ned back and glanced at his followers, saying, "Rest for half an hour here before we move out."A young officer behind them said, "Tactician, we're not tired. We can start right now!"Ye Li gave him a c...431. Little Treasure's Bet

431. Little Treasure’s Bet

Moxiu Yao nodded contentedly and smiled, "Thank you. Since all of you are so generous, I will accept your gifts."

"Moxiu Yao!" Moji Ling could not help but roar in anger. By now, how could he still be unaware that he had been manipulated by Moxiu Yao Furthermore, he had even been used as a bet for the Western Capital, Northern Rong and Southern Zhao. Such humiliation almost made Moji Ling lose his mind.

Mojiyu, who was lying on the ground beside them, had a pale face and vacant eyes. It’s over...

Moxiu Yao said calmly, "Jiling, more than ten years ago I told you to refrain from doing things that require too much brainpower, as they are unsuitable for you. Given your personality, if you were in the advantageous position, how could you possibly avoid humiliating me before cleanly executing your plan If I were you, I wouldn’t even enter this hall; instead, I would just shoot arrows from outside."

Moji Ling sneered coldly and said, "Do you think I only have these few chips" Although extremely angry, Moji Ling was no longer a teenager. He quickly controlled his anger.

Moxiu Yao raised an eyebrow and asked, "What do you want to say Oh right, Southern Zhao’s little prince is in your hands, isn’t he" Miji Ling sneered without responding. Moxiu Yao paid no heed and said indifferently, "So what if he is in your hands Isn’t the boy currently in Li City Where have you hidden him I don’t believe that you have many strongholds in Li City. All of you… Who can tell me where Southern Zhao’s little prince is" Moxiu Yao looked down at the crowd from his elevated position.

No one spoke for a long time, and Moxiu Yao lowered his eyes to say, "No one wants to speak What about your families Would they be willing to talk" The expression on everyone’s face immediately changed. Most of them were patriarchs or important figures from prestigious clans, not ordinary households with just a few family members. If the matter was linked to their families, it would involve hundreds of people. A fate of extermination… Everyone felt a chill run down their spines.

Moji Ling sneered coldly and said, "Do you think they know anything"

Moxiu Yao leisurely leaned back in his chair while playing with Ye Li’s slender hand and smiled, "Jiling, even though you’ve suffered losses from these people before, you still don’t learn your lesson. Do you really believe… that if you have leverage over them, they will obediently follow your orders Do you think that when they help you, they won’t keep something back for themselves"

Moji Ling’s expression froze as he abruptly glanced at the people on the ground. Many of them uncomfortably avoided his gaze, causing Miji Ling's heart to sink.

In the hall, Mo Xiuyao clapped his hands and said, "Now, who can tell this king where the Prince of Nan Zhao is"

The great hall was silent for a long time before someone trembled and crawled up. "Your Highness... Your Highness spare my life! I will say it... ah!" Before he could finish his sentence, Mo Jingli kicked him out from where he stood. The man who spoke was nothing but an unremarkable scholar with no combat skills; although Mo Jingli wasn't the top martial artist, his strength was still formidable. Kicking the man felt like play to him, and he sent him flying with one swift kick. The man crashed into a pillar beside him and spat out blood. Mo Jingli sneered coldly and said, "Fool! Do you really think that by saying it, Mo Xiuyao will spare your lives!"

Mo Xiuyao shrugged and for once spoke with sincerity, "I can make your deaths easier." In other words, whether they speak or not, their fate is already sealed; the only question is how they die.

Hence, the crowd who had been bristling to speak fell back into silence again.

Mo Xiuyao was in no rush. He slowly stood up and walked down from his seat on stage. His unhurried steps無形中卻給人一種難言的壓迫感, even Mo Jingli, who was aggressively advancing towards him, took a step back involuntarily. By the time he realized what he had done, his face turned alternately green and purple.

"Mr Zhao" Mo Xiuyao walked up to Zhao Zhefang with a smile on his face.

"Y-Your Highness" Zhao Zhefang's face was pale as he answered nervously.

“Where is the Prince of Nan Zhao” Mo Xiuyao asked. "Old minister... old minister doesn't know," replied Zhao Zhefang, shaking his head.

"Don’t know" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in displeasure. "Then what do you know!" Zhao Zhefang's eyes darted around and he dared not meet Mo Xiuyao’s gaze for a moment. He pleaded desperately, "Old minister... old minister knows nothing! Please spare my life Your Highness! I was mistaken just now, never again, never again." Mo Xiuyao looked down at him intently, sighed softly, then said coolly, "The Zhao family will be thrown into prison and sentenced to death on a later date." Finished speaking, Mo Xiuyao no longer looked at Zhao Zhefang as if he had lost interest in him.

The crowd who were lying on the ground were taken aback. Clearly, they didn’t expect Duke Ding’s interrogation to be so decisive and ruthless. Or rather, it seemed that Duke Ding did not care about the outcome of this matter at all.

"No! Your Highness, I’m wrong, please spare my life…" Zhao Zhefang wailed when he realized that Mo Xiuyao was no longer paying him attention. He turned to look at Ye Li who sat on the dais, "Your Excellency, I am wrong. Please spare me and my family. We are all innocent! Please spare our lives!" Ye Li sighed softly as she looked towards Qingyun Scholar with a side glance, “Grandpa, this place is in chaos. Let Fifth Brother accompany you back to your room for some rest first”

Qingyun Scholar was old and did not wish to see too much bloodshed. However, he knew that today’s situation might not be easily resolved. He sighed deeply and nodded, "Qingyan, let's go."

Xu Wugong, with wide eyes watching the performance, looked at Ye Li pitifully but had no choice but to obey his grandfather's order and helped Qingyun Scholar leave. After Qingyun Scholar’s figure disappeared from behind the hall, Ye Li turned around and looked at Zhao Zhefang who was still desperately pleading, asking indifferently, "Your Excellency says that your family members are innocent. Do you know how many people would have died if your plan succeeded When Your Excellency carried out these actions, did you ever think for a moment about the innocence of those involved I suspect your thoughts were more focused on the benefits to be gained from success."

At this point, Zhao Zhefang was speechless. Ye Li took out a thin piece of paper from her sleeve and smiled faintly, saying, "This Empress has something here that Your Excellency might want to take a look at." A guard near Ye Li stepped forward wanting to receive the note, but Ye Li waved him off and stood up herself, personally delivering the note into Zhao Zhefang's hands.

With just one glance, Zhao Zhefang couldn't help trembling. The thin sheet of paper that Ye Li had handed over was torn from a book he kept in a hidden compartment in his study. On it were recorded some matters which shouldn't be disclosed to outsiders.

If the contents of this piece of paper were made public, even if Prince Ding spared him his life, he would not survive. "I... I say, Young Master, Young Master was captured and is hidden in a garden outside the city walls... As for the whereabouts of the young prince of Nanzhao, your humble subject truly does not know..."

At these words, everyone present was shocked. Although Prince Ding's young master had been missing for a long time already arousing much speculation, they didn't expect him to be captured by Mo Jingli.

Hearing Zhao Zhefang’s statement, Mo Jingli did not get angry but instead burst out laughing. "Zhao Zhefang, do you really think that Mo Yuchen is still in your garden Do you truly believe I would trust you so much" Zhao Zhefang was silent, knowing Mo Jingli's suspicious nature; it wasn't impossible for him to have been secretly taken away after being moved from his hiding place.

"How about it then Mo Xiuyao, who won this round, you or me" Looking at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, Mo Jingli sneered coldly.

Mo Xiuyao held Ye Li's hand, looking calmly at Mo Jingli without pride. Knowing that he couldn't gain any advantage here today, Mo Jingli glared resentfully at Mo Xiuyao, "Move aside so I can leave or you'll be waiting to bury your son"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze and said indifferently, "I had someone deliver a message earlier. It seems like you didn't hear it."

Muddled for a moment, Mo Jingli finally remembered what Mo Xiuyao meant. He sneered, saying, "If I can’t even save myself, why should I care about him" Furrowing his brows, Mo Xiuyao finally nodded and said, "Very well, as I have previously stated, the longer you live, the more miserable you will be. Since you don't believe me, go ahead then. I guarantee that no one will harm you within fifteen minutes of leaving Prince Ding’s residence."

Mou Jingli stared suspiciously at Mo Xiuyao, clearly not believing his promise. Mo Xiuyao didn’t mind and pulled Ye Li back into the hall.

"Don't you fear that I'll kill your son" Mou Jingli asked, completely unconvinced that Mou Xiuyao would let him go so easily. Mou Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Try me."

"Do you think I'm afraid!" Mo Jingli gritted his teeth.

Moshou Yao's expression remained indifferent, "This King said that you can try to see if you can kill him."

Mojingli hesitated for a moment before finally turning around and running out, leaving behind those who were poisoned and those who followed him. Mo Shouyao did not care about his departure. With a wave of his hand, someone immediately came forward to clean the grand hall and serve fresh fruits, pastries, and fine wine again. Those black-clothed men who had come with Mojingli and those who had betrayed Dingwang's Mansion by following him were naturally taken out together as well. In less than half an hour, the grand hall was restored to its previous appearance, as if nothing had happened.

"I'm joking with everyone, causing you all some fright. This King will punish myself by drinking a cup of wine to apologize to our esteemed guests," Mo Shouyao said with a smile while holding his wine glass in the grand hall to the crowd below. All the guests looked at the man dressed in white with snow-white hair on the dais, feeling a chill breeze blowing over their heads. They followed suit and stood up to accompany Mo Shouyao by drinking a cup of wine.

Seeing Mo Shouyao calmly chatting and laughing with everyone and even the Princess Consort smiling faintly beside him as if completely unaffected by the news that Xiao Shizi had been captured, it could not help but make people doubt the authenticity of this news. But if this news was false, why would Dingwang let Mo Jingli go at this time

"Your Excellency, what do you think... What is Dingwang trying to do" An official behind Letengfeng glanced at the lone sitting Emperor Black Cloud Mo Su Yun across from him and asked in a low voice.

Letengfeng smiled indifferently and said, "Cleaning up, establishing authority, and conveniently... playing with Mojingli for fun. It's irrelevant to us; we don't need to worry about it." In the current situation of Western Capital, they no longer needed more schemes or risks; what they needed was stability. As long as they could maintain the current situation and protect the vitality of Western Capital, everything else would be unimportant.

"Playing... playing with Mojingli" The official stammered somewhat, clearly unable to accept Letengfeng's conclusion. Such an incident happening at a celebration attended by envoys from various countries was undoubtedly a slap in the face for Dingwang's Mansion; could there really be someone who would take such matters as playthings

Letengfeng sighed and said somewhat helplessly, "It is precisely because Mo Shouyao genuinely treats this matter as entertainment that it... appears even more frightening." Such an important occasion and matter being treated as a game indicated either incompetence or complete disregard for the enemy. And Moshouya clearly fell into the latter category.

The official understood Letengfeng's meaning, involuntarily sucked in a cold breath, and respectfully glanced at Mo Shouyao on the dais, "Is... is Dingwang so certain that nothing unexpected will happen" Those who attended the banquet tonight were all important figures; injuring any one of them would be significant. Moreover, among them was also the young prince of Dingwang's Mansion.

Letengfeng shook his head; he never felt he understood Moshouya and perhaps never would.

In the grand hall, Xu Qingchen glanced at Mo Shouyao indifferently and said, "Why don't you go check" Mo Shouyao smiled and said, "No need to be in a hurry; let him have his fun for a while longer." He made it clear that he was treating Letengfeng as if he were walking a dog.

"Don't take it too far," Xu Qingchen reminded indifferently. Although Mo Xiaobao was very smart and had someone secretly protecting him, after all, he was still just a child. If the trapped dog, Mojingli, did something rash to harm Xiao Bao, it would be counterproductive.

Moxiu Yao helplessly pulled Ye Li up and smiled, saying, "Alright then, let's go take a look. Brother Qingchen will handle things here."

When the crowd saw Mo Xiyao stand up, there was another round of murmurings. Moxiu Yao said with a smile, "Lords and ladies, this王爺and Consort have matters to attend to and must excuse ourselves for now. The rest of the evening will be taken care of by Mr. Qingchen. Please feel free to enjoy yourselves." He spoke politely but his meaning was clear: 'I need to deal with Mo Jingli; those who do not want to die should stay put.'

When they saw Prince Ding leave gracefully, everyone turned their gaze towards Mr. Qingchen. With a calm smile and elegant demeanor, he said, "Lords and ladies, please feel free. I will offer you a toast first, please."

"Mr. Qingchen please."

In Licheng City, the night was equally bustling. Everyone joined in the celebration of the second princes and princess's birthday at Prince Ding’s residence. Although it was already late, several major streets were still packed as if celebrating a festival. Many people were praying for blessings for the second prince and princess in various ways, clearly indicating the status and prestige of the Prince Ding residence among both the citizens of Licheng City and even all of Northwest.

Mo Jingli swiftly穿梭through the dark alleys of Licheng City. The splendid imperial robe he had worn earlier was long gone; he now wore only a dark undergarment. If Mo Jingli at the banquet seemed like an emperor content with his achievements, now he appeared as a defeated dog in despair. However, Moxiu Yao kept to his promise and did not obstruct him until he left Prince Ding's residence for some distance. But this still didn’t reassure Mo Jingli; he always felt that there were countless dark guards from the Mo family and the Qilin watching him closely, ready to strike at any moment.

Fortunately it was May, so even with only an undergarment, Mo Jingli did not feel cold. He walked through the darkest alleys of Licheng City, attracting little attention. After meandering through several narrow lanes for about half an hour, when he felt that Prince Ding’s men had been shaken off, he let out a sigh of relief and used his light-foot technique to head in another direction.

In a hidden secret room, two identical children sat by the bed, each holding a baby sleeping in a blanket. Mo Xiaobao stretched his neck to look at Qin Lie’s baby, then couldn’t resist poking the little face, saying, "You really are ugly."

Qin Lie said indifferently, "When you were young, you looked like this too."

"That's impossible," Mo Xiaobao argued. "Ling'er and Xinyin looked very good when they were little." Qin Lie replied, "This just proves that Second Young Master and Little Prince look better than you." Mo Xiaobao huffed lightly and said arrogantly, turning his face: "You don't need to envy my handsome looks; now aren’t we both exactly the same" Qin Lie rolled his eyes at the ceiling.

Mo Xiaobao glanced outside and frowned. "Mo Jingli is almost back. Let's take this little brat and leave quickly." Someone’s biggest mistake was not knowing about three holes for a rabbit; they put all their chips in one basket, so Mo Xiaobao brought people with him to find the missing young prince of Nanzhao.

After leaving Princess Anxi, the young prince indeed suffered. Mo Jingli naturally would not take care of children and certainly wouldn’t be kind towards someone else’s child; he only maintained a state where they didn't starve to death. When Qin Lie was desperately trying to console the child, Mo Xiaobao found him. It turned out that despite receiving training from Prince Ding's residence since childhood, Qin Lie was far less adept at consoling children compared to Mo Xiaobao, who had two younger siblings for practice.

Su Xi-chen coaxed the exhausted crying of the little prince until he fell asleep, and only then did Mo Xiaobao discuss their withdrawal plan with Qin Lie.

Qin Lie said coolly, "The courtyard is surrounded by soldiers loyal to Mo Jingli. You being able to enter doesn’t guarantee your ability to exit, let alone with a child in tow. A half-year-old baby wouldn't understand anything and would cry nonstop once he wakes up. Moreover… This child is too young and fragile for Qin Lie to risk carrying him.

Mo Xiaobao lowered his head in disappointment. "I bet my father that I can accomplish this without using the dark guards or Qilin."

Qin Lie held back from rolling his eyes. "You use something so important as a gamble" Mo Xiaobao felt guilty and said with his fingers, "It’s because it’s important that I used it in a bet." His father would never be willing to make such a bet over trivial matters.

"What did you bet on"

“If I win, I won't have to serve my confinement.” That was why Mo Xiaobao had spared no effort and used himself as bait to look for the whereabouts of Mo Jingli instead of mobilizing his dark guards. Being confined was just too terrifying, cruel, and unreasonable.

"I knew it would be like this. How do you plan on dealing with this situation May I ask what makes you think that we can kill Mo Jingli" Qin Lie asked coolly.

Mo Xiaobao hesitated for a moment before suggesting, "Poisoning him"

"Do you have any" Qin Lie asked.

"I do have some diarrhea-inducing poison." Mo Xiaobao said. Mister Shen had refused to give him lethal poisons.

Qin Lie nodded seriously, "You can pray that he dies from the diarrhea."

Mo Xiaobao could only roll his eyes; by the time Mo Jingli died of diarrhea, it would be too late.Madam finally abandoned her years of high-class lady upbringing. She walked up and grabbed his ear and shouted angrily, "Would your mother ever harm you Can you die if I arrange a marriage for you Our...