Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 305 - 303. Persuading Mr. Xiuting

303. Persuading Mr. Xiuting

"General Long Yang doused himself in alcohol and set himself on fire."

Upon hearing the soldier’s report, Ye Li was stunned for a good while. Only when Mo Xiuyao gently touched her did she come around.

"Ah-Li..." Mo Xiuyao lowered his head and quietly looked at his serene wife in his arms, slightly furrowing his brows. Ye Li shook her head lightly, sighing softly. After Zhu Yan’s death, another old general had taken his own life before her. Whether from a rational or emotional perspective, she could understand their choices. If she were in their place, she wouldn’t surrender to the enemy either. These two senior generals had dedicated their lives to Xiling, preserving their honour in death. Both enemies and friends could only admire their spirit. However, Ye Li had a subtle feeling that she was growing a bit overwhelmed. Perhaps she had witnessed too many deaths these days?

"Ah-Li, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Mo Xiuyao supported her worriedly, asking, "Let’s go back first; we can deal with other matters tomorrow." Ye Li shook her head, giving him a gentle, comforting smile. "I’m fine. We don’t have much time to linger in Biancheng City. Issue the order to bury General Long Yang with full military honours. We’ll... we’ll bury him next to General Zhu Yan."

Mo Xiuyao nodded, ordering, "We’ll do as the Princess Consort says. You may go."

The soldier left to carry out the order. Mo Xiuyao motioned for the people following behind to retreat. Holding Ye Li’s hand and supporting her waist, they walked slowly forward as he asked softly, "Do the deaths of Long Yang and Zhu Yan sadden you, Ah-Li?"

Ye Li shook her head, saying, "I’m not sure why. Perhaps because both generals were quite old. They were both gentlemen in their seventies, yet... there’s inevitably some sorrow." Mo Xiuyao said gently, "If it troubles you, Ah-Li, then stay within the military camp and avoid these matters."

Ye Li smiled wryly, saying, "Does the Prince truly think of me as a fragile flower that can’t bear the wind? It’s just a momentary sentiment. After all... both old generals died serving their country. Now that they are gone..." Mo Xiuyao said, "Why would I bicker with the dead? If Ah-Li says we should honour them with a grand burial, then a grand burial it is. Ah-Li, don’t grieve for others, will you?"

Hearing the somberness in Mo Xiuyao’s voice, Ye Li looked up at him, meeting his gaze. She smiled, lightly touching his furrowed brows, and said, "In this world, you, our son, and my grandfather and uncles are the most important people to me. Besides you all, no one else can truly upset me. So, Xiuyao, you must take care..."

"Of course, I will take care, and so will our son... I will protect everyone Ah-Li cares about. I won’t let Ah-Li be sad. So... Ah-Li, don’t bother with irrelevant people, okay?" Mo Xiuyao’s voice took on a deep tone. Ye Li blinked, her expression serious as she looked at Mo Xiuyao and raised her eyebrows. "Irrelevant people?"

"Aren’t you upset over Zhu Ling’s death?" Mo Xiuyao asked softly, but Ye Li could still detect the grinding resentment in his voice when he pronounced Zhu Ling’s name.

"Zhu Ling..." Ye Li sighed softly, saying, "It just seems... he was still very young. And my strategy this time was perhaps not entirely honorable." She was aware, of course, that it was more than just this. Ye Li was not emotionally obtuse; she perfectly understood Zhu Ling’s feelings. However, putting aside the fact that she and Zhu Ling were only acquainted recently, putting aside their opposing positions, there would never be another man in Ye Li’s heart more significant than Mo Xiuyao. It had been impossible from the start. The guilt she felt because of Zhu Ling was not because she had feelings for him, but purely because she had disappointed his sincerity. But it was unnecessary to let Mo Xiuyao know the rest. Was it not okay for a couple to occasionally tell small white lies?

"Ah-Li did nothing wrong. If he had discovered the flaw in your plan, he would’ve killed you," Mo Xiuyao ground his teeth and said, "But... Ah-Li, you can’t do things like this secretly again. What if something were to happen? If we really need women for such tasks, I can have Qin Feng train some."

"I understand." Ye Li rolled her eyes silently, figuring he’d say something like this.

Once he was sure Ye Li had sincerely agreed, Mo Xiuyao nodded, satisfied. Hand in hand, they continued forward.

Mr. Xiuting resided atop Longshan in the eastern part of the city. The Mo Family Army had temporarily sealed off Longshan Academy, so the scholars and students who hadn’t had the chance to flee were temporarily lodged in a small courtyard outside the academy. Although the Mo Family Army was made up of soldiers, they held great respect for scholars. Given that Mo Xiuyao had decided not to persecute them, the soldiers under his command naturally wouldn’t either.

Upon reaching the entrance of the small courtyard, they unexpectedly found a familiar face. "Third Brother, why are you here?" The one guarding the courtyard was Xu Qingfeng. Given Xu Qingfeng’s status as the commander of the Qilin Squad and his ties to the Xu Family and Prince Ding’s Mansion, having him guard this place was truly an underutilization of his abilities. Nobody in the Mo Family Army would have assigned him such a task; the only explanation was that Xu Qingfeng had volunteered.

Seeing Ye Li, Xu Qingfeng appeared delighted, laughing. "Isn’t Longshan Academy one of the top three academies in the world? I just... wanted to see it for myself." Ye Li smiled lightly and shook her head but didn’t expose him. Although Xu Qingfeng had also been raised in the Xu Family and had spent years studying in Lishan Academy, he was more inclined towards martial arts and had the least patience for sitting at a desk to read and write. He hadn’t even taken the imperial exam. To say that he would be interested in paying a visit to the scholars of Longshan Academy was less believable than the claim that his older cousin would get married tomorrow. On second thought, Ye Li understood Xu Qingfeng’s intentions. He certainly didn’t agree with Mo Xiuyao’s decision to kill the civilian captives, yet he knew he could never convince Mo Xiuyao. Therefore, he opted for an ’out of sight, out of mind’ approach. Although Xu Qingfeng did not enjoy reading, he still held the respect for scholars common to the Xu Family. With him standing guard, no one would dare cause trouble.

"Is Mr. Xiuting alright?" Ye Li asked with a smile.

Xu Qingfeng shook his head somewhat helplessly, motioning for her to go inside and see for herself. Ye Li didn’t mind; she pulled Mo Xiuyao to walk inside. This small courtyard was not particularly large, just a compound with two main courtyards, yet its style held elements of both Great Chu and Jiangnan’s delicate elegance. It remained unclear what purpose Longshan Academy had in constructing such a detached yard. Before they even stepped into the inner courtyard’s main door, the sound of loud reading could be heard. However, the content being recited was rather absurd, as it was primarily composed of disdainful poems about the Mo Family Army and Prince Ding.

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao stood at the entrance, quietly listening without interrupting. The person in the courtyard was seated with his back to the door, reciting one poem after another. To someone like Ye Li, who didn’t understand poetry, it was nearly divine how he was able to recite so many poems of similar meaning without repetition, if only the time and place were more fitting. When he recited something along the lines of "Wild ambitions aim for the throne, blood flowing through Biancheng City," Ye Li finally cleared her throat and smiled, saying, "Mr. Xiuting, you truly have fine taste."

The person sitting with his back to the door paused, turning his head to look at the entrance, a flash of understanding crossed his eyes. "Prince Ding? Princess Consort Ding?"

Only then did Ye Li get a clear look at Mr. Xiuting’s features. An old man, already approaching his sixties, with graying hair, his thin and gaunt face held a cultivated and elegant quality, barely masked by the lofty pride typical of scholars. He didn’t seem like someone from Xiling; rather, he resembled scholars from the south.

Ye Li pulled Mo Xiuyao into the courtyard, nodded her head, and smiled, saying, "It is I. This junior, Ye Li, pays her respects to Mr. Xiuting."

Chen Xiufu carefully looked Ye Li up and down, snorted lightly, and said, "I cannot accept being addressed as ’junior’ by Princess Consort Ding." Ye Li was not angered; she replied with a faint smile, "Mr. Xiuting’s talent is known far and wide. Even my maternal grandfather and uncles hold you in high esteem. Therefore, it is only proper for me to address myself as a junior." Hearing this, Chen Xiufu was somewhat moved. "Mr. Qingyun and Mr. Hongyu?" Although he had been living in Xiling for a long time, he had heard a little about the background of Princess Consort Ding.

Ye Li grinned, "Exactly."

Chen Xiufu was silent for a moment; the original alertness and slight hostility in his eyes softened, and he said indifferently, "When I was young, I studied in East Chu and also had the guidance of Mr. Qingyun. I also have some friendship with Mr. Hongyu. Of course..." His eyes swept over Mo Xiuyao, and then he said, "I also once paid a visit to the Regent Prince of East Chu. I didn’t expect that in the blink of an eye, thirty years have passed... Mo Liufang and the descendants of the Xu Family have all grown up. It’s a pity that I’ve wasted my time. I haven’t even taught a single successful student."

Ye Li laughed, "Mr. Xiuting is joking. At least half of the civil officials in the Xiling court were your students. How could you talk about wasting your time? Longshan Academy, being one of the top three academies in the world, could not be so named without solid learning. Even though Xiling valued military might over letters, it would not really let a group of military generals who recognized only a few characters control the government. Indeed, half of the officials in the Xiling court were from Longshan Academy. Chen Xiufu single-handedly established Longshan Academy. Compared to Lishan Academy and Qionghua Academy in the south of Great Chu, it admittedly lacked some depth of heritage and was thus ranked last among the top three. Nevertheless, for Chen Xiufu to achieve so much in a place like Xiling, which inherently valued martial prowess over literary pursuits, it’s no wonder Mr. Qingyun held him in high esteem."

The reason Longshan Academy had not produced any outstanding disciples was also easy to understand. The Southern Garrison Prince, learning from the extensive influence Lishan Academy had in Great Chu, would not let Longshan Academy repeat the same mistake. Chen Xiufu’s personal power was far from the established foundation of the scholarly Xu Family. Any promising disciples would quickly be absorbed or dealt with by the Southern Garrison Prince. Consequently, Longshan Academy today did not have disciples like Xu Qingchen who could uphold the academy’s legacy. Should Chen Xiufu pass away in the future, it’s highly likely that Longshan Academy would fall into the hands of the Southern Garrison Prince or the Xiling imperial family.

Chen Xiufu’s face brightened somewhat, finally inviting the two to take a seat inside.

After taking their seats in the guest hall, naturally, no one was there to serve tea. Ye Li didn’t feel as though she was losing face; she had water brought in and personally prepared tea for Chen Xiufu and Mo Xiuyao. From the moment they entered the courtyard, Mo Xiuyao hadn’t said a word. Watching Ye Li’s deft hands prepare tea made his eyes soften. He gave Chen Xiufu a warning glance.

Chen Xiufu, drinking his tea and noticing Mo Xiuyao’s gaze, lightly snorted, showing no fear.

"Mr. Qingyun is in his eighties, isn’t he? Is he well?" After a while, Chen Xiufu asked.

Ye Li gently smiled, "Next year will mark my grandfather’s eightieth birthday. We hope that Mr. Xiuting will honor us with his presence in the Northwest."

The teacup in Chen Xiufu’s hand paused as he calmly looked at Ye Li. He understood the implications in Ye Li’s words, but regrettably, he could not agree. Shaking his head in regret, he said, "What a pity. I’m afraid I won’t have the blessing to celebrate Mr. Qingyun’s birthday. However, over the years, my Longshan Academy has collected many ancient books and unique editions. I’d like for you to give them to Mr. Qingyun for me as a birthday present. Mr. Qingyun ... having a granddaughter like you certainly brings much happiness to his old age; I won’t bother adding to that good fortune."

Ye Li smiled slightly and said, "My grandfather hasn’t enjoyed many blessings from us juniors. Instead, I’ve caused him quite a few troubles and annoyances. Thanks to his kindness, he doesn’t mind the troubles we younger ones cause. Mr. Xiuting, you have devoted your whole life to Longshan Academy. Do you really wish to see the academy disappear from the world?"

Chen Xiufu shook his head and laughed, "If fate decrees it to be so, we cannot force otherwise."

Ye Li replied calmly, "Isn’t one’s fate just a choice we make? Although I am a woman, I do know a saying... our fate is what we make of it, not decided by heaven! And another saying, character determines fate, choices determine life. Sir, you are not a faint-hearted person. Your choices will determine the future of Longshan Academy. If you want it to exist, it will exist. If you want it to perish, then it will certainly perish with you."

Chen Xiufu was slightly shaken, looking at Ye Li fixedly for a long moment before sighing, "What a statement, ’our fate is what we make of it, not decided by heaven’... What a statement, ’character determines fate, choices determine life’... Princess Consort Ding, with such broad-mindedness, Prince Ding is lucky, and Mr. Qingyun is lucky..."

"So...what is Mr. Xiuting’s decision?" Ye Li asked.

Chen Xiufu lowered his eyes, speaking gravely, "I won’t surrender to Prince Ding’s Mansion. His Highness Prince Ding is a hero in this life, but the killings he initiated, costing the lives of over a hundred thousand civilians, are too ruthless." Saying this, Chen Xiufu’s voice contained more resentment and hoarseness. Obviously, he was extremely critical of Mo Xiuyao’s actions. Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, giving him a disdainful look. I did the killing, what can you do to me?

Ye Li helplessly reached out to pull at Mo Xiuyao’s sleeve, making him purse his lips and lower his head to continue drinking tea. He himself also knew that trying to persuade a person like Chen Xiufu was absolutely useless. Based on his behavior in Biancheng City, even if he gave a flowery speech, Chen Xiufu wouldn’t believe him. Even if he held a knife at Chen Xiufu’s throat, this man might not bow to his demands. Given this, he didn’t bother trying. If Ah-Li could persuade this man, he would stand by Ah-Li’s side in the future, which would be a good thing for Ah-Li. Although Mo Xiuyao always acted spoiled and petulant in front of Ye Li, he often thought ahead in many ways, farther than even Young Master Qingchen might reach.

After pacifying Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li turned to Chen Xiufu and said, "This is exactly what I wanted to seek your perspective on, Mr. Xiuting. Your literary flair is admirable, but you should not casually defame my husband’s reputation."

Chen Xiufu was first stunned by how easily Ye Li had pacified Mo Xiuyao. After hearing Ye Li’s words, he was even more puzzled. Slightly annoyed, he asked, "What do you mean, Princess Consort? When have I defamed Prince Ding?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "I was listening outside for a while earlier. Mr. Xiuting, every word you spoke accused my husband of killing indiscriminately. Isn’t that defamation?"

Chen Xiufu couldn’t help but laugh in anger, glaring at Ye Li. "Are you saying that those people Prince Ding killed yesterday deserved to die?"

Ye Li looked down, remarking indifferently, "When two armies fight, each acts in its own interest. Each country handles prisoners of war differently. I’ve never heard Mr. Xiuting mention anything about this. As for the killing of prisoners... admittedly, the Prince was somewhat brutal, but it was not without cause. Perhaps, Mr. Xiuting, your poem is somewhat excessive?"

Chen Xiufu, staring at Ye Li with a cold face, growled, "Are you saying that those civilians in the city were not innocent?"

Ye Li blinked, surprised. "Civilians? When did the Mo Family Army ever indiscriminately slaughter civilians?"

Chen Xiufu was taken aback. He had personally seen Mo Xiuyao take all the civilians in the city to the execution ground. Although Longshan wasn’t particularly high, and being under house arrest meant news hardly circulated, naturally, he didn’t know that these common people had all been driven out of Biancheng City by Mo Xiuyao. Seeing Chen Xiufu’s surprised expression, Ye Li continued with a smile, "It seems Mr. Xiuting may not have the correct information. General Long Yang used the civilians of Great Chu as human shields just before the battle, a tactic unfit for any leader in war. Despite the Northwest having separated relations with Great Chu, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army and the civilians of Great Chu still share the same roots. My husband was certainly aggrieved at the time. But the Mo Family Army did not actually harm a single person in Biancheng City. I hope that you will carefully discern this fact, Sir."

After listening to Ye Li’s words, Chen Xiufu harbored some suspicion and a hint of joy. Having been based in Biancheng City for decades through Longshan Academy, he naturally didn’t want to see innocent people lose their lives. He stared at Ye Li carefully for a while and was finally convinced that Ye Li wasn’t lying to him. He sighed in relief, stood up, cupped his hands in a salute to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, and said, "I was wrong about this matter. I apologize to His Highness Prince Ding and the Princess Consort."

Chen Xiufu was different from Long Yang and Zhu Yan; he never served in the Xiling court, and in his youth, he traveled extensively and had broad-minded views. Moreover, he didn’t hold any strong attachments towards the Xiling court. The language, customs, and even the bloodlines of Great Chu and Xiling were from the same origin. His opposition to Mo Xiuyao was largely due to Mo Xiuyao’s decision to invade Xiling and his intent to massacre the entire city of Biancheng. Knowing now that it was a misunderstanding, he naturally didn’t mind apologizing to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li in person.

Ye Li quickly stood up to help him up, saying, "Mr. Xiuting, there’s no need for that. Given the circumstances, it’s understandable that the news you receive on this mountain is somewhat limited."

Chen Xiufu sat back down, asking, "So... where are the people of Biancheng now? It seems...I haven’t seen anyone returning."

Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiuyao and said somewhat ashamedly, "All the civilians in the city have left." Chen Xiufu understood what she meant by ’left’ without needing further explanation. He couldn’t help but frown; while these people might have survived, several hundred thousand were now homeless, many didn’t even have time to gather their belongings. Their future lives were unlikely to be easy. Chen Xiufu shook his head, looking at Mo Xiuyao. "I remember...the four provinces of the Northwest are not particularly large in size. I have a vague understanding of the Prince’s actions, but I cannot agree with them."

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, not responding.

Chen Xiufu continued, "The Prince surely does not intend to drive out all the people of Xiling, and then relocate the common people of the Northwest, perhaps even those of Great Chu. Forgive my bluntness, but the Prince’s actions might be even less appropriate than massacring a city." At these words, Mo Xiuyao finally looked up and asked indifferently, "Why?"

Chen Xiufu said solemnly, "The people of Xiling have lived in these places for generations. If Your Highness merely intended to occupy a plot of land, that may be excusable, but if you plan to keep driving commoners away along the path of your conquest, where does Your Highness expect to send these countless people of Xiling? Once they have nowhere else to retreat, even if they are unarmed civilians, they will fight back. While there is enmity between the nations of Xiling and Great Chu, the common people of Xiling and Great Chu may not harbor deep hatred towards each other. A thousand years ago, Xiling and Great Chu were originally one family. If Your Highness wants Xiling’s land, you should be prepared to accept Xiling’s people, too."

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li exchanged a glance. For Chen Xiufu to say such things, given their relationship and his stance, was quite profound and even hinted at something more significant. Ye Li nodded. "Sir, you are indeed right. We did handle things inappropriately last night. We hope you would be considerate given the circumstances and forgive us. Moreover, we came to visit in hopes that you would help us remedy some of the situation." The recent events had significantly tarnished the reputation of the Mo Family Army. While reputation itself is a minor concern, if the narrative of the Mo Family Army perpetrating a city massacre were deliberately exaggerated, their future campaigns would likely encounter unprecedented fierce resistance, potentially leading to unnecessary losses.

Chen Xiufu fell silent for a while, and then asked gravely, "What does the Princess Consort wish of me?"

Ye Li quietly said, "I would like Mr. Xiuting to send out a public notice proclaiming that Biancheng City has returned to normal. The original citizens of Biancheng are free to return if they wish; all their possessions will be returned to them. Furthermore, I would like to reopen Longshan Academy. I would also like Mr. Xiuting to recommend capable individuals who can help manage Biancheng City."

Chen Xiufu stared calmly at Ye Li for a long time. However, the two people opposite him knew that his mind was far from as calm as his appearance suggested. Ye Li’s requests seemed simple, but if he were to agree, it would be equivalent to announcing to the world that Mr. Xiuting had submitted to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Knowing his internal struggle and hesitation, the two didn’t rush him, just sat there calmly sipping tea.

After a long while, a hint of resolve crossed Chen Xiufu’s face. Looking at Ye Li, he said, "I agree to your request, Princess Consort. But I also ask that you and the Prince promise me one thing."

Ye Li breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Please give your instructions, Mr. Xiuting."

Chen Xiufu said, "I ask that you and the Prince ensure that you will not harm the common people of Xiling."

Ye Li smiled slightly and said, "Of course. The Mo Family Army is not a force of bloodthirsty wolves and tigers who enjoy killing. We have never harmed ordinary people, have we?"

Chen Xiufu nodded and smiled, "I trust the Princess Consort, and I also hope that the Prince and Princess Consort will not break your word."

"Please witness it for yourself, Mr. Xiuting," Ye Li smiled.

After seeing off Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, the Mo Family Army soldiers who had been standing guard outside also withdrew. This showed the sincerity of Prince Ding’s Mansion. In the small courtyard, Chen Xiufu looked at the now cold tea on the table and let out a deep sigh.

"Master, are we really going to submit to Prince Ding’s Mansion? I fear that this will damage your reputation. No matter how capable Prince Ding’s Mansion is, it won’t be able to silence the critical voices," the young student behind Chen Xiufu asked worriedly.

Chen Xiufu shook his head, looked up at the patch of sky above the small courtyard, and said in a deep voice, "Reputation, praise or slander, are all illusory. Seeing that couple... I suddenly feel that perhaps, the world order is about to truly change. Great Chu and Xiling were the two great powers of their time. But every scholar remembers that a thousand years ago, a vast and mighty empire once stood on this land. That era was the peaceful and prosperous age that countless people looked up to. As the saying goes, unity leads to separation, and separation leads to unity; the world has been divided for too long. When he saw that pair before his eyes, he seemed to finally see an audacious dream he had never dared to pursue in his lifetime, a dream of a genuine era of peace and prosperity."

"But, didn’t you say that Prince Ding’s fierce murderous energy would harm the harmony of heaven? Isn’t that a sign that it won’t last long?" the student asked, somewhat confused.

Chen Xiufu chuckled. "That was because I hadn’t seen the other person yet. With her, perhaps Prince Ding won’t cause so much bloodshed. This time... aren’t the people of Biancheng City alright? I was overthinking. Mr. Qingyun is far-sighted; how could he not see this point? Since Mr. Qingyun didn’t stop Prince Ding’s expedition, that means... It means Mr. Qingyun also holds Prince Ding in high regard."

In his youth, Chen Xiufu also had his aspirations. Unfortunately, his aspirations were not something most people could understand. Most people thought he was just delusional. After too many rejections, he had grown disheartened and finally settled in Longshan to teach and nurture people. He hoped to pass on his ideals and thoughts. Afterwards, the Emperor of Xiling was weak and incompetent, and the Southern Garrison Prince wielded all the power. Mo Jingqi from Great Chu was suspicious and cruel. Although Great Chu seemed strong, it was actually declining. All kinds of situations had driven him to despair, until he completely gave up. He even once dreamed that foreign invaders took over, and neither Great Chu nor Xiling existed anymore. However, he didn’t expect that now, as he neared sixty, he would see a glimmer of hope again.

For the first time in his life, Chen Xiufu felt a pang of regret and helplessness that he was no longer in his prime. If he could be twenty years younger...

Looking up at the clear and cloudless sky, Chen Xiufu murmured, "I have achieved nothing in my life, and my death would be of no consequence. But now, I just hope to live a few more years. Perhaps in my lifetime, I will get to see a real peaceful and prosperous age."

A peaceful and prosperous age? The young student standing behind him was taken aback. He didn’t expect his teacher would hold such high expectations of that couple. Although he hadn’t seen Prince Ding and his wife with his own eyes, he had listened to their conversation from hiding. When he watched the two leave, the young man felt that there could be no couple in the world more perfectly suited for each other.

"Master, you will definitely see that day," the young student said quietly.