Her clear and serene appearance paired with distant yet tranquil eyes made her seem like a rare peony quietly blooming. Who said that peonies must be richly colored and imposing Graceful, dignified, a...425. Showing Weakness at Xi Ling

That day, Li city was particularly lively. The last time it was this bustling was during Mr. Qingyun's birthday banquet a year ago. However, most of the guests back then were there with ulterior motives or to gather intelligence. But this time, everyone had come with a different mood - one that was both in awe and admiration, as well as an implicit gesture of goodwill.

In the past year, both the Ding Prince's王府 (Ding Wangfu) and the entire realm have undergone drastic changes. Anyone with eyes could see that no one can rival the Ding Prince now. At least for the next ten years, there won't be anyone who can match him. Everyone couldn't help but worry about what would happen when the Ding Prince's王府 recovers his strength and wages war again. Who then will stand against his iron cavalry If not for the recent defeat of the three kingdoms' allied forces, or if their power and influence were closer in comparison, it might have been another coalition force besieging them. But now that they are unable to match up directly due to a lack of strength, they can only show weakness.

This banquet was held at the Ding Prince's王府 (Ding Wangfu). Since this was just for the birthday celebration of two children, there weren't grand invitations sent out; it was merely attended by envoys from various countries and officials of the Ding Prince's王府 (Ding Wangfu), without any other distinguished guests or merchants. Consequently, although the number of guests wasn't numerous, the people in Li city still celebrated as if it were a festival.

In the inner courtyard of the Ding Prince's王府 (Ding Wangfu), the two babies woke up early wearing brand new exquisite clothes and were playing with Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang who had arrived earlier. The two Xu Madams, including Qin Zeng, all went out to deal with banquet affairs, so the children were left in charge of some young ladies.

"Mother... Your Highness..." Xinxin wore a pink embroidered peony robe and a delicate jade pendant around her neck, silver bracelets on her hands and feet. Sitting on Mo Wuyou's lap, she looked like an exquisite celestial maiden next to the Bodhisattva Guanyin in paintings.

Wuyou smiled and patted Xinxin's little face, saying, "Little Xinxin, your mother is busy now but will come see you soon." Having not seen her mother upon waking up early that morning, Xinxin was unhappy, calling out repeatedly, "Mother... Mother..."

Next to her, Lining heard his sister's call and joined in. Moreover, Lining seemed more energetic than his sister; he got up from the soft mats and waddled towards the door. Hua Tianxiang quickly picked him up, saying, "Lining, your mother will come see you all soon. Little angel, play with your sister for now."

Hearing the word 'sister', Lining immediately turned his head to look at Xinxin. Once Hua Tianxiang placed them together, the brother and sister forgot about finding their mother and started playing again. Everyone couldn't help but smile as they watched the two sitting on a large soft couch, chattering in incomprehensible baby talk.

"Xinxin! Your big brother is here!" Outside, Mo Xiaobao rushed in with Xu Zhirui and Leng Junhan Qin Lie, stretching his arms out to hold Xinxin. Clearly fond of her brother, Xinxin reached out for a hug as well.

Xiaobao happily held his sister close, looking proudly at the other kids. However, he showed great disdain towards his younger brother on the side, thoroughly embodying the Ding Prince's王府 (Ding Wangfu) tradition of cherishing girls but not boys. Even the one-year-old Mo Yufeng didn't like his big brother either; seeing Xiaobao take Xinxin away, he was furious, "Xiaobao is bad! Sister... Sister!"

Hearing his little name called out, Xiaobao's handsome face darkened immediately. The girl in his arms turned to look at her brother and then back at the brother holding her, looking conflicted before reaching out towards Lining on the couch with both hands, "Brother... Brother..."

Helplessly, Xiaobao had no choice but to place Xinxin back on the couch. The two kids hugged each other again, and Yufeng stared angrily at Xiaobao with his big watery eyes, as if he were a great villain trying to separate them.

Seeing Mo Xiaobao's face contorted with anger, everyone couldn't help but laugh.

"How did the Young Noble come over" Mu Wuyou covered her mouth and asked with a smile. Since childhood, Mo Xiaobao had always been close to Mu Wuyou. Hearing her question, he said with a smile, "It's very busy outside, Mother thinks we're in the way, so she let me come to look after my brother and sister."

Mu Wuyou nodded, today was indeed very busy. Furthermore, the Southern Zha princess was still missing and hadn't been found yet; it certainly wasn't safe for people to be coming and going at Ding Wangfu. In comparison, the inner courtyards heavily guarded against outsiders were much safer. Mu Wuyou smiled and said, "That's good then. The Young Noble can look after Lin Er and Xin Er with Tianxiangyun Ge and me."

Mu Xiaobao glared at his brother and sister cuddling on the couch. Was he really an evil mother-in-law who wanted to break up their love

No matter how bustling and lively it was in Ding Wangfu's front courtyard, the study room in the inner courtyards remained as peaceful as ever. The hosts, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, didn't go out to receive guests but sat leisurely in the study reading books instead. Given Ding Wangfu’s current status and strength, there were only a few people that they would personally receive, while important guests usually wouldn’t arrive ahead of time.

Mo Xiuyao was lounging on the couch with his head resting on Ye Li's legs as he casually flipped through some historical records. His silvery-white hair fell carelessly across Ye Li’s knees and a few strands even dangled to the floor.

"Your Excellency, Lady Wang, Queen of Nan Zhao has entered the city," Zhao Jing calmly reported at the door.

Mo Xiuyao turned another page in his book and said indifferently, "Understood. Send someone to keep an eye on her. Rescue the Queen when it’s necessary, tell them not to act rashly, and ensure the safety of the Queen."

"I’ll do as you say."

Ye Li frowned slightly and asked, "What about Prince Xiao"

Qin Feng was silent for a moment before saying solemnly, "We haven’t seen Prince Xiao. However, we’ve already set up informants in all the places where he could be hiding in Li City. Therefore, I suspect that Mo Jingli might have hidden young Noble there."

Ye Li remained silent; she knew exactly who Qin Feng was referring to. She looked down at Mo Xiuyao, whose eyes were half-closed as he said calmly, "Deal with the situation as it arises and rescue Prince Xiao of Nan Zhao. At present, Nan Zhao is crucial for us."

It wasn’t about Princess Anxi and Prince Xiao but their identities. In recent years, Ding Wangfu had no plans to mobilize troops again. However, even so, West Ling and Greater Chu still needed someone to restrain them. And the Southern Frontier, known for its rugged people, was naturally the best choice. For at least several decades in the future, Nan Zhao would remain an ally of Ding Wangfu.

"I understand," Qin Feng said before respectfully bowing and leaving to carry out his instructions.

Inside the room, Ye Li said calmly, "Mo Jingli wouldn't just have Mo Jingyu under his command." Mo Jingyu had only recently arrived in Li City and was without any support there. The fact that Mo Jingli could enter and leave Li City undetected made it clear that it wasn’t something Mo Jingyu alone could pull off. There must be someone who knew the environment and circumstances of Li City very well, aiding him in secret.

Moxiu Yao gave a faint smile, saying, "Of course. In this world… there are always those who harbor ill intentions and are ready to turn against you at any moment. If it weren’t for the need to catch these annoying pests, how could I have kept Mo Jingli around for so long"

"Could Mo Jingli figure out that you went easy on him" Ye Li asked with some concern. If that were the case, Princess Anxi and her child would be in danger. Moxiu Yao smiled and said, "If Mo Jingli still wants to do something today, whether he has realized it or not, he will come regardless. Moreover… I reckon that right now his mind is already clouded by hatred. Even if I let him off my guard here, he wouldn’t be able to see through it."

"You seem to know him well," Ye Li said with a frown. Actually, in Ye Li’s view, Mo Jingli’s hatred towards Moxiu Yao was rather inexplicable. On the battlefield, victory and defeat are common occurrences; one must bear the consequences of their own wins and losses. It was unimaginable for Mo Jingli to hate Moxiu Yao so much that he lost his mind over it. Furthermore, Mo Jingli is in his current predicament; shouldn’t he be more resentful towards the betrayal by Empress Dowager Dachu and the royal family, as well as the exploitation by Western Ling The Dingwang Mansion doesn’t even have a say in this matter.

Moxiu Yao gave a faint smile. Of course, he wouldn’t tell Ah Li what exactly he had done to Mo Jingli.

"Minister Chen Xifu requests an audience with Your Excellency and Lady," a voice was heard outside the door.

Moxiu Yao sat up and said coldly, "Come in."

The書房的門被推開，陳秀夫走了進來，恭敬地見禮。“見過王爺王妃。”

Ye Li smiled and said, "Mr. Xiutingshan needn’t be so polite. You’ve had many trivial matters to deal with since you arrived in Licheng City; thank you for your efforts."

Chen Xifu clasped his hands and smiled, saying, "Lady speaks too highly of me; it’s my duty, I dare not claim it’s hard." These few days Chen Xifu had indeed been rather uneasy. He even regretted being swayed by Xu Qingbai’s persuasion to return with him. As soon as they arrived in Licheng City, the Dingwang immediately announced his appointment as Left Chancellor, which caused a change of attitude from the originally courteous Dachu noble families towards him. Indeed, power within the Dingwang Mansion was held by staunch loyalists of the Mo Army, while the highest positions representing civil officials were occupied by Xu Family’s eldest son and an outsider like himself. How could these people not be furious However, after being disciplined by the Dingwang for some time, none dared to openly criticize his favoritism anymore; thus, all their resentment was directed towards him as Left Chancellor. A dragon cannot overcome a local snake; although Chen Xifu’s abilities were commendable, he was still an outsider newly arrived in Licheng City. It was可想而知的日子。

Sometimes Chen Xifu even wondered if the Dingwang appointed him as Left Chancellor precisely to suppress these old Dachu noble families and prevent himself from colluding with them. Regardless of his intentions, Chen Xifu knew he would accept this position regardless of whether it was for power or under pressure from the Dingwang. It was because only by standing higher could he fulfill his ideals and aspirations.

"What does Left Chancellor have to report" Unlike Ye Li, Moxiu Yao always addressed people either by their names or titles, which made a clear distinction in familiarity. Initially this might cause discomfort but it also made people more cautious about their behavior; indicating that the王爺 hadn’t fully trusted them yet. Aspiring individuals would naturally work harder while those who were content with the status quo would become more reserved. More importantly, it also showcased the Dingwang’s lofty position and authority, making others involuntarily feel a sense of submission.

Chen Xifu nodded and said, "Reporting to Your Excellency, Prince Nanzheng of Western Ling requests an audience."

Moxiu Yao raised his eyebrows and asked, "Thunderstorm Wind… What could he want" Before he finished speaking, Moxiu Yao’s heart stirred and he said, “Meng Shu and Nanhou…” Chen Xifu smiled and replied, "Indeed, congratulations to Your Excellency. We just received news that General Meng Shu and Nanhou have been making rapid advances, now approaching the border city adjacent to Western Ling; Western Ling troops have fully retreated."

Hearing this news, not only Moxiu Yao but Ye Li’s mood also improved. She smiled and said, "Indeed a good piece of news." Other officials would inevitably fawn over it at this moment, saying how the young Prince and Princess were blessed with such good fortune on their birthday banquet. But Chen Xifu wouldn’t do that; firstly, his character didn’t allow it, secondly he was originally from Western Ling, so these flattering words sounded cold-hearted if said by him. Therefore, Chen Xifu only silently awaited Moxiu Yao’s and Ye Li’s decision.

Moxiu Yao stood up and smiled saying, "Alright then, please bring Prince Nanzheng in. Speaking of which… Ah Li, send a message to Dachu; ask them to send someone over to discuss the issue of those thirty thousand troops." Although it was Dachu’s troops that drove away Western Ling’s forces, Moxiu Yao had no intention of ceding land north of Yunlan River to Dachu. Without Meng Shu and Nanhou, these thirty thousand troops would merely be sending provisions to Western Ling. Since he had made an effort, naturally there should be benefits in return. Although Dachu currently has Mo Jingyu here, in Moxiu Yao’s eyes, Mo Jingyu was already as good as dead; thus it required someone else from Dachu to negotiate.

Ye Li nodded and said, "Understood."

"Ding Wang, Consort Wang, Mr. Xi Ting." Lei Tengfeng stepped into the flower hall outside the study and calmly nodded to both of them. His expression was calm, showing no signs of him just receiving the news of Xiling’s defeat again.

Ye Li smiled and nodded. "General Zhennan, you needn’t be so formal. Please take a seat."

Lei Tengfeng sat down with a somewhat complex expression as he glanced at Chen Xiufu who was sitting to the left of him. This person used to be one of Xiling’s top scholars, with abilities and intelligence that were second to none. Unfortunately, he had not been valued in Xiling for decades, but it turned out that less than a few years after the fall of the capital city of Xiling, he was already holding the position as Left Chancellor of Dingwang Manor. Should one say that Mo Xiuyao truly appoints people based on their abilities or are others shortsighted

"General Zhennan, is there something important" Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair and asked calmly.

Lei Tengfeng could only苦笑無奈ly inside. Compared to Mo Xiuyao, he naturally had less aura, not to mention that now it was him who needed help from the other side; coming over on his own initiative made him seem even lower in status. However, considering the news just returned from the battlefield, Lei Tengfeng knew he had to swallow his pride. While there were only more than 300,000 troops of Chu and Prince Muyu Shennan at Xiling’s border now, it was worth noting that all conflicts in Central Plains had already been settled. If Mo Xiuyao wanted to, he could dispatch the Iron Cavalry and commanders of the Mo Family Army southward to reinforce Prince Muyu and his subordinates anytime. Then it would truly be a disaster for Xiling.

Lei Tengfeng bowed slightly and said solemnly, "To tell you the truth, this王爺今日前來打擾王爺和王妃是為了貴我兩軍休戰之事。想必王爺和王妃已經收到了前方的戰報，西陵大軍已經撤回了戰前西陵與大楚的邊境線。”

Mo Xiuyao nodded and frowned. "A ceasefire between the two armies is certainly good news. Over the past few years, continuous battles have made life difficult for the common people everywhere. General Zhennan’s desire to end the war is very much appreciated by this Wang. However, it is Chu’s army that has been at war with Xiling; this matter… probably still needs to be discussed with Crown Prince Yu of Chu."

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow and looked at Mo Xiuyao seriously. "Why must Dingwang say so You and I both know… although it is the Southern Chu army that has been fighting, whether or not to continue the war is still up to Dingwang’s decision, isn’t it Moreover… Crown Prince Yu probably doesn’t have a chance to talk about this matter with you or me. At present, Xiling is busy with its affairs; I cannot wait for another envoy from Southern Chu to be sent out. Please forgive my presumptuousness."

Mo Xiuyao sized up Lei Tengfeng with interest for a while before smiling and saying, "It seems that General Zhennan’s information is indeed very well-informed."

Lei Tengfeng smiled calmly. "Dingwang should know the relationship between Xiling’s royal family and Cangmang Mountain; naturally, there are some special channels for obtaining information."

Mo Xiuyao nodded indifferently. "Since General Zhennan is sincere in this matter, this Wang naturally doesn’t want to create unnecessary trouble. However… we still need to clarify a few things beforehand." Lei Tengfeng frowned slightly. "Our army will completely withdraw from Chu territory, and I can also give Dingwang all the intelligence about Chu and Mo Jingli that I have in my possession. Does Your Highness Dingwang or those around him have any other requirements"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and smiled. "Well… naturally, there would be compensation involved. The south is prosperous; over these years, Xiling hasn’t been stingy about taking benefits from Central Plains. Hasn’t General Zhennan thought of compensating the people of Central Plains for something" Lei Tengfeng silently watched Mo Xiuyao’s relaxed face. Actually to say that Xiling had done anything bad to the people in Central Plains was quite unfair to Leizhenting and Lei Tengfeng. Unlike Northern Rong, Xiling and Chu were of the same lineage despite being different countries. Moreover, Leizhenting always treated wherever he stood as his own territory; his capabilities weren’t comparable to those of Mo Jingqi or Mo Jingli, so overall these people’s lives hadn’t been too bad.

But as the losing side and the one who had initiated the invasion first, there was no way for Lei Tengfeng to refuse the victor and victim’s demand for compensation. Taking a deep breath, Lei Tengfeng lowered his eyes and said, "Xiling can compensate Dingwang Manor with 30 million taels of silver."

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Eighty million taels. Xiling’s silver mines are mostly in the south; wouldn’t this amount be within your means to pay"

Ley tengfeng's expression changed, and he shook his head. "At most forty million taels." Of course, Mo Xiurao knew the principle of asking for a high price but settling for less. He tilted his head to look at Ye Li with a smile on his face and raised his hand towards Ley tengfeng. "Seven million taels."

"No can do. Four million five hundred thousand taels. Prince Ding, Xi Ling cannot afford more. If it is truly impossible... there's nothing I can do." In other words, if the price that Prince Ding asked for was too high and Xi Ling could not afford it, then they would rather die fighting than give in. Mo Xiurao looked at Ye Li and Chen Xifu with a hint of regret. "In that case, how about this: round up to five million taels."

Ley tengfeng’s face turned dark as he said in a low voice, "That can be arranged. We will pay it over the course of three years."

Mo Xiurao was not short of money and three years was not too long either. Thus, there was no need to rush. He nodded with satisfaction. "No problem. In that case, I am grateful for Prince Nan’s understanding. I will order Meng Shun and Nan Hou to withdraw their troops immediately. Do you hope Xi Ling will keep its promise"

"That goes without saying," Ley tengfeng said in a low voice.

Seeing that Ley tengfeng was willing to agree so readily, Mo Xiurao felt pleased and nodded with satisfaction. "Very well then. In this case, let’s leave the rest to the people below us to discuss. Left Chancellor, I will leave everything to you."

Chen Xifu was surprised but hurriedly stood up. "This minister obeys Your Highness's order." Chen Xifu understood that this was a test of trust and loyalty. Mo Xiurao had assigned him, who was originally from Xi Ling, the task of negotiating with Xi Ling. Even Prince Ding had entrusted the officials in Li City to them.

Ley tengfeng paused for a moment before nodding at Chen Xifu. "In that case, I will leave it to Minister Chen. Since today is such a busy day for us here in the Prince Ding Manor, I will take my leave now."

Chen Xifu said calmly, "Prince Nan speaks too highly of me."

Mo Xiurao nodded and said, "I will not keep you company then. Left Chancellor, deal with matters concerning Xi Ling on your own."

"Yes, Prince Nan," Ley tengfeng and Chen Xifu bowed as they left the flower pavilion together.

Ye Li looked at the empty doorway and said coolly, "Compared to Lei Zhting, Ley Tengfeng is still too young." Mo Xiurao smiled. "He’s already quite good though. It's not like he will become a second Lei Zhiting after his death. Moreover... even if he wants to be another Lei Zhiting, it cannot be done. However, being able to endure is already very impressive." Lei Zhiting had fought his way up through the ranks to become the Prince Regent of Xi Ling and ruler over half of Da Chu’s territory. Although he did not sit on the throne as emperor, he had taken control after the previous emperor's death. This kind of ability was something that Ley Tengfeng, who had been pampered by Lei Zhiting since childhood, could never have. If Ley Tengfeng could hold his ground and endure in a critical moment, it would be quite impressive already. Given some time, he should become an excellent ruler to maintain the status quo. However, becoming as powerful as Lei Zhiting was probably impossible.

"Why are you worrying about how Ley Tengfeng is doing Think more about how we can spend those forty million taels instead," Mo Xiurao said softly with his arm around Ye Li’s waist. Forty million taels was not a small sum for either the Prince Ding Manor or Xi Ling, which was why Ley Tengfeng wanted to pay it off over three years. With this amount of money, the losses suffered by the Prince Ding Manor during these years of war could be compensated for. Not to mention that under the control of the Prince Ding Manor were close to 80% of Da Chu’s territory and a third of Xi Ling’s territory. The area covered by the Prince Ding Manor was now larger than the combined areas of Xi Ling and Da Chu. Everything had been settled temporarily, and it seemed like all the benefits went straight into the coffers of the Prince Ding Manor.

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiurao curiously and asked, "How do you want to spend it" The war reparations would naturally be added to the treasury of the Prince Ding Manor. Obviously, there was no room for personal use here either. Ye Li and Mo Xiurao always distinguished between public and private matters in their dealings. Even though the entire Prince Ding Manor belonged to them, they never touched the funds in its treasury for personal use. Fortunately, both of them were not extravagant people, so they had never worried about a lack of money.

Mosius Yao was playing with Ye Li's hair while thinking about her words and felt somewhat helpless. "This king wants to build a beautiful palace for Agli."

Seeing his disappointed look, Ye Li couldn't help but smile and said, "A few days ago, you were still saying that after a few years, you would accompany me on tours of mountains and rivers. Once your palace is finished, who's going to live in it"

Mosius Yao looked at her seriously and said, "This king wants to give Agli the most magnificent and exquisite palace, the most beautiful clothes and jewelry, and the finest delicacies. Anything that Agli desires, this king will find for you."

Ye Li smiled at him gently and said, "I didn't know I had the potential to become a traitorous beauty who leads to the downfall of a country. It would be wasteful to burden the people. All I want is for our family to live safely and happily together, doing what we wish. After all these years, it seems like we can finally live peacefully and joyfully. I feel that... what I wanted has already been achieved."

"Agli never told me what she wants," Mosius Yao said with a hint of regret.

Ye Li smiled and replied, "Because you've given it to me long ago."

Mosius Yao was somewhat confused. Ye Li leaned against him and whispered softly, "A pair for life... Only this is what I want."

Mosius Yao tightened his arms around her waist at the sound of that, whispering in return, "A pair for life... Mosius Yao will only have Agli in this lifetime." There were no oaths or vows, but it was more reassuring than any promise. Ye Li nodded slightly and said, "I know. I feel the same."

Chen Xiufu accompanied Lei Tengfeng out of the study garden gate. They walked side by side. Lei Tengfeng glanced at Chen Xiufu beside him and smiled, "It seems that Mr. Xiting is highly valued by Prince Ding and his consort"

Chen Xiufu said solemnly, "I am deeply grateful for the recognition of the王爺和王妃." Lei Tengfeng pondered for a moment before smiling and asking, "If this king wishes to appoint you as the Great Chancellor of Western Ling, would you be willing to return to Western Ling to assist this king"

Chen Xiufu calmly sized up Lei Tengfeng for a while before gently shaking his head, "A loyal minister serves one master. I do not claim to be loyal and righteous, but I am also no opportunist who wavers between two sides. Prince Nan's hospitality is something I cannot accept."

Lei Tengfeng had only been testing the waters; he hadn't expected Chen Xiufu to reject him so firmly. He felt a bit uncomfortable and stopped, asking, "Does Mr. Xiting have any advice for Western Ling's current situation This... should be okay to discuss."

Chen Xiufu hesitated before finally speaking, "If the ruler is not acting like a ruler, or if ministers are too powerful compared to the ruler, it will never last long. Prince Nan should make plans early on." Lei Tengfeng was taken aback and wanted to ask more but Chen Xiufu didn't seem willing to elaborate further. He sidestepped and bowed slightly towards Lei Tengfeng, saying, "Your Excellency."

Lei Tengfeng had no choice but to suppress his questions and nodded, "Minister Chen.", Emperor Xiling didn't truly fear Nanzhao, but he had to deal with Western kingdoms and prepare for Lei Zhenting. He simply couldn’t afford to waste time on Nanzhao. This time around… he did not want...