Benefits of Standing Idly By

would only become like Dark Guard No. 2 and the others eventually. What's the point of that"Mo Xiuyao snorted softly and turned towards the official road and walked away. Ye Li smiled with pursed lips...292. Benefits of Standing Idly By

After dismissing Mo Jingyu, Mo Xiuyao seemed to be in a good mood. He embraced Ye Li and sighed contentedly with a smile, "Ah Li, how do you think those old men are thinking They know that I won't agree but still sent people to persuade me"

Ye Li smiled softly as she leaned against him, "Why would they be certain that you wouldn't agree In my opinion, they originally believed that there was a high possibility of your agreement." After all, the notion of the Ding王府's loyalty to the Great Chu for over a hundred years was deeply rooted in everyone's hearts. Although Mo Xiuyao had previously declared his severance from the Great Chu, many old officials viewed this as a misunderstanding after Emperor Mo Jingqi issued an abdication decree. Now that the truth has come to light, the Ding王府 remains the same guardian of the Great Chu.

However, they did not consider the fact that while Mo Jingqi could publicly apologize, there was no rule stating that the Ding王府 and Mo Family Army must accept it or choose to forgive him. From this perspective, perhaps Mo Jingli saw things more clearly. At least, Mo Jingli would never come begging Mo Xiuyao for anything, whether due to knowing that Mo Xiuyao wouldn't agree or for his own dignity.

Mo Xiuyao snorted softly and said with a faint smile, "So be it, let them finally lose hope this time."

Ye Li lifted her head, "The envoy from Xiling" Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "Let him wait a bit longer; he's an old acquaintance of ours."

"Le Tengfeng" Ye Li understood the visitor's identity upon slight reflection. For negotiations with Mo Xiuyao, Southern Prince Yan would never send just anyone. Although Xiling is currently under the rule of the Southern Prince Yan family, they are still very wary of the Western Imperial House. Therefore, only Le Tengfeng was trusted and capable enough to be sent. Ye Li asked curiously, "How do you plan to restore Le Tengfeng" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in surprise with a smile, "Why would this king need to restore him" Ye Li blinked her eyes, "Doesn't the Ding王爺 not want to know what conditions the Southern Prince Yan offered"

A faint smile curled at the corners of Mo Xiuyao's lips as a flash of cold light appeared in his eyes, "No matter what conditions he offers… Le Zhen霆 will regret it."

After half a cup of tea, the two continued to chat for a while before sending someone to summon Le Tengfeng.

Le Tengfeng arrived before Mo Jingyu. Although Mo Jingyu had arrived shortly after him, Mo Xiuyao chose to see Mo Jingyu first. This made Le Tengfeng's confidence in the negotiations waver somewhat. Even worse was that after Mo Jingyu left, Mo Xiuyao did not immediately receive him but let him wait another half an hour or so. Such treatment lowered his spirits further, yet years of experience were not wasted; Le Tengfeng never acted impulsively. Therefore, when Zhuo Jing came to summon him, he sat calmly and drank tea.

"This humble one has met the Ding王爺 and the Queen Consort. Since last year's parting, both have gained in grace and charm," said Le Tengfeng as he observed the two sitting side by side on the main seat. Two such people… just based on the years of devotion from the Ding王爺 to his queen consort alone would make anyone envy them. Of course, if one had a wife like the Queen Consort of the Ding王府, perhaps anyone would be willing to devote themselves entirely as well. Although Le Tengfeng himself had numerous concubines, seeing these two seemingly forever walking side by side and supporting each other made him feel envious.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Prince Regent of Southern Prince Yan, please take a seat. It seems that since last year's parting, Your Highness has also gained in grace and charm. By the way, congratulations on being elevated to Duke; henceforth, we should address you as Wise Duke"

Le Tengfeng was stunned for a moment. He had been ennobled after the Xiling expedition force entered Great Chu, which hadn't been widely publicized. Yet Ye Li already knew about it. The information channels of Queen Consort Ding were indeed formidable. Despite his surprise in heart, Le Tengfeng remained composed on the surface and said with a faint smile, "This humble one is embarrassed; your words are too heavy."

"Then… What brings the Wise King so far" Ye Li asked.

Le Tengfeng glanced at the white-haired man beside him who was smiling gently at Ye Li. Clearly, Mo Xiuyao had no intention of speaking and seemed to have handed everything over to the Queen Consort. Although he already knew that Queen Consort Ding's status in the Ding王府 was unmatched among all dynasties, Le Tengfeng was still surprised by how even such an important matter was entrusted to her.

Looking into Ye Li’s calm and refined eyes, Le Tengfeng gathered his thoughts and said seriously, "The Ding王府 is well-informed; no doubt, the news of Xiling's expedition force entering Great Chu must have already been known by Your Grace and Queen Consort."

Ye Li nodded, smiling without speaking.

Rui Tengfeng sighed inwardly and said, "Today's situation is clear to the Prince of Dingwang and his consort. This humble one dare not show off in front of a master craftsman. Now, Greater Chu faces enemies from the north, west, and even the east. Even though Greater Chu has vast territory and many people, it might not be able to withstand attacks from three countries if it lacks capable generals. This humble one came at my father's command to seek advice on this war... What are Prince of Dingwang's plans"

Moxiuyao glanced at him coolly with a single glance that made Rui Tengfeng feel like an idiot. Of course, he knew that Moxiuyao would not tell him what the Mo family army planned to do. But when faced with these two stubborn people, he had to start a conversation somehow When dealing with them, being straightforward was undoubtedly the best approach.

Ye Li ignored Rui Tengfeng's discomfort and said with a smile, "I wonder what His Excellency Prince of Zhennan means This war... If the Dingwang王府 intervenes, how will it be If not, how"

Rui Tengfeng said, "The Dingwang王府 has already severed ties with Greater Chu. My father believes that the Prince of Dingwang is a man who keeps his word. If the Mo family army agrees to share in the spoils of dividing Greater Chu with the three countries, it would be ideal. Everyone can rely on their own abilities; if the Prince of Dingwang remains inactive after conquering Greater Chu, West Ling will offer two states close to the northwest as a gift."

"Prince of Zhennan has great generosity," Ye Li praised with a smile. There were only four states and thirteen cities in Northwest now, but Rui Tengfeng was willing to give away half the area without the Mo family army having to provide any troops or resources. This would be an excellent deal if it were normal business.

Rui Tengfeng said with a smile, "This also demonstrates誠意 from my father and West Ling. As long as the Mo family army does not assist Greater Chu, everything can be discussed. Moreover, West Ling can sign a pact with Northwest for peaceful coexistence I wonder what Lady Consort thinks of this" Ye Li frowned in thought before smiling slightly, "The conditions proposed by Prince Rui are indeed very tempting... But this matter is something that I fear I cannot decide on the spot." Ye Li helplessly glanced at Moxiuyao who was sleeping with his head on her leg and signaled to Rui Tengfeng. The Prince of Dingwang did not want to work, so no one could force him.

Rui Tengfeng could only苦笑, knowing that Ye Li wasn't truly unable to decide immediately but rather the offer hadn't been generous enough yet. Clenching his teeth, Rui Tengfeng said, "I recall many of Northwest's mineral resources are imported from various countries, with West Ling being the most among them. If Prince of Dingwang agrees not to intervene in this matter, all debts before this year will be waived."

Seeing Moxiuyao turn his face and raise an eyebrow as he continued sleeping without opening his eyes made Rui Tengfeng's face nearly green. He clenched his teeth and said, "There is a mine at the border of West Ling, Northwest, and North Rong that belongs to West Ling. From now on, it will be transferred to the Dingwang王府."

It wasn't as if Rui Tengfeng was particularly unwilling to give up this mine since he had already included it in his proposal. Besides, located at the borders of West Ling and North Rong, it was often harassed by North Rong people making mining nearly impossible. Its annual output barely contributed anything to West Ling's total production. Once West Ling conquered Greater Chu, regardless of whether or not they took complete control, their geographical advantage would prevent them from needing to compete with North Rong and North Border in the north. If they controlled the southern part, the wealthiest areas of Greater Chu would belong to West Ling. Such significant benefits meant that they wouldn't hesitate even to give up a few mines.

However, this was already the lowest offer he could make because Moxiuyao could gain so much without doing anything. Further offers were beyond his authority to decide.

Ye Li's eyes flickered as she smiled and said, "Prince Rui is indeed very generous; it seems... This Consort and His Excellency truly need to carefully consider this."

Rui Tengfeng anxiously said, "Lady Consort please understand. I really don't have much time to stay in Northwest."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Prince Rui can rest assured; we will give you an answer no later than tomorrow morning. Prince Rui has traveled a long way and must be tired, shouldn't you at least rest one night before leaving"

Rui Tengfeng hesitated for a moment but nodded finally. He had hurried to West Ling from fear that Greater Chu would act first, indeed feeling quite exhausted. "In this case, I thank Lady Consort." Ye Li smiled and nodded as she called in Zuo Jing who was waiting outside the door: "Escort Prince Rui to the embassy."

Hearing this, Rui Tengfeng also let out a breath of relief inwardly. If Ye Li had asked him to stay at Dingwang王府, he would have been worried. After thanking Ye Li again, Rui Tengfeng left with Zuo Jing.

The hall was quiet once more; Ye Li leaned back in her chair and looked down at Moxiuyao who was still sleeping on her leg, smiling softly: "It seems that Leizhenting is determined to conquer Greater Chu this time." Moxiuyao said indifferently, "Leizhenting is already nearly sixty."

Ye Lüe was slightly embarrassed. Although Lei Zhenting was over fifty, he wasn’t yet sixty, right However, this didn’t affect her understanding of Mo Xiuyao’s intentions. Lei Zhenting had already aged; even though his martial arts were extraordinary, no one could be sure that he would live as long as Mu Gongxiong. Moreover, even if he did live to the same age as Mu Gongxiong, Mo Xiuyao was still too young compared to him. Especially after taking the antidote made from Bi Luohua, Mo Xiuyao didn’t seem affected by any poison or old injuries. His appearance hardly changed at all, and now that he had passed thirty years old, he looked as if he were only twenty-six or twenty-seven.

At least in the next two decades, Mo Xiuyao would remain at his prime, while Lei Zhenting would continue to age. To put it bluntly, even if Lei Zhenting wore Mo Xiuyao down, he could still outlive him. However, Lei Zhenting’s pride wouldn’t allow him to suffer consecutive defeats by the hands of Mo Liufang and his son, so he couldn’t just sit idly by. Since he couldn’t move against Mo Xiuyao immediately, he could only strengthen Western Xiling and then deal with Mo Xiuyao later. The fastest way to strengthen Western Xiling was to obtain the prosperous and vast Great Chu territory, which is why he abandoned Nanzhao for Great Chu.

"Did you say… that Lei Zhenting found out about your plan Could it make him die of anger" Recalling someone’s mischievous nature, Ye Lüe couldn’t help but ask curiously with a smile.

"No. Lei Zhenting won’t die that easily. Even if he were to… " The person who was resting his eyes had a lazy tone but added an unnoticeable chill, “He would still die on the battlefield.” Died in this king's hands!

Shaking her head, Ye Lüe sighed and said, "War brings endless disasters. Who knows how many lives will be affected…" She couldn’t help feeling anxious; she had never seen real warfare, even when Western Xiling massacred Xiangyang a few years ago, it was merely a short-term conflict in a small area. Now, however, the impending chaos and suffering across the land were almost inevitable.

Mo Xiuyao held her hand, saying, "Lüe, don’t be afraid…"

Ye Lüe smiled and replied, “No need to worry. No matter what happens, I’ll always be by your side.”

The next morning, Lei Tengfeng left Western Xiling with the promise and personally signed agreement from Mo Xiuyao. Once Northwest decided to sit out, it was easy to imagine the impending doom of Great Chu. To ensure that Western Xiling’s investment would reap its rewards, Lei Tengfeng eagerly announced this news upon leaving Li City. This announcement was a boon for armies fighting against Great Chu but devastating for those already struggling to resist. When this news spread across the land, nobles from various countries rejoiced and rubbed their hands in anticipation of taking down the crumbling empire, while countless officials and commoners of Great Chu could only weep.

At Snow Fragments Pass in the south, Mu Sheng heard his subordinate’s report and heaved a long sigh before dismissing him. Standing on the city wall, looking northward, this great general saw the entire Great Chu territory collapsing at an alarming rate. However, they were powerless to stop it; those capable of saving Great Chu had been expelled years ago by the duke sitting high on the throne. After abandoning them, Great Chu wouldn’t expect their support when faced with peril.

In Huaguo Mansion in Chuzheng’s capital city, Duke Huaguo, his hair as white as snow, watched as Mo Jingyu turned away with a tired expression. His wrinkled face showed sorrow and helplessness but also determination and resolve.

"Bring me to the palace," said Duke Huaguo after some time in a grave voice. The eldest grandson beside him worriedly asked, "Grandfather, what are you going to do at this hour"

Duke Huaguo answered solemnly, "I’m asking for permission to fight. There’s no one guarding the Northern Rong border… I may be old, but I can still move."

His grandson's eyes reddened as he said, “That won’t do! Grandfather is so old and should enjoy your twilight years in peace. I will go to the palace now to request permission on your behalf!” But he felt ashamed for being weak; his family was originally a military clan but due to the emperor’s suspicion, they had all been forced into studying literature since his grandfather's generation. Even if he wanted to fight… what difference would it make

"Grandfather… Aunt and Sister are in Northwest. Why don’t you ask them for help…"

“Nonsense!” shouted Duke Huaguo, “They’re women who shouldn't be involved in these matters. Furthermore… Ding Wang has his own path to follow, and the Huagas have their own way…”

"Yes, Grandson understands," he said meekly.

“Alright, prepare for going to the palace.”

North of Purple Magnolia Pass

In the Great General's Mansion within the Purple Magnolia Pass, Leng Huai sighed heavily as he read the latest battle report on the table. Seeing him sigh, Leng Qingyu and Mu Yang both turned to look at him. Leng Qingyu frowned and asked, "Father, what’s wrong" Closing his eyes for a moment, Leng Huai replied in a serious tone, "The Prince of Ding has already rejected aiding the Great Chu and agreed with Xi Ling's request. He will no longer interfere with matters concerning the Great Chu." Although the Leng family wasn't aligned with the Prince of Ding’s household, Leng Huai didn’t harbor any ill feelings toward them personally. It was just a matter of differing stances. However, like all citizens of the Great Chu, at this moment, he still held onto some hope for the Great Chu. But everyone now had to face reality. The Mo Family Army was no longer the elite force that defended the Great Chu.

“The Prince of Ding would actually do something like this! Doesn’t he fear being pointed and ridiculed by the people of the Great Chu” Leng Qingyu frowned.

Cold Hao Yu, who had been whispering with Mu Ting earlier, raised an eyebrow. He snorted mockingly and said, “Why can't the Prince of Ding do this The Prince of Ding’s household has had no connection with the Great Chu for years now. Why should my brother think that the Prince of Ding must send troops to aid the Great Chu For over a hundred years, the Prince of Ding’s household protected the Great Chu but nobody thanked them. Now that they refuse help when there's trouble, is it such a major crime”

Leng Qingyu frowned and looked at Cold Hao Yu unhappily. "No matter what, the Mo Family Army are still subjects of the Great Chu. The offspring of the Mo Family Army are also citizens of the Great Chu. What’s the difference between not intervening now and throwing someone into a well Besides...the previous emperor has already issued an edict restoring all honors to the Prince of Ding's household. So, naturally, they remain subjects of the Great Chu."

Cold Hao Yu sneered dismissively. "Who says the current emperor’s order must be obeyed by the Prince of Ding Who said that just because apologies have been given, one has to forgive Brother, if I accidentally stab you someday, you would surely be magnanimous and forgive me, right" Seeing Leng Qingyu's face turn pale with anger, Cold Hao Yu shrugged his shoulders. "See, we are brothers after all. Even your own brother can't always get a free pass from you, let alone the Prince of Ding who has no idea how many generations have passed since he was related to the previous emperor."

"Enough! Is this really the time for bickering" Leng Huai swept his gaze over these two brothers and said to Leng Qingyu, "Your second brother is right. These words shouldn’t be spoken anymore." Leng Qingyu’s expression was already bad enough; now it became even darker. It wasn't customary for his father to take Cold Hao Yu's side, but since the time when Cold Hao Yu had appeared on the battlefield with Mu Ting and saved a nearly injured-by-random-arrows Leng Huai, the elder seemed to have a different attitude toward this son.

Actually, although part of what Leng Huai was saying agreed with Cold Hao Yu's viewpoint, it was more out of concern for his eldest son. After all, he had personally experienced the deep-rooted influence and covert forces of the Prince of Ding’s household. Now that the previous emperor was gone, they were no longer completely at odds with each other. There was therefore no need to offend the Prince of Ding. As for this younger son who had always kept his eyes lowered... Leng Huai glanced curiously at Cold Hao Yu leaning back in a chair and chatting with his wife. A trace of thought flashed across his eyes.

Although Leng Huai wasn't indifferent to his concubine's son, he still cared for Cold Hao Yu’s upbringing more than Feng Huiting did towards Feng Zhiyao. However, as Cold Hao Yu grew older, his character became increasingly naughty and unruly, indulging in all sorts of vices. Eventually, Leng Huai had lost hope with him. When the younger son suddenly announced he wanted to go into business later, although Leng Huai wasn’t pleased about it, he didn't stop him either. At least being a businessman was still a legitimate career compared to idle rich heirs who spent their days drinking and gambling. Furthermore, as a concubine's son, Cold Hao Yu couldn't obtain any titles or official positions anyway. If he went into business at least his living needs wouldn’t be lacking; moreover, with the support of the General’s Manor, no one would dare bully him.

It was only until this time that Leng Huai realized he had misjudged this son all along. He still remembered during the city battle when the northern army's attacks were unprecedentedly intense, and the city walls seemed almost enveloped by rain of arrows. Standing on the wall to oversee the troops, Leng Huai watched helplessly as several sharp arrows headed towards him. Suddenly, his second son appeared on the wall with a long sword in hand, creating a net of sword strokes that blocked all the sudden showering arrows. Before he could react, Mu Ting had pulled him behind the battlements. From the almost impenetrable web of sword strokes casually drawn by this younger son, Leng Huai knew that his second son’s martial skills were definitely superior to even his proud eldest son.

Then there was also the news from the capital recently about the Feng family... He had always known that Feng Zhiyao was a close confidant of the Prince of Ding. And his younger son often had dealings with Feng San...

Cold Hao Yu naturally noticed his father’s thoughtful gaze, and without concern, he threw Leng Huai an impudent smile before turning to continue chatting with Mu Ting.

Mu Yang observed the trio of father and sons helplessly. As the only son in the Mu Yang Marquis Manor without any concubine-born siblings, he couldn’t understand these intricate family politics well either. Although his status often brought him closer to Leng Qingyu, his relationship with Cold Hao Yu wasn't bad either. At this moment, it was inappropriate for him to comment further. He could only ask, "General, is there any imperial edict from the court"

Leng Huai shook his head calmly and said, “We guard Purple Magnolia Pass and must not let the northern army step a foot beyond it. What need do we have for an edict”

The two young men responded solemnly in unison, "As General says."

“Father is right,”

Apart from them, Cold Hao Yu rolled his eyes at this invisible place. Guarding Purple Magnolia Pass… it also depends on whether the court can withstand pressure from behind. Otherwise, once military supplies are cut off from the rear, the soldiers guarding Purple Magnolia Pass would be fighting a losing battle regardless of their efforts. from his usual behavior and demeanor what the emperor's intentions were regarding the Nan Hou family. After a brief moment of silence, Zhou Yushan said, "Last year, I was only able to quickly raise t...