Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 385 - 384. Not maintaining one’s reputation

384. Loss of Honor

The war that had lasted for half a year suddenly came to an abrupt end. The last hundreds of thousands of Beirong troops were all buried within Wind Return Valley. The entire valley became a river of blood, littered with corpses. The few Beirong soldiers scattered and stationed throughout the lands were hardly worth mentioning, as they were all annihilated by the Mo Family Army’s swift and aggressive attacks. This war, seemingly inconspicuous and undramatic, actually managed to outdo most of the historical records of the Mo Family Army. Of over a million Beirong soldiers, none escaped back to Beirong. After this battle, Beirong lost not just over a million soldiers but also nearly seventy percent of their commanders. It would absolutely take decades for them to recover from such a loss.

When it came time to clear the battlefield, the person escorted before Mo Xiuyao and the others by the Mo Family Army soldiers was unexpected. This person was none other than Beirong’s General Flying Cavalry, Helian Zhen. It was surprising that Helian Zhen had survived even when Yelv Ye died amidst the chaos of battle.

Mo Xiuyao’s sharp eyes lowered slightly as he cast a light glance at the two soldiers who had escorted Helian Zhen. The two soldiers quickly reported, "Your Highness, this man claims to have important information about Beirong to share with you. So, we..."

Everyone understood. At the last moment, Helian Zhen, fearing death, had tried to use this to bargain for his life. The Mo Family Army officers looked on with both disdain and hatred. The Mo Family Army soldiers who had died in vain nineteen years ago had not even fallen at the hands of a respectable hero, but a fearful, shameless coward.

In fact, nineteen years ago, Helian Zhen might not have been a coward. But he hadn’t been on a battlefield for over a dozen years. Even at the time of his great defeat at Mo Xiuyao’s hands, he was far from his peak. After more than a decade, the spirit and valor he once possessed had long since eroded. All that remained was a lingering resentment over his defeat by Mo Xiuyao. When it was proven that he indeed could not overcome Mo Xiuyao, even this resentment vanished. The only thing left was his life.

"Prince Ding, as long as you spare my life, I am willing to tell you everything about Beirong’s military deployment," Helian Zhen said, his eyes blazing with anxiety. He didn’t want to die; he had never been so acutely aware of this fact as he was at that moment, not even nineteen years ago.

Mo Xiuyao’s lips curled into a cold, disdainful smile. "Having not held military command for nineteen years, General Helian, do you truly know Beirong’s military deployment?"

Helian Zhen was left speechless. "I... I can tell you everything I know, as long as you spare my life!" At this point, Helian Zhen finally realized he had no leverage to negotiate with Mo Xiuyao and spoke with a flustered tone.

Mo Xiuyao’s eyes surged with murderous intent, but he did not act immediately. He closed his eyes, calming his emotions. When he opened them again, they were serene, yet Helian Zhen had a distinct sense of foreboding.

Mo Xiuyao’s voice was as calm as still water. "Take him out and execute him!"

"Yes!" The two soldiers who had brought Helian Zhen in did not hesitate, dragging him back out. Listening to Helian Zhen’s terrified cries and pleas as he was hauled away, everyone felt a somber pity for him. A once-famous general, his reputation ruined, yet still unable to escape death.

The command tent fell silent for a while, everyone looking somewhat dazed. Yun Ting and the other young officers could hardly believe they had completely annihilated the Beirong army, which had outnumbered them and was not inferior in strength.

Sun Yaowu stood stunned for a moment, then suddenly burst into loud sobs. Although he did not harbor the same deep-seated hatred for Beirong from nineteen years ago, their invasion of Great Chu three years prior, marked by countless atrocities, had filled Sun Yaowu with a hatred for the Beirong people no less intense than that of the Mo Family Army veterans.

Zhou Min patted Sun Yaowu’s shoulder and chuckled. "Old Sun, you cry too easily. Isn’t winning such a great victory a good thing?"

Sun Yaowu wiped his eyes and snorted, "You don’t understand a thing! I’m crying because I’m happy, got it?"

Zhou Min rubbed his nose, deciding not to stoop to the coarse man’s level.

Mo Xiuyao’s expression was calm as he said sternly, "Alright. The entire army will rest and reorganize for two days. Zhou Min, Sun Yaowu."

"Present!" Zhou Min promptly stood up and answered loudly. Sun Yaowu also quickly straightened up.

Mo Xiuyao said, "The border defenses are entrusted to you two. As for the others, we will set off south in two days!"

"As you command!" everyone answered in unison.

The northern border of Great Chu is extremely long. Entrusting it solely to Zhou Min, leading troops independently for the first time, and Sun Yaowu, who had previously only commanded the forces of a single province, would normally be insufficient. However, it was currently severe winter. Even if Beirong wanted to send reinforcements or seek revenge for Yelv Ye, it would be at least two months later. Furthermore, after half a year of tempering, both men were capable of handling such a significant responsibility, so Mo Xiuyao was not worried.

Zhou Min was naturally pleased to accept the assignment. As a surrendered general, Sun Yaowu was also delighted by Prince Ding’s trust in him. Both joyfully accepted their orders. The others understood that following Prince Ding south meant countless brutal battles, but it also signified more opportunities for meritorious service, filling them with anticipation. For a time, the atmosphere inside the large tent became lively.

Ye Li sat beside Mo Xiuyao, quietly reaching out to hold his hand. Mo Xiuyao turned his head to look at Ye Li, who smiled gently at him. A deep warmth and a smile touched his own eyes as he squeezed her hand back tightly.

Mo Xiaobao sat between them, looking from his father to his mother, then beamed and placed his small hand on top of theirs.

「Not far from Wind Return Valley, on a small hill, stood an unassuming, solitary grave.」

There wasn’t even a tombstone in front of it; the grave mound was covered in withered grass. If one didn’t look closely, it might be mistaken for merely a small, grass-covered hummock.

Mo Xiuyao, holding Ye Li’s hand and leading Mo Xiaobao with the other, stood before the grave. Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao with a hint of confusion, then a flash of understanding crossed her eyes as she heard him whisper, "Ah-Li, this is my elder brother."

Ye Li did not ask further. She stepped forward, bowed gracefully, and said, "Your sister-in-law, Ye Li, pays respects to Elder Brother." She then turned to Mo Xiaobao. "Xiaobao, kowtow to your Great Uncle."

Mo Xiaobao blinked in bewilderment. Though he didn’t understand why there was another grave for his Great Uncle here when he had already seen one in the Capital of Great Chu, he still obediently walked to Ye Li’s side, knelt, and kowtowed respectfully three times. "Mo Yuchen kowtows to Great Uncle."

Mo Xiuyao sighed softly, then lifted the hem of his robes and knelt beside Ye Li. In a deep voice, he said, "Elder Brother, did you see? Your younger brother has avenged you."

Ye Li tilted her head slightly and realized that the grave was positioned to face Wind Return Valley directly. If someone had stood there the previous day, they would have had a clear view of everything that transpired.

Mo Xiuyao had been largely raised by Mo Xiuwen, and his respect for his elder brother was immense. Thus, for all these years, avenging his brother had been an unforgettable mission for Mo Xiuyao. Yet, no one had imagined that Mo Xiuyao would bury Mo Xiuwen in such a remote and desolate place, far from the Capital of Great Chu.

After they paid their respects, Mo Xiuyao helped Ye Li to her feet. He sat down on a patch of ground not far from the grave, his hand on Ye Li’s shoulder, and said softly, "Everyone believes Elder Brother’s remains are buried in the ancestral cemetery of Prince Ding’s Mansion in the capital. That’s not true. When I reached the border all those years ago, his body had already been cremated. So, I switched them. Elder Brother’s true remains are buried here. I wanted him to watch from here, to see that one day, I would avenge him and all the unjustly killed soldiers of the Mo Family Army."

Ye Li squeezed his hand and smiled. "You did it. Elder Brother will surely be very happy."

Mo Xiuyao looked somewhat lost. "I don’t know if Elder Brother will be happy. But... Elder Brother can never come back." The vengeance he had yearned to achieve was finally complete, yet instead of triumph, he felt a deeper sense of desolation and emptiness in his heart. He had felt this when Mo Jingqi died, but now the emptiness was even more profound. Because, even if he killed all his enemies, those who were gone would never return.

"Xiuyao..." Ye Li called out, her voice tinged with worry.

Mo Xiuyao offered a faint smile. "Don’t worry. I still have you, Prince Ding’s Mansion, and the Mo Family Army." Smiling, he held Ye Li’s hand and glanced at Mo Xiaobao, who was, for once, behaving with unusual docility. Warmth spread through Mo Xiuyao’s heart. Thank goodness... Thank goodness Ah-Li is here, along with their children, their family. Otherwise, Mo Xiuyao truly might not have known how to continue living after achieving his revenge.

Mo Xiaobao pouted, his eyes glinting as he threw himself into Mo Xiuyao’s arms. "Father King, you still have me, and my younger brothers and sisters! When I grow up, I’ll help you annihilate Beirong."

Mo Xiuyao looked at him with an amused smile. "Oh? This Prince is waiting."

Mo Xiaobao huffed discontentedly. "Father King, you’re underestimating me! You just wait! When this Heir grows up, I’ll definitely destroy Beirong for you to see!"

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Indeed. This Prince is merely waiting to see."

Mo Xiaobao felt deeply slighted by his father and immediately began to wail in protest, clinging to Mo Xiuyao and refusing to let go. Ye Li watched the father and son roughhousing, a gentle smile playing on her lips. She quietly asked, "Will you move Elder Brother’s remains back to the Capital of Great Chu?"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head and smiled. "There’s no need. Let them stay here. In the future..." In the future, the Mo Family’s ancestral graves might not even remain in the Capital of Great Chu. Besides, it’s quieter here. Haven’t you seen? Countless tombs of princes, nobles, and emperors, built with splendor and riches enough to rival a nation, only end up plundered by grave robbers when dynasties rise and fall.

The past year had been marked by constant major events. By year’s end, Mo Jingli, the Regent Prince of Great Chu stationed in Jiangnan, officially ascended the throne. Before the old year was even out, momentous news shook the North: the million-strong Beirong army that had invaded Great Chu was utterly annihilated by the Mo Family Army, with not a single soldier returning to Beirong. This news sent shockwaves throughout the lands. Many citizens of Great Chu who had been forced to relocate wept tears of joy, secretly planning their return to the north. Unfortunately, though Beirong was defeated, the north remained embroiled in conflict. Mo Jingli, now Emperor of Great Chu for less than half a month, led an army of seven hundred thousand north, vowing to reclaim lost territories.

Meanwhile, the Xiling army led by Lei Zhenting had already broken through Ruichang and laid siege to Weicheng City. Weicheng City was in imminent danger.

「Weicheng City」

Atop the city walls, Marquis South and Murong Shen sat across from each other, each holding a chess piece as they played a game. Below the city walls, several miles away, lay the Xiling army camp. Banners fluttered within the encampment, and even from a distance, one could feel the overwhelming intent for battle.

Murong Shen shook his head and, with some exasperation, tossed down his chess piece. "Marquis South, you truly have patience. I’ve never cared much for these games."

Marquis South looked up and smiled. "Patience, General Murong."

Murong Shen spoke anxiously, "Ruichang has fallen, and Lei Zhenting’s army has Weicheng City surrounded. We’re helpless! How can I remain calm?"

Marquis South laughed. "Aren’t things much better than we anticipated? Originally, the Prince said it would be good if we could defend Feihong Pass for three months. Nearly two months have passed, and Weicheng City is still in our hands. This shows that the situation hasn’t exceeded the Prince’s expectations. We may be inferior to Lei Zhenting in manpower and knowledge of the Art of War, but why blame yourself, General Murong?"

Murong Shen sighed and looked apologetically at Marquis South. "I suppose I’ve been a bit impatient. I’ve spent half my life on the battlefield, I dare say... but this is the first time I’ve been so utterly suppressed, with no way to fight back." Murong Shen had fought hundreds of battles in his life, with victories and defeats, but this was the first time he had been so thoroughly beaten down from the very beginning of a battle. It was hard not to feel frustrated.

Marquis South chuckled. "Lei Zhenting is known as the God of War of Xiling. In his entire career, he’s only ever lost to the former Regent Prince and the current Princess Consort Ding. If it weren’t for him, why would our Prince take the risk of wanting to eliminate Beirong first before focusing on Lei Zhenting? As for Mo Jingli’s Great Chu, frankly, the Mo Family Army doesn’t really hold them in high regard. Half of Great Chu’s renowned generals are now with Prince Ding’s Mansion, and we haven’t heard of any extraordinary young commanders emerging in recent years. Given Mo Jingli’s suspicious nature, which is no less than Mo Jingqi’s, he would surely keep a tight grip on military power to prevent another Prince Ding’s Mansion from arising and challenging his authority."

Murong Shen nodded. "Thank you for the reminder, Marquis South."

Marquis South patted his shoulder and smiled. "Just relax. If worst comes to worst, we two will have to hold out in Weicheng City until the Prince returns. We can’t very well retreat to Feihong Pass and cause trouble for Veteran General Yuan, can we?"

Murong Shen nodded and smiled. "The Marquis speaks wisely."

"Reporting to the Marquis and General Murong! An eight-hundred-mile express dispatch has arrived!" Below the city wall, a soldier hurried up, presenting a letter sealed with red wax.

Marquis South took it, broke the seal, and his face lit up with joy as he read it. Seeing his expression, Murong Shen quickly asked, "Is there good news from the Prince?"

Marquis South nodded and grinned. "Indeed! The Prince has annihilated the Beirong army in Wind Return Valley. He executed the Seventh Prince of Beirong and captured Helian Zhen alive!"

Hearing this news, Murong Shen was also ecstatic. Although they were now under Prince Ding’s Mansion, both men were natives of Great Chu, and their hatred for the Beirong people was as profound as anyone’s. The news of Prince Ding eradicating the Beirong army felt like a great weight lifted from their chests.

Marquis South grabbed Murong Shen’s arm, laughing. "General, not so fast! The Prince will be back in a few days. But before that... this news must not be leaked."

Murong Shen understood. He glanced towards the distant Xiling camp and chuckled. "Marquis South, rest assured. I guarantee that not even a bird will fly over Weicheng City without our notice."

The two men looked at each other, then rose and burst into hearty laughter. The soldiers guarding the walls outside heard their commanders’ laughter. Although they didn’t know why their leaders were so pleased, a sense of relief also touched their faces.

In the main tent of the Xiling camp, Lei Zhenting frowned at the petition before him. He swept his gaze over the assembled generals below and asked in a deep voice, "Is there any news from Beirong?"

Lei Tengfeng stepped forward. "Royal Father, no news has come from Beirong these past few days. Given the severe cold in the north, it’s likely that both the Mo Family Army and the Beirong forces are moving slowly. So, a lack of news should be considered normal."

Lei Zhenting’s thick, white eyebrows knitted even tighter as he shook his head. "No, that’s not right. Mo Xiuyao knew Mo Jingli’s army was approaching, yet he dared to venture north. He certainly wouldn’t dally. I fear... something has gone wrong with Beirong."

"Royal Father, are you implying..." Lei Tengfeng paused, looking somewhat skeptical. "Beirong’s forces are not weaker than the Mo Family Army; if anything, they are stronger. Even if Mo Xiuyao wanted to completely defeat the Beirong army, it would likely take him several months."

Lei Zhenting shook his head, looking at Lei Tengfeng with a hint of regret. "Tengfeng, you are capable in all respects, but you always adhere too strictly to convention and dare not think outside the box."

Lei Tengfeng looked somewhat embarrassed and asked, puzzled, "Thinking outside the box... is that necessarily a good thing?"

Lei Zhenting smiled. "To fail is wishful thinking; to succeed is masterful strategy."

"Does Royal Father believe Mo Xiuyao can defeat the Beirong army in just two short months? But they’ve already been bogged down for several months with only minor victories," Lei Tengfeng said with a frown.

Lei Zhenting pondered, his brow furrowed. "Therefore, I suspect Mo Xiuyao was deliberately concealing his strength. The Mo Family Army’s performance over the past few months, while decent, was mediocre compared to their past achievements—even... significantly below par."

"Then, if Beirong has truly been defeated..." Lei Tengfeng said, his eyes narrowing.

Lei Zhenting stated, "Then it will be our turn to face Mo Xiuyao directly. Now that Mo Jingli’s army has arrived, even if Mo Xiuyao returns, our chances of victory are higher. Moreover... I would rather confront Mo Xiuyao head-on than have him scheming in the shadows." Only in retrospect, by carefully mulling things over, could one begin to discern the kind of intricate game Mo Xiuyao had been playing. Each time he thought of it, Lei Zhenting felt a chill run down his spine. The political landscape of the past few years, the numerous conflicts, the shifts in power—all had, in fact, been within Mo Xiuyao’s control. Or rather, the current state of the world was unfolding exactly as Mo Xiuyao had desired. Such intellect and capability were enough to terrify anyone. No wonder... no wonder the Emperor of Great Chu regarded Prince Ding’s Mansion with such profound fear and apprehension.

"Royal Father is right," Lei Tengfeng said. "In that case, we should now launch an all-out attack on Weicheng City. If we can capture Feihong Pass before Mo Xiuyao returns, we will have seized the initiative."

Lei Zhenting nodded and smiled. "Correct. And as for Mo Jingli... send someone to tell him not to keep fixating on the Capital of Great Chu. Even if he captured it now, he wouldn’t be able to hold it. He should direct his forces westward and advance from the north to rendezvous with us, lest Mo Xiuyao pick them off one by one." Ultimately, Lei Zhenting still didn’t trust the capabilities of the Great Chu generals. Although, as the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling, he wasn’t obligated to care about the fate of the Great Chu forces, they were currently allies. Their fortunes were intertwined; one’s gain was the other’s gain, and one’s loss was the other’s loss. Thus, Lei Zhenting couldn’t help but be concerned.

"Yes, Royal Father," Lei Tengfeng acknowledged with a nod.

With Lei Zhenting’s order, the assault on Weicheng City intensified. Marquis South and Murong Shen, already struggling to hold on, began to feel the strain. Standing on the city tower, they looked down at the river of blood flowing below the walls and at their exhausted soldiers. The Mo Family Army defending Weicheng City had just repelled another attack from the Xiling forces. But they all knew the Xiling army would not retreat so easily; after a brief respite, they would charge again.

Murong Shen stood on the city tower, squinting at the nearby Xiling army. "Has Lei Zhenting gone mad? Attacking relentlessly for days on end like this. Even if he takes Weicheng City, he’ll suffer severe losses himself."

Marquis South sighed. "Perhaps Lei Zhenting has already figured out that our Prince is about to return."

Murong Shen frowned. Marquis South chuckled. "Even if we’ve sealed off the news, he’d become suspicious if he received no information at all. For someone as astute as Lei Zhenting, it wouldn’t be difficult to guess the news of Beirong’s defeat."

Murong Shen considered this. He was about to speak when his expression suddenly changed. "They’re coming again!"

The thunderous beat of war drums filled the air. Soldiers who had been resting immediately rushed forward, ready to face the enemy. In the distance, the banners of the Xiling army fluttered as they charged forward with imposing momentum. Lei Tengfeng, leading on horseback, reached the base of the city wall, pointed his long whip at Marquis South and Murong Shen on the tower, and laughed. "Marquis South, General Murong, why persist in futile resistance? Your Weicheng City has but a paltry force of just over a hundred thousand. How can it withstand my million-strong Xiling army? Why not surrender to Xiling now? My father will surely treat you both with great honor; promotions and titles will naturally follow."

Marquis South responded with a faint smile, "I appreciate the regard from the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince. However, though I may lack talent and virtue, I cannot bring myself to commit such a shameful act as treason in the midst of battle."

Murong Shen was in no mood for idle talk and declared loudly, "Enough nonsense! If you want to fight, then fight!"

Lei Tengfeng’s expression darkened slightly, but he said with a casual smile, "Why the anger, gentlemen? I am merely looking out for you two generals. You are both renowned military leaders; why sacrifice your lives for a battle that is already lost?"

Murong Shen snorted, snatched a bow and arrow from a nearby soldier, and loosed a shot at Lei Tengfeng. Lei Tengfeng sidestepped the arrow, his face hardening. He pointed his whip at the men on the city wall and said sternly, "Murong Shen, if you fail to appreciate kindness, don’t blame this Prince for being merciless!"

Murong Shen scoffed, "I was unaware of any courtesy shared between myself and the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince. If you want to fight, then let’s fight! The Mo Family Army has no cowards who fear death!"

Humiliated by Murong Shen in front of the entire Xiling army, Lei Tengfeng wasted no more words. He roared, "Attack the city!"

In the rear of the Xiling army, Lei Zhenting watched Lei Tengfeng’s actions at the foot of the city walls from afar and shook his head with a hint of frustration. He sighed quietly. "Tengfeng still can’t keep his composure." It wasn’t that he insisted on persuading Marquis South and Murong Shen to surrender, but for Lei Tengfeng to be so easily provoked was truly unbecoming of a leader.