rumpled the letter in his hand into a ball and then, with a slight exertion of strength, turned it instantly into powder which fell softly to the ground like a thin layer of pale dust. "Mo Jingqi… you...406. Shock and Unease

406. Shock and Unease

This day, an event that would certainly cause a stir if known about occurred in Taishou's temporary residence in Liyang City. However, those who knew of the incident wouldn’t dare to speak of it since part of them had been silenced by Mo Jingli, while the rest were either his loyal subordinates or lacked the courage to do so. As a result, none among the nobles and commoners in Liyang City knew what happened. The only thing known was that the provisions of the Chu army had been burned down last night by Mo’s forces.

In Mo Jingli's room, several court physicians knelt on the ground, trembling uncontrollably. Mo Jingli sat on a chair with a cold expression, staring at the people below him with twisted and ferocious features as if a storm was about to break out.

Inform me… can this be treated After some time, Mo Jingli asked in a cold voice.

The room fell silent for a long while before one of the physicians nervously said: Your Majesty, this assassin’s attack was too severe. Moreover, he administered poison; we are unable to cure it, Your Majesty…

A trace of killing intent flashed across Mo Jingli's face as he sneered and said: Drag him out and execute him! Since you're incapable, why do you still live Two guards entered the room and dragged out the physician who had just spoken. The physician cried out in fear: Spare my life, Your Majesty! Please spare my life, Your Majesty… However, Mo Jingli showed no intention of sparing him and instead asked the remaining physicians kneeling by his bedside: What do you say

The court physicians were terrified by Mo Jingli's ruthless methods and quickly responded: We will surely try our best to save Your Majesty’s life… Please spare us, Your Majesty…

Try your best Mo Jingli was still unsatisfied. The court physicians hastily changed their words: We will definitely concoct the antidote; we will definitely cure Your Majesty’s poisoning… We must succeed… Now who cares about the crime of deceiving the emperor If you deceive him, you’ll die later; if you don’t, you'll be executed immediately. All the court physicians quickly pledged with certainty, as if someone had merely cut their finger by accident instead of having a crucial part of them removed.

Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes and said coldly: You have three days.

Yes! We’ll do our utmost to comply, Your Majesty! The court physicians breathed a sigh of relief and agreed promptly.

Gazing at the terrified court physicians, Mo Jingli let out a cold snort and said: Get out! The court physicians scrambled out to research the medicinal formula. Although they were well aware that whoever had injured Mo Jingli clearly wanted to ruin him permanently; even if Shen Yang, reputed as the divine doctor of their time, came with Blazing Grass (Bilo), it would be useless since a person cannot grow back like garlic sprouts once cut off. However, none dared to speak the truth out of fear for what had happened before them as an example. At this moment, these court physicians even hoped in their hearts that Mo’s forces would conquer Liyang City soon so they could save themselves.

In the room, Mo Jingli was leaning against the headboard of the bed, staring at a letter he had read countless times, his gaze flickering不定.

"An old minister, Qiu Yunan requests an audience with His Majesty." An elderly voice came from outside. Mo Jingli said in a low and heavy tone: Enter.

An elderly man dressed as a scholar walked in, took a quick look at the empty room, carefully lowered his head to pay respects, and asked cautiously: "Does His Majesty have any instructions" Mo Jingli stared at him for a while before asking: "Mr. Qiu, you are indeed an old minister who has served four consecutive reigns, aren't you

Qiu hurriedly replied: "Your Majesty, the old minister did start my official career during the time of the former emperor. Unfortunately, due to my mediocre talents and ordinary appearance and family background, I remained unknown after serving for many years across four reigns. However, I have managed to get by, being cautious in handling matters. Now that capable officials have either died or left, it's finally my turn to rise.

Mo Jingli raised his hand and passed the letter over: "Then look at this; do you recognize this handwriting"

Qiu carefully took the letter and read it, then paused for a moment before noticing Mo Jingli's cold gaze. He quickly focused on the writing again. After some hesitation, he frowned and shook his head: "Your Majesty, I… don't recognize this handwriting."

Mo Jingli sneered and said: "Is that so Then is it familiar"

Familiar Qiu was puzzled as he returned to the letter. This time, he could tell something about the writing style, hesitating before saying: "This… Your Majesty, this handwriting seems to have learned from… learned from…"

"Learned from Su Zhe" Mo Jingli asked coldly. Back then, besides Qingyun Scholar, Su Zhe was also a great scholar and calligrapher of the Great Chu Dynasty, with countless people aspiring to study under him. However, only two had the opportunity to learn directly from Su Zhe since their early days.

Qiu nodded: "Yes, but… this person's handwriting is quite different from that of Mr. Su Zhe's; Mr. Su's writing is elegant and refined with an air of scholarliness and pride, whereas this person’s handwriting has a more carefree and commanding quality to it. Although I don't expect them to be the same, if you look closely, there are indeed some similarities with Mr. Su's style. Therefore, the person must have started learning from Mr. Su Zhe since childhood. Only those who learn since early age develop habits deeply ingrained in their character, so even when they form their own unique style later on, traces of their original influence can still be seen.

Mo Jingli tossed another petition over and asked: "Are these two handwritings from the same person"

Qiu opened it and was nearly terrified into collapsing to his knees. This was a document in the handwriting of Prince Ding; although Mo Xiuyao wasn't known as a calligrapher, due to his status and reputation, his writing could be more valuable than that of many renowned masters when occasionally found outside. Qiu had been an official for over three decades, so he naturally recognized it. But… hasn't Prince Ding already died

Some were looking at Mo Jingli in shock, and even Qiu forgot the proper etiquette. He was secretly guessing if the emperor had been driven mad by last night's incident. Seeing Qiu’s shocked expression, Mo Jingli felt increasingly embarrassed. Did he like being suspected as a madman Holding that letter for a long time, he noticed that the handwriting seemed similar to Mo Xiuyao’s but not exactly the same. It appeared as if it was intentionally written in such a way. If Mo Xiuyao really hadn’t died and wanted to change his handwriting, there would be no need for him to write this letter. He could have covered up his identity using various methods. Instead, Mo Jingli began to doubt whether Mo Xiuyao had truly died or not. But if it turned out that the letter was a ploy by the Mo Army, he would lose face in front of everyone once again. Everyone would know then that Mo Jingli feared Mo Xiuyao and even after his death, still quaked in fear like a bird with an arrow through its wing.

Is it or isn’t it Mo Jingli asked coldly.

Sir Qiu said with a bitter expression: Your Majesty… though the handwriting is similar, it’s highly possible that it wasn’t written by the same person. And… Prince Ding is already dead.

Get out of here, Mo Jingli replied irritably.

Yes, old minister takes leave, Sir Qiu said as if he had been granted a reprieve and quickly left the room.

Moxiuyao! It must have been you, Mo Jingli called out through gritted teeth. He tried to get up but accidentally pulled on his wound, making him pale and almost faint again. He didn’t feel any pain at all due to the medicine that Moxiuyao had used on him, but once he woke up, he began feeling it again and the pain got worse with time. Mo Jingli squeezed the letter viciously in his hand: Moxiuyao! I will definitely kill you!

Mo Jingli wanted to send everyone out to search for Moxiuyao’s whereabouts and then kill him no matter if he was really alive or dead, but others didn’t see it that way, including Mo Jingli’s subordinates. Everyone knew that Prince Ding had died, personally confirmed by the emperor and Lord Southern Command. How could he come back from death As for the time Moxiuyao entered Taishou Mansion without being noticed in the middle of the night, since Qilin was able to quietly steal food supplies from Chu Army, it’s also very possible that they infiltrated Taishou Mansion as well. Most people saw this as a provocation and warning by the Mo Army against them, but for Mo Jingli believing Moxiuyao was still alive… it had to be because the emperor was too anxious! Although Mo Jingli wanted to prove himself right, he also knew that Lei Zhenting personally witnessed Moxiuyao’s corpse. There was no reason for him to lie on this matter. Furthermore, he didn’t have the face to show everyone the letter left by the assassin. If he did, wouldn’t it mean revealing his injuries to the entire world

If it were Prince Ding, there would be no need to hide his identity or change his handwriting. And why should the new handwriting resemble that of Prince Ding It was clearly a ploy by someone from the Mo Army. If they really didn’t want anyone to recognize him, all they had to do was write with their left hand and it wouldn’t have been possible for them to resist doing so. Finally, his subordinates’ words convinced Mo Jingli, or perhaps he convinced himself in his heart. He only increased security around Taishou Mansion and hid there while nursing his injuries.

Moxiuyao was still keeping up the guise of an ordinary man within the ranks of the Mo Army, and nobody except Leng Huai knew that Prince Ding had returned to their camp in disguise. Although Moxiuyao’s appearance had changed, those inside the main tent could sense how happy he was. Compared to yesterday when he first arrived at the army camp, it was obvious that last night Prince Ding must have done something that pleased him greatly.

Prince… is there anything good Lü Jinxian asked curiously.

Everyone else pretended to be busy with their work but had all ears out for his answer.

Moxiuyao said leisurely: The six most powerful families of Yunzhou have agreed to submit to the Prince. Is that good news

The others looked unconvinced; it didn’t seem like much of a victory. None of them could think of a single family leader who would willingly turn their allegiance over to Mo Jingli unless forced into it. Between Mo Jingli and Prince Ding, the latter had significant advantages. If it was Mo Jingshi, he would have at least an excuse based on righteousness, but Mo Jingli, who had usurped his position and killed his brother and nephew, didn’t even have that.

Moxiu Yao smiled and said, "Well then… As the Buddha says: it's not to be spoken of... Just thinking about Mo Jingli’s current state makes these gloomy days seem like they never happened. Forbearing from killing him last night was absolutely correct." After some thought, Moxiu Yao raised an eyebrow and asked, "General Lu, will we capture Linyang in three days" Qinquan Xian smiled and said, "Your Highness, rest assured, there’s no problem at all. The Chu army convoy transporting provisions is already almost here; it should arrive as late as tonight. Then we’ll be able to act."

Moxiu Yao raised his eyebrows and asked, "Are you planning to attack when the Chu army convoy arrives"

Qinquan Xian nodded. He indeed planned to do that. Besides, when the duchess left, she had already made arrangements for this. Half of the wealthy merchants in Jiangnan who provided provisions to the Chu forces were actually people from Duke Ding’s household, so those supplies would be handed over to Moxia’s army anyway; there was no need to let Mo Jingli have them. After a moment's contemplation, Moxiu Yao shook his head and said, "No, let them in." Qinquan Xian looked at Moxiu Yao with puzzlement. What did Your Highness mean

Moxiu Yao replied, "Send people to help transport the provisions into the city," before placing a small, exquisite porcelain bottle on the table and saying coolly, "Do you know what to do next"

Are you talking about poisoning them That might not be safe enough. Leng Huan expressed some worry.

After all, it was an army of hundreds of thousands; there would certainly be people who wouldn’t get poisoned simultaneously. If even one person realized something was amiss before the others, their plan could fall through.

Moxiu Yao said coolly, "Don’t worry about that. I got this from Shen Yang. After taking it, …it’ll take an hour to kick in. Besides, …this isn’t fatal; it will only render them temporarily incapable of fighting for a while. I don’t want to kill too many people either."

Yes, Your Highness.

Xu Qingfeng got up and answered.

Moxiu Yao waved over a piece of paper and said coolly, "Within three hours after the provisions are brought into the city, I want to see those people’s heads."

Xu Qingfeng took it from him, glanced at it briefly, memorized its contents, then nodded. "I understand Your Highness’s orders, and will go arrange everything immediately."

Moxiu Yao nodded and instructed them, "You’ve already entered the city once before, and have alarmed the Chu forces. They’ll likely be on high alert now; be careful."

Yes, Your Highness.

Xu Qingfeng bowed his head in agreement and turned to leave. In the tent, He Su said, "Is Your Highness planning on killing Chu’s generals first Once their commanders are dead, no matter how many troops they have, they’ll be nothing but a bunch of leaderless flies. And if most of them lose fighting strength as well, it will indeed give Moxia Army a chance to capture Linyang without bloodshed." Leng Huan raised an eyebrow and hesitated for a moment before saying, "Is Your Highness planning on incorporating this 800 thousand strong Chu army"

Upon hearing that, everyone was startled. But Moxiu Yao nodded in satisfaction and laughed, "General Leng is right. Lei Zhenting will never expect his allies to suddenly turn around and strike him."

This is a good plan Your Highness!

Qinquan Xian also praised it. If this was successful, it would indeed give Lei Zhenting a fatal blow. But only Moxiu Yao could carry out such plans; even if Qinquan Xian and others managed to capture Linyang without bloodshed, the fame of Qinquan Xian and Leng Huan wasn’t enough for them to be able to incorporate an army as large as 800 thousand people. So they had never thought of this plan before, nor would they have dared.

When night fell again, the troops escorting supplies for the Chu army had indeed arrived in front of Laiyang. This was naturally excellent news for the Chu army which had just lost almost all its provisions. After a thorough inspection, the army transporting food and fodder smoothly entered the city of Laiyang. Moli, who was lying down listlessly, didn’t have the mood to care about such trivial matters and waved his hand to pass them on to someone else to handle. What he didn’t know was that at this moment, the wealthy merchants from southern Jiangnan responsible for preparing these provisions, with Zhang Millionaire as their representative, were guests in the camp of the Mo Family Army.

“Greetings, General Lu and General Leng,” Zhang Millionaire said respectfully upon seeing General Jinqian and Leng Huai seated at the top. Although he was avaricious to the point of death, this was the first time he had faced soldiers like Lu Jinqian with such an aura of killing and warfare. As for those generals he met in Nanjing, they were clearly not worth mentioning compared to Lu Jinqian.

Lu Jinqian smiled and said, "Mr. Zhang needn’t be so formal; this time we owe a lot to you."

Zhang Millionaire waved his hand repeatedly and said, "No, no, General, just call me Zhang Millionaire. Since it’s the Queen Consort of Dingwang’s order, how could we dare disobey Rest assured, General, after today, your subordinate guarantees that Mo Jingli will no longer be able to transport even a single grain from southern Jiangnan."

Lu Jinqian nodded in satisfaction and smiled consolingly at Zhang Millionaire’s somewhat anxious expression. "Mr. Zhang, you can rest assured; the Queen Consort has already made arrangements. I guarantee that even if your family members are found out to be supporting Dingwang’s household after news of it spreads to southern Jiangnan, they will face no danger."

Zhang Millionaire’s eyes lit up. What they feared most about doing these things was being discovered by Mo Jingli; after all, their roots were still in southern Jiangnan, where everything was decided by him.

"Mr. Zhang," Mo Xiuyao said suddenly from his seat on the side, where he had been silent until now. In order to hide his identity, Mo Xiuyao always changed his appearance while in the army. Without that distinctive white hair and with a plain face, even if he exuded an astonishing aura, it was still hard for people to associate him with the deceased Dingwang.

Zhang Millionaire hesitated slightly and looked at Lu Jinqian above. "Who is this person"

"This is Mister Ye," said Lu Jinqian.

Even though Zhang Millionaire didn’t know who Mister Ye was, he still remembered that the Queen Consort of Dingwang surnamed Ye. Since Dingwang wasn’t around anymore and everything in Dingwang’s household was decided by the Queen Consort, it was clear that this person was someone they couldn’t offend based on Lu Jinqian’s attitude. Zhang Millionaire hurriedly said respectfully, "Mister, please give your instructions." Mo Xiuyao took out a letter and handed it to Zhang Millionaire. "Please take this letter back and deliver it to the recipient on the envelope."

Zhang Millionaire was taken aback and asked doubtfully, "Is that all" He had originally thought it would be something important, but it turned out to be simply delivering a letter. Such a task could be done by anyone; for Mister Ye to specifically request him to deliver the letter made him suspect there might be more behind it.

Mo Xiuyao smiled coolly and said, "Mr. Zhang needn’t hesitate; it’s indeed just a letter. Originally, who delivered it didn’t matter, but… after Dingwang’s troops enter southern Jiangnan, they will easily attract attention from others, so we thought of troubling you for this."

This wasn't a significant matter to begin with, so Mr. Zhang wouldn't refuse either. After putting away the letter, he nodded and said: Please rest assured, Sir; I will definitely deliver this letter. Mo Xiuyao smiled in satisfaction as he replied: As long as Mr. Zhang delivers the letter, I can assure on behalf of the Duchess that your family won’t be treated unfairly in the future.

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Zhang’s face; seeing Lu Jinxian and others looking normal, it seemed that Ye Hua indeed had the ability to make decisions for the Princess Consort Ding. His smile grew even wider as he repeatedly nodded: Sir, you may rest assured.

After sending off Mr. Zhang, Leng Huai frowned and said: Your Highness, this Mr. Zhang is too greedy; I fear that he might not be reliable enough.

Mo Xiuyao smiled with raised eyebrows as he replied: Alibi chose to cooperate with him instead of others, which proves his worth. Besides... being greedy isn’t necessarily a bad thing either. People die for wealth and birds perish for food; if he has genuine capabilities, I wouldn't mind him taking more than what’s necessary. However, should he overstep the boundaries, I can't guarantee that I won't make him forfeit everything.

But… The information we received indicated this person had some unclear connections with Xi Ling. Leng Huai frowned as he said. Back then, when the Princess Consort Ding left, her letter mentioned not to place too much trust in this man.

Mo Xiuyao wasn't surprised but smiled and replied: He's a businessman, so naturally, he wouldn’t put all his eggs in one basket.

What did Your Highness write him in the letter Yun Ting curiously asked.

Mo Xiuyao said: It reads that... The Prince of Ding is not dead yet but critically injured. He must hide the secret agents from the Prince’s residence in Jiangnan to seek assistance from Nanzhao to free Princess Consort Ding, who's besieged at Feihong Pass.

Everyone was confused by this; seek military aid from Nanzhao Their situation hadn’t reached such a dire state yet. Moreover… Nanzhao had just experienced internal strife not long ago and also tangled with Xi Ling for some time. Even if they mobilized their entire nation’s forces, how many troops could they actually lend

After pondering for a moment, He Su said: Is Your Highness suspecting that Mr. Zhang is connected to Lei Zhten If Mr. Zhang truly belongs to Lei Zhten, upon receiving the letter, he wouldn’t return to Jiangnan but deliver it directly into Lei Zhten’s hands instead. Mo Xiuyao shook his head and said: He definitely isn't Lei Zhten's man now, but after seeing this letter, that might change.

After exchanging looks, everyone finally understood; this was essentially a test by the王爺給張百萬為首的江南富商的一個考驗。如果選錯了的話……

雲霆皺眉道：這樣做會不會太…畢竟，也許張百萬現在並冇有這個心思。故意挑起彆人的疑心，雖然這大部分要歸咎於這些人的心智不堅。但是原本這世上的人大多數也都是心智不堅的普通人。隻要冇有給他們機會，他們也許永遠也不會背叛。

Translated while preserving the original HTML structure:

This wasn't a significant matter to begin with, so Mr. Zhang wouldn't refuse either. After putting away the letter, he nodded and said: Please rest assured, Sir; I will definitely deliver this letter. Mo Xiuyao smiled in satisfaction as he replied: As long as Mr. Zhang delivers the letter, I can assure on behalf of the Duchess that your family won’t be treated unfairly in the future.

Upon hearing this, a smile appeared on Zhang’s face; seeing Lu Jinxian and others looking normal, it seemed that Ye Hua indeed had the ability to make decisions for the Princess Consort Ding. His smile grew even wider as he repeatedly nodded: Sir, you may rest assured.

After sending off Mr. Zhang, Leng Huai frowned and said: Your Highness, this Mr. Zhang is too greedy; I fear that he might not be reliable enough.

Mo Xiuyao smiled with raised eyebrows as he replied: He's a businessman, so naturally, he wouldn’t put all his eggs in one basket.

What did Your Highness write him in the letter Yun Ting curiously asked.

Mo Xiuyao said: It reads that... The Prince of Ding is not dead yet but critically injured. He must hide the secret agents from the Prince’s residence in Jiangnan to seek assistance from Nanzhao to free Princess Consort Ding, who's besieged at Feihong Pass.

Everyone was confused by this; seek military aid from Nanzhao Their situation hadn’t reached such a dire state yet. Moreover… Nanzhao had just experienced internal strife not long ago and also tangled with Xi Ling for some time. Even if they mobilized their entire nation’s forces, how many troops could they actually lend

After pondering for a moment, He Su said: Is Your Highness suspecting that Mr. Zhang is connected to Lei Zhten If Mr. Zhang truly belongs to Lei Zhten, upon receiving the letter, he wouldn’t return to Jiangnan but deliver it directly into Lei Zhten’s hands instead. Mo Xiuyao shook his head and said: He definitely isn't Lei Zhten's man now, but after seeing this letter, that might change.

After exchanging looks, everyone finally understood; this was essentially a test by the王爺給張百萬為首的江南富商的一個考驗。如果選錯了的話……

雲霆皺眉道：這樣做會不會太…畢竟，也許張百萬現在並冇有這個心思。故意挑起彆人的疑心，雖然這大部分要歸咎於這些人的心智不堅。但是原本這世上的人大多數也都是心智不堅的普通人。隻要冇有給他們機會，他們也許永遠也不會背叛。Jizhi looked at Ye Li who had been sitting quietly next to Mo Xiuyao and said somewhat regretfully, "To be frank, since Your Highness took a wife, Ding王府 seems to have turned its luck around. All thos...