370 The Sorrow of Qixia, Iron-Hearted Young Master

ze went to your fourth younger sister, the future Princess Consort Li. She also won first place in music and dance, and fifth place in poetry."Ye Li glanced at Ye Ying, who was sitting across from her...370. Sorrow of QiXia, Cold-hearted Man's Heart

370. The Sorrow of QiXia Princess, A Heart as Hard as Iron

In the Xian Hall where Lady QiXia, a princess residing in Li Prince’s residence, was leaning back on an armchair with a joyful expression while dozing off. These days, she had been heavily suppressed by Dongfang You and although she was under the protection of Li Prince, he could not accompany her all day long and certainly would not risk his relationship with Dongfang You to protect her. Therefore, these days were indeed very hard for her. Today, she finally managed to seize an opportunity to denounce Lady QiXia in front of Li Prince.

Compared to Ye Ying who had already fallen out of favor long ago, although she did not have any official title, she enjoyed continuous favor over the years. Mo Jingli did not hide many things from her either. So, Princess QiXia was originally aware that someone was dispatched by Mo Jingli to intercept Qingchen’s carriage. Although she didn’t think much of this action in the first place since she knew how powerful Xu Qingchen was and indeed, the person sent back empty-handed. Originally, it wasn't an important matter but when she overheard two maids talking yesterday, something clicked in her mind and she decided to frame it on Dongfang You. As for whether it was true or not, who cared As long as it made sense, Mo Jingli believed it and that's all that mattered.

Just by looking at Li Prince’s expression when he left the place and how urgent he rushed to the study room earlier today, it was clear that Li Prince still firmly believed her words.

"Wench, you're so leisurely!" Dongfang You's voice suddenly rang out from the door. The coldness in her tone even made Princess QiXia shiver involuntarily. She abruptly stood up and glared at Dongfang You who entered with a group of people, "What are you doing here"

Dongfang You stepped into the hall, walking towards Princess QiXia from above.

"Slap!" Just as Princess QiXia was feeling annoyed by her stare and about to flare up in anger, Dongfang You suddenly lifted a hand and slapped her face with all her might. In most cases, when men hit women, they would hold back their strength for fear of hurting them seriously; however, women hitting other women often use all their strength without holding back. As Dongfang You was also proficient in martial arts, this slap sent Princess QiXia's head to the side immediately and a few red and swollen finger marks appeared on her fair cheeks instantly. A trickle of blood leaked from her lips, sliding down onto the front of her clothes.

"You...!" Princess QiXia was momentarily stunned by this sudden slap. She clearly hadn't expected Dongfang You to act without warning like that. Holding her fiery and painful cheek, Princess QiXia's eyes were almost spitting fire, "Dongfang You, how dare you hit me!"

Dongfang You sneered disdainfully, "What if I do Do you think you’re something special You are merely a concubine without even a formal title, no, you don't even qualify as that. At best, you're just a maid who shares the same bed."

Princess QiXia was originally a princess but now she had fallen to such an awkward position, which was indeed a hidden pain in her heart. However, being openly mocked by Dongfang You only fueled her rage even more; she laughed bitterly while covering her face and gave Dongfang You the same disdainful smile, "So what if I don't have any official title At least Li Prince likes me. Unlike some people who are rejected when they present themselves, now they're trying to kidnap someone else instead. Could it be that you've gone mad with desire for a man and want to forcefully take Qingchen公子"

"It’s indeed what you told Mo Jingli!" Dongfang You gritted her teeth.

Princess QiXia proudly said, "So what if I did If you dare do it, don't be afraid of others talking about it. Really disgracing women everywhere. If no one wants you, why not settle for the few dogs around you and stop trying to ruin Qingchen公子"

Dongfang You’s words were merciless, so Princess QiXia naturally didn’t back down either. She was also not sparing any effort in poking at Dongfang You's pain points. A sly smile crept across Dongfang You’s beautiful face as she coldly looked at Princess QiXia and said, "Does Mo Jingli like you Fine… Let me see how much he likes you then. Come here, take off her clothes!"

"Dongfang You, you dare!" Princess QiXia's expression changed instantly, glaring fiercely at Dongfang You.

The people around Dongfang You were also shocked and looked at her hesitantly. Although they all belonged to Dongfang You, after all, Li Prince was still the lord of this regency王府, and Princess QiXia was indeed Mo Jingli's woman.

"Do you think I don't dare Hurry up!" Princess QiXia mocked coldly, "Go get Li Prince here. Say that I have something to discuss with him." The subordinate had no choice but to reluctantly comply and go fetch Mo Jingli; the other two people dragged Princess QiXia outside into the courtyard and started tearing off her clothes.

Princess QiXia wasn’t a fragile woman either, she swung her whip fiercely against them as soon as they started. However, her martial arts skills were insufficient to protect herself, so it didn't take long before she was subdued by them.

Dongfang You had already come out and coldly watched the motionless Princess QiXia with a mocking smile on her face, "Still standing there Rip off her clothes for me and beat her with that whip!"

Soon enough, Princess QiXia was left wearing only a thin undergarment. The temperature in southern regions by September and October had already turned chilly; the coldness made her shiver slightly in her thin clothing. But this couldn't compare to the pain of being hit by Dongfang You's whip. As soon as the first lash landed, Princess QiXia involuntarily screamed out loud and fell to the ground. The subsequent whips left her with no place to dodge; now a battered woman lying there screaming couldn’t even remotely resemble the arrogant figure who once freely wielded a long whip around the bustling capital of Chu.

"Dongfang You, what are you doing" A roar of anger came from outside the courtyard gate. Mo Jingli rushed over with Ye Ying in tow. Seeing this scene, his face darkened even more; he assumed that Dongfang You was venting her morning fury on Princess QiXia after their quarrel.

But Dongfang You didn’t care about Mo Jingli’s anger at all and sneered挑釁ly, "Didn't you see it What's the matter Am I supposed to report to Your Highness before dealing with a woman who isn't even worth being called a concubine"

Mo Jingli coldly said, "I already told you this morning that matters in the王府 don’t need your involvement."

The moment Mo Jingli arrived, Princess QiXia had been whipped over six or seven times and her top was torn. Seeing Mo Jingli as a lifeline, she immediately rushed into his arms, "Your Highness, oh... Your Highness, you have to help me! Oh Dongfang You is too cruel, I’m hurting..."

Seeing Princess QiXia's injuries all over her body, Mo Jingli’s face turned even grimmer. Ye Ying next to him reminded, "Your Highness, should we call a doctor for Lady QiXia" Mo Jingli nodded approvingly and ordered, "Quick, get the doctor."

"No!" Dongfang You's voice came from behind.

"Rebellion! In Li Prince’s residence, I’m in charge. It doesn’t concern you." Mo Jingli coldly said. Dongfang You tilted her head and laughed softly; she looked at Mo Jingli with a mixture of amusement and mockery, "Your Highness, although the power of the Cangmang Mountain has been largely reduced by Western Ling and Ding Prince’s residence, there's still about one-third left."

Mo Jingli indifferently replied, "I’m aware. Do you mean to threaten me with your remaining power" If it were before, Mo Jingli might indeed be afraid, but now the remaining power was not enough to make him fearful.

Dongfang You smiled and glanced at Princess QiXia; the latter involuntarily shivered in his arms. "Does Your Highness really like her Alright... I’ll see how much he likes you. Pull off her clothes!"

"Dongfang You, no!" Princess QiXia’s face turned pale.

Those around Dongfang You were startled and looked at her uncertainly. Although they all belonged to Dongfang You, Li Prince was the lord of this residence, and Princess QiXia was Mo Jingli's woman.

"Do you think I won’t" Dongfang You sneered coldly.

The moment Mo Jingli arrived, Princess QiXia had been whipped over six or seven times, and her top was torn. She immediately rushed into his arms as if he were a lifeline, "Prince, oh... Prince, protect me! Oh Dongfang You is too cruel, I’m hurting..."

Seeing the injuries on Princess QiXia's body, Mo Jingli’s face darkened further. Ye Ying reminded him, "Prince, let’s call a doctor." Mo Jingli nodded and ordered someone to fetch the doctor.

"No!" Dongfang You said from behind.

"You dare defy me" Mo Jingli coldly said. Dongfang You tilted her head and laughed softly, looking at Mo Jingli with a mixture of amusement and mockery, "Prince, although Cangmang Mountain’s power has been reduced by Western Ling and Ding Prince's residence, there's still one-third left."

Mo Jingli indifferently replied, "I know. Do you threaten me"

Dongfang You smiled at Princess QiXia and said coldly, "Does Your Highness really like her Alright... I’ll see how much he likes you. Pull off her clothes!"

"Dongfang You, no!" Princess QiXia’s face turned pale.

Those around Dongfang You looked uncertainly at her. Although they belonged to Dongfang You, Li Prince was the lord of this residence and Princess QiXia was Mo Jingli's woman.

"Do you think I won't" Dongfang You sneered coldly.

Mo Jingli’s eyes narrowed sharply as he stared at Dongfang You. "What do you want"

Dongfang You pointed at Princess Qixia and said, "I want the king to hand her over to me."

Mojingli wanted to refuse outright but he opened his mouth and could not bring himself to say anything. Princess Qixia was terrified and grabbed Mojingli's robe, "Your Highness… Brother Jingli, that woman will kill me!"

Dongfang You mockingly looked at Mojingli as if she were certain that he would not refuse. She took out a piece of paper from her sleeve and said, "To show my sincerity, your highness can first look at what I am willing to pay. Is it worth you handing over the princess"

Mojingli took the note and put it in his sleeve without saying anything. Princess Qixia widened her eyes in shock, "Brother Jingli…." She grabbed Mojingli's sleeves tightly as she looked at Dongfang You's sinister smile; she was so frightened that she could not believe that Mojingli would hand her over to Dongfang You. Dongfang You smirked and instructed the people around him, "Bring her back here and continue whipping her."

The two men in green robes looked at each other and dragged Princess Qixia towards the center of the courtyard. She knew that if she were handed over to Dongfang You, she would surely have no way out. She held onto Mojingli's sleeves tightly without letting go, "Brother Jingli, save me… don't… Your Highness, please save me."

Mojingli silently watched the woman before him who was filled with fear and despair. Princess Qixia had lost ten years of her life to him; she gave up her identity as a princess and followed him without any title or name. To say that there was no affection between them would be lying. Although he did not love her, they had indeed been together for ten years. But…

Ultimately, Mojingli only silently pulled away Princess Qixia's hands from his sleeves. As her delicate fingers were slowly released, the last glimmer of hope in Princess Qixia’s eyes gradually faded.

In the end, Princess Qixia was dragged to the center of the courtyard where the sound of whips cracking accompanied by her screams of agony could be heard even outside the courtyard. Even those passing by shuddered with fear.

"Help me… Your Highness, Brother Jingli… It hurts so much…." Princess Qixia rolled on the ground in pain; before long she was bleeding from head to toe and near death. "Your Highness… Why...Why can’t you save me"

“No one can save you,” Dongfang You sneered, “You said your king likes you. But it seems he prefers what I offer him instead. The way he loves you is not worth a piece of paper.”

Hearing Dongfang You’s merciless taunts, Princess Qixia felt as if her mind was spinning. Apart from the scorching pain in every part of her body, everything she had endured over these past ten years slowly surfaced once again. Looking into Mojingli's cold eyes, Princess Qixia suddenly wanted to laugh. There was not a single trace of sympathy or compassion in his gaze.

"Hahaha…" Princess Qixia laughed softly as tears streamed down her face, "Brother Jingli… you have such a heartless heart."

“Crack!” Another whip landed and caused Princess Qixia to spasm with pain; she still could not stop laughing. “Ha… I’m sorry, I’m sorry…”

Seeing the miserable state of Princess Qixia, Ye Ying felt a chill even though she was wearing a warm peacock feather cloak. She took a step back, wanting to distance herself from the tall and handsome man standing behind Mojingli.

Mojingli silently watched as Princess Qixia's life flickered away; finally, he turned around with a dark expression on his face and left. Seeing him leave, Ye Ying wanted to follow but then she was suddenly afraid of being in the same space as Mojingli. Her legs could not move, so she just stood there staring.

Seeing that Mojingli had left, Dongfang You lightly huffed and gestured for her men to stop. She walked over to Princess Qixia with a smile on her face and said, "How do you feel now Do you still think Mojingli loves you To dare act so freely in front of me—do you know who you are I want you to die in agony."

Princess Qixia lifted her head as redness filled her eyes with hatred and rage. "Dongfang You, Qingchen will never look at you again! Your twisted mind makes you a madwoman unloved by anyone. Even if he likes a village girl, Qingchen would never take someone of your ilk! I curse you to be eternsly deprived!"

"Beat her until she dies!" Dongfang You's expression turned cold as she ordered.

The whip cracked again and again. Princess Qixia’s curses slowly stopped, and a servant girl came over to inform Dongfang You that the princess had died.

Dongfang You looked at the bloody corpse with disgust; then, without a second thought, she ordered her men to take it out and throw it into a random mass grave for wild dogs to eat. The servants were shocked by this order.

Not bothering about anyone else, Dongfang You left in the direction of the exit. She stopped next to Ye Ying and said quietly, "Behave yourself or I’ll make an example out of you."

Ye Ying was terrified and stepped back several times; she fell down on her bottom. Terrified, she nodded repeatedly.

Dongfang You looked at her with disdain and asked, “Does Qingchen like me”

If he could like you, wouldn’t that mean he’s blind

But in front of Dongfang You, Ye Ying did not have the courage to say it. She only nodded her head repeatedly.

Satisfied, Dongfang You nodded and left.

Seeing Princess Qixia being carried away without any mercy, Ye Ying’s knees went weak and she could not stand up at all. She had been fighting with the princess for ten years and thought that Ye Li was the woman she envied most, and that this princess was the one she hated the most. But now… The woman who made her miserable for ten years was dead

“Help me get back to my room,” Ye Ying said weakly. Behind her, a steady hand pulled her up. A plain-looking servant girl in a maid’s uniform carefully supported her and whispered, “Miss Fourth, you don’t need to be afraid; Dongfang You can never hurt you.”

Ye Ying nodded, "Let's go back first…" Today, she had been deeply shocked not only by Dongfang You’s cruelty but also by Mojingli’s coldness. He was so ruthless towards Princess Qixia whom he had loved for ten years; what would happen to her, who had long lost his favor Ye Ying shivered and relied on the maid’s support as she stumbled back toward her own courtyard.

Outside Nanjing City in a mass grave, a bloody corpse was wrapped in a straw mat and casually discarded into a grave. The gloomy cemetery was eerie with only the occasional caw of a crow breaking the silence.

A long while later, a dark figure appeared at the grave site. He walked to the body and squatted down to examine it; he probed its pulse and breath but shook his head in approval. "Well done." He put a pill into her mouth without worrying about how bloody she was and picked her up. “You’re lucky to have survived, if you hadn’t, at least your corpse would not be left out for dogs.” Then he carried the body away.

In a small courtyard within the city, as lamps were just being lit up, Ye Li sat by the light reading documents. Wei Lin pushed open the door and entered, "Princess Consort."

Ye Li put down her document, nodded, and asked, "How is she"

Wei Lin frowned and said, "Not good. Although her injuries are not life-threatening, it seems that since morning, she has developed a high fever. In Southern Yunnan City, we cannot find any doctor as proficient as Mr. Shen Yang or Dr. Lin. If the fever does not subside, she may not survive."

Ye Li said calmly, "Let's do our best and leave the rest to fate. Have someone bring some strong liquor to rub her down and see if it can help lower her temperature." Wei Lin nodded but was puzzled, saying, "That woman is no good; why should Princess Consort waste your energy on saving her"

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "This time around, she was hit with an unexpected disaster. Moreover, even though Qixia Princess is indeed annoying, she doesn't deserve death. Furthermore… she is still the younger sister of Queen Zhuo. If I were not here in Nanjing City, it would be another matter altogether; however, since I am here, out of respect for Queen Zhuo's face, we should do our best."

Wei Lin understood and nodded, "I understand." Regardless, saving Qixia Princess means that the South Zhao Queen owes Ye Li a favor.

"Is there any movement at Prince Li’s residence" Ye Li asked.

Wei Lin shook his head and said, "Not yet. Prince Li's relationship with Dongfang You is very tense; he doesn’t allow Dongfang You to interfere in the affairs of the mansion. Furthermore, we have informants from Cangmang Mountain within our residence as well as at Prince Li’s residence. The list was given by Dongfang You to Mo Jinglie; however… it's likely that Princess Consort Li is aware of this situation since she stood beside Mo Jinglie when he reviewed the list. Although I'm unsure if she actually saw it or not, these two days have frightened her badly and she hasn’t spoken a word.

Ye Li nodded and said, "She's just an ordinary woman raised in seclusion; give her some time. Also, instruct our subordinates to investigate as quickly as possible. Ye Ying isn't a professional spy, so under those circumstances, she may not have paid attention to the list either. Lastly, pass on news to Uncle Li and Xiu Yao; ask them to be cautious. You may leave now."

Wei Lin replied respectfully, "Understood, I shall withdraw."

This time in Nanjing City, Ye Li's movements were not very covert. She had many things to do, and being too secretive would likely raise suspicion from others. The Chu family was also considered a famous scholarly household back then; naturally, someone from the Chu family coming to Nanjing wouldn't avoid visits from others. Ye Li let her subordinates handle all these visitors, causing people to think that this young scholar from the Chu family was rather arrogant—a trait common among members of noble families.

"Young Master, a card has been delivered from Mu Yang Marquis Manor," said Zhuo Jing at the entrance of the study.

Ye Li snapped out of her thoughts and asked with raised eyebrows, "What card"

Zhuo Jing explained, "Three days later, Nanjing City will host an annual Chrysanthemum Appreciation Conference. Mu Yang Manor has sent a letter of invitation."

Ye Li sighed and said dryly, "Let's decline it; how can I be in the mood to attend such a gathering"

Zhuo Jing whispered, "Yao Ji reports that Helian Zhen arrived in Nanjing City last night. Three days later’s chrysanthemum appreciation conference might see both Mo Jinglie and Helian Zhen; hence, we were wondering if Young Master wishes to attend."

Hearing this, a cold glint crossed Ye Li's eyes, "Helian Zhen… In that case, let us go take a look."

Zhuo Jing nodded, "Understood. I will immediately prepare for it."

The weather in the south was warmer compared to the north; however, at this time of year, only chrysanthemums could be appreciated. This Chrysanthemum Appreciation Conference could be considered one of Nanjing City's major autumn-winter events. Everyone from noble families and young ladies received invitations, while even ordinary citizens could visit the bustling flower markets within the city and bring home a few potted chrysanthemums to decorate.

Early in the morning, Ye Li brought Wei Lin and Zhuo Jing, who had slightly altered their appearances, to the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Conference site. This was one of Prince Li’s large manors within Nanjing City. As they entered with invitations, various chrysanthemums were blooming competitively before them, adding a vibrant scene to this previously bleak autumn garden.

What surprised Ye Li was that the Chrysanthemum Appreciation Conference was being organized by Ye Ying instead of Dongfang You, who usually handled Prince Li’s affairs. Perhaps due to fear instilled in her by Dongfang You, Ye Ying’s face remained pale even after many days had passed since then. Meanwhile, Dongfang You sat beside Ye Ying with a cold expression, but she seemed absent-minded. The wealthy women and young ladies of Nanjing City were obviously used to seeing Dongfang You's demeanor and thus did not approach her, instead surrounding Ye Ying.

Ye Li chose a spot neither too far nor too close and sipped chrysanthemum tea while smiling casually at the flowers. However, she was actually closely observing the situation around Ye Ying.

Nearby, Wei Lin whispered to Ye Li, "Since marrying Prince Li’s residence, Dongfang You has never been good at socializing; initially, this led her to offend many people, but with Mo Jinglie and Dongfang Hui's protection, no one dared harm her. After that, most matters of the Li family were handled by Qixia Princess and Venerable昭太妃. This time after Qixia Princess’s death, it is said that theVenerable太妃was so enraged she fell ill in bed; therefore, Empress Rong had to take charge."

Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly and asked from a distance, "Do you think she has changed much"

Zhuo Jing nodded and said, "She indeed seems quite different." The former Dongfang You gave an impression of self-righteousness without understanding anything. In contrast, the current Dongfang You, even sitting there silently, still gives off a chilling aura that causes everyone around her to avoid her.

"Less than half a year and this woman has changed so much," Wei Lin said in disbelief. While people can change, such an extreme transformation was unusual; it would take an extraordinary person for such a drastic change.

Ye Li sighed, "The word 'love'... how could outsiders understand it"

"Mo Jinglie has arrived..." Zhuo Jing whispered.

Ye Li looked up and saw Mo Jinglie being escorted by a crowd of guards. Beside him walked a man in his fifties dressed in Central Plains attire but clearly different from the typical Central Plain person. Even though Ye Li had never met Helian Zhen, she knew that this must be he walking beside Mo Jinglie. From their expressions, it was clear that they were almost done with forming an alliance.

Ye Li frowned slightly; while Mo Xiuyao was ambitious in wanting to end the three-way coalition with one stroke, Ye Li felt this plan might be too risky. Even when she arrived at Jiangnan, she considered disrupting this potential alliance. Ultimately, based on her trust in Mo Xiuyao, she refrained from taking action.

While observing Mo Jinglie and his entourage, Mo Jinglie naturally also noticed Ye Li and the others. Although Ye Li was shorter than Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin behind her, no one could match her beauty or presence. Such a graceful young man would certainly be unforgettable; seeing him made Mo Jinglie frown and ask, "Who is that person"

The guards around Mo Jinglie were ordinary men who wouldn't know the identity of an uncovered face. Someone quietly excused himself to investigate Ye Li’s background.

Ye Li was very confident in her disguise and did not avoid Mu Jingli, who was staring at her. She stepped forward gracefully and bowed respectfully with a smile: "Chu Junwei of Yunzhou pays his respects to the Regent Prince."

Hearing the word "Yunzhou," Mu Jingli frowned involuntarily. When people think of Yunzhou, they do not first think of its abundant resources or its richness comparable to Jiangnan. Instead, they associate it with the Xu family from Yunzhou, which was a powerful and influential clan in the region. Even though Mu Jingli did not know who Chu Junwei was, he remembered that the Xu family’s matriarch's father came from the Chu clan. Moreover, the Chu surname was also one of the prominent surnames and clans in Yunzhou. He raised his eyebrows and asked: "So you are Mr. Chu I wonder how Mr. Xu, the eldest son of the Xu family, and Mr. Chu address each other"

Ye Li smiled and said, "Your Excellency is too kind. The father of the Xu family matriarch was a cousin to my grandfather. To put it simply, I can勉強稱徐大公子一聲表兄." While this relationship seemed close when mentioned, in reality, it wasn’t that intimate. The Xu clan had few relatives, but the Chu clan was one of the largest clans in Yunzhou. When counting both main and collateral branches, there were at least a hundred or even a thousand members. Furthermore, the Xu family matriarch did not have any blood-related siblings or cousins, so after she married into the Xu family, her connection with the Chu clan weakened. Therefore, it was somewhat勉強 for Chu Junwei to claim such a relationship with the Xu family.

Mu Jingli nodded and sized up Ye Li. He pushed aside that faint sense of familiarity he had felt earlier. It wasn’t odd that she resembled Xu Qingchen since they were relatives from the same clan, "The Chu family has been in Yunzhou for generations. Why did Mr. Chu come to Jiangnan"

Ye Li lowered her eyes and smiled bitterly. She said softly: "Although I am a legitimate son, I am actually part of a collateral branch. Furthermore, the situation in Yunzhou is..." She shook her head as if sighing, "There’s no point for me to stay there anymore. So I decided to come down to Jiangnan for a visit. It can be considered an excursion. Your Excellency has shown great concern."

Mu Jingli scrutinized him for some time but did not detect anything amiss. He finally nodded and said: "If that’s the case, I hope Mr. Chu will have a pleasant stay in Jiangnan. The Chu family is one of the prominent clans in the Great Chu kingdom. If you wish to remain in Nanjing, it would be good for the country if you lend your support. How about visiting me at my regency palace after a few days We can talk then."

Ye Li was taken aback; she hadn’t expected Mu Jingli to consider recruiting her. But whether he wanted to recruit Chu Junwei or his entire clan remained questionable. Although she had no intention of entering politics, she still acted surprised and pleased. She bowed respectfully and replied: "Thank you for your Excellency’s kind words. I will certainly pay a visit in the future."

With Helian Zhen around, Mu Jingli couldn’t focus on Ye Li for too long either. He nodded and accompanied Helian Zhen into the garden. However, Helian Zhen turned back with some confusion to look at Ye Li and her companions, smiling as he asked: "That Mr. Chu looks very extraordinary; I didn't expect there would be such a handsome man in Great Chu besides that god-like son of the Xu family."

Mu Jingli was not interested in discussing this further. He smiled faintly and said: "The Chu family is indeed one of the prominent clans in Great Chu, with many talented individuals throughout history. How could there only be such a remarkable figure like Mr. Xu"

Helian Zhen smiled without saying anything and turned back to look again. He saw that handsome young man also smiling gently at him, which inexplicably made his heart feel uneasy. When he looked again, the Chu公子had already left in another direction with two guards.

The bustling garden had a pavilion at its center, open on all sides. On the second floor of the pavilion, Mu Jingli and Helian Zhen sat facing each other. After drinking some honey wine, Helian Zhen frowned slightly: "Your Central Plains wine is fragrant but lacks flavor." The North Rong people preferred strong liquor, so this honey-like wine did not impress them.

Mu Jingli was unconcerned and sipped the fine wine calmly as he said smilingly: "Strong alcohol has its benefits. But this honey wine also has its unique charm. It's best to savor it slowly." Although both sides had a mutual understanding of forming an alliance in their hearts, they still had little regard for each other. The North Rong people looked down on the Central Plains’ pretentiousness, while the Central Plains people despised the barbarian-like demeanor of the North Rong.

Helian Zhen put down his wine cup and frowned at Mu Jingli: "Regarding my previous proposal, what does Prince Li think about it" Mu Jingli remained silent for a moment, not intentionally trying to bait Helian Zhen. He was indeed interested in Helian Zhen’s suggestion but hesitated about fully committing to an all-out war against the Dinh王府, which wasn’t easy to decide on even now that he had firm control over Jiangnan. Even with his current power and status, Mu Jingli couldn't guarantee how many officials would support him if a full-scale conflict broke out.

Seeing Mu Jingli's hesitant expression, Helian Peng knew that Mu Jingli was not indifferent but rather that the bait offered wasn’t large enough to lure him. Given Mu Jingli’s character, only an extremely tempting offer could make him overlook opposing forces such as the Dinh王府 or even heaven.

After a brief silence, Helian Zhen said seriously: "Prince Li, I must confess that before coming to Nanjing, I also met with Prince Southern of Xiling." Mu Jingli was taken aback and narrowed his eyes at Helian Zhen: "What does General Helian mean"

Helian Zhen smiled and replied: "This time I truly want to form an alliance with Prince Li and Prince Southern. Moreover, I have convinced Prince Southern that if you agree to ally and send troops, he is willing to give up some benefits..." Hearing this, Mu Jingli’s gaze flickered but his face remained unchanged as he sneered coldly: "A sincere alliance Is it possible that the North Rong are already suffering too much from defeats against the Dinh王府" A hint of anger flashed in Helian Zhen's eyes before he suppressed it and stared at Mu Jingli, saying: "The current war with the Dinh王府 is indeed slightly unfavorable for us. However, you can’t say we’re overwhelmed yet. Our military strength remains formidable. Even now, our forces within Great Chu number nearly a million, while reinforcements from the North Rong could arrive anytime. Additionally... what benefit would it bring to Prince Li if the North Rong were defeated"

Mu Jingli's face darkened; if Helian Xiu Yao forced the North Rong out of the north, Dinh王府’s power might become even greater. Moreover, with Dinh王府 controlling all northern regions officially, they would be free to act without interference from Great Chu or Mu Jingli.

After a long silence, Mu Jingli said solemnly: "Forming an alliance with the North Rong and Xiling will likely face strong opposition within the court of Great Chu." This was indeed what worried him most. If Xiling and the North Rong seized land from Great Chu, it would be criticized if he allied with them against his own military forces instead of driving out the invaders.

Helian Zhen laughed heartily and said: "These minor matters can’t stop Prince Li’s decision. It all depends on whether you wish to defeat Helian Xiu Yao and destroy Dinh王府." Mu Jingli remained silent, but in his mind he was quickly weighing his options. He naturally wanted to defeat Helian Xiu Yao; since childhood he had dreamed of trampling him underfoot. Although his current status equaled that of Helian Xiu Yao, before him, he still felt inferior and longed for the day when he could truly triumph over him.

Considering if North Rong were defeated by Helian Xiu Yao, Prince Southern might be overwhelmed due to his advanced age, and it seemed unlikely that Lei Tengfeng would emerge as a capable opponent. This might result in further losses for Xiling. At the same time, without allies, he’d face insurmountable odds.

After pondering silently for some time, Mu Jingli said: "Forming an alliance with the North Rong and Xiling will likely meet strong opposition from within the court of Great Chu." This was indeed his greatest concern. If Xiling and the North Rong occupied lands belonging to Great Chu, allying against his own military would be highly controversial.

Helian Zhen laughed heartily: "These minor matters can’t stop Prince Li’s decision. It all depends on whether you wish to defeat Helian Xiu Yao and destroy Dinh王府." Mu Jingli remained silent but was quickly weighing his options in his mind. He naturally wanted to defeat Helian Xiu Yao; since childhood he had dreamed of trampling him underfoot. Although his current status equaled that of Helian Xiu Yao, before him, he still felt inferior and longed for the day when he could truly triumph over him.

If North Rong were defeated by Helian Xiu Yao, Prince Southern might be overwhelmed due to his advanced age, and it seemed unlikely that Lei Tengfeng would emerge as a capable opponent. This might result in further losses for Xiling. At the same time, without allies, he’d face insurmountable odds.

Mu Jingli tightly clutched his wine cup, even failing to notice when honey wine spilled onto his hand.

"Prince Li, why hesitate so much Once you defeat Dinh王府 with our three forces combined, you can return the capital and reclaim everything lost," Helian Zhen said steadily. Mu Jingli clenched his teeth, a fierce glint in his eyes as he replied: "Alright, I agree to General Helian’s proposal. Great Chu will soon advance northward!" Helian Peng was elated but disregarded his distaste for the honey wine and raised his cup: "Then let's toast our victory over Helian Xiu Yao’s forces" Mu Jingli remained silent but drank his wine in one gulp, prompting Helian Zhen to burst into laughter.

In the garden, amidst colorful chrysanthemums of various postures, scholars and beauties were composing poetry. Ye Li wielded her brush on silk paper to write a poem about chrysanthemums:

"With howling west winds filling the courtyard, cold petals struggle to attract butterflies.

One day if I become the god of spring, let me bloom alongside peach blossoms.yes. Unfortunately, the head of the Murong family didn’t notice and thus interpreted Xu Qingchen’s silence as submission. He nodded proudly and chuckled: “Young Master Qingchen, why not consider this...