Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 295: Misfortune originates from the mouth

293. Trouble Starts from the Mouth

No matter how much bloodshed and chaos occurred outside, the people within the Northwest continued to lead their peaceful lives, undisturbed. Protected by the Mo Family Army, they seemingly never worried about being drawn into the war. However, as refugees began to flood into the Northwest from Feihong Pass in increasing numbers, the situation became a growing concern. Initially, the Northwest was willing to accept these fleeing refugees. After all, while the Northwest was not as vast as Great Chu, its population was still relatively sparse. Even with the continuous influx of people in recent years, the age-old reality of the Northwest being a barren and sparsely populated land remained unchanged. In the past, refugees would not have chosen such a place to flee. But now, having accepted large numbers of refugees during two previous wars, and with the current war clearly just beginning, the population was set to grow. One day, their numbers would swell to a point the land could no longer sustain, making territorial expansion an urgent necessity for the Mo Family Army.

"Our war with Xiling hasn’t even lasted two months, and already the number of people flooding into the Northwest through Feihong Pass has reached 300,000," Zhou Yu reported solemnly in the spacious study. "As the war drags on, the number of refugees will only multiply. At this rate, within another two months, we will have to close Feihong Pass. The Northwest can’t afford to feed so many people." Several years had passed since Zhou Yu, shortly after arriving in the Northwest, was entrusted with significant responsibilities by Mo Xiuyao. He had since become a prominent figure among Prince Ding’s civilian officials. After Ruyang was renamed Licheng, Zhou Yu continued to serve as its governor. Thanks to his capable administration over the years, Licheng’s populace enjoyed peace and prosperity, and commerce flourished.

The others’ faces grew somber. In just over a month, Feihong Pass alone had admitted more than 300,000 people. This figure didn’t even include refugees entering the Northwest from other routes; the total likely already exceeded 500,000. Providing for hundreds of thousands was no simple matter. They needed food and water. Fortunately, it wasn’t winter; otherwise, clothing and shelter would also be critical issues. It was vital to prevent mass starvation or disease. Moral considerations aside, the sheer number of people, if they were to die from illness, especially during the summer, could easily trigger an epidemic. This necessitated careful management.

"If we close the Pass, it would very likely incite resentment among the refugees, which might result in..." Xu Hongyan, seated to one side, voiced his concern with a frown. Since the war with Great Chu began, both he and Xu Hong Yu, who had previously enjoyed a more leisurely existence, had returned. Though unstated, everyone understood that Prince Ding would soon mobilize his forces.

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, one hand supporting his forehead, silently listening as his subordinates expressed their views. Only when they had finished did he speak. "Do your best to settle the refugees. However... I do not want to see lazy idlers who are unwilling to work remaining in the Northwest. Nor do I wish to see spies and agents from various factions with ulterior motives. This matter... Wei Lin, Mo Hua, will you take care of it?"

Wei Lin and Mo Hua stepped forward together. "Rest assured, Your Highness," they declared in unison. "We will not betray your trust!"

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "I have confidence in your abilities. However... proceed with caution. We cannot afford to provoke a popular uprising. Mr. Hongyan, I’ll trouble you to guide them on this."

Xu Hongyan bowed his head in acceptance. "It is my responsibility, Your Highness. Please rest assured."

Zhou Yu frowned slightly. "Your Highness, if refugees continue to pour into the Northwest, our current reserves may not last until next year." Furthermore, the Prince intended to dispatch troops. An army on campaign requires substantial provisions; shortages were out of the question. If preventative measures weren’t taken soon, many people in the Northwest could face starvation this winter.

Ye Li, who had remained silent, finally spoke softly. "If managed properly, our reserves might last until next year. The harvests in the north, overseen by Fourth Young Master Xu and Fifth Young Master Xu, have been quite good these past few years, and we have also been diligently stockpiling grain. Furthermore, last year, Fourth Young Master Xu sent a letter reporting that he had introduced a crop from the southwest called yam. Its yield is three to five times that of ordinary crops, it’s suitable for sustenance, and it isn’t picky about soil. We trial-planted a batch this spring and had an abundant harvest. This yam doesn’t require fertile land; it can even grow in poor soil, including sandy areas. Fourth Young Master Xu’s idea is to take advantage of the current situation to reclaim more land and plant another season. This would... require a significant amount of manpower..."

Hearing this, Zhou Yu’s face lit up. He wasn’t heartless; if possible, he was willing to accommodate the refugees. He chuckled. "In that case, does the Princess Consort mean we should have the refugees cultivate the wasteland?"

Ye Li nodded, but also cautioned against indiscriminate deforestation. People of this era didn’t attach much importance to such issues, nor would they typically encounter the consequences. But Ye Li understood that if they recklessly cleared forests for cultivation, the Northwest’s already unfavorable climate would only worsen.

One official still looked worried. "Even if we manage this year, what about the future? The Northwest is only so large, yet this war could drag on for years. Refugees will only increase, but crop yields have their limits."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, glancing at Xu Qingchen’s faintly smiling face. Indeed, the population will grow, he thought, but... the Northwest’s territory won’t always be this size. Besides, when these refugees realize the Northwest’s capacity to accept them is exhausted, they will leave on their own.

Once the official matters were concluded, everyone was dismissed, leaving only Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, Xu Qingchen, and Xu Hong Yu in the study.

Xu Hong Yu looked at Mo Xiuyao and asked in a low, serious tone, "Your Highness, have you decided on the date for launching the campaign?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded. Although the Mo Family Army was preparing in secret, they couldn’t delay too long. If they did, and outsiders discovered their plans, they would lose the element of surprise against the Xiling army. "The Northwest will be in your care, Eldest Brother, and Uncle," he said gravely.

Xu Hong Yu frowned slightly, his gaze shifting to Ye Li. "Is Li’er going as well?"

Ye Li nodded with a smile. "Yes. We’ll be troubling you, Uncle."

Xu Hong Yu looked at Ye Li with disapproval. Though he knew his niece possessed extraordinary martial skills, she was, after all, the sole child left by his only sister. Xu Hong Yu could be stern with his own sons and nephews, even his grandnephews Xu Zhirui and Mo Xiaobao, but he couldn’t help but feel anxious about Ye Li.

Ye Li smiled. "Uncle, there’s no need to worry about Li’er. Grandfather has also agreed."

Hearing this, Xu Hong Yu was surprised. His father doted on Li’er just as much as he did, if not more; why would he consent to her going to such a dangerous battlefield? After a moment of thought, though he couldn’t understand it, Xu Hong Yu knew his father must have his reasons. He decided to go to the academy later and ask his father for clarification, so he no longer tried to dissuade Ye Li. He sighed softly. "Very well. But you must be exceptionally careful."

"Li’er understands. Please rest assured, Uncle," Ye Li replied with a smile.

Xu Qingchen pondered for a moment before asking, "The Northwest’s military forces number less than 1,200,000, and at least half of those must remain to garrison the Northwest. This means... you can take at most 600,000 troops on the expedition. We’ve covertly gathered intelligence over the years; Xiling’s total forces exceed 3,000,000. Lei Zhenting has committed nearly 1,000,000 troops in Great Chu. If you advance deep into Xiling and he turns back his army to reinforce them, forming a ten-sided encirclement, you’ll be surrounded by at least 2,000,000 soldiers. What will be your strategy then?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled languidly. "If I advance deep into Xiling, Lei Zhenting will likewise be deep within Great Chu. How easy do you think it will be for him to withdraw and reinforce? Even if the soldiers of Great Chu are all incompetent, there are still millions of them, no? Furthermore... I only intend to lead 400,000 troops on this expedition. Another 400,000 will remain to defend the Northwest. And the remaining 400,000... will be waiting at the border for Lei Zhenting. If I haven’t captured the Xiling Imperial City by the time he breaks through that blockade, then my head is his to kick around like a ball!"

Even Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but draw a sharp breath. To advance from the border to the Xiling Imperial City with merely 400,000 troops—even he, unfamiliar with warfare, deeply felt the difficulty was akin to ascending to heaven. Mo Xiuyao acted as if he hadn’t seen Xu Qingchen’s and Xu Hong Yu’s worried expressions, saying cheerfully, "This campaign... will likely be quite lengthy. The defense of the Northwest will depend on you, Eldest Brother, and Uncle."

A thought flashed through Xu Qingchen’s mind. He said gravely, "Are you implying that someone might seize the opportunity to attack the Northwest?"

"Mm... that’s highly probable," Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "If Lei Zhenting cannot break the blockade quickly, he might very well turn to attack the Northwest. And I... will likely be unable to return in time to relieve you. Therefore..."

Xu Qingchen’s expression turned exceptionally grim. "I believe Your Highness is aware that I lack even the strength to truss a chicken."

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand, his smile cheerful. "When a scholar turns ruthless, they are often three parts more formidable than others. I have faith in Young Master Qingchen. You definitely possess the ability to devise strategies within the command tent that will decide battles a thousand miles away. I am entrusting my entire foundation to you, Eldest Brother. Surely, Eldest Brother wouldn’t want to see your younger sister and brother-in-law utterly defeated, left to wander the world homeless in the future?"

"Mo... Xiu... Yao..." Young Master Qingchen’s usually refined smile vanished once more. He stared at Mo Xiuyao, his expression calm, but beneath that tranquility, an astonishing turbulence could be faintly perceived. Mo Xiuyao also knew he couldn’t truly provoke him too far and adopted a serious tone. "Eldest Brother, it is not that I am courting danger, but the current circumstances compel this course of action. Please forgive me."

Xu Qingchen snorted lightly in displeasure and said to Ye Li, "Li’er, are you truly not considering finding a more suitable husband?"

Ye Li smiled faintly, offering no support to either side. Mo Xiuyao swiftly put an arm around Ye Li, casting a displeased glance at Xu Qingchen. "Young Master Qingchen, it is said one should rather demolish ten temples than ruin a single marriage. Ah-Li and I are deeply devoted, like a pair of lovebirds. Such words from you hardly reflect a gentleman’s grace." In an instant, any lingering guilt Mo Xiuyao might have felt vanished, replaced by indignation as he glared at Young Master Qingchen, inwardly seething. Trying to snatch my Ah-Li? Dream on until you’re dead tired!

Idiot, this young master won’t stoop to your level! Young Master Qingchen forcibly suppressed the urge to roll his eyes.

"Princess Consort, the two Madams Xu and Young Madam Xu request an audience." The four were in the study discussing preparations for the military campaign when Qin Feng made the announcement from outside.

Ye Li was startled. "First Madam Xu and Second Madam Xu?" Both Madams Xu knew Ye Li was different from them—women whose lives revolved around the inner courtyards of their homes. Ye Li was usually occupied with significant matters, so they rarely came to see her. Even when they visited Prince Ding’s Mansion to see the Empress and Hua Tianxiang, or occasionally to look for Xu Qingchen who was reluctant to return home, the guards would simply usher them in. For them to formally request an audience today signified that it must be something important.

Ye Li blinked, glancing at Xu Qingchen and Xu Hong Yu seated to one side. Xu Hong Yu offered a faint smile. "It’s nothing serious, Li’er. Just go and see them."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow inquisitively, her gaze shifting to Xu Qingchen. He appeared composed and at ease. Only when he met Ye Li’s pressing gaze did he cough lightly and say in a low voice, "It’s about your Third Brother."

Third Brother? Ye Li blinked, and then it dawned on her. Xu Qingfeng was to accompany them on the expedition. For the two madams to seek her out at this time regarding Xu Qingfeng—the reason was self-evident. Shaking her head with a mixture of amusement and exasperation, Ye Li asked, "Isn’t Third Brother alright these days? Hasn’t he been home?"

Xu Qingchen smiled. "He did return the other day, made a brief appearance, and then vanished again. I heard he came to Prince Ding’s Mansion early this morning."

Ye Li glanced at Qin Feng by the door. He coughed lightly and said with a smile, "Third Young Master Xu did indeed come to the mansion this morning. He sparred in the training hall for a while, then went to the library and hasn’t emerged since."

Indeed, the young masters of the Xu family had developed quite an obsession with avoiding the two madams. Not to mention Third Young Master, who practically lived in the military barracks and dared not come out; there were also Fourth Young Master and Fifth Young Master, who had fled to the north and returned less than twice a year. Even the most elegant and refined Young Master Qingchen preferred to spend more than half the month in the mansion’s study rather than go back to his own residence. Qin Feng, a bachelor dreaming of a wife, children, and a warm home, found this utterly incomprehensible. Hadn’t Second Young Master Xu married early and wasn’t he living a perfectly happy life? Why did they all have to be chased around like this? They truly didn’t appreciate their good fortune, much to the dismay of the many older bachelors in the Mo Family Army who couldn’t find wives.

Shaking her head helplessly, Ye Li rose. "I will go see my two aunts. Qin Feng, please bring Third Young Master Xu along as well."

"As you command!" Qin Feng replied crisply, a glint of amusement in his downcast eyes. It was said that Third Young Master Xu had become increasingly difficult to catch these past two years, at least for the Xu family. But for Qin Feng, it posed no difficulty at all. After all, hadn’t he been the one to train Third Young Master Xu?

In a Water Pavilion, a stretch of jade-green lake water brought a refreshing coolness to the sixth month of summer. Second Madam Xu sat on the edge of a couch, her face dark, while First Madam Xu and Qin Zheng flanked her, murmuring words of comfort. However, Second Madam Xu, incensed by her son, was not easily soothed. Though she refrained from venting her anger at her sister-in-law and daughter-in-law, her expression remained sullen.

"Second Aunt, what’s wrong? Who has made you angry?" Ye Li asked with a gentle smile as she entered.

"Who else but that unfilial son of mine could anger me so!" Second Madam Xu retorted, still vexed, clutching her handkerchief tightly.

Ye Li walked to her side and said with a smile, "Second Aunt, are you referring to Third Brother? He’s right here in my residence. Niece will have him brought here and give him a good scolding to vent your anger!"

Second Madam Xu sighed deeply and pulled Ye Li to sit beside her. "What good would scolding him do? That boy... his father has disciplined him countless times, yet he still angers me every day! Li’er, tell me... I just want him to meet a young lady and get married. It’s not as if the girl will eat him, will she?"

Listening to Second Madam Xu, Ye Li couldn’t help but remember First Madam Xu’s laments from the previous year. It was true that all five young masters of the Xu family were outstanding, but aside from Second Brother, none of them were particularly worry-free.

First Madam Xu smiled and patted her sister-in-law’s hand. "At least your Ze’er is obedient, and Zhirui is clever and adorable. If you had to deal with my three, you’d be driven to distraction!"

Hearing First Madam Xu’s words and looking at her gentle and serene daughter-in-law, Qin Zheng, beside her, Second Madam Xu indeed felt somewhat comforted. At least she had one obedient son, a virtuous and dignified daughter-in-law, and a clever and bright grandson. Thinking of her sister-in-law’s three sons—what a headache they were.

"Elder Sister-in-law, aren’t you anxious?"

First Madam Xu gave a wry smile. "My hair has turned white from worrying, but it’s no use. As for Qingchen, I don’t even want to bother with him anymore. The Fourth and Fifth are practically always away and refuse to come home. I no longer ask them to marry and have children; if they can just come back often to see this old woman, I’ll be content."

"First Aunt, Fourth Brother and Fifth Brother are still young," Ye Li said with a light smile. "Perhaps in a couple of years, they’ll settle down. If, after two years, they still follow Eldest Brother’s example, Li’er will help you organize a Hundred Flowers Banquet, and we’ll personally pick wives for them that you approve of."

First Madam Xu smiled. "Never mind, I can only console myself that they are still young for now." She too had been greatly vexed by her eldest son. Unfortunately, even her husband and the Old Master couldn’t say much about it, so she had given up on the idea of arranging a marriage for Xu Qingchen. However, she was determined to keep a close watch on her two younger sons. If they passed the age of twenty-four or twenty-five without a sweetheart, she would have them married, even if she had to tie them up and drag them to the altar. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to face the Xu family ancestors.

The conversation among the three women had already somewhat calmed Second Madam Xu’s anger. However, as she looked up, she saw Xu Qingfeng being led by Qin Feng towards the Water Pavilion from outside.

The moment Xu Qingfeng saw who was in the Water Pavilion, his expression changed dramatically. "Qin Feng, you traitorous friend!" he yelled, then spun around and bolted.

Second Madam Xu’s anger, which had just subsided, surged anew. "Rebellious son! You stop right there!" Am I your mother, or your enemy from a past life? Seeing her son recoil and flee at the sight of her, Second Madam Xu’s fury flared.

Outside, Qin Feng nonchalantly watched Xu Qingfeng scramble past him. With a flick of his wrist, a long whip shot out from his sleeve, snaring Xu Qingfeng’s leg and yanking him back. Xu Qingfeng quickly executed an aerial flip to land steadily on his feet, and the moment he was stable, he aimed a leg sweep at Qin Feng. Qin Feng raised an eyebrow, looking quite keen to engage him.

While the two exchanged blows enthusiastically outside, Second Madam Xu, inside, was so angry her eyes had turned red. She stood up, strode out of the Water Pavilion, and roared at the battling Xu Qingfeng, "Xu Qingfeng! Stop this instant!"

Xu Qingfeng faltered for a split second. In that blink of an eye, Qin Feng had seized his right arm, twisted it behind him, and locked his left shoulder with his other hand, saying with a grin, "Third Young Master, you’ve been slacking off too much these past couple of years, haven’t you?"

"Despicable!" Xu Qingfeng muttered resentfully.

"That’s called seizing the moment. After all your years in Qilin, don’t you understand? The Qilin way is to use any means necessary," Qin Feng retorted with an easy smile. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Xu Qingfeng fell silent. Hmph, I just didn’t expect you to be so unscrupulous even with your own people!

Ye Li, who had followed them out, watched the two and shook her head slightly. Third Brother’s personality, in truth, isn’t suited for Qilin, she mused. Although he has worked very hard these past few years, and his skills in every aspect are by no means inferior to anyone in Qilin, I still feel his talents would be better utilized on a true battlefield. But then again... who hasn’t been young and ambitious? Just as every soldier in her previous life dreamed of joining the special forces, every soldier in the Mo Family Army likewise dreamed of entering Qilin. It wasn’t because of the high rank or pay associated with Qilin, but because Qilin represented the most elite fighting force of the Mo Family Army.

"Mother..." Seeing his mother’s furious expression, Xu Qingfeng instantly wilted. He nudged Qin Feng with his foot, muttering under his breath, "Let go, let go. I won’t run, okay..."

Qin Feng shot him an amused glance and released his hold. As if you could run.

Second Madam Xu sneered. "So, you still remember I’m your mother?"

"Mother..." Xu Qingfeng hung his head, knowing he was in the wrong. He didn’t have his eldest brother’s knack for eloquent debate, maintaining a composed demeanor regardless of whether he was right or wrong. Nor did he possess his second brother’s wooden expression, which never seemed to change.

Seeing her son’s dejected state, Second Madam Xu finally cast aside the decorum cultivated over decades as a lady of a prestigious family. She strode forward, grabbed his ear, and roared, "Would your mother harm you? Would it kill you to meet a young lady and get married? Our family is considered enlightened; your mother even gave you the chance to choose! Look at other families—how many couples even meet before their wedding day? I’m telling you, you’re blessed and don’t even know it!"

"Mother! Mother..." Having his ear pulled by his mother in front of so many people was extremely embarrassing for Xu Qingfeng, even if it wasn’t painful. "Mother, I know I was wrong!"

"You know you were wrong?" Second Madam Xu raised an eyebrow. "Then come with Mother to meet Miss Yang."

"Miss Yang? Which Miss Yang?" Xu Qingfeng asked, bewildered.

The corner of Second Madam Xu’s eye twitched. "What did you just say?" Did all my nagging last night go in one ear and out the other?

"No, no! I won’t meet her! I’ve never even heard of her! How would I know who she is or where she’s from, for you to just foist her on me? Even if she can’t compare to Cousin Li’er, she should at least be on par with Second Sister-in-law, right? Miss Yang? Is there even such a family in Licheng? Mother, surely you haven’t just grabbed some nouveau riche’s daughter out of desperation, have you?"

"Desperate, am I? I’ll show you desperate!" Second Madam Xu smacked Xu Qingfeng hard on the forehead with a knuckle. "I told you to study since you were little, but you wouldn’t! Now you talk to me about being desperate!"

"Mother... I was wrong!" Xu Qingfeng covered his head and scurried away. "That’s not what I meant! Anyway... anyway, I don’t want any Miss Yang or Miss Li. The girl I marry must be a classic beauty, divinely fragrant... No common powder and rouge for..."

WHACK! Before he could finish, something struck him hard on the forehead. Xu Qingfeng stared blankly at the book that had flown from somewhere to hit him. Turning around, he saw Hua Tianxiang standing not far off, gazing at him with a placid expression. He was instantly abashed. "Miss Hua, what are you..."

Hua Tianxiang said coolly, "I was passing by and heard Zheng’er was here, so I came to look for her. I’ll take my leave now."

Watching Hua Tianxiang’s retreating figure, Xu Qingfeng turned back, bewildered. "That... why did Miss Hua hit me with a book?"

A glint appeared in Ye Li’s eyes. She smiled sweetly. "Because, Third Brother, she is that ’common powder-and-rouge, nouveau riche’s daughter’... Miss Yang you were just insulting!"

In an instant, Xu Qingfeng’s face went deathly pale.