s eyes moistened uncontrollably.Mo Xiuyao held her tightly in his arms and said, "As long as it’s what Lily wants, everything that Shao Yao has can be yours. If it doesn’t exist, I’ll fight to get it...The Esteemed Consort of the Prosperous Era Chapter 306: The Chu Emperor Moves South, Winning Without Bloodshed

A month later, Regent Duke Mo Jingli of Great Chu led Empress Dowager and the newly crowned emperor along with most officials in the imperial court southward to Jiangnan. Those who stayed behind in the capital were elderly ministers headed by Marquis Hua Guo and a portion of upright scholarly officials. Upon receiving this news, soldiers on the front lines lost morale. The originally pessimistic battle situation turned catastrophic, as the Northern Rong army continuously advanced further south. Ten days later, after months of resistance, Zi Jing Pass was finally breached. Large numbers of soldiers from the northern border poured into the pass.

Meanwhile, far away in Xi Ling, when Mo Xiuyao received this news, the troops of the Mo Family Army had already surrounded Xi Ling's imperial city. With the lessons and trials learned from their previous battle in Biancheng, Commander Chen Yun and other young officers performed admirably during the Fencheng campaign. Even though Lei Tengfeng was ultimately rescued by Imperial Guard soldiers, it did not detract from the overall excellence of the performance. The Mo Family Army's continuous battles for several months honed this initially inexperienced force into a formidable army of seasoned veterans. By the time they reached Xi Ling's imperial city, it was already September.

After surrounding the imperial city, Mo Xiuyao did not immediately order an attack. Instead, he chose to besiege without attacking, allowing weary soldiers a chance for rest after months of continuous fighting.

In Xi Ling's palace at this moment, Emperor Xi Ling was deeply furrowed in thought while staring at the pale-robed young man before him. Xi Ling's emperor was barely past fifty but compared to Prince Southern Tranquility who still exuded grandeur despite losing an arm, he appeared lackluster and frail. Perhaps due to years of indulgence in song, dance, pleasure, his figure had become gaunt, with a waxen complexion and dull eyes. His eyelids drooped loosely even though he was not yet old; it made him seem devoid of vitality.

Xu Qingbo nonchalantly glanced at the Xi Ling palace guards who were glaring intently from a distance. In fact, he had been in Xi Ling for quite some time but Xi Ling's emperor initially did not want to see him. Perhaps Emperor Xi Ling hadn’t anticipated how easily his Xi Ling army would crumble before the Mo Family Army. It wasn’t until the Mo Family Army captured both Biancheng and Fencheng within a short period that he became truly alarmed. However, negotiations affecting national fate were never easy to resolve. Furthermore, Emperor Xi Ling still harbored some hope deep in his heart, causing him to be indecisive. Now faced with the imminent threat of the Mo Family Army besieging the city while there was no news from Prince Southern Tranquility's residence, he could no longer afford to hesitate.

For several years, Xu Qingbo had been working in extremely barren regions on agricultural projects in the northwest. Yet this did nothing to erase the inherent scholarly air about him; if anything, it polished his demeanor into one even more refined and serene over time. Compared with his brothers of differing temperaments within the Xu family, Xu Qingbo was the true inheritor of their hundred-year legacy of scholarship and intelligence. While Xu Qingchen seemed too aloof, Xu Qingze too cold, Xu Qingfeng too martial in nature, and Xu Qingyan too impulsive, only Xu Qingbo remained calm with a serene smile, embodying the essence of an upright gentleman—someone no one could dislike.

"Has Xi Ling's emperor considered my proposal" After some time, Xu Qingbo spoke calmly.

Emperor Xi Ling did not relax despite Xu Qingbo's gentle demeanor, his brows still furrowed deeply. "Actually," Xu Qingbo said with a sigh, "there’s no need for Xi Ling's emperor to be so troubled. Prince Tranquil Tranquility has no intention of causing hardship but is compelled by circumstances."

Everyone in the chamber, including the qilins guarding the entrance and staring warily at the palace guards inside, looked speechless. How could it not be seen as a show of force when they had already besieged Xi Ling's capital

Facing Emperor Xi Ling’s skeptical expression, Xu Qingbo smiled and said, "If Prince Southern Tranquility hadn’t been ambitious enough to attack Great Chu, our lord would never have resorted to such measures." Xi Ling's emperor frowned and asked, "From what I know, the Mo Family Army has severed ties with Eastern Chu. Fourth Young Master Xu, don't try fooling me with this talk." Even though he was a puppet emperor, he still wanted some respect; Xu Qingbo’s words sounded like mocking his intelligence. Unperturbed, Xu Qingbo shook his head helplessly and said, "Although our lord has no intention of interfering in Great Chu's affairs, Xi Ling's emperor should understand that the northwest is impoverished. If Southern Tranquility captures Great Chu, wouldn’t he then come to challenge Prince Tranquil Tranquility"

Xi Ling's emperor fell silent as Xu Qingbo’s words began to resonate with him. While he recognized much of it was sophistry, under these circumstances, people were more likely to accept such arguments. Thus, Xi Ling's emperor couldn’t help but wonder if Mo Xiuyao wouldn't have attacked Xi Ling had Southern Tranquility not invaded Great Chu Moreover, Lei Zhen霆’s attack on Great Chu aside, the fact that he took most of Xi Ling’s elite troops and continued attacking despite Xi Ling’s perilous situation deeply troubled the emperor.

Seeing the emperor’s silence, Xu Qingbo continued, "Xi Ling's emperor should realize that with your current military strength… defending the imperial city is impossible. Furthermore, even if our lord withdrew his forces now, could you withstand the combined might of Western Region nations From what I understand, fifteen small countries in the Western Regions have formed a coalition army of 600,000 troops stationed at the border to reclaim blood debts from Xi Ling's past actions."

Hearing this, Xi Ling’s emperor couldn’t help but tremble. Back then, Dragon Yang had likely killed countless people in the Western Region—numbers too numerous to count. For centuries, these small nations lived under Xi Ling's oppressive rule, harboring deep-seated resentment toward Xi Ling. Yet due to their weak military strength compared to Xi Ling, they could only swallow this bitterness silently. However, this did not mean they would submit willingly; now that Xi Ling was defeated by the Mo Family Army, these nations were stirring up trouble.

Xi Ling’s emperor knew he had no chance against Mo Xiuyao and could not handle the revenge-seeking Western Region nations either. Just like how he always felt he couldn’t match his younger brother Prince Southern Tranquility, he was pragmatic. After a moment of silence, Xi Ling's emperor finally asked, "What does Fourth Young Master Xu want to say"

Xu Qingbo raised an eyebrow slightly, realizing the emperor was somewhat moved, and replied calmly, "If Xi Ling's emperor cedes control over Xi Ling’s capital city to us, all cities previously captured by the Mo Family Army will revert to your possession. In return, our forces would withdraw immediately, allowing both sides to coexist peacefully."

Xi Ling’s emperor felt a surge of old blood rising in his throat at this suggestion. Peaceful coexistence With one-third of Xi Ling's territory already seized

Xi Ling’s emperor shook his head and said, "The imperial city cannot be ceded. If Prince Tranquil Tranquility withdraws immediately, we will return all territories captured by the Mo Family Army to him. Additionally, I can also add Qingyang Prefecture into the deal. Qingyang borders Great Chu and is twice as large as Anping Prefecture where the capital is located."

The Western City and the Great Chu are indeed of the same origin. In the past, both nearly simultaneously revolted against the former dynasty with cavalry forces before establishing their own nations in a short time. Subsequently, as the Western City grew powerful, so did the Great Chu; when one was in turmoil, the other followed suit. Within a hundred years or so, neither had managed to gain an advantage over the other. However, now, the new emperor of the Great Chu is on the run, and the capital city of the Western City is also under military pressure.

Xu Qingbai waved his fan and shook his head, saying, "Your Majesty of the Western City, does the Capital City really mean anything to you The Capital... is where the Son of Heaven resides. As long as the Son of Heaven exists, isn't it possible to establish a capital city anywhere else In this situation, even if the Capital City is preserved... can you really live there at ease"

The Western City's Emperor fell silent and couldn't help but curse his ancestors for choosing such an unfavorable location for their capital. The border of several western countries was only a few hundred miles away from the capital city of the Western City. In the past, when the Western City was strong, it was convenient to request rare treasures or beautiful women from these small nations in the west. But once the Western City declined, the cavalry of these western countries could easily reach its capital within just a few days. Moreover, they would now have to live alongside the Black Warriors' Army. The thought alone made the Emperor of the Western City feel extremely uncomfortable.

Reminded by Xu Qingbai's words, he suddenly felt that the land on which his capital city stood was hot and unmanageable. He didn't want to face a strong and formidable Black Warriors' Army in front of him while also having to deal with the western countries with deep-seated hatred looking at them from behind. However, giving up their capital city so easily wasn't something he could bear to do either.

Xu Qingbai understood his thoughts very well and didn't rush him; instead, he calmly suggested, "There's no harm in taking a few days to think it over carefully. Of course, if our two armies can resolve this peacefully, the Prince of the Defining Province will certainly not take your capital city without giving something back." This clear hint made the Emperor of the Western City feel intrigued and looked at Xu Qingbai questioningly. With a slight smile, Xu Qingbai pointed out calmly: "The legitimate line of the Western City's royal family has always been suppressed by Prince Southern Prosperity. If it weren't for him eliminating dissenters, how could the three great generals of the Western City have fallen to this extent If the Western City and the Prince of Defining Province can live in harmony, they would naturally be friends. Isn’t it common sense that friends support each other"

The Emperor's eyes lit up. Regardless of his abilities, he was still an emperor and a man. As a male ruler, if he didn't have any desire to hold onto power himself, then he wouldn't be sitting in this position now. Xu Qingbai’s offer was extremely tempting. If the Prince of Defining Province helped him suppress Lei Zhen Ting, he could gain control over the government, become the true emperor of the Western City, and what difference would it make if only two-thirds of the territory remained He had no power right now anyway; even a common prince or lord was freer than him.

Xu Qingbai understood that too much of anything is as bad as too little, so he stopped there without saying more. He calmly got up to bid farewell to the Emperor of the Western City and left him some time to think it over.

As he was leaving, he didn’t forget to add, "Your Majesty, in fact, what has happened here isn't your fault..."

Watching Xu Qingbai leave calmly, the Emperor of the Western City couldn't help but feel stunned and envious. Even though the other party was just a young man who seemed to lack even an official title, he envied his presence and ease in front of him as the ruler of a country. Meanwhile, Xu Qingbai's last words deeply resonated with him. Indeed... it wasn’t his fault; all blame lay on Lei Zhen Ting!

"Your Majesty" An attendant approached to serve hot tea, somewhat cautiously.

Lowering his head and sipping the tribute tea he was accustomed to drinking, the Emperor of the Western City took a deep breath and asked casually, "What do you think... Can the Capital City be defended"

"With Your Majesty's wisdom and power, our Western City will last for millennia. Of course it can be defended," the attendant replied respectfully, although he didn't believe what he was saying himself. Fortunately, the Emperor of the Western City showed no sign of questioning the truthfulness of his words. He nodded quietly and said, "Alright, let's see how things develop." The attendant remained silent by his side as usual; having served him for years, he could guess some of the Emperor's intentions. However, as a lowly attendant, it wasn't his place to say anything about national affairs.

In the main tent outside the capital city where the Black Warriors' Army was stationed, all ranks were gathered together and discussing the situation. The army had advanced steadily towards the capital of the Western City, but their prince ordered them only to surround it without attacking, which puzzled many officers. Shouldn't they take advantage of their momentum and capture the capital while they're at it

"Third Brother Feng, what are His Highness's thoughts" Zhang Qilan asked Feng Zhirao directly since he was the longest serving officer by Prince Mo Xiuyao’s side.

Feng Zhirao looked up to the top of the tent and rolled his eyes. "How would I know what His Highness is thinking Am I a worm in His Highness's stomach"

A deputy general hesitated before asking, “Could it be that His Highness intends to withdraw troops”

At these words, others fell silent too. They were all aware of the news that the Emperor of Great Chu was heading south as well. Although none wanted to get involved with the Imperial Family of the Great Chu again, they couldn't help feeling some connection to their countrymen in the Great Chu. Given the current state of affairs there, it was not hard for them to guess that His Highness might be considering withdrawing troops.

"Actually... withdrawing troops wouldn’t matter much if he wants to reinforce the Great Chu," someone else asked hesitantly. After all, they and the people in the Great Chu were of the same lineage; moreover, most soldiers had relatives or acquaintances still there. If His Highness really intended to send troops to aid the Great Chu, it was unlikely anyone would object since they had no connection with ordinary citizens.

“Moreover, we have a deep grudge against the Northern Rong and their army. Should His Highness really decide that way, we wouldn't oppose,” recalled that during the reign of former Prince Defining Province Mo Xiwen, more than 200,000 soldiers of the Black Warriors' Army died at the hands of the Northern Rong.

“What are you talking about” A graceful voice came from outside the tent; everyone quickly stood up and saluted. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li walked in hand in hand with a faint smile on their faces, indicating that they were feeling rather good.

"I have seen the Prince and Princess,"

Moxuyao led Ye Li to sit at the main position, raised his eyebrows and said with a smile: "The princess is asking questions. What are you all talking about so animatedly" Yun霆 was unexpectedly pushed forward by someone beside him. He helplessly looked around only to see that everyone else was avoiding eye contact or staring straight ahead. He could only say: "Reporting to the Prince, we were guessing when Your Highness plans to attack."

Seeing Yun霆's serious expression, Ye Li couldn't help but smile and said, "Don’t be nervous, I’m just asking casually. Sit down and talk."

"Thank you, Princess!" Yun霆 finally let out a breath of relief and quickly returned to sit beside Chen Yun.

Moxuyao looked at the generals below with an ambiguous smile and asked, "You all want to know when we will attack"

The generals nodded in unison. They were eagerly anticipating the attack on Xi Ling's imperial city, which had been a feat that Moxuyao’s army had not achieved for nearly two hundred years.

Moxuyao said with a smile: "I don’t plan to attack the imperial city."

Hearing this, everyone was taken aback. Although they had guessed as much, hearing their prince say it still came as a surprise. Moreover, if there was no intention of attacking the city, then they would have no reason to be here. Would the frightened Xi Ling garrison troops dare to pursue them all the way back home

"Prince... why not attack" Yun霆 couldn’t help but ask, and everyone’s gaze instantly focused on Moxuyao.

Moxuyao asked calmly: "How many soldiers have we lost in the campaign for Biancheng"

No one answered. Although their army had faced little resistance thus far, they still suffered significant losses around Biancheng. A preliminary estimate put those losses at nearly 80 to 90 thousand troops. This was almost equal to all previous and subsequent losses combined. The current force of thirty thousand men besieging Xi Ling's imperial city could only be maintained by the additional tens of thousands of elite soldiers sent by Lv Songxian afterwards.

Moxuyao said: "Although the Xi Ling imperial city’s history is not as long as Biancheng, its defensive capabilities are far superior. Furthermore... my last great general, Feng Ao, the Great Marshal of Shun Tian, currently resides in the imperial city. While our army can conquer it, I don’t wish to suffer such losses. Moreover, I also do not want to destroy the defenses of this city."

The imperial city was not that old, only about a hundred and fifty years. It had taken Xi Ling several decades to build. When Xi Ling first established itself as a kingdom, the Western Regions were restless. The fact that its founders chose to place the capital in such close proximity to the border showed remarkable foresight. There might also have been an element of wanting future generations to remain vigilant. Once Moxuyao’s army controlled all of northern Xi Ling, the former border would become their own. This once imperial city would then serve as the last and most formidable line of defense against the Western Regions.

"Then... what does Your Highness plan to do We can’t just sit here or not fight," Zhang Qilan asked.

Moxuyao smiled without answering, leaving everyone looking at Ye Li expectantly.

Ye Li said with a smile: "Military strategy says: the best use of force is to win by diplomacy, followed by winning through alliances, then direct military confrontation. The ultimate strategy is to defeat your enemy without fighting. This is the highest wisdom."

The generals were awed: "The princess truly is divine."

Feng Zhirao touched his nose and thought silently: From which book does this come

Yun霆 looked at Ye Li in admiration: The princess has read so many books. I’ve been studying military strategy for three months straight, but there are still things I haven’t seen!

"Ahem..." Feng Zhiyao cleared his throat politely and asked, "Does the Noble Consort mean to bring about a surrender without fighting But... won't that be too difficult for the Western Capital officials to agree to simply cede their imperial city" The emperor of the Western Capital might be a simpleton, but even the officials of the Western Capital would never consent to such an arrangement. That was the imperial city; it was the capital of a nation, not a potato!

Ye Li said with a smile, "We'll know if we wait and see."

Zhang Qilan frowned and asked, "If we don't attack the city, then... what should we do about any reinforcements that come to assist" Mo Xiuyao looked at him coolly and said, "What should be done Naturally, they will all be killed! We won’t bother with the imperial city; anyone who comes here during this period as a reinforcement from the Western Capital shall be sent back."

The others let out a sigh of relief. So they still had to fight after all. But it was more advantageous for them in an open battle than in a siege.

"We’ll follow your orders," everyone answered simultaneously. Feng Zhiyao thought about this and realized that this was also a form of psychological warfare.

The guard at the door entered to report, "My lord and lady, someone has come from the Western Capital’s imperial city to see you."

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and asked, "Who is it"

The guard replied, "They said they are the Fourth Young Master of the Xu family, but he doesn’t have any tokens or credentials from Duke Ding. Therefore…" Xu Qingbai was different from his brothers Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingze who often stayed in Li City, and also unlike his brother Xu Qingfeng who mingled with military personnel. Few people recognized him among Mo’s army, especially the lower-ranking soldiers. According to protocol, he should be reported first before being allowed into the camp.

Ye Li smiled happily when she heard this, "Has my fourth brother arrived"

Moxiuyao pulled Ye Li up and said with a smile, "If so, let’s go out to greet him. I believe he will bring us good news." Everyone else was also curious. Why would the Fourth Young Master of the Xu family be in the Western Capital And what kind of good news could he possibly have

The group walked out of the camp and saw that someone had already come to greet Xu Qingbai ahead of them. It turned out to be Xu Qingfeng who was wandering around outside when this happened, surprised to see his fourth brother unexpectedly appearing in the Western Capital from the imperial city. He pulled Xu Qingbai over and looked him up and down thoroughly before asking after confirming that he hadn’t been harmed, "Fourth Brother, how did you get here Has Great Aunt known about it"

Xu Qingbai shook his head with a good mood upon seeing his brother’s open affection. “Third Brother, so your life must be going well”

Xu Qingfeng said with a radiant smile, "Of course! My third brother has done quite a lot of great things this time around. Qin Feng promised to promote me to the deputy commander after I come back." Even though Xu Qingfeng knew that there was also some influence from his cousin-in-law here, he realized that among those who had accomplished something, he wasn’t the only one, but he also knew for certain that Qin Feng wouldn't mix personal and public matters. This showed that Qin Feng recognized his capabilities.

"Congratulations to Third Brother," Xu Qingbai said with a smile. Xu Qingfeng’s expression fell and he asked, "But you still haven’t told me how you got here! Great Aunt will be scared to death if she finds out!"

Xu Qingbai smiled bitterly, "Father and Eldest Brother know about it. I’ll write them a letter once everything is settled on my end. Third Brother, there are matters that I need to discuss with Ye Li and Duke Ding."

"Third Brother…" Before he could finish speaking, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had already come out first, followed by a long line of people. Xu Qingbai couldn’t help but feel slightly honored.

Mo Xiuyao asked coolly, "How was it"

Xu Qingfai smiled faintly, "I’ve been fortunate enough to fulfill my mission."

--a hint of joy could still be seen on her slightly raised lips. Mo Xiuyao sighed inwardly as he pondered how to make Ah Li admit that she loved him with her own mouth.Lin Han and Zhuo Jing, standing ne...