319 The Fate of the Capital of Chu

o Ye Ying’s pretense of weakness and said with a smile, "Fourth Young Miss, what is it Our young miss has already offered a discount for the sake of Prince Liwang being her future fourth uncle-in-law....319. The Fate of the Capital City of Chu

319。 The Fate of the Capital City of Chu

Moxiu Yao and Ye Li returned to Li City with their entourage, traveling at a leisurely pace due to Ye Li's pregnancy, despite the fact that the Black Family Army in留守西北已經與西陵和北戎開戰。

Meanwhile, far away from Li City, Mo Jingli, who was facing off against Prince of Southern Commandery, also received news from Li City. In a palace renovated on the foundation of the former Li王府, Mo Jingli's face darkened as he looked at the memorial just presented to him. Although the current Chu Palace was built upon the original Li王府, renovations had already begun when Mo Jingli and Mo Jingqi had their falling out long ago. After many years of work, it had achieved considerable results. The government of Great Chu hastily moved south of Yunlan River, but no major disturbances occurred. Under Mo Jingli's leadership, a small court of Chu was maintained. However, the current regime in southern Jiangnan could hardly be called large anymore; at best, it could only be called Southern Chu.

In the grand hall, sat an emperor of six or seven years old who was weak and timid and not yet懂事。 Beside him sat Mo Jingli, the powerful regent prince, on a chair equally splendid as the dragon throne. Seeing Mo Jingli's displeased expression, his ministers dared not speak up. Since the relocation to southern Jiangnan, everything had been under Prince Li's control. Being in someone else’s territory always meant being at their mercy. Moreover, many of the truly spirited officials and generals who refused to leave the capital city chose to stay there even as it teetered on collapse. How could one expect these remaining ones to have the courage to defy Prince Li

Although Empress Dowager Taizhen still held some power, she gradually became weaker after the relocation of the capital. The emperor's courage was no greater than that of a six-year-old boy. Everyone tacitly understood that it wouldn't be long before the young emperor would abdicate and another monarch would take his place.

Mo Jingli looked down from above, glanced at everyone below with disdain, and said: "Do you want to know what's written in this memorial"

The ministers were taken aback and exchanged looks. His words seemed rather strange.

Ignoring their reaction, Mo Jingli tapped the memorial lightly as he read it aloud: "Moxiu Yao captured the capital city of Xiling and renamed it Anping City. Moxiu Yao has already left Xiling and returned to the northwest."

Hearing this, the ministers' expressions varied, exchanging their opinions with close colleagues through glances. Mo Jingli impatiently said: "Speak your mind!"

After some time, a minister stood up and knelt down respectfully: "Your Highness, Prince Ding's return to the northwest might mean... that the Black Family Army may send troops to rescue Chu Capital City. If so..." Mo Jingli laughed disdainfully and looked at him with a mixture of mockery and amusement: "So what if they do Do you still hope to return to the capital city Even disregarding Lei Zhenting standing across the river, how can we take back the capital city The northern border of Xiling is surrounded by enemies from all sides. How different is Chu Capital City from a solitary fortress And furthermore... Don't tell me you think Moxiu Yao's rescue of the capital city belongs to the royal family or to Prince Ding's household"

"This... Your Highness has a keen insight, and I have missed something." The minister's face changed slightly as he retreated dejectedly.

Mo Jingli looked at everyone indifferently and said: "You don't need to be overly disappointed. Even if Moxiu Yao intended to reinforce Chu Capital City, it would likely be too late. Outside Feihong Pass, there are still hundreds of thousands of cavalry from Northern Rong and twenty thousand troops from Xiling."

"Your Highness, then the Prince of Southern Commandery in Xiling..."

Mo Jingli said disdainfully: "The army of Xiling is not adept at water warfare; Yunlan River serves as a natural barrier for them. Order the troops along the riverbank to keep watch for me; one day I will make Lei Zhenting look foolish!

The people present suddenly understood that Prince Li intended to settle in the southern Jiangnan region, relying on the strategic location of Yunlan River and its fertile land. There was no immediate plan for him to march north to recover lost territories. They felt a wave of disappointment followed by confusion; they had hoped to avoid war near Chu Capital and follow Prince Li as he moved the capital south under the pretext of regaining strength later, but now... perhaps this would be their fate for the rest of their lives

Seeing that there was nothing else to discuss, Mo Jingli dismissed the ministers. Soon, in the grand hall, only the young emperor Mo Subin remained with the eunuchs attending him. Mo Subin was very afraid of his uncle who always stared at him with a terrifying gaze and could only shrink into his throne when he saw no one around.

Mo Jingli's eyes darkened as he glared more menacingly at the boy seated on the throne. If his own son were still alive, he would be about the same age as this child; however, Mo Jingsqi had somehow hidden his whereabouts and Mo Jingli was now forced to care for Mo Jingsqi’s son! The sight of the timid boy made him increasingly displeased. Mo Jingli grabbed Mo Subin from the throne and pulled him towards the palace quarters without caring that the seven-year-old could barely keep up with his strides, nearly dragging him all the way.

The imperial attendants in the palace naturally witnessed the emperor's awkwardness but, given that Prince Li now held absolute power within the palace, who dared to intervene

Mo Jingli pulled Mo Subin straight into Empress Dowager Li’s residence where she was conversing with her mother-in-law. Upon seeing Mo Jingli approach and noticing his son's disheveled appearance, tears welled up in her eyes: "Your Imperial Highness..."

"Get out of the way!" snapped Mo Jingli impatiently. If he had once respected Empress Huo as a former sister-in-law, he now felt that Empress Dowager Li was even less than grass to him. Li Jie indeed shuddered in fright and stood rooted to the spot, too scared to move further. She could only look helplessly at her pale-faced son through her tears.

Sitting nearby, Empress Dowager silently shook her head in dismay. Although she didn't like Empress Dowager Li's domineering nature, this woman was far too weak. It is said that a mother must be strong for her children’s sake, but Empress Dowager Li couldn’t muster even the slightest strength for hers.

"Li Ri, what are you doing" The Empress Dowager frowned at Mo Jingli's dark expression and sternly asked him.

Mo Jingli carelessly threw Mo Subin to the side of the floor and coldly laughed: "What do you think I’m doing Mother, tell me where Jingshi has taken my son" The Empress Dowager remained silent; if she was unclear before, she now fully understood. She never imagined that her two sons would treat their half-brother so mercilessly. Shaking his head, he said: "I don’t know. You know our relationship isn’t as harmonious as it appears to outsiders. If he did something like this, why would he tell me" In these months, Mo Jingli had asked her repeatedly and she gradually realized that the child Ye Ying gave birth to might be his only offspring.

"You should ask Concubine Liu if you want answers; wasn’t it your decision to protect her back then" The Empress Dowager calmly replied with a hint of sarcasm. Whenever she thought about how her own son chose to save an outsider over saving his mother when forced into a sacrifice, she felt heartache and resentment.

"That damned Concubine Liu!" Mo Jingli cursed vehemently. Everyone thought that Concubine Liu had perished in the fire, but those who knew better understood the truth. To escape her fate, Concubine Liu even sacrificed her own daughter; she was truly venomous. Despite searching everywhere within and outside the borders, Mo Jingli found no trace of her. In a fit of rage, he imprisoned all members of the Liu family, yet after months of interrogation, they remained silent.

The Empress Dowager sighed and asked: "I heard that Prince Ding has already set out for Li City upon capturing Western Capital"

Mo Jingli sneered back: "Your information is indeed timely, but... this doesn’t concern you. The harem must not interfere in state affairs!"

"You..." Empress Dowager’s face turned red and then pale as she pointed at Mo Jingli, unable to speak despite her trembling fingers.

Empress Li Jie snapped back to reality and promptly stepped forward to help the Empress Dowager calm down. After some time, she finally calmed herself but saw Mo Jingli leave in a huff.

"Mother..." Empress Li held up her ginseng tea and timidly called out.

The Empress Dowager swept everything on the table onto the floor with a wave of her hand, tears streaming down her face as she cried: "What sin have I committed to give birth to such wicked sons..."

Hearing her cries outside the palace gate, Mo Jingli’s face showed a contemptuous smirk. The so-called maternal bond had long been worn away over these years. To him, his own mother was even less important than Auntie Xianzhao Empress Dowager who cared for him. Thus, after moving south, he promptly appointed Xianzhao Empress Dowager as Grand Empress Dowager too. This move caused Empress Dowager to feel estranged from her lifelong sister-in-law and their relationship never returned to its former closeness.

Wandering through the palace corridors, Mo Jingli temporarily set aside thoughts about his son and recalled what happened in the grand hall. Seeing the ministers' hope gradually fade into disappointment made him smile coldly. Were they still holding out hope for Mo Xiuyao Truly foolish. Possessing the wealthy Jiangnan region, why would he need to vie with those people He only needed to guard against Yunlanjiang and focus on developing the Jiangnan area, enriching its people and strengthening its military. Let Mo Xiuyao battle the nomads from Beirong and Xiling… Mo Xiuyao might be able to hold his own against one or two families, but could he win against three When everyone is weakened, I will then take advantage of the situation to reclaim the land… Who would dare say that I am not a restorer of the nation

At this moment, because of losing Zijing Pass, Leng Haoyu had retreated back to Chu Capital, planning to bring his father and seek refuge in the northwest while also looking for his dear son. Upon receiving Wei Lin's letter personally delivered by him, Leng Haoyu immediately frowned. He looked at Wei Lin helplessly and said, "Little Wei, couldn’t you have come two days later I was about to set off back to the northwest."

Wei Lin smiled and replied, "According to Qingchen's arrangements, even if Second Young Master Leng reaches Feihong Pass, he might still need to return on his original path."

Leng Haoyu lightly harrumphed but knew that Wei Lin was speaking the truth. He lifted the letter and asked, "Why did Qingchen send you personally Isn't it a waste of your talent" Although Wei Lin was only a bodyguard to Princess Consort Ding Wang, everyone in the Ding王府上下都知道，卓靖林寒衛藺這三個人王妃可從來冇有將他們當成侍衛用過。而且他們得能力也遠不是區區侍衛能夠相比的，如果放出來辦事的話，隻怕地位也不會比冷皓宇底到哪兒去，所以即使如鳳三冷皓宇這些墨修堯身邊舊年的心腹，對衛藺幾個也一向都是平等相待王府 knew that Consort Princess Ding Wang never treated them like guards, and their abilities far exceeded those of ordinary guards. If they were to take on tasks, their status wouldn't be lower than Leng Haoyu's; thus, even people close to Mo Xiuyao like Feng San and Leng Haoyu treated Wei Lin and his colleagues equally.

Wei Lin said seriously, "Qingchen wants me to assist General Cold in defending Chu Capital together with Second Young Master Leng."

Cold Huai was surprised. Since he had been brought back by Leng Haoyu after losing Zijin Pass and seeing the current state of Chu Capital, his heart was already discouraged, but even so, he didn't want to abandon Chu Capital in a hasty retreat. But this son who he never paid much attention to suddenly showed unprecedented sharpness and strategy, leaving no room for choice. Unexpectedly, just before departure, there was another twist. While pleased with the turn of events, Cold Huai also worried about how Leng Haoyu might become entangled in this situation.

"Young Master Wei, will Prince Ding send reinforcements" asked Cold Huai.

Wei Lin frowned slightly and replied, "When I left the northwest, His Highness was still in Xiling and had not returned. North of Feihong Pass is more than 100,000 Beirong soldiers eyeing us. However, several years ago, Consort Princess arranged a secret army within Chu territory. General Mengmu Sheng has also received Qingchen's letter and will temporarily abandon his standoff with Lei Zhenting to continue marching northward. Qingchen hopes that Chu Capital can at least hold out for three months."

"Three months…" Cold Huai frowned slightly. Not because he was unaware of the difficulties Mo Jingli faced, but the current situation in Chu Capital wasn't easy either. When Mo Jingli marched south, he took most of the troops with him. Now remaining were defeated soldiers from Beirong and the northern borders, plus some garrison forces left behind—totaling about 200,000 men. The morale of these soldiers was extremely low due to their recent defeats, and now facing an encirclement by enemy armies, morale among both military personnel and civilians plummeted even further. It wasn't just three months; Cold Huai worried if they could hold out for even one month.

"Three months is no problem," said a powerful but somewhat aged voice from outside. Turning around, they saw the elderly yet still robust Duke Guo with gray hair and beard. Although he was past seventy years old, the Duke wore armor and marched boldly into the hall, exuding confidence reminiscent of his former battlefield prowess.

The group hurriedly greeted him: "Old Duke, Great Princess." Following behind him were Great Princess Fu Xi and Lady Princess Zhaoyang. Two young teenagers trailed after them as well—the teenage girl had a scar on half her face despite lowering her head slightly. She was Princess Jinning, born to Concubine Li and younger brother Mo Xiaoyun. When Mo Jingli left with many royal family members, these two remained with Great Princess Fu Xi.

The Duke of Huaguo looked at Cold Huai then appraised Leng Haoyu for a moment before asking, "Will Prince Ding truly send reinforcements to Chu Capital"

Leng Haoyu’s expression changed slightly as he smiled with a mocking tone, "Old Duke, aren't you testing the younger generation I haven’t even visited northwest once, how could I know His Highness's intentions. Furthermore, His Highness is still far away in Xiling; assisting in defending Chu Capital is Qingchen's request."

The Duke of Huaguo harrumphed and glanced at Cold Huai with a mixture of amusement and criticism: "Among your sons, I find this one more capable." The Duke had always kept an eye on the Ding Wang family, knowing that Leng Haoyu was close to Feng Zhiyao who had been friends with Mo Xiuyao since childhood. He didn’t expect that Leng Haoyu would be hiding his true abilities all along.

Cold Huai awkwardly smiled, taking the Duke's words as a joke about not recognizing his own son's capabilities. However, he wasn't bothered by Leng Haoyu’s superior talent compared to his eldest son whom he had groomed meticulously. The fact that Leng Haoyu could surpass his elder brother despite being neglected proved his ability and justified Cold Huai’s pride in him.

With a narrowed gaze, the Duke of Huaguo observed Leng Haoyu's relaxed demeanor before saying coolly, "Leng boy, don't play games with me. I know you have your own plans regarding Prince Ding’s intentions." Leng Haoyu smiled and replied smoothly: “Old Duke, you can’t say that. Even if the Prince returns earlier to assist us, there are over one million Beirong troops between northwest and Chu Capital, timing is everything. Additionally... If I speak frankly, even if we manage to keep Chu Capital safe, whose territory would it be then”

The Marquis of Huaguo stared at Leng Haoyu and asked, "Is this the Duke Ding's decision or is it Young Master Xu's intention"

Leng Haoyu didn't care about the deliberate pressure that the Marquis of Huaguo was putting on him. He scratched his nose with a smile and said, "I'm just asking casually. Old Marquis should know that Leng Haoyu is a businessman. Logically speaking… whether Chu Capital lives or dies originally has nothing to do with our Duke Ding's House. What makes you think the Duke Ding’s House would risk igniting internal conflicts by sending reinforcements and fighting against Beirong and Northern Border armies"

The Marquis of Huaguo remained silent, as he fully understood Leng Haoyu's meaning. The Black Family Army had no obligation to sacrifice so many soldiers' lives for the Great Chu Kingdom to defeat its enemies or defend the Chu Capital. Especially now that the entire Great Chu imperial family has abandoned the Chu Capital and fled south in a hurry, how could the Black Family Army help their enemy take back the city

"Second Young Master Leng," Moxiaoyun who had been standing behind Princess Dowager Dazhang suddenly spoke. "Second Young Master Leng, since the Great Chu imperial family is incompetent and has lost most of its territory, they have left countless civilians unattended in the south and can no longer face the people of the Great Chu Kingdom with a clear conscience. As long as the Black Family Army can save the civilians of the Chu Capital from the barbarians' massacre, in the future… naturally, the Chu Capital will belong to Duke Ding's House." Upon hearing these words, everyone was taken aback and their gazes couldn't help but fall on this boy who was barely twelve or thirteen years old. To be honest, although he had a mother like Concubine Lady Liu, Moxiaoyun indeed stood out among the living princes of Emperor Mojingqi's generation. After all, the Lius' long-term cultivation wasn't in vain. Originally, Emperor Mojingqi still planned to pass on the throne to him, unfortunately, his mother ruined everything. Now at twelve or thirteen years old, he could say such a speech, which was already quite commendable.

Leng Haoyu looked at Moxiaoyun with raised eyebrows and asked, "Can Prince Qin make this decision"

Moxiaoyun said in all seriousness, "Before the emperor relocated southward, he had already conferred me as King Changxing. Therefore, I naturally have the authority to decide."

Chu Capital was formerly known as Changxing. Since they had already moved the capital to Chu Capital, this name could no longer be used; however, in order to show that the imperial family hadn't abandoned its people, a king still needed to stay here. Hence, Emperor Mojiling changed Prince Qin Moxiaoyun from an exiled crown prince to King Changxing. This implied that Changxing was his enfeoffed territory. Although it officially belonged to Great Chu in theory, under the current circumstances, as long as Moxiaoyun agreed, the southern court of Great Chu had no grounds for objection.

Leng Haoyu looked at Moxiaoyun with interest and asked, "This is the Chu Capital. Are you really willing to give it up"

Moxiaoyun said calmly, "Is there any use in being unwilling If Black Family Army doesn't support us, the Chu Capital will eventually fall. By then, forget about talking about King Changxing; I might even lose my life. Duke Ding is benevolent and righteous, so I believe he won't harm our lives."

"Old Marquis, what do you think" Leng Haoyu asked.

The Marquis of Huaguo snorted and said, "Changxing King has already agreed. What else can an old man like me say Second Young Master Leng is indeed good at business; the Leng Family surely has a successor." Feeling somewhat ashamed, Leng Haoyu scratched his nose and replied, "Old Marquis flatters me."

The Marquis of Huaguo stood up and said, "Given these circumstances… within three months, I absolutely won't allow those nomadic tribes from the border regions to advance even one step!"

Leng Haoyu smiled and said, "Your efforts are greatly appreciated."

After seeing off the Marquis of Huaguo's group, Leng Haoyu touched his chin and pondered whether he should write a letter urging Qingchendong to send troops faster. It was really not easy to hold on for three months; one could easily lose their life.

Cold Mu watched as his son lowered his brows in deep thought, but said nothing. Compared with the imminent and foreseeable bitter battle ahead, it seemed that who would finally take over the Chu Capital wasn't such an important matter after all.it amusing watching the little bun in her arms. She wasn't sure whether such a small child could recognize people, but clearly Mo Xiaobao recognized both her and Moxiuyao. The proof was that no matter...