Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 388 - 387. Emperor of Great Chu Mo Jingli

387. Mo Jingli, Emperor of Great Chu

"Wait!" Suddenly, Yelv Hong stood up.

"Crown Prince!" The King of Beirong was instantly furious. The more incompetent, stubborn, and self-opinionated a person is, the less they can tolerate dissenting opinions from others, especially when that person, like the King of Beirong, is already in a towering rage. Seeing Yelv Hong actually speak against him for a woman of Great Chu, his fury became boundless. The gaze sweeping towards Yelv Hong was inevitably filled with murderous intent. Yelv Hong lowered his eyes and said solemnly, "Father, please listen to your son. Princess Ronghua must not be killed."

At the entrance, Princess Ronghua was startled to hear Yelv Hong’s voice. Turning to look at him, a flicker of emotion crossed her beautiful eyes. I had already given up hope, she thought, but I never expected Yelv Hong to actually speak up for me.

The King of Beirong was so enraged he laughed. Staring at Yelv Hong, he said, "Must not be killed? How did I not know there was anyone in Beirong whom I, the King, cannot kill?"

Yelv Hong spoke softly, "Your son knows that Seventh Brother’s death in battle has caused Father great sorrow. But please, Father, prioritize the future of Beirong."

The King of Beirong squinted, looking at Yelv Hong with a cold smile. "Are you implying that killing this woman will affect the future of Beirong?"

Yelv Hong replied earnestly, "Ronghua is Princess Consort Ding’s sworn sister, and they share a very close relationship. The world knows of Prince Ding’s deep affection for the Princess Consort. If Father kills Princess Consort Ding’s sworn sister, I fear Prince Ding will be enraged, which would be detrimental to Beirong."

The claim that Princess Ronghua and Ye Li were sworn sisters was a fabrication by Yelv Hong. In any case, the Great Chu capital was far from the Beirong royal court, making it impossible for the King of Beirong to verify this information at the moment. Yelv Hong said this because, in Beirong, the bond between sworn siblings was considered extremely important, no less significant than that between blood relatives.

The King of Beirong sneered. "Detrimental to Beirong?! I am about to raise an army to avenge Ye’er!"

Yelv Hong looked up at the King of Beirong and said firmly, "Father, can Beirong truly afford to mobilize any more troops now? How would you avenge Seventh Brother?" Beirong, with its vast territory and sparse population, had already strained its resources by mobilizing 2,000,000 soldiers. For the next twenty or thirty years, Beirong would be incapable of waging another war. At this moment, Yelv Hong also understood Mo Xiuyao’s intentions. From the outset, Mo Xiuyao intended to deal with the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling and Mo Jingli of Great Chu, and he would certainly not give Beirong a chance to recover. Decades later, when Beirong finally recovers, Prince Ding’s Mansion might have already unified the world. For some reason, even though the situation in the Central Plains was unclear, Yelv Hong never doubted that Prince Ding’s Mansion would be the ultimate victor.

"Father, I implore you to prioritize Beirong and temporarily quell your rage. Killing Princess Ronghua would only offer a moment’s satisfaction. However, she is a princess of Great Chu, not from Prince Ding’s Mansion. Thus, the relief gained from her death would be minimal. Why not exchange her for something of actual value?"

In truth, the King of Beirong knew full well that Beirong currently lacked the strength to contend with the Mo Family Army. His clamor for raising troops for revenge was merely an expression of his unvented anger. Yelv Hong’s words provided him with a convenient way out, and he took it. Looking at Yelv Hong, he asked, "Actual value? What value could a woman offer?"

Yelv Hong contemplated for a moment before saying, "We could exchange Princess Ronghua with the Mo Family Army for the return of Seventh Brother’s remains and those of our Beirong soldiers. These men died fighting for Beirong. If we could bring their remains back to the grasslands, it might offer some solace to the people of Beirong."

The King of Beirong lowered his head, pondering. Though often muddle-headed, he was no complete fool and had his moments of shrewdness in his youth. He naturally understood the implications of Yelv Hong’s suggestion. Besides, it only involved sacrificing a dispensable woman, making it a very profitable deal indeed. Looking up at Princess Ronghua by the entrance, he asked, "Would Prince Ding’s Mansion agree?"

Yelv Hong nodded. "Setting aside the friendship between Princess Ronghua and Princess Consort Ding, consider that Princess Ronghua came to Beirong on a peace mission for Great Chu. Even though Prince Ding’s Mansion is now in power, the people under its rule were once citizens of Great Chu. If Prince Ding’s Mansion were to ignore Princess Ronghua’s fate, it would inevitably cause dissatisfaction and debate among the people of Great Chu."

The King of Beirong nodded somewhat impatiently and waved his hand. "You handle this. I don’t want to see this woman in Beirong again! Everyone, leave!"

Yelv Hong nodded in acknowledgment. After a moment’s thought, he still asked, "Father, what about Seventh Brother’s funeral arrangements?"

"Do as you see fit." Years of indulgence in strong wine and women had taken a toll on the King of Beirong’s health. Feeling exhausted after his outburst, he spoke irritably. Yelv Hong acknowledged the order and withdrew. As he reached the doorway, he glanced back at the man inside, who was already caressing a young Beirong woman, a mocking smile touching Yelv Hong’s lips. So, Seventh Brother’s death meant nothing more to Father than an outburst of anger.

Back in the Crown Prince’s residence, Princess Ronghua was escorted to her room to pack. She was even forbidden from seeing her son one last time. As Princess Ronghua packed her garments from Great Chu, gazing at the room she had lived in for over a decade, she couldn’t help but burst into tears.

"Princess, the Crown Prince did save your life, after all," a woman dressed as a maidservant said gravely from within the room.

Princess Ronghua looked up at the speaker. This woman had been sent by Prince Ding’s Mansion to protect and assist her. Over the years, Princess Ronghua had grown to trust her. Wiping her tears, she nodded with a bitter smile. "I know. I should be content that he was willing to speak up and save my life." The woman said no more, merely gazing at Princess Ronghua with a calm, gentle warmth. One was a princess of Great Chu, the other the Crown Prince of Beirong. Given that their nations were at war, Princess Ronghua’s current outcome was already quite fortunate.

"Please set your mind at ease, Princess. Once you return to Great Chu, you can start a new life," the woman said softly after a long silence.

Princess Ronghua smiled faintly and nodded. "Yes, it has been a long time since I last returned to the Capital of Great Chu. I wonder if it’s still the same as before." She knew she had survived only because Yelv Hong had not been entirely ruthless, and also due to the aid from Prince Ding’s Mansion. Although she was loath to leave her child, neither the King of Beirong nor Yelv Hong would permit her to take him. I can only hope that my son and I will have a chance to meet again in this lifetime.

In a tent within the Great Chu army camp, Yaoji sat leisurely, perusing a book. Beside her, Mu Lie also held a book, reading with intense concentration.

Yaoji leaned languidly against a soft couch, her gaze serene and distant. It had taken considerable effort for Yaoji to persuade Mu Yang to let her and Mu Lie accompany him to the military camp. Fortunately, the rules of the Great Chu camp were not as stringent as those of the Mo Family Army. Moreover, with the precedent of Princess Consort Ding accompanying Prince Ding in military camps, bending the rules had become much easier. I may not possess the Princess Consort’s strategic brilliance, Yaoji mused, but I only needed to persuade Prince Li, and that, it seems, wasn’t too difficult. Thinking of the stunning beauties in Prince Li’s tent, Yaoji smiled faintly.

Mu Lie glanced sideways at Yaoji, who was smiling faintly, lost in thought. He raised an eyebrow. "Mother, what are you smiling about?"

Yaoji arched her brows and chuckled. "You’re certainly getting used to calling me that."

Mu Lie raised his chin proudly. "I’ve never been unaccustomed to it. Aren’t you my mother?"

Yaoji smiled, pulling Mu Lie into a hug and gently ruffling his hair. "Indeed, I am your mother!" Perhaps because early martial arts training had stunted his growth, Mu Lie, though actually eleven or twelve years old, still appeared to be a child of seven or eight. Having spent several years together, a bond had formed between them, and Mu Lie had acknowledged Yaoji as his adoptive mother.

Yaoji genuinely cared for Mu Lie. Besides, the boy had already made significant contributions to Prince Ding’s Mansion at such a young age; his future was bound to be limitless. That he was willing to accept her as his adoptive mother despite knowing her true identity naturally made Yaoji overjoyed, and she doted on him even more.

Mu Lie grinned at her, causing a slight shiver to run down Yaoji’s spine. Then, she heard Mu Lie say casually, "I forgot to tell you, Mother. A few days ago, I also acknowledged Commander Qin as my adoptive father."

The smile on Yaoji’s face froze. She stared at Mu Lie’s delighted expression, speechless for a long moment.

As if oblivious to Yaoji’s reaction, Mu Lie leaned back in his chair and said with a grin, "We’ll be going home soon. Haven’t you thought about what you’ll do about my godfather once we’re back?" Ordinarily, Mu Lie acknowledging an adoptive father and an adoptive mother separately wouldn’t be an issue, but hearing them mentioned together was enough to make one blush.

Helplessly, Yaoji rolled her eyes at Mu Lie. "You’re just a child. What are you doing meddling in adult affairs?"

Mu Lie grinned. "Meddling? I only have one adoptive mother and one adoptive father. I wouldn’t want to have to acknowledge another set. Right, Mother?"

Yaoji placed the book she was holding onto Mu Lie’s face. "Enough nonsense. Be careful not to get carried away. If you stumble at the final hurdle, you’ll become a laughingstock."

Mu Lie rubbed his nose, acknowledging Yaoji was right. The closer they got to the end, the more cautious they needed to be.

"General Mu." A guard’s voice came from outside the main tent. Mu Lie and Yaoji exchanged a glance and rose together as Mu Yang walked in. Seeing the book in Mu Lie’s hand, a smile touched Mu Yang’s lips. He patted Mu Lie’s shoulder and said with a chuckle, "Lie’er, you’re working hard, but don’t overdo it."

Mu Lie nodded silently, rolling his eyes inwardly. This supposed father of his actually treated him quite well. What a pity... Why did the Mu Family have to offend His Highness Prince Ding? If Mu Yang and Old Marquis Muyang eventually discovered that the Mu Family’s legitimate heir, whom they had cherished and doted on for years, was merely an imposter and a spy, one could only imagine their fury. Thinking of this, Mu Lie cast a somewhat sympathetic glance at Mu Yang.

Mu Yang, naturally, couldn’t grasp the meaning behind that glance. Assuming his son was merely worried about his studies, he laughed. "Silly boy, you’ve already learned far more than most children of eight or nine. Don’t push yourself too hard."

Mu Lie’s face instantly darkened. Of course, he knew much more than an eight or nine-year-old child; he wasn’t one to begin with. While his small stature was convenient for missions, his lack of growth over the past few years was a sore point for Mu Lie.

The weather is turning cold. Perhaps it’s best to let Mu Yang and the Marquis Muyang’s Mansion meet their doom.

Mu Yang sat down on a chair beside the soft couch. Yaoji poured him a cup of hot tea from the table and asked with a smile, "What brings you here at this hour?" The army had just reached the front line, not far from the Mo Family Army. For the past few days, Mu Yang and Old Marquis Muyang had been occupied with military affairs alongside Mo Jingli. Although Yaoji and Mu Lie had accompanied Mu Yang to the camp, they hadn’t seen him for several days.

Mu Yang said, "The Mo Family Army, led by Prince Ding, has already annihilated the Beirong forces. Prince Ding has now returned to Feihong Pass to confront Lei Zhenting. Lv Jinxian’s army is also advancing towards the front line. I’m afraid I won’t have much time to look after you both in the coming days, so I came to check on you when I found a moment."

Yaoji smiled sweetly. "I will take good care of Lie’er. You don’t need to worry about us."

Mu Yang nodded, taking Yaoji’s hand and smiling. "That’s good. It must have been hard on you, following us on the march."

Yaoji lowered her eyes, a gentle smile on her face. "It’s my duty. There’s no need to speak of hardship."

Mu Yang looked at Yaoji’s gentle, beautiful face, a hint of relief and tenderness in his eyes. Squeezing her hand, he nodded. "Alright then, I should head back. You two take care of yourselves."

Yaoji and Mu Lie saw Mu Yang out. When they returned and sat down, Mu Lie frowned. "With Mu Yang not returning here often, and us unable to move about freely outside, how will we obtain information on Mo Jingli’s troop deployments and other news?"

Yaoji smiled faintly. "No need to rush. ’We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.’ When the time comes, we’ll find a way to contact General Lv."

Mu Lie nodded. The Princess Consort hadn’t ordered them to obtain Great Chu’s defensive layout. Presumably, she had more important tasks for them. They just needed to wait for news and provide assistance to the Mo Family Army when necessary.

The Central Army’s main tent in the Great Chu encampment was exceptionally large and opulent, befitting an emperor leading his troops personally. Even though the northern weather remained severe, thick carpets from the Western Region covered the floor, and high-quality silver charcoal burned quietly, suffusing the entire tent with warmth and comfort.

However, Mo Jingli’s expression did not soften with the tent’s warmth; instead, it grew even more somber. The generals below all lowered their heads in trepidation, not daring to look at the emperor seated high above them. Ascending the throne hadn’t improved Mo Jingli’s disposition. Ever since that night at Prince Li’s Mansion earlier in the year, Mo Jingli’s chilling aura was enough to make anyone keep their distance. The uninformed dared not inquire, while the few who knew dared not speak. People only knew that the young emperor had suddenly fallen gravely ill and passed away, after which Prince Li ascended the throne. Everything transpired so rapidly that many hadn’t even processed it before Prince Li had already ascended the throne with absolute authority. However, after his enthronement, Mo Jingli’s temperament grew even colder, more erratic, and his moods unpredictable. For a newly crowned emperor, Mo Jingli was certainly unique. Instead of focusing on placating court officials, the imperial clan, and the populace, he was preoccupied with leading a personal military campaign.

"The Beirong army has been defeated. Mo Xiuyao’s attention will inevitably shift to the southern front," Mo Jingli said in a deep voice. "Now, Mo Xiuyao has dispatched Lv Jinxian with an army of 400,000 to engage our Great Chu forces. What are your thoughts, esteemed ministers?"

The generals exchanged uneasy glances; no one dared to speak. Not only had Beirong been defeated, but its entire army had been annihilated. This instilled a sense of dread in the hearts of the Great Chu generals. Moreover, Great Chu, allied with Xiling, had opportunistically deployed troops while the Mo Family Army was engaged with Beirong, a move that inherently made them feel somewhat guilty. Xiling and the Mo Family Army were outright enemies, so Xiling would naturally stop at nothing. However, Great Chu and the Mo Family Army shared a complex history, like broken bones still connected by tendons. Prince Li’s actions were bound to dishearten both the common people and the soldiers.

"What? Do none of you have anything to say?" Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes, his voice cold.

"Your Majesty possesses sagacious judgment. We generals await Your Majesty’s commands," the generals chorused.

Mo Jingli snorted. He knew perfectly well what these men were thinking. His gaze swept over them, finally landing on the figure behind Marquis Muyang. "Old Marquis Muyang, speak your mind."

Old Marquis Muyang quickly stepped forward. "Your Majesty," he respectfully reported, "in this subject’s opinion, if it were merely Lv Jinxian’s 400,000 troops, they wouldn’t be a major concern. However..."

"However, what?" Mo Jingli pressed.

Old Marquis Muyang continued, "It’s just that... back in the Capital of Great Chu, Leng Huai commands another 200,000 troops. Leng Huai himself is an exceptional military talent. When the Northern Territory’s massive army pressed upon our borders, Leng Huai single-handedly defended Zijing Pass for months, preventing their million-strong force from advancing a single step. This demonstrates that he is not to be underestimated. Furthermore... this subject believes... that either Prince Ding or Princess Consort Ding is likely to come as well. When that happens..."

"Leng Huai... Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li?" Mo Jingli toyed with the jade thumb ring on his hand and sneered. "Leng Huai received profound imperial favor, yet he betrayed the nation and defected to Prince Ding’s Mansion. His crime is punishable by death! As for Prince Ding’s Mansion... it will likely be Ye Li who comes this time. Excellent timing..."

Hearing Mo Jingli’s words, the generals silently scoffed. Leng Huai had single-handedly defended Zijing Pass. Not only had Prince Li failed to provide aid, but he had also consistently withheld Leng Huai’s military provisions, eventually even confiscating the supplies and salaries rightfully due to him. If not for the Mo Family Army, the grass on Leng Huai’s grave would be tall by now. How could one claim he received ’profound imperial favor’? Moreover, Leng Huai had lost a son defending the Capital of Great Chu. Mo Jingli’s assertions were utterly unconvincing.

However, Mo Jingli was the emperor; naturally, his word was law. The generals below dared not refute him and merely listened silently to his pronouncements. Displeased, Mo Jingli waved his hand dismissively. "Old Marquis Muyang, Marquis Muyang, Lv Jinxian is your responsibility. As for Princess Consort Ding... I will deal with her personally!"

Mu Yang and his father quickly cupped their fists and accepted the order. "This general receives your command."

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling requests an audience," a soldier announced loudly from outside the tent.

Mo Jingli frowned slightly. "Lei Tengfeng? What does he want?"

The soldier replied, "The Heir of Southern Garrison Prince stated only that he comes at the behest of the Southern Garrison Prince with an important matter to discuss with Your Majesty."

"Let him in," Mo Jingli ordered.

Shortly thereafter, Lei Tengfeng was escorted in. He glanced at the assembled generals and Mo Jingli, seated high on the dragon throne, a faint smile touching his lips. He bowed. "This humble one, Lei Tengfeng, pays his respects to the Emperor of Great Chu."

"You may rise, Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince." Mo Jingli squinted, observing the man before him. The Lei Tengfeng before him was clearly far more composed than the one he had encountered in Nanzhao. Even facing Mo Jingli, now the Emperor of Great Chu, Lei Tengfeng displayed no servility nor arrogance, maintaining a calm and composed demeanor. More remarkably, his gaze was exceptionally calm and steady—a quality the former Lei Tengfeng had lacked.

Mo Jingli studied Lei Tengfeng for a long moment before leisurely asking, "For what purpose has the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling come here?"

Lei Tengfeng smiled calmly. "In response to the Emperor of Great Chu, my father, upon learning that Your Majesty has led your forces to the front line, specifically ordered this one to come and welcome you."

Hearing this, several veteran generals present looked at Lei Tengfeng with expressions of approval. When Lei Tengfeng, as the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince, had attended Prince Ding’s wedding in the Capital of Great Chu years ago, there had been an undeniable air of pride about him. While not overtly arrogant, it could easily have been perceived as haughtiness. But the Lei Tengfeng of today was not only much more composed than he was a decade ago, but his mindset was also significantly more serene. The Southern Garrison Prince had certainly not ordered him to ’welcome’ Mo Jingli; it was remarkable that Lei Tengfeng himself was willing to show such deference.

Evidently, Lei Tengfeng’s words pleased Mo Jingli somewhat. The look he gave Lei Tengfeng softened slightly. Mo Jingli nodded and chuckled. "The Southern Garrison Prince is too kind. Heir, please be seated."

"Many thanks, Emperor of Great Chu." Lei Tengfeng spoke and acted with ease, showing no sign of the dissatisfaction or awkwardness one might expect from someone seeing a person they once looked down upon now seated in a far superior position.

After expressing his thanks, Lei Tengfeng took the first seat on the foremost side. After a guard served tea and withdrew, Mo Jingli dismissed the other generals, retaining only Marquis Muyang, his son, and a few trusted commanders. Mo Jingli then inquired, "I heard the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince successfully captured Weicheng City. I have yet to offer my congratulations."

Lei Tengfeng chuckled. "This one was merely fortunate. A few days ago, I was trapped by Marquis South and General Murong, and nearly lost my life. If not for my father’s meticulous arrangements, Lei Tengfeng would no longer exist. This one dares not claim any credit."

Mo Jingli smiled faintly and didn’t elaborate. "Did the Southern Garrison Prince give you any specific instructions for your visit?"

Lei Tengfeng said, "My father instructed this one that, in all matters, I am to follow the Emperor of Great Chu’s directives. However... on my way here, I received news that Princess Consort Ding, Ye Li, has already reached Lv Jinxian’s army. I fear she and Lv Jinxian will arrive at the front line simultaneously very soon."

"Is Ye Li leading the Mo Family Army this time?" Mo Jingli asked, frowning.

Lei Tengfeng shook his head. "No. According to my knowledge, Princess Consort Ding is serving in the capacity of chief strategist."

Mo Jingli sneered. "She certainly knows how to adapt. Thank you for the information, Heir. I am aware."

Lei Tengfeng frowned slightly. "Does Prince Li have any countermeasures?"

Mo Jingli chuckled. "Heir, you need not concern yourself. I have my own methods to deal with this. You need only wait and see."

Seeing Mo Jingli’s reluctance to elaborate, Lei Tengfeng did not press the matter. He smiled faintly and said, "In that case, this one shall eagerly await the good news."

Mo Jingli laughed proudly. "Naturally."

Gazing at Mo Jingli’s arrogant demeanor, clad in his bright yellow dragon robe and seated high above, Lei Tengfeng subtly lowered his eyes, a barely perceptible sneer playing on his lips.