422. Qingbai Returns

The news that the Queen of Nanzhao had gone missing not far from Licheng was not completely concealed, and the Prince Ding's Mansion did not deliberately conceal it. As Mo Xiuyao said, there is no wall that is impenetrable. At this time, the people in Licheng were all dignitaries or even people in power from various countries, and they all had some secret channels of their own. Even if they could not find out the situation in the Prince Ding's Mansion, some major and minor events in Licheng could not be hidden from them.

Among them, the most shocked person was Mo Jingyu. He originally thought that Mo Jingli was just talking to him about taking action against the Queen of Nanzhao, but he didn't expect that the madman actually took action and succeeded. After decades of being cautious, Mo Jingyu intuitively felt that his current situation was a bit dangerous. However, the temptation of such an important handle or the imperial seal made him unable to retreat peacefully. After hearing the news reported by his subordinates, Mo Jingyu took a deep breath for a long time before coming back to his senses, and waved his hand to let the reporter Shuxia leave.

"Uncle Wang, what happened?" Mo Suiyun, who was sitting next to him, asked curiously.

Mo Jingyu glanced at him calmly and said, "Didn't you hear that someone kidnapped the Queen and Prince of Nanzhao?" Mo Suyu blinked and asked in confusion, "Why kidnap the Queen and Prince of Nanzhao? This is the territory of Prince Ding's Mansion. If you have a grudge against the Queen of Nanzhao... wouldn't it be better to help others somewhere else?"

Mo Jingyu looked at him for a few times and said with a smile, "Your Majesty is really thoughtful."

Mo Suiyun lowered his head and said timidly, "Didn't Uncle Wang and Grandmother Huang say... that we can't provoke Prince Ding's Mansion? Uncle Wang Ding seems very powerful... Aren't those assassins afraid of him?" Mo Jingyu sighed softly and murmured in a low voice, "Maybe he is crazy."

Although his voice was loud, Mo Suiyun was sitting very close to him. Naturally, he heard it clearly. Mo Suiyun lowered his head and did not answer, as if he did not hear Mo Jingyu's words at all. A strange light flashed in his seemingly ignorant eyes.

Although the secret guards of Prince Ding's Palace searched almost all places near Licheng, they still could not find the whereabouts of Princess Anxi. Later, the Western Regions delegation accompanied by Xu Qingbai also arrived in Licheng safely. Because they were escorted by the secret guards of Prince Ding's Palace, they did not encounter any trouble along the way, but several of the secret guards sent by Prince Ding's Palace were injured.

In the study of Prince Ding's mansion, Xu Qingbai drank tea while looking at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li sitting above him, and asked, "What happened?" If there was nothing wrong, even if these envoys from the Western Regions were guests from afar, there would be no need to send secret guards to welcome them a hundred miles away. After a few years of being independent, Xu Qingbai has become more mature and stable. Although he is too young among the civil and military officials of Prince Ding's mansion, his aura already has some of the style of Mr. Xu.

Ye Li nodded and told him about Princess Anxi's disappearance. Xu Qingbai raised his eyebrows but didn't show any surprise. After thinking for a while, he said, "Even if Mo Jingli wanted to vent his anger, he wouldn't look for the Queen of Nanzhao, who has no grudges against him. With his personality, he will probably end up looking for Prince Ding's Mansion."

Ye Li nodded. They naturally understood what Xu Qingbai said. She sighed with some worry and said, "I'm just afraid that Mo Jingli deliberately wants to embarrass Ding Wangfu and harm Princess Anxi and the little prince."

"There has been no news in the past two days, so it shouldn't happen. Besides, Mo Jingli is not a man who doesn't care about his life. With Princess Anxi and the little prince in his hands, at least we will be cautious. Therefore, Princess Anxi should not be in danger for the time being." Xu Qingbai analyzed calmly. He had no friendship with Princess Anxi, and it could even be said that he didn't know her at all. He was more objective in analyzing things, "Li'er doesn't need to worry too much. If Mo Jingli wants to kill her, he can kill her on the spot. Why bother to take her away and find a place to hide."

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and smiled, "That's what I said, but Ah Li was worried. Now Qingbai also thinks so, you should be relieved, right?" Ye Li smiled a little embarrassedly, and said to Xu Qingbai, "Fourth brother, the accommodation and reception of the Western Region envoys are handed over to the second brother, please take care of it. In addition, I am a little worried that Mo Jingli might take action against these Western Region envoys. If you have any questions, you can go to Qin Feng or Zhuo Jing."

Xu Qingbai nodded solemnly. The envoys from the Western Regions came from afar to congratulate him. No matter what their intentions were, they were still guests. If something went wrong in Licheng, it would be difficult to explain. If they were not careful, the border of the Western Regions might be in turmoil again.

"Since it is confirmed to be Mo Jingli, then... could he have any connection with the people from Da Chu?" Xu Qingbai thought for a moment, put down the teacup in his hand and asked. Ye Li smiled and said, "Fourth brother is really sharp. We do suspect that Mo Jingli has met Mo Jingyu. And... I'm afraid Mo Jingli has caught some evidence against Mo Jingyu."

"So, you plan to wait and see?" Xu Qingbai raised his eyebrows and said, "But we still have to be careful. Mo Jingli dared to sneak into Xiling now, and he has not been caught by the secret guards of Prince Ding's Mansion. It can be seen that he still has some cards in his hand." Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "Don't worry, I know what else he has in his hand."

"Mo Jingyu has always been a cautious person. What kind of evidence could Mo Jingli have on him?" Speaking of this, Xu Qingbai was also a little curious. He had also been in Chujing for quite a long time, and even worked as an official of Da Chu. Naturally, he had some understanding of these princes of the Da Chu royal family. Mo Jingyu was able to stay safe and sound under the hands of such a suspicious person like Mo Jingqi, and then he was still reused by Mo Jingli. Now that Mo Jingli has fallen, he can still hold power. It can be seen that he is not an easy person to deal with. What kind of evidence could Mo Jingli have on such a person that would make him controlled by others?

Mo Xiuyao frowned and said, "With Mo Jingyu's current status, no one can touch him with ordinary handles. What can make him jealous... treason, rebellion, regicide? He has nothing to do with the affairs of Mo Jingqi and Mo Suyun. Rebellion... Mo Jingyu is not such an impulsive person, and he does not have any troops under his command. Then it is... treason!" As he finished speaking, a hint of sharpness flashed between Mo Xiuyao's brows.

"Treason?" Ye Li and Xu Qingbai were both a little surprised. As the prince of Da Chu, Mo Jingyu's treason was more surprising than rebellion and regicide.

Mo Xiuyao touched his forehead lightly, thinking as he said, "It shouldn't be considered treason... It's very likely that he sold something from Da Chu to..." He frowned and thought for a while before slowly uttering two words, "Bei Rong."

"Are you sure?" Ye Li frowned. A traitor to his country would be despised by the world in any era. If that was true, it was no wonder that Mo Jingyu was controlled by Mo Jingli.

"Not sure, I'm just guessing." Mo Xiuyao said calmly, "But whether it's true or not, we'll know soon." As early as knowing that Mo Jingyu and Mo Jingli had had contact, Prince Ding's Mansion had already started to send people to investigate Mo Jingyu. It must be that before long, all the deeds of Mo Jingyu's life will be in front of them. If even Mo Jingli can find out the secret, it's fine if Prince Ding's Mansion didn't notice it. If they investigate carefully, it's impossible not to find it. Ye Li just hopes that this is not true. If Mo Jingyu really did something he shouldn't have done, I'm afraid that this time no matter what he does, he won't be able to walk out of Licheng alive.

"Your Highness, Princess Helan from the Northern Territory has arrived." The guard came to report outside the door.

Hearing this, Ye Li couldn't help but smile. Ye Li had a good impression of the princess of the Northern Territory who dared to love and hate freely and cheerfully. She stood up and said to Mo Xiuyao, "I will go to welcome Princess Helan." Although Princess Helan was called a princess, the Northern Territory was not a country at present, and it was just a tribe. As the King of Ding, Mo Xiuyao naturally had no need to personally welcome such a princess, even if this princess might be the ruler of the entire Northern Territory in the future.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "Okay, I still have something to say to Qingbai."

Ye Li stood up and walked out without saying anything more. In the study, there was a brief silence because of Ye Li's departure. After a while, Mo Xiuyao said lightly: "Qingbai, what do you want to say?" Xu Qingbai nodded slightly and said: "I heard that... the officials of Licheng have some complaints about Li'er?"

Mo Xiuyao couldn't help but raise his eyebrows and smile, "What kind of people are those old scholars? It's not like Fourth Master Xu hasn't dealt with them before, how could he not understand?" Xu Qingbai lowered his eyes, nodded and said, "That's true, then what does the prince think?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled with satisfaction and said, "We still have to rely on Mr. Xu Si for this matter."

"I see." Xu Qingbai nodded. Mo Xiuyao's smile became even more cheerful. It was comfortable to talk to a smart person. The fourth son of Xu looked good at dealing with people, gentle and elegant, but he was actually a vindictive man. If it weren't for his absolute strength in character, it would be impossible for Xu Qingbai, who looked like a gentle scholar, to subdue the big families in Xiling in just two or three years. Although the five sons of the Xu family are now headed by Xu Qingchen, Mo Xiuyao understands that the eldest son of Xu is too aloof and it is difficult for him to stay in the officialdom for a long time. Therefore, if he really needs to do something, he still has to find the fourth son of the Xu family.

As for what those annoying old guys would be tormented by the Fourth Master Xu, His Royal Highness Prince Ding said he didn't care. If you think that those little things before were Prince Ding's punishment, then you are totally wrong. The word "Prince Ding" can also represent stinginess, holding grudges, and being quick-tempered, etc.

"Helan." Outside the gate of Prince Ding's Mansion, Ye Li smiled as she looked at the bright and beautiful woman in red in front of her, who was wearing the unique clothing of the Northern Rong.

"Princess Ding!" Princess Helan rushed forward with a bright smile and gave Ye Li a warm hug, "Princess Ding, I haven't seen you for a long time, you are still so beautiful." Ye Li gave her a hug back helplessly and said with a smile, "Not as beautiful as the princess." After staying in this era for a long time, Ye Li found that she was not used to such a warm greeting.

"Really?" Princess Helan looked at Ye Li with joy. Of course, there were many people who praised her beauty, but what kind of praise could be more pleasing than the praise from the beauty in one's own eyes?

Ye Li smiled and said, "Of course it's true. It seems that the princess has been having a very happy time over the past year."

Princess Helan smiled and said, "Not bad. Although you Central Plains are great, I still like the North more. I also heard that you had a wonderful year. One day I really want to compete with you in martial arts. We have come a long way, and the people of Central Plains have been spreading rumors that Princess Ding is like a living goddess of war."

"You are most welcome." Ye Li said with a smile, "Princess, you have come all the way here, please go to the mansion to rest first. Please come in." Princess Helan was not polite, and took Ye Li's hand and walked into the Dingwang Mansion. When they reached the door, Ye Li suddenly stopped and looked somewhere outside the mansion. Princess Helan asked in confusion, "What's wrong?" Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Nothing, please, Princess." In an inconspicuous place, she raised her hand and made a gesture to Qin Feng. She just clearly felt that someone was staring at her in that direction. Qin Feng nodded slightly, watched the two of them enter the gate of Dingwang Mansion, and then waved his hand to the guards to search in the direction pointed by Ye Li.

In the palace, Princess Helan walked with Ye Li arm in arm, whispering, "Princess Ding, is there someone against the Ding Palace?"

Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise. She didn't expect Princess Helan to be so sensitive. Princess Helan shook her head and said, "No, we encountered a group of assassins on the way here. It happened before we entered Feihong Pass. At first I thought it was the remnants of Ren Qining's men who wanted to seek revenge on me, but later I felt that it was not the case. When I just arrived in Licheng, I heard that assassins kidnapped the Queen of Nanzhao, and just now..." Princess Helan didn't find anything just now, but she guessed from Ye Li's reaction that Ye Li might have found something. Thinking of this, Princess Helan also admitted with some frustration that she was indeed a little worse than Princess Ding.

Ye Li sighed and briefly explained the matter. Princess Helan didn't care and said with a smile: "This Mo Jingli is quite courageous. If there is a chance, I would like to meet her." Ye Li shook her head helplessly and said with a smile: "I don't want you to meet him." Mo Jingli was able to ambush and assassinate Princess Helan on her way here, which shows that he is really crazy and doesn't care that he may become the target of various countries.

In a dark alley in Licheng, a middle-aged man in plain cloth slowly raised his head, his eyes flashing with a sharp edge. As expected of Ye Li, she was almost discovered! Thinking of the gentle woman in white clothes and smiling sweetly that he saw outside the Dingwang Mansion, a complicated look flashed across the middle-aged man's face. After a moment, he didn't know what he remembered, and his face became fierce and distorted again, "Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao! I won't let you go! I won't let you go!"

In the Great Chu Envoy Inn, Mo Jingyu pushed open the door of his room with a gloomy face. He just heard that Princess Helan and her group from the northern border were assassinated on the road. He knew who did it without thinking. Now that the Dingwang Mansion is at its peak, who dares to go against the Dingwang Mansion? It can only be Mo Jingli, the madman.

As soon as he entered the room, he noticed something was wrong. Mo Jingyu looked up suddenly with vigilance, only to see a man sitting on the couch in his room reading a book. Mo Jingyu was stunned for a moment, then quickly turned around and closed the door, shouting in a low voice: "You are crazy! How dare you come here at this time!"

Mo Jingli sneered and raised his eyebrows disdainfully, "Are you afraid? Don't worry, the people in Prince Ding's Mansion can't find me."

Mo Jingyu looked closely and found that Mo Jingli's dress was very different from the last time. His eye-catching beard had been replaced with a clean one, and his face, which was a little yellow and thin, was now too white. He was wearing the clothes of a guard of the Chuyu Palace. He didn't look like a middle-aged man in his thirties, but more like a young man in his twenties who was a little sick.

"You..." Mo Jingyu walked up and stared at Mo Jingli. When he got closer, he found that the whiteness on Mo Jingli's face was a little unnatural. It turned out that he had applied a layer of powder. Mo Jingli had not been feeling well these days. It would not be possible to restore his original pampered appearance in a short time. Naturally, he could only cover it up with makeup. But as a grown man, even though Mo Jingyu, as a member of the royal family, was also accustomed to being refined, he could not stand the makeup on his face. He could not help but frown and said, "You really do everything you can." With such a dress, people who are not familiar with Mo Jingli may not recognize him even if he stands in front of them. No wonder Mo Jingli is so confident.

Mo Jingli's face twisted for a moment, but soon regained his composure.

"What do you want to talk to me about?" Mo Jingyu asked. It was not pleasant to have someone hold a handle on you, so Mo Jingyu did not want to see Mo Jingli at all. Mo Jingli smiled and said, "Of course I have something to talk about. The banquet at Prince Ding's Mansion will be held in two days. What I want you to do for me will also be on that day."

Mo Jingyu raised his eyebrows and waited for him to speak. Mo Jingli said, "I want you to bring Mo Yuchen out of Dingwang Mansion on that day." Mo Jingyu looked at him calmly, "Do you think I have the ability to bring the prince of Dingwang Mansion out of the heavily guarded Dingwang Mansion? Moreover, even if I bring him out, how can I get away afterwards?"

"This is your problem." Mo Jingli said indifferently, "People always come up with solutions. As long as you think about it, there will naturally be a way."

Mo Jingyu flatly refused and said, "I have no choice."

Mo Jingli was silent for a moment, and said in a deep voice: "No way? Then let me remind you... You have no way, maybe the little emperor you brought has a way." Mo Jingyu's expression changed slightly, "Do you want to use the emperor?" Indeed, Mo Suiyun was only eleven or twelve years old, and as a child it was naturally not easy to arouse other people's suspicion.

Mo Jingli sneered and said, "Your Majesty? You call him that for a reason! Don't tell me you're worried about him. He's Mo Jingqi's son anyway. Even if he dies, it has nothing to do with you. Right?"

Mo Jingyu was silent for a long time, then said, "I understand. But... you'd better make sure you really have the ability. If you get into trouble along the way... the secret guards and Qilin of Prince Ding's mansion are not pushovers either."

Mo Jingli smiled and said, "Don't worry, they will still be busy when that day comes. In addition, there is one more thing."

"Mo Jingli, don't push your luck!" Mo Jingyu yelled in a low voice. Seeing his furious look, Mo Jingli smiled happily and said leisurely, "Don't worry, this is even easier. On the day of the Dingwang Mansion banquet, I will go to Dingwang Mansion with you."

"You're crazy!" Mo Jingyu gritted his teeth.

Mo Jingli glanced at him calmly without refutation. Mo Jingyu took a deep breath and said in a rough voice: "I know, but the things in your hand..." Mo Jingli nodded and said: "Don't worry, as long as you see Mo Yuchen, I will naturally give you everything you want."

"You'd better keep your word!" Mo Jingyu said bitterly.

"Click..." A low sound came from outside the door. Mo Jingli's face changed and he jumped out, "Who is it?!" The door was opened, and a bright yellow figure hurriedly turned through the corridor. Mo Jingli sneered, hurried forward a few steps and picked up the person back.

Seeing Mo Suiyun being thrown into the house, Mo Jingyu's face also turned ugly. He looked at Mo Jingli and asked, "What should we do?" Mo Jingli snorted coldly and said, "What do you mean by what should we do? Since he heard it, just kill him."

Mo Suiyun sat on the ground with a pale face, looking at the two people in front of him in horror. He accidentally saw someone enter Mo Jingyu's room, so he quietly came over to see who it was. But he happened to see Mo Jingyu coming back, but he didn't expect to hear the two people's conspiracy. He accidentally bumped into the wall and was discovered by Mo Jingli.

"Uncle Yu..." Mo Suiyun looked at Mo Jingyu in horror. Mo Jingyu frowned and said, "If the emperor died suddenly, it would arouse the suspicion of Prince Ding's Mansion. Then..."

Mo Jingli thought about it and also praised Mo Jingyu's words. The Dingwang Mansion must be heavily guarding Mo Xiaobao now, and it is not easy to trick him out. At least among the people from Da Chu, only Mo Suiyun has the greatest chance. But...

"I... I won't say anything... Uncle Li..." Although Mo Jingli had changed a lot, Mo Suiyun still recognized him. The fear on his face became even more serious. For this uncle who killed the former little emperor Mo Suyun, no one left by Mo Jingqi, whether it was a princess or a prince, was not afraid of him.

Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes, stared at Mo Suiyun for a long while, and said calmly: "If you don't want to die... just listen to me obediently."

Mo Suiyun nodded repeatedly, wiping his tears and said, "I'll be obedient...Uncle Li, don't, don't kill me..."

Seeing his horrified look, Mo Jingli nodded in satisfaction and reached out to pull him up. Mo Suiyun stood up fearfully, feeling uneasy under Mo Jingli's sharp gaze. Mo Jingli looked at him and asked, "Do you know what to do?"

Mo Suiyun hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded.

"Can you do it?" Mo Jingli asked.

"Yes." Mo Suiyun nodded quickly and said, "Mo Yuchen, Mo Yuchen asked me to go play with him, but I haven't... gone these few days. I'll go back and look for him to play, and he will definitely come with me."

Mo Jingli raised a cold smile, raised his hand and patted Mo Suiyun on the head, saying: "Very good, Uncle Wang knows that you are a good child. As long as you take Mo Yuchen out of Prince Ding's Mansion on the day of the banquet, you will still be the emperor of Da Chu, and Uncle Wang will not hurt you."

Mo Suiyun couldn't help but shudder and whispered, "Uncle Wang, I understand..."