Mountain and River Festival 193. Envoy from the Capital

When Feng Zhiyao was standing at the door thinking about all sorts of things, he forgot to look at Mo Xiuyao's gloomy expression. Ye Li saw Mo Xiuyao staring at Feng Zhiyao and felt cold, and helplessly pulled his sleeve and shook it. Although it was a bit shocking to be bumped into in such a situation, Ye Li was not a woman born and raised in this era. What kind of things had she not seen in her previous life? It was just a kiss that was bumped into, and they were still a legitimate couple. So Ye Li felt a little uncomfortable and passed it by. On the contrary, Feng Zhiyao, who was standing at the door, knew that he was thinking too much when he saw his strange and tangled expression.

After coughing lightly, Ye Li gently reminded, "Feng San, come in and talk."

Feng Zhiyao came back to his senses suddenly, and saw Mo Xiuyao's dangerous and gloomy eyes, and he wanted to punch himself. He had just ruined the prince's good deeds and was actually standing here in a daze. Feng Zhiyao was really going backwards. He looked at Mo Xiuyao with a pitiful face, and Mo Xiuyao snorted coldly, which was considered as his consent. Feng Zhiyao then happily thanked Ye Li and walked in. However, he still carefully chose the position closest to the door so that he could escape at the first time if anything went wrong.

Mo Xiuyao and the others naturally saw his behavior. Ye Li covered her lips and laughed secretly. Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and ignored it, "What happened in the capital?"

Speaking of business, Feng Zhiyao immediately returned to normal and said respectfully: "News came from the capital that Mo Jingqi sent two princes and several important officials in the court, including Lord Su, to the northwest. I'm afraid they will arrive soon." Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, "Send important officials to the northwest? For what?" Feng Zhiyao stroked his chin and smiled, "What else can they do? Probably just to lobby the prince. The more than 200,000 Chu troops stationed outside Feihong Pass were driven back to the pass effortlessly by us. At that time, Mo Jingqi was so angry that he issued several edicts to blame the prince. It's been so long, it's time for him to come to his senses." Mo Jingqi was not really a fool. As long as the Ding Palace did not make a big fuss about it, he would naturally not go to war with the Ding Palace at this time. He hadn't dealt with Xiling and Beirong yet. If Prince Ding's Mansion caused trouble again, the court would be in danger. He knew that Mo Xiuyao would not easily fall out with the court, so he thought of doing this to let the world see his generosity. But he didn't understand that it wasn't just him who needed time, the Mohist Army in the northwest also needed time.

"Who are those people?" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Feng Zhiyao said: "It is Prince De Mo Xiafei and Prince Yu Mo Jingyu, as well as old Master Su Zhe and the Minister of Personnel Mo Jian."

Mo Xiuyao nodded. Su Zhe and Mo Jian didn't say that Prince De Mo Xiafei was the second brother of the late emperor, so Mo Jingqi had to respectfully call him the emperor's uncle. Prince Yu Mo Jingyu was Mo Jingqi's half-brother. He was a low-key person who didn't care about worldly affairs, but I don't know why Mo Jingqi sent him out. Two princes and two important ministers, the envoys sent by Mo Jingqi this time were full of sincerity, but it was a pity that Mo Xiuyao didn't intend to give him too much face. Ye Li frowned slightly and said, "The northwest is far away from the capital, the mountains are high and the road is long. Why would Mo Jingqi send old man Su here?" Su Zhe is over seventy years old and has been in poor health in recent years. It stands to reason that such an old minister should not be sent for such an errand anyway. It would be bad if something unexpected happened on the way. Feng Zhiyao thought for a moment and said, "Could it be that Mo Jingqi knew that Su Zuidi was still alive, so he sent Lord Su here?"

Mo Xiuyao said: "It's been more than half a year, Mo Jingqi should have known the news. Even if he didn't know it before, he knows it now. Su Zuidie..." If Su Zuidie can actually arouse Mo Jingqi's interest, then... Mo Xiuyao's face darkened, and the coldness in his eyes became more terrifying.

"What plans does the prince have for these people?" Feng Zhiyao asked. He had no feelings for the two princes, but Su Zhe and Mo Jian were both rare upright people in the court. Moreover, Su Zhe was half a teacher of Mo Xiuyao, and Mo Xiuyao had always respected him.

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand and said, "Don't worry about it. I asked you to draw up a list of officials to be appointed in various places in the northwest. Have you finished it?"

Feng Zhiyao took out a memorial and presented it to him. Mo Xiuyao flipped through it casually and handed it to Ye Li beside him, saying, "That's about it. The news... will be announced after Mo Jingqi's people arrive. You said before that the people in the city want to hold a lantern festival to pray for the princess and the prince. Let's hold it on the same day. Then the officials in the city will have fun with the people, and it can also be regarded as welcoming the envoys from the court. In addition, is the new mansion built? It's not a problem for us to always occupy the prefectural governor's mansion. When the new prefect takes office, we can't let people work in the people's houses, right?"

Feng Zhiyao responded to all of them. It was obvious that Mo Xiuyao was provoking the envoy sent by Mo Jingqi, but he liked it. He smiled and said, "The mansion has been prepared long ago. It was originally the mansion of the richest man in Ruyang City. That man fled to the interior with the garrison troops. I ordered people to renovate the mansions in the two courtyards on the left and right. Although it is not as grand as the palace in the capital, it is still habitable. The mansion is now located in the southeast of the city, but according to the new plan of Ruyang City submitted below, the mansion will be located in the center of Ruyang City after the reconstruction in the future." These trivial matters had naturally been handled by someone before, but if the prince was in a bad mood and did not mention moving, naturally no one dared to say anything. This led to...

In this situation, officials who temporarily handle the affairs of the city still work in the yamen in front of the prefectural government, but after finishing their work, they have to take a detour back to their temporary residence with all the files and documents. It is not bad on normal days, but in winter or rainy days, it is very troublesome to run back and forth.

"Very good." Mo Xiuyao nodded with satisfaction and said, "Have someone hurry up and clean up the place."

Feng Zhiyao smiled and said, "It's already been prepared. The prince and princess can move in anytime. However, please ask the prince to write the inscription on the plaque of the mansion." This matter should not be too difficult, but now that Mo Xiuyao's title has been taken away by Mo Jingqi, no one can decide what words to write for the new mansion. So let the prince write it himself. Mo Xiuyao didn't care and said calmly, "Just write the inscription on the palace."

Feng Zhiyao was stunned. It was not the "Prince Dingguo Palace" in the capital, but just three simple words: Prince Ding's Palace. Seeing Mo Xiuyao's indifferent look, it was obvious that he didn't care that Mo Jing had taken his title. He smiled and said, "I obey your command."

Because of Ye Li's return, although there was no big movement in Ruyang City, everyone could feel the difference. The people in the city were busy with their own lives, and the soldiers stationed there seemed to have gotten rid of their previous depression and were full of vigor and vitality like their master. The whole city was thriving. Ye Li's courtyard was still rare and peaceful and comfortable. The day after Xu Qingze returned to the city, he was caught by Feng Zhiyao to work. Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingyan had nothing to do. Every day, Xu Qingyan would take Xu Qingfeng to Ye Li's courtyard to chat or play chess. They lived a leisurely and comfortable life. Every time Mo Xiuyao saw this, he wanted to kick him out of Ruyang City. However, with the words of love Ye Li said that day, Mo Xiuyao was obviously in a much better mood, but he still couldn't help frowning every time he saw Xu Qingyan.

On the chessboard, black and white pieces were fighting fiercely. Somewhere outside the courtyard, there was also a constant fight. Xu Qingyan pinched the chess piece and frowned, saying, "Sister Li, is this house really suitable for raising a baby? They come here every few days..." After only living here for a few days, Xu Qingyan has become accustomed to the occasional assassinations. Anyone who sees this every day will get used to it. Xu Qingyan can only admire the patience of these assassins, who fight and lose again and again. It's just a bit annoying.

Ye Li took a sip of the Tremella soup brought by the maid beside her and said with a smile: "It's okay, this mansion is just too boring, it's good to liven it up occasionally."

Xu Qingyan believed this deeply. Mo Xiuyao was afraid that others would disturb Ye Li's cultivation. Except for Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, Shen Yang and Doctor Lin who were treating Ye Li, ordinary people in the mansion could not get close to the princess's courtyard. Anything in the mansion would be reported directly to Mo Xiuyao for handling, and no one dared to bother Ye Li with these trivial matters. This was originally well-intentioned, but Ye Li was a little bored. He snorted and said, "Prince Ding is so stingy. What's wrong with Sister Li going out for a walk? He is afraid that others will take a second look at her. Sister Li is so outstanding that she should be admired by people all over the world." Speaking of this, Xu Qingyan couldn't help but feel proud. There are so many beautiful and talented women in the world, but whose sister can lead an army?

Tens of thousands of people fought against the powerful enemy? Only his sister Xu Qingyan. In the future, he must marry a woman as powerful as Sister Li.

Ye Li raised her hand and tapped Xu Qingyan on the forehead, then glanced at him and said, "Call me brother-in-law, do you think Xiu Yao is not tormenting you enough?"

Xu Qingyan suddenly became depressed. His experience of fighting with Mo Xiuyao these days told him that he could not defeat the treacherous villain Mo Xiuyao for the time being. Although Mo Xiuyao would give in to him in front of Sister Li, he would try every means to trap him behind her back. Yesterday, he even told Sister Li that he had fallen in love with a beautiful girl in the city and asked Sister Li to write a letter to his parents to arrange a marriage for him. If this really got to his father's ears, wouldn't he be skinned alive? His older brothers haven't even married yet. He, the youngest, has fallen in love with another girl, and his crime is to be fond of beautiful women!

"Sister Li knows everything." Xu Qingyan lowered his head in dismay. He felt very embarrassed that Sister Li knew about Mo Xiuyao. Xu Qingfeng, who was watching the fight, sneered and raised his hand to knock him on the head and said with a smile: "Second brother and third brother told you a long time ago not to provoke the prince, but you didn't listen."

Xu Qingyan glared, "He was targeting me!" Xu Qingfeng raised his eyebrows, "Then why didn't the prince target your second brother and me?" So, you asked for it, didn't you? Xu Qingyan lay on the table and sighed. "Third brother, I am your biological brother." He missed his fourth brother so much. If his fourth brother was here, he would definitely help him fight against Mo Xiuyao!

Listening to Xu Qingyan's chattering, Ye Li smiled and asked, "By the way, is Third Brother bored in the mansion these days?" Xu Qingyan is still a child, and he can find fun wherever he goes. It is indeed a bit difficult for Xu Qingfeng, a grown man, to take him to the mansion and not go anywhere. Xu Qingfeng smiled and said, "It is a little boring compared to the army, but it doesn't matter. I will go back to the capital after you give birth to the child. Third Brother and your second brother are not in the capital, and parents will always worry."

Speaking of this, Ye Li frowned and said, "Speaking of which, my second brother is now in the northwest. Has the emperor in the capital made things difficult for my second uncle? And Zheng'er, her wedding with my second brother was originally scheduled for last year, but now it's..."

Xu Qingfeng comforted him, "It's okay. If the emperor wants to embarrass our Xu family, what excuse can he find? He won't embarrass Dad for this. Besides, father also said... he doesn't want Second Brother to go back now. He doesn't know what the situation is in the capital now. Second Brother is not as good at maneuvering as Fourth Brother. If he gets involved, it will be difficult to extricate himself in the future. As for Miss Qin..."

Xu Qingfeng scratched his head helplessly. He could only be thankful that he had not yet gotten engaged. Otherwise, wouldn't it be a delay for the girl? If there was any accident in the future, I'm afraid it would also involve the wife's family. "Now our Xu family is not doing well, and it's actually a good thing that Miss Qin hasn't married yet. I heard that my second brother sent someone to bring a letter back to my parents, saying that if there is a good family, Miss Qin will marry herself."

Ye Li frowned. She and Qin Zheng had a very good relationship. How could she not see that Qin Zheng had deep feelings for her second brother? Moreover, the two of them had been engaged since childhood. For more than ten years, Qin Zheng's mind could only be on her second brother. Now letting her get married on her own was really a bit... Although she knew that her second brother was doing it for Qin Zheng's good, she still felt that he deserved a beating. On the other hand, Ye Li also felt a little guilty towards Qin Zheng. After all, the second brother came to the northwest with the army, and now he is stranded in the northwest, isn't it all because of her? Xu Qingyan looked at Ye Li and said with a smile: "Sister Li, this is not your fault. It is always better for our family to have fewer people involved in the current situation. Who knows one day the palace will come to confiscate and kill the whole family. By then, not only Sister Qin, but also the entire Qin family will be implicated."

Xu Qingfeng frowned and patted Xu Qingyan, "You are such a talkative kid!"

Xu Qingyan made a face. The only advantage of being in the northwest, especially in this mansion, was that one could talk without worrying about anyone having ears.

Ye Li looked down at her increasingly tough figure, and sighed, "There's nothing we can do now. I'll ask you to write to my aunt to find out about the Qin family. Since you're bored, why don't you stay in the military camp outside the city for a while?"

Xu Qingfeng's eyes lit up immediately, and even Xu Qingyan's face showed a bit of excitement and curiosity. The Mohist Army was originally the elite army of Da Chu, and Xu Qingfeng had naturally admired it for a long time. However, because of his special status, it was not easy for him to go to the military camp, so as to avoid outsiders saying bad things about Ye Li. Hesitantly asked: "Is this against the rules?" Ye Li smiled lightly: "What is against the rules? It's not like you are asking your third brother to lead the army to fight." Xu Qingfeng nodded and smiled: "Li'er is right. If I can go to the Mohist Army, it doesn't matter if I can be a small soldier. I think others don't know my identity."

Qin Feng, who was coming towards him, heard this, looked at Xu Qingfeng and smiled, "If Third Young Master Xu can endure the hardship, you might as well go to my place." After all, the Mohist Army Camp had many people and many gossips, while Qilin was completely directly under the princess, so it was naturally much more convenient. Xu Qingyan blinked, "Brother Qin, can I go?" Qin Feng looked at him and shook his head, saying, "I'm afraid Fifth Young Master can't hold on for a day." Xu Qingyan was dissatisfied and stared at him, saying, "Why can Third Young Master hold on but I can't? You look down on me for being young, but I'll do it for you to see!" Qin Feng shook his head and smiled, "I'm not looking at Fifth Young Master because he's young. I have two younger ones than Fifth Young Master. But Fifth Young Master has been pampered since he was a child and doesn't learn martial arts, so I said Fifth Young Master can't stand it."

Ye Li smiled at Qin Feng and said, "Can Third Brother go to your place?" Qin Feng said, "But it's just a matter of the princess's words. Third Young Master can go anytime."

Ye Li waved her hands and said, "Since the prince and I have handed the Qilin over to you, you have the final say." Although Qin Feng did not show any expression on his face, he was very grateful for Ye Li's trust in his heart. He looked at Xu Qingfeng and said, "In that case, the Third Young Master should report outside the city early tomorrow morning. But I have made it clear that I will not show mercy when the time comes. If the Third Young Master can't stand it, I will have to send you back." Xu Qingfeng had also heard of the mystery and reputation of Qilin, and he was also eager to try. He laughed loudly and said, "In that case, Commander Qin, you don't have to call me the Third Young Master, just call me by my name."

After saying all this, Ye Li asked, "What brings you here at this time?"

Qin Feng nodded, handed over a sealed file and said, "Although the prince forbids disturbing the princess's training, I still want to ask the princess to take a look. This is the training plan for next month, and I would like to ask the princess for some advice." In the past few months, Qin Feng has been responsible for the training of new members of Qilin, and occasionally discussed with Zhuo Jinglinhan. Qilin's starting point is too high, so Qin Feng is always a little uneasy. Now that Ye Li is back, he naturally can't help but want Ye Li to take a look. Not to mention praise, at least he can let him know if there is any problem with his training. Ye Li put the file aside and said with a smile: "I will look at it later. Just do it according to your own ideas. I will teach you most of what I can teach you. In another three months... I will be able to take action. Your subordinates should have been trained. I will go to see them in person when the time comes."

Qin Feng was overjoyed and said with a smile: "Thank you, Princess. I understand." He immediately decided to ask the Princess to personally design the final assessment for the boys. Last year, the final assessment of their first batch could not be carried out due to an unexpected incident, which made Qin Feng deeply regretful. This time, they would be spared together with the old man.

"By the way, Princess, when I came here just now, I saw that the secret guards had captured a few more assassins." Qin Feng said casually when he recalled what he saw just now.

Ye Li smiled and said, "The secret guards are getting overcrowded these days, right?" They catch assassins every day, and they keep all of them alive. I don't know what Mo Xiuyao plans to do with them. Qin Feng smiled and said, "That's right. I saw Mo Hua looked very unhappy this morning. He even said he wanted to borrow a cell from us to lock someone up." Ye Li thought for a moment and said, "No matter what, don't lock up those assassins with Su Zuidie. Tell Mo Hua not to keep anyone who is not that important with him."

Qin Feng nodded and said, "That's what I said. But the prince didn't allow it, saying it would be useful." Ye Li nodded, "Let's do whatever the prince says."

"What's wrong with me?" Mo Xiuyao, dressed in a green shirt and with snow-white hair, stood at the gate of the moon cave and asked with a smile on his face as he looked at everyone.

Ye Li was not feeling well and was too lazy to stand up. He asked with a smile, "Why are you back? Feng San came to complain again a little while ago." Everyone stood up to greet him. Mo Xiuyao waved his hand casually and sat down beside Ye Li. He said with some displeasure, "Mo Jingqi's people are here, and they are preparing to go to greet them. Otherwise, how could I have the leisure to come back?" Ye Li sat up straight, "Prince De and his people have arrived? Your Majesty, you are not going to greet them?" Mo Xiuyao curled his lips, "How can I have the time? Feng San went." Ye Li couldn't help but twitch his mouth. You might as well find a general in the army to let Feng San go. Although Feng Zhiyao is Mo Xiuyao's most trusted confidant, he refuses to accept the imperial award because of his strange personality or some other reason. So Feng Zhiyao is still a commoner. He is in charge of many things, so people call him casually. He is called General Feng on the battlefield, and officials in Ruyang City call him Lord Feng. Mo Xiuyao's trusted confidants call him Third Young Master Feng. In fact, Feng Zhiyao himself does not even have the lowest official title. It is said that King De is very particular about pomp and face, and he would be angry if Feng Zhiyao was sent.

"Feng San wanted to go on his own." Mo Xiuyao said. He had no intention of sending anyone to the city gate to greet them. It would be good enough if he could let them enter the city.

Ye Li was silent. So Feng Zhiyao was afraid that you would make people angry to death, so he decided to make people angry to death himself?

Mo Xiuyao sat down lazily next to Ye Li and said with a smile: "Ah Li, don't worry about these trivial matters. Don't I know what Prince De and the others want to say? I am too lazy to pay attention to them."

Ye Li pushed him to sit upright helplessly, and said, "We have to hold the welcoming banquet tonight, right? Prince, please don't tell me to skip this. If it gets out, people will think we don't know how to entertain guests." Mo Xiuyao frowned and sighed, "It's really troublesome without Uncle Mo." If it were usual, Uncle Mo would take care of these small matters directly, and just need to report to them. But now most of the power of Ding Wangfu has moved to the northwest, so Uncle Mo can't come here immediately, otherwise it will be a problem that no one will take charge of the affairs inside the pass, "It's a pity that Feng San is unwilling to come as the general manager."

Ye Li glanced at him. It was indeed Prince Ding's idea to let Feng Zhiyao be the chief steward.

Shaking his head, Ye Li said, "Forget it. I'll let Wei Linhan do it later." It would be a joke if the Dingwang Mansion couldn't find someone who could be the chief steward, right? Mo Xiuyao nodded with satisfaction and said with a smile, "Zhuo Jing and the others around Ah Li are all capable. One of them can be assigned to replace Uncle Mo first."

Ye Li thought about Zhuo Jing and the others who were like Uncle Mo, who were always worried about all kinds of things in the palace, and she couldn't help but shudder. Those three had been with her for quite a while, and she, as the master, couldn't be too disloyal. "They are too young, so let's recommend a trustworthy steward from below."

Mo Xiuyao shrugged his shoulders with some regret to show his agreement.