receiving the document from Ye Li, everyone's faces turned grim upon reading it. Prince Zhennan had reinforced troops in northwestern regions again, apparently planning to wipe out Mo Family Army forc...Muyang's Death

This sudden upheaval left everyone stunned. While Muyang was still in a daze, Mu Lie, who had been sitting in his lap, suddenly leaped up and rushed towards Qin Feng. Since everyone was shocked by the turn of events, none of Muyang’s guards managed to intercept him, allowing him to reach Qin Feng's side easily. Over these years as father and son, Muyang realized that he didn’t truly understand this son; at least, he had no idea his son could move so nimbly.

Standing by Qin Feng’s side, Mu Lie flashed a grin and waved the dagger in his hand. "Stepfather, how is it" Qin Feng praised him with an approving pat on the head, making Mu Lie beam happily. Qin Feng's approval was more than just fatherly pride; it was also the commendation of a Qilin leader for a future member. Mu Lie, who had made joining the Qilin as its youngest official member his lifelong ambition, felt extremely pleased.

Muyang clasped his bleeding abdomen in agony and bent over on horseback. He couldn’t believe what he saw — his son standing before him looked familiar yet strangely unfamiliar. "Lie... you..."

Seeing Muyang's helpless expression, Mu Lie sighed and said with a faraway gaze, “You still don’t understand I am not your son.”

"What!" Muyang shook his head in disbelief, finding everything around him absurd. Perhaps he was hallucinating due to exhaustion these days. After a moment, he looked up at Mu Lie and asked, "If you're not my Lie... who are you What have you done to my son"

Mu Lie replied, “I am indeed Mu Lie, but your son is not called Mu Lie. Do you remember what name Yao Ji gave that child all those years ago”

Muyang couldn’t hold on any longer and fell from his horse. The guards rushed to support him and glared at the Mu Lie beside Qin Feng with anger. Mu Lie shrugged innocently, feeling somewhat sorry for Muyang’s pain and shock. To be honest, over these years, Muyang hadn't been too bad towards him. Even though he had been secretly harmed by his wife a few times, who wouldn’t have some unsavory secrets in high society It was just unfortunate that the Muyang Marquis House had offended someone they shouldn’t have; back when they arrived at Chu Capital, Prince Dingtang had already sealed their fate. These peaceful years were more than he deserved.

"You... are you from the Prince of Dingtang’s house" Muyang gritted his teeth and asked, "Where is my son"

Mu Lie nodded and said, “That's right, I don’t know where your son is, even if I did know, I wouldn't tell you.” Muyang stared at him and said, “He’s a member of the Muyang Marquis House! Does Prince Dingtang not spare even an infant” The thought made Muyang shudder. Perhaps his son had already died long ago, and all these years he had been doting on someone implanted by Princess Consort Dingtang

"If over these years the person staying in the Muyang Marquis House wasn’t me, your son would have been killed off by that lady of yours many times over," Mu Lie said unhappily. If the real Yao Ji and a clueless child had returned to the Muyang Marquis House back then, that child might be dead several times already. Regarding Muyang's accusations, Mu Lie harbored a slight resentment.

Muyang was silent for a moment before bursting into laughter. He looked at Mu Lie and said, "You were in charge of the battle plans against Lu Jinxian these years The Prince of Dingtang is indeed formidable... Even someone as young as you can..."

Mu Lie smiled slightly without responding.

Bloody injuries caused Mu Yang's vision to become blurry, and perhaps realizing that he couldn't escape his fate today, he gave up on struggling. He waved away the support from his subordinates and allowed himself to sit heavily on the ground. After a brief rest, Mu Yang opened his eyes and asked: "How is Yao Ji Even if you are not her son, she has been kind to you these past few years. You wouldn’t have harmed her too... would you"

Muye was somewhat conflicted and did not respond. In fact, he had hoped that Mu Yang wouldn't ask this question because the less knowledge equaled less pain for him. It could also spare Yao Ji from dealing with the current situation. He hadn’t expected Mu Yang to still ask about it. Muye looked up at Qin Feng, who was watching Mu Yang impassively.

A clear and melodious female voice came from behind everyone: "Let me speak."

The Mo Army made way for Yao Ji as she walked out gracefully. She gazed indifferently at the scene before her. Mu Yang looked at the Yao Ji in front of him. She was dressed entirely in white, with a white fox cape that accentuated how fair and delicate she appeared—different from her radiant past self. Though she had discarded the luxurious attire of the Duke of Muyang’s residence, her appearance now exuded peace and beauty, indicating that she hadn’t suffered much recently. Mu Yang stared blankly at the woman in front of him and finally managed a bitter smile. Seeing the current situation, could there be any doubts left

"Why Yao Ji... cough, why did you do this..." Mu Yang painfully gazed at her, as if Muye's knife was less painful than seeing Yao Ji here. Yao Ji looked at him calmly and said: "Do you remember the letter I left when we fled with my child"

Mu Yang seemed to recall it after some thought and nodded: "I remember... You said that you didn’t want to see me or anyone from the Duke of Muyang’s residence ever again. But later, you returned with Liye, I thought..."

Yao Ji's smile was bitter: "You never took my words seriously. When we returned years ago, I realized this. Don’t you understand by now... I brought Liye back not because I had changed my mind but because I am a spy for the Prince of Ding王府的細作。從我回來那天起，你就應該防著我。”

Mu Yang loved her deeply; Yao Ji always believed this. However, Mu Yang never took her words to heart, so he never doubted her intentions when she brought their child back unexpectedly. He simply thought that after suffering outside, she naturally returned.

"You... you actually hate me like this" Mu Yang said bitterly.

Yao Ji shook her head: "No, I don’t hate you." I just no longer love you anymore, "The Prince of Ding王府和王妃對我和孩子有救命之恩。沐揚，我隻想讓我的孩子在這個世界上平安快樂地生活而已。即使…" 即使犧牲你也在所不惜。

Mu Yang spat out a mouthful of blood. He raised his hand to stop the guards who wanted to help him, shook his head sadly and said: "Yao Ji... I never thought..." 我從未想過，沐陽侯府竟然會毀在你的手中。望著明朗的天空，Mu Yang’s gaze was distant and empty. Back then, in the prime of youth, riding horses along slanted bridges with all ladies’ allure directed at him. He passed through the傾城坊下打馬而過，正好看到淡妝慵懶的絕色女子倚窗而坐，眉目倦然。從此，便落入萬丈軟紅之中，沉迷不起。

Now this woman, dressed in white, with a cold gaze and countenance. She was no longer the stunning dancer who once captivated the entire capital city from傾城坊中那個一舞動京華的絕色舞姬。而他，也早已不再是那個風流倜儻的翩翩少年。

Muyang suddenly仰天大笑, as if he had never laughed so unrestrainedly in his entire life. However, the people who heard his laughter did not show any joy; instead, their solemn expressions were tinged with more sorrow and gloom.

"Yaoyi, come here... I have a few questions for you," Muyang said steadily to Yaoyi.

Yaoyi nodded and walked calmly forward.

"Mother, no!" Muchui called out anxiously.

"Yaoyi!" Qin Feng frowned; at this point, Muyang was cornered, and nobody knew whether he would take Yaoyi down with him. However, Yaoyi turned back with a faint smile and said, "It's okay." Seeing her calm smile, Qin Feng felt his heart sink slightly but did not speak out to stop her again.

Yaoyi squatted in front of Muyang, saying, "What do you want to ask"

Muyang looked at her and said, "You're really not afraid that I'll kill you" Although he was seriously injured now, it wouldn't be difficult for him to kill Yaoyi, who had no ability to defend herself. Yaoyi's expression remained calm and indifferent. Muyang smiled faintly and asked softly, "That child..."

"The child is in Li City; he is well," Yaoyi said.

"It was the Ding Prince who took away the child" Muyang asked hopefully, perhaps still not believing that this woman would betray him, or maybe she did it only for their son’s sake Unfortunately, reality's harshness forced him to face it. Yaoyi shook her head slightly and said, "No, I came of my own accord. I don't hate you, but the Mu Yang Houfu made our mother and son homeless all over the world. The only place I could go—northwest—was already at odds with the Mu Yang Houfu. The Ding Prince wanted to destroy the Mu Yang Houfu, wanting the old Lord of Hou to suffer endlessly. And I want my child to live safely under the protection of the Ding Prince. That's it."

"Ding Prince..." Muyang closed his eyes in pain. Initially, there was no grudge between the Mu Yang Houfu and the Ding Prince Family, but that year when his father carried out an order from the former emperor to harm the Dowager Princess of Ding Prince, it brought a huge calamity upon the Mu Yang Houfu. In recent years, those who had harmed the Dowager Princess of Ding Prince—Mo Jingqi was dead, and most of Western Capital's nobility were dead or injured; Zhen Nan Wang Family nearly lost its male heirs; Bei Jin Wang Renqining’s kingdom was destroyed and his family ruined; why could only Mu Yang Houfu be spared It turned out that... the Ding Prince had already begun to take action against the Mu Yang Houfu, but they hadn't known.

The glory of Mu Yang Houfu, which his father cherished most in life, would now bear the name of traitors and rebels after their death; from then on, Mu Yang Houfu would have no male heirs left. As for the existing offspring... they were scattered all over without even being seen by their parents. Instead, a spy with an unknown background was treated as the sole heir and cherished for several years. The Ding Prince's revenge... indeed was fierce!

"Father... is my father not dead yet !" Muyang regained his senses from the chaotic thoughts and grabbed Yaoyi urgently to ask. If the Ding Prince arranged all this just to take revenge on Mu Yang Houfu, he wouldn't allow his father to die so early.

Yao Ji sighed softly, looked at Mu Yang's anxious eyes and nodded gently. Marquis Mu Yang was still alive now, but Yao Ji knew that no one could save him. His fate had been sealed long ago, and it would not be any better than what Mu Yang was experiencing right now.

Mu Yang understood this situation; how could he possibly misunderstand He himself was an extremely intelligent person, and once he figured out all these details, everything fell into place in just a moment. From the moment Yao Ji and Mu Lie were kidnapped, it had been a trap specifically targeting Marquis Mu Yang's residence or perhaps Mo Jing Li.

"Ding Wang... clever moves..." Finally, Mu Yang could only smile bitterly like this.

"Yao Ji," Qin Feng said solemnly. They caused quite a stir here; if they lingered too long and allowed Zhao Lian’s army to discover them and come over, it would be troublesome. Yao Ji nodded and stood up, silently walking behind Qin Feng. Mu Yang looked at her with complex emotions then turned his gaze to Mu Lie who was standing beside Qin Feng, eventually shaking his head. "I will take full responsibility for Marquis Mu Yang's crime family’s transgressions; I beg Ding Wang and the Consort to spare my father's life."

No one present responded; how could something set in stone by Ding Wang be easily overturned That Ding Wang had endured for so many years just to torment the Mu Yang residence instead of killing Old Marquis Mu Yang with a sword back then already spoke volumes about his intentions. Even if the Consort personally pleaded on their behalf, it might not have made any difference. Qin Feng said solemnly, "I will relay your words to the王爺 (Ruler), but no one can change the Ruler's decision. However... Marquis Mu Yang won't die right away."

The王爺 (Ruler) still wanted to see Old Marquis Mu Yang, so naturally he wouldn’t let him die—at least not if he didn’t commit suicide himself.

Mu Yang finally sighed silently and said, "I was overthinking it. Yao Ji... take care..." Before the words were finished, Mu Yang’s eyes, which had become dazed due to excessive blood loss, suddenly opened fiercely; he pulled out a long sword from one of his guards’ hands. A flash of bloody light passed by, and Mu Yang stared blankly into the distance as his luster gradually faded.

Yao Ji shut her eyes and didn’t look at the man lying in a pool of blood behind her again. She turned to walk away; Mu Lie glanced at Qin Feng before following after him. Qin Feng looked around and ordered solemnly, "Take Marquis Mu Yang out... send Mu Yang’s body over."

Even the hardened Black Cloud Cavalry soldiers standing by couldn’t help but show a hint of reluctance witnessing this scene. They could only sigh in their hearts; Old Marquis Mu Yang had unfortunately tangled with people he shouldn't have.

In a quiet and desolate little hillside, Yao Ji sat alone on the slope looking at the somewhat bleak scenery far away lost in thought. As Mu Lie walked over to sit beside her, there was no sound from either of them for a long time.

After some time, Yao Ji faintly smiled and said, "Why didn’t you go with them" With the battle raging fiercely now, Qin Feng and others couldn't stay here too long. Mu Lie shook his head and said, "My foster father said I have no role in what follows, so he asked me to remain and protect you."

Yao Ji didn’t wish to leave with the army, and Qin Feng did not force her either; he simply left people behind secretly protecting her, which was why Mu Lie stayed as well. The matters ahead were open warfare on the battlefield, and even if Mo’s troops were short-handed, they wouldn't send a child into battle. Seeing Yao Ji's dejected expression while looking at Mu Yang, Mu Lie sighed and said, "If you want to cry, just do it; I won’t tell anyone else."

He too felt like crying. He had been an orphan since childhood, without parents. Although Ding Wang’s residence had taken care of him well, he still hadn't been as happy as a child with loving biological parents. Mu Yang had acted as his ‘father’ for several years and genuinely cared for him. No wonder his teacher who trained him once said that the most crucial quality for an undercover agent wasn’t martial arts or ability, but having a heart as hard as iron. If even he was this way, one could only imagine how sad Yao Ji must be feeling.

Yaoyi gave a faint smile and said, "I had foreseen this outcome years ago. Why should I cry"

Muye Lie looked at her and asked softly, “Did you just wish that Muyang would have killed you” Yaoyi remained silent, but Muye Lie knew he was right. He quickly grabbed Yaoyi’s hand and said, "Don’t think like this, don’t forget… You still have a son. And I’m here for you as well. Didn’t I call you mother Are you angry at me for stabbing Muyang"

Yaoyi shook her head and patted his little head, saying, "Foolish child, no matter what you do… the end is still the same. Don’t worry about me; I have to return to Li City to watch over you and your brother growing up safely." Muye Lie only felt relieved after hearing this and asked, "Will you bring back your younger son"

Yaoyi shook her head, “As long as he grows up safe and sound, it’s fine. Besides… his foster parents have taken care of him for so many years; why should I bother him Don’t tell me… you don’t want to take care of me in the future” Muye Lie quickly shook his head, "How could that be Rest assured, I will take care of you and my father until we grow old! Eh... if you want to see your younger son, I’ll bring him back for you."

Seeing the child before her who was looking at her so carefully, even Yaoyi’s cold heart felt a little warmth. She smiled faintly against Muye Lie and hummed softly. The melodious tune sounded more melancholy in the bleak spring. As she watched the sunset slowly setting on the horizon, tears silently slid down her face…

In the camp of General Lu Jinxian of the Black Family Army, Lu Jinxian looked at the white-robed woman sitting to his side with a delighted expression and laughed heartily, "Everyone says that the unicorn is elusive. I finally got to witness the abilities of the Black Family Army today. I’m impressed."

This time, due to losing very few troops, Lu Jinxian was able to break through the blockade of over ten thousand enemy soldiers. The unicorn had certainly played a significant role in this victory. If not for the secret messenger from Duke Ding’s residence delivering information about the Chu army's movements, even though Lu Jinxian believed he could make it past the blockade, there would have been heavy losses. Not to mention, he suddenly received news from his duchess instructing him to attack the main camp of the western Chu army immediately. Initially, he was somewhat worried since their forces were so vastly outnumbered; a direct assault wasn’t a wise choice. However, unexpectedly, not only did Duchess Ding come with reinforcements mid-battle, but the Chu army inexplicably retreated.

After returning to camp and listening to his duchess's explanation, he understood that within just a few days, she had set up such an interesting trap that caused chaos in the ranks of the Chu army.

Hearing Lu Jinxian’s words, Ye Lvy smiled bitterly, "This wasn’t my idea." In fact, this scheme by Mo Xiuyao was mainly aimed at stirring internal strife within Muyang’s residence. From the start, it had been prepared specifically for that purpose. Duke Ding happened to be caught in the crossfire of collateral damage from this plot. However, such matters could naturally not be discussed with subordinates. It was best if fewer people knew about Duke Ding seeking personal revenge.

Lu Jinxian said, "Now that Yun Ting is holding down Mo Jinglei’s main force at Han Valley Pass, we must move quickly." With only ten thousand troops under his command, the terrain around Han Valley Pass was not particularly advantageous for the Black Family Army. If Mo Jinglei decided to commit more than ten thousand soldiers, Yun Ting might find himself in a precarious situation.

Ye Lvy nodded and said, "General’s words are timely. We should take advantage of the recent chaos and low morale within the western army and swiftly dispatch our troops."

"However, Lei Tengfeng is also here, which might complicate things," Lu Jinxian frowned. If it were only Zhao Lian's twenty thousand troops, the Black Family Army would have no trouble winning. But with Lei Tengfeng’s ten thousand soldiers of West Ling also present, they couldn’t afford to drag out the battle; time was not on their side.

Ye Li shook her head and said, "Leitingfeng wouldn’t risk his life here with us."

Lei Zhengting didn't send Leitingfeng to help Mo Jingli and the Mo Family Army fight.

"Your Excellency Commander-in-Chief, Your Excellency Consort, Qin Tongzhi has returned," a guard outside the tent reported.

Lu Jinxian nodded. "Please invite General Qin in."

Qin Feng entered and said respectfully, "Greetings to Your Excellency Consort. Greetings to Commander-in-Chief."

Ye Li glanced at Qin Feng and asked, "Mu Yang..." Qin Feng answered with respect, "Mu Yang has already taken his own life. General Gao Ming of the Chu army surrendered; I’ve brought him back."

"Gao Ming" Ye Li frowned slightly as she had no impression of this person.

Behind her, Zhuo Jing reported, "He’s an old retainer of Mo Jingli since he was Prince Li. But after Mo Jingli ascended the throne, Mu Yang kept him in check and they didn’t get along well. With the recent incident at the Mu Yanghou Manor, I’m afraid that Gao Ming hasn't refrained from adding fuel to fire."

Ye Li frowned slightly and said, "Put him under house arrest for now; we’ll deal with him later when we return."

Lu Jinxian thought for a moment and said, "Your Excellency Consort, since this person is Mo Jingli's close aide, he should be privy to the secrets of the Chu army."

Qin Feng replied, "Gao Ming has already indicated that if Your Excellency Consort spares his life, he’s willing to tell us everything he knows."

"Sparing his life wouldn’t be hard," Lu Jinxian nodded. "But, Your Excellency Consort, this person cannot be trusted." Traitors were never liked, especially one as unscrupulous and clumsy as Gao Ming.

Ye Li nodded in agreement. "Commander-in-Chief is right. Zhuo Jing, you handle it."ingli and the Western Ling Southern King, isn't he supposed to ascend the throne soon Who else could you be other than an empress then We won’t laugh at you. It's quite prestigious to have a royal fri...