Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 393 - 392. Profiting without Lifting a Finger

392. Sit Back and Reap the Benefits

Watching the disheveled eunuch, who had delivered the decree, leave, Mu Yang’s face grew even more gloomy. The wrongful death of his father, Yaoji’s disappearance, Mo Jingli’s suspicions—it all feels like a series of oppressively heavy mountains pressing down on me, he thought. Seeing the dead bodies of the Imperial Guard scattered around, Mu Yang’s face turned ashen.

Commander Zhao Lian of the West Route Army, who had some acquaintance with the old Marquis Muyang, arrived upon hearing the news, only to find the situation irreparable. Even though he and Marquis Muyang had been friends, their relationship was not strong enough for him to risk his reputation and possessions for this friendship. He could only order Mu Yang to be confined within the army and personally wrote a petition to be swiftly sent to Mo Jingli. Unfortunately, he didn’t know that his petition turned to ashes only twenty miles out of the military camp.

In Mu Yang’s tent, both Zhao Lian and Lei Tengfeng were present. Seeing Mu Yang cradling the sleeping Mu Lie, both men couldn’t help but sigh. Honestly, neither Zhao Lian nor I truly believe that Marquis Muyang’s Mansion would side with Prince Ding’s Mansion. Not that they wouldn’t want to, but rather they couldn’t, Lei Tengfeng mused. I always felt something was off, but with Marquis Muyang already deceased, I fear for Mu Yang...

Thinking this, Lei Tengfeng subtly gave Zhao Lian a knowing look. Zhao Lian sighed helplessly. I can be considered a veteran of Great Chu, he thought. Although I haven’t accomplished any earth-shattering feats, I am indeed worldly-wise. Mo Jingli’s decision to wage war in the north had already caused internal grumblings, and now the Emperor is executing his own ministers just as the war begins. This has made many people uneasy. The officers and soldiers who were originally close to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion are indignant. If Mu Yang has any ill intentions, the army will surely be thrown into chaos. Ordinarily, for the sake of stability, I should have arrested Mu Yang right away. In this camp, half of the officers are old subordinates of Marquis Muyang or have old ties with his household. Never mind the Emperor of Great Chu; even I occasionally worry if Marquis Muyang’s Mansion truly harbors sinister intentions.

"Marquis Muyang..." After some thought, Zhao Lian decided to try and persuade him. Lv Jinxian’s armies are pressing close; the military can’t afford any further internal chaos.

Mu Yang gave a bitter smile. "General Zhao, you flatter me. How can I still be considered Marquis Muyang?"

Zhao Lian sighed. "There must be some misunderstanding here. I’ve personally written a petition to the Emperor to explain the situation. Please rest assured, General."

"Even if there is a misunderstanding, Mo Jingli shouldn’t have killed my father!" Mu Yang’s voice was stern, his eyes flashing with stunning hatred.

Zhao Lian was inwardly shocked. This time, regardless of the outcome... Marquis Muyang’s Mansion is bound to break away from the Emperor.

"Mommy..." In Mu Yang’s arms, Mu Lie let out a small sob in his sleep.

A sharp pain pierced Mu Yang’s heart. He picked up Mu Lie and rose to leave.

"Mu Yang, where are you going?!" Zhao Lian quickly asked.

Mu Yang turned around and said resolutely, "I am going to save Yaoji."

Given the current situation, Zhao Lian couldn’t let him take troops. He quickly said, "How do you know where Lady Mu is now? We should send someone to investigate first. Besides... you should know, if you leave now..." If Mu Yang really leaves like this, he’ll be considered a traitor even if he isn’t one, Zhao Lian thought frantically.

Mu Yang sneered, "Given the current situation, do I still care about all this?"

Zhao Lian bit his lip, saying sternly, "Fine, I won’t stop you if you want to leave. But you can’t take the troops." If I let Mu Yang take the troops, my own life probably wouldn’t last long, he reasoned.

Mu Yang gave a cold smile. If I leave alone, I won’t be able to do anything. Mo Jingli could just send assassins to kill me, let alone rescue anyone.

From the side, Lei Tengfeng furrowed his brow. "Marquis Muyang, calm down. Don’t you think there’s something strange about all this?"

Mu Yang and Zhao Lian turned to look at Lei Tengfeng.

Lei Tengfeng said seriously, "The Emperor of Great Chu is not a fool. If he really intended to execute Marquis Muyang, why would he publicize Old Marquis Muyang’s death so quickly, and only send a dozen guards to deliver the edict? Isn’t he afraid that Marquis Muyang would refuse the edict and even rebel on the spot?"

Mu Yang looked at Lei Tengfeng, saying coldly, "Is the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince implying that my father is alright? Or are you saying the people who delivered the edict are not Mo Jingli’s men, but impostors?"

Lei Tengfeng was at a loss for words. We all recognize the few people around Mo Jingli. If it were a disguise, it would be impossible not to reveal any flaws in front of so many people. Even the dead Imperial Guard—we’ve seen them before in Mo Jingli’s army. How could they be faked?

After a while, Lei Tengfeng sighed and said, "If Brother Mu believes me, let’s wait one more day. Let’s first get clear news from the main camp. If it really comes to that... I’ll personally escort Brother Mu out of the camp. If the Emperor of Great Chu blames us, I’ll take responsibility. It will spare General Zhao any awkwardness."

Zhao Lian naturally agreed. In any case, it’s essential to keep Mu Yang stable first; otherwise, an immediate mutiny in the army is imminent, he thought, nodding repeatedly. "Heir Lei is right, nephew. If it really comes to that... this old man will not stop you."

Mu Yang fell silent for a moment, then finally nodded. "Alright, we’ll wait one more day."

「In the army camp of Great Chu」

Mo Jingli stared gloomily at the trembling eunuch kneeling below and asked sternly, "What did you say?"

The eunuch who had delivered the decree paled, stammering, "Your Majesty, forgive me! Your Majesty, spare me... This servant was incapable... Marquis Muyang refused to receive the decree. He even said... Marquis Muyang’s Mansion is loyal to Great Chu, that Your Majesty is incompetent and wrongly harms the loyal... He killed all the Imperial Guard sent by Your Majesty! Luckily, luckily the West Route Army arrived in time and saved this servant’s pitiful life..." As he spoke, the eunuch was already sobbing uncontrollably, looking utterly terrified.

Mo Jingli scrutinized him for a while. The eunuch’s originally clean clothes are now covered with dust and blood, and his face shows fatigue, fright, and suppressed pain. He has clearly sustained some injuries, he observed. "Good... A fine Marquis Muyang, a fine Mu Yang! Bring Mu Jingming to me!"

Mu Jingming was the given name of the old Marquis Muyang. However, since he was ennobled as Marquis Muyang while still young, very few addressed him by his given name. Soon, the old Marquis Muyang was ushered into the tent under guard. In just two days, the once energetic old man had noticeably aged. His already white hair was somewhat disheveled, and his piercing eyes had become dull. The conditions of prison life were certainly not pleasant, and he looked aged and weak.

"Mu Jingming, what else do you have to say?!" Mo Jingli asked sternly.

Old Marquis Muyang was momentarily stunned. What could have happened to make Mo Jingli so furious? He glanced at the disheveled eunuch kneeling nearby, and his heart trembled as understanding dawned.

"This old subject is innocent! I plead Your Majesty to discern the truth." Although I’ve guessed what happened, I can’t admit it. I have to feign ignorance, Old Marquis Muyang thought.

Mo Jingli sneered, "Discern the truth? Are you saying Mu Yang had no intention of rebelling? Yet he dares to kill the Imperial Guard I sent with the decree, and dares to call me incompetent? Is this the loyalty of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion to Great Chu you speak of?"

"Your Majesty... it must be a misunderstanding! My son would never be so disrespectful!" Old Marquis Muyang said anxiously. I know Mu Yang’s character; he wouldn’t act so rashly. Besides, I am still in the Army of Great Chu’s camp. Mu Yang, even if he’s concerned about repercussions for me, would never be reckless enough to kill the Emperor’s messengers!

The kneeling eunuch perked up and cried out in a shrill voice, "Old Marquis, are you implying that this servant lied to His Majesty? That this servant falsely accused Marquis Muyang? Your Majesty, I implore you to send a trusted envoy to investigate! I don’t want to bear this unjust accusation! Marquis Muyang’s slaughter of Your Majesty’s Imperial Guard was witnessed by thousands of soldiers in the army! I do not believe Marquis Muyang can silence so many people! What’s more, although the West Route Army only arrived afterward, the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince was present from beginning to end! I plead Your Majesty to discern the truth!"

Seeing the eunuch’s expression of sorrow and indignation, Mo Jingli became even more convinced. Besides, I’ve long had suspicions about Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. These underlings are just adding fuel to the fire, he thought.

Snickering, Mo Jingli said, "I will indeed investigate this! Gao Ming! Take my royal decree. Inform General Zhao Lian of the West Route Army to capture Mu Yang and bring him to me. If there is any resistance, execute him on the spot!"

A general stepped forward and bowed. "I obey Your Majesty’s orders! I will bring Mu Yang back to apologize to Your Majesty!"

Mo Jingli hummed, uninterested in whether Mu Yang apologized or not. He was only concerned about whether Mu Yang would rebel with his over one hundred thousand troops. After all, the Mu Family still held considerable influence within the Army of Great Chu. After pondering, Mo Jingli commanded, "I will also give you fifty thousand elite soldiers to assist the West Route General in defending against Lv Jinxian’s troops!"

"Yes, thank you, Your Majesty," General Gao Ming responded loudly. He understood Mo Jingli’s intention. The fifty thousand elite soldiers weren’t really for defending against Lv Jinxian, but to guard against any unexpected moves by Mu Yang, so that the West Route General and I can jointly suppress them. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Old Marquis Muyang looked at Gao Ming’s tall, imposing, and seemingly righteous figure, a sense of despair creeping into his heart. Everyone has enemies as well as friends, and coincidentally, Gao Ming and the Mu Family have long been at odds. The Mu Family hails from a military lineage. Gao Ming and Mu Yang are of similar age, but Mu Yang’s family background is far superior to someone of Gao Ming’s common origins. Despite Gao Ming following Mo Jingli since he was merely a prince without real power, his status has always been far beneath Mu Yang’s after Mo Jingli ascended the throne. The discord between the two is widely known throughout the Army of Great Chu. Mo Jingli dispatching him might be due to concern that others, being friendly with Mu Yang, might show leniency. However, sending Gao Ming is almost tantamount to sealing the fate of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion.

As Old Marquis Muyang collapsed onto the ground in despair, Mo Jingli didn’t even bother to look at him and departed with a flick of his sleeve.

The eunuch, who had been kneeling, quickly stood up and instructed the guards to take Old Marquis Muyang back to prison and keep him under close watch. Old Marquis Muyang glared ruthlessly at the eunuch. He keenly sensed something was wrong. However, I am imprisoned by Mo Jingli and helpless to investigate the truth, he thought.

The eunuch looked around. Seeing no one else, he suddenly leaned closer to Old Marquis Muyang and flashed a low smile, whispering, "Old Marquis, don’t blame me. Who asked you to offend someone you shouldn’t have?"

"So it was you!" Old Marquis Muyang yelled.

"What are you standing around for? Take him down and guard him closely! If Prince Ding’s Mansion manages to rescue him, none of us will live!" the eunuch waved his hand and shrieked.

Unresisting, Old Marquis Muyang was dragged away.

The news that arrived a day later left everyone quite helpless.

"Grand General, His Majesty has ordered General Gao Ming to lead fifty thousand elite soldiers here to assist you."

The large tent immediately fell into an oppressive silence, and the generals of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion wore grim expressions.

Mu Yang sneered, "Fifty thousand elite soldiers to assist General Zhao?" Mockery was evident in his voice. Everyone present understood. What assistance? How much difference could fifty thousand troops make? Presently in the main camp, there are over a hundred thousand soldiers from the original West Route Army, a hundred thousand under Mu Yang, and over a hundred thousand under Lei Tengfeng. The total force is over four hundred thousand, already double that of Lv Jinxian. Most likely, these fifty thousand aren’t intended to deal with Lv Jinxian, but to guard against Mu Yang.

Zhao Lian sighed heavily and asked, "Where is General Gao?"

A soldier reported, "General Gao’s army is already thirty miles away. Also... General Gao has sent a message... Marquis Muyang is plotting a rebellion and asks the General to arrest him immediately, to be handed over to His Majesty upon General Gao’s arrival."

Upon hearing this, the generals from Marquis Muyang’s Mansion all stood up, glaring at everyone with hostile expressions.

Just as Zhao Lian was in a dilemma, the sound of war drums resounded from outside the camp. Zhao Lian felt a jolt in his heart and quickly made a decision. He solemnly ordered, "The Mo Family Army is challenging us! All generals, follow me out of the camp to meet them!"

Having said this, he immediately left, paying no heed to Mu Yang and the others. Lei Tengfeng stood up, looked at Mu Yang standing to the side, sighed, shook his head, and followed him out.

Left in the tent were the generals of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. One of them asked in a low voice, "Marquis, shall we...?"

Mu Yang closed his eyes and said decisively, "Those willing to stay, follow General Zhao out of the camp to fight. Those willing to go with me, let’s leave now!"

Among those present, several silently withdrew and followed Zhao Lian. The remaining ones, however, were willing to follow Mu Yang. Though their choices differed, nobody was in the mood to fault others at this moment. The path with Mu Yang would not be easy. Marquis Muyang’s Mansion did not possess the vast power of Prince Ding’s Mansion; it wasn’t as if one could simply lead an army away and claim a territory. Those willing to follow Mu Yang were either trusted confidants of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion or those who owed their lives to it.

Mu Yang looked at everyone and said solemnly, "Thank you all. Return and gather your soldiers. We leave immediately."

Thus, outside the main camp, two armies departed, heading in different directions. Mu Yang had brought a hundred thousand soldiers when he arrived, but only thirty to forty thousand actually followed him. Watching Mu Yang leave with his men, Zhao Lian sighed slightly. A sorrowful look emerged in his eyes. Mu Yang’s road ahead probably won’t go far. If given time, he would undoubtedly become a general equal to his father. But now, with only thirty to forty thousand men, lacking both supplies and support, his future is clear.

Lei Tengfeng stood beside Zhao Lian and asked casually, "General Zhao, do you regret letting him go?"

Zhao Lian sighed. "I’ve done everything I could. It’s better than a mutiny."

Lei Tengfeng nodded in agreement. Letting Mu Yang take thirty to forty thousand soldiers wouldn’t cause much harm to the army. However, if they had captured or killed Mu Yang, those generals on good terms with Marquis Muyang’s Mansion would inevitably have felt a sense of shared grief. If someone with ulterior motives then instigated trouble, the loss would have been far greater than just these thirty or forty thousand men.

"But how will you explain this to the Emperor of Great Chu?" Lei Tengfeng asked. Mo Jingli is not the kind of person who can see the bigger picture or be generous. He’ll most likely only see that Zhao Lian disobeyed the imperial edict and let Mu Yang go.

Zhao Lian smiled bitterly. "I’ve done my best. Besides... I might die in battle at any time, so why worry so much? To be frank, I’m not confident about dealing with Lv Jinxian." Seeing the fate of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, Zhao Lian couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart. However, as a subject, if the ruler wants his subject to die, the subject cannot refuse.

"Your great righteousness, General," Lei Tengfeng praised sincerely.

However, only four hours after Mu Yang left the main camp, his forces encountered Gao Ming’s army. The two armies would not have met so soon, but when Gao Ming learned that Mu Yang had fled with his army just before reaching the main camp, he immediately turned his troops around and pursued him. At the same time, a petition was swiftly delivered to Mo Jingli’s main camp, stating that Mu Yang had defected with the army. He didn’t forget to accuse Zhao Lian as well. Gao Ming had always felt suppressed by these generals from prominent families, despite his years of toiling like an ox and horse for Mo Jingli. How could he let go of such an opportunity now that it had fallen into his lap?

When the two armies met, Gao Ming ordered an immediate charge without a word. In the ensuing melee, countless soldiers were killed or wounded in moments. Just as Gao Ming was feeling triumphant, an army clad in black suddenly charged out from the flanks, completely encircling both battling forces.

Gao Ming noticed the black flag fluttering in the wind and was so scared he almost fell off his horse. He yelled out in terror, "Mo Family Army... Black Cloud Cavalry..."

Mu Yang also looked solemn; he sensed something was wrong. The combat power of the Black Cloud Cavalry was naturally no match for ordinary soldiers of the Army of Great Chu. With a fierce charge, they shattered the Chu army’s formation.

The black-cloaked commander leading them shouted sternly, "Those willing to surrender to Prince Ding’s Mansion, cease fighting immediately!" His vigorous voice, amplified by profound internal energy, reverberated in all directions.

The soldiers were already reeling from the sudden fratricidal conflict, and the appearance of the Black Cloud Cavalry only terrified them further. They bore no ill will against the Mo Family Army and even harbored a vague sense of fear and dissatisfaction about the war with Prince Ding’s Mansion. At this call, many quickly laid down their arms and left the battlefield. Seeing that the Mo Family Army, true to the black-cloaked commander’s word, spared those who laid down their weapons, even protecting them from stray blades in the chaos, even more soldiers quickly disarmed.

In less than half an hour, the entire battlefield had quieted down. Tens of thousands of soldiers had chosen to surrender to Prince Ding’s Mansion, including men from both Mu Yang’s and Gao Ming’s forces. Mu Yang, protected by a few loyal guards, continued to resist the Mo Family Army, while Gao Ming had already fallen into their hands.

The man in black brought Gao Ming forward, his voice heavy as he ordered, "Stand down!"

The Black Cloud Cavalry soldiers surrounding Mu Yang immediately ceased their actions and respectfully stepped aside.

Mu Yang stared at the man in black before him for a long moment before finally frowning. "You... are Qin Feng?" Mu Yang had only met Qin Feng a few times, but he still remembered the silent man who was always by Princess Consort Ding’s side, the one said to command Prince Ding’s Mansion’s mysterious Qilin.

Qin Feng nodded carelessly and tossed Gao Ming at Mu Yang’s feet.

Gao Ming struggled to his feet, looking at Qin Feng with a mixture of dread and terror. He felt incredibly unlucky. He had always been overshadowed by Mu Yang. Now, just when Mu Yang was about to fall, he, Gao Ming, had been sent to capture him, only to end up being captured by the Mo Family Army alongside Mu Yang! At this moment, Gao Ming genuinely felt that Mu Yang was his nemesis.

"You... traitor from Prince Ding’s Mansion! How audacious! I am a general of Great Chu!" Gao Ming glared at Qin Feng, who ignored him completely, and roared with false bravado.

The officer beside Qin Feng felt his lips twitch. He couldn’t help but cough lightly and mutter to Qin Feng, "Commander Qin, is this fellow alright in the head? Is being a general of Great Chu so praiseworthy, especially when he’s our prisoner now that our armies are fighting?"

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow, amused. "So what if he’s a general of Great Chu? Our armies are at war. The more Great Chu generals this Commander kills, the greater my battle honors, no?"

Hearing this, Gao Ming’s face paled instantly, and he no longer dared to speak.

Mu Yang looked at Qin Feng and frowned. "Princess Consort Ding has some impressive methods, I see. It seems she already anticipated that General Gao and I would meet here. I would like to request Princess Consort Ding to show herself."

Qin Feng replied indifferently, "The Princess Consort is not here. I’m afraid I can’t fulfill your wish, Marquis Muyang."

Mu Yang wrinkled his brow further. "I wonder if my wife has been taken by Commander Qin’s people. She’s just an innocent woman. Commander Qin, as a military leader, surely you wouldn’t trouble a weak and unknowing woman."

"Unknowing?" Qin Feng’s expression became somewhat strange.

Mu Yang nodded. "Indeed. If I am defeated by Commander Qin, I will die without regret. But my wife and my son are unrelated to this. Please, Commander Qin, show mercy and let them go."

What a pity, Qin Feng thought, looking at Mu Yang and shaking his head. Mu Yang himself isn’t a detestable person. If Marquis Muyang’s Mansion hadn’t offended Prince Ding, he wouldn’t be in such a dire situation. To still be pleading for Yaoji at a time like this shows he’s loyal and devoted. Unfortunately... we serve different masters, and our stances are different. Mu Yang must die.

"Commander Qin..." Mu Yang’s expression changed slightly.

In a casual tone, Qin Feng stated, "Of course, I won’t harm Yaoji or Mu Lie. Because..."

Mu Yang stared intently at Qin Feng, wondering what he was about to say. Suddenly, he felt an icy sting in his abdomen. He looked down in shock to see his son, Mu Lie, smiling innocently up at him, the child’s eyes sparkling with a guileless and pure light.

Mu Lie giggled, saying, "Because I myself am one of Prince Ding’s Mansion!"