yes and sighed softly, "I have no right to punish you. I only hope that all of you remember one thing: The duty of the Mo Family Army is to protect the country and its people. Now, Xiling soldiers are...15. Twin Pearls (Part 2)

Chu Capital, in the third month of spring, flowers vie for beauty, captivating the hearts of all.

Beyond the city walls, by Lady Lake, young noblewomen stroll along the verdant shore, admiring flowers and jesting. This adds a touch of vivacity to the otherwise serene Lady Lake after its long winter slumber.

Three swift steeds gallop in from afar. Leading the pack is a black stallion without a single speck of white hair, clearly an excellent steed rare among thousands. Even more captivating are the young men riding these horses; a youth clad in white with jet-black hair and striking features, exuding confidence and pride. Though his companions behind him were equally handsome, everyone's gaze was inevitably drawn to this white-clad young man. The ladies could not help but cover their faces in bashfulness while secretly stealing glances at him, while the gentlemen felt as if they would be blinded by his dazzling presence.

"Ah Yao, do you dare not act so arrogantly Mo Jingli's gaze is like daggers when he looks at you." The three steeds halted near a peach grove beside Lady Lake. Feng Zhirao, clad in scarlet, dismounted and shot an indifferent glance at Mo Xiuyao. Though he was still under thirteen years old, his training alongside Mo Xiuyao had seen him grow rapidly over the past few years. He no longer resembled a seven or eight-year-old but stood nearly as tall as Mo Xiuyao.

Mister Second of Ding王府 (Ding Wangfu), Mo Xiuyao, at thirteen years old and just returned victorious from a campaign on the frontier, was brimming with youthful spirit. His training in battle had sharpened his already keen mind and physique.

With raised eyebrows, Mo Xiuyao asked, "When did he ever not throw daggers at me" Glancing at the individual gritting their teeth nearby, he casually remarked, "So, what's the fuss this time"

Feng Zhirao rolled his eyes. "Second Mister Mo, don't you remember accidentally kicking someone into the Jinshui River before your departure"

"Eh There was such an incident" Mo Xiuyao seemed bewildered. "I've been away for half a year; did he hold this grudge against me because of this trivial matter all this time Was he too idle" Feng Zhirao thought to himself that being kicked into the river wasn't much of a big deal—anyone could slip and fall—but Mo Xiuyao, after kicking him in, not only failed to apologize but also deliberately kicked him back into the water when he was struggling to climb out.

That day, everyone present shed tears for Prince Li. The water of Jinshui River tasted awful; however, Prince Li drank to his heart's content and ended up lying in bed for nearly half a month when he returned. By the time he got up to file a complaint with the emperor, Mo Xiuyao had already left the capital to join the army.

"Well… it was him who attacked me first," said Second Young Master Mo, clearly remembering what he did back then as he touched his nose and continued: "Besides, weren’t you the one who sent people to tell me that I needed to return home immediately"

So just because you were in a hurry, it was okay for you to step on someone’s head

Feng Zhirao glanced at someone glaring daggers at them from afar and thought that Prince Li must have offended some deities in his past life for Mo Xiuyao to be sent down as the plague.

"Haha, the scenery of this Chang’an City is indeed quite good," said a young man dressed in white who had been quietly following behind them and listening to their conversation with a smile.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "That’s natural, as though it can’t compare to the small bridges, flowing water, and misty rain of southern China, the capital city still has its own unique flavor. Han Mingyue, how about staying here in Chang’an for a long time"

The young man dressed in white shook his head. "I don't think I can do that as my younger brother is still living down south and I’m worried about him. But I will come to the capital quite often." Looking at Han Mingyue, Feng Zhirao smiled and said, "That’s great then. It was said that Mingyue earns a lot of money and has exceptional wisdom. From now on, you should take care of this guy." As he spoke, there was a hint of gritted teeth in his voice. On their first meeting, Mo Xiuyao had thought that he was stupid. But before Feng Zhirao met Mo Xiuyao, he didn’t think so himself. If he were truly dumb, then how could he be as well-read and knowledgeable as other children despite his stepmother forbidding him from going to school However, since meeting Mo Xiuyao, Feng Zhirao had seriously considered whether or not he was indeed stupid. It took ten days for him to memorize a book while Mo Xiuyao only needed one day, which also included writing down his thoughts on it. For the same set of sword skills, it would take three days for him to learn them, whereas Mo Xiuyao could grasp them by just looking at them once. Eventually, their instructor even sympathized with the uncatchable young third master Feng and gave him individual tutoring.

But Han Mingyue was different; although he had lived in southern China all his life, being only fourteen years old, he already enjoyed fame throughout the south as Master Han Mingyue. He didn’t get along with Mo Xiuyao at first but eventually befriended him out of admiration for his abilities. With such a prodigy around to keep him company, Feng Zhirao thought that things would be easier going forward.

Han Mingyue smiled and shook his head. "I’m no genius; if anyone is a genius in this world, then it’s First Young Master Xu of the Xu Family." The youngest son of the Xu family was younger than them but had already gained fame across the land. All scholars who met him would praise him as an unparalleled prodigy.

Mo Xiuyao casually tied his horse to a tree and walked into the peach grove. "Xu Qingchen is a scholar, so he’s not on our path." Besides, the Prince of Ding王府和徐家走得太近並不是好事。

翻譯後的最後一句應保持原文的HTML標簽格式，僅替換中文內容為英文：

Moreover, it wouldn't be good for either the Prince of Ding or the Xu family to get too close.

In the peach grove, melodious zither sounds and cheerful laughter of young maidens could be heard from a distance. This was the time when talented scholars and their beloveds would go out for spring outings.

"Sis Hua."

On an open grassy area in the peach grove, several elegantly dressed young women were seated on the ground; some were playing zithers while others chatted merrily. Among them sat a purple-clad maiden, none other than Princess Jinguixi of the Duke Hua’s family.

Seeing the three approach, all the young women blushed and hurriedly rose to pay their respects. The Second Young Master of Ding王府 was highly esteemed for his noble status and handsome appearance; more importantly, he was still unmarried, making him a dream figure for many maidens in their chambers.

Jinguixi rose and looked at Mo Xiuyao with a smile, saying, "You've grown taller since your last outing. I heard from Grandfather that you won a battle; indeed, it's no wonder you're the descendant of Ding王府."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "It was just a minor skirmish."

Jinguixi smiled faintly and asked, "How have things been for You Ruo lately What has he been busy with" Feng Zhiruo glanced at Jinguixi and forced a laugh, saying, "Nothing much; I've just been confined by the old man." In recent years, Third Young Master Feng had engaged in nefarious activities alongside the Second Young Master of Ding王府... Wait, it was because he had become tainted by association. At least half the misdeeds committed by Mo Xiuyao were instigated by Third Young Master Feng. When Mo Xiuyao fled after causing trouble for Li Prince, young Feng Zhiruo couldn't escape and was severely punished before being confined at home.

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in puzzlement and asked, "Has anything significant happened in the capital while I was away" He understood Third Young Master Feng well enough after years of brotherhood; if he had only been beaten and confined by his father, Feng Zhiruo wouldn't have reacted this way. To put it bluntly, Feng Zhiruo was accustomed to being disciplined by his father ever since Third Young Master's formidable strength started overwhelming the entire Feng family.

Jinguixi smiled faintly and replied, "Nothing major."

A young woman standing beside Jinguixi blushed as she covered her mouth with a laugh and said, "The Emperor issued an imperial decree to arrange a marriage between Sis Hua and Prince Ji. The wedding will take place next month. Then, Sis Hua will become the virtuous wife of Prince Ji." There was a touch of envy in her tone. Ever since the Regent Prince's death, the Emperor's health had declined; no one could predict how long he would last. Most people knew that among the princes, Ji Prince was one with the strongest claim to succession. If this were true, Jinguixi would become the Empress of a nation in the future.

"Is it really so" Mosiuyao was somewhat surprised. He had just returned and brought Han Mingyue out of the city without having time to learn what had happened in the capital over the past half year. Worried, he glanced sideways at Feng Zhirao and saw that he had lowered his head dejectedly.

In fact, from the very beginning, Mosiuyao hadn't held much hope for Feng Zhirao’s feelings towards Hua Yunxi. It was not only because of their difference in status; Feng Zhirao was too young, under thirteen years old, and even if his future prospects were bright, Hua Yunxi, who was sixteen, would not wait around forever for him to succeed. More importantly, how could Hua Yunxi believe that a child under the age of thirteen truly cared about her

Now that the emperor had issued an edict arranging their marriage, there was no need to say anything further. For the sake of her family, Hua Yunxi would not have any inappropriate thoughts.

Hua Yunxi gave a faint smile and said, "It is His Majesty's grace." Her expression clearly showed that she neither felt joy nor aversion towards this marriage. In this world, all women lived like this. Love affairs were only found in the stories of fiction.

Mosiuyao smiled and said, "Then I congratulate Senior Sister Hua."

Hua Yunxi replied with a slight smile, "You are not young anymore either. Grandfather told me that your eldest brother has already chosen a good girl for you, and as soon as you return, he will start preparing the engagement ceremony."

Mosiuyao smiled indifferently. He was really young back then and thought more about battles and the free-spiritedness of the江湖 (jianghu, a term often associated with martial arts world), not particularly caring about beauty like most boys his age.

After bidding farewell to Hua Yunxi, the three of them walked out of the peach grove. Han Mingyue thoughtfully glanced at Feng Zhirao, who seemed somewhat bleak despite wearing a bright red robe, and sighed softly. He said in a low voice, "Brother Feng, there are beautiful grasses everywhere." Young Master Mingyue was exceptionally intelligent; he could clearly see Feng Zhirao’s feelings towards Hua Yunxi. However, he didn't know that when it comes to love, one has no choice but to follow its course. He also wouldn't have known that in the near future, he would face a lifelong tribulation even more tragic than Feng Zhirao's.

Mosiuyao sighed and patted Feng Zhirao’s shoulder as he asked, "How are you feeling Do you want to go fight someone" As brothers, Mosiuyao knew that Feng Zhirao didn’t need anyone to comfort him.

Feng Zhirao rolled his eyes. "Do you think I’m stupid" If he fought, it would only lead to getting beaten up. He was already in a bad situation and didn't want to make it worse for himself.

Over three months ago, when the emperor first issued the marriage decree, Feng Zhirao had already known about it. Or perhaps he had known even earlier that there was no possibility between him and Hua Yunxi. One was the legitimate daughter of a Duke's mansion, while the other was an overlooked illegitimate son from a merchant family. This vast difference seemed like an insurmountable chasm.

Feng Zhirao wasn't naive; his childhood experiences made him more awake and mature than most boys his age. He never harbored any hope for this feeling in his heart. Moreover, he was three years younger than her, making him only a little brother like Mo Xiyaoyao to her.

Feng Zhirao didn't know when his feelings had changed. Perhaps it started the first time they met, or maybe when he was nearly killed by his stepmother and eldest brother, and she secretly sent medicine for him; perhaps it was a sudden stir in his heart one day without any particular reason.

Mo Xiyaoyao once said with a smile, "Love begins where we least expect it, and grows deeper as time goes on." Feng Zhirao couldn't help but chuckle bitterly. Mo Er公子 (Second Young Master Mo) was uniquely blessed; although he led the team, he had never been troubled by emotions, coming and going freely like the wind. It's impossible not to envy such a life.

The night before Hua Yunxi's wedding to Crown Prince Ji Qing, it rained heavily. Feng Zhirao stood outside the wall of Hua Mansion, lost in thought, his clothes and hair drenched by the rain. He silently raised his gaze towards the pitch-black sky, clenched his teeth, then leaped into the courtyard of Hua Mansion.

Feng Zhirao had come to Hua Mansion twice before with Mo Xiyaoyao, so he easily found his way to Hua Yunxi's room. Deep into the night, Hua Yunxi's room was quiet but still lit.

Feng Zhirao pressed his ear against the door, confirming that there was no one else in the room besides Hua Yunxi before knocking on the door.

Hua Yunxi opened the door and saw drenched Feng Zhirao, momentarily stunned. "Zhirao What are you doing here so late at night And why are you all wet I... "

"Can you not marry Crown Prince Ji Qing" The youth didn't mind his disheveled appearance at all, staring steadily at Hua Yunxi.

Hua Yunxi was stunned for a moment before shaking her head. "No."

Looking at the young man biting his lip, his handsome face was pale and cold, whether due to the night rain or something else. Hua Yunxi couldn't help but feel a pang in her heart. She didn’t have any siblings, so she had always treated this youth like he was her own younger brother, doting on him affectionately. Compared to Mo Er who seemed carefree and untroubled, she cared more for the young man who wasn’t valued by his father, who felt sad but stubbornly ignored it. "Foolish child, even if I get married, I'll still be your elder sister. In the future, when you have time, you can visit me at the Qi王府 together with Xiuyao."

Feng Zhiyao stared fixedly at Hua Yunxi; for a moment, Hua Yunxi almost thought he was about to cry. After a long while, Feng Zhiyao fished out from his bosom a night pearl as big as a walnut. Under the dark night, the night pearl glowed with a soft purple light that clearly indicated its extraordinary value.

"Zhiyao, what’s this"

Feng Zhiyao reached out to press the night pearl into Hua Yunxi's hand in a rough voice. "A wedding gift for you. I won't be attending your wedding." With that, he turned and walked away without waiting for her reaction.

Holding the night pearl in her hand, Hua Yunxi blankly watched the young man’s retreating back.

Underneath a nearby roof eave not far from Hua Yunxi stood Duke Huoguo with silvery grey hair and beard. He was watching a dark figure dash over the wall of the courtyard and sighed helplessly. Beside him stood Er公子 Mo Xiuyao in white robes.

"Duke, thank you."

Duke Huoguo heaved a sigh and said worriedly, "That child…"

Mosixiaoyao said, "He'll be fine. As long as Duke doesn't blame him."

The duke苦笑道, “The imperial command is hard to disobey... If not for this, I would prefer Yunxi to marry someone ordinary.”its further, yet years of experience were not wasted; Le Tengfeng never acted impulsively. Therefore, when Zhuo Jing came to summon him, he sat calmly and drank tea."This humble one has met the Ding王爺...