240 Capital City Night
like an incapable person.Zhuo Jing glanced at him and said coldly, “If you're not afraid of falling to your death, try it yourself.”"You!" Scholar of Illness glared but saw Ye Li wave to the others be...240. Night in the Capital City
240. Night in the Capital City
Seeing Ye Li走出來, Feng Zhirao also came out from under the eaves without hiding anymore. Over these years, Ye Li had figured out who Feng Zhirao truly cared about in his heart. Looking at Feng Zhirao’s usual carefree demeanor, she could only sigh inwardly about how fate played tricks on people. In Ye Li's view, although Feng Zhirao was a few years younger than Empress Hua, compared to Mo Jingliang, Feng Zhirao would definitely make a better husband. Unfortunately, the two of them were destined not to be together. Upon hearing about Empress Hua’s encounter, Feng Zhirao naturally couldn’t remain calm in his heart.
"Your Excellency, shouldn't we go check on the Prince" Feng Zhirao walked up and calmly asked.
Ye Li thought for a moment before nodding. Although she wasn’t worried about Mo Xiuyao getting hurt or anything else, Shumanlin had mobilized hundreds of experts from the Southern Frontier’s holy land, and with her control over thousands of royal city guardsmen, not seeing the outcome still left her somewhat anxious.
At this moment, Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen were indeed leisurely sitting on the highest floor of a tavern in Nan Zhao City, sipping wine. The tavern was three stories tall, and from the top floor they could overlook almost any part of the royal city except for the palace.
On this third-floor level, besides Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen, there were also Mo Jingli, Lei Tengfeng, Chancellor Liu, and Consort Lady Liu—the same people who had vanished from in front of the palace square. Everyone was sipping wine while keeping an eye on the fights happening all over the city. The noise at the square was so shocking that people immersed in singing, dancing, and drinking didn’t even notice how bloody and violent it had become inside the royal city.
The hosts were fighting fiercely, but the guests sat by enjoying drinks and watching from a distance. It seemed rather unfair, but it was actually the best way to solve the problem at this moment. Each party involved in the conflict had some connection with the main characters, naturally not wanting others to interfere. Therefore, they could only drink together, watch the play, and restrain each other as well. Mo Xiuyao lazily leaned by the window, idly playing with his wine cup without even glancing outside, seemingly indifferent about who would ultimately hold the throne of Nan Zhao.
Lin Han walked in and whispered something to Mo Xiuyao beside him. The originally carefree Prince suddenly perked up upon hearing a flicker of interest in his eyes, "Is My Lady safe" Lin Han nodded, saying, "Yes, My Lady is already much better. She said the Prince hasn’t returned home yet but will come over shortly."
Mo Xiuyao swept a glance downstairs and somewhat regretfully remarked, "This Prince indeed wishes to return quickly, only it seems impossible here. Let’s invite My Lady up for some company as well." Only then did everyone understand that the reason why Ding Wang had been listless all along was because his wife wasn’t with him. This thought made everyone's expressions vary between resentment, contemplation, and envy.
Within less than half an hour, Ye Li appeared at the stairway entrance. Seeing no other customers on this entire third floor except for a few envoys from different nations seated separately at their own tables, she raised her eyebrows in surprise. Upon seeing Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao immediately stood up and walked over, asking, "Ah Li, are you well" Ye Li nodded, saying, "Everything is fine, Big Brother is also here" Xu Qingchen nodded and pointed out the window, saying, "Come over to take a look with us." In reality, even though this tavern was tall, it being nighttime made it hard to see anything outside. Everyone staying put was merely waiting for a final outcome or preventing others from intervening.
Ye Li glanced outside casually and lost interest immediately, asking, "Big Brother, what’s going on"
Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and replied, "The Southern Frontier Holy Maiden suddenly attacked several tribal leaders participating in the wedding to demand an explanation from Princess Anxi, leading to a fight breaking out." The situation wasn’t as simple as Xu Qingchen described; Shumanlin’s targets were supporters of Princess Anxi, including her husband's family and maternal relatives. Furthermore, they ambushed and attempted to kill the newlyweds when Princess Anxi personally went to aid them upon receiving news. Since Princess Anxi always enjoyed popular support, she naturally had a large number of loyal followers who engaged in fierce combat.
"Ding Wangfei, which do you think will win: Princess Anxi or the Southern Frontier Holy Maiden" Mo Jingli suddenly asked from across the table.
Everyone's gaze immediately turned to Ye Li. Ye Li calmly looked at Mo Jingli, but saw him staring straight ahead with a hint of provocation in his eyes. Ye Li found it amusing and said blandly, "Who wins and who loses is not something this concubine can decide. However, there is a saying... the world belongs to those who gain the hearts of the people. What is right or wrong is also the matter of Nanzhao royalty and its citizens, and has nothing much to do with outsiders like us."
Princess Anxi had been governing well over these years, benefiting the common folks a great deal. It was unlikely that her status would be easily shaken by someone claiming to be a savior of Southern Frontier who came from nowhere. As long as Princess Anxi could gain an advantage tonight, no one would easily shake her status in Nanzhao again afterwards. Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen; the latter had a faint smile on his face without any trace of worry, making Ye Li's heart calm down.
The world belongs to those who gain the hearts of the people... everyone was pondering over this sentence in their hearts.
"Lily said it perfectly," Xu Qingchen praised with a smile. Ye Li felt embarrassed; what she had just said was merely an ordinary phrase that everyone knew from her previous life. Mo Xiuyao proudly smiled, "What Lily says is always reasonable."
Xu Qingchen didn't bother arguing with the immature man who looked so proud before him. Besides, he had only complimented on Lily's words. He chose to ignore the smug look on his face. No one here was an ignorant boy without knowledge of worldly affairs; their understanding of what Ye Li said also varied.
One person disapproved and coldly said, "According to Miss Ye, whoever gains the hearts of the people should gain the world. Does it mean that the Dachu Imperial House should have ceded power to Dingguo Manor long ago" Compared with public opinion, although the Dachu Imperial House was orthodox, they couldn't catch up with Dingguo Manor.
Everyone looked at Concubine Liuxi strangely in their eyes were mockery and disdain. A perfectly reasonable phrase could be twisted by this woman into such an interpretation; should one say that Lady Liuxi indeed married well
In fact, once Concubine Liuxi said those words, she knew something was wrong. She hadn't intended to speak in the first place. Seeing Ye Li's casual phrase getting praised so much by Mr. Qingchen and the admiration from everyone else present, her heart ached seeing Mo Xiuyao holding hands with Ye Li as if he were happier than himself when being praised. Harsh words flew out of her mouth before she could even think.
Ye Li calmly looked at Concubine Liuxi and said coldly, "Concubine Liuxi, are you implying that the present Imperial House doesn't have public support Since you know this much, it's your duty to stay behind the curtains and advise the emperor to improve himself rather than making wild guesses here. Our Northwest Li city has nothing to do with Dachu anymore. Even if Concubine Liuxi feels that Chu Emperor is incapable and unfit for being an emperor and wants to abdicate, it's none of our lord's business."
After saying this, she looked at Mo Jingli opposite her calmly. As expected, Mo Jingli showed a slight change in expression. Rarely did the ever stern Mo Jingli show some smile on his face; however, it made people feel uncomfortable. "So Concubine Liuxi thinks my elder brother is unfit to be an emperor I must admit that today, this Concubine really opened my eyes."
"What nonsense are you talking" Concubine Liuxi glared at Mo Jingli; Mo Jingli didn't fear her even if he gave a face to Prince Ding in the last few years based on his mood. He coldly said, "Wasn't that just what Concubine Liuxi said"
"Your Excellency!" Chancellor Liu was also displeased with his daughter; although he could keep some thoughts of his own, Concubine Liuxi's behavior had been too much. Now wasn't the right time for them to offend Prince Ding. It was clearly that whether they offended Prince Ding or not was based on how they treated Lady Ding, and offending Lady Ding might be even worse than offending Prince Ding in others' eyes. But his daughter didn't see through the situation; her rash words challenged the boundary of Lady Ding's tolerance. "Your Excellency only had a slip of tongue just now; please Your Royal Highness watch your words."
Mo Jingli lightly harrumphed with disdain. A slip of the tongue He wasn't unfamiliar with that woman either; she usually looked down on everyone as if they were dust under her feet. To say that she looked down on his brother, the emperor and thought he was unfit to be an emperor, Mo Jingli really had nothing to doubt.
While Mo Jingli and Concubine Liuxi were arguing with each other over there, Mo Xiuyao was attentively pouring tea for Ye Li here; he held her hand and talked sweet nothings to her without any hesitation. It almost blinded the dog eyes of all those who didn't have love in their lives at this moment.
Lei Tengfeng looked at the two of them thoughtfully and smiled, "Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding have such a good relationship. It really makes this minor prince envious." Even if they are in a loving relationship, there's no need to display it openly like this
Moshouyao nodded in agreement, "As the saying goes, one should marry a virtuous wife. Having a good wife is too important for men. Those who are lucky would marry someone like Agli, while those who aren't as fortunate..." He didn't continue.
Everyone present understood his meaning but each had their own thoughts about whom he was referring to. They looked at Ye Li simultaneously and couldn't help but admit that Moshouyao indeed had good luck.
The Princess Consort of Prince Ding was not only beautiful, but also talented and wise. She could handle affairs in the country as well as ensure peace for it. The most feared Kirin in the northwest was her creation. It was said that Xuhongyan's fourth and fifth sons led their people to reclaim barren lands and cultivate them into farmland with the Princess Consort of Prince Ding’s suggestion. Even if there were no such matters, just having two powerful uncles like Xuhongfei and Xu Hongyan would make all men in the world clamor for her hand.
Since Moshouyao married Ye Li, he had gone from hiding with his crippled legs, disfigured appearance, and numerous illnesses to ruling the northwest. He was healthy enough to even have a son; what good luck! All he sacrificed was his white hair. More importantly, since his hair turned white, it seemed as if Moshouyao shone even brighter.
Even Ye Li blushed at Moshouyao’s shamelessness and discreetly pinched him hard on the waist with her delicate fingers under the table. Moshouyao immediately collapsed, "Wife..."
Xu Qingchen lightly coughed to remind them of their audience as they became more playful.
Ye Li didn’t bother with Moshouyao and asked Xu Qingchen, “Shumanling mobilized the Nan Zhao City Guard” Xu Qingchen nodded calmly and said, "Don't worry. Princess Anxi is not a weak woman to be bullied. Several tribes have brought quite a few people."
"There you go… Moshouyao, you broke your promise!" Mo Jingli stared at the scene for a long time before turning around sharply and shouting at Moshouyao. Moshouyao lazily rested his head on Ye Li's shoulder and looked at Mo Jingli with a puzzled expression, "What’s that supposed to mean"
Mo Jingli sneered, “Do you dare say those people aren’t your men from the northwest They’re not Kirin” The others immediately stood up and walked over to look carefully. Indeed, they saw a group of men breaking through the chaos like nothing was in their way. Even at night, everyone could see how fast they were advancing despite being outnumbered several times by their enemy.
Everyone turned to look at Moshouyao, for only his Kirin had such fighting strength.
"Ah well, I’ve been found out. Agli, what should we do" Moshouyao didn’t dodge and innocently looked up at Ye Li as he blinked.
Ye Li couldn't help but smile wryly; it was dark now. Even with Shumanling's thousand men, Kirin wouldn’t reveal themselves if they didn’t want to be seen. This must have been deliberate on Moshouyao’s part… Was this to show support for Princess Anxi
Mo Jingli fumed, "Moshouyao, we agreed not to interfere in the affairs of Southern Jiang! You’re clearly breaking your promise!"
Moshouyao sneered and raised an eyebrow. So what if I am Are you going to bite me Mo Jingli's muscles twitched as he understood the meaning behind Moshouyao’s expression.
Lei Tengfeng was still relatively reasonable; he originally hadn’t planned on getting involved in Southern Jiang's affairs anyway. Nan Zhao and Western Ling had a large border that constantly caused friction over the years, so they were never friends to begin with. The Prince of Southern Tranquility had already made plans—if they couldn't open up Great Chu in the short term, then they would start from Nan Zhao. Thus, it didn’t matter who controlled Nan Zhao for him.
"Ding Wang, since we had an agreement beforehand, you suddenly acting shouldn't be without a reasonable explanation" Lei Tengfeng politely said.
Mou Xiuyao smiled and said, "Explanation It's not much. It's just that this King promised before I promised Princess Anxi. Furthermore, this king also has no intention of interfering in the affairs of Southern Yi. However, when Princess Anxi suspected someone might cause trouble during the wedding ceremony, she asked this king for a few guards to protect newlyweds and guests who attended the wedding. Princess Anxi and Qingchen are close friends, and her beloved concubine also has quite a bit of interaction with me. How could I not agree to such a small matter In addition, this king isn't someone you can take advantage of for free; each guard borrowed by Princess Anxi is charged 5000 taels of silver. If they get injured or killed in battle, an additional 500 taels as medical expenses or 10,000 taels as a consolation fee will be required per person. Such a fair and profitable deal, even without any connection, this king would still do it."
Upon hearing these words, everyone silently bled in their hearts.
Ye Li seemed to ponder deeply, not expecting that Mou Xiuyao had already independently grasped the essence of mercenary troops. To put it bluntly, if Qilin became a mercenary force... Not only could they earn substantial income, but more importantly, it would significantly increase practical combat opportunities. After all, these few years in Northwest had been too peaceful; no matter how many drills there were, they couldn't match the effectiveness of real battles. Of course, this was just Ye Li's whimsical thinking. There was no way she could possibly turn her carefully trained Qilin into a mercenary force.
"What is Xiuyao thinking about" Mou Xiuyao knew from Ye Li lowering her head in deep thought that she must have made up another plan, and asked softly. Ye Li shook her head and said, "Let's talk about it later."
Mou Xiuyao also knew this wasn't a place for conversation and openly got up to embrace Ye Li, standing by the window to watch the battle as well. After special training, Ye Li had excellent night vision, while Mou Xiuyao was powerful; their visual acuity naturally surpassed others present. Looking at Qilin's performance in the distance, Ye Li nodded approvingly. These five and more years of training were not wasted. The entire team had basically matured and become capable of independently handling various tasks.
Mou Xiuyao pointed to the distance and said, "Shu Manlin's people have begun attacking Princess Manor."
Ye Li frowned and asked, "At this time, shouldn't Princess Anxi not be in her manor"
Mou Xiuyao smiled and replied, "Of course she's not there. Would she stay in the manor waiting to die at such a time Princess Anxi probably didn't anticipate that her father would give Shu Manlin the token for mobilizing the royal city guards." Facing several thousand soldiers and hundreds of experts, even with Mou Xiuyao's support, Qilin could only avoid their strength rather than confront them head-on. After all, Mou Xiuyao brought very few people to Southern Yi, and it was absolutely impossible to use the entire force from Ding王府 for Anxi公主.
"Do you want to guess where Princess Anxi has gone" Mou Xiuyao asked happily.
Everyone except Xu Qingchen listened intently to their chat. Ye Li frowned, staring at the scene outside for a long time before slowly saying, "Capture the king first." As Princess Anxi wasn't in her manor now, it was also impossible for her to be fighting people within the city. Then she must have gone to find Shu Manlin; only by seizing the token in her hand could they stop this chaos in the royal city. The guards of Nanzhao and other tribes obeyed their tribal leaders and recognized tokens rather than individuals, so without a token even if King Nanzhao arrived it wouldn't necessarily be effective.
"Where is Shu Manlin"
Mou Xiuyao looked at Ye Li with a smile and said, "Obviously in the Palace of Nanzhao. That woman has gone mad wanting to become King of Nanzhao; where else would she be if not there"
Ye Li frowned slightly. Although King Nanzhao was still in the palace, even if someone had left behind a cover-up and didn't carefully look early on, it might take some time to find him. However, if Shu Manlin found King Nanzhao first, it wouldn't be good for Princess Anxi.sort Ding…" Mosiuyao waved his hand and two Shadow Guards quietly left the battlefield and quickly rushed towards the source of the cry. Ye Li frowned slightly when she saw Empress Liu sitting next to...