yebrows in interest. This was the first time she had seen Ye Ying truly talk to her sisters without any arrogance at all. Especially towards a sister born from a concubine who she normally looked down...405. The Choice of the Elite Clan Wen Qing

405. The Choice of the Elite Clan

Although they were surprised by Lord Chu's sudden change in words, the two guards still fulfilled their duties and escorted him back to the main hall. After all, the Emperor had no intention of killing this Lord Chu, and such a person would likely not die easily. If he managed to turn things around, with just one slap, he could kill these nameless small guards.

Indeed, almost immediately, Mo Jingli ordered that Lord Chu be brought back into the main hall.

This time, without any hesitation, Lord Chu knelt on the ground. Lowering his head, he said, "Rural subject Chu Shaoying pays homage to His Majesty!" The people present were all shocked. After all, among them, those who had been coldest towards Mo Jingli were the Chu family. Moreover, due to the relationship between the Chu and Xu families, everyone with clear eyes could see that even if the Chu family pledged allegiance to Mo Jingli, they would not receive any significant benefits.

Mo Jingli raised his eyebrows in satisfaction as he saw the previously aloof Lord Chu of the Chu family kneeling before him. It was indescribably gratifying for him, like seeing someone from the Xu family kneel before himself. Raising an eyebrow, Mo Jingli asked, "Why did Mr. Chu change his mind so quickly"

With his head lowered, Lord Chu said, "Your rural subject was momentarily foolish and asks His Majesty to forgive him. If... if the Chu family is ruined due to this rural subject's actions, no number of deaths can atone for it."

"Oh" Mo Jingli seemed to think deeply. If Chu Shaoying gave other reasons, he might not believe them. But Mo Jingli knew that these so-called elite families regarded their family more importantly than anything else and would sacrifice everything for the continuation of their clan. It could be considered acceptable if it was for the Chu family.

"Oh Is the Chu family willing to pledge allegiance to me then What about my previous proposal" Mo Jingli asked.

Chu Shaoying nodded and said, "Yes, the Chu family is willing to pledge allegiance to Your Majesty and wishes for Your Majesty to unify the land as soon as possible. We will do our utmost according to Your Majesty's command." Seeing his demeanor, Mo Jingli was finally satisfied, and he burst out laughing while personally helping Chu Shaoying up. He said with a smile, "Just now I was joking with you, please don't blame Mr. Chu."

Chu Shaoying’s face turned pale as he respectfully nodded his head, saying, "No, no..." seemingly genuinely frightened.

Moving his gaze over the people present, Mo Jingli smiled and said, "Mr. Chu's declaration of loyalty is truly comforting to this heart. I wonder how the other gentlemen here have considered" The few family heads who had the best relationship with the Chu family and were originally highly skeptical of Mo Jingli all looked at Chu Shaoying in confusion. Chu Shaoying calmly lowered his eyes, nodding slightly.

Although they did not know why he suddenly changed so much, these people still had some faith in Chu Shaoying. The Chu family would never let go of the huge support from Ding Wang and Xu families to throw themselves at Mo Jingli instead. Even if Ding Wang was really defeated, it would be better to retire than to pledge allegiance to Mo Jingli; at least they wouldn't have to worry about being decimated by Lei Zhen霆 (Note: I couldn’t find the exact translation for '雷震霆' in English, so I left it as is).

After thinking it over, those people also stood up simultaneously and said, "Your rural subject wishes to pledge allegiance to Your Majesty."

"Well! That's great! Here… the emperor will offer another round to Mr. Chu and everyone else!" Mo Jingli was satisfied and burst into laughter, completely dispelling his earlier anger.

The hall had just returned to a peaceful scene, but it seemed that fate destined tonight’s banquet not to proceed smoothly. Someone rushed in from outside to report, "Your Majesty, the Mo army has moved into the city and set fire to the western part of the city's granaries!"

"What!" Mo Jingli slammed his hand on the table and asked sternly, “Where are they”

“R-Your Majesty, General Li is currently leading troops to apprehend them,” the person reporting said hurriedly.

“Apprehend! Apprehend your ass! It’s only when someone has already infiltrated the city and burned down the granaries that you discover it. What have you been eating for!" Mo Jingli kicked aside a wooden table in front of him, shouting angrily.

"Subordinate… subordinate knows the fault."

“Enough!” Mo Jingli cut off his meaningless apology and glanced coldly at everyone present, saying, “You all can leave now. Tonight’s gathering ends here.” Chu Shaoying and others stood up to take their leave. Chu Shaoying thought for a moment before stepping forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Chu family still has some stored grains that we are willing to offer to Your Majesty to alleviate the current crisis." Hearing Chu Shaoying's words, Mo Jingli’s expression eased slightly as he nodded, saying, “The emperor thanks Mr. Chu.”

Only after everyone else had left did Mo Jingli ask coldly, "How much exactly has been burned"

The person below couldn’t help but swallow hard and replied tremulously, "Three granaries in the western part of the city have caught fire simultaneously, all completely destroyed. There’s also one granary in the northern part… almost entirely burnt down as well. Our army's rations... probably won't last for more than two days."

Mo Jingli frowned slightly. He was not overly worried about the supply of grain and fodder; this campaign had already been rushed, so subsequent supplies hadn’t arrived yet. It would naturally be replenished in a few days’ time. Furthermore… there were many wealthy families in Lianyang City. Even though they might appear less rich than some merchants on the surface, their underlying reserves far exceeded those of any merchant. In this chaotic era, Mo Jingli didn’t believe for an instant that these people hadn’t secretly stockpiled grain and fodder.

What truly unsettled Mo Jingli was the presence of the Mo army inside the city. Given how heavily fortified Lianyang City was, it shocked him deeply to think that the Mo army could still infiltrate and set fire to granaries within the city.

"Tell General Li to make sure he apprehends every single member of the Mo army who has entered the city!" Mo Jingli said in a low voice.

"Subordinate obeys your orders!”

“Get out!” Watching as the person scrambled and ran off, Mo Jingli looked with disgust at the empty hall before him. He raised his hand to smash the cup in front of him onto the floor angrily, “Mo Xiuyao! Even though you’re dead, I still don’t believe that I can’t defeat you!

In the dead of night, Mo Jingli was drunk and supported back to his room by a servant. A flirtatious woman who had been waiting there hurriedly welcomed him and helped him towards the bed, asking gently, "Your Majesty… Are you drunk"

Mo Jingli looked at the woman before him with blurry eyes and said, "How dare you! Who are you"

The woman said sadly, "Your Majesty, what's wrong with you... I am Empress Dowager Li."

"Empress Dowager Li" Mo Jingli was in a bad mood due to drinking too much and felt somewhat confused for a moment. "Who is Empress Dowager Li… Oh, it’s you… You are…" Empress Dowager Li smiled happily and said, "It's me, I am… She may have been just a dancer at the beginning, but she was Mo Jingli's most favored concubine; otherwise, he wouldn’t take her along even when on military campaigns.

Mo Jingli nodded and said, "Yes, you are Ye... Ye Li."

The Empress Dowager Li felt a chill run down her spine as she couldn't react for the moment. She had heard of Ye Li's name before but never expected His Majesty to call out the name of Princess Consort Ding here. For this, Empress Dowager Li didn't feel any jealousy at all. When someone is too far apart from another person, even envy cannot be born. She only felt shocked and vaguely sensed that hearing such a thing could not be good for her.

However, Mo Jingli, who was drunk, did not care about Empress Dowager Li's shock. He grabbed the woman in front of him and kissed her while murmuring, "Ye Li… Ye Li, you actually rejected me! Time after time… Ha ha... Now that Mo Xiuyao is dead, you will eventually belong to me anyway. Since you don’t know your place, I revoke my previous promise. I am going to demote you to the lowest rank of concubine! Ye Li…"

Empress Dowager Li was so frightened by what Mo Jingli said that she almost couldn't move and wished she could faint right there as if nothing had happened. Just when she wanted to cry but no tears would fall, she suddenly felt a sharp pain in her back and instantly lost consciousness.

Standing next to the large and luxurious bed was a man dressed in white with his tall figure towering over the scene. The murderous intent in his eyes was enough to make anyone step away. Even Mo Jingli, who was lying in the bedroom drunk and holding a beautiful woman without knowing up from down, felt an instinctive chill run through him and hugged the woman tighter. "Ye Li… I must have you... I will make you understand that I am better than Mo Xiuyao…"

Moxiuyao looked down at the couple in bed with a face full of dark and sinister crimson eyes, like a terrifying ghost from the underworld.

Moxiuyao bent down and reached out his hand to slowly touch Mo Jingli's neck. Mo Jingli, still asleep, was completely unaware that the person before him could end his life simply by exerting a bit more strength. After a long while, the hand originally placed on his neck loosened and instead pointed at the woman in Mo Jingli’s arms. The unconscious woman slightly shivered, blood seeping out of her mouth which soon stopped breathing.

Moxiuyao had no trace of compassion in his eyes; this woman might be innocent, but she couldn't live after hearing such words.

Moxiuyao stood by the bed for a long time and suddenly curved his lips into a bloodthirsty smile.

Half an hour later, a graceful white figure flashed out of the Governor's Mansion and merged into the pitch-black night.

In the west city of Liyang, Chu Shaoying had just sent away a group of soldiers who came to search. He returned to his study where several people were already seated. Upon seeing Chu Shaoying enter, one person immediately stood up and pulled him aside, asking anxiously: "Brother Chu, what is your plan The matter today... that Mo Jingli looks extremely..." These individuals who control such powerful family clans are all shrewd individuals. In their view, even if the Prince Ding dies and the Mo army loses in the end, Mo Jingli will likely be swallowed up by the Prince of Zhen Nan. Even if we were to take a step back and consider that Mo Jingli stabilizes the situation, given his personality, he would certainly not treat us well in the future. At that time, it might just be a case of "when all the birds are gone, the bow is put away."

Chu Shaoying glanced at everyone and smiled: "You all are my close friends. I have always respected you all. Chu Mou does not deceive anyone. To be honest, I also do not believe in Mo Jingli."

"Then... Brother Chu" Everyone was puzzled. If they openly pledged allegiance to Mo Jingli and then betrayed him later on, the reputation of the Chu family would be ruined. Furthermore, even if they were to ally themselves with someone else in the future, it's likely that they wouldn't receive important positions due to their betrayal of Mo Jingli. After all, just as the Chu family could rebel against Mo Jingli, they could also rebel against others.

Chu Shaoying smiled but didn't speak. Seeing the smile on Chu Shaoying's face, one person felt a flicker in his heart and said: "Could it be that Brother Chu has already made up your mind"

Chu Shaoying nodded: "That's correct."

The group exchanged glances. One of them reached out to write the character '定' (stabilize) on the table with water. All those present appeared to confirm their expectations. Chu Shaoying said seriously: "Chu Mou is entrusting my life and that of my entire family to all of you. Please..."

"Brother Chu, what are you saying We have been friends for decades; how could we not trust each other To be honest, I also share the same sentiment as Brother Chu. It's just that there hasn't been a way until now, but with the relationship between the Chu family and the Xu family, it should become much easier."

Although Prince Ding is no longer around, Clean Dust Young Master still exists. The young master of the Prince Ding residence is already eight or nine years old. With Clean Dust Young Master and the two scholars from the Xu family, as well as a few young masters assisting him, he will certainly be able to stand alone within ten years. At that time, it's uncertain who will have control over this world. At least... The Prince Ding residence appears far more reliable than Mo Jingli.

Chu Shaoying smiled: "Thank you all. As long as the Chu family still exists, none of you will suffer losses."

Hearing Chu Shaoying's promise, everyone couldn't help but smile broadly. Originally, Chu Shaoying had been stubbornly refusing to submit to Mo Jingli; however, after leaving and returning, he suddenly changed his mind. Perhaps Mo Jingli might think that Chu Shaoying was afraid, but they, who have known Chu Shaoying for decades, could never misunderstand what kind of person he is. Without a solid foundation, Chu Shaoying would certainly not risk the Chu family.

"In that case, everything will be handled by Brother Chu. We will follow your command."

Chu Shaoying nodded and responded solemnly: "You all can rest assured. I won't betray your trust."

"Then we bid farewell to Brother Chu."

"No need for farewells."

After seeing everyone out of the study, Chu Shaoying closed the door and turned around just in time to nearly jump in surprise. A man in white was sitting idly in his otherwise empty study, looking at him with a calm expression, even holding a steaming cup of tea. Just as he had been standing by the entrance seeing everyone off, this person not only entered the study but also managed to brew himself some tea.

After hesitating for a moment, Chu Shaoying regained his senses and greeted the man in white respectfully: "Chu Shaoying greets Prince Ding." Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile: "Mr. Chu doesn't need to be overly polite; I'm sorry to have caused you inconvenience tonight." In his heart, Mo Xiuyao secretly praised Chu Shaoying's extraordinary willpower. Although the head of the Chu family seemed unremarkable under the shadow of the Xu Family's reputation for martial prowess and talent, he was still the mastermind behind Yunzhou's second most powerful family in all of Great Chu, so his capabilities must be exceptional. Tonight, upon meeting him, Mo Xiuyao indeed found this clan head to be a truly intelligent person. It was just that compared to the natural genius of those from the Xu Family, he seemed more like someone who is wise but appears foolish.

Cu Shao Ying gave a faint smile and said frankly, "Your Highness is too kind. If not for Your Highness’ reminder tonight, I would have...

Moxiu Yao understood what Cu Shao Ying meant. No matter how it was looked at, Chu Family remained the most important to him. Without Moxiu Yao’s appearance, Cu Shao Ying might compromise with Mo Jing Li when things got desperate.

Cu Shao Ying thanked him hurriedly and sat down cautiously on one side and asked, "Your Highness, you have entered the city in the middle of the night. Is there anything that needs to be handled"

Moxiu Yao smiled faintly, "There’s nothing I need to handle. The army will definitely break through Liyang City within three days. Before then, this Prince hopes that under the names of Chu Family and other powerful families in Yunzhou, you would announce it to all of the country." Moxiu Yao took out a piece of paper with his handwriting on it and passed it to Cu Shao Ying. He scanned through it for just two glances before involuntarily twitching at the corner of his mouth. His face paled as he continued reading down. It had clearly stated all about how Mo Xiu Yao used Southland’s secret medicine against Emperor Mo Jing Qi, pushed Mo Su Yun to her death, confined Empress Dowager, withheld military rations in Zijing Pass that led to North Rong breaking through the city, and bringing an army near Chu Capital. If it was really made public, Mo Jing Li would definitely be disgraced and denounced by everyone.

Cu Shao Ying thought for a moment before asking, "Your Highness, are all of these true!" Even someone as smart as Cu Shao Ying could not imagine that there were still so many secrets about Mo Jing Li. Most importantly, he should not let the enemy find out his weaknesses.

Moxiu Yao nodded calmly, “Mr Chu doesn’t believe in the intelligence-gathering abilities of Qilin and Blackguards”

Cu Shao Ying shook his head hurriedly, "This one just doesn’t understand why Your Highness did not bring this out earlier. Moreover… If Your Highness announces it himself or if the Xus announce them, wouldn’t that have a bigger impact"

Moxiu Yao shook his head and said, "Before, the timing was not right. But now… The Xus are far less convenient than Chu Family. Of course… Mr Chu does not need to do this personally."

Cu Shao Ying thought for a moment before understanding it all. Since the Xu family belonged to the Prince’s household, although they were all respected elders, Mo Jing Li could turn around and accuse them of slandering him. However, if it was revealed by others now, things would be completely different. Of course, in Chu Shao Ying’s eyes, there might also be another reason why the Prince did not want Xu Family to get involved in this matter. In any case, they were disclosing many secrets of Greater Chu. They were still subjects of Greater Chu, and if these secrets got disclosed, Mo Jing Li would certainly suffer a fall from grace. But those people doing it might also be criticized by some pedantic scholars.

"This one understands. Your Highness can rest assured. This one will definitely choose an appropriate time to reveal all of these."

Moxiu Yao was very satisfied after hearing Chu Shao Ying’s words and stood up with a smile, "In that case, this Prince shall wait for Mr Chu’s good news." Chu Shao Ying nodded his head, “Your Highness can rest assured.”

After leaving the Chu Family, Moxiu Yao quickly leaped over the walls of Liyang City. Even though Liyang City had strict security measures, it still could not stop the flamboyant Prince in a white robe. After leaving Liyang City, Xu Qingfeng and several Qilin members were waiting there early.

Moxiu Yao raised his eyebrows and asked, “What are you guys doing here” Xu Qingfeng gave an awkward smile. He only knew that Mo Xiu Yao was still alive and had appeared in the military camp after he returned to it. At that time, when the news of Mo Xiu Yao’s death came, Xu Qingfeng was nearly scared crazy. He was thinking about what his cousin would do if Mo Xiu Yao really died. After waiting for a while, they finally did not receive any news of him dying. But before he saw Mo Xiu Yao again, he had left. Xu Qingfeng almost thought that Lu Jinxian and the others were making fun of him. He waited in vain for Moxiu Yao to return to camp, so he could only wait outside Liyang City with his people.

When it was almost dawn, just as Xu Qingfeng was about to storm into Liyang City again, Mo Xiu Yao finally appeared.

"Your Highness, are you alright"

Moxiu Yao raised his eyebrows. What could have happened to him

Xu Qingfeng sighed and nodded, saying, "I'm glad everything is fine." After he said that, he didn't care about Moxiu Yao's reaction anymore and turned around to leave. Even the sharp-witted Moxiu Yao was taken aback for a moment. Xu Qingfeng had been waiting until midnight just to confirm that he was okay Was he concerned about him Aside from official matters, Xu's brothers were never particularly friendly toward him.

As he walked in the direction of the main camp, Xu Qingfeng muttered to himself, "It's good that you're still alive. If you had died, I would have to find a new husband for Li'er. As for Li'er herself, it wouldn't be so bad... but my nieces and nephews would suffer..."

The next morning, when the attendant who served Emperor Mo Jinglei saw that it was quite late in the morning and the emperor hadn’t summoned anyone yet, while even Empress Li had not gotten up either, he found this odd. He waited again and again; however, as no one answered inside despite a general reporting military matters, he cautiously walked over to wake Emperor Mo Jinglei. But when he stepped into the room without opening his mouth to awaken the emperor, the attendant let out a sharp shriek.

The eunuch’s high-pitched voice was shrill and piercing; it not only startled everyone outside who rushed in but also woke up the sleeping Emperor Mo Jinglei.

Mo Jinglei frowned unhappily upon being disturbed. Upon looking down, he saw a woman in his arms, her body cold and stiff with dark red blood on her lips. All of this told Mo Jinglei one thing: last night, he had been hugging a dead person all night long. More importantly, someone had sneaked into the palace to kill Empress Li without him noticing. If it were an attempt to harm him…Mo Jinglei couldn’t help but break out in cold sweat.

Sitting up and pushing away Empress Li’s corpse, Mo Jinglei roared, "Hurry and take her away!"

"Your... Your Majesty..." the attendant trembled and pointed at some part of him. Following his gaze, everyone who had barged in couldn’t help but look toward Mo Jinglei's lower body. His yellow robe was also stained with dark red blood below his belly button. Mo Jinglei’s expression twisted as he finally realized something was amiss. There was no sensation at all from a specific part of his body. It wasn't painful, so he hadn’t noticed it from the start; rather, there was an absence of feeling, as if that area didn’t exist.

"Quick! Call in the imperial physician!" Mo Jinglei roared.

"Your Majesty... There’s a note here." The attendant trembled and picked up a slip of paper from beside a table to present it to Mo Jinglei. He grabbed the ordinary piece of paper, as if torn casually out of his daily journal. It contained only a few words: "Hearing that you stole my precious treasure, I am worried day and night. After much reflection, I severed your sin to eliminate my worry; may you take care."

Staring at the bold, unrestrained handwriting, Mo Jinglei’s eyes widened as he couldn't help but cough up a mouthful of blood before fainting.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Quickly... call in the imperial physician..."ing the entire Western Capital into hell. I know that… you dislike such things. So, please wake up quickly."Within the imperial palace of Western Capital, the emperor sat pale and limp on his throne,...