Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 175. Awakening

175. Awakening

Outside the courtyard where Mo Xiuyao was temporarily staying, Feng Zhiyao leaned against the wall, watching Xu Hong Yu emerge. An inquisitive and wary look filled Feng Zhiyao’s handsome eyes. The Prince’s current state indeed made him uneasy, but Xu Hong Yu’s arrival didn’t bring him or the Mo Family Army officers any joy either. It was true that the Xu Family was renowned for its unparalleled wisdom, but for many years, they, like the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, had been steadfastly loyal to Great Chu. If Xu Hong Yu was here to persuade the Prince on behalf of the Emperor, considering the Prince’s current condition and the Xu Family’s relationship with the Princess Consort, the Prince might well be swayed by him. The Mo Family Army officers... did not want to see such an outcome. For years, even back when Regent Prince Mo Liufang was alive, the imperial family had begun suppressing the Mo Family Army. The treatment the Mo Family Army and the Prince had endured over the years had infuriated all officers loyal to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Everyone was naturally saddened by the Princess Consort’s misfortune. However, the series of orders the Prince subsequently issued had vaguely given the soldiers of the Mo Family Army a glimmer of hope.

Xu Hong Yu stood still at the courtyard gate, turned his head to look at Feng Zhiyao standing in the corner by the wall, and said with a faint smile, "Is Third Young Master Feng waiting for me?"

Observing Xu Hong Yu, who showed no surprise, Feng Zhiyao’s eyes flickered. He arched an eyebrow and smiled, "Mr. Hongyu, you must be weary from your journey. Why not rest for a while before I seek your counsel?"

Xu Hong Yu laughed heartily and shook his head. "I’d like a cup of tea. I wonder if Third Young Master Feng would do me the honor?"

Third Feng smiled faintly, his gaze lowered. "In that case, I’ll impose on Mr. Hongyu."

The two relocated to the guest courtyard prepared for Xu Hong Yu. Xu Hong Yu personally brewed a pot of fine tea, pouring a cup for Feng Zhiyao and himself before saying with a faint smile, "I understand what worries you, Third Young Master Feng." Feng Zhiyao raised his sharp eyebrows, looking at Xu Hong Yu without a word. Xu Hong Yu smiled and shook his head, regarding Feng Zhiyao’s guarded posture as one would a disobedient junior. "The Xu Family..." he chuckled, "what they could do a hundred years ago, do you think, Third Young Master Feng, that no one would dare to do it again today?"

Hearing this, Feng Zhiyao was stunned. The astonishment on his face was impossible to conceal as he stared blankly at the refined middle-aged man before him. A generation’s great scholar, who should be well-read, gentle, and refined, now revealed a sharp edge in his brow. He suddenly recalled that a century ago, the Xu Family’s Head had personally slain the last emperor of the preceding dynasty, opening the city gates to allow the Great Ancestor Emperor to lead his forces in. Although that Xu Family Head had then taken his own life with his sword, following the last emperor in death, this act had profoundly shown the world that the Xu Family was not simply composed of scholars known for foolish loyalty, weakness, or lofty principles. They also possessed a decisiveness and ruthlessness that even military generals lacked. Likewise, the Xu Family Head hadn’t assassinated the monarch and opened the city out of loyalty to Great Chu. Instead, it was for the sake of the war-ravaged common folk and to preserve a flicker of life for the Xu Clan, which had been nearly wiped out. Consequently, Xu Yanli, the sole surviving young son of the Xu Family, ascended to the position of Prime Minister at the tender age of nineteen and became a famous prime minister renowned in history. And the Xu Family, with the blood of their Family Head and over seventy relatives, had earned the world’s respect, secured Xu Yanli’s life, and ensured the Xu Clan’s prosperity for the next one or two centuries.

If no one deliberately brought it up, in the eyes of almost everyone, the Xu Family represented a scholarly family, brilliance, and the moral integrity of intellectuals. Only now did Feng Zhiyao fully realize that the Xu Family also stood for blood and slaughter, decisiveness, and unparalleled wisdom and strategy. For a family to flourish through two dynasties, especially during a dynastic change, the wisdom, decisiveness, and ruthlessness required of its Family Head were far beyond what an ordinary scholar, with mere compassion for the world, could possess. The Xu Family disliked bloodshed, but that certainly didn’t mean they feared it.

Xu Hong Yu sipped his tea leisurely, silently observing the shifting expressions on the young man’s face. No family that has endured for centuries is truly benevolent. Even if they appear so, or strive to be, it’s never the whole truth. The Xu Family simply saw things too clearly, which is why people found them hard to understand. Just as they, as scholars, could die on the battlefield for the empire of the previous dynasty. Just as they could retreat to Yunzhou and ignore court affairs under the imperial family’s potential suppression. Just as... they could personally behead their monarch to thoroughly end a moribund dynasty, or sacrifice nearly all their kinsmen for the family’s continuation.

"Mr. Xu..." Feng Zhiyao sipped his tea, feeling a bit uneasy. He had always considered himself intelligent enough, but sitting before this elegant scholar, he found himself at a loss for words. Or rather, he didn’t understand why Xu Hong Yu was telling him all this. Xu Hong Yu looked at him and smiled gently. "I only hope my words can reassure the Mo Family Army. The Xu Family... is not an enemy of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion." Feng Zhiyao’s head snapped up, uncertain if Xu Hong Yu meant what he thought he did. Xu Hong Yu continued, "But... Third Young Master Feng... are you truly prepared?"

Prepared? Feng Zhiyao was bewildered. Prepared for what? The world in turmoil, vying for supremacy... A glimmer of understanding pierced through Feng Zhiyao’s confusion, and his heart began to pound. Xu Hong Yu’s words seemed to have torn through the hazy curtain that had veiled his mind.

Vying for supremacy... Countless hearts in the Mo Family Army harbored the hope that the Prince would lead them forward. Anyone familiar with the Mo Family Army knew they were once the most formidable force among nations, with the initial ambition to unify the lands. However, due to the constant fear and suppression by successive emperors, Great Chu’s grand vision of unification was never realized. Over time, the Mo Family Army’s once lofty ambitions seemed to have gradually faded. But now... were they truly ready to contend for the world? The Prince, having just lost his Princess Consort, had indeed plunged the world into chaos in an instant. Yet, this seemed more an act of stirring turmoil, retaliating against those the Prince detested and hated, coupled with the mentality of an onlooker enjoying a spectacle. It appeared the Prince hadn’t given any thought to the Mo Family Army’s future. While they might achieve temporary victories relying on the Mo Family Army’s valor, such a situation was clearly unsustainable. Moreover, the Prince’s health was an unstable factor, a constant threat to the Mo Family Army. The excitement, resentment, and hostility Feng Zhiyao previously felt towards Xu Hong Yu vanished instantly, replaced by a surge of anxiety. He respectfully faced Xu Hong Yu and said, "Please guide me, Mr. Xu. Since you’ve traveled all the way to Ruyang, you surely wouldn’t just stand by and watch the Prince continue like this..."

Before Feng Zhiyao could finish, Xu Hong Yu, seated opposite him, evidently understood his unspoken words. He smiled faintly. "The Prince is just temporarily unable to see clearly. Just wait and see, Third Young Master Feng."

Feng Zhiyao gave a bitter smile. "The Prince has been like this for months. It’s my fault for being muddle-headed and not realizing it sooner... Thank you for your guidance, Mr. Xu."

Xu Hong Yu smiled faintly, his gaze distant as he looked at the first star appearing in the darkening sky. "The Mo Family Army has its own agenda, and the Xu Family has ours. As for the one in the Capital of Great Chu..." Xu Hong Yu shook his head, saying no more. The Xu Family has never consisted of foolishly loyal individuals. Not only for the sake of the common people and Li’er, but even for the continuation of the Xu Family’s centuries-old legacy, the Xu Family would never support Mo Jingqi.

Mo Xiuyao remained alone in his room for two days, seeing no one. On the third day, he summoned Xu Hong Yu for a private discussion. Apart from the two individuals involved, no one knew what they discussed.

「Three days later」

Xu Hong Yu secretly departed for Yunzhou.

The day after Xu Hong Yu’s departure, Mo Xiuyao finally emerged from his room. Seeing the man walk out leisurely, Feng Zhiyao secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Mo Xiuyao still looked as pale and haggard as before, perhaps even more so. His eyes still held a cold, ruthless glint, but they lacked the terrifying danger that had previously made hearts tremble. The Prince has finally, truly calmed down, Feng Zhiyao knew. The now-calm Mo Xiuyao resumed handling the affairs that had been delegated to his subordinates over the past few months, issuing various administrative orders and troop deployment directives in an organized manner. In a world rife with the smoke of war, the once lifeless Northwest region gradually began to regain its vitality.

"This subordinate, Qin Feng, pays his respects to the Prince!" Qin Feng declared, standing before Mo Xiuyao. A faint scar now marked the young man’s face, and his entire demeanor had undergone a dramatic transformation in recent months. If the Qin Feng of before was a sheathed sword, he was now a sharpened blade, ever ready for combat. Over these past few months, Qin Feng and his Qilin had left their mark on every border post in the Northwest. Initially, following the Princess Consort’s orders, he intercepted Xiling’s three-hundred-thousand-strong army and burned their provisions. But after news of the Princess Consort’s fall from the cliff arrived, Qin Feng and the Qilin began to fight independently, launching frenzied retaliations against Xiling’s border garrisons. In just three months, Xiling’s border forces had changed their Chief General three times, and their encampments had been set ablaze twice. Even the imperial palace in Xiling’s capital and the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, though a thousand li distant, did not escape unscathed. While the material losses were not significant, these actions left the Xiling Emperor and the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion utterly disgraced and in turmoil. Simultaneously, the high-intensity, varied battles had forged all Qilin members into true, battle-hardened elite warriors. Now, on the Xiling border, the name ’Qilin’ inspired even more terror than the Mo Family Army or the Black Cloud Cavalry.

Mo Xiuyao examined Qin Feng for a moment before saying, "This Prince is aware of your achievements these past days. Any casualties or injuries?"

After a moment of silence, Qin Feng replied, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. Three brothers were killed in action, and five were seriously injured."

Mo Xiuyao asked, "Do you know why this Prince summoned you back?"

"This subordinate does not know." Qin Feng’s tone was somewhat stiff. They had all been planning to go to the Xiling Imperial City to avenge the Princess Consort, but the Prince had sent men to order his immediate return to Ruyang. This reluctance was not his alone; all his brothers felt it. Almost all of them had been personally taught by the Princess Consort. If they couldn’t avenge her death at the hands of the Southern Garrison Prince, how could they ever face her?

Mo Xiuyao took a scroll that was pressed down beside him and placed it on the table. "Lei Zhenting is not so easily killed. Besides, even if you want to kill him, how many lives are you prepared to sacrifice?"

Qin Feng declared loudly, "Even if all of Qilin perishes, we must avenge the Princess Consort!"

Mo Xiuyao tapped the scroll. "Take this back and look at it. Come see this Prince again when you’ve thought it through."

Qin Feng reached out and took the scroll. Lowering his head, he saw the familiar handwriting, and even this battle-hardened man couldn’t stop his eyes from welling up. He looked up. "Your Highness, the Princess Consort showed this to me. She originally planned to begin implementing it once the conflict in the Northwest had subsided..."

Mo Xiuyao looked at him. "So, can you do it?"

After a moment of silence, Qin Feng nodded firmly. "I can! I will definitely not disappoint the high hopes of the Prince and the Princess Consort."

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Very good. This is all entrusted to you. This Prince gives you one year. I want the name of Qilin to resound throughout the lands!"

"This subordinate accepts the order!"

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand. "Go. If you need anything, find Third Feng or Zhuo Jing."

"Yes, this subordinate takes his leave."

"Oh, one more thing." Just as Qin Feng turned to leave, Mo Xiuyao’s voice came from behind. "Go find Mo Hua. He has someone there who will be handed over to you. Mo Hua knows what to do."

Qin Feng nodded silently. Since returning, he had already met Zhuo Jing and Lin Han, so he naturally knew who Mo Xiuyao was referring to. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. He didn’t know whether to feel pleased that the woman was still alive or to scorn Mo Hua for failing to even dispose of a woman.

"Young Master Han." As Qin Feng stepped out, he saw Han Mingyue approaching quickly. Qin Feng frowned slightly and nodded in greeting. Because of Ye Li, almost everyone close to her disliked Han Mingyue, even though Ye Li herself had seemed to maintain a peaceful relationship with him. Seeing the significant change in Qin Feng, a hint of concern flashed in Han Mingyue’s eyes. He nodded back and asked, "Is the Prince in?"

Qin Feng nodded. "I have matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave."

Watching his rapidly retreating figure, Han Mingyue couldn’t help but give a bitter smile. Over the past few months, he hadn’t been well-received in Ruyang City. Although Mo Xiuyao hadn’t driven him away, those under him clearly showed their disapproval. If not for Han Mingxi’s sake, Zhuo Jing and the others would likely have thrown him out. Han Mingyue never imagined he would one day have to rely on the consideration shown to his younger brother, whom he had practically raised, just to have a place to stay. But... he couldn’t leave. He didn’t know what Mo Xiuyao was thinking. He clearly despised Su Zuidie to the extreme, yet he hadn’t killed her. Han Mingyue could see that although Su Zuidie was being tormented, Mo Xiuyao hadn’t ordered her death. He even permitted Han Mingyue to visit her every few days. It was precisely this that made it impossible for him to bring himself to leave. Sometimes, he even thought it might be better if Mo Xiuyao had simply ordered Su Zuidie killed.

"Xiuyao..." Entering the study, Han Mingyue saw Mo Xiuyao sitting behind the desk, lost in thought. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Snapping out of his reverie, Mo Xiuyao looked at him calmly. "What is it?"

"What exactly do you intend to do with Zuidie?" Han Mingyue couldn’t help asking. He had heard from Mo Hua that Zuidie would be handed over to Qin Feng today. He didn’t know what Qin Feng might do, but he had a gut feeling Zuidie’s situation would become even worse.

Mo Xiuyao offered a faint smile, looked up at him, and asked, "Does Su Zuidie believe this Prince still harbors lingering affections for her?"

Han Mingyue remained silent. Indeed, over the past few months, Zuidie hadn’t suffered excessively, at least not compared to Mo Xiuyao’s ruthless display at the cliff’s edge. It was a vast difference. Mo Xiuyao had even arranged for her injured hand to be healed. Because of this, Su Zuidie had gradually come to believe that Mo Xiuyao truly couldn’t bear to part with her. The reason she was still imprisoned and made to suffer was merely because his anger hadn’t subsided, and perhaps, to make a point to others. But Han Mingyue knew this was all Su Zuidie’s wishful thinking. From the moment Su Zuidie turned away from him all those years ago, she had forever lost the power to sway Mo Xiuyao—or perhaps she never possessed it. And now, the sheer viciousness in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes whenever Su Zuidie was mentioned was startling.

"Rest assured, she will not die. At least... not before October of this year."

Han Mingyue was taken aback. "You... you plan to use her..."

"Exactly as you suspect. If there’s still no news of Ah-Li by October of this year, this Prince intends to use her blood for a ritual sacrifice—right on the mountain where Ah-Li fell. Next year... it will be Lei Zhenting’s turn. What do you think of this plan? One person each year, all those who harmed this Prince’s Ah-Li and our child, until Ah-Li returns..." Or until this whole world is dyed red.

"But..." Han Mingyue said with difficulty. Princess Consort Ding is already dead.