172 The entire world is astounded

t triumphantly, leaving behind Han Mingxi lying under the bushes cursing in his heart.Having dealt satisfactorily with Han Mingxi, Xu Qingfeng lay on the slope observing movements of people around the...172. Shockwaves Across the Land

October of this year was undoubtedly a month that would be etched in everyone's memory.

For example, Li Prince Mo Jingli and Nan Zhao Xi Ling joined forces to attack Great Chu, while Ding Wang Jun commanded fifty thousand soldiers to counterattack. Moreover, at sixteen years old, the Ding Wang妃firmly guarded the northwest with a woman’s strength. On October 15th and 16th, she completely wiped out Xi Ling's army in Hongzhou City, which was the last line of defense in the northwest of Great Chu. As a result, all twenty thousand of the enemy troops stationed opposite her were annihilated, and the Xi Ling General hurriedly retreated westward, shocking the entire world. Simultaneously, she split her forces into two parts with only thirty thousand soldiers to block the major passageway through the northwest of Great Chu where over three hundred thousand enemies were stranded, unable to advance or retreat. The Ding Wang妃’s personal guards, Qin Feng, led a small team called Qilin that appeared and disappeared like ghosts, always serving as the vanguard whenever the Black Sect Army launched surprise attacks.

On October 17th, the grain convoy of Xi Ling's reinforcements aiding Great Chu was completely burnt to ashes. A massive Qilin firework rose into the sky amidst the flames, and thus Qilin became famous overnight known by all. With their supplies gone, thirty thousand soldiers from Xi Ling were forced to retreat in panic back across the border.

However, these events weren't the most shocking news. The most astonishing piece of information was that on October 16th, the Ding Wang妃fell off a cliff somewhere between Hongzhou City and Ruyang City's Tinging Mountain range, her whereabouts unknown. What made this even more perplexing was that there were over seven thousand soldiers from Great Chu stationed at the foot of the mountain when it happened. Later on, Ding Wang became extremely furious; all seven thousand soldiers along with their officers were executed without exception. It’s said that the blood spilt had dyed a wide river at the bottom of the mountain crimson red. Naturally, this caused quite a stir among people across the land. Some criticized Ding Wang for his cruel and unjust killings, while others defended him, believing it was malicious slander. There were also some who privately speculated about the connection between Ding Wang妃’s disappearance and these seven thousand soldiers. However, regardless of what everyone else thought and discussed, the Black Sect Army who had reoccupied Hongzhou City and Ding Wang showed no signs of any reaction to these events.

The news was reported back to the capital during early court hours. In the grand hall, all was silent as everyone waited cautiously for Emperor's decision without daring to even breathe deeply. Mo Jingqi almost dropped the documents he held in his trembling hands; whether from rage or fear, his hand wouldn't stop shaking. After a long time, he roared: "Insolence! How dare you, Mo Xiyaoyao! Without any word, you executed seven thousand troops and several generals for me. Do you want to rebel!" The few old ministers bowed their heads slightly, their mouths twitching subtly.

"Your Majesty," Minister Liu, currently the most influential minister in court, stepped forward to report, "Prince Ding privately executed seven thousand soldiers and several generals from our imperial army; this is extremely disrespectful. If we do not severely punish him, it will cause dissatisfaction among the Great Chu troops and commoners. Please issue an order to strictly discipline Prince Ding." Several other ministers who were close to Emperor Mo Jingqi also followed suit.

Just as Mo Xiyaoyao was about to speak up, someone stepped forward to say: "Your Majesty, this cannot be done." Upon looking up, Mo Jingqi saw the elderly grand minister Su Zhe of over sixty years old. His face darkened slightly and he said coolly, "What do you think, Minister Su"

Su Zhe bowed respectfully and reported, "Your Majesty, Prince Ding妃’s death is a great sorrow for him, and at this time, only comfort should be given to him, not pressure."

Minister Liu turned around with a mocking smile on his face towards Su Zhe, saying, "Do you think those seven thousand soldiers died in vain Minister Su, as an educated man yourself, shouldn't you understand that the law applies equally to princes and commoners Not to mention, Prince Ding is merely your vassal. We naturally mourn for Prince Ding妃’s death, but are you suggesting that her life is more important than those seven thousand soldiers"

Su Zhe looked at Minister Liu with a sigh before addressing Mo Jingqi again: "Your Majesty, I implore you to think carefully. In times of war now, although Prince Ding's actions this time were somewhat excessive, the country cannot do without him; please forgive his mistakes."

Minister Liu snorted lightly and said, "Cannot be without Prince Ding Then are all our scholars and generals in Great Chu mere empty vessels for alcohol and rice bags Without Prince Ding, would Great Chu not work"

Su Zhe replied calmly: "I did hear that your Excellency's household has produced a general. But I wonder how many soldiers he can lead or what victories he has achieved; could he replace Prince Ding to pacify the turmoil in the northwest" Minister Liu’s face turned from pale to red, and Mo Jingqi hit his desk forcefully before shouting angrily: "Enough! Is this court the place for idle talk Be silent! I hereby order that Prince Ding, Mo Xiyaoyao, has privately executed punishment and killed innocents, which is a gross disrespect to me. Considering our ancestors' achievements, I will pardon him of death but demote his title from prince to marquis and reduce his salary by three years!"

The hall fell silent at his words, and it took a while before someone reacted. "Your Majesty should think carefully..."

"Shut up! My mind is made up!"

The news quickly spread to the harem. Empress Hua was receiving the palace ladies and rankholding women when she heard the news from her trusted maid, her vision going black for a moment before she managed to steady herself. She waved away the confused ladies and asked in a deep voice, "Is this true" The maid said softly, "The news came straight from the imperial court; the edict is probably already on its way out of the capital." Empress Hua slumped back into her throne, murmuring, "He's gone mad... Lady Ding... Lady Ding..." The maid said, "We received word at home as well. Princess Consort Ding’s situation looks grim." Empress Hua thought back to that gentle woman she had met a few times: seemingly mild and graceful but with an allure that made one want to be close to her and put one's mind at ease. That woman... who dazzled the world on the battlefield in the northwest, only to fall in the next moment Truly fate was cruel to beautiful women...

Empress Hua quickly pulled herself together and said with a stern face, "You go personally to see my father and tell him that everything should be put first for our family. Don’t worry about me."

The maid looked hesitant but Empress Hua waved her away. "Go; Father will understand." The worried maid left, and Empress Hua leaned back in her throne with a heavy sigh, her beautiful face filled with anxiety and helplessness.

"Mother..." Princess Changle ran into the hall, seeing her mother’s tired expression and asked worriedly, "What happened Did something happen"

Empress Hua embraced her daughter, patting her back softly. "It's nothing, don’t worry. Mother will take care of everything for you..." Although Empress Hua didn't say it outright, Changle knew that something big must have happened. She nestled against her mother and said obediently, "Changle will protect Mother too. Changle wants Mother to be safe with me."

"Good girl...

Fort City Hongzhou

The atmosphere was different from usual in the governor's residence. Unlike Xinyang, apart from a few city gates, there was hardly any damage to the fort of Hongzhou. What was terrifying was the bloodbath that had continued for over twenty-four hours within the city walls. By the time reinforcements arrived at Fort City Hongzhou, only slightly more than ten thousand soldiers remained of the original thirty thousand Black Family forces, while the Western Command Army had been reduced from around seventy thousand to less than thirty thousand. The entire city reeked of blood; every step one took was accompanied by dark red stains beneath their feet. Bodies were quickly removed and cleaned up, leaving the streets and alleys blood-free in a short time. Apart from the lingering smell of blood in the air, everything seemed to have returned to its pre-battle state. But on the city walls and within the governor's residence, there was no longer that serene young woman who had always put others at ease with her presence; instead, the other master of the Black Family forces remained unconscious.

In the deepest courtyard of the governor’s mansion, Feng Zhiyao paced back and forth in agitation. He watched Shen Yang sitting by the bedside taking the prince's pulse and asked impatiently, "Sir Shen, when will His Highness wake up" Ever since they returned from the mountain, Prince Mo Xiuyao had finally succumbed to his frail health after days of anxiety and fatigue, spitting blood before falling off his horse. He had remained unconscious ever since. Meanwhile, those searching for Lady Ding did not dare to stop, with Feng Zhiyao sending out nearly ten thousand people every day along the river downstream or upstream to look for her. But even now seven or eight days later, there was still no news. Feng Zhiyao knew clearly that hope of finding her seemed slim. Shen Yang looked back at him and shook his head. Feng Zhiyao grabbed him and asked angrily, "What does shaking your head mean" Shen Yang replied calmly, "Whether His Highness can wake up isn't something I can decide." Feng Zhiyao laughed dryly. "Meaning Are you telling me His Highness doesn’t want to live anymore"

Shen Yang shook his head. "That's not it. If he really wanted to die, then he wouldn’t be worthy of being Mo Liufang’s son. What I mean is that His Highness’ body simply won't allow him to wake up at this point. There are still toxins in his system and he has been weak from illness for a long time; now it's even more dangerous. If he wakes up, it will surely cause great damage internally. No matter what he thinks of… his body would completely collapse."

Feng Zhiyao ignored his decorum, grabbing his hair in frustration as he asked, "Then what should we do I can hold on for a few days, maybe even a week or two. But if His Highness doesn't wake up after that, how are we going to proceed What about the Black Family forces and preparations for the northwest" Shen Yang gave him an icy look. "I am a doctor; what other advice do you expect from me"

"Has Mo Xiuyao not woken up yet" Han Mingchi entered with a solemn expression and asked after glancing at the person lying on the bed.

Feng Zhiyao frowned as he looked at him, "Sir Han, please mind your manners." Han Mingchi sneered, "Mind my manners What’s the point of that! When A Li encounters trouble, he just lies there pretending to be dead Get out of the way..." Feng Zhiyao blocked in front of him and said sternly, "Sir Han, I respect you as a friend of our queen, but don’t take it too far!" Han Mingchi laughed bitterly from extreme anger, "Do you still remember your queen… Truly rare. Mo Xiuyao, if you can breathe, get up for me! Jun Wei really hit the worst luck encountering you." Feng Zhiyao was about to speak when Shen Yang, who stood by his side, pulled him back. Shen Yang shook his head and signaled for Feng Zhiyao to stay aside without interfering.

Han Mingchi let out a soft snort as he walked to the bedside and looked down at the man lying on the bed with a pale face that seemed like paper; no matter how he looked, it was unbearable. If not for this man, wouldn’t Jun Wei, a proper lady of high society, have had any need to risk her life in battle Wouldn't she be forced to continue even when pregnant and unable to rest properly All of this was caused by Mo Xiuyao's incompetence!

"Keep on sleeping! Sleep until death. I will take revenge for Jun Wei’s sake myself. Hmph! Coward, fool, useless person..."

Feng Zhiyao stared in astonishment as Han Mingchi repeated all the insulting words he knew to thoroughly insult Mo Xiuyao from head to toe without any pause. Feng Zhiyao was at a loss for what to do; heaven above, it seemed that no one had ever insulted the Prince of Ding Kingdom like this since its establishment. It appeared that Han Mingchi finally vented the anger he had been suppressing these days, as his expression clearly improved afterwards. He glanced at Mo Xiuyao and snorted, "If you want to keep pretending to be dead, then continue doing so; I won’t serve you anymore!"說完如一陣風一般的颳了出去。說完，他像一陣風般離去。 Feng Zhiyao blinked and looked blankly toward Shen Yang. Shen Yang looked at the person lying on the bed, shook his head, and left.

In the early morning, Feng Zhiyao was urgently summoned to Mo Xiuyao's courtyard by a guard. The reason for this was that in the morning when guards came to serve the Prince, they found that the person who should have been lying on the bed unconscious had disappeared. With hundreds of secret soldiers guarding and over ten thousand troops of the Mo family protecting him within and outside the city walls, the prince vanished without a sound. This caused everyone to panic. Charging into the courtyard, Feng Zhiyao kicked open the half-closed door and rushed in but was stunned by what he saw.

In the room where it was previously reported that the prince had gone missing, there was no one on the bed as usual; however, a slender yet upright figure stood next to the window of the side hall. What shocked Feng Zhiyao was the shockingly white silver hair draped over his back: "Prince... Your Highness" Regaining composure, Feng Zhiyao shouted outside the door, “Please have Mr Shen come!” Mo Xiuyao turned around and looked at Feng Zhiyao standing in front of him. Feng Zhiyao felt a pang in his heart. The silver hair casually hanging by his neck made this already thin person look even thinner and paler. However, he seemed to be in unusually good spirits; there was no sign of the physical collapse predicted by Shen Yang due to extreme anger. From Feng Zhiyao's perspective, his condition seemed better than before Jun Wei’s incident. Only that pair of originally warm eyes with hidden coldness now had a sharp glint. It reminded Feng Zhiyao of the bloody blade, seemingly hiding something terrifying beneath calmness. If it ever broke free... Feng Zhiyao shuddered inwardly and dared not think further: "Prince... Your Highness, are you alright"

Mo Xiuyao barely lifted his lips in a faint smile that Feng Zhiyao didn't sense any amusement from. He asked calmly, “How many days have I slept”

Feng Zhiyao’s heart trembled slightly: "Nine days."

“Is there news about A Li”

Feng Zhiyao lowered his head and said solemnly, “Your Highness... With her great fortune, she will surely overcome any misfortune.”

"That’s useless…." Mo Xiuyao said indifferently: "Great fortune... Overcome misfortune I don’t believe in ghosts or gods. I won't pray to heaven. If she dies, I will turn this world into a hell and let the rivers and mountains over ten thousand miles serve as her offering!"

Feng Zhiyao was shaken in his heart and ultimately shook his head dejectedly. If Mo Xiuyao had been frenzied, despondent, or grief-stricken, he could have said something to console him. But facing the man calmly saying such chilling words before him now, he did not know what to say. Perhaps he dared not.

The room fell silent for a long while before Mo Xiuyao spoke, "Tell me about Ah Li." Feng Zhiyao did not know what to say but knew that he could not remain silent, so he recounted everything that had happened since Mo Xiuyao's departure. When he inevitably mentioned the child who was only two months old, Feng Zhiyao glanced at the silver-haired man by the window and saw his hand tightly gripping the window frame. His calm expression showed no sign of disturbance.

Shen Yang hurriedly entered with a medical bag in his hand. Upon seeing him, Feng Zhiyao immediately stopped talking and made way for him to enter. Shen Yang stood at the door and was momentarily stunned upon seeing the person by the window; clearly, he had not anticipated this situation. The incident of losing all one’s hair overnight had been recorded before, but it was another matter altogether when one actually witnessed such a scene. On the other hand, Shen Yang now understood why Mo Xiuyao could wake up so quickly and still stand on his own rather than be bedridden from being in poorer health. His anger, resentment, pain, and sorrow did not leave him even while he slept, which was why he had turned completely white overnight. But it seemed that the worst was over; as long as Prince Ding did not let his temper or mood run wild, there would be no immediate danger. Given time, he would definitely find a way to cure him thoroughly. At this thought, Shen Yang felt relieved in his heart. Stepping forward, he said solemnly, "Your Highness, may I take your pulse"

Mo Xiuyao did not object and casually sat down on the chair by the window, placing his wrist on the table. Shen Yang came closer to feel his pulse and examined Mo Xiuyao for a while in puzzlement before saying with furrowed brows, "Your Highness’s body… there is no immediate danger. However, Your Highness should not overexert yourself; take care."

"I appreciate your effort, Mr. Shen," said Mo Xiuyao.

This time, even Shen Yang sensed something was amiss with Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao was no hard-to-please patient but equally not one to blindly follow a doctor’s advice. This appearance of taking his words seriously for some reason made him uneasy.

"Your Highness has probably… injured your heart in the past few days. I will prescribe some medicine that you should take."

"I understand," Mo Xiuyao nodded, then looked at the white hair on his shoulders and said, "Please prepare something to mask this gray hair for me."

Shen Yang was taken aback but nodded. "Your subordinate will comply."

"My lord, there is a messenger from the capital," reported a guard outside.

Moi Xiuyao lowered his eyes and curved his lips in an extremely faint smile, “Let him in.”

---row. Was that soMoxiaobao knew that he couldn't shake his father's strength, so he could only feign shyness and lie on his father's lap, which indeed proved Mo Xiuyao right. Mo Xiuyao held Moxiaobao a...