nd he had acted without further consideration."Then... what should we do now" Realizing Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts, Feng Zhirao didn’t pretend any longer; in terms of strategy and ability, he indeed lagged...378. Northward, Return

278. Northward, Return

After leaving the Marquis Mu Yang's residence, Yun Ge secretly glanced at Xu Qingchen as she made her way back, being very careful not to be noticed. But for some reason, every time she saw Xu Qingchen without a smile on his face, she felt scared; and when he smiled, she was even more terrified. She lowered her head to take a look at her hands that were neither particularly soft nor overly delicate but still slender, and couldn't help but sigh with a pained expression. This time it wasn’t her fault, so why did Xu Qingchen still get angry... Her hand could write broken... Why hadn’t she noticed before how easily angered Xu Qingchen was

Of course, these thoughts were just Yun Ge’s musings in her heart; even if she said them aloud, no one would believe her. Wasn't the公子清塵易怒嗎？世上見過公子清塵發脾氣的人一隻手都數不滿，仙風道骨的修養和風度曆來為人稱道。哪方妖孽敢汙衊公子清塵，還不快把他打出去！

Xu Qingchen had seen Yun Ge’s actions and smiled faintly without explaining, asking instead: "Since you can't find the person you're looking for now, what are your plans, Yun Ge" Yun Ge blinked her eyes and said in a somewhat dejected tone: "It's okay though, they’re all dead anyway, so it’s not surprising that no one came to pick me up. I've grown up already, so there's no problem with me being alone."

Xu Qingchen shook his head and said, "You won’t be safe on your own. I mentioned earlier that you should go with me to Li City."

Yun Ge quickly shook her head; although she was raised in the countryside, these few days were enough for her to understand Xu family’s high status and standing. Most importantly, even entering the Mu Yang Marquis' residence felt extremely restrained, so she could only imagine how strict things would be at the Xu household—larger than the marquis's place and full of scholars who surely had many more rules.

Xu Qingchen smiled understandingly and said, "There aren’t many people in the Xu family, nor are there any complicated regulations. Everyone lives their own life as they see fit. Your father left a letter to have you come back because he was worried about your future alone in the mountains. Now that we can't find anyone and you're returning to the mountains, wouldn’t that make his worries come true Going with me to Li City would be better; everyone there is very kind. Be a good girl and listen."

"Um..." Yun Ge turned her somewhat bewildered eyes around, her bright eyes filled with unease.

Xu Qingchen sighed lightly and gently pushed the playful lock of hair from beside her cheek behind her ear, saying softly: "If you really don’t like it, I can help find another place for you to stay. But at least in Li City you’d have someone to look after you; as my savior, would you want others to think I'm ungrateful Besides, didn't you say that I still need three months of medicine It’s not the way a healer should act to abandon a patient halfway through treatment. My grandfather resides at Lishan Academy outside Li City, and there are also people from the Ding Wang residence guarding it. You can move there too if you like; isn’t that just as good as living in the mountains"

"Xu Qingchen…" Yun Ge bit her cherry lips and looked up at Xu Qingchen: "I know, you’re worried about me being alone without anyone to take care of me. That's why you insist I go to Li City. Thank you... You're really a good person."

"So you have to listen obediently, okay" Xu Qingchen smiled.

"Well, then... I'll trouble you in the future. How about giving you what my father left me" Yun Ge's eyes lit up as she cheerfully suggested. She had nothing else and it was embarrassing to keep living off Xu Qingchen's generosity. It would be better to give him what her father left behind so that everyone could benefit equally. Her father said those items were valuable and important.

The corners of Young Master Qingchen’s mouth barely twitched. He had seen the things Shi Father left for Yun Ge; there wasn’t a single piece of real gold or silver. However, there was a deed to a house in Chu Jing tucked underneath a carved purple sandalwood stand, some pearls that were said to have been used as marbles by someone during their childhood, and a box of genuine calligraphy and paintings that everyone yearned for, all strictly instructed not to be misplaced or moved. There were also many lost medical books and rare medicinal herbs. Clearly, these were Shi Father's dowry preparations for his daughter.

Thinking she was poor but actually rich, Miss Yun Ge felt guilty about using those things as rent and living expenses. Xu Qingchen coughed lightly and said, "No need to do that. Those items are mementos your father left you. In the future, if I get injured again, just remember to save me without charging money."

"Xu Qingchen, you really are a good person." Yun Ge looked at him with teary eyes; she was too wicked to think that Xu Qingchen could be vicious. Miss Yun Ge happily followed Young Master Qingchen back to copy books, completely forgetting about what happened earlier in the Duke of Mu Yang’s Manor. She also forgot that this was the only time in his life where Xu Qingchen had suffered a severe injury; she would still owe him for her rent and living expenses.

Duke of Mu Yang’s Manor

Mu Yang looked at his father oddly with a gloomy expression. Just by looking, one could tell that Father definitely knew that Shen Fengru, but why did he deny it Even stranger was that Young Master Qingchen didn’t press further and seemed completely oblivious to the lie. Or perhaps it was as though he had been going through the motions of asking for an answer regardless of whatever his father said. The last thing that Young Master Qingchen said was even odder… everyone was dead, and no matter how one looked at it, it appeared to be about Duke Mu Yang’s Manor. But would Young Master Qingchen really curse someone so openly

"Father, what's going on Young Master Qingchen and that Yun Ge girl…"

Madame Mu frowned. "That lady is called Yun Ge"

Mu Yang nodded, and Madame Mu sighed softly but didn’t speak further. Yaorui said coolly, "It seems that Young Master Qingchen holds the lady in high regard; Duke Huo’s behavior today…"

"You’re quite astute." Since Yaorui had given birth to the only son of the Mu family and was well-mannered over these years, often helping Mu Yang handle some matters within the estate even more considerately than a real daughter-in-law would. Therefore, Old Duke Mu didn’t get angry when Yaorui spoke out of turn; he just said coolly that Yaorui had guessed why Xu Qingchen brought Yun Ge to the Duke’s Manor.

Sighing, Old Duke Mu said, "Indeed, we did know Shen Fengru. That Yun Ge girl is your cousin."

"Cousin" Mu Yang was surprised. He’d never heard of having a female cousin. The Yun Ge girl should have been born around the time he turned twenty; how could he not remember her if she really existed

Mrs. Mu nodded and said, "That girl's mother is my sister, your aunt."

Mu Yang was somewhat enlightened; he remembered that indeed, he had a legitimate aunt. However, this aunt was only a few years older than him and had been frail since childhood. It seemed she had passed away at the age of sixteen. He hadn't seen this aunt many times either, so his impression wasn’t very deep. If not for his mother bringing it up, he probably would have forgotten.

The reason behind why his father wouldn't acknowledge her immediately became clear to him. Given the current relationship between Da Chu and Ding王府, how could Father dare to recognize someone who was personally delivered by Qingchen Wouldn’t that make Emperor Li suspect a collusion between Mu Yanghui Mansion and Ding王府 Ironically, if they could actually forge ties with Ding王府, it would be beneficial. But back then, the fall from the cliff incident of Ding王府 was largely due to Mu Yanghui's actions; how could Duke Ding forget his grudge For so many years, Mu Yanghui hadn't even dared to provoke Ding王府, let alone hope for their allegiance. Thus, Mu Yanghui Mansion and Ding王府 were destined to be enemies.

However, Mu Yang never imagined that this gutsy, skilled young lady would turn out to be his cousin. Growing up without sisters or brothers, he couldn't help feeling a bit melancholic, but since the girl was taken care of by Ding王府, there was no need for them to worry about her. It was best not to see each other.

Xu Qingchen brought Yun Ge back to the small courtyard where Ye Li’s expectant smile greeted them immediately. Ye Li didn’t ask much and simply led Yun Ge back to their room to pack up, preparing to leave Jiangnan.

The same night, they left Nanjing by boat along the northern water route. The entire city was in turmoil over the young emperor's critical illness, so most people were unaware that the Duchess of Ding王府 and Qingchen had come and gone, taking their young emperor with them.

The large ship glided smoothly on the surface of the water. On the deck, Xu Qingchen and Ye Li sat facing each other, enjoying the sea waves before them. Inside the cabin, Yun Ge was focused on caring for Mo Suyun who had been unconscious since boarding the ship.

Xu Qingchen sipped his tea calmly and then looked at Ye Li across from him, asking, "Is it okay to leave Dongfang You's matter in Qin Feng’s hands" Ye Li teased with a smile, “It seems even Brother was frightened by Dongfang You Don’t worry. Qin Feng is reliable and capable; there won't be any issues.” No one cared how Qin Feng dealt with Dongfang You as long as the latter was confirmed dead.

"Lei兒’s trip to Jiangnan turned out quite fruitful," Xu Qingchen said coolly. Although she had come to save him, her additional achievements were considerable. Ye Ying's final blow ensured that Mo Jingli would be confined in Nanjing for at least two months while dealing with the aftermath of Mo Suyun's departure and planning his ascension; it was unlikely Da Chu could mobilize troops anytime soon. Even if Mo Jingli agreed to ally with Xi Ling and Beirong, he might not have the ability to personally lead an expedition until next year.

Ye Li smiled lightly, "By then, either Beirong or Xi Ling should have withdrawn their forces. When Mo Jingli mobilizes again, Mu Family Army will face less pressure."

Xu Qingchen nodded and said, "Lei兒’s plan is thorough. Furthermore… Lei兒 has planted a few spies in his military supply chain; how much strength Mo Jingli's army can muster when the time comes remains to be seen."

"Brother praises too highly," Ye Li chuckled, covering her mouth and glancing back at Yun Ge bustling around in the partly open cabin. She asked, "How does Brother plan to arrange for Yun Ge Originally, if Wuyou were still in Licheng, Yun Ge could accompany her. But since Wuyou is in Xi Ling now, shall we send Yun Ge to Ding王府 so she can be with Lady Yang Lady Yang’s knowledge and talent are unparalleled; it might benefit Yun Ge" Xu Qingchen glanced at her coolly, "No need. Mother and Aunt can teach her too. Moreover, Second Uncle's residence is close to ours, where his siblings also live."

Ye Li blinked and smiled, "Zeng'er probably wishes to spend all day with the children now, so she has no time. Also, my aunt and uncle are busy too; our two little ones are still at Xu's place." Taking care of these two infants under a year old is quite challenging.

"I have made arrangements," said Xu Qingchen.

Ye Li nodded and smiled, "Alright then. Since Yun Ge is the savior who saved my brother's life, it's his decision how to accommodate her."

Xu Qingchen pretended not to hear the teasing in his cousin’s words and calmly held his tea cup while admiring the sea view. Worried about being intercepted by Prince Dingtang's forces midway, they did not take the canal waterways but instead went directly to the mouth of a river and then sailed northward from there. The Western Capital army was notoriously poor at naval warfare.

They navigated for over ten days before disembarking at a harbor far from the original Chu capital city Changxing. Xu Qingchen led Yun Ge and Mo Suyun back to Li City slowly, while Ye Li immediately mounted her horse upon landing and headed towards the battlefield.

The journey south to Jiangnan took Ye Li nearly two months in total. However, by now, the north was already a harsh winter with icy winds and snow covering everything.

Le Zhen霆 had led over 900,000 troops to the border where they met up with Mo's army. This time not only did Le Zhen霆 personally command his forces but also brought Le Tengfeng along. Clearly, he was determined to wipe out Mo’s army completely. Because he knew that if this opportunity were missed, there would be no chance for him in his lifetime to defeat the Prince Dingtang's forces and Mo’s army. The combined forces of three nations indeed had a high probability of winning; unfortunately, they suffered an early setback when Mo Jingli failed at the outset before any formal battle began. Le Zhen霆 could only curse Mo Jingli inwardly.

Although there was no time to wait for Chu's main force, the Western Capital and Northern Yong combined had nearly two million troops. More importantly, by encircling Mo’s army from both north and south, they forced it into a difficult situation with enemies at its front and rear. Considering geographical advantages alone, this position was indeed better than when previously allied with the northern frontier.

At this point, Mo Xiuyao had been pushed back to Weicheng city in Chu's northern border from his initial frontline near North Rong's army. Weicheng was within a hundred miles of Lingjv Mountain and not far from Feihong Pass; it was also relatively close to Le Zhen霆’s main force, and crucial for North Rong's southward invasion route. With the imminent war, Mo Xiuyao, as supreme commander of Mo’s army, could no longer lead battles himself like before. He needed to oversee both the Western Capital and Northern Rong fronts simultaneously, so he withdrew quietly.

When Ye Li arrived at Weicheng city, she did not notify anyone but went straight to Mo Xiuyao's temporary residence in the former General’s Mansion. These areas reclaimed by Mo's army had gradually returned to normal over the past half year. The best governor mansion naturally remained for local officials’ use; hence, Mo Xiuyao and his entourage were squeezed into the General’s Mansion. Fortunately, most of Mo’s generals were leading troops on the frontlines, leaving only Feng Zhirao and a few others with Mo Xiuyao. Even Fu Zhao personally led forces outside—so despite its size, the General’s Mansion wasn’t overcrowded.

The guards at the entrance to the General's Mansion were startled by Ye Li's sudden arrival and hurriedly greeted her upon regaining their composure.

Ye Li didn't mind the minor blunder of the guards; smiling, she asked, "Is His Highness here

The guard nodded and said, "Your Excellency, the Prince and Young Master Feng are both here in the mansion."

When she entered the residence, she found that Mo Xiuyao and others were actually discussing matters in the study. Ye Li stood at the door hesitating to leave when someone inside noticed her presence. The study door was pulled open from within, and Mo Xiuyao smiled as he looked at her and said, "Aili, why don't you come in You're back."

Ye Li looked inside with a puzzled expression, asking, "Isn't it the time for council meetings"

Moxiuyao grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. "It's nothing important anyway. Besides, what is there that you shouldn’t know about in our王府

Inside, Feng Zhirao and Nan Hou looked at Ye Li being dragged into the room by Mo Xiuyao with some surprise. It was Feng Zhirao who reacted first, looking at Mo Xiuyao with a teasing smile and said, "Your Excellency truly has profound insight; you were able to tell that it was Your Excellency Wangfei coming back just by sitting in the study."

Nan Hou glanced at Feng Zhirao's joking face then looked over at Mo Xiuyao who was looking coldly but with a slight warmth in his eyes towards Feng, and helplessly shook his head saying, "Your Excellency Wangfei is back. Qingchen…"

So it’s true that people of senior age are more reliable. These guys didn’t even ask about her trip to the south.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Excellency Hou, everything is fine. Brother will rest in Chu Jing for two days before heading back to Li City." Feng Zhirao looked at Ye Li with a smile and asked, "Your Excellency Wangfei, they say that Young Master Qingchen brought back a beautiful young woman skilled in martial arts" The matter of Ye Li’s trip to the south had been reported by the secret guards back to Ding王府long ago. Naturally, Yun Ge was also mentioned among them. As for this beautiful and skilled young woman, it was unclear which guard had made that report.

Ye Li turned her head sideways and quietly sized Feng Zhirao up before nodding and saying, "She’s indeed a beautiful and adorable little girl who is very proficient in martial arts and medicine. Would you like me to introduce her to you"

Feng Zhirao quickly ducked his neck and rubbed his stiff handsome face with his hand, smiling bitterly and said, "No need for that, I wouldn’t dare offend Young Master Qingchen." If he rushed to meet this beautiful and adorable little girl whom Young Master Qingchen had brought back after decades of being alone, wouldn’t he be swallowed up by the group from Xu’s family

Moxiuyao was also rather curious. While Xu Qingchen appeared mild-mannered, his standards were actually very high. For him to take an interest in a woman wasn’t easy either. "Is there any connection between this lady and the Mu Yang Prince's Manor" If it’s true that she has some ties with the Mu Yang Prince's Manor, then let Xu Qingchen quickly find someone else. He couldn’t possibly go against that old man from the Mu Yang Prince's Manor in the future while still respecting Xu Qingchen.

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "They have no connection now."

"How so" Feng Zhirao and Nan Hou both turned to look at Ye Li. Feng Zhirao wanted to hear gossip, while Nan Hou had a grudge with the Mu Yang Prince's Manor and needed to consider how to treat this lady when they meet in the future.

Ye Li recounted how Xu Qingchen personally brought Yun Ge to the residence of Duke Mu Yang and then brought her back. Feng Zhirao stared at Ye Li with wide eyes, asking in disbelief: "So, Mister Qingchen cursed that the whole family of Duke Mu Yang would die off right in front of him and his entire family Why didn’t Duke Mu Yang stab him" Mister Qingchen was truly extraordinary. He appeared to be refined and well-mannered usually, but he was a killer when it came to cursing people.

Ye Li shrugged and said with a smile: "This is what I heard from the young lady Yun Ge."

Feng Zhirao secretly decided that she definitely could not provoke the little girl called Yun Ge.

Nan Hou thought for a moment before saying, "That young lady should be the younger sister of Duke Mu Yang’s wife. In fact, there is some connection to Doctor Shen."

“Eh” The other three people looked curiously at Nan Hou as he shook his head and smiled: “These are old matters in the capital that neither Your Royal Highness nor Your Consort would care about. But our family has a history with the residence of Duke Mu Yang…” As Nan Hou’s family had never gotten along well with the residence of Duke Mu Yang, they were very clear about anything bad happening there. Nan Hou said: “The wife of Duke Mu Yang has an older sister who is much younger and was sickly from a young age. Not many people in Chu Jing knew her. However, she ran away with another doctor when seeking medical treatment. The Mu family naturally couldn’t lose face, so they just claimed that the lady had died of illness. That doctor was Shen Yang’s cousin. Even though Shen Yang was an expert physician and the Shen family had a long history as experts, how would Duke Mu Yang’s wife agree to marry her daughter to a doctor I heard from Your Consort that the little girl is named Shen and has some connection with the residence of Duke Mu Yang; she must be this young lady.”

Ye Li asked curiously: "Since Lady Shen ran away, how could Mister Shen have been so certain he could entrust his daughter to the residence of Duke Mu Yang" Although the residence of Duke Mu Yang did not care for Yun Ge now, half of that was because of Xu Qingchen and Prince Ding’s actions.

Nan Hou smiled: "I heard that Lady Shen had an excellent relationship with her sister-in-law. The two were like mother and daughter despite their age difference. Furthermore, the lady in question saved Duke Mu Yang’s life back then, so there would be no problem for him to take care of a member of her family. But this time… Duke Mu Yang is naturally cautious and will avoid any trouble at all costs. Since Miss Shen has become involved with Mister Qingchen, he definitely won’t dare keep her."

"That’s good if she isn’t related then," Mo Xiuyao nodded in satisfaction. Whether or not Yun Ge was the daughter of Doctor Shen didn’t matter to him. "Yuli, it looks like Xu’s family will have many weddings next year." Apart from Xu Qingyan who was still young, Xu Qingchen and other sons of Xu had already found their wives.

Ye Li smiled slightly: "That is not certain." In her opinion, Yun Ge did not yet have any feelings for Mister Qingchen. Although she was sixteen years old and at the age when girls would start to develop romantic feelings, she had lived alone in a mountainous region since childhood and hadn’t met anyone else before. She might be slow when it came to these things. If anything, Yun Ge’s feelings towards Xu Qingchen could be summed up as: nice guy, very smart, very impressive, but also rather scary…

Therefore, the future of Mister Qingchen was worrying indeed. Besides, Ye Li couldn’t quite figure out what his intentions were with Yun Ge.

—— Interlude ——

I’m back to short chapters again! My hand is nearly crippled from typing so much today and I have to go home tomorrow. I am deeply worried about the internet situation at my hometown… Packing up my things, saving tomorrow’s draft and uploading it like this~ Also, shamelessly asking for votes!hem; north of the river, some areas were controlled by Western Ling’s army, but behind them was Mu Song Shen’s Northern Army advancing from the north. Although there were only twenty thousand soldiers...