along on a military campaign.

Mo Jingli nodded. "It’s you. You are... Ye... Ye Li."

Consort Li felt a chill run down her spine, momentarily unable to react. Of course, she had heard the famous name of Ye Li, but she never imagined His Majesty would utter the name of Princess Consort Ding in such a place. Regarding this, Consort Li felt not a shred of jealousy. When the disparity between two people is too vast, even jealousy cannot arise. She was merely shocked and had a faint premonition that hearing this was definitely not a good thing for her.

Mo Jingli, dead drunk, paid no heed to Consort Li’s shock. He seized the woman before him and kissed her, mumbling, "Ye Li... Ye Li, you actually dared to reject Zhen! Time and again... haha... Now that Mo Xiuyao is dead, you’ll be Zhen’s sooner or later! Since you don’t appreciate Zhen’s favor, Zhen retracts Zhen’s previous promise! Zhen will demote you to the lowest rank of consorts! Ye Li..."

Terrified by Mo Jingli’s words, Consort Li dared not move, wishing she could immediately faint and pretend she had heard nothing. Just as she was on the verge of tears from sheer despair, she felt a sharp pain at the back of her neck and instantly lost consciousness.

Beside the large, ornate bed stood a tall man dressed in white. The murderous intent blazing in his eyes was enough to make anyone recoil. Even Mo Jingli, drunk to the point of oblivion while clutching the beautiful woman, instinctively felt a chill. He shivered and hugged the woman in his arms tighter. "Ye Li... Zhen must have you... Zhen must make you understand that Zhen is far more formidable than Mo Xiuyao..."

Mo Xiuyao looked down upon the pair on the bed, his usually handsome eyes now filled with an ominous, bloodshot crimson, as terrifying as a malevolent spirit from the netherworld.

Mo Xiuyao leaned down, his hand slowly reaching for Mo Jingli’s neck. Mo Jingli, still in his drunken slumber, was completely unaware that the man before him could end his life with the slightest exertion of force. After a long moment, the hand that had been poised over his neck slowly withdrew. Instead, it moved towards the woman in Mo Jingli’s embrace. The unconscious woman’s body twitched faintly, a trickle of blood oozed from the corner of her lips, and soon, her breathing stopped.

There was not a trace of pity in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes. This woman might have been innocent, but having heard those words, she absolutely could not be allowed to live.

Mo Xiuyao stood by the bed for some time, a bloodthirsty smile suddenly touching his lips.

「Half an hour later」

A graceful figure in white slipped out of the Governor’s Mansion, melting into the pitch-black night.

「In the western district of Liyang City」

The Chu Family Head, Chu Shaoying, had just seen off a contingent of Great Chu soldiers who had come to search his residence and returned to his study. Several men were already seated inside. The moment Chu Shaoying walked in, one of them immediately stood up, grabbed his arm, and asked anxiously, "Brother Chu, what exactly are you thinking? Today’s events... that Mo Jingli seems..." Which of these men, capable of leading a vast family, wasn’t exceptionally astute? In their view, even if Prince Ding died and the Mo Family Army was ultimately defeated, Mo Jingli would likely be devoured by the Southern Garrison Prince. Taking a huge step back, even if Mo Jingli managed to stabilize the situation, given his character, there would surely be no good end for people like them in the future. It would probably be a case of ’discarding the bow once the birds are gone.’

Chu Shaoying glanced at the assembled men and smiled faintly. "Everyone here is my most trusted friend; I have faith in all of you. This Chu will not deceive you. To be honest, I also do not think highly of Mo Jingli."

"Then... Brother Chu, what is this?" The men were perplexed. After publicly pledging allegiance to Mo Jingli, if the Chu Family were to renege, their reputation would be ruined. Moreover, if they were to side with someone else in the future, it’s unlikely they would be entrusted with significant responsibilities. After all, if the Chu Family could betray Mo Jingli, they could betray others in the future.

Chu Shaoying maintained his smile but remained silent. One of the men, observing the smile on Chu Shaoying’s face, had a sudden realization. "Could it be, Brother Chu, that you’ve already made your decision?"

Chu Shaoying nodded. "Indeed."

The men exchanged glances. One of them dipped his finger in water and wrote the character ’Ding’ on the tabletop. Everyone present showed a look of understanding. Chu Shaoying then said solemnly, "This Chu is entrusting my own life and the lives of the entire Chu Family into your hands, gentlemen. I must ask all of you..."

"Brother Chu, what are you saying? Having known each other for decades, do we not trust one another? To be frank, this one shares Brother Chu’s sentiment. It’s just that I lacked a clear path before. With the Xu Family’s connection to Prince Ding’s Mansion, things should be much more convenient." Even though Prince Ding is gone, Young Master Qingchen is still around. Prince Ding’s Mansion’s young heir is also eight or nine years old. With the guidance of Young Master Qingchen and the two Masters Xu, along with the Xu Family’s young masters, he will surely be able to stand on his own within ten years. At that time, it’s uncertain who will truly rule the world. At the very least... Prince Ding’s Mansion appears far more reliable than Mo Jingli.

Chu Shaoying smiled. "Many thanks, everyone. As long as the Chu Family stands, none of you will be disadvantaged."

Hearing Chu Shaoying’s assurance, all the men broke into relieved smiles. Initially, Chu Shaoying had stubbornly resisted submitting to Mo Jingli, yet he suddenly changed his stance after briefly stepping out. Mo Jingli might assume Chu Shaoying was afraid, but how could these men, who had known him for decades, not understand his character? Without absolute certainty, Chu Shaoying would never gamble with the Chu Family.

"In that case, we shall rely on Brother Chu for everything. We will follow Brother Chu’s lead in all matters," the men said with smiles, clasping their hands in salute. Chu Shaoying nodded solemnly in response. "Rest assured, everyone. Chu Shaoying will not betray your trust."

"Then, we shall trouble Brother Chu. We bid you farewell."

"Please, no need to see us out."

After seeing the men out of the study, Chu Shaoying closed the door. He had just turned around when he nearly jumped in fright. A man in white, who hadn’t been there moments before, was now seated in the study, looking at him with a leisurely expression, a steaming cup of tea in hand. In the brief moment he had been at the door seeing his guests off, this person had not only entered the study but also had time to brew himself a cup of tea.

Stunned for a moment, Chu Shaoying quickly regained his composure and bowed respectfully to the man in white. "Chu Shaoying pays his respects to His Highness Prince Ding." Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. "Mr. Chu, please dispense with the formalities. You’ve been put through much inconvenience tonight." Mo Xiuyao inwardly praised Chu Shaoying’s remarkable composure. Though overshadowed by the illustrious reputation of the Xu Family’s many talents, this Chu Family Head’s fame might seem ordinary. However, his ability to lead the Chu Family, the second most powerful in Yunzhou and among the top five aristocratic families in Great Chu, was undeniably exceptional. Tonight’s meeting confirmed that this Family Head was a truly astute individual. Yet, compared to the innate brilliance of the Xu Family, he seemed more a case of profound wisdom hidden beneath a simple exterior.

Chu Shaoying gave a faint, wry smile and said frankly, "Your Highness is too kind. If not for Your Highness’ reminder tonight, this humble one fears that..." Mo Xiuyao understood Chu Shaoying’s unspoken words. Ultimately, the Chu Family was still paramount in Chu Shaoying’s eyes. Had Mo Xiuyao not intervened, when push came to shove, Chu Shaoying would very likely have compromised with Mo Jingli.

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand, indicating that the matter was of no concern.

Chu Shaoying quickly expressed his thanks again and cautiously sat down to one side. "Your Highness has entered the city late at night. Do you have any instructions?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Instructions is perhaps too strong a term. The Mo Family Army will breach Liyang City within three days. Before that, I hope to use the names of the Chu Family and the other major families of Yunzhou to proclaim this to the world." Mo Xiuyao retrieved a sheet of paper filled with writing and handed it to Chu Shaoying. Chu Shaoying took it, and after just a couple of glances, his lips twitched. As he read further, his expression changed drastically. The document clearly listed Mo Jingli’s various heinous acts: assassinating the late Emperor Mo Jingqi with a secret poison from the Southern Border, forcing Mo Suyun to her death, placing the Empress Dowager under house arrest, and withholding the military funds for Zijing Pass, which led to its fall to the Beirong and ultimately resulted in enemy forces reaching the gates of the Capital of Great Chu. If these accusations were made public, Mo Jingli would be utterly discredited and condemned by all.

After some thought, Chu Shaoying still asked, "Your Highness, are all these claims true?!" Even a man as worldly as Chu Shaoying could never have imagined Mo Jingli had so many unspeakable secrets. More importantly, even if these things were true, one absolutely shouldn’t allow one’s enemies to grasp such leverage!

Mo Xiuyao nodded nonchalantly. "Does Mr. Chu not trust the intelligence-gathering capabilities of the Qilin and the Mo Family Army’s secret guards?"

Chu Shaoying quickly shook his head. "This humble one wouldn’t dare disbelieve. I simply don’t understand why Your Highness didn’t release this information sooner. And... if Your Highness, or someone from the Xu Family, were to announce this to the world, wouldn’t the impact be greater?"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Before, the time was not ripe. As for now... the Xu Family is far less suitable for this task than the Chu Family. Of course... Mr. Chu need not handle this personally."

Chu Shaoying mulled it over for a moment and understood the reasoning. The Xu Family, after all, were affiliated with Prince Ding’s Mansion. Mo Jingli could easily counter by accusing Prince Ding’s Mansion of slander. However, if this information were revealed by ostensibly neutral parties now, it would be entirely different. Of course, in Chu Shaoying’s view, another significant reason was likely that Prince Ding was unwilling to involve the Xu Family in such sordid affairs. Regardless, the document exposed many dark secrets of Great Chu. They were, fundamentally, subjects of Great Chu. Once these secrets were revealed, Mo Jingli would undoubtedly be ruined, but those who exposed them would also inevitably face criticism from certain pedantic scholars.

"This humble one understands. Your Highness may rest assured. I will choose an opportune moment to bring these matters to light for all the world to see."

Hearing Chu Shaoying’s words, Mo Xiuyao was quite pleased. He stood up and smiled. "In that case, this Prince will await Mr. Chu’s good news." Chu Shaoying nodded. "Your Highness may rest assured."

「Outside Liyang City」

Mo Xiuyao departed the Chu Family residence, swiftly scaling the walls and leaving the city. Despite Liyang City’s formidable defenses, they could not hinder His Highness Prince Ding, so conspicuously dressed in white. Upon exiting Liyang City, Xu Qingfeng and several members of the Qilin were already waiting for him.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "What are you all doing here?" Xu Qingfeng gave a helpless, wry smile. He had only just returned to the main camp to learn that Mo Xiuyao was not only alive but had also appeared in the encampment. One must understand, when the news of Mo Xiuyao’s death had arrived, Xu Qingfeng had nearly gone mad with terror, his mind consumed with worry about what his younger female cousin would do if Mo Xiuyao truly died. Immense relief had washed over him to learn Mo Xiuyao hadn’t died, but then the man had taken off again before Xu Qingfeng could even see him. Xu Qingfeng had almost suspected Lv Jinxian and the others were playing a cruel joke on him. After waiting in vain for Mo Xiuyao to return to camp, Xu Qingfeng had no choice but to lead his men to wait outside Liyang City.

Just as dawn was approaching and Xu Qingfeng was contemplating another attempt to breach Liyang City, Mo Xiuyao finally appeared.

"Your Highness, are you unharmed?"

Mo Xiuyao arched an eyebrow. What could possibly harm him?

Xu Qingfeng sighed in relief and nodded. "As long as you’re unharmed, that’s all that matters." Without waiting for Mo Xiuyao’s reaction, he turned and headed back. Mo Xiuyao, usually so astute, was momentarily stunned. Had Xu Qingfeng waited here through most of the night just to ensure he was safe? Worried about him? Beyond official duties, the Xu brothers had never been particularly amiable towards him.

Up ahead, Xu Qingfeng muttered to himself as he walked towards the camp, "It’s good he didn’t die. If he really had, I’d have to help Li’er find another family to marry into. Li’er herself would be one thing, but my poor nieces and nephews..."

「The next morning」

The attendant serving Mo Jingli found it rather strange. It was already quite late, yet His Majesty had not summoned anyone, and even Consort Li hadn’t shown any sign of stirring. He waited and waited. When generals arrived to report on military matters and there was still no sound from within, he had no choice but to cautiously enter to rouse Mo Jingli. However, before he could even call out to the person on the bed, the attendant let out a piercing shriek.

The eunuch’s characteristically high-pitched scream was so shrill and piercing that it not only startled those waiting outside, causing them to rush in, but also jolted Mo Jingli, who had been lying on the bed in a deep stupor, awake.

Disturbed from his sleep, Mo Jingli frowned in annoyance. He glanced down and saw the woman in his arms—her icy temperature, her already stiffened body, and the dark, dried blood at the corner of her lips. All of this told Mo Jingli one thing: he had spent the entire night embracing a corpse. More importantly, someone had infiltrated his room and killed Consort Li, and he had been completely oblivious. If the assassin’s target had been him... Mo Jingli broke out in a cold sweat.

Sitting up, he shoved Consort Li’s corpse away and roared, "Someone get her out of here immediately!"

"Y-Your... Majesty..." The attendant trembled, pointing to a certain area on Mo Jingli. Following the attendant’s gaze, everyone who had rushed in involuntarily looked towards Mo Jingli’s lower body. The lower abdomen of his bright yellow inner robes was also stained with dark red blood. Mo Jingli’s expression suddenly contorted; he finally sensed that something was terribly wrong. A certain part of his body was completely numb. It wasn’t pain, which was why he hadn’t noticed it at first. Instead, it was a complete lack of sensation, as if that part of him simply didn’t exist anymore.

"Quick! Summon the imperial physician!" Mo Jingli roared.

"Your Majesty... there’s... there’s a note here," the attendant stammered, picking up a slip of paper from a nearby table and presenting it to Mo Jingli. Mo Jingli snatched it. It was a very ordinary piece of paper, looking as if it had been casually torn from one of his everyday notebooks. Only a few lines were written on it: "Hearing Your Majesty speak of coveting my most precious treasure, I have been fraught with worry day and night. After long and hard reflection, I have decided to sever Your Majesty’s means of transgression to alleviate my concerns. I trust Your Majesty will take care."

Staring at the elegant and unrestrained calligraphy on the note, Mo Jingli’s eyes widened. He couldn’t stop himself from coughing up a mouthful of fresh blood before his eyes rolled back, and he fainted.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Quick... summon the imperial physician...!"