Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 308 - 306. The Emperor of Great Chu went south, and the soldiers didn’t shed any blood.
306. The Emperor of Great Chu Moves South, His Troops Unsullied by Battle
Half a month later, Regent Prince Mo Jingli of Great Chu journeyed south to Jiangnan with the Empress Dowager, the new emperor who had not been on the throne for long, and most of the court officials. Those who remained in the Capital City were the old ministers headed by State Duke Hua and a group of upright scholar-officials. Upon receiving this news, the morale of the frontline soldiers collapsed. The already grim war situation worsened, with the Beirong army’s front line continuously advancing southwards. Ten days later, Zijing Pass, which had held out for several months, was finally breached. A large number of soldiers from the Northern Territory surged through the pass.
Meanwhile, far away in Xiling, when Mo Xiuyao received the news, the Mo Family Army had already reached the walls of the Imperial City of Xiling. In the previous Battle of Fengcheng City, having benefited from the lessons and tempering of the engagement at Biancheng City, Chen Yun and the other young generals performed exceptionally well. Although Lei Tengfeng was ultimately rescued by the arriving Golden Armor Guards, this minor flaw did not overshadow their overall excellence. The Mo Family Army advanced relentlessly, and months of continuous, hard-fought battles had transformed this initially inexperienced force into true, battle-hardened veterans of the Mo Family Army. By the time the Mo Family Army arrived before the Imperial City of Xiling, it was already September.
After surrounding the Imperial City of Xiling, Mo Xiuyao did not immediately order an attack. He chose to besiege the city without attacking, also taking the opportunity to let his soldiers, who had been campaigning for several months, get some rest.
At this moment, in the Imperial Palace of Xiling, the Emperor of Xiling was frowning deeply at the refined young man in white robes standing before him. Seated below the Emperor of Xiling, Xu Qingbai, also clad in white and exuding a gentle, scholarly aura, observed the emperor with a faint smile. The Emperor of Xiling was just over fifty this year, but he paled in comparison to the Southern Garrison Prince, who, despite having lost an arm, still possessed an imposing aura. Perhaps it was the years of indulgence in sensual pleasures that had left him with a gaunt figure, a sallow complexion, and dull eyes. Even his eyelids drooped loosely. He was not old, yet he exuded an air of lifelessness.
Xu Qingbai casually glanced at the Xiling palace guards who were glaring at him intently from a short distance. In truth, he had arrived in Xiling some days ago, but the Emperor of Xiling had initially not intended to see him. Perhaps the emperor had never imagined that his Xiling army would prove so utterly vulnerable against the Mo Family Army. It was only when the Mo Family Army successively breached Biancheng City and Fengcheng City in less than half a month that he truly became anxious. However, these negotiations, particularly as they concerned the fate of the nation, were not so easily concluded. Furthermore, the Emperor of Xiling still clung to a sliver of wishful thinking, so his attitude remained indecisive. But now, with the Mo Family Army at the city gates and no word whatsoever from the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, he could no longer afford to hesitate.
Having spent several years in the Northwest engaged in agricultural work in extremely barren lands, Xu Qingbai had not lost his innate scholarly aura. In fact, those years had further refined the once somewhat callow youth, making him even more gentle and serene. Compared to the diverse personalities of the Xu Family’s sons, Xu Qingbai was the truest heir to the Xu Family’s centuries-old scholarly heritage, the one who truly embodied its intellectual and refined qualities. Xu Qingchen was too ethereal compared to him; Xu Qingze, too cold; Xu Qingfeng, more like a martial artist; and Xu Qingyan, too flighty. Only Xu Qingbai, with his gentle expression and calm smile, was the epitome of a refined gentleman, as flawless as jade; it was impossible for anyone to dislike him.
"How has Your Majesty considered the matter?" After a long silence, Xu Qingbai finally spoke calmly.
The Emperor of Xiling did not relax despite Xu Qingbai’s gentle attitude, his brow still deeply furrowed in a troubled expression. Xu Qingbai said in a relaxed tone, "Actually, why must Your Majesty find this so difficult? Prince Ding’s Mansion has no intention of making things difficult for Your Majesty; we were truly forced into this."
Everyone present, including the Qilin who were standing guard at the entrance and warily watching the palace guards inside the hall, were rendered speechless. They’ve already fought their way to someone’s capital city and still claim no intention of making things difficult? Then what *would* count as making things difficult?
Meeting the Emperor of Xiling’s disbelieving gaze, Xu Qingbai smiled and said, "If the Southern Garrison Prince hadn’t been so ambitious as to send troops to attack Great Chu, our Prince would not have resorted to this regrettable strategy to trouble Your Majesty."
The Emperor of Xiling frowned. "As far as I know, the Mo Family Army has already severed ties with East Chu. Fourth Young Master Xu, do not try to fool me with such words." Even if I am a puppet, I’m still an emperor! For Xu Qingbai to use such words to fool me is simply an insult to my intelligence.
Xu Qingbai was not perturbed and shook his head with a hint of helplessness, saying, "While it’s true our Prince has no intention of interfering in Great Chu’s affairs, Your Majesty should also know that the Northwest is small and barren. If the Southern Garrison Prince were to conquer Great Chu, given his ambition, would he not then turn to cause trouble for Prince Ding’s Mansion?"
The Emperor of Xiling fell silent; Xu Qingbai’s words had somewhat persuaded him. In truth, he understood that much of what Xu Qingbai said was sophistry, but in such circumstances, the human mind is far more susceptible to such arguments than usual. So, the Emperor of Xiling couldn’t help but think, if the Southern Garrison Prince hadn’t attacked Great Chu, would Mo Xiuyao not have attacked Xiling? Most importantly, it was bad enough that Lei Zhenting attacked Great Chu, but he had taken Xiling’s most elite troops! And now, at Xiling’s moment of crisis, he gave no thought to returning to their aid, instead continuing his assault on Great Chu. This particular point made the Emperor of Xiling extremely resentful.
Seeing the Emperor of Xiling’s silence, Xu Qingbai continued, "Your Majesty must surely understand that with Xiling’s current military strength... the Imperial City is absolutely indefensible. Moreover, even if Prince Ding’s Mansion were to withdraw our troops now, could Your Majesty withstand the forces of the various Western Region states? To my knowledge, the various small kingdoms of the Western Region have already formed a fifteen-nation coalition, leading an army of 600,000, now arrayed on the border, eager to reclaim the blood debt owed for the Xiling army’s past atrocities in the Western Region..."
At these words, the Emperor of Xiling couldn’t help but shudder. The number of people Long Yang had killed in the Western Region back then was likely uncountable. For the past several centuries, many small states of the Western Region had lived under Xiling’s tyranny; it could be said that the hatred between them and Xiling ran as deep as the sea. It was only because Xiling’s military strength had always been formidable that these small nations could only swallow their broken teeth and blood. But forbearance did not mean they were willing to submit. And now, no sooner had Xiling been defeated by the Mo Family Army than these small nations were already stirring restlessly.
The Emperor of Xiling knew he was absolutely no match for Mo Xiuyao, nor could he handle those Western Region states that harbored a sea of hatred for Xiling. Just as he had always known he was no match for his younger brother, the Southern Garrison Prince, he had always been one to recognize the realities of a situation. After a long moment, the Emperor of Xiling finally spoke, "What is Fourth Young Master Xu trying to say?"
Xu Qingbai slightly raised an eyebrow, knowing the Emperor of Xiling’s resolve was wavering, and said with a faint smile, "As long as Your Majesty cedes the Imperial City of Xiling, all the cities previously captured by the Mo Family Army will belong to the Northwest. The Mo Family Army will then immediately withdraw its troops. Wouldn’t it be wonderful for our two sides to coexist peacefully?"
The Emperor of Xiling felt a mouthful of blood rise in his throat, nearly spraying it out on the spot. Peaceful coexistence?! The Mo Family Army has occupied a third of Xiling’s territory, and now they want to talk about peaceful coexistence with me?
The Emperor of Xiling shook his head. "The Imperial City is out of the question. As long as Prince Ding withdraws his troops immediately, the lands previously occupied by the Mo Family Army can be handed over to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Furthermore, I can also add Qingyang Prefecture. Qingyang Prefecture borders Great Chu and is twice the size of Anping Prefecture, where the Imperial City is located." The Imperial City is Xiling’s capital and its very foundation. If even the Imperial City is lost, what face would I, the Emperor, have left to continue? Am I supposed to learn from the Emperor of Great Chu and flee south?
Speaking of which, Xiling and Great Chu were indeed worthy of being said to have come from the same source. Back then, they had risen in rebellion against the previous dynasty at roughly the same time, establishing their respective nations not long after. Afterward, when Xiling was strong, Great Chu was also strong. When Great Chu fell into chaos, Xiling also fell into chaos. For one or two hundred years, neither had managed to gain any significant advantage over the other. And now, the new emperor of Great Chu had fled south, while Xiling’s Imperial City was also besieged by a large army.
Xu Qingbai waved his folding fan, shook his head, and said, "Your Majesty, does the Imperial City truly hold any significance for you? The so-called Imperial City... is the abode of the Emperor. As long as the Emperor remains, where can an Imperial City not be established? In the current situation, even if the Imperial City is truly saved... can Your Majesty truly live there in peace?"
The Emperor of Xiling remained silent, and at the same time, couldn’t help but inwardly complain that his ancestors had chosen a truly terrible location for the Imperial City. The Imperial City of Xiling was merely six or seven hundred miles from the borders of the Western Region states. In the past, when Xiling was powerful, it was convenient for demanding rare tributes, peerless beauties, or prized warhorses from the small Western Region states. But once Xiling declined, the cavalry of the Western Region countries could reach the Imperial City’s walls in a matter of days. Furthermore, they would now be living adjacent to the Mo Family Army. The mere thought made the Emperor of Xiling feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles.
Thus reminded by Xu Qingbai, the Emperor of Xiling suddenly felt that the Imperial City had become a bit of a hot potato. He had absolutely no desire to face the strong and well-equipped Mo Family Army to his front, while also having to deal with the covetous Western Region states, who harbored a blood feud and watched him like tigers, at his rear. But to give away the Imperial City so easily was something the Emperor of Xiling simply couldn’t bring himself to do; he couldn’t afford to lose face like that.
How could Xu Qingbai not understand his thoughts? He wasn’t anxious and said with a faint smile, "It’s alright, Your Majesty. Why not take a few days to consider it carefully? Of course, if our two sides can resolve this peacefully, Prince Ding’s Mansion will not take an Imperial City from Your Majesty for free."
Such a clear hint stirred the Emperor of Xiling’s heart, and he looked at Xu Qingbai questioningly. Xu Qingbai smiled faintly and calmly pointed out, "The legitimate Xiling imperial family... has always been suppressed by the Southern Garrison Prince. Back then, if the Southern Garrison Prince hadn’t eliminated dissidents, how else would Xiling’s three great famed generals have withered to such an extent? If Xiling and Prince Ding’s Mansion coexist harmoniously, we will naturally be friends. And it’s only natural for friends to support each other, isn’t it?"
The Emperor of Xiling’s eyes lit up. No matter his abilities, he was an emperor, and a man. If a man who is an emperor claims not to have the slightest desire to hold great power himself, he wouldn’t be sitting in this position. The price Xu Qingbai offered was undoubtedly very attractive. If Prince Ding’s Mansion helped him suppress Lei Zhenting, then he would be able to control the imperial court, becoming the Emperor of Xiling in the truest sense. So what if Xiling was left with only two-thirds of its territory? Wasn’t he currently without any power at all? He was even less free than an ordinary prince or marquis.
Xu Qingbai understood the principle that going too far is as bad as not going far enough, so he said no more, having made his point. He leisurely rose, bade farewell to the Emperor of Xiling, and left him time to think for himself.
As he was leaving, he didn’t forget to add one more sentence, "Your Majesty, in truth, Xiling reaching this state is not your fault..."
Watching Xu Qingbai’s composed departure, the Emperor of Xiling couldn’t help but feel somewhat dazed and envious. Even though the other party was just a young man who seemingly didn’t even hold a formal official rank, the aura and unhurried composure he displayed before him, the monarch of a nation, made him intensely envious. At the same time, Xu Qingbai’s last sentence was deeply imprinted in his mind. That’s right... None of this is my fault; it’s truly all Lei Zhenting’s fault!
"Your Majesty?" The attendant beside him came forward to offer hot tea and said somewhat cautiously.
Lowering his head to take a sip of the tribute tea he usually drank, the Emperor of Xiling let out a long sigh of relief and asked casually, "Tell me... can the Imperial City be defended?"
"Your Majesty is wise and divinely martial; our Xiling will endure for a thousand autumns. Naturally, it can be defended," the attendant replied respectfully, though even he didn’t believe his own words. Fortunately, the Emperor of Xiling showed no intention of questioning the truth of his words. He nodded silently and said, "Never mind. We’ll see."
The attendant served by his side in silence. He was someone who had served the Emperor of Xiling for many years. Just by looking at his expression, he could guess some of the Emperor’s thoughts. This time was naturally no exception, but he was just a minor attendant; matters of state were not for him to comment on.
「In the main tent of the Mo Family Army camp outside the Imperial City」
Generals and commanders of all ranks from the Mo Family Army were gathered, discussing animatedly. The Mo Family Army had advanced like splitting bamboo, reaching the walls of Xiling’s Imperial City, but the Prince had ordered them only to surround it, not to attack. This left many generals completely puzzled. Shouldn’t they seize the Imperial City in one fell swoop while the army’s morale was high?
"Third Feng, what exactly are the Prince and Princess Consort thinking?" While others might not dare to ask, Zhang Qilan had no such scruples and directly questioned Feng Zhiyao, who had been by Mo Xiuyao’s side the longest. Feng Zhiyao glanced up at the tent ceiling, rolled his eyes, and said, "How would I know what the Prince is thinking? I’m not a worm in his belly."
A Vice General hesitated for a moment before asking, "Is it possible that the Prince intends to withdraw the troops?"
As soon as these words were spoken, the others stopped talking. They naturally all knew the news of the Emperor of Great Chu heading south. Although none of them wanted to have any further entanglement with the Great Chu imperial family, they were not without any feelings for the common people of Great Chu. Though they hadn’t seen it with their own eyes, they could still guess the current situation in Great Chu to some extent. Therefore, they couldn’t help but wonder if the Prince was indeed planning to withdraw the troops.
"Actually... there’s nothing wrong with withdrawing, is there? If the Prince intends to reinforce Great Chu?" someone asked hesitantly. After all, they and the people of Great Chu were of the same stock, and most people in the Mo Family Army even had relatives and old acquaintances still in Great Chu. If the Prince really intended to send troops to Great Chu, it was likely no one would object. No matter how much the Mo Family Army hated the Great Chu imperial family, it had nothing to do with the ordinary people. After all, hearts are made of flesh.
"Besides, Beirong and the Mo Family Army share a great feud. If the Prince truly intends this, we naturally will not object." The former Prince Ding, Mo Xiuwen, those tens of thousands of Mo Family Army soldiers who died unjustly, plus those killed in action in that campaign years ago—at least nearly 200,000 Mo Family Army soldiers had died at the hands of the Beirong people.
"What is everyone talking about?" Ye Li’s clear and elegant voice came from outside the tent. Everyone quickly rose and saluted. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li entered hand in hand, a faint warmth in their expressions, clearly indicating they were in a good mood.
"Greetings, Prince, Princess Consort."
Mo Xiuyao led Ye Li to the main seat and sat down. He raised an eyebrow at the assembled generals and said with a smile, "The Princess Consort is asking a question. What was everyone discussing so animatedly?"
Yun Ting was suddenly pushed forward. He glanced helplessly at his colleagues to the left and right, all of whom were steadfastly avoiding eye contact, and had no choice but to say, "Reporting to the Prince, your humble subordinates were just speculating as to when the Prince intends to attack the city."
Seeing Yun Ting’s serious expression, Ye Li couldn’t help but give a gentle smile and said, "Don’t be nervous; the Prince and I were just asking casually. Sit down and speak."
"Many thanks, Princess Consort!" Yun Ting finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly returned to Chen Yun’s side to sit down.
Mo Xiuyao looked at the generals below with a half-smile and asked, "You all want to know when we’ll attack the city?"
The generals all nodded eagerly. They were craning their necks in anticipation. They were about to conquer the Imperial City of Xiling; this was a grand achievement the Mo Family Army hadn’t realized in nearly two hundred years!
Mo Xiuyao looked at them with a smile and said, "This Prince has no intention of attacking the Imperial City."
Upon hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but show astonishment on their faces. Although they had some suspicions earlier, they were still somewhat surprised to hear the Prince actually say it. Besides, if he didn’t plan to attack the city, there was no need for them to come here at all. They could have just returned home. Could it be that the Xiling defenders, who had been terrified by them all along the way, would still dare to pursue them?
"Prince... why aren’t we attacking?" It was Yun Ting again who couldn’t help but raise his hand and ask. Everyone’s gaze immediately fixed sharply on Mo Xiuyao.
Mo Xiuyao asked faintly, "In the attack on Biancheng City, what were the Mo Family Army’s total losses in troops?"
Everyone fell silent. Although the Mo Family Army’s advance could be described as exceptionally smooth, they had still suffered considerable losses at Biancheng City. A preliminary calculation showed that in the battle for Biancheng City alone, nearly eighty to ninety thousand troops were lost. This was almost the sum total of all losses incurred on the march before and after that battle. The reason they still had 300,000 troops now that they were at the walls of Xiling’s Imperial City was because Lv Songxian had later sent over a hundred thousand more elite soldiers as reinforcements. Those lost were all the Mo Family Army’s most elite troops.
Mo Xiuyao said, "Although Xiling’s Imperial City does not have as long a history as Biancheng City, its defensive capabilities are definitely superior to Biancheng City’s. Additionally... the last of this Prince’s three great famed generals, Grand General Shuntian Feng Ao, is currently in the Imperial City. The Mo Family Army can indeed conquer Xiling’s Imperial City, but this Prince does not want to pay such a heavy price in losses. Furthermore... this Prince also does not wish to destroy this city’s defenses."
This Imperial City was not ancient, dating back only about one hundred and fifty years. It was a city that Xiling Kingdom had spent more than ten years constructing. When Xiling was first established, the various states of the Western Region were restless. For the first two emperors of Xiling to dare to choose such a location near the border for their Imperial City, it must be said they possessed extraordinary courage and vision. Or perhaps there was an intention for future generations to always remain vigilant. And once the Mo Family Army conquered the entire northern territory of Xiling, what was once Xiling’s border would become the Mo Family Army’s border. And this former Imperial City would become the strongest and final gate in defense against the various Western Region states.
"Then... what does the Prince plan on doing? We can’t just keep waiting like this or not fight at all, can we?" Zhang Qilan asked.
Mo Xiuyao smiled but didn’t answer. Everyone looked expectantly at Ye Li.
Ye Li lowered her gaze and smiled faintly. "The Art of War states: ’The highest form of generalship is to balk the enemy’s plans; the next best is to prevent the junction of the enemy’s forces; the next in order is to attack the enemy’s army in the field; and the worst policy of all is to besiege walled cities... To subdue the enemy without fighting is the acme of skill.’"
Everyone was deeply impressed: The Princess Consort is truly a celestial being!
Feng Zhiyao rubbed his nose, silently wondering: Which military treatise says that?
Yun Ting’s face was full of admiration: The Princess Consort is so well-read! This young master has been devouring military texts for three whole months, and there’s still something I haven’t seen!
"COUGH, COUGH..." Feng Zhiyao coughed lightly and respectfully ventured, "Princess Consort, do you mean subduing the enemy without fighting? That... I’m afraid it won’t be that easy, will it?" Even if the Emperor of Xiling is a complete idiot, the officials of the Xiling court wouldn’t agree to just hand over the Imperial City to them! That’s the Imperial City, the capital of a country, not a potato!
Ye Li smiled and said, "Whether it works or not, won’t we find out if we just wait and see?"
Zhang Qilan frowned and asked, "If we don’t attack the city, then... if a large army comes to their rescue, how should we deal with them?"
Mo Xiuyao glanced at him coolly and said, "How to deal with them? Naturally, kill them! Don’t worry about the Imperial City. During this time, any Xiling army that comes to reinforce them—this Prince wants them all driven back by slaughter!"
Only then did everyone breathe a sigh of relief. So, there was still fighting to be done. And in field battles, they definitely had more of an advantage than in siege warfare.
"Your subordinates obey!" everyone responded in unison.
Feng Zhiyao looked thoughtful. Actually... this could also be considered a kind of psychological attack, couldn’t it?
"Reporting to the Prince and Princess Consort, someone from Xiling’s Imperial City has come out seeking an audience," a guard at the entrance came in to report.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and asked, "Who is it?"
The guard replied, "He says he is Fourth Young Master Xu of the Xu Family. However, he does not have a token from Prince Ding’s Mansion, so..." Xu Qingbai was different from Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingze, who were often in Licheng, and also different from Xu Qingfeng, who spent time in the army camps. Not many in the Mo Family Army knew him. Particularly, even fewer ordinary soldiers of the lower ranks recognized him. Therefore, according to regulations, it was necessary to report first before allowing the person into the camp.
Upon hearing this, Ye Li was delighted. "Fourth Brother is here?"
Mo Xiuyao pulled Ye Li up and said with a smile, "If that’s the case, let’s go out and welcome Fourth Young Master Xu. This Prince thinks he will bring us good news."
The others were also curious. How could Fourth Young Master Xu of the Xu Family be in Xiling’s Imperial City? More importantly, what kind of good news would he bring them?
As the group walked to the entrance of the main camp, someone had already come out ahead of them to greet Xu Qingbai. It was precisely Xu Qingfeng, who, having nothing to do, had gone out for a stroll and happened to encounter him. Seeing his fourth younger brother—who should have been cooped up in the Northwest planting potatoes—appear so bizarrely in Xiling, and emerging from the Imperial City no less, Xu Qingfeng was startled. He pulled Xu Qingbai over, looked him up and down for a long time, and only after confirming he was completely unharmed did he ask, "Fourth Brother, how did you end up here? Does Eldest Aunt know?"
Meeting his third elder brother’s unconcealed concern, Xu Qingbai, in a good mood, shook his head and said with a smile, "Third Brother, it looks like you’re doing well?"
Xu Qingfeng’s expression was full of spirit as he laughed, "Of course! Your Third Brother has made significant contributions this time. Qin Feng said that when we get back, he’ll promote me to Deputy Commander of the Qilin." Although Xu Qingfeng also understood that his own cousin’s influence played some part in this. After all, he wasn’t the only squad commander who had achieved merit. But he also knew that Qin Feng was definitely not someone who mixed public and private affairs; this at least indicated that Qin Feng recognized his abilities.
"Then I must congratulate you, Third Brother," Xu Qingbai said with a smile.
Xu Qingfeng’s smile faded as he said, "You still haven’t told me why you’re here! If Eldest Aunt knew you’d run off to this place, wouldn’t she be scared to death?"
Xu Qingbai gave a helpless, wry smile and said, "Father and Eldest Brother both know. Once things are settled on my end, I will also write back to report that I’m safe. Third Brother, I have matters to discuss with Li’er and Prince Ding."
"Third Brother..." Just as he was speaking, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had already walked out, followed by a large, imposing retinue. This made Xu Qingbai feel rather overwhelmed by the attention.
"How did it go?" Mo Xiuyao asked faintly.
"Fortunately, I did not fail the mission," Xu Qingbai replied with a faint smile.
