ally fake smile, "Uncle Emperor, please calm down. Li Wang probably forgot that Princess Qixia is the Xie Concubine chosen by Brother Emperor and will be our brother's wife one day. Please calm down.....94. Guests from Xiling

The Grand Prince Li's encampment outside Yonglin City

Cursed! How could Mo Xiuyao be here now!

In the main tent, Mo Jinglei's face was twisted in anger, making one feel as if it were a bitterly cold winter instead of early June. No one dared to speak, not only because of the Grand Prince Li’s rage but also due to the shock caused by Duke Ding suddenly appearing on the battlefield. If there were anything more terrifying than seeing Duke Ding appear, it would be that he was in perfect health.

When they saw the silver-haired figure riding towards them, almost everyone felt despair and regret rise within their hearts. That young man who had been called a war god since his youth, that Duke Ding acclaimed to have even greater intelligence than his ancestors—was it possible for them to withstand him

Some people were secretly uncertain and regretful in their hearts: Was following the Grand Prince Li and rebelling against the emperor really the right decision While being a benefactor of the imperial dragon could bring wealth, power, and glory, failure would be too terrifying to bear.

The usually composed military advisor’s face was also pale. According to their plan, Mo Xiuyao should never have appeared in Yongzhou so quickly. No, it should not even have been possible for him to appear here at all. But now… a disabled Duke Ding might be feared and guarded against, but a healthy and agile one would only cause more panic. "Your Excellency," the military advisor said, "has there been any news from the capital"

"Duke Ding…" Mo Jinglei coldly scoffed, "Mo Xiuyao left the capital long before we launched our rebellion. And Ye Li! It’s actually her!" At the thought of this person who had used the Black Cloud Cavalry to block their path these days being Ye Li, Mo Jinglei wished he could tear her skin and pull out her bones right there.

The advisor said, "Earlier rumors suggested that Duke Ding's wife was missing. Now it seems she must have gone to Nanzhao. Before this, news came from Nanzhao saying that the Nobleman Qingchen disappeared… It’s likely that Queen Consort of Duke Ding went to Nanzhao because of him." The more he talked, the colder the military advisor's heart became. "Duke Ding, his wife, Mu Chengshen, and possibly even the Nobleman Qingchen are blocking our path forward, making it seem hopeless for us to break through Yonglin."

"Your Excellency," the advisor continued, "I suggest we immediately abandon Yongzhou and advance eastward before imperial reinforcements arrive. Seize all territory south of Yunlan River."

Mojinglei said solemnly, "Mo Xiuyao is already here in Yonglin. Do you think he would let us retreat"

The advisor stroked his beard and said, "Given your understanding of Duke Ding’s temperament, do you think he would easily back down today"

Mojinglei thought for a moment with lowered brows before shaking his head. "Mo Xiuyao was called ‘Fierce Wind’ in his youth. He is known to be strict and decisive when it comes to military affairs. Given his usual temperament, he would not rest until the enemy has suffered losses." The advisor nodded with a smile. "If that’s true, why doesn’t Duke Ding take advantage of his victory today"

Mojinglei's eyes flashed as he answered, “He lacks sufficient troops!”

The advisor clapped and laughed, "Indeed! Yonglin's terrain limits our view. We couldn't tell the number of troops under Duke Ding’s command due to their sudden arrival. However, Duke Ding can see how many soldiers we have. If he isn’t pursuing us further, it means his forces are far fewer than ours."

Mojinglei nodded in agreement. "Right." His imperial brother wouldn't easily allow him to mobilize such a large army. Moreover… With so many troops accompanying him, Mo Xiuyao couldn’t have arrived here as quickly.

“Why don’t we…”

"Absolutely not!" The advisor immediately interrupted him, pleading, "Your Excellency, consider this carefully! Duke Ding might lack sufficient forces, but Yonglin’s terrain is unsuitable for large-scale battles. As long as he holds the city and waits us out, it will be impossible to defeat him within ten days or even a month. After that time… Imperial reinforcements should arrive regardless of speed. By then, it’ll be too late for our army to retreat eastward."

The advisor added grimly: "If Duke Ding’s 20,000 Black Cloud Cavalry guards the city, we might not even manage to breach Yonglin within two or three months. And with their archery skills making even the Northern Rong cavalry tremble in fear, our troops may struggle just trying to approach the city walls."

"This…" Mo Jinglei's expression was indecisive and angry, mixed with a fear barely noticeable by others. This fear perhaps wasn't due to Mo Xiuyao himself but rather the natural awe felt by all Chu soldiers towards the Mo family army and Duke Ding’s household.

The advisor sincerely advised: "Your Excellency, if we take control of all territory south of Yunlan River and hold it firmly, Yongzhou is merely a small place. With Nanzhao as an obstacle for the imperial court, they will be powerless to intervene. Now that Duke Ding’s legs have recovered suddenly, Lord Li in the capital must be terrified. Therefore, he wouldn’t dare use Duke Ding against us. If Duke Ding and the Mo family army don't come, half of Chu is within your grasp."

As Mo Jinglei hesitated, a soldier outside reported: "Your Excellency! Xiling envoys are seeking an audience outside our camp!"

"Xiling" Mo Jinglei frowned. "Why have they come" "Let them in!"

Soon, a middle-aged man of scholarly appearance and kind demeanor was brought inside: "I am He Yuanwu from Southern Peace City’s Prince's Palace."

Mojinglei narrowed his eyes slightly, while the advisor beside him said with emotion: "Mr. Yingli, one of Prince Nan’s three sages"

He Yuanwu smiled calmly and replied: "Indeed." Mo Jinglei stared at him sternly: "Why has Mr. He suddenly appeared here for me What is the reason"

He Yuanwu said with a smile, "I’m sent by our Prince and Young Master to offer an alliance with Your Excellency."

The advisor was puzzled: "An alliance" He Yuanwu smiled. "We heard of Your Excellency’s bold ambitions in the south and are impressed. Moreover, both sides have deep enmity. Therefore, I am here at your service." On a day when Your Excellency achieves victory, our Young Master will personally attend to congratulate on your enthronement."

Mojinglei asked him: "What does your lord want in return" He knew well that nothing was free. He Yuanwu replied with a smile, "Xiling requires no payment from Your Excellency, but just one thing… Duke Ding and the Mo family army. Duke Ding’s legs have recovered, I believe you’ve seen it today When Mo Xiuyao was young, he had grand ambitions; even at fourteen or fifteen, he almost brought Nanzhao to its knees. Now that he has returned after years of hiding, his power is unstoppable. Our lord worries about Xiling’s safety and thus seeks an alliance against Duke Ding." Please consider this carefully.

Mojinglei was slightly displeased with He Yuanwu's praise for Mo Xiuyao even while proposing the alliance. "Mo Xiuyao has been inactive at home for nearly ten years. Besides, a child prodigy doesn’t necessarily remain brilliant as an adult." Mr. He’s words seem exaggerated.

He Yuanwu didn't get upset but chuckled: "Regardless of my exaggeration, Duke Ding's household is renowned for producing great generals and Mo Xiuyao has never lost in his life; these are facts."

Mojinglei raised an eyebrow mockingly. "Does Mr. He have a strategy against Mo Xiuyao

When He Wuyuan smiled, he said, "Although I cannot guarantee victory over Prince Ding, I can help King Li secure his rule in the south."

Huo Jǐnglì's eyes flickered slightly as he sized up He Wuyuan more critically. He Wuyuan wasn't bothered by this and smiled calmly, saying, "Your Excellency, rest assured. Prince Ding won’t have much time to stay in Yong Prefecture. As long as we can divert his attention, even if the imperial court sends hundreds of thousands of troops, it will not stop Your Excellency from ruling the nation."

Huo Jǐnglì fell silent for a moment before saying, "Please take your leave and rest first, Mr. He. I need to think this through." He Wuyuan was not in a hurry and nodded with a smile, saying, "If that’s the case, Your Excellency should carefully deliberate on it. I will withdraw now."

Feng Zhirao requests an audience with Princess Consort.

As Feng Zhirao stepped into the elegant and tranquil courtyard, seeing the woman sitting under a tree reading a book made him feel a headache coming. Earlier, when he was arranging defenses on the city wall, someone from Princess Consort’s side had informed him that she wished to speak with him. He knew then that trouble would follow. Unfortunately, he couldn’t dare not show up for an audience with Princess Consort.

Prince Feng needn’t be overly formal, Miss Ye put down her book and smiled as she asked, "Did I disturb you"

Feng Zhirao could only苦笑, saying nervously, "No, how can an audience from the Princess Consort be considered a disturbance"

Ye Li looked up and took a serious look at Feng Zhirao before smiling and saying, "Prince Feng has changed quite a bit since I last saw you in the capital. If I had run into you earlier, I might have mistaken you for someone else."

Feng Zhirao could only smile apologetically, feeling that the more politely Princess Consort treated him now, the more troublesome questions she would ask later on. Ye Li looked at his forced smile and lowered her eyes slightly as she said, "Prince Feng, why not sit down and talk" Feng Zhirao thanked her and replied, "Princess Consort can call me Prince Feng if you wish, I am unworthy of being referred to as ‘mister’." Ye Li waved her hand with a smile and said, "I know that you’ve known His Excellency since childhood, so there’s no need for formalities."

Feng Zhirao could only sit down opposite Ye Li, feeling even more pressure. Smiling, he asked, "May I ask what this meeting is about"

Ye Li looked him straight in the eye and said seriously, "I don’t like beating around the bush either, Prince Feng, how’s His Excellency’s health"

Feng Zhirao was taken aback but quickly smiled and replied, "His Excellency Isn’t his health perfectly fine Come to think of it, after so many years, His Excellency has finally recovered. The Princess Consort should be happy about that." Ye Li looked at him calmly with clear and bright eyes without a hint of confusion or naivety. Feng Zhirao inwardly sighed but forced himself not to look away as he stared back at her. After some time, Ye Li smiled slightly and said, "Prince Feng, do you know A true smile can only be maintained for a short period under normal circumstances. Anything longer than that... is usually fake." Feng Zhirao was stunned, blinked his eyes, and finally retracted the somewhat rigid smile on his face, saying, "The Princess Consort’s insight... is quite unique."

So… may I know if Prince Feng would be willing to tell me the truth Ye Li asked with a smile.

Feng Zhirao smiled bitterly and asked, Why not ask His Excellency directly

Ye Li sighed softly. If he doesn’t want to talk about it, how can I get an answer from him

Feng Zhirao said, "If His Excellency hasn’t mentioned it, that might mean his health truly has completely recovered." Ye Li looked at him and smiled, saying, "Prince Feng, although I can’t tell if he’s lying or not, there is one thing I understand clearly. A person who had been crippled for eight years and was poisoned cannot recover to such an extent in a short time even with miraculous medicines. Even if Mr. Shen has found the antidote and cured His Excellency's legs, it would take more than half a year before he could be at his current state. Something extraordinary is usually suspicious; why wait so long for this miracle medicine If there were such an amazing remedy, wouldn’t Mu Xiuyao have used it earlier

Feng Zhirao looked at her with difficulty as Ye Li stared back unwaveringly. After a moment, Feng Zhirao had to retreat and said after some thought, "Even if I don’t say anything, the Princess Consort will eventually find out anyway. His Excellency used Phoenix Grass." Ye Li was shocked; she remembered what Shen Yang had told her about how Phoenix Grass would create fire poison in Mu Xiuyao’s body, making it impossible to separate the cold and hot poisons even with Fire Lotus. Why did no one stop him

Feng Zhirao lowered his head helplessly and said, "Who can stop His Excellency once he makes a decision"

Ye Li’s expression turned serious. He was in such good health… her voice stopped halfway through as she slumped onto the chair somewhat dejectedly. When Feng Zhirao left the capital, news of Huo Jingli's revolt had not yet reached it. It was because of... her...

Princess Consort... seeing Ye Li’s expression darken, Feng Zhirao quickly realized what this was about and tried to comfort her with difficulty, "Actually… even if His Excellency received the news two days later, he would still have had to take action. With the current situation, there is no time for him to wait another two years for Fire Lotus." Ye Li nodded somewhat blankly and asked, Has Mr. Shen arrived in Yong Prefecture Feng Zhirao nodded, saying that although Mr. Shen insisted on coming, he couldn’t travel at a fast pace due to his condition, so it would take several more days before he could arrive.

Ye Li closed her eyes slightly and said with a nod, "I understand. Thank you, Prince Feng."

Feng Zhirao frowned worriedly and asked, "Princess Consort...

Ye Li waved her hand and said, "It's fine. Prince Feng can go ahead with his business." Feng Zhirao could only take his leave after looking at her. Ye Li sat under the tree in silence. If she hadn't come to Southern Yi… no, if she hadn't sent back that secret letter, then Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t have rushed here for it either. Perhaps he truly doesn’t have time as Feng Zhirao had mentioned and would end up taking the firebird grass after all. But… at this moment, Mo Xiuyao was still doing so because of her…

Dark Three.

My Lady Dark Three appeared behind her, looking somewhat worried as he gazed at the frail figure under the tree.

Where is Dark Four now

"Dark Four just left for Western Ling. My Lady instructed him to look into Han Mingyue’s affairs in Western Ling earlier. He should have arrived there by now," replied Dark Three. Ye Li nodded and said, "Send someone a message to tell him that he needs to keep his promise."

"Yes." With a flick of his wrist, Dark Three disappeared.

After Dark Three left, Ye Li waited for quite some time before she returned to the temporary residence where Mo Xiuyao and her were staying. When she got back to the room, however, Mo Xiuyao was not there. Pondering for a moment, she walked towards the study at the front courtyard but was stopped by two Dark Guards stationed there. "My Lady, my lord has instructed that no one is allowed in," said the Dark Guard who had blocked her path.

"What did you say" Ye Li asked, glancing sideways at the two Dark Guards who did not dare look up from their position on the floor.

“My lord says he won’t see anyone. Not even My Lady.”

Ye Li stepped back and said, "I know you are just following orders but… I need to go in."

The two Dark Guards glanced at each other before blocking the doorway again. “Please don’t make it difficult for us, my lady.”

“If I knock both of you down, then wouldn't that mean you are no longer going against orders” asked Ye Li.

The two Dark Guards were taken aback and looked warily at the woman before them. They had seen My Lady's capabilities up close before and doubted if they could actually stop her without hurting anyone. “My lady, it might not be possible…” The dark guard blocking the door suddenly waved his hand and several figures dropped from the roof and trees.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and said with a sneer, "Dark Three, Dark Four! Take them down!"

"Yes!" Two low voices answered. In no time, the two dark guards blocking the door were knocked out. Dark Three patted their shoulders in comfort before saying to his brothers-in-arms, “Don’t be sad, brother. There’s a hierarchy among the Dark Guards and everyone starts off from the same level. We know each other well so they don't know us as well as we do them. Those few months of hardship weren’t wasted now were they It's not that we're weak but that we've broken free from our limits." If circumstances allowed it, Dark Three would have liked to let out a loud laugh at this moment.

Ye Li turned around and looked with a smile at the two dark guards who had been blocking her path. “Should I take things into my own hands”

The two Dark Guards sighed before making way for her, "My Lady please."

The temporary residence was actually that of a wealthy merchant in Yonglin City. The master of the house had long fled north to Jiangbei before the city was surrounded since rich people were always more afraid of death than common folk. The study at the front courtyard was quite large and even included a resting room, so Ye Li hadn't really thought much about where Mo Xiuyao had rested last night. After all, he had plenty on his plate after just arriving in Yonglin. However, only after meeting Feng Zhirao did she remember that it was already afternoon since her return to Yonglin and she hadn’t seen Mo Xiuyao once since then. She had eaten alone for breakfast and lunch, so if he were really busy, there would be no reason for Feng Zhirao to be strolling about on the city walls at ease and for him not to feel guilty back in the capital when he made her help with all kinds of tasks.

Entering the study, Ye Li found it empty as expected. She quickly walked towards the bedroom behind the study but stopped when she heard something fall inside. Rushing into the room, she was greeted by a shocking scene before her eyes – the man who had been invincible on the battlefield the previous day now lay helplessly on the ground while his torn bedding and clothes were scattered about. The flower stand near his bed had fallen over with several pieces of broken porcelain nearby. Mo Xiuyao’s eyes remained closed as he lay there, his clothes drenched and bloodstained fingers.

“A’li, leave…” Mo Xiuyao did not lift his head but said calmly when he heard footsteps.

Ye Li hesitated for a moment before walking over to him and helping him up. "Feeling better"

Mu Xiuyao nodded wearily as Ye Li helped him back into bed. He smiled bitterly, “A’li, you always see me at my weakest…”

“You brought this upon yourself,” said Ye Li coolly. "We’re married and not strangers, so it’s impossible to only ever see the best of each other." Mo Xiuyao closed his eyes as he smiled faintly in response, “It should be said that you’ve never seen me at my best.” The peak of who he was had ceased to exist long before he met her. Ye Li reached out and grabbed his hand which was still bleeding from the intense pain he had been enduring. She smiled calmly, "How so You were great yesterday." Looking down at the dried blood on his fingertips and the bruised wounds on his palm, she asked gently, “When did this start” Mo Xiuyao sounded surprisingly cooperative as if the pain had finally subsided when he answered after a moment, “Just before dawn…”

Ye Li paused, feeling a sharp pain in her chest. It was already late afternoon; more than seven or eight hours had passed.

If you feel better now, take some rest.

Mu Xiuyao didn’t reply, and his shallow breathing indicated that he had fallen into a deep sleep. However, even in his dreams, his brows were slightly furrowed, occasionally revealing signs of pain. Ye Li stood up to cover him with another set of bedding but found her hand tightly held by Mu Xiuyao, preventing any movement. Unable to do anything else, she sat down again, frowning at the sweat-soaked clothes he wore and hoping that he wouldn’t catch a cold because of it. Yet, waking him now seemed too cruel. Judging from the dark circles under his eyes, she knew that he had been deprived of proper rest for quite some time.

Only when dusk fell did Mu Xiuyao awaken from his deep sleep. Although he had only slept for less than two hours, it felt much better compared to before. Mu Xiuyao couldn’t help but let out a faint sigh of relief; this crisis was finally over.

You’re awake Ye Li’s voice came from outside the room. Mu Xiuyao looked up and saw Ye Li carrying in a tray, placing it on the table before saying, “Since you’ve woken up, take a bath first, then have your dinner.”

Mu Xiuyao was slightly stunned; Ah Li, how… The scenes that unfolded right before he fell asleep replayed in his mind. That hazy moment and continuous pain were interrupted by Ye Li’s clear voice, miraculously soothing his nearly shattered consciousness. Then he listened to her soft words as he slowly drifted back into sleep. Seeing him staring at her without speaking, she walked over worriedly and asked, “What is it Are you still not feeling well Shall I send for a doctor”

Mu Xiuyao pulled her closer, saying, "No, it’s just that I’ve slept too long; my senses are still somewhat blurry. We can’t have doctors from outside now."

Ye Li didn’t expose his not-so-subtle lie—Mu Xiuyao probably wouldn’t be in a state of blurriness even while sleeping. "Alright then, go take your bath first, I’ve already arranged everything." Mu Xiuyao looked down and realized that he indeed needed to bathe.

Mu Xiuyao quickly finished his grooming, emerging from the room with droplets of water clinging to him. Ye Li hurriedly stood up to help him; seeing he was only wearing a thin undergarment, she turned around to fetch a cloak for him. Mu Xiuyao looked at her helplessly and said, "Ah Li, I’m not that weak." Ye Li nodded seriously and said, “True, it’s much easier compared to you being in such a state.” She guided him to sit down and eat his meal as she handed him a bowl of fragrant porridge.

Mu Xiuyao could only take a small bite; not only did the porridge smell wonderfully aromatic but also tasted delicious. After having nothing since last night, Mu Xiuyao felt warmth in his stomach, and even though he was exhausted and pained, his appetite improved significantly. This wasn’t something they normally cooked. The owner of this mansion had long departed, leaving no servants behind; thus, Mu Xiuyao and Ye Li couldn’t rely on outsiders for their basic needs, which were taken care of by the dark guards instead. Although these guards were well-trained, the meals they prepared were merely edible. Ye Li leaned her chin on her hand as she watched him eat, asking, "I made this; isn’t it tasty"

Mu Xiuyao paused momentarily and shook his head with a faint smile, “No, it’s very good.”

Satisfied, Ye Li nodded. Her cooking wasn’t particularly excellent but making simple dishes like porridge was within her reach; she had spent an entire hour simmering this chicken porridge and had tasted it herself to ensure the flavor.

Ah Li, do you have something to tell me Mu Xiuyao put down his bowl and asked as he saw Ye Li’s steady gaze. She took the empty bowl from him and refilled another one for him while saying, “In my opinion, it’s unwise for a person to bear everything alone; that’s not how spouses should interact. What do you think, Your Excellency” Mu Xiuyao sighed as he accepted the bowl she offered, “I know… Ah Li, this isn’t because of you… You’re aware, the poison in my body can only be delayed but eventually it will reach this point.”

Isn’t it already like this regardless What I mean is… Are you not afraid that one day you might give up and end your life on your own Ye Li asked with a raised eyebrow.

I won’t. Mu Xiuyao replied, “I will never die; the phoenix grass can’t take my life away. Mister Shen also said that it would only cause me some pain.”

Only some pain… Ye Li couldn’t help but wonder what was in his head.

Ah Li, you should know this is currently the best situation we have. If Mister Shen failed to bring back the phoenix grass... then he wouldn’t be able to support Yonglin in time, and Suixue Pass would fall; Nan Zhao troops would invade. Ah Li...

I’ll stay with you forever. Ye Li said calmly.

… Alright.

-- Out of Context --

Am I torturing the male lead No, no... It’s just how the plot goes... Well then, endure hardships to become a great person; let's keep moving forward!nd has excellent health; so Doctor Shen says unless she takes it regularly, drinking that cup of tea will cause her no major harm. Furthermore, the scent of musk would be too strong to mask with tea l...