Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 309 - 307. Entering the City, Princess Ling Yun’s challenge
307. Entering the City, Princess Ling Yun’s Challenge
Xu Qingbai was welcomed into the camp, and after the curious young officers were dismissed, only Feng Zhiyao, Zhang Qilan, and a few others remained. The large military tent quieted once again.
Feng Zhiyao curiously observed Xu Qingbai and asked, "When did Fourth Young Master Xu arrive in Xiling? We had no idea." Xu Qingbai smiled at Ye Li, who was sizing him up, and replied, "I have been here for quite some time. I originally thought it would take you all a few more days to arrive." Hearing this, Feng Zhiyao and the others understood that Xu Qingbai had likely been secretly dispatched to the Imperial City of Xiling by the Prince and Princess Consort. As for his purpose... Understanding dawned in Feng Zhiyao’s eyes as he glimpsed Xu Qingbai’s refined and gentle smile.
"Fourth Brother, have you suffered any grievances these past days?" Although Ye Li was greatly relieved to see Xu Qingbai safe and sound, she still worried that her fourth brother might have been mistreated in Xiling. After all, the people of Xiling did not hold scholars in the same high regard as those in Great Chu. Before the Mo Family Army’s arrival, they likely wouldn’t have been very courteous to him.
Xu Qingbai reassured her with a smile, "Nothing serious, I was just a bit bored in Xiling, that’s all. Now that you’ve arrived ahead of schedule, things will naturally go much smoother."
Mo Xiuyao, sipping his tea, patiently waited for Ye Li and Xu Qingbai to finish their pleasantries before asking, "What are the Emperor of Xiling’s intentions?"
Xu Qingbai nodded. "I met with the Emperor of Xiling again yesterday. The pressure from our advancing army is immense, and the terms we offered are tempting enough for him. However... he probably can’t bring himself to just hand over the Imperial City so readily due to his pride. I’m afraid we might have to fight another battle or two. Reinforcements from various regions should be arriving in the next few days. I estimate that once we repel a couple of their advances, he should be ready to capitulate."
Mo Xiuyao nodded. "This Prince understands. You’ve worked hard."
Xu Qingbai laughed. "It is merely my duty. How can it be considered hardship?" Only then did Zhang Qilan, standing to the side, seem to snap back to reality, staring at Xu Qingbai in disbelief. After a moment, he stammered, "Does the Prince mean to say... we don’t have to fight for the Imperial City? Fourth Young Master Xu persuaded the Emperor of Xiling to just give us the Imperial City?" At this point, Zhang Qilan looked at Xu Qingbai as if he were a monster. Xu Qingbai chuckled humbly. "It’s not exactly a gift. We will naturally have to compensate him with something."
Zhang Qilan waved his hand dismissively. "This is the Imperial City of Xiling! No matter the compensation, we’re still coming out ahead. Fourth Young Master Xu, to possess such ability at your young age... I’ve heard that back in the day, Mr. Second Xu of the Xu family could debate and win against a crowd of Confucian scholars in his teens. It seems Fourth Young Master Xu has surpassed even that." As he spoke, Zhang Qilan couldn’t help but click his tongue in amazement. These Xu family members are too terrifying. A single person’s words are mightier than our hundreds of thousands of soldiers. And then there’s the Eldest Young Master of the Xu family. I hear he effortlessly handles matters of state that keep even the Prince constantly busy. Speaking of which... for the Prince to have such a group of brothers-in-law... Unconsciously, Zhang Qilan’s gaze towards Mo Xiuyao could only be described as sympathetic.
The others naturally noticed Zhang Qilan’s expression, and Mo Xiuyao’s face instantly darkened. Although he also found this group of brothers-in-law, aside from Xu Qingfeng who was relatively easy to handle, to be more bothersome one after another, they were, after all, very useful. Compared to their abilities, the occasional annoyance they caused him was trivial in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes. But even so, he was not happy to see his own subordinates pitying him.
Feng Zhiyao coughed lightly to hide the smile playing on his lips and asked, "Fourth Young Master, are you confident? The Emperor of Xiling is, after all, an emperor. Is he really willing to give up the very foundation of Xiling?"
Xu Qingbai chuckled. "Compared to an Imperial City that can be rebuilt, his life and his throne are clearly more important to the Emperor of Xiling. Moreover, given the current turmoil in the Western Region nations, this place is clearly no longer suitable as an Imperial City. Even if we didn’t want it, I suspect he himself would want to relocate the capital within three months."
Zhang Qilan frowned slightly. "If that’s the case, what do we want with such a city? Are we planning to fight the Western Region nations as well?" Although they weren’t afraid of those small Western Region nations, they already had enough on their plate, didn’t they? The Northwest was still besieged by Beirong and the Southern Garrison Prince’s forces. Where would they find the time to contend with minor powers in the Western Region? Ye Li smiled faintly. "General Zhang, Xiling is the one with feuds against the Western Region nations, not us."
Zhang Qilan, a man of the army, was not well-versed in political matters and asked, puzzled, "What does the Princess Consort mean?"
Ye Li smiled. "The Western Region nations harbor deep-seated grudges against Xiling, but we have no enmity with them. The territories Xiling seized from them are not within our current sphere of control, nor have we received any of the resources they plundered. Although Xiling has been caught off guard by our sudden attack and is struggling to catch its breath, it still controls two-thirds of its territory. Once it recovers... A centipede dies but never falls down. If the Western Region nations wish to seek revenge, they certainly won’t create another powerful enemy for themselves at this juncture. And we... we need this route to connect with the Western Region nations, and perhaps even lands beyond."
Feng Zhiyao clapped his hands and smiled. "This subordinate understands! Once we take these areas, Prince Ding’s Mansion will have direct access to the Western Region nations. In the future, we won’t have to worry about Xiling cutting off our trade routes with the Western Region. Although the Northwest is poor in resources, it can absolutely become a trade route connecting the eastern and western nations. Moreover, such terrain is advantageous for both offense and defense..."
Mo Xiuyao nodded in approval. "Third Feng is correct."
Zhang Qilan nodded. "So that’s how it is. Given these numerous advantages, we must naturally take Xiling’s Imperial City."
After Xu Qingbai finished recounting the events of the past two months to Ye Li and the others, and they had settled some matters regarding the negotiations with the Emperor of Xiling, he prepared to return to the city. Ye Li said worriedly, "Fourth Brother, you should stay in the military camp. What if the Emperor of Xiling suddenly goes back on his word..." Although unlikely, it wasn’t entirely impossible. Ye Li didn’t want her fourth brother to come to any harm.
Xu Qingbai patted Ye Li’s shoulder with a smile. "Rest assured, nothing will happen. Besides, if I, the envoy for negotiations, flee first, how could the Emperor of Xiling trust our sincerity?"
"But..." Ye Li was still anxious. Xu Qingbai smiled. "Envoys to other nations, as long as they handle things with propriety, generally aren’t in any danger. Moreover, we clearly have the upper hand now. What good would it do the Emperor of Xiling to harm me? At most, it would be to vent his anger. He endured under the Southern Garrison Prince for so many years; he’s not that hot-blooded. Don’t worry. Fourth Brother will head back now."
Ye Li thought for a moment and said, "I’ll have Third Brother send some men with you."
Hoping to ease her worries, Xu Qingbai had to agree, nodding. "Alright, but not too many."
Ye Li nodded and quickly asked Zhuo Jing to fetch Xu Qingfeng.
Xu Qingfeng was naturally more than willing to accompany Xu Qingbai to the Imperial City. Although they were cousins, the five Xu brothers had always shared a bond deeper than that of actual siblings. Xu Qingfeng was also concerned for this fourth younger brother of his, who had been gentle and polite since childhood. The moment Ye Li suggested it, Xu Qingfeng agreed without a second thought. He selected six Qilin from his subordinates to accompany Xu Qingbai back to the Imperial City.
As Xu Qingbai had predicted, the Emperor of Xiling held out for a few more days. Five days later, after the Mo Family Army had consecutively defeated two Xiling armies coming to reinforce the Imperial City, the Emperor of Xiling finally couldn’t bear it any longer and summoned Xu Qingbai once more. No one knew what Xu Qingbai said to the Emperor of Xiling. That very day, the Emperor issued an imperial edict, proclaiming to the world that the war between Prince Ding’s Mansion and Xiling was entirely due to the Southern Garrison Prince, Lei Zhenting, having presumptuously dispatched troops to attack Great Chu. Afterward, the Southern Garrison Prince not only failed to send troops back for rescue but continued his campaign southward to attack the southern regions of Great Chu. This had led to the current siege of the Imperial City. The Emperor of Xiling, out of compassion for the suffering of the people and the lives of Xiling soldiers, had negotiated peace with Prince Ding’s Mansion. He ceded the five prefectures of Anping, Lingyang, Changping, Xuanhong, and Pingchuan to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Xiling would relocate its capital to Ancheng City, located in the central part of Xiling, within two months.
The issuance of this edict sent shockwaves not only through the Xiling court and populace but also stunned the rulers of neighboring nations. Although they hadn’t conquered all of Xiling, the Mo Family Army had taken a third of Xiling’s territory, including its Imperial City, in less than three months. Such military prowess couldn’t help but inspire vigilance and fear, especially considering this wasn’t even the full strength of the Mo Family Army.
Following the Xiling Emperor’s decree, unlike the shock, fear, and anger elsewhere, the Mo Family Army camp erupted in jubilation. On the ninth day of the Mo Family Army’s siege of the Imperial City, the gates of Xiling’s Imperial City finally opened. The Mo Family Army had captured Xiling’s most heavily fortified city with almost negligible casualties, a victory that could truly be described as bloodless.
Because Xiling had not completely surrendered to the Mo Family Army, the Emperor of Xiling did not come out of the city to welcome them. He merely dispatched ministers from the court to accompany Xu Qingbai to the city gates. Even so, the expressions of many Xiling officials remained exceedingly grim. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, each mounted on a fine steed, rode side by side, followed by Feng Zhiyao, Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, and others, all clad in red brocade. Behind them were the Black Cloud Cavalry, dressed in black and riding matching black steeds, along with a contingent of infantry. To avoid alarming the city’s inhabitants, the entire Mo Family Army did not enter. Only ten thousand soldiers were brought into the city; the remaining hundreds of thousands of troops stayed encamped outside, under the command of Zhang Qilan.
Although rumors of a massacre in Biancheng City had circulated previously, due to effective handling of the aftermath and the fact that the Mo Family Army had largely refrained from harming civilians on their march, the common people of Xiling’s Imperial City were not particularly afraid of them. They crowded the sides of the streets, eager to watch the spectacle. When they saw Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding at the head of the procession, countless envious eyes fell upon the couple.
Only when they reached the main gate of the Xiling Imperial Palace did the Emperor of Xiling emerge to greet them. He couldn’t help but be taken aback upon seeing the two standing side by side. After all, both Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li were renowned figures. Mo Xiuyao had become famous very early on, then had a period of silence, so those unfamiliar with him might easily categorize him among the older generation. Looking at the pair before him now: the man, despite his white hair, possessed a handsome face and a formidable aura; the woman was strikingly beautiful and elegant, her grace infused with an air of magnanimity and carefree spirit. Judging by their appearances alone, they both seemed to be just past twenty. Such individuals, either one of them, were undoubtedly among the most distinguished figures of their time.
"HAHA, Prince Ding, Princess Consort Ding, I have long admired your great names. Seeing you today, you are indeed as impressive as the legends say." Fortunately, the Emperor of Xiling quickly regained his composure, averting his gaze from Ye Li. Although he had a penchant for beautiful women, he wasn’t so lost in lust as to lose his sense. He was well aware of which women he could look at and which he could not.
Mo Xiuyao shot him a cool glance, then retracted his increasingly icy gaze.
Ye Li smiled faintly. "Your Majesty flatters us. Please forgive us if we have offended in any way."
"Not at all, Princess Consort, you are too formal. Prince Ding, Princess Consort, please come in. I have already ordered a humble repast prepared. Please do not disdain it." Seeing Ye Li speak before Mo Xiuyao, and noticing no displeasure on Prince Ding’s face, the Emperor of Xiling became even more certain of Princess Consort Ding’s importance in Prince Ding’s heart. He was unaware, however, that Ye Li had spoken first to save him from embarrassment. Otherwise, he might have found himself making friendly overtures to a cold reception, losing face in front of so many officials.
"After you, Your Majesty."
Upon entering the main hall, they discovered that the Xiling Imperial Palace was surprisingly austere. It lacked the golden splendor of Great Chu’s palace, and there were few precious ornaments. The entire hall appeared bare, exuding an unexpected sense of coolness and desolation. Feng Zhiyao, puzzled, glanced at Xu Qingbai, who was seated below him. From the intelligence Prince Ding’s Mansion had received, he knew that while the Emperor of Xiling wasn’t excessively extravagant, he wasn’t particularly frugal either. Xu Qingbai met his gaze with an almost imperceptible, knowing smile directed towards the Emperor of Xiling, who was currently engaged in polite conversation with Mo Xiuyao.
Feng Zhiyao blinked, a realization dawning upon him. The Emperor of Xiling is preparing to relocate the capital. He must have hidden away his treasures, fearing Prince Ding’s Mansion might take a liking to them.
In the hall, the Emperor of Xiling looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "Prince Ding, regarding the letter I had sent yesterday, does Prince Ding have any objections?"
Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, took a letter from Zhuo Jing who stood behind him, and said calmly, "Prince Ding’s Mansion can agree to all the terms proposed by the Emperor of Xiling, except for one... Regarding the matter of Nanzhao, I’m afraid this Prince is unable to offer assistance."
The smile on the Emperor of Xiling’s face froze instantly. He forced a laugh. "How can that be? Prince Ding is immensely capable. As long as you genuinely wish to help me, how could you be unable to assist?" Currently, Prince Ding’s Mansion was not Xiling’s only enemy. The Nanzhao Kingdom to the south and the various small nations in the Western Region were all eyeing Xiling covetously. In fact, Nanzhao had already dispatched troops and occupied a prefecture bordering their territory.
Mo Xiuyao said gravely, "The Northwest is too far from Nanzhao. If the Mo Family Army were to be dispatched to help Xiling fend off Nanzhao, firstly, we would lack a justifiable cause. Secondly, the journey is long. By the time the Mo Family Army arrived, our soldiers and horses would be exhausted, and I fear we would fall into Nanzhao’s trap."
The Emperor of Xiling chuckled. "That is not my intention." Even if Mo Xiuyao genuinely offered to send troops, he wouldn’t dare accept. Right now, he only hoped Mo Xiuyao and the Mo Family Army would stay quietly within the territory they had acquired and not cause further trouble for his remaining lands. Asking the Mo Family Army to help drive out Nanzhao’s forces would undoubtedly be like driving away a wolf only to welcome a tiger.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow inquisitively. The Emperor of Xiling smiled. "Prince Ding’s reputation is renowned throughout the land. I believe that if Prince Ding merely expresses his stance, Nanzhao will naturally exercise restraint." In truth, the Emperor of Xiling didn’t truly regard Nanzhao as a major threat. However, he currently had to deal with the nations of the Western Region and also prepare to confront Lei Zhenting. He simply had no time to get entangled with Nanzhao. This time... he had no desire to be a puppet again. Moreover, he had surrendered the Imperial City. The Emperor of Xiling knew very well that if Lei Zhenting were given a chance to return, his own days would definitely not be peaceful.
Mo Xiuyao understood. He nodded and smiled. "That should not be a problem. This Prince will send a letter to the Queen of Nanzhao later." As for whether the former Princess Anxi, now the Queen of Nanzhao, would heed it after reading the letter, that would not be this Prince’s concern. Having received a satisfactory answer, the smile on the Emperor of Xiling’s face widened, and his gaze towards Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li became somewhat more sincere. If Prince Ding’s Mansion could help him pacify Nanzhao and deal with Lei Zhenting, then perhaps giving up this Imperial City wouldn’t be a loss after all.
"Prince Ding, to be frank... although it has been decided to move the capital to Ancheng City... as far as I know, my nephew, Lei Tengfeng, is still within Xiling’s borders, and he commands a considerable number of troops loyal to the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion. This... how should this be handled?" the Emperor of Xiling asked.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Emperor of Xiling, our ancestors had a saying: ’If names are not correct, language is not in accordance with the truth of things.’ To put it bluntly, Lei Zhenting is merely the Southern Garrison Prince; he doesn’t even hold the legitimate title of Regent Prince. As for Lei Tengfeng, he is merely the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince. Surely, Emperor of Xiling, you are not incapable of dealing with him?" The Emperor of Xiling gave a bitter smile. "Lei Tengfeng himself is not to be feared, but the troops under his command and those loyal to the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion cannot be underestimated."
Mo Xiuyao, resting his chin on his hand, smiled faintly. "As far as this Prince knows... Grand General Shuntian is currently in the Imperial City. Presumably, he will also accompany the Emperor of Xiling to Ancheng City?"
The Emperor of Xiling’s expression changed slightly. Feng Ao was indeed in the Imperial City, but he had kept this information secret even from his closest confidants. Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s casual demeanor, it was clear this wasn’t newly acquired knowledge. A chill ran down the Emperor of Xiling’s spine, and his fear of Mo Xiuyao deepened.
Mo Xiuyao, seemingly oblivious to the Emperor’s change in expression, continued, "Besides, this entire war was instigated by the Southern Garrison Prince. Does his son intend to turn against the monarch who is cleaning up their mess? If so... the loyalty of the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion..." Many things need not be said too plainly. Suppressing the shock in his heart, the Emperor of Xiling chuckled with understanding. "I understand. Thank you, Prince Ding, for your guidance."
Mo Xiuyao replied, "Your Majesty is too courteous."
Just as a harmonious atmosphere filled the grand hall and host and guests were enjoying themselves, a somewhat jarring voice suddenly burst in from outside, "Father! Father!"
Before the Emperor of Xiling could react, a lavishly dressed, dignified woman had already stormed in. Without even looking at the others seated in the hall, she yelled at the Emperor of Xiling, "Father! Are you really going to hand over the Imperial City to Prince Ding’s Mansion? Have you gone mad? How can you face the ancestors of Xiling if you do this!"
The Emperor of Xiling’s face turned livid. He snapped, "Insolence! Ling Yun, your audacity grows ever greater! Don’t you see what place this is that you dare to barge in so casually?" Although what he had done indeed made it difficult for him to face his ancestors and subjects, it wasn’t his daughter’s place to reprimand him.
Ye Li curiously gazed at the richly attired woman who had burst in. If it wasn’t Princess Ling Yun, the one who had tried to snatch Mo Xiuyao from her all those years ago, who else could it be?
That was all a matter of eight or nine years ago. The proud princess, then a haughty eighteen-year-old in the bloom of youth, was now approaching thirty. If Ye Li hadn’t looked closely, she might not have recognized the woman before her. Princess Ling Yun, now twenty-seven or twenty-eight, was still well-preserved, her skin like snow, her beauty captivating. However, the pride of her youth, weathered by the years, had morphed into a certain arrogance and acerbity. Her magnificent attire, meticulously shaped eyebrows, and the fierce glint in her eyes all bespoke the princess’s personality. A proud young girl might possess a certain captivating allure, but a domineering young woman often becomes less appealing in men’s eyes.
"Was I wrong then?" Princess Ling Yun defiantly tilted her chin, glaring unyieldingly at her father.
"You... you..." The Emperor of Xiling sputtered, collapsing back onto the dragon throne, clearly infuriated.
Feng Zhiyao, standing to the side, stroked his chin, observing the fiery woman. Although he hadn’t seen Princess Ling Yun many times, he had heard the tales of the princess who dared to challenge Prince Ding’s Mansion, only to be so frightened that she ended up sitting on the ground, unable to get up. Chuckling, he addressed Princess Ling Yun, "Is this the princess who competed with our Princess Consort back then? It seems her temperament is even more formidable than before. Princess Consort, perhaps you two could have another match now?"
At his words, Princess Ling Yun finally seemed to realize there were others in the hall. After shooting Feng Zhiyao an irate glare, her gaze fell upon the couple dressed in white seated nearby, and she froze. The man she had admired in her youth, whom she had wished to marry despite his disability, had now fully recovered and possessed an even greater presence than before. His snow-white hair, however, was so piercing to her eyes. Even from distant Xiling, Princess Ling Yun knew everything about Prince Ding, including why his black hair had turned white. Her gaze abruptly shifted to Ye Li.
Ye Li met Princess Ling Yun’s gaze, offering a faint smile and a nod.
However, Ye Li, still as elegant and graceful as ever, deeply provoked Princess Ling Yun. Looking at her own opulent and heavy attire, laden with jewels, and the thick makeup on her face, all of it reminded her that she was no longer that proud and beautiful princess of yesteryear. A fit of anger rushed straight to her heart, and Princess Ling Yun pointed at Ye Li, declaring, "Ye Li, I challenge you!"
