Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 423 - 420. Crazy Plan

420. The Crazy Plan

Mo Suiyun, taken back to the post house by Mo Jingyu, was oblivious to the children’s assessment of him, nor was he in the mood to dwell on it. As a newly enthroned emperor who was, at present, no better than a puppet, he naturally couldn’t avoid being advised and berated by Mo Jingyu upon returning. Thus, Mo Suiyun understood that until he could seize real power, he had no right to dismiss Mo Xiaobao. No matter how displeased he was with the carefree young heir of Prince Ding’s Mansion and his mischievous companions, he had no standing to compete with Prince Ding’s young heir unless he could control the true power of Great Chu. Therefore, Mo Suiyun soon put the day’s events aside, focusing all his attention on dealing with Mo Jingyu and the ministers of Great Chu.

The young Emperor Mo Suiyun never considered that he, who was so easily tricked out the door by a few words from the seemingly simple Mo Xiaobao, might be even more naive, leading him to suffer countless losses at that person’s hands later on.

「In the tavern」

Mo Xiaobao and the others saw off Mo Suiyun, the outsider, and Feng Zhiyao, the suspected spy of Prince Ding, then closed the doors and resumed their earnest discussion. Mo Xiaobao propped his chin and looked at Qin Lie, asking, "My father seems to think highly of this Mo Suiyun. Qin Lie, do you think Mo Suiyun will ultimately succeed, or will he end up as unlucky as Mo Suyun?"

Qin Lie pondered for a moment and shook his head. "It’s hard to say. Mo Suiyun certainly has more courage and cunning than Mo Suyun. The real question is whether Mo Jingyu harbors any ambitions."

Leng Junhan lounged on the soft couch and lazily remarked, "Doesn’t Great Chu still have that old sorceress? She’ll definitely support her grandson. Besides Mo Suiyun, there aren’t many princes left in Great Chu, are there? They can’t just keep switching them out."

"The Grand Empress Dowager of Great Chu is also quite advanced in age," Xu Zhirui stated solemnly, his small face serious.

Mo Xiaobao blinked and murmured, "So... Mo Suiyun has a significant chance of winning?"

"As long as he’s not a fool. But... he does seem a bit foolish," Leng Junhan voiced his concern. In my opinion, anyone who can be fooled by Mo Xiaobao is foolish. You can’t trust a single expression on Mo Xiaobao’s face.

Mo Xiaobao’s eyes darted around. "Then let’s give him a little reminder. We’re good friends, after all."

"Whatever." Leng Junhan and Xu Zhirui were indifferent. Leng Junhan continued to rub his stomach, while Xu Zhirui sat properly to one side, engrossed in a book. Qin Lie cast a profound glance at the three children, all several years younger than himself. When I first met these rascals, I genuinely thought I was a good person. After spending some time with them, I seriously doubt I’ll remain a good person in the future.

「In the adjacent room」

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao sat leisurely, listening as the children next door discussed their grand plans with an air of importance. Feng Zhiyao, Leng Haoyu, and the others sat to one side, observing Mo Xiuyao with expressions that were not quite smiles. Once their discussion concluded and the sound of the children’s departing footsteps faded, Feng Zhiyao could no longer contain his laughter. He shook his head, somewhat pained, "What sins did this world commit to deserve such little monsters?"

They were mere children, yet they were already scheming against the young emperor of another nation. At their age, Feng Zhiyao and his peers were still fighting, skipping school, and playing. What would they become in a few more years?

Leng Haoyu sighed helplessly. "It’s true that one takes on the color of one’s company. Our Junhan has been led astray." I remember when my precious son was a soft, tender little dumpling. Of course, he’s still adorable now, but... his personality is somewhat twisted. This is definitely a case of being ’stained by Mo’ (ink). It’s all my fault for not having time to care for my son, allowing him to get too close to Mo Xiaobao of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Truly, ’close to Mo (ink), one becomes dark’!

"You make it sound as if your son is so innocent," Mo Xiuyao glanced lazily at Leng Haoyu. Mo Xiaobao appears deceptively harmless but is full of tricks, while that Leng boy, under his veneer of foolishness, is cunning enough to be deadly without leaving a trace.

Feng Zhiyao asked curiously, "From Mo Xiaobao’s words, it seems he intends to help that young emperor of Great Chu. Is that alright?" After all, that young emperor was no simple character. At such a tender age, he already knew how to sow discord, and quite accurately at that. Although he was a bit immature and hadn’t managed to deceive Mo Xiaobao, it was important to remember his circumstances. The young emperor had ascended the throne less than two months ago. Before that, he had been left unattended and had received no guidance. From this perspective, with a little guidance, the young emperor’s future achievements could be limitless.

Mo Xiuyao said nonchalantly, "What problem could there be? Even if there is one, it’s his problem. Am I supposed to eliminate everyone who poses a threat to him?" He was not one to coddle children.

You’re really taking this calmly, Feng Zhiyao and Leng Haoyu thought, exchanging glances and looking at Ye Li with disapproval. Ye Li smiled faintly. "If that young emperor wishes to consolidate real power in Great Chu, even if he is exceptionally talented, it will likely take at least ten years. There’s no need to worry for now."

Compared to allowing Mo Jingyu or any other adult to consolidate power over ten years, it was better to give the young emperor ten years to contend for it. In ten years, both Mo Xiaobao and the entire Prince Ding’s Mansion should have recovered their strength after the recent years of war. At that time, Mo Suiyun might not necessarily have complete control over Great Chu’s power. Frankly, Mo Xiaobao had no intention of truly helping Mo Suiyun; he just didn’t want Mo Suiyun to fall so quickly. It had to be said, in some respects, Mo Xiaobao was already showing signs of becoming like his father.

"Children these days... are truly remarkable," Feng Zhiyao sighed. Or perhaps the children of Prince Ding’s Mansion are just exceptionally deviant?

"Your Highness, My Lady," Yaoji requested an audience at the door.

Since returning to Licheng, Yaoji had resumed managing the inn she had run for several years, living a peaceful life. Occasionally, she would gather some intelligence for Prince Ding’s Mansion, but overall, her days were uneventful.

"Prince Yu seems to have secretly sent people to contact Prince Changxing," Yaoji reported in a low voice.

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively. "As expected. What was Prince Changxing’s attitude?"

Yaoji replied, "Prince Changxing did not meet with the envoys Prince Yu sent. He likely wishes to avoid excessive entanglement with them." Mo Xiuyao nodded. "That brother and sister are no fools. As long as they don’t make any moves, we can ignore them."

Leng Haoyu pondered for a moment. "I recall... Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning have a younger brother in Nanjing. Could he cause trouble in the future?" Even though Great Chu has currently secured its rule over Jiangnan, they will certainly not remain quiescent. They might stir up trouble concerning that young prince, so we must remain vigilant.

Mo Xiuyao remarked calmly, "If they live peacefully, I will naturally not treat them unfairly. If they do something they shouldn’t, they shouldn’t blame me for being ruthless. Keep an eye on them."

Yaoji nodded and hesitated for a moment before adding, "It seems someone spotted Mo Jingli in the Northwest."

"Mo Jingli?" Everyone present was stunned. The sudden mention of this name was rather unexpected. Ever since Liyang fell, Mo Jingli had vanished without a trace. There was a thought to nip the problem in the bud, but initially, with the crisis at Feihong Pass, there was no spare capacity. Later, by the time the situation was stabilized, Mo Jingli had long since disappeared. In this vast world, if someone truly wished to hide, finding them was no easy task.

Moreover, Mo Jingli had been deposed, possessing neither troops nor significant influence, and his martial skills were unremarkable. Thus, not many people were overly concerned with his whereabouts.

"Are you certain?" Mo Xiuyao asked, his brow furrowed.

Yaoji shook her head. "We cannot be certain at this time."

Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment, then instructed, "Relay this information to Mo Jingyu." Mo Jingyu, now wielding significant power in Great Chu, would surely be even less eager to see Mo Jingli reappear than we are, wouldn’t he?

"As you command, Your Highness," Yaoji replied with a nod.

「In a secluded village outside Licheng」

In a small, hidden village outside Licheng, a man in coarse, common clothes, his face almost obscured by a thick beard, sat transfixed in a dilapidated room, his expression contorted.

"Your Majesty." Another man, similarly dressed in plain attire, entered and bowed low.

The bearded man turned to him, his voice cold. "What news from Licheng?"

The man replied gravely, "Prince Yu has arrived in Licheng with the newly enthroned young Emperor, Mo Suiyun. The newly appointed Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling, Lei Tengfeng, also arrived. Today... the heir of Prince Ding’s Mansion secretly took Mo Suiyun out of the post house. Mo Jingyu nearly turned Licheng upside down before finally locating the young emperor in a tavern."

The man in coarse garb was Mo Jingli. A hint of ferocity flashed in his eyes as he sneered, "Mo Jingyu really values this Mo Suiyun! I never expected... the one to stab me in the back would ultimately be him!" In truth, Mo Jingyu was not the only one who had betrayed Mo Jingli; the Grand Empress Dowager, influential court ministers, and even the entire Great Chu imperial family had turned against him. This clearly demonstrated how unpopular Mo Jingli had become.

The attendant hesitated for a moment before cautiously asking, "Your Majesty, shall we..."

Mo Jingli scoffed. "No. Go and send a message to Mo Jingyu, saying that I, the Emperor, wish to see him."

"But... Your Majesty, wouldn’t that..." We are fugitives now. If captured by either Prince Ding’s Mansion or the Great Chu court, our fate would be grim. For Your Majesty to consider walking into their hands is deeply concerning.

Mo Jingli said in a low voice, "I know my limits. Just do as you are told."

After a moment’s hesitation, the man nodded and withdrew.

Mo Jingli lowered his gaze to the crude, grimy tabletop before him, his expression shifting indeterminately. If, two months ago, someone had told him he would one day be clad in shabby, dirty rags, living in a wretched hut that barely offered shelter from the elements, he would have had that person torn limb from limb. But over the past month, Mo Jingli had endured untold suffering. To evade capture by Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Great Chu court, he had not only disguised himself as a commoner, eating coarse food, but had even posed as a beggar and a vagrant. After enduring countless hardships and navigating many perilous paths, he had managed to evade everyone’s notice and sneak near Licheng. His purpose, naturally, was not merely to observe.

Although he was now destitute, Mo Jingli had, after all, been a prince for decades and an emperor. He still possessed a few hidden cards unknown to others. It was precisely this that gave him the courage to infiltrate the Northwest and approach Licheng, the Mo Family Army’s main base. However, he did not rush into the city. Licheng was undoubtedly heavily guarded at present. Although not many could recognize him, he had already experienced the formidable prowess of the Mo Family Army’s covert guards, so he did not want to risk acting hastily.

As for Mo Jingyu... A cruel smile touched Mo Jingli’s lips. He dared to meet Mo Jingyu openly because he possessed sufficient leverage to ensure his own safety.

「Inside a teahouse in Licheng」

In an inconspicuous teahouse in Licheng, Mo Jingyu pushed open the door to a private room and saw the plainly dressed man sitting inside. He raised an eyebrow. "You certainly have some nerve." Indeed. Anyone else would likely not dare to venture into the heart of the Mo Family Army’s territory.

Mo Jingli snorted softly, sizing up Mo Jingyu for a moment before saying mockingly, "You are truly wielding great power now. I genuinely never imagined that in the end... you would be the one to profit."

Mo Jingyu was unconcerned. He cupped his hands and smiled. "You flatter me. It was merely a matter of opportune timing. What do you need from me?" Mo Jingyu did not regard Mo Jingli as a serious threat. Previously, Mo Jingli had been the powerful Prince Li, the Emperor of Great Chu. Now, Mo Jingyu was the Great Chu’s Prince of Secretariat, while Mo Jingli was merely a wretched fugitive, hiding from place to place. Thinking of this, a spark of pleasure flashed in Mo Jingli’s eyes.

Mo Jingli said, "Naturally, I have a matter to discuss. I want you to do something for me."

Mo Jingyu raised an eyebrow. "On what grounds do you assume I will agree?" 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

Mo Jingli looked at him. "Well then... are you interested in obtaining the Great Chu’s Imperial Jade Seal?"

"So it was you who took the Imperial Jade Seal!" Mo Jingyu’s face darkened, and he spoke coldly. Ever since Mo Jingli’s disappearance, the Great Chu’s Imperial Jade Seal had not been found, neither in Nanjing City nor in Liyang. The Imperial Jade Seal symbolized supreme imperial power. Although another could be made, the original seal being lost and in circulation was a colossal embarrassment for the Great Chu imperial family. If someone were to cause trouble with the Imperial Jade Seal in the future, it would be even more problematic. Therefore, the Great Chu imperial family had secretly dispatched people to search for Mo Jingli, partly to eliminate him and partly to find the whereabouts of the Imperial Jade Seal.

Mo Jingli laughed. "You can refuse to help me. In that case, I can give the Imperial Jade Seal to someone else... along with some amusing tidbits about Prince Yu." This "someone else" would naturally be Mo Jingyu’s political rivals—for instance, those brothers who had been gradually gaining prominence and vying with him since the new emperor’s ascension, or even the Grand Empress Dowager. Now that Mo Jingqi was dead and Mo Jingli was a fugitive, with the Grand Empress Dowager aged and the young emperor still a child, individuals with ulterior motives were steadily increasing in number. If the Imperial Jade Seal fell into such hands, it would not bode well for Mo Jingyu.

"What do you want me to do?" Mo Jingyu asked gravely.

Mo Jingli said coldly, "I want you to help me... eliminate Mo Suiyun and Mo Yuchen."

"You’re insane!" Mo Jingyu stood up abruptly and turned to leave.

"Are you really not going to consider it?" Mo Jingli’s voice drifted from behind him. Mo Jingyu turned back, scoffing, "Consider? Do you think I’m a fool? Assassinate Mo Yuchen in Licheng? Forget assassinating Mo Yuchen; if I so much as harmed a hair on his head, I would be torn to pieces." The Imperial Jade Seal is very tempting, but even if the throne were given to me, I’d need to be alive to enjoy it.

"You don’t think I can achieve it?" Mo Jingli appeared unperturbed. Compared to Mo Jingyu, he indeed had less reason to be anxious. He had already lost everything he could lose; the only thing remaining was likely his own life. But he, Mo Jingli, could not continue to live in hiding indefinitely. Rather than continue this existence, it would be more satisfying to stake everything on a desperate fight! But Mo Jingyu was different. He had endured for half his life and now finally wielded immense power. Naturally, he was cautious with every step, terrified of making a mistake.

Mo Jingyu sneered, disdaining to even answer the question. Ever since Mo Xiuyao had severed ties with Great Chu, he had never believed that either Mo Jingli or Mo Jingqi could defeat him, especially not Mo Jingli, who was now a fugitive hiding from place to place.

Mo Jingli, unfazed by his contempt, smiled. "In that case, I can first show you my sincerity. What about Mo Xiaoyun?"

"What do you mean?" Mo Jingyu asked warily.

Mo Jingli said, "Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning are living rather comfortably in Licheng. Indeed, they are Mo Jingqi’s son and daughter, yet they defected to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Even if only for the sake of public perception, Prince Ding’s Mansion will surely protect them well. Tell me, what do you think would happen if Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning suddenly died while under Prince Ding’s protection? It would be even more interesting if they died on the eve of the first birthday banquet for Prince Ding’s heir and little princess. Mo Xiuyao’s expression would surely be a sight to behold!"

"If you think that’s not enough... how about adding the Queen of Nanzhao?" Mo Jingli continued, a peculiar glint in his eyes. Mo Jingyu watched him, his expression unreadable. "You want to sabotage Prince Ding’s Mansion’s banquet. What is the point of this?" If Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning, who were under Prince Ding’s Mansion’s protection, died before the banquet, it would undoubtedly be a huge slap in the face for Prince Ding’s Mansion. And if something happened to the Queen of Nanzhao in Licheng, Prince Ding’s Mansion would have an even harder time explaining things to Nanzhao.

"The point? Can’t I simply wish to see Mo Xiuyao’s expression change?" Mo Jingli chuckled with delight.

"You truly are insane," Mo Jingyu stated gravely.

Mo Jingli’s expression shifted, and he roared in anger, "Yes! I am insane! Mo Xiuyao forced me to this! All of you forced me! You... you traitors! Treacherous subjects and rebels!"

Mo Jingyu laughed coldly, looking at Mo Jingli’s crazed, distorted face, and said indifferently, "You speak as if you are a paragon of loyalty and patriotism. Do you think the entire court, civil and military, unanimously agreed to depose you for no reason? Mo Jingli, even if you return to Jiangnan now, you’ll be nothing more than a reviled rat scurrying through the streets. You used secret medicine from the Southern Border to murder two previous emperors. With such deranged actions, who would dare acknowledge you as their lord?"

"The Empress Dowager!" Mo Jingli bit out. Only the Empress Dowager knows the truth of these matters!

Mo Jingyu smiled. "Isn’t that so? Even your own biological mother abandoned you; that shows what a failure you are. What right do you still have to call others treacherous subjects and rebels? What betrayal is this? At most, our actions could be considered expelling a rebel and upholding the legitimate succession."

Unexpectedly, Mo Jingli did not erupt in fury. After a long silence, he finally spoke, "I don’t want to waste words with you. Will you help or not?"

Mo Jingyu shook his head. "I’m afraid I am powerless to help. Farewell."

"Three years ago... how was the three hundred thousand taels of silver from Beirong spent?" Mo Jingli’s voice, chilling and ominous, came from behind him.

"You!" Mo Jingyu spun around, his face ashen, glaring at Mo Jingli. "I have no idea what you’re talking about!"

"It doesn’t matter if you don’t know... as long as others do. For instance, a Royal Uncle, or perhaps... some of your other princely elder brothers? What do you think?" Mo Jingli sneered coldly. Mo Jingyu remained silent for a long time before finally walking back and sitting down. He stared at Mo Jingli intently for a while. "How do I know you’re not deceiving me?"

Mo Jingli chuckled. "You can try it and see. When you return to Nanjing, will you, like me, have become a reviled rat scurrying through the streets? Tell me, between regicide and treason, which crime do people detest more?"

Mo Jingyu’s face was as dark as ink. After a long pause, he finally asked, "When did you..."

Mo Jingli snorted. "Naturally, I found out after the capital was moved to Jiangnan. Otherwise, do you think I would have tolerated you? I didn’t want to tolerate you then either, but... the court was already in chaos, and you were relatively obedient, so I let you be for the time being. Now it seems... I was right to keep you." If it had been someone else this time, someone whose secrets I didn’t hold, they would likely have turned around and sold me out to Mo Xiuyao immediately.

Mo Jingli looked at him, his smile sinister. "You can go and report me to Mo Xiuyao. At worst, we die together. In any case, I, the Emperor, have nothing left to care about."

"I need to consider this," Mo Jingyu said in a low voice, closing his eyes. He was clearly wrestling with an intense internal conflict. Mo Jingli shrugged, gesturing casually. Mo Jingyu continued, "If I help you, how can I extricate myself? If death is the outcome regardless, I would rather return to Jiangnan than die at Mo Xiuyao’s hands." He had heard whispers of Mo Xiuyao’s methods of torture; anyone with even a sliver of choice would never willingly fall into Mo Xiuyao’s hands.

A cold sneer flickered in Mo Jingli’s eyes. He said lightly, "Rest assured, this Prince won’t require you to do much. As long as you handle your part well, no one will discover your involvement. Then, you can safely return to Jiangnan with the Imperial Jade Seal and continue to be Prince Yu."

Mo Jingyu took a deep breath and finally made his decision. "Alright. This Prince agrees to your terms."

Mo Jingli nodded with satisfaction. "Very good. When this Prince’s preparations are complete, I will naturally inform you. You may leave for now." Mo Jingyu stood up and walked towards the door. Reaching it, he paused and stared at Mo Jingli. "You had better be extremely careful. If any accident occurs... we all die together!"

Watching Mo Jingyu’s figure disappear through the doorway, the smile on Mo Jingli’s face widened, becoming even more twisted and malevolent.

Heh heh... Of course, we must die together! Otherwise, why would this Prince seek you out? It’s a pity you don’t know, Mo Xiuyao’s greatest talent isn’t torturing people, but... displacing his anger. Regardless of whether Mo Jingyu is involved, regardless of evidence, if anything happens to Mo Yuchen, Mo Xiuyao will inevitably vent his anger on everyone. That includes... the Great Chu imperial family far away in Jiangnan. Since you all betrayed me... then let’s all die together! It’s just a pity... if only I could drag Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li down with me, that would be even more wonderful.