97 The New Lord of the Han Clan

ng walls. It's not easy to break it down." Mo Jingli was hesitant and asked the advisor with furrowed brows, "Allowing people from Nanzhao into Snowflake Pass… would that really be useful" The advisor...97. New Master of the Han Family

97. New Master of the Han Family

When Han Mingxi came in, he looked completely different from his usual cheerful and flamboyant self. His originally handsome smile with a touch of mischievousness was nowhere to be seen now. Instead, there were more signs of exhaustion and gloominess, as if he felt abandoned and disappointed. Ye Li could only sigh silently in her heart. Mo Xiuyao made the decision that he deemed most appropriate, while Han Mingyue chose the person she thought was most important. As for Han Mingxi... In fact, from beginning to end, he was the one who was truly innocent.

"Your Highness, Lady," said Han Mingxi with a somewhat stiff voice.

Mo Xiuyao nodded slightly and said calmly, "Mr. Han, please take a seat." Without speaking, Han Mingxi sat down and his gaze swept lightly across Ye Li before settling on Mo Xiuyao again, "Your Highness knew my elder brother's plans from the start" Fixing his gaze on Mo Xiuyao, Han Mingxi asked without any politeness.

Mo Xiuyao nodded slightly and said, "Han Mingyue knows me well, and I know him equally. Therefore... I can guess to some extent why he would make such a decision for certain people or matters. He probably didn't expect that I would come so quickly." Han Mingxi remained silent. Indeed, if Mo Xiuyao hadn't suddenly arrived in Guangling, perhaps Han Mingyue might have disappeared one night after arranging everything according to his plan. Now, with all plans disrupted, Han Mingyue could only resort to a sudden ambush on Han Mingxi and then leave hastily, leaving behind a mess for his younger brother whom he had cherished since childhood.

"Then what is Mr. Han's purpose in coming to see me now" asked Mo Xiuyao with a solemn voice.

Han Mingxi stared at him and asked, "If I have no plans at all, then what does Your Highness plan to do"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze and said, "All the dark posts of Tianyi Pavilion in Guangling City and within Dachu's territory will be cleared out within three days. As for the Han Family, I don't have the authority to deal with them, but if the imperial decree really comes down, its content should be very clear to Mr. Han."

"Exterminate nine generations...," muttered Han Mingxi bitterly. "Elder brother, do you completely disregard me and the Han Family for that woman" After a moment of silence in the hall, Han Mingxi finally raised his head and said to Mo Xiuyao, "The Han Family has already expelled Han Mingyue from our home; henceforth, Han Mingyue is no longer a member of Guangling's Han Family!"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. Who said that Han Mingxi was worthless Judging from his decisiveness in dealing with the situation, he was definitely more suitable than Han Mingyue to lead the Han Family.

"If so, I will also petition His Majesty and clarify the innocence of the Han Family," Mo Xiuyao nodded.

Han Mingyue lowered his gaze slightly and said with a calm voice, "Thank you, Your Highness." Although he did not like Mo Xiuyao, Han Mingxi could not help but thank him. Even if the Han Family cut ties with Han Mingyue now, once Han Mingyue truly served Western Ling in the future, the Han Family would still be unable to avoid punishment. Even if they僥倖escaped, the costs and expenses required for smoothing out relations would destroy the Han Family anyway. With a word from Prince Dingguo, even the emperor wouldn't question the innocence of the Han Family. The relationship between Prince Dingguo's mansion and the three surrounding countries was deep-seated enmity; even if the emperor himself allied with enemies, he wouldn't ally with Prince Dingguo.

"I have one more matter to request Your Highness and Lady's approval."

"Sir, feel free to speak your mind," Mo Xiuyao said.

A look of determination flashed across Han Mingchi's eyes as he looked at Ye Li and declared, "Han Mingchi will follow Your Highness and the Princess Consort with the status of head of the Han family." By pledging his allegiance in this manner, it indicated that the entire Han family would support Prince Dìng.

"What are the conditions" Mo Xiuyao asked. It was clear that Han Mingchi wouldn't make such a big commitment without any conditions.

Han Mingchi said solemnly, "I only ask… if my elder brother ends up in Your Highness's hands one day, please show mercy and spare him." In his heart, he knew very clearly that given the future position of his sister, Han Mingyue, it was inevitable that she would clash with Prince Dìng. Furthermore, he was well aware that his elder brother was no match for Prince Dìng; not just because his martial arts skills and intelligence were inferior to those of Prince Dìng, but also because… unlike Prince Consort Dìng’s support, the woman in question would only cause trouble for his elder brother. Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly and said, "Sir Han truly values loyalty and affection. Since Sir Han trusts this prince so much… as you wish. From now on, whatever matters come up, just follow what Princess Li says." Han Mingchi looked at Mo Xiuyao in surprise before bowing his head respectfully towards Ye Li and saying, "As you command, Your Highness. Pardon the intrusion."

Seeing Han Mingchi leave, Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and then said, "Han Mingyue dares to let go so decisively because she is well aware of this prince’s actions. She knows that I won’t harm the foundation of the Han family."

Han Mingchi paused in his steps briefly but continued walking out of the hall without looking back.

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao with a puzzled expression and asked, "Why tell him this And make him listen to me" Smiling, Mo Xiuyao said, "Han Mingyue values her emotions deeply, as does Han Mingchi. However, while Han Mingyue prioritizes personal feelings, Han Mingchi places more importance on sibling bonds. It would be better for him to know now rather than harbor resentment if he learns of this prince’s schemes against his family in the future. He is a smart man and will understand how to make decisions. As for… Liya, since you are already involved in this conflict, no one can withdraw from it anymore. You need to have enough strength to protect yourself. Even without me, your capabilities should deter others from easily targeting you. Moreover, Han Mingchi has a proud personality with some cunning. If he disobeys, even if he pledges allegiance, he might still be insincere in his actions. I believe he wouldn't harm you. But Liya..." Looking thoughtful, Mo Xiuyao stared seriously at Ye Li.

Raising an eyebrow, Ye Li asked, "What"

"At least while I am alive," Mo Xiuyao murmured, but Ye Li could hear the seriousness in his voice. "If you are too kind to him…"

“How so” Feeling somewhat uncomfortable under his strange gaze, Ye Li asked.

Murmuring softly, Mo Xiuyao said, “I’ll kill him!” But there was a serious tone to it that made Ye Li shiver. "At least while I am alive."

Ye Li felt her heart skip a beat and reached out to hold his hand, saying sincerely, "You will be fine." Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, not wanting to continue the conversation. "Alright then, Liya. Let's go back to what we were discussing before." Ye Li’s memory was sharp too, so she raised an eyebrow at Mo Xiuyao and asked, "What kind of woman could make a person like Han Mingyue be in such a state" Regardless of whether it was Han Mingyue herself or the women under her as the head of Qingfeng Mingyue Hall, each one was talented and beautiful. What sort of extraordinary woman could bewitch a man like Han Mingyue so completely

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and said in a deep voice, "Su Zuodie."

"Su Zui... Su Zuìdié!" Ye Li was somewhat shocked, "Su Zuìdié isn’t dead"

Moxiu Yao nodded faintly as if he didn’t particularly care about his ex-fiancée not being dead. It seemed that he didn’t mind Han Mingyue’s infatuation with his former fiancée at all. In a short moment, Ye Li’s mind had spun countless thoughts and ideas before asking after a while, "Last year the person who kidnapped me was Su Zuìdié She is now in Western Ling... and has something to do with the royal family of Western Ling" Moxiu Yao looked apologetically at Ye Li and nodded.

Ye Li couldn’t help rubbing her temples as she analyzed what she knew. Su Zuìdié had died three months after Moxiu Yao’s serious injuries, but now there were indications that she was in Western Ling and possibly connected to the royal family of Western Ling. Han Mingyue was a good friend of Moxiu Yao yet was infatuated with Su Zuìdié. After Su Zuìdié died, Han Mingyue fell out with Moxiu Yao, but it appeared that Han Mingyue had wronged Moxiu Yao in some way, which meant... Han Mingyue and Su Zuìdié might have done something to betray Moxiu Yao. However, this didn’t seem like a private matter between them as judging by how Han Mingyi viewed Su Zuìdié, it seemed that she was taking advantage of Han Mingyue. "Su... did Lady Su die because Han Mingyue helped her"

Moxiu Yao raised his eyebrows slightly and smiled calmly, "Ah Li is indeed sharp-minded."

Ye Li smiled faintly, "It’s not hard to guess. The fact that someone as powerful as Lady Su could hide the truth from so many people must have taken a lot of power. However, although Old Minister Su was highly respected, the Su family didn’t have much influence in the capital. If you hadn’t helped Lady Su fake her death, it would only be Tianyi Pavilion’s master who has a deep affection for her and is infatuated with her that could have done so. You… shouldn’t do such pointless things, right" Looking at him now, he didn’t seem like someone who would easily allow his fiancée to fake her death and run away from the wedding. Moxiu Yao’s expression was not very good, but there was no anger or resentment; it seemed that he simply did not want to talk about it. Ye Li tilted her head as she thought, "Actually, compared to why Lady Su faked her death, I’m more curious about why she went to Western Ling after faking her death." If it were just a matter of not wanting to marry Moxiu Yao who had been seriously injured and crippled, after faking her death, with her looks, she could have found herself a suitable husband in the Great Chu or simply stayed with Han Mingyue. Leaving aside other aspects, Han Mingyue was undoubtedly one of the best choices for a wife in a woman’s eyes. Judging by Moxiu Yao’s attitude towards Su Zuìdié and Han Mingyue over these years, even if they were together, it wouldn’t be too much of a problem for Moxiu Yao. A young lady from a prominent family in the capital faked her death and traveled thousands of miles to Western Ling…

"Is it convenient to talk about Lady Su’s current identity" Ye Li asked curiously.

"Qingrong Noble Consort, Bai Long, in Western Ling."

“Qingrong Noble Consort” Ye Li raised her eyebrows. Even without common knowledge, she remembered that a noble consort’s title was usually just one character; if this were the case, Su Zuìdié seemed to hold quite an important position in Western Ling. Looking at Moxiu Yao, Ye Li decided not to ask any more questions. It was enough for her to know that between herself and Su Zuìdié, Moxiu Yao would definitely stand by her side. As for the clearly nostalgic or somewhat resentful Qingrong Noble Consort of Western Ling… she could figure it out herself. Discussing his ex-fiancée with her husband wasn’t a good topic.

Ye Li decided not to ask anymore, but Moxiu Yao didn’t think so. He calmly said, "The Bai family is one of the four major surnames in Western Ling; most of the empresses and noble consorts throughout history have come from the Bais. This includes the current Empress of Western Ling. Bai Long entered the palace seven years ago and was initially titled Consort Rong. She was quite favored by the emperor of Western Ling. After the death of the empress, she was elevated to Qingrong Noble Consort. If not for the former Empress of Western Ling personally asking the emperor to elevate Huiguo Noble Consort from her family as the new Empress before her death, Bai Long would already be the Empress of Western Ling."

"Didn't you do anything" Ye Li was curious. With Mo Xiuyao's original character, even if he didn't kill Han Mingyue and Su Zuodie immediately, he wouldn't let them leave the capital unharmed. Or if Mo Xiuyao truly loved Su Zuodie, he wouldn't have allowed her to leave the city. Mo Xiuyao glanced at her. "I was in a bad mood back then and really intended to kill them. But... Master Su arrived shortly after and personally knelt down to beg me for their lives. Master Su was my mentor, and Su Zuodie's father saved Big Brother once; her brother also died rescuing me during that battle. After calming down, I let them go."

Ye Li nodded silently. Anyone who told her that Mo Xiuyao loved Su Zuodie deeply would be tossed into the water to wash their eyes out. This man's voice was as calm as if he were talking to a stranger. But couldn't even such a beautiful woman move Mo Xiuyao "Did... you like Su Zuodie" Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li with some surprise and nodded lightly, smilingly saying, "Of course I did." Ye Li frowned slightly, ignoring the unease in her heart. "Then why now..."

Mo Xiuyao interrupted her. "She was my fiancée and we grew up together since childhood; she may still be my wife in the future. She’s very beautiful, talented, and has a good temperament. Why wouldn't I like her However... she seems to always think that I treat her inadequately. After I got injured, she pretended to be dead to leave me because of her family's influence on mine; then we had no relationship at all."

Ye Li nodded. Mo Xiuyao’s words summed up that he once thought Su Zuodie was a perfect fiancée, and the men in the Ding Kingdom Household were usually monogamous, not just concerning love or not. As long as they recognized their wives, they would be good to them; this is what truly circulated around the city about mutual affection. Since Su Zuodie chose to leave at last, naturally she had nothing to do with Mo Xiuyao anymore. Therefore, in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes now, Su Zuodie was just a stranger, and even possibly an enemy.

Guangling City itself didn’t have much to handle; instead, Han Mingxiu acted swiftly, spreading the news throughout Guangling that Han Mingyue had been expelled from the Han family and that they now had their second son in charge. Even the people of Guangling knew very little about this person named Han Mingxiu, only knowing there was a second son in the Han household, but nothing else. Now with a change in leadership within the Han family, all the major merchants and officials naturally paid attention to it. Amidst this unexpected commotion, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li left Guangling quietly for Chu Capital.

As soon as they returned to the capital, Mo Xiuyao was summoned by the emperor to discuss matters in the palace. Without bothering about how Mo Xiuyao would explain her disappearance and reappearance in Yonglin City, Ye Li was already entangled by everyone who came forward with concern from within the王府. After managing to soothe Nursemaid Lady Lin and Auntie Sun, she listened as Chief Eunuch and Auntie Sun reported on recent matters at Ding Kingdom Household. Just as Ye Li planned to visit Qingniao and Qingyu, who were still recuperating, another servant came to report that Minister Ye and Dowager Grandmother sought an audience.

Compared to the past year's smooth sailing, this year could be described as dark clouds gathering over Secretary of State Ye. In early spring, his third daughter and wife, the Consort Dingwangfei, had gone missing in the palace; not long after that, his second daughter and her grandson died in a fire. Before the family could recover from these blows, his fourth son-in-law rebelled against the throne suddenly. Although the emperor hadn’t yet harbored resentment towards the Ye family, life for Secretary of State Ye was far from easy. Occasionally, he even doubted if Heaven disliked him so much as to play tricks on him. Therefore, upon hearing that both Dingwang and Consort Dingwangfei had returned to the capital, Secretary of State Ye couldn't wait to put aside his fatherly dignity and visit them directly with Dowager Grandmother.

Ye Li stepped into the flower hall and looked at her father and grandmother who appeared significantly aged and worn out. She raised an eyebrow in surprise. "Father, grandmother."

"Lily, you're finally safe back home; your grandmother was so worried," Dowager Grandmother said with tears in her eyes while holding Ye Li's hand tightly. Ye Li smiled faintly. "I've caused my grandmother trouble; it’s all Lily’s fault."

Secretary of State Ye scrutinized this daughter of his with some confusion, sensing something amiss. Although he didn't often interact with her after his wife passed away, that did not prevent him from knowing certain details about her circumstances. This third daughter had always been quiet and unassuming, yet she possessed the same grace and elegance as his late wife. But when seeing her now, Secretary of State Ye noticed something different in her expression. Even while sitting quietly with Dowager Grandmother holding her hand, he felt an unprecedented sharpness and pressure from her. He couldn’t help recalling the rumors about Consort Dingwangfei suddenly appearing in Yongzhou and assisting General Murong’s garrison to defend Yonglin. Although few knew this news, as Secretary of State Ye was also the father-in-law to Emperor, Li Prince, and Ding King, he naturally had certain undisclosed channels for obtaining information that were much more reliable than mere rumors. Looking at the gentle woman before him with a smile on her lips, Secretary of State Ye felt mixed emotions in his heart. He had a daughter hiding secrets deep within herself, but even she kept this from him; yet, he treated her as an expendable pawn.ought that she had met many people in this life but never anyone as peculiar as Ye Li. Whether it was to sow discord or to provoke her, nothing worked; it seemed that she didn't get angry or jealous a...