Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 174. Visitors to the Xu Family
174. Visitors from the Xu Family
In the tenth month of the twelfth year of Emperor Jing’s reign in Great Chu, following Princess Consort Ding’s significant victory over the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling and her subsequent disappearance, the Mo Family Army, which had been fighting against Xiling, Nanzhao, and Prince Li in various parts of Great Chu, quietly withdrew at the end of the month. They left behind stunned local garrison forces and the leaders of the tripartite coalition, who hesitated, wondering if it was a trap or if the Mo Family Army had truly retreated. Only when it was confirmed that the Mo Family Army had completely withdrawn from the battlefield did the ecstatic tripartite coalition forces no longer hesitate, flocking towards the fertile lands of Great Chu. Even Xiling, though defeated in the Northwest, reinforced its troops in East Chu. This time, however, they judiciously avoided the Northwest, which was entirely controlled by hundreds of thousands of Mo Family Army soldiers, instead taking a southern route through the pass before heading north. Simultaneously, the Beirong army on the northern border also began to stir. If not for the approaching winter, which was unsuitable for warfare, and their desire to observe the Mo Family Army’s stance, war might have erupted in the North before the smoke of battle had even settled in the South.
In response, the Emperor was naturally furious. A decree was issued that very day, proclaiming to all under heaven: Mo Xiuyao, the Commendary Prince of Ding, harbors grievances and refuses to repent. He has rashly withdrawn his troops, showing disregard for the lands of Great Chu. His noble rank is henceforth revoked, his military power suspended, and he is to be detained and brought back to the Capital City for further disposition. Faced with this decree, Mo Xiuyao merely gave an indifferent smile before crumpling it up and tossing it into some obscure corner. The one hundred thousand elite troops of the Mo Family Army obeyed the Prince’s command, descending upon all cities within Feihong Pass with lightning speed. Naturally, the Great Chu troops stationed in these cities did not dare to hand them over without a fight and rose up in resistance. The war in Great Chu’s Northwest had moved from outside the pass to within its borders, and this time, the Mo Family Army was fighting against Great Chu’s own soldiers. Mo Jingqi issued several proclamations accusing Mo Xiuyao of deceiving the Emperor, treason, and rebellion, among other charges. Yet, the man at the center of this storm stood on the edge of a cliff in the Tingyun Mountain Range, gazing distantly at the vast, empty wilderness. That direction was where the war raged, where a bloody storm ensued. Yet, there was not a hint of sympathy or pity in his calm eyes.
"Your Highness."
Xu Qingze and Feng Zhiyao emerged from the forest, paying their respects to the man lost in thought on the cliff’s edge. Mo Xiuyao turned. A slight flicker, perhaps surprise, crossed his eyes when he saw Xu Qingze. "Qingze... is there any news of Ah-Li?"
A shadow of dejection touched Xu Qingze’s stern, handsome face as he replied softly, "Not yet..."
Mo Xiuyao nodded, saying only, "Keep looking. Thank you for your hard work."
A full month had passed since Ye Li fell from the cliff, yet no one was willing to give up the search. After Mo Xiuyao punished the individuals initially responsible for leading the search parties, Xu Qingze had voluntarily taken on this duty, setting aside his other responsibilities. They all knew Xu Qingze would not be negligent in the search for Ye Li. It was simply that... until there was definitive news, none of them were willing to accept the unbearable truth.
"Your Highness," Feng Zhiyao said in a low voice, "these days, Mo Jingqi has issued several decrees slandering your reputation. Shouldn’t we do something?"
Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "Seize Feihong Pass before the year is out. Do nothing else."
"But..." Feng Zhiyao disagreed. "If we do this, public perception of not just you but also Prince Ding’s Mansion will be greatly affected. According to news just received from the secret guards, it seems many people in the Capital City and other places have been deceived by Mo Jingqi’s decrees and now hold prejudiced views against you and the Mo Family Army."
Mo Xiuyao gave a cold laugh. "So what? The views of the common people... are merely tools manipulated by those in power. Mo Jingqi has always believed that the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and the Mo Family Army obstruct his ambition to become a great ruler. Now, I will give him his chance. Let him shed the ’hindrance’ of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and the Mo Family Army. Let’s see what he’s capable of, how he’ll turn the tide and achieve his grand ambitions!"
Feng Zhiyao frowned slightly. "Your Highness, what about us..."
Mo Xiuyao’s lips curved into a faint smile. "The Mo Family Army... will halt at Feihong Pass for now. Next spring... we will march west. Third Feng, I want this world... to descend into utter chaos. They enjoy fighting, don’t they? Then let no one remain idle!"
Feng Zhiyao trembled inwardly, suddenly recalling the indifferent and ruthless words spoken by the white-haired man before him that early morning. He’s truly determined to plunge this world into the flames of war, with the mountains and rivers as a sacrifice... The departure of that gentle woman has left an indelible scar on the Prince’s heart.
From the winter of Emperor Jing’s twelfth year, the Mo Family Army occupied Feihong Pass, expelling all Great Chu garrisons from within its borders and showing no mercy to resisters. In the spring of Emperor Jing’s thirteenth year, Beirong cavalry also began to stir at Great Chu’s border. Yet Mo Xiuyao, already in Ruyang City, showed no reaction. Instead, he issued another command, ordering Lv Jinxian and Zhang Qilan as left and right generals, each leading 200,000 troops to attack the Xiling border. This news seemed to be a signal to all forces. In early February, 300,000 Beirong cavalry officially sounded the alarm at Great Chu’s border. Nanzhao also reinforced its troops by 200,000, pressing Great Chu, and the Xiling Kingdom itself was thrown into turmoil by the Mo Family Army’s decision. However, Xiling was, after all, a powerful nation nearly on par with Great Chu. The Southern Garrison Prince immediately ordered another 500,000 troops to the border. Lei Tengfeng, the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince, who was already leading troops within Great Chu, showed no intention of withdrawing, clearly unwilling to relinquish the interests already gained there. It seemed that in a short span, the world had truly descended into chaos.
Those living through it found it hard to see clearly. Only many years later, after this period of history was consigned to the annals, did historians and scholars discover with surprise that every twist and turn seemed vaguely related to the man said to have only decided to send troops to Xiling. What became even clearer was that all these changes originated from the deaths of seven thousand Great Chu soldiers at the foot of Tingyun Mountain. On that same day, Princess Consort Ding—who had once led 200,000 Mo Family Army soldiers to annihilate the Xiling army and had planned the interception of 300,000 Xiling reinforcements—disappeared after falling from a cliff. Poets often composed verses on this theme, leaving behind their various speculations. Countless romantic legends circulated among the people. Some even listed Princess Consort Ding among the top ten femme fatales in history, making Ye Li, Princess Consort Ding, the only legendary woman to be simultaneously categorized as a female general, an extraordinary woman, a beauty, a virtuous empress, and a calamitous beauty. The war, lasting several years and sweeping across four nations, was named the Hongzhou Upheaval, as it began with the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling’s defeat at Hongzhou. Among the common folk, it was known by a more romantic name—the Chaos of the Stunning Beauty. As for the countless tales of tangled love and hatred that evolved from this period, they were even more numerous. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖
The combined threat of the three nations’ armies, along with Mo Jingli’s watchful eyes from Jiangnan, meant that Mo Jingqi, despite his fury and resentment towards Mo Xiuyao, no longer had any strength to spare for him. Often, in the dead of night, Mo Jingqi found himself regretting his impulsiveness, which had led to this dire situation. I understand more clearly now, he would think, I’ve completely pushed the Mo Family Army and Mo Xiuyao to their limits. From now on, the Mo Family Army will no longer be Great Chu’s strongest bulwark and protector; instead, they will be its most dangerous enemy. And I can’t even deal with Mo Xiuyao now, I can barely save myself! I knew all along that ceding a city here or there wouldn’t satisfy the neighboring countries. I used to believe that without the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, I could make Great Chu powerful in a short time and then conquer all directions. But now that the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has truly withdrawn, I see... other countries won’t give me that chance to grow strong.
"Send my decree to Mo Jingli. Tell him I agree to his plan of dividing the territory along the river. And... make him recognize who the real enemy is!"
"This servant obeys."
「Ruyang City.」
Feng Zhiyao looked at the man before him, whose expression was one of detached leisure, and a hint of worry quietly surfaced in his eyes. Four months had passed. Mo Xiuyao seemed to have slowly recovered from Princess Consort Ding’s disappearance. At least he had stopped staring blankly, as he often did in the first two months. Yet, at the same time, his increasingly indifferent demeanor filled Feng Zhiyao with a growing unease. It seems to be common knowledge now that the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and Great Chu have fallen out, Feng Zhiyao thought. No... in the eyes of the world, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has betrayed Great Chu. But I can’t discern any of Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts or his plans for the future. He’s like a detached spectator, sitting here in Ruyang City, idly watching the world descend into chaos. When Xiling showed its strength, he sent troops to attack Xiling. When Beirong worried about the Mo Family Army interfering in its war with Great Chu, he withdrew all Mo Family Army forces back to Feihong Pass. Even the recent news that Mo Jingqi wants to ally with Mo Jingli doesn’t seem to move him at all.
After reading the letter in his hand, Mo Xiuyao merely smiled faintly and said, "Mo Jingqi is too weak. Having one more person to play with him isn’t a bad thing. Lest, when the time comes... he can’t continue the game."
"Prince, someone from Yunzhou has arrived," Feng Zhiyao reported in a low voice.
Mo Xiuyao was slightly taken aback and sat up, frowning. "What’s happened to the Xu Family and Mr. Qingyun?"
Feng Zhiyao shook his head. "No. Although some in the Capital of Great Chu did mention your relationship with the Xu Family, many officials persuaded them against pursuing it. Besides, given the reputation of Mr. Qingyun and the Xu Family, Mo Jingqi wouldn’t dare touch them right now."
Mo Xiuyao felt a sliver of relief.
Feng Zhiyao knitted his brows. "Prince, if you’re worried about the Xu Family’s safety, why not bring them to Ruyang?"
Mo Xiuyao shook his head, remaining silent.
After a long pause, Feng Zhiyao pressed, "Prince, you’ve never really planned for the future, have you? Is that why you’re reluctant to bring the Xu Family to Ruyang? Are you afraid that one day you might..."
"Third Feng..." Mo Xiuyao called out, his gaze fixed on him.
Feng Zhiyao waved his sleeve. "Forget it! It’s your decision. Anyway, the lives of hundreds of thousands of Mo Family Army brothers and their families are in your hands!" With that, he turned and left.
Watching his retreating figure, Mo Xiuyao’s sword-like brows furrowed deeply. He muttered to himself, Hundreds of thousands from the Mo Family Army... how wearying... Third Feng, for how many more years can I carry their burdens... Father, Elder Brother, you must have been very weary too...
Not long after, someone walked in. Seeing Mo Xiuyao sitting there, lost in thought and silent, the visitor simply stood at the door, watching him. Mo Xiuyao frowned, lifted his head, and was startled by the sight of the newcomer. After a moment, he finally said in a deep voice, "Mr. Xu, why are you here?"
The visitor removed his felt cap and smiled faintly. "Is the Prince not welcoming me?"
Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Please sit down, Mr. Xu. What brings you here?"
Xu Hongyu scrutinized him for a moment before saying, "On my way to Ruyang, I imagined that when I saw you, Prince, you would either be bedridden or drowning your sorrows in alcohol."
Mo Xiuyao looked somewhat surprised. "Why would you say that, Mr. Xu?"
Xu Hongyu smiled faintly. "The Mo Family Army now controls nineteen cities in five prefectures, including the Northwest. Although this is merely one-tenth of Great Chu’s territory, it’s no smaller than Nanzhao. But what did I see along the way? The people’s livelihoods are in decline; commoners are barely surviving. If not for the areas under Mo Family Army control being the most stable at present, how many people do you think would still remain in these lands?"
Mo Xiuyao remained silent.
Without waiting for his response, Xu Hongyu continued, "Before I came, my father told me that with your talents, Prince—in both civil and martial affairs—you could stabilize the country and bring peace to the state, no less capable than the Regent Prince Mo Liufang, or even the first Prince Ding, Mo Lanyun."
Mo Xiuyao smiled wryly. "Thank you for the high praise from Mr. Qingyun, but I fear I am unworthy of such commendation. A man who cannot even protect his wife and child... how could he stabilize a country?"
Xu Hongyu was taken aback, a melancholic look clouding his features as he recalled his intelligent and gentle niece. Ye Li... she was the only daughter of the Xu Family in this generation. I truly cherished and nurtured this niece, who was more intelligent and decisive than many men, as if she were my own daughter. Not just because of my younger sister who died young, but because Ye Li herself was worthy. And yet... this brilliant girl, after achieving a victory even most men could not, met such a terrible fate. She was even younger than her mother when she passed. Is it true that heaven is jealous of beautiful women?
Looking at Mo Xiuyao, who appeared outwardly calm but whose eyes held a hint of cold cruelty and boundless hatred, Xu Hongyu suddenly laughed. He stared at Mo Xiuyao and said, "Prince, are all your current actions for Li’er? Such a devoted man! I’m sure Li’er would be greatly comforted if she knew in the afterlife!"
"Mr. Xu!" Mo Xiuyao warned in a deep voice, his gaze fixed intently on the middle-aged man before him. Even after all this time, I still can’t accept anyone mentioning Ah-Li’s life or death in my presence, especially not her own uncle.
Xu Hongyu looked at him fearlessly, snorting lightly. "My thanks to you, Prince, for your deep love and commitment. I must express my gratitude on Li’er’s behalf. However... Li’er, while pregnant with your child, laid out such a grand strategy in the Northwest for you. Was it all so you could hide here in Ruyang City, watch the world fall into chaos, and see the people suffer?"
Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze. After a long pause, a cold smirk touched his lips. "And what if it is? They all want this realm, don’t they? Then let them fight and struggle for it. Didn’t Mo Jingqi find the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and the Mo Family Army to be an eyesore? Now that the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion is gone, isn’t this exactly what he wanted? I’m waiting for him to lead his million-strong army to quell this ’rebellion.’ From then on... Great Chu will have another peerless monarch, and future emperors will no longer have to worry about the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and the Mo Family Army being a thorn in their side. Many in this world want me dead. I’ll just sit here in Ruyang City and wait for them to come!"
Xu Hongyu sighed softly. Looking at the man before him, who radiated a murderous aura, he asked, "Does the Prince have no desire to live? What have the common people of this world done to deserve this? And what wrong have those who faithfully served the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion for generations committed?"
"Heh..." Mo Xiuyao lowered his head and chuckled softly. "Mr. Xu, I’m afraid it’s too late for such words. Now that this war has begun, it won’t end easily without a clear victor and vanquished, without life and death being decided. I hear that Mr. Hongyu is a master of astromancy. Couldn’t you foresee it? The world in chaos, the people struggling to survive—this is already a foregone conclusion."
Xu Hongyu retorted, "So, the Prince is also proficient in astromancy?"
Mo Xiuyao shook his head, his gaze clear and firm. "I don’t understand astromancy. What I want is this chaotic world. No one can change it!"
It’s not that the world becomes chaotic due to celestial signs; rather, the celestial signs manifest because of my design. In this chaotic game I’ve set, everyone involved is fated to be unable to escape. So, let them all remain and accompany Ah-Li and our child to the grave!
Faced with this side of Mo Xiuyao, even I don’t know how to persuade him, Xu Hongyu thought, his gaze gradually softening with a touch of warmth as he looked at the Prince. At least, this man truly loved Li’er; her devotion to him was not in vain. Seeing the relentless pain hidden beneath Mo Xiuyao’s calm exterior, Xu Hongyu found himself unable to utter words of persuasion. Reason is, after all, just reason. Even I, known as a great scholar, never intended to live my life strictly by its dictates. This man needs war, needs the lives of his enemies, to alleviate the pain of losing his wife and unborn child. Just as my first reaction upon hearing about Li’er was to want to kill that fool Mo Jingqi, rather than passively accept the principle that a subject must die if his sovereign commands it. But... whether for the Mo Family Army, the Xu Family, for Li’er, or for the common people, I cannot simply watch this man drag the world into a sea of blood. At least, the innocent commoners and we ourselves cannot allow it.
After a long look at Mo Xiuyao, Xu Hongyu turned and walked out. Just as Mo Xiuyao thought he had left, Xu Hongyu returned. He placed a thick stack of dossiers on the table beside Mo Xiuyao. Zhuo Jing and the others following him, each also carrying a pile of dossiers, silently placed them before the Prince and then retreated.
Since Ye Li’s disappearance, Zhuo Jing, Wei Lin, and Lin Han (who had returned later) had tirelessly searched along the great river day and night. Eventually, despairing, the three had begun to move like phantoms, appearing and disappearing unpredictably. Both Mo Xiuyao and Feng Zhiyao knew they had not given up and still frequently went out to search.
Xu Hongyu tapped lightly on the dossiers on the table. "These were all left by Li’er. You should take a look. Tell me your decision after you’ve read them. I’m afraid I’ll have to impose on you, Prince, for a few days."
Mo Xiuyao stared, taken aback. He looked at the title on the topmost dossier: "A Plan for the Feasibility of Future Commerce in the Northwest." Just like the novel and seemingly profound phrases Ah-Li often came up with. This title alone gives a clear idea of its contents. And that small line of characters at the bottom... Ah-Li always had the habit of dating her dossiers and petitions—the second day of the tenth month, twelfth year of Emperor Jing...
Mo Xiuyao’s gaze flickered. Ah-Li wrote these while she was defending Hongzhou...
Seeing Mo Xiuyao lost in thought over the dossiers, Xu Hongyu gestured to Zhuo Jing and the others, leading them out of the room. Soon, only the occasional rustle of turning pages broke the silence of the empty room.
