an and a pregnant woman, it's unrealistic to imagine them escaping the perilous mountains that even adult men find dangerous. Moreover, there is also the possibility of encountering Lin Yuan or someon...422. Return of Qing Bai

News about the disappearance of Princess Nanzhao outside Li City wasn't entirely hidden, nor did the Dingwang Mansion make any effort to conceal it. As Mo Xiuyao had said, there's no such thing as a completely leak-proof wall. And at this time, everyone in Li City was either an influential figure or someone wielding power from various countries; they all had their own secret channels to some extent. Even if they couldn't find out what was happening inside the Dingwang Mansion, they still couldn't keep major and minor events within Li City a secret.

Among them, Mo Jingyu was most shocked. He originally thought that Mo Jingli mentioning wanting to deal with Princess Nanzhao was just talk, but he never expected that madman to actually act and succeed. Decades of being cautious had made Mo Jingyu feel that his current situation might be quite dangerous. But the significant leverage still lying in the jade seal prevented him from simply withdrawing calmly. Upon hearing the report from his subordinate, Mo Jingyu took a deep breath for quite some time before he came back to himself and waved his hand to dismiss the subordinate.

"Uncle Wang, what happened" Mo Su Yun sitting beside asked curiously.

Mo Jingyu gave him a cold glance and said, "Didn't you hear Someone kidnapped Princess Nanzhao and her prince." Mo Shuyun blinked his eyes, somewhat puzzled: "Why kidnap Princess Nanzhao and the prince This is Dingwang's territory; if they have grudges against Princess Nanzhao... wouldn't it be better to act somewhere else"

Mo Jingyu sized him up a few times and said with a smile, "The Emperor certainly thinks of everything."

Mo Su Yun lowered his head and said somewhat shyly: "Uncle Wang and Grandmother Empress said... we shouldn't provoke Dingwang's territory. Uncle Dingwang seems very powerful… weren't the assassins afraid of him" Mo Jingyu sighed softly and whispered, "Perhaps he went mad."

Although his voice was low, Mo Su Yun sat close enough to hear clearly. He lowered his head without responding, as if not hearing a word from Mo Jingyu; however, beneath his seemingly clueless gaze flashed an unusual light.

Even though the secret agents of Dingwang Mansion had secretly searched almost every place near Li City, they still hadn't found Princess Anxi. Later on, Xu Qingbai and the Western Regions' diplomatic envoys arrived safely in Li City. Since they were accompanied by secret agents from Dingwang's territory all along, there wasn't any trouble during their journey, but a few of Dingwang Mansion’s dispatched secret agents got injured.

In the study of Dingwang Mansion, Xu Qingbai sipped tea while looking up at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li beside him, asking: "Has something happened" If it weren’t for anything important, there would be no need to send secret agents to meet them a hundred miles away even though they were guests from afar. Over the years of being independent in handling matters, Xu Qingbai had become more mature and composed. Although his age was too young among all the officials in Dingwang Mansion, he now carried an air reminiscent of Mr. Xu's demeanor.

Ye Li nodded and recounted the disappearance of Princess Anxi to Xu Qingbai. Xu Qingbai raised his eyebrows but didn't show any surprise. He pondered for a moment before saying: "Even if Mo Jingli was venting his anger, he wouldn’t go after someone like Princess Nanzhao who had no conflict with him. Given his personality... in the end, he might still target Dingwang's territory."

Ye Lik nodded. Xu Qingbai's words were clear, and she sighed with some concern: "I fear that Mo Jingli deliberately wants to embarrass the Ding王府 and harm Princess Anxi and the little prince."

"There has been no news for these two days, so it shouldn’t be happening. Moreover, Mo Jingli isn't someone who disregards his life; with Princess Anxi and the little prince in his hands, at least we would be cautious not to provoke him. Therefore, Princess Anxi should temporarily be safe," Xu Qingbai analyzed calmly. He had no relationship with Princess Anxi whatsoever, so he was more objective when analyzing things: "Li’er needn’t worry too much; if Mo Jingli wanted to kill her, he would have done it on the spot and wouldn't go through the trouble of abducting and hiding her."

Murong Xiuya smiled at Ye Lik as he said, "This is what I've been saying. But Li’er insisted on worrying about it. Now that Qingbai thinks this way too, you should be relieved" Ye Lik blushed slightly and turned to Xu Qingbai: "Fourth Brother, the residence for the Western Region envoys has been handled by my second brother. Please take care of it. Also, I’m concerned that Mo Jingli might target these Western Region envoys. If there’s any issue, you can seek help from Qin Feng or Zhuo Jing."

Xu Qingbai nodded solemnly. The Western Region envoys had come a long way to congratulate them; regardless of their motives, they were guests and should be treated accordingly. If something happened to the envoys in Li City, it would be difficult to explain. A slight mistake might cause unrest at the border with the Western Regions again.

"Since we’ve confirmed that it’s Mo Jingli… Could he have any connections with those who came from Great Chu" Xu Qingbai thought for a moment and asked after putting down his cup of tea. Ye Lik smiled lightly, "Fourth Brother is indeed astute; we do suspect that Mo Jingli has met with Mo Jingyu. Furthermore... Mo Jingyu might have been caught by Mo Jingli with some leverage."

"So you plan to wait for him to make a move" Xu Qingbai raised an eyebrow and said, "But you must still be cautious; Mo Jingli daringly sneaked into Xi Ling without being detected by the Ding王府’s secret agents implies that he might have some trump cards up his sleeve." Murong Xiuya nodded, "You can rest assured. I know what kind of tricks are in his hands."

"Mo Jingyu is usually cautious; how could he be caught with anything incriminating" Xu Qingbai was also curious when talking about this matter. He had once spent a considerable amount of time in Chu Capital and even served as an official in Great Chu, so he understood the situation regarding these princes well. Mo Jingyu managed to stay out of trouble under Mo Jingqi's suspicion and later received favor from Mo Jingli. Even after Mo Jingli fell, he still held significant power, indicating that he wasn’t a simple figure. Someone like this would only be caught with something incriminating if it was significant.

Murong Xiuya frowned as he said, "Considering Mo Jingyu’s current position, ordinary leverage wouldn’t affect him. What might make him wary... Treason, rebellion, regicide Mo Jingqi and Mo Sudun's matters didn't concern him; rebellion… Mo Jingyu isn’t impulsive enough to do that, nor does he have any troops. Then it must be… treason!" As he spoke, a hint of sharpness appeared in Murong Xiuya’s brows.

"Treason" Ye Lik and Xu Qingbai were somewhat surprised; for Mo Jingyu, who was a prince in Great Chu, the idea of treason was more shocking than rebellion or regicide.

Murong Xiuya touched his forehead lightly as he pondered: "It shouldn’t be considered treason… It’s likely that some things of Great Chu were sold to…" He frowned before slowly saying two words, "Northern Rong."

"Are you sure" Ye Lik furrowed her brows. A traitor was despised in any era; if it were true, then Mo Jingyu's situation being controlled by Mo Jingli made sense.

"I’m not certain; I just guessed," Murong Xiuya said calmly: "But soon enough, we’ll know the truth." Since they had learned that Mo Jingyi and Mo Jingli had met, the Ding王府 had started investigating Mo Jingyu. It wouldn’t be long before all his deeds were laid out for them to see. If even Mo Jingli could uncover such secrets, it was unlikely that the Ding王府 missed anything in their investigation. Ye Lik only hoped this wasn’t true; if Mo Jingyi truly did something inappropriate, he might not survive leaving Li City alive this time.

"My Lady Wang, the Princess Helan from the North has arrived," a guard reported from outside.

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. She had quite an affinity for the bold and straightforward Northern Princess Helan. Rising to her feet, she said to Mo Xiuyao, "I’ll go out to greet Princess Helan." Although the princess was called a princess, the North was not yet considered a kingdom; at most it could be regarded as a tribe. As Duke Ding, Mo Xiuyao naturally did not need to personally welcome such a princess, even if she might eventually become the ruler of the entire North.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "Alright, I still have some things to discuss with Qingbai."

Ye Li didn’t waste words. She stood up and left. In the study, there was a brief moment of quiet due to Ye Li’s departure. After a while, Mo Xiuyao spoke in a low voice, "What does Qingbai have to say"

Xu Qingbai nodded slightly. "I heard… that some officials in Licheng are quite critical of Ge’er"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow with a smile. "Those old scholars Fourth Young Master Xu isn’t unfamiliar with them, is he How could he not understand their nature" Xu Qingbai lowered his eyes and nodded. "Indeed so. Then what does the Duke think of this situation"

Mo Xiuyao smiled approvingly. "We’ll need your help, Fourth Young Master."

"I understand," Xu Qingbai replied with a nod. Mo Xiuyao’s smile grew more pleased; dealing with intelligent people was indeed comfortable. Although Fourth Young Master Xu appeared suave and charming, he was actually quite vengeful. If not for his inherently domineering personality, how could Xu Qingbai have managed to subdue the powerful families of Western Ling within just two or three years Despite the five Xu brothers now being led by Xu Qingchen, Mo Xiuyao understood that First Young Master Xu’s aloofness would make it difficult for him to remain in politics long-term. Thus, if anything needed to be done, he still had to rely on Fourth Young Master Xu.

The Prince of Ding was indifferent as to how those troublesome old men would fare under Fourth Young Master Xu’s schemes. If one thought the previous small matters were the prince's punishment, they were greatly mistaken; being a “Duke” could also imply stinginess, grudges, and shifting blame.

"Princess Helan," outside the main gate of Prince Ding’s residence, Ye Li greeted with a smile the striking red-clad woman in distinctive Northern attire.

"Lady Wang!" Princess Helan rushed forward with a radiant smile, hugging Ye Li warmly. "Lady Wang, it's been so long; you still look as beautiful as ever." Ye Li returned her hug somewhat helplessly and smiled back, "You are even more lovely than I am."

Living in this era for a while now, Ye Li found herself becoming less accustomed to such overtly enthusiastic greetings.

"Really" Princess Helan gazed at Ye Li joyfully. Of course many people praised her beauty, but what kind of compliment was more delightful than that from the eyes of a beautiful woman

Ye Li smiled and said, "Of course it’s true. It seems you’ve had a pleasant year."

The Herland Princess smiled and said, "Not bad. Although the Central Plains is good, I still prefer the Northern Frontier more. I’ve also heard that you had a very exciting year too. One of these days, if we really have to compare martial arts, it’s the people in the Central Plains who spread rumors about how the Queen Consort Ding has the reputation of being like a female war deity."

"Welcome," Ye Li smiled and said, "Princess, please take your rest at the mansion first. Please come in." The Herland Princess didn’t hesitate either and took Ye Li’s hand to walk into the Duke Ding Manor. When they were near the entrance, Ye Li suddenly stopped and looked towards a certain place outside of the manor. The Herland Princess asked in puzzlement, "What happened" With an indifferent smile on her face, Ye Li said, "Nothing much, please." She then lifted her hand to signal Qin Feng to come over from somewhere inconspicuous. She had clearly felt that someone was staring at her from there a moment ago. Qin Feng nodded slightly and saw the two enter the Duke Ding Manor before signaling the guards to search in the direction Ye Li pointed out.

Inside the manor, as she walked inside with Ye Li’s arm around hers, the Herland Princess whispered, "Duke Consort Ding, is there someone who wants to oppose the Duke Ding Manor"

Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise. She didn’t expect that the Herland Princess would be so perceptive. The Herland Princess hurriedly shook her head and said, "No, it’s not that. We encountered a group of assassins on our way here. It happened before we reached Feihong Pass. At first, I thought it was remnants of Ren Qining trying to take revenge on me but later, it didn’t seem likely anymore. After arriving in Li City, I heard that there were also assassins who had kidnapped the Queen of Nanzhao. Just now…" The Herland Princess hadn’t noticed anything herself but she guessed from Ye Li’s reaction that she might have discovered something. At this thought, the Herland Princess felt somewhat disappointed and admitted to herself that she was indeed inferior compared to Duke Consort Ding.

Ye Li sighed softly before giving her a brief summary of the situation. The Herland Princess didn’t seem bothered by it and said with a smile, "This Mo Jingli is quite daring. If I get the chance, I would like to meet her." Ye Li laughed helplessly and shook his head. "I certainly don’t hope for you to encounter him." For Mo Jingli to set up an ambush on the way of the Herland Princess’s journey, it was clear that he had truly gone mad, completely disregarding the fact that he would likely be a target for all countries.

In a dark alley in Li City. A middle-aged man dressed plainly slowly lifted his head, with sharp and fierce glints flashing through his eyes. It’s no wonder Ye Li almost got caught! The middle-aged man couldn’t help but recall the elegant woman he had seen outside Duke Ding Manor earlier, wearing white clothes and smiling gently. An intricate expression flashed across his face. In a moment, an unknown thought crossed his mind and made his face twist in anger again. "Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao! I won’t let you off!"

In the Grand Chu envoy’s residence, Mo Jingyu pushed open his room door with a gloomy expression after hearing that Princess Herland had encountered an assassination attempt on her journey to the Northern Frontier. He didn’t even need to think about it; he knew who could have done this. At such a time when Duke Ding Manor was at its peak in power, only Mo Jingli, that madman, would dare oppose them.

The moment he entered his room, something seemed wrong. Mo Jingyu raised his head suddenly out of alertness and saw someone sitting casually on the soft couch in his room reading books. Mo Jingyu was stunned for a second before hurriedly closing the door behind him and yelling angrily with a low voice, "You’ve lost your mind! How dare you come here like this now!"

Mo Jingli sneered and raised an eyebrow disdainfully. "Are you afraid Don’t worry; the people of Duke Ding Manor won’t be able to find me."

Mojingyu took a closer look before realizing that Mo Jingli looked quite different from his last appearance. His previously thick, striking beard had been cleaned off entirely and his originally waxen and emaciated face was now unnaturally fair. He even wore the uniform of a guard at Prince Yu Manor in Grand Chu. Instead of looking like a middle-aged man in his thirties, he appeared to be a weak young man in his twenties.

"You…" Mo Jingyu walked over and stared at Mo Jingli closely. As he got closer, he noticed that the fair color on Mo Jingli’s face was unnatural; it turned out that he had applied powder. Mo Jingli hadn’t been living comfortably recently and couldn’t recover his former appearance in such a short period of time, so all he could do was cover up with makeup. But a grown man like him, even though Mo Jingyu as a member of the royal family loved to follow fashion trends, still found it hard to bear seeing this much powder on his face. He couldn’t help but frown and said, "You really are willing to resort to any means necessary." Someone who wasn’t familiar with Mo Jingli would likely not be able to recognize him even if they were standing in front of him dressed like this. No wonder Mo Jingli was so fearless.

Mo Jingli’s face twisted for a moment, but quickly returned to its usual calm expression.

"What do you want with me" Mo Jingyu asked. It wasn't a pleasant feeling to be in someone else's hands, so Mo Jingyu didn’t want to see Mo Jingli at all. Mo Jingli smiled and said, "Of course I have something for you. In two days' time, there will be a banquet at the Dingwang Manor. The matter that I need your help with will happen on that day."

Mo Jingyu raised an eyebrow and waited for him to continue. Mo Jingli said, “On that day, I want you to bring out Mo Yuchen from the Dingwang Manor.” Mo Jingyu looked at him calmly, "Do you think I’m capable of bringing Prince Yuchen out from the heavily guarded gates of the Dingwang Manor Furthermore, even if I manage to take him out, how do I escape afterwards"

"That’s your problem," said Mo Jingli nonchalantly. "If you want something done, there will be a way. You just have to think about it."

Mo Jingyu firmly rejected his offer and said, "I don’t know how."

Mojingli fell silent for a moment before saying in a deep voice, "Don't know how Then let me remind you… You can’t do it, but perhaps the little emperor that you brought along might have an idea." Mo Jingyu’s expression changed slightly. “You want to use His Majesty” Indeed, Mo Suyun was only around eleven or twelve years old; as a child, he wouldn't easily arouse others' suspicions.

Mojingli sneered and said, "His Majesty You sure know how to address him! Don’t tell me you’re worried about him. He’s still the son of Mo Jingqi in the end. Even if he dies, it has nothing to do with you, right"

Mo Jingyu remained silent for a long time before saying, “I understand. But… You’d better make sure that you really have the means to do this. If something goes wrong halfway through… The secret guards and qilins of Dingwang Manor aren’t pushovers.”

Mojingli smiled and said, "Don't worry. They’ll be busy on that day. By the way, there's one more thing."

"Mojingli, don’t push your luck!" Mo Jingyu was furious and snarled at him. Seeing his enraged expression, Mo Jingli chuckled happily and said calmly, "Don’t worry. This is even easier than what I just asked of you. On the day of the banquet at Dingwang Manor, I want to go there with you."

"Are you crazy!" Mo Jingyu gritted his teeth.

Mojingli looked at him coolly and didn’t argue back. Mo Jingyu took a deep breath and said gruffly, "I understand. But the thing in your hands…" Mo Jingli nodded and said, “You can rest assured. As long as I see Mo Yuchen, I’ll naturally give you everything that you want."

"Better keep to your word!" Mo Jingyu spat angrily.

"Click..." A low sound came from outside the door. Mo Jingli's expression changed, and he quickly rushed out. "Who is it!" The main door was opened, and a person in bright yellow hurriedly turned around the corridor. Mo Jingli sneered and stepped forward to grab the person and pull them back.

Seeing Mo Su Yun thrown into the room, Mo Jingyu's face also darkened. He looked at Mo Jingli and asked, "What should we do" Mo Jingli snorted coldly and said, "What can be done Since he heard us, kill him."

Sitting on the ground with a pale face, Mo Su Yun fearfully gazed at the two people before him. He had accidentally seen someone enter Mo Jingyu's room and quietly approached to see who it was. But just as Mo Jingyu returned, he unintentionally bumped into a wall and overheard their secret plans, which led to his discovery by Mo Jingli.

"Uncle King Yu..." Mo Su Yun fearfully looked at Mo Jingyu. Mo Jingyu frowned and said, "If the Emperor suddenly dies, it will raise suspicion from Prince Ding's Manor. At that time..."

Mo Jingli thought for a moment and nodded in agreement with what Mo Jingyu had said. With heavy guards protecting Xiao Bao of Prince Ding's Manor now, luring him out wouldn’t be easy. Among the people who came from the Great Chu Kingdom, only Mo Su Yun had the best chance.

But...

"I... I won't say anything... Uncle King Li..." Although Mo Jingli looked different, Mo Su Yun still recognized him. The fear on his face deepened; no matter whether they were princesses or princes left by Mo Shuyun, none of them feared this uncle king who had disposed of the former young emperor.

Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes and stared at Mo Su Yun for a long time before calmly saying, "If you don't want to die... then obey me."

Mosu Yun nodded repeatedly and wiped away tears as he said, "I'll listen... Uncle King Li, please don’t kill me..."

Seeing his fearful appearance, Mo Jingli was satisfied and nodded. He reached out and pulled him up. Mo Su Yun stood up in fear under the sharp gaze of Mo Jingli. Mo Jingli looked at him and asked, "Do you know what to do"

Mosu Yun hesitated for a moment before finally nodding.

"Can it be done" Mo Jingli asked.

"Yes." Mosu Yun nodded quickly. "Mo Yuchen, Mo Yuchen told me to play with him; these few days I haven’t... gone there. Later on, I’ll go look for him and he will definitely come out to play with me." bitterly, an expression of utter despair on his face. "You’re worthy of your title as Prince Ding indeed. After years of plotting… when you act, it’s nothing short of impressive. Well… I’m old now, I...