Mountain and River Festival 290. Chaos is coming

Glass City

In the large study room where meetings were held, Master Qingchen, dressed in white, sat in the first chair below the first seat. He looked at the empty chair in front of him with a handsome face and a smile, and his demeanor was as leisurely and graceful as a fairy. But the people sitting below him couldn't help but shudder. Master Qingchen looked like this... It was really scary.

"Master Qingchen, when will the prince come back? The border of Xiling has been increasing its troops for more than a month..." Everyone else looked at the questioner as if he was a fool. Didn't you see that Master Qingchen was upset because the prince refused to come back? He was still talking about something else! But then again, when will the prince come back? It looked like a war was about to break out at the border of Xiling, but the prince was reluctant to come back. Of course, it didn't mean that they couldn't fight without the prince, but they always felt uneasy without the prince to keep them in check.

Xu Qingchen looked back and smiled calmly, his sword-like eyebrows slightly raised, "When you have enough fun... the prince will naturally come back."

"Then Xiling..."

"Didn't we also increase our troops? Xiling just wanted to test the waters. Even if we want to fight... the prince should come back when the fight really starts." If Mo Xiuyao comes back after the fight really starts, he will be thrown directly into the battlefield! Of course, Li'er must stay to guard Licheng.

Everyone was silent. This Young Master Qingchen was good in every way. He was more efficient than the prince in handling government affairs. After all, Young Master Qingchen was never as lazy as the prince. Moreover, there were many things that his subordinates did not understand, and he could enlighten them with just a few casual remarks. The only bad thing was that this young master was too handsome. And he had the demeanor of a banished immortal. When he smiled at you in a gentle and elegant manner, most people would swallow what they wanted to say and would not be able to refute him. And when there was a hint of coldness in this young master's smile, it was mostly related to their Prince Ding, and everyone would feel the chill as cold as the winter wind.

"Master Qingchen, the prince and princess are back!" the guard outside the door announced loudly.

Xu Qingchen's handsome face was filled with a bright smile, and for a moment it was as if spring had returned and flowers were blooming, but most of the people present still shuddered. When Master Qingchen showed such a smile, it was usually the time when someone would be in trouble.

"Okay, very good." Xu Qingchen nodded and smiled, then stood up, glanced at the people present and said with a smile: "Everyone, let's go and welcome the prince together."

Prince Ding, who had spent quite some time in Chujing, returned to the northwest. Before he had time to catch his breath, his most trusted military strategist and brother-in-law invited him to the study to discuss matters. Ye Li felt guilty for leaving all the work to Xu Qingchen alone, and planned to go with him to help. However, it was obvious that Master Xu's anger was only directed at Prince Ding, so he gently rejected Ye Li's help and kindly reminded his cousin that she had come back from a hard journey and should have a good rest. As for other matters... the prince will take care of them.

Ye Li felt that her elder brother was actually gritting his teeth when he said that the prince would take care of it. Of course, her elder brother would not do such an indecent action, but Ye Li still decided to follow her elder brother's instructions and rest. After all, she still had several guests to settle.

Someone was already waiting in the vacant guest house deep inside Prince Ding's mansion. Ye Li, the Queen and Hua Tianxiang had just walked to the gate of the courtyard when someone rushed out, "Princess Ding! Princess Ding... Is my mother... is my mother here?" Princess Changle, who had not been seen for a long time, rushed out in a light purple dress embroidered with orchids. She happened to see the Queen walking beside Ye Li and could not help but stay at the door.

"Changle..." The Queen looked at her daughter whom she had not seen for almost a year. She had grown taller and looked better than when she was in the palace. Although she had heard Ye Li talk about her daughter's situation in the northwest all along the way, she still couldn't help but wet her eyes when she actually saw her.

"Mother...Mother...Mother!" Princess Changle blinked her eyes, finally came to her senses, and threw herself into the Queen's arms with a cry of joy. The fifteen-year-old girl was only a little shorter than her mother, but in front of the Queen she still smiled and acted coquettishly like a seven or eight-year-old girl.

Hua Tianxiang stood aside, looking at Princess Changle with a smile and said, "Changle can only see your mother. Have you really forgotten about me, your sister?"

Princess Changle then raised her head and looked at Hua Tianxiang who was smiling at her, and called out shyly, "Sister Tianxiang."

"Sister Wuyou, there's me, there's me..." Mo Xiaobao stretched out his hand to attract Princess Changle's attention. Princess Changle and Mo Xiaobao always had a good relationship. She smiled and leaned over to pinch his little face and said, "It's Xiaobao. Is Chu Jing fun? Is this your new friend?" Leng Junhan stood beside Mo Xiaobao, blinking her big watery eyes at the beautiful sister in front of her. Princess Changle was immediately attracted by the watery and pink little bun in front of her. Compared to the quirky Mo Xiaobao who sometimes even fooled himself, this pink and soft little baby in front of her was obviously more lovable to women. Along the way, even the queen and Hua Tianxiang liked to hug and touch little Leng Junhan, which made Mo Xiaobao feel a little disappointed.

"It's not fun...but I did bring a gift for Sister Wuyou. This is Leng Xiaodai, my new friend." Mo Xiaobao said with some disappointment.

"Oh? You only brought gifts for Sister Wuyou? Then what about us?" A clear laughter came from the door. The two Mrs. Xu appeared at the door with Qin Zheng who was holding a little boy, and looked at Mo Xiaobao with a smile.

Mo Xiaobao immediately jumped into Madam Xu's arms with joy, "Aunt, second aunt, second aunt, Xiaobao is here to see you and has brought you gifts. And there is a gift for my younger brother Zhirui as well." The four-year-old Xu Zhirui snorted proudly and snuggled into his mother's arms, "I don't want your gift. I told you to sneak away to Chujing without taking me with you!

Mo Xiaobao's eyes turned and he smiled, "If you don't want it, forget it. I heard that General Lu's son's birthday is coming up, so I'll have someone send it to him in a few days! It just so happens that I forgot to prepare a birthday present for him." Even though Xu Zhirui was smart at the age of four, he was still a fair and tender little cutie, and he was fundamentally different from Mo Xiaobao, who was a black-hearted sesame-filled person. When she heard him say that, her little eyes immediately became wet, "Mom..."

Qin Zheng patted her son helplessly and consoled him, "Cousin was just joking with you."

"Right, right, I'm kidding. How could I give someone else something I'm giving to you? I'll have someone give it to you later, okay?" With his mother's warning look, Mo Xiaobao had to comfort the little kid himself. Seeing the two little kids, who were less than two years apart, being comforted and comforted in their parents' arms, everyone couldn't help but smile.

"Okay, let's go inside and talk. What's the point of blocking people at the door? We will clean up the garden in the next two days, come and see if you like it." It was Mrs. Xu who spoke again, while letting everyone into the yard.

The Queen looked at Ye Li with some worry and said, "Princess, should we live in Prince Ding's Mansion?" Their identities were different after all. If they were only living in Li City and were discovered, there would be an explanation. But if they were discovered living in Prince Ding's Mansion, it would affect the reputation of Prince Ding's Mansion. Ye Li smiled and patted her arm and said, "You can stay here with peace of mind. Not only you two, but Wuyou will also move back to the palace soon. I'm afraid that we won't be at peace in Li City in the future. Living in Prince Ding's Mansion is at least safer."

Princess Changle nodded and said, "Mother, Sister Tianxiang, the princess is right. The two masters will move back to the palace in two days. There are a lot more people leaving the city these days, and even the two masters' clinic has been visited by many people." After hearing her say this, the queen and Hua Tianxiang finally agreed.

The group entered the flower hall. As expected, all the furnishings in the hall were newly replaced, and many of them were in the style of Chu Jing. It was obvious that it was decorated very carefully. The guests sat down, and the maid served tea and left. Ye Licai said, "You can stay in Prince Ding's mansion. If you need anything, just send someone to tell the steward. Just treat this place as your own home." Madam Xu also smiled and said, "Li'er is right. You can come to our house to sit and walk around when you have time."

Madam Xu was not familiar with the Empress, but Madam Xu II knew her. When they met again, she did not show any discomfort, as if they were really the two old friends Ye Li brought back from Chujing. Instead, her eyes lit up when she fell on Hua Tianxiang, who was reminiscing with Qin Zheng, and she looked at Ye Li tentatively.

Ye Li couldn't help but laugh in her heart and nodded imperceptibly. Of course, she understood the second aunt's thoughts. In the past few years, the two aunts have been almost broken-hearted about the marriages of several cousins. It just so happens that the northwest is not as prosperous as Chujing, and there are many famous families. It is difficult to pick a few first-class ladies. And those cousins ​​are all unsophisticated and clearly do not want to get married. The eldest aunt is better. Finally, the second cousin is married and has children. The second aunt is very anxious. Now that she finally sees Hua Tianxiang, her eyes are naturally bright. Even in the capital, Hua Tianxiang was one of the most famous ladies. It's just that so many years have passed. Although Hua Tianxiang still has a girl's hairstyle, Mrs. Xu is not sure whether she is married or engaged.

After receiving Ye Li's affirmation, Madam Xu II looked at Hua Tianxiang with even more eagerness. Being stared at so passionately, Hua Tianxiang looked back at them in a daze. The Queen immediately understood Madam Xu II's thoughts, smiled faintly but didn't say much. The Xu family is naturally a very good family, and Tianxiang has suffered a lot of grievances over the years. If she can accomplish good things, it will naturally be very good, and it will also be Tianxiang's luck.

After settling Hua Tianxiang and the Queen, Ye Li thought about it and went to the study.

In the study, Mo Xiuyao was buried in a thick file, writing as smoothly as flowing water, but the expression on his face was uglier than stepping on shit. Sitting not far away was Feng Zhiyao, who was dragged by Mo Xiuyao to suffer together. Feng Zhiyao looked pale, stole a glance at Mo Xiuyao behind the desk, and then looked at Xu Qingchen who was sitting in front of the window leisurely flipping through a travel book, and helplessly buried his face back in the file. He couldn't afford to offend these two people one by one. It's better to keep your head down and do your work.

Xu Qingchen put down the book, looked up at the door and smiled, "Li'er, why don't you take a good rest? What are you doing here now?"

Ye Li came in with a cup of freshly brewed tea. She looked at Mo Xiuyao's sullen face and Xu Qingchen's indifferent smile, and said with a smile, "I'm bringing some tea and snacks. You've been working hard these days, big brother. Is there a lot to do?" Xu Qingchen picked up a cup of tea that Ye Li had poured and sighed helplessly, "It's true that a daughter who is married off is like water spilled out..."

Ye Li had no choice but to pour a cup of tea for Mo Xiuyao and Feng Zhiyao. Mo Xiuyao took a sip of the tea, then heaved a sigh of relief and complained, "Ah Li, your elder brother tortured me... I haven't even had a sip of water since I came back. He also asked me to finish reading all of this today!"

Ye Li looked at the pair of papers that were taller than Mo Xiuyao's head and could only give him a sympathetic look.

Xu Qingchen brushed off the non-existent dust on his clothes leisurely, and sneered: "Am I torturing you, Your Highness? Or are you torturing us, the slaves? These are the military, political and civil affairs of the northwest during your absence, including financial revenue and border battle report analysis. So many of us have been busy for a month or two, and you only have to spend half a day to review them. Is that too much?"

Who dares to ask you to work like a slave? You are crazy! Mo Xiuyao silently complained in his heart. He would never admit that he made Xu Qingchen work like a slave. He just knew how to use people. You can explain these nonsense in a few words. Is it necessary for me to find the answers in this pile of memorials and files? Even if it is necessary, do you have to not even give me water to drink? The servant serving in the study is sick and asked for leave. Is this idiotic reason really something you, Master Qingchen, came up with?

"Can't we really wait and see tomorrow?" Mo Xiuyao asked without any hope.

Xu Qingchen said with a smile: "Of course, starting from tomorrow, you will be in charge of all these matters. However... I remember that there are other things that need your review tomorrow. Are you ready to postpone them to the day after tomorrow? This also involves some military intelligence related to Xiling and Beirong. Is it really okay?"

Of course not! Mo Xiuyao gritted his teeth in hatred. It was definitely a wrong decision to agree to let Xu Qingchen take charge of the affairs of the Northwest. How could he think that his brother-in-law would be easier to deal with than his uncle? How could he think that his brother-in-law was older? His son was younger so he could use him for a few more years? At least Mr. Hongyu would never be as bad as the man in front of him who seemed like a fallen immortal!

Meanwhile, Feng Zhiyao looked at Mo Xiuyao with sympathy. "My Lord, having such a brother-in-law is the retribution for you enslaving us kind people for so many years, right?"

"Mr. Feng San, I heard that you have done something earth-shattering in the capital?" After scolding Mo Xiuyao, Xu Qingchen turned around and looked at Feng Zhiyao, who was lying on the table weakly, with a smile.

Feng Zhiyao's face froze, and he could only smile bitterly. If he was alone, he would not think he had done anything wrong, but this time he had implicated the Feng family and even the Ding Palace. Xu Qingchen looked at Feng Zhiyao and said indifferently, "You did a good job."

Feng Zhiyao, who originally thought he was going to be scolded by Master Qingchen, almost dropped his jaw on the table. He saw with his own eyes how Master Qingchen treated the prince. Of course, he didn't dare to expect that Master Qingchen, who was furious, would let him off. Mo Xiuyao was even more dissatisfied, "What did he do wrong?"

Xu Qingchen said calmly, "The result is good." Not only did the new emperor of Da Chu lose the support of the Feng family, but also made the court of Da Chu even more chaotic. He also brought back Feng Huaiting, who can stand on his own in business. This result is really very good. Mo Xiuyao was furious. Wasn't this a result of his hard work? Could Feng San have achieved such a result alone? Why was he the one who got criticized, while Feng Zhiyao, the troublemaker, was praised? Where is justice? Where is justice?

"Ali, your elder brother bullied me!" Mo Xiuyao put his hands around Ye Li's waist and said sadly.

Ye Li patted his shoulder sympathetically, saying, "I can't do anything if Big Brother wants to bully you. I don't dare to go against Big Brother either."

Xu Qingchen turned around and glanced at someone upstairs who was acting coquettishly with Ye Li, "If the prince is still planning to have dinner, it's better not to waste time. These documents on the table are still waiting for your instructions." Mo Xiuyao let go of Ye Li with resentment, picked up the file and started reading: Xu Qingchen, are you really not secretly in love with my dear wife because you are always finding fault with me?

The study remained quiet for a while. Seeing Mo Xiuyao looking at her pitifully, Ye Li had no choice but to sit down and help him look through the pile of memorials.

"Eh? What exactly does Lei Zhenting want to do?" Feng Zhiyao asked, waving the memorial in his hand. "In just one month, he has sent hundreds of thousands of troops to the border. As a result, the number of troops at the border of Xiling has reached more than 600,000. He is not planning to attack us, is he?"

Mo Xiuyao tilted his head, rubbed his chin and said, "That shouldn't be the case. Lei Zhenting doesn't seem to be an impulsive person. Besides, if he wanted to send troops to the northwest, he should have done it when the king and A'li were not around, and he wouldn't have waited until now." Feng Zhiyao asked in confusion, "Then what does he want to do? Is he just provoking us for nothing?"

Ye Li pondered for a moment and said, "If he doesn't want to fight us, then he wants to fight others. War is a major issue for a country. Lei Zhenting will not rashly mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops just to play with us. However... I thought he would attack Nanzhao, but I didn't expect him to withdraw his troops." Xu Qingchen said with some regret and some relief, "I really miscalculated this time. Nanjiang is in a remote corner. The border with Xiling is even more dangerous. In most cases, Nanzhao cannot pose an effective threat to Xiling. Similarly, it will take a lot of effort for Xiling to seize Nanzhao. Lei Zhenting has always been wary of us, and it is very likely that he will temporarily give up Nanzhao."

Mo Xiuyao turned around and looked at the map hanging on the wall, and said, "He still wants to attack Da Chu."

Feng Zhiyao smiled and said, "That's possible. Compared to our impoverished northwest, the south of the Yangtze River and Chujing are truly prosperous places. Now that the new emperor of the Chu Kingdom has just been established, he is at war with the northern border, and the northern barbarians are eyeing him covetously. It would be strange if he didn't want to get a piece of the pie. So... these hundreds of thousands of troops on the border are prepared to guard against us sending troops to help the Chu Kingdom? You really think highly of the Mohist Army. I'm afraid that the troops he really sends to attack the Chu Kingdom will not be much more than this, right?"

Xu Qingchen looked at Mo Xiuyao calmly, "What are your plans, Lord?"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, looking puzzled at the white-clothed man sitting in front of him. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and said, "Once Xiling attacks Chu, Beirong in the north will definitely take advantage of the situation and rob. Are you going to help or just ignore it?"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and said, "How about helping me? How about ignoring me?"

"By lending a helping hand, it means that the prince has acknowledged Mo Jingqi's dying wish. The Mohist Army is still the guard of Great Chu, Prince Ding's Mansion is still a minister of Great Chu, and the Northwest is still the land of Great Chu. If we ignore it, no one in the Northwest will dare to take the initiative to provoke in the short term, but once Great Chu is annexed. Xiling and Beirong will form a siege on the Northwest, and then..." Xu Qingchen's voice was flat and without any ripples, as if he was not talking about a major event concerning the fate of the Northwest and the Mohist Army, but what to eat for breakfast tomorrow morning.

Mo Xiuyao propped up his head and looked at Xu Qingchen for a long time before turning back to smile at Ye Li. He opened his lips and said, "I will not choose either of them."

Xu Qingchen raised his eyebrows, Mo Xiuyao smiled coldly, and the brush in his hand flew out and pierced into the map on the wall with a whoosh. Everyone looked up and saw that the brush had penetrated two inches into the wall, and its position just landed on the location of Lucheng, the capital of Xiling on the map. Mo Xiuyao said indifferently: "This king chooses... to attack Xiling!"

Feng Zhiyao's eyes lit up, and he stared at the pen that was fixed on the map, as if the small wolf-hair brush was a sharp sword that really split the capital of Xiling in half.

"Enter the palace...Xi Ling?! Are you serious, Your Majesty?" Feng Zhiyao's voice was a little trembling, and it could be heard that he was excited.

"Can I still joke?" Mo Xiuyao said with a smile. Feng Zhiyao's eyes became brighter. The Mohist Army had been lying in wait for many years, and it was finally time to show its might. This most elite army of the Great Chu was actually established with the original purpose of unifying the world. However, due to various reasons, this wish could never be achieved. Nearly two hundred years had passed, and the sharpness and glory of the Mohist Army were almost worn out. Now, have they finally waited for it...

"In that case..." Xu Qingchen smiled calmly, his voice clear and calm, "Is your Highness ready?"

"If I am not prepared, wouldn't the 300,000 troops sent to the border by Master Qingchen be wasted?" Mo Xiuyao laughed loudly. Xu Qingchen didn't care that Mo Xiuyao had revealed the arrangement, and smiled and said, "In that case, I wish you a successful battle."

In the originally quiet and ordinary study, the seemingly casual conversation absolutely predicted the future situation of the world. Ye Li sat aside and smiled faintly. The world... was about to be in chaos. As a wife, she would always be by his side. As Princess Ding, she would personally participate in this game of competing for the world.