Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 178: People from beyond the Mountain
178. The Outsiders
In early April, Prince Li and Nanzhao, who were at war with Great Chu in the south, both retreated, hinting at a slight easing of the intense war. With Prince Li and Nanzhao ceasing hostilities, the southern front of Great Chu was left with only Lei Tengfeng of Xiling leading hundreds of thousands of troops. Despite Xiling’s powerful military, the vast distance from their homeland and the formidable Mo Family Army standing in the way forced Lei Tengfeng to gradually slow his advance. In the north, Beirong had engaged in several skirmishes, but with no clear victor, a stalemate was reached.
This development deeply concerned Feng Zhiyao and others in Ruyang City. Once Great Chu made peace with the other states, it was entirely possible they might form an alliance to deal with them. Mo Xiuyao, however, merely smiled and said nothing.
"Your Highness, Mo Jingqi must have reached an agreement with Mo Jingli," Feng Zhiyao said worriedly in the study. "If Xiling and Beirong also cease hostilities, Mo Jingqi will likely turn against us."
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Third Feng, the Mo Family Army has always been a major concern for the powerful figures of every state, and that remains true even now. Therefore, I wouldn’t be surprised in the slightest if they all joined forces to oppose me."
Feng Zhiyao frowned. "Your Highness, do you already have a countermeasure in mind?"
Mo Xiuyao gently stroked the scroll in his hand, his gaze lowered. "A countermeasure... Third Feng, what the Mo Family Army needs now is not a countermeasure, but a victory."
Gazing at the imposing sovereign before him, Feng Zhiyao asked doubtfully, "A victory?"
A cold smirk touched Mo Xiuyao’s lips as he nodded. "Correct. After all these years, the Mo Family Army’s reputation for invincibility has gathered dust. What I want is for Mo Jingqi to make the first move. We’ll use him for practice. It’s time to show the world that the Mo Family Army... is still the Mo Family Army."
Feng Zhiyao looked somewhat hesitant, rubbing his brow. "But if all four states attack us simultaneously, Your Highness... even though the Mo Family Army is brave, they cannot withstand a never-ending stream of enemy forces."
Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes, studying Feng Zhiyao for a long moment before letting out a soft chuckle. Seeing Feng Zhiyao’s bewildered expression, Mo Xiuyao laughed. "Third Feng, you fancy yourself clever, yet you’re utterly clueless when it comes to matters of state. Do you truly believe all four states would attack us simultaneously?"
Feng Zhiyao frowned, deep in thought.
Mo Xiuyao idly rubbed his fingertips. "In this world," he said lightly, "there are no permanent enemies, nor are there permanent friends. The only thing eternal is self-interest. Who stands to benefit most if the Mo Family Army is gone? The Mo Family Army currently numbers over five hundred thousand. To truly destroy me, would an investment of five hundred thousand troops from their side be enough? Who would contribute more, and who less? And what about their own problems? Nanzhao has internal tribal disputes, Xiling is troubled by neighboring smaller states, and Beirong has suffered years of drought and poor harvests. Then there’s Great Chu... Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli. Do you truly think they would unite with sincere and wholehearted cooperation?"
Hearing Mo Xiuyao’s analysis, Feng Zhiyao felt suddenly enlightened. He smiled sheepishly. "It seems I was overthinking. Your Highness must have had this all figured out. So... we just need to keep the Mo Family Army on high alert, ready for the enemy when they come knocking. However... this subordinate believes it would be best to avoid confronting Mo Jingqi’s men initially."
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. Feng Zhiyao explained, "Mo Jingqi has been spreading vile slander against Your Highness. If we confront him directly from the start, I’m afraid it will only confirm the accusations that Your Highness is plotting a rebellion."
Mo Xiuyao snorted softly, clearly unconcerned, and asked instead, "What has been the reaction from the officers and men of the Mo Family Army?"
"The Mo Family Army has been severely suppressed by Mo Jingqi these past years," Feng Zhiyao replied, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "They are well aware of the current situation and will naturally obey Your Highness’s commands." He truly didn’t understand why His Highness seemed completely unconcerned about refuting the slander Mo Jingqi was spreading about him. Even he clearly understood the importance of popular support, yet His Highness seemed to pay it no mind.
As if perceiving Feng Zhiyao’s thoughts, Mo Xiuyao said coolly, "No matter how we argue, it’s a fact that the Mo Family Army is gradually distancing itself from Great Chu. No amount of words will change that; in many people’s eyes, it will only look like we’re trying to hide something. If Mo Jingqi enjoys playing games, I will play along. He was spoiled by the late Emperor and the Empress Dowager. ’He who wins the hearts of the people rules the world’... Does he truly believe winning the people’s hearts is so easy? Never mind Mo Jingqi; let him scheme as he pleases. Send word to Han Mingxi to return and see me. Also, tell Leng Haoyu to come back as soon as possible. I have orders for them."
Feng Zhiyao nodded. When Leng Haoyu was mentioned, he hesitated for a moment before asking, "Your Highness, regarding General Murong... do you think it’s time...?" Murong Shen was a renowned general of Great Chu and had once served under Mo Liufang. Currently, Murong Shen’s only daughter was the wife of Leng Haoyu, one of Mo Xiuyao’s most trusted confidants. Therefore, it seemed only natural to try and win Murong Shen over.
"Not for now," Mo Xiuyao waved his hand. "General Murong will undoubtedly be the first person Mo Jingqi suspects. He is certainly surrounded by spies right now. Just have someone keep an eye on things. As long as Mo Jingqi doesn’t move against General Murong, there’s no need to alert him yet. The South... also needs a reliable general to defend it. Although I find Mo Jingqi an eyesore, I don’t want those southern barbarians setting foot inside the pass!"
Hearing this, Feng Zhiyao understood. It was clear Mo Xiuyao already had a plan regarding Murong Shen; he just needed Murong Shen to remain in the south for the time being. After a moment’s reflection, Feng Zhiyao also grasped Mo Xiuyao’s thinking. If asked which of the surrounding states he detested most, Feng Zhiyao would definitely choose Nanzhao. Unlike the martial prowess of Xiling and Beirong, Nanzhao’s tribes, though their customs varied, were fiercely xenophobic—the most among all states. Moreover, the thought of their bewildering array of poisonous insects and creatures gave Feng Zhiyao nightmares. He shuddered to imagine them turning the beautiful and fertile Central Plains into a place teeming with venomous snakes and insects.
"This subordinate understands. I will see to it at once."
Mo Xiuyao nodded, dismissing Feng Zhiyao. Feng Zhiyao cupped his hands in farewell. Seeing Mo Xiuyao, who had once again sunk into thought behind his desk, Feng Zhiyao’s lips moved as if he wanted to say something more. In the end, however, he swallowed his words and quietly exited the study.
Ye Li walked back, bathed in the sunset, carrying a basket of wild vegetables. Her delicate face, kissed by the setting sun, glowed with a healthy flush, and fine beads of sweat had formed on her forehead. Although her body had recovered, being over seven months pregnant made even a single trip up the mountain somewhat strenuous for her. Taking advantage of the fine weather, she had gone to the small river where Doctor Lin had found her.
However, this winding yet turbulent stream was clearly not the same one she had fallen into, nor even a tributary of it. The stream ended in a waterfall cascading from a high cliff, but Ye Li knew she couldn’t have fallen from the top of the waterfall. The waterfall was a full twenty meters high, and the river below was shallow. Even if the impact hadn’t killed her outright, the fall itself would have been fatal. Therefore, it was highly probable there was an underground river beneath the waterfall, and she might have been washed out from there. Unfortunately, given the torrent’s force, even if her guess was correct, it wasn’t a path she could take to return, especially not now, heavily pregnant as she was. Reluctantly, she abandoned the idea of investigating further. After gathering some edible wild vegetables and fruits, Ye Li strolled back to the small village where she had been living for several months.
Doctor Lin’s and Ye Li’s small cabins were located at the outermost edge of the village. By this time, cooking smoke was rising from every chimney, but the village paths were deserted. Only faint sounds of laughter drifted from the scattered cottages. From a distance, Ye Li noticed no cooking smoke rising from Doctor Lin’s chimney. That’s strange, she mused, arching an eyebrow. Didn’t Master say he wasn’t going out today?
As she slowly approached the two small wooden cabins, which stood close to each other, Ye Li’s elegant brows gradually furrowed. There are people in Doctor Lin’s cabin—and more than one. Normally, villagers wouldn’t visit at this hour. And... judging by the sounds, they seem like martial arts practitioners.
Setting down her basket, Ye Li carefully supported her belly and circled around to the back of Doctor Lin’s cabin. Near the study, there was a low window. Although Doctor Lin wasn’t particularly fond of reading those books, he cherished them greatly and often opened the window for ventilation. As she neared the open window, the voices from inside grew clearer. The men are indeed in the study. Ye Li quietly held her breath, crept to the window, and peered through a crack. Doctor Lin sat on an old chair, his face stern. Two men were in the study. One stood talking to Doctor Lin, while the other rummaged through the rows of bookshelves, scattering books haphazardly onto the floor.
"Elder Lin," the middle-aged man standing before Doctor Lin said with a calm smile, clearly not wanting to resort to force, "we don’t wish to harm you. Please hand over the item. It’s useless for you to keep it. Why not give it to us to save everyone trouble, and you can have your peace?"
Doctor Lin barely lifted an eyelid. "This old man doesn’t know what you’re talking about," he said faintly.
The middle-aged man didn’t get angry. He chuckled. "Doctor Lin, why play dumb? You should know that since we’ve found this place, you certainly won’t be able to fool us. You’ve lived here for thirty years, old man. Surely you wish to continue enjoying your twilight years in peace. That item is nothing but a pile of scrap paper to you, but it is extremely important to our master. Considering your past relationship with our master, why don’t you grant him this favor, old sir?"
Hearing this, Doctor Lin’s expression flickered, and his lips trembled slightly, clearly agitated. After a long moment, he snorted coldly. "This old man doesn’t understand any of this ’our master’ nonsense. I don’t know what you’re talking about."
The middle-aged man frowned, looking at Doctor Lin with displeasure. "Elder Lin, that item was originally an heirloom of our master’s family. It’s only right that we take it back now. If you insist on keeping it, that would be going too far."
Doctor Lin snorted again, closed his eyes, and said no more.
The other man had clearly searched the entire study thoroughly but found nothing. "It’s not here!" he said, frustrated.
The middle-aged man’s patience was wearing thin. His gaze towards Doctor Lin turned unfriendly. "Doctor Lin, our master instructed us to be polite to you, out of respect for the kindness you showed him in raising him. But... you’d best not refuse a toast only to be forced to drink a forfeit."
Doctor Lin opened his eyes, glanced at him, and said indifferently, "This old man hasn’t had a drink in over thirty years. You can leave. If he wants something, tell him to come and speak to this old man himself."
The man sneered. "Our master is occupied with countless important matters daily; how could he have time to waste on such a trivial thing? Doctor Lin, if you insist on being so stubborn, don’t blame me for being impolite." He gave a slight nod of his chin, signaling the man beside him.
The man stepped forward, seized Doctor Lin, and said with a cold smile, "Doctor Lin, my apologies. Our superiors have ordered that the item must be retrieved."
Doctor Lin closed his eyes again, refusing to speak.
A flash of impatience crossed the man’s face. "Forgive me," he said, then grabbed one of Doctor Lin’s arms, preparing to twist it behind his back. Doctor Lin was over sixty and not a martial artist. Such a move would, at the very least, break his arm.
CRACKLE... A faint, unusual sound came from outside the window.
The man’s movement halted. He exchanged a puzzled glance with the middle-aged man and barked, "Who’s there?"
The window rattled faintly, but no one was visible. The man frowned suspiciously, released Doctor Lin, and walked to the window. He glanced left and right before leaning out. Suddenly, a pair of cool, delicate hands shot out and clamped around his neck. He felt a cold sensation on his neck, then a sharp pain, and then nothing.
Watching his companion suddenly slump motionless against the windowsill, a flicker of fear crossed the middle-aged man’s face. This was supposed to be a relatively simple task. They hadn’t brought many men, never expecting to encounter a hidden master in this tiny village.
"Who is it?! Come out!" the middle-aged man shouted, his eyes darting warily towards the empty space outside the window. He glanced at Doctor Lin beside him, then pulled the old man in front of himself as a shield, cautiously backing towards the door while keeping his eyes fixed on the window.
SWISH... A grey figure flashed past the window. The middle-aged man’s eyes widened, but he only saw a dark glint shoot swiftly towards him. A sudden chill pierced his throat. The man looked down, stunned, at a crudely made wooden hairpin that had somehow embedded itself there. His body stiffened, and he fell backward.
