Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 294: The Benefits of Standing By and Watching

292. The Benefits of Standing By

After sending Mo Jingyu away, Mo Xiuyao seemed to be in a good mood. He wrapped Ye Li in his arms and let out a contented sigh, laughing, "Ah-Li, what do you think those old men are up to? They knew I wouldn’t agree, yet they still sent someone to persuade me."

Ye Li smiled softly against his chest and replied, "Why would they know you wouldn’t agree? I, on the other hand, think they believed there was a high chance you would agree." After all, Prince Ding’s Mansion’s loyalty to the Great Chu for over a hundred years was deeply ingrained in everyone’s minds. Despite Mo Xiuyao’s earlier declaration of severing ties with the Great Chu, following Mo Jingqi’s Edict of Confession, many veteran officials came to view it entirely as a misunderstanding. Now that the truth was out, they believed Prince Ding’s Mansion naturally remained the guardian of Great Chu.

But they overlooked something: Mo Jingqi could apologize to the world, but no one stipulated that Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Mo Family Army must accept and forgive. From this perspective, perhaps Mo Jingli saw things more clearly. At least, he would never beg Mo Xiuyao, either because he knew Mo Xiuyao would refuse or out of respect for his own dignity.

Mo Xiuyao hummed lightly and said with a faint smile, "So be it. Let them completely lose hope this time."

Ye Li looked up. "The envoy from Xiling?"

Mo Xiuyao nonchalantly replied, "Let him wait a little longer. He’s an acquaintance of ours."

"Lei Tengfeng?" Ye Li quickly deduced the visitor’s identity. The Southern Garrison Prince wouldn’t send just any underling to negotiate with Mo Xiuyao. Although the Southern Garrison Prince now controlled Xiling, Lei Zhenting and his son remained wary of the members of Xiling’s imperial family. Thus, the only trustworthy and competent person available was Lei Tengfeng. Ye Li asked curiously, "How do you plan to respond to Lei Tengfeng?"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise and smiled. "Why must I respond to him?"

Ye Li blinked. "Doesn’t Prince Ding want to know what terms the Southern Garrison Prince is offering?"

Mo Xiuyao wore a faint smile, a flash of cold light glinting in his eyes. "No matter what terms he proposes... Lei Zhenting will regret it."

After having half a cup of tea, they sat leaning against each other, chatting for a while before they had someone summon Lei Tengfeng.

Lei Tengfeng had arrived before Mo Jingyu. Although Mo Jingyu arrived just moments later, Mo Xiuyao chose to see Mo Jingyu first. This caused Lei Tengfeng to waver somewhat in his faith in the negotiations. What was worse was that, after Mo Jingyu left, Mo Xiuyao didn’t see him immediately but made him wait for about another hour. Such treatment further eroded his confidence, but the trials of these years were not in vain. Lei Tengfeng had never been impulsive. So, when Zhuo Jing summoned him on Mo Xiuyao’s orders, he was still sitting calmly drinking tea, his expression composed.

"Greetings to Prince Ding and the Princess Consort. Your splendor has grown even more remarkable since our parting in Xiling last year." Looking at the two seated side by side, Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help but sigh with emotion in his heart. These two... Prince Ding’s unwavering devotion to his Princess Consort over the years was enough to make anyone envious. Naturally, if one could have a wife as remarkable as Princess Consort Ding, anyone would be willing to be utterly devoted. Although Lei Tengfeng had countless concubines in his own residence, seeing these two, who always seemed to walk side-by-side, supporting each other, he couldn’t help but feel a touch of envy.

Ye Li smiled gently. "Heir of Southern Garrison Prince, please sit. You also seem equally distinguished since our parting last year. By the way, we haven’t yet congratulated you on your elevation to Commandery Prince. Should we now address you as Commandery Prince Rui?"

Lei Tengfeng was taken aback. His promotion to Commandery Prince had only taken place after Xiling sent its troops and was not widely publicized. He hadn’t expected Ye Li to already know. Princess Consort Ding’s intelligence network was indeed not to be underestimated. Despite being astonished, Lei Tengfeng’s face remained as composed as ever, and he chuckled, "The Princess Consort overstates it."

"So... may I ask why Commandery Prince Rui has traveled such a distance to be here?" Ye Li asked.

Lei Tengfeng glanced at the white-haired man sitting next to her, who was smiling at Ye Li but not speaking. Clearly, Mo Xiuyao had no intention of speaking and had apparently delegated full authority for this matter to the Princess Consort. Although everyone knew that Princess Consort Ding’s status in Prince Ding’s Mansion was arguably the highest among princess consorts of all past dynasties, Lei Tengfeng was still surprised that Mo Xiuyao would even delegate such an important matter to her. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

Meeting Ye Li’s calm and gentle gaze, Lei Tengfeng collected his thoughts and said seriously, "Prince Ding’s Mansion is well-informed. I presume Prince Ding and the Princess Consort are already aware of Xiling’s military campaign against Great Chu?"

Ye Li nodded, smiling without saying a word.

Lei Tengfeng sighed inwardly, remarking, "I am sure Prince Ding and the Princess Consort have a clear view of the current world situation; this junior wouldn’t dare presume to lecture you. At present, the north of Great Chu is troubled by the Northern Territory and Beirong, there is Xiling in the west, and even the east is occasionally plagued by sea raiders. Although Great Chu is vast and populous, it may not necessarily withstand a siege from three nations if it has soldiers but no generals. On my father’s orders, I have come to ask His Highness Prince Ding... what are your intentions regarding this war?"

Mo Xiuyao turned his head and gave him an indifferent glance, a glance that made Lei Tengfeng feel like a fool. Of course, he knew that Mo Xiuyao would not possibly divulge what the Mo Family Army planned to do, but facing these two, who were giving nothing away, he had to start the conversation somehow. Dealing with these two, being straightforward was undoubtedly the best approach.

Ye Li, as if not noticing Lei Tengfeng’s awkwardness, smiled and said, "What does the Southern Garrison Prince mean by this? Whether Prince Ding’s Mansion intervenes in this war or not... what difference would it make?"

Lei Tengfeng responded, "Prince Ding’s Mansion’s ties with Great Chu have already been severed. My father trusts that Prince Ding is a man of his word. If the Mo Family Army is willing to join the three nations to divide Great Chu, that would be perfect. Everyone can take what they can. If Prince Ding’s Mansion stays out of it, after Great Chu is taken down, Xiling would be willing to offer two provinces near the Northwest."

"That’s very generous of the Southern Garrison Prince," Ye Li praised with a slight smile. "Currently, the Northwest consists of no more than four provinces and thirteen cities. The Southern Garrison Prince has promised the equivalent of half the current area of the Northwest without requiring any Mo Family Army troops. If this were a usual business deal, it would undoubtedly be an incredibly profitable deal."

Lei Tengfeng laughed. "This also represents the sincerity of my father and Xiling. As long as the Mo Family Army doesn’t assist Great Chu, everything can be discussed. Additionally, Xiling and the Northwest can also sign an agreement for mutual peace and long-lasting friendship. What does the Princess Consort think of this?"

After pausing for thought, Ye Li replied with a light smile, "The conditions offered by Commandery Prince Rui are indeed very tempting... But I’m afraid I can’t decide this hastily." Ye Li smiled helplessly at Lei Tengfeng, gesturing towards Mo Xiuyao, who was resting his head on her lap and appeared to be asleep. No one could do anything if His Highness Prince Ding didn’t want to engage.

Lei Tengfeng could only respond with a wry smile, understanding that Ye Li wasn’t truly unable to decide momentarily, but that they didn’t consider his offers satisfactory. Gritting his teeth, Lei Tengfeng stated, "I recall that many of the mineral resources in the Northwest were purchased from various countries, especially from Xiling. As long as His Highness Prince Ding agrees to stay out of this, all payments for all shipments before the end of this year will be waived."

Looking at the sleeping Mo Xiuyao, who raised an eyebrow but still didn’t open his eyes, Lei Tengfeng felt his face was about to turn green with frustration. Gritting his teeth, he said, "There is a mine on the border where Xiling, the Northwest, and Beirong meet, which belongs to Xiling. From now on, it will be handed over to Prince Ding’s Mansion."

It wasn’t that Lei Tengfeng was particularly reluctant to part with that mine; it was never an indispensable asset since it could be included in the initial offer. Besides, the mine was located on the border of Xiling, the Northwest, and Beirong. It was constantly harassed by the Beirong people, making it nearly impossible to mine peacefully. The annual output of the mine couldn’t even account for a fraction of Xiling’s total output. Once Xiling seized Great Chu, even if not in entirety, Xiling could easily exploit Great Chu’s resources instead of competing with Beirong and the Northern Territory for resources in the north. By just venturing southwards, all the most fertile parts of Great Chu would belong to Xiling. In the face of such huge benefits, they would willingly part with it, even if it were three or five such mines.

However, the conditions he was offering were already the most he could offer. After all, Mo Xiuyao could gain so many benefits without doing anything. Anything more would not be his decision to make.

Ye Li’s eyes gleamed as she smiled. "Commandery Prince Rui is indeed very generous. If that’s the case... the Prince and I will surely consider it carefully."

Lei Tengfeng anxiously responded, "Princess Consort, please understand, I can’t afford to stay in the Northwest much longer."

Ye Li laughed. "Commandery Prince Rui can rest assured. By tomorrow morning at the latest, you will have your answer. You’ve traveled a long way and must be tired; you should at least rest for a night before departing, shouldn’t you?"

Hesitating for a bit, Lei Tengfeng finally nodded. He had ridden hard all the way from Xiling, fearing Great Chu might get ahead of him. Tired from the trip, he expressed, "In that case, thank you, Princess Consort."

Ye Li nodded with a smile and then summoned Zhuo Jing, who was waiting outside the door, saying, "Take Commandery Prince Rui to the guest house to rest."

On hearing that, Lei Tengfeng breathed a sigh of relief. If Ye Li had asked him to rest at Prince Ding’s Mansion, he would have to worry. After thanking Ye Li again, Lei Tengfeng left with Zhuo Jing.

The hall was filled with silence. Leaning against the chair, Ye Li, looking at Mo Xiuyao, who was still resting his head on her lap with his eyes closed, softly chuckled, "It looks like this time, Lei Zhenting has made up his mind to take Great Chu down."

Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "Lei Zhenting is almost sixty already."

Ye Li looked puzzled. Although Lei Zhenting was over fifty years old, he wasn’t quite sixty yet, right? However, this didn’t hamper her from understanding Mo Xiuyao’s point. Lei Zhenting was getting old. Although his martial arts were world-renowned, who could guarantee he’d live to Murong Xiong’s age? Besides, even if he could live until then, Mo Xiuyao was much younger than him. Especially after taking the antidote made from the Bilo flower, not only did Mo Xiuyao’s internal poison and old injuries fully heal, but even his appearance hadn’t changed much. Over the years, the now thirty-year-old Mo Xiuyao still looked like a man in his mid to late twenties.

At least for the next twenty years, Mo Xiuyao would still be in his prime while Lei Zhenting would only continue to grow old. To put it bluntly, even if it became a battle of attrition, Mo Xiuyao could outlast Lei Zhenting. But Lei Zhenting’s pride would never allow him to tolerate successive defeats at the hands of Mo Liufang and his son, so he couldn’t just do nothing. Since he couldn’t touch Mo Xiuyao for the time being, he could only strengthen Xiling and then deal with Mo Xiuyao. And the fastest way to strengthen Xiling was to gain possession of the prosperous and expansive Great Chu, which is why he chose to attack Great Chu instead of Nanzhao.

"You say... if Lei Zhenting finds out your plans in the end, would he die of anger?" Thinking of a certain someone’s malicious intentions, Ye Li couldn’t help but laugh and ask curiously.

"No, Lei Zhenting won’t die so easily. Even if he were to die..." The man who was resting with closed eyes spoke in a lazy tone, with an imperceptible chill in it. "He would die on the battlefield." Die by my hand!

Shaking her head, Ye Li sighed. "Wars lead to endless disasters. What will become of the common people under heaven...?" Ye Li had to admit that she still felt a little apprehensive. She had never seen a real war; even though Xinyang was massacred by Xiling a few years ago, that too was just a short-term, small-scale conflict. But now, she could almost foresee the impending great chaos that would engulf the land, leaving the populace in misery...

Mo Xiuyao reached out and took her hand. "Ah-Li, don’t be afraid..."

Ye Li smiled. "Yes, I’m not afraid. No matter what, I will always be by your side."

「The next morning」

Lei Tengfeng left Licheng, satisfied, taking with him Mo Xiuyao’s promise and the agreement he had signed in person. Once the Northwest decided to stand by and watch, one could only imagine the impending annihilation of Great Chu. To ensure that Xiling received the returns it had paid for, Lei Tengfeng couldn’t wait to announce this news to the world as soon as he left Licheng. This news was certainly good for the various armies currently fighting against Great Chu, but for Great Chu, which was trying desperately to resist, it was like adding insult to injury. When this news spread all over the world, the nobles of all countries celebrated, rubbing their hands in anticipation of the giant empire that was on the brink of collapse, while the countless officials and people of Great Chu could only cry out loud.

「In the southern Broken Snow Pass」

Murong Shen merely sighed when he heard the news reported by his subordinates and waved his hand to dismiss them. Standing on the tower of Broken Snow Pass and looking towards the north, the celebrated general could already see the whole of Great Chu collapsing at a visible speed. However, they were powerless to do anything about it. Those who had the power to save Great Chu had already been driven away by the Commandery Prince on the dragon throne years ago. Great Chu abandoned them, and now when Great Chu was in danger, they would no longer offer their full support as they once did.

「In the State Duke Hua’s Mansion in the Capital of Great Chu」

The aged State Duke Hua watched the weary Mo Jingyu turn and leave. His wrinkled face showed a trace of sadness and helplessness, but also firmness and determination.

"Someone, prepare the carriage. I want to go to the palace," State Duke Hua said after a long silence.

His eldest grandson, who was serving him, asked worriedly, "Grandfather, why are you going to the palace at this time?"

State Duke Hua said gravely, "To request to be sent to battle. The Beirong border has no one to defend it... Although I am old, I can still move."

The eldest grandson of the Hua family’s eyes turned red. "How could that be? Grandfather, you are of such an age; you should be enjoying your twilight years. I will go to the palace and ask for permission. I am willing to block the Beirong army in place of Grandfather!" Thinking of this, he could not help but hate his own weakness. The Hua family was originally a military lineage, but because of the ruler’s wariness, all of them, from his grandfather down, had been made to study literature. Even if he wanted to go to the battlefield... What use could he be?

"Grandfather... My aunt and sister are in the Northwest, why not ask them..."

"Nonsense!" State Duke Hua said sternly. "They are women and shouldn’t be involved in these matters. Moreover... Prince Ding’s Mansion has its own path to tread, and the Hua family has its own path to walk!"

"Yes, Grandfather. Your grandson understands his mistake."

"Forget it. Get ready to go to the palace."

「Northern Zijing Pass」

Inside the Grand General’s mansion in Zijing Pass, Leng Huai deeply sighed as he read the newly arrived war report. At his reaction, Leng Qingyu and Mu Yang looked over. Leng Qingyu asked with furrowed brows, "Father, what’s the matter?"

Leng Huai closed his eyes briefly and said gravely, "Prince Ding has refused to deploy troops to aid Great Chu and has agreed to Xiling’s request. He will not meddle in the affairs of Great Chu anymore." Although the Leng family and Prince Ding’s Mansion weren’t aligned, Leng Huai personally bore no malice against Prince Ding’s Mansion. They merely held different stances. However, just like all other citizens of Great Chu, he too harbored hope for Great Chu at this moment. The reality that everyone had to face was that the Mo Family Army was no longer the elite force that protected Great Chu.

Leng Qingyu frowned. "Prince Ding would actually do such a thing! Isn’t he afraid of being condemned by the people of Great Chu?"

On one side, Leng Haoyu, who had been whispering with Murong Ting, arched an eyebrow and snickered. In a casual tone, he said, "Why can’t Prince Ding do this? Years ago, Prince Ding’s Mansion had already severed ties with Great Chu. On what basis does Big Brother believe that Prince Ding’s Mansion should help Great Chu? Prince Ding’s Mansion has protected Great Chu for hundreds of years without any gratitude, and when they refuse to help now, it’s a great sin?"

Leng Qingyu frowned, staring displeased at Leng Haoyu. "Regardless, the Mo Family Army serves Great Chu, and the descendants of the Mo Family Army are citizens of Great Chu. How is Mo Xiuyao’s bystander behaviour at this moment different from adding insult to injury? Besides...the late Emperor had issued an Edict of Confession, restoring all the glory of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Naturally, Prince Ding’s Mansion remains a subject of Great Chu."

Leng Haoyu scoffed disdainfully. "Who stipulated that when the late Emperor issued an edict, Prince Ding must accept it? Who stated that an apology must be forgiven? Big Brother, if I unexpectedly stab you, I presume you would generously forgive me, wouldn’t you?" Seeing Leng Qingyu’s suddenly ashen face, Leng Haoyu shrugged and said, "See, even if we are brothers, Big Brother, you aren’t willing to forgive little brother. How much less Prince Ding and the late Emperor, whose relationship is separated by who knows how many generations?"

"Enough! Is now the time to bicker?" Leng Huai, feeling a headache, glanced at his forever contentious sons and said to Leng Qingyu, "Your younger brother is right. Do not utter such words in the future."

Leng Qingyu’s expression grew more somber. He wasn’t used to his father siding with Leng Haoyu. Ever since Leng Haoyu had appeared on the battlefield with Murong Ting and saved Leng Huai, who was nearly injured by stray arrows, their father seemed to have developed a different regard for this younger brother.

Although Leng Huai said this partly in agreement with Leng Haoyu’s viewpoint, it was mostly for his eldest son’s benefit. After all, he had experienced the resources and capabilities of Prince Ding’s Mansion’s hidden guards. Now that the late Emperor was gone, they and Prince Ding’s Mansion were no longer in completely opposing positions. There was no need to offend Prince Ding. As for this younger son whom he had always overlooked... Leng Huai cast a thoughtful glance at Leng Haoyu, who was lounging in his chair without proper sitting posture, joking with his wife. A contemplative look flashed in his eyes.

Leng Huai wasn’t negligent about his son by a concubine. At least compared to Feng Huaiting’s utter disregard for Feng Zhiyao, Leng Huai was willing to discipline Leng Haoyu. However, as Leng Haoyu grew older, his character became increasingly unruly; he indulged in eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling, and Leng Huai gradually lost all hope in him. Later, when Leng Haoyu suddenly said he wanted to go into business, although Leng Huai was unhappy that his son wanted to become a merchant, he didn’t stop him. At least compared to a profligate dandy who only ate and played, a merchant, despite the low status, was still engaged in legitimate work. Moreover, Leng Haoyu was a son by a concubine and was originally not entitled to any noble rank, and even official positions were hard to come by. If he engaged in commerce, he at least wouldn’t lack food or clothing, and with the Grand General’s Mansion as backing, no one would dare bully him.

It wasn’t until this time that Leng Huai discovered he had always misjudged this son. Leng Huai still remembered that day of the city battle; the Northern Territory army’s offensive was unprecedentedly fierce, and the top of the city wall was almost blanketed by a rain of arrows. Standing on the ramparts directing the battle, Leng Huai watched as several sharp arrows shot towards him. But then, his second son suddenly appeared on the city wall, a long sword in hand, weaving a net of sword light that actually deflected all the arrows that came down like a sudden shower. By the time he regained his senses, Murong Ting, who had followed, had already pulled him down behind the battlements. Just from that effortlessly drawn sword and the almost impenetrable net of light it created, Leng Huai knew this second son’s skills were definitely superior to those of his eldest son, in whom he had always taken pride.

Remembering the news from the Capital City about the Feng Family last month, Feng Zhiyao was Prince Ding’s confidant—Leng Huai had always known this. And his own second son had always been close to Third Feng...

Leng Haoyu naturally noticed his father’s thoughtful gaze. He gave Leng Huai a somewhat roguish smile, completely unconcerned, and turned back to continue joking with Murong Ting.

On the side, Mu Yang looked at this father and his two sons and shook his head helplessly. As the only son of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, with no half-brothers or sisters, he naturally couldn’t quite comprehend the scheming and rivalry involved. Although his status usually brought him closer to Leng Qingyu, his relationship with Leng Haoyu wasn’t bad either, so at this moment, he naturally couldn’t say much. He could only ask, "General Leng, is there any decree from the court?"

Leng Huai shook his head and said indifferently, "We are guarding Zijing Pass. We cannot let the people of the Northern Territory take a single step past Zijing Pass. What need is there for a decree?"

The two young men replied solemnly, "The General is right."

"Father is right."

On the side, Leng Haoyu, where he couldn’t be seen, curled his lip in disdain. Guarding Zijing Pass... they could only do so if the court at the rear held out. Otherwise, once military supplies from the rear were cut off, the soldiers at Zijing Pass would be marching to their deaths, no matter how desperately they fought.

On the main seat above, Leng Huai’s brows also furrowed slightly, an almost imperceptible worry flickering in his eyes.