Convince Mr. Xioting

ice crisp, “No need for that; but please don't do such things in future as there should be a line between men and women.” The corners of Han Mingxiu's mouth twitched. He was not the kind of lecherous...Persuading Mr. Xiutingshan

"Dragon General Longyang has doused himself with alcohol and set himself on fire."

Hearing the soldier's report, Ye Li was truly stunned for quite some time. It wasn't until Mo Xiuyao touched her that she snapped out of it.

"Lily…" Mo Xiuyao looked down at his peaceful wife in his arms and frowned slightly. Ye Li shook her head and sighed softly. After Zhu Yan's death, another old general had committed suicide before her. Whether from reason or emotion, she could understand their choices because if it were her, she would not surrender to the enemy either. The two old generals devoted their entire lives to Western Ling but died for their honor. Regardless of whether they were friend or foe, one could only admire their integrity. However, Ye Li felt that she was beginning to be overwhelmed by these deaths.

"Lily, what's wrong Are you feeling unwell" Mo Xiuyao asked worriedly as he supported her. "Let's go back first. We'll discuss other matters tomorrow." Ye Li shook his hand and smiled reassuringly, "I'm fine. We don't have much time to stay in Bian City. Issue orders for Dragon General Longyang to be buried with full military honors. Bury him next to... Zhu Yan."

Mo Xiuyao nodded and instructed, "Do as the duchess says."

The soldier received his order and left. Mo Xiuyao waved away those who had followed behind them. Holding Ye Li's hand and supporting her waist, he asked softly, "Is Lily upset about Dragon General Longyang and Zhu Yan’s deaths"

Ye Li shook her head and said, "I don't know what happened; perhaps the two old generals were just too old. They are ancient men who have reached their twilight years, yet... it's hard not to feel somewhat sentimental." Mo Xiuyao murmured, "If Lily is upset, then stay within the army and do not worry about these matters anymore."

Ye Li smiled wryly, "Does Your Excellency really think I am a delicate flower that cannot withstand the wind It's just a momentary sentiment. After all... both old generals have served their country faithfully; they are already dead." Mo Xiuyao replied, "Do you think I would quarrel with someone who is already dead If Lily says to bury them honorably, then so be it. Please don’t feel sad for others."

Hearing the slight dullness in Mo Xiuyao’s voice, Ye Li looked up at his determined gaze and smiled. She touched his slightly furrowed brows gently with her hand and said, "In this world, you, Little Treasure, and Grandpa and Uncle are the most important to me. No one else can make me truly sad. Therefore, Xiuyao, please take care of yourself."

"Of course I will take care of myself. As for Little Treasure... I will protect everyone Lily loves well. I will never let Lily be hurt. So... Lily, don’t concern yourself with those irrelevant people, okay" Mo Xiuyao said in a low voice. Ye Li blinked and looked at him seriously, raising an eyebrow, "Irrelevant people"

"Isn't Lily upset over Zhu Ling's death" Mo Xiuyao asked softly, but Ye Li could hear the gritting of his teeth when he mentioned Zhu Ling.

Zhu Ling... Ye Li sighed lightly and said, "I just feel that… he was still so young. And my plan this time might not have been entirely fair." Of course she knew it wasn't only about that; Ye Li was no emotionally cold person, and she understood Zhu Ling's feelings perfectly well. However, she did not mention her initial acquaintance with Zhu Ling or their opposing positions. In Ye Li’s heart, there would never be any man more important than Mo Xiuyao. It had been predetermined from the beginning that it could never happen. She felt guilty because of Zhu Ling, not due to feelings for him, but simply because she had disappointed a sincere heart. But there was no need to tell Mo Xiuyao about these remaining thoughts.

"Lily hasn't made any mistakes; if he had found out the truth, he would have killed Lily too." Mo Xiuyao ground his teeth and said, "But... Lily can’t do things like this secretly anymore. What if something goes wrong If necessary, I’ll just let Qin Feng train a few people."

"I understand," Ye Li thought to herself as she rolled her eyes, knowing it would be like this.

Seeing that Ye Li was seriously agreeing with him, Mo Xiuyao nodded contentedly and pulled her forward.

The place where Mr. Xiutingshan lived was on the Dragon Mountain in the eastern part of the city. Since Dragon Mountain Academy had been temporarily sealed by the Mo Family Army, some scholars and students who hadn't escaped were temporarily housed in a small garden near Dragon Mountain Academy. Although everyone in the Mo Family Army was military personnel, they held great respect for scholars. Since Mo Xiuyao didn’t trouble these people, those soldiers guarding them wouldn’t either.

When they arrived at the entrance of the small garden, to their surprise, it was Xu Qingfeng who was on guard there. "Third Brother, how did you end up here" The person in charge of watching this small garden turned out to be Xu Qingfeng. Given his status as the leader of the Qilin Squad and his relationship with the Xu Family and Ding王府 (Ding Prince's Manor), having him watch over such a place was definitely an underutilization of talent. No one in the Mo Family Army would let someone like him do this task unless he volunteered.

Xu Qingfeng seemed quite happy to see Ye Li, smiling as he said, "Isn’t Dragon Mountain Academy one of the three most renowned academies in the world I just... heard about its fame and came to take a look." Ye Li shook her head gently without exposing his lie. Although Xu Qingfeng had also been raised by the Xu Family since childhood and spent several years at Lishan Academy, he was always more inclined towards martial arts than literature. He hated sitting at a desk reading or writing essays and even skipped the imperial examinations. It would be easier to believe that his cousin was getting married tomorrow than him being interested in visiting Dragon Mountain Academy's scholars. Thinking about it, Ye Li understood Xu Qingfeng’s intentions. Mo Xiuyao definitely wouldn’t agree with killing those civilian captives, but he couldn't persuade Mo Xiuyao either. Therefore, the best solution for Xu Qingfeng was to avoid seeing such scenes. Even though Xu Qingfeng didn't like reading books, as a member of the Xu Family, his respect for scholars and literati was no less than anyone else's in the Xu Family. Having him guarding this place meant that nobody would dare cause trouble here.

"Is Scholar Xiuting well" Ye Li asked with a smile.

Xu Qingfeng shook his head helplessly and pointed inside, indicating for her to see for herself. Ye Li didn’t mind and pulled Mo Xiuyao into the courtyard. The small yard wasn’t very large; it was just a two-entrance compound that had a delicate and elegant style reminiscent of Jiangnan in Great Chu. She wondered what Longshan Academy built this independent small courtyard for. Before she even entered the inner gate, she heard clear reading voices coming from inside. However, the content being recited made one laugh and cry at the same time; they were all poems mocking the Black Banner Army and Prince Ding.

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao stood by the door silently listening without going in to disturb them. The person sitting in the courtyard had his back towards the gate, reading poem after poem. For someone who didn’t understand poetry like Ye Li, it was almost divine that he could recite so many poems with similar themes consecutively without repetition. When he read the line "ambitious for imperial power and blood flowing all over Biancheng," Ye Li finally coughed lightly and smiled, saying, "Scholar Xiuting truly has a refined taste."

The person sitting with his back to the door was startled and only then turned around to look at the entrance. A moment later, realization flashed in his eyes, "Prince Ding Prince Consort of Ding"

Ye Li also saw clearly what Scholar Xiuting looked like. He was an elderly man nearing sixty years old with white hair and beard, slender and refined in appearance, with a scholarly demeanor that also had a touch of the aloofness and pride of scholars. It didn’t look like he was from Western Capital, but rather resembled a southern scholar-gentleman.

Ye Li pulled Mo Xiuyao into the courtyard and nodded with a smile, saying, "Yes, this junior, Ye Li, greets Scholar Xiuting."

Chen Xiufu sized up Ye Li from top to bottom twice and snorted lightly. He said, "An old man like me is unworthy of Prince Consort Ding calling me junior." Ye Li didn’t get angry; she smiled slightly and said, "Scholar Xiuting’s reputation is well-known far and wide; even my grandfather and uncle often speak highly of him. It’s only natural to call you junior." Hearing this, Chen Xiufu was moved for a moment. "Mr Qingyun and Mr Hongyu" Although he had lived in Western Capital for a long time, he still heard something about the background of Prince Consort Ding.

Ye Li smiled and said, "That’s right."

Chen Xiufu was silent for a moment. The wary and hostile look in his eyes towards them had eased somewhat, as he casually said, "When I was young, I studied in Eastern Chu and was once guided by Mr Qingyun in my studies; I also shared some acquaintance with Mr Hongyu. Of course…" He slowly swept his gaze over Mo Xiuyao before saying, "I’ve also paid a visit to the Regent King of Eastern Chu. Time flies; it’s been thirty years… yet, not only have Meng Liufang and the next generation of the Xu family grown up, but I’ve wasted my time and haven’t even taught out one accomplished student."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Scholar Xiuting is joking. At least half of the officials in Western Capital are your disciples. How can you say that you’ve wasted time" Longshan Academy being listed among the top three academies in the country naturally wasn’t without reason. Even if Western Capital favored military over literature, it wouldn’t let a bunch of illiterate generals manage state affairs. Indeed, half of the officials in Western Capital were from Longshan Academy. However, Chen Xiufu had established Longshan Academy with his own efforts, and compared to Li Shan Academy and another academy in southern Great Chu, Qiong Hua Academy, it lacked some depth and could only be ranked third among the top three. Nevertheless, given Chen Xiufu’s achievements in a place that emphasized military over literature, it was no surprise that Mr Qingyun also thought highly of him.

As for Longshan Academy not having outstanding disciples, it was quite understandable. Prince Southern Command had learned from Li Shan Academy’s wide influence and wouldn’t let the same happen to Longshan Academy. With Chen Xiufu’s efforts alone being far less than that of the Xu family with a hundred years’ scholarly tradition, any outstanding disciple would be absorbed or dealt with by Prince Southern Command early on. As a result, Longshan Academy hadn’t produced an heir like Xu Qingchen who could shoulder the responsibility. If Chen Xiufu were to pass away in the future, Longshan Academy might fall into Prince Southern Command’s or Western Capital’s royal family’s hands.

Chen Xiufu’s expression eased slightly and finally invited them inside to sit down.

In the parlor, no one served tea at this point. Ye Li didn’t mind; she ordered someone to bring water for her to brew tea personally and serve it to Chen Xiufu and Mo Xiuyao. Since entering the courtyard gate, Mo Xiuyao hadn’t spoken a word. He watched as Ye Li poured the tea slowly, his eyes softening slightly before giving Chen Xiufu a warning glance.

Chen Xiufu drank the tea while observing Mo Xiuyao’s gaze and snorted but didn’t show fear.

"Mr Qingyun must be eighty years old by now Is he well" After drinking for a while, Chen Xiufu finally asked.

Ye Li pursed her lips with a light smile. "Next year will be my grandfather’s eightieth birthday; I hope Scholar Xiuting will grace us with your presence in the northwest."

The tea cup in Chen Xiufu’s hand paused, and he calmly looked at Ye Li. He understood what she meant but couldn’t agree to it. Sighing somewhat regretfully, he said, "Unfortunately, I’m afraid an old man like me won’t have the fortune to wish Mr Qingyun a happy birthday. However, our Longshan Academy has collected quite a few ancient books and rare editions over the years. Please take them back for Mr Qingyun as my gift. Mr Qingyun… having a granddaughter like you must be very fortunate in his later years; I won’t add more blessings to it."

Ye Li pursed her lips with a smile and said, "My grandfather hasn’t enjoyed any fortune from this junior. It’s actually the other way around – we’ve brought him much trouble and worry, thanks to my grandfather’s kind heart that doesn’t look down on us juniors’ troubles. Scholar Xiuting has devoted his life to Longshan Academy; do you really wish for it to fade away"

Chen Xiufu shook his head with a smile. "It’s destined, we can’t force it."

Ye Li calmly said, "Isn’t destiny something people choose themselves This junior, though a woman, also knows a saying… my life is controlled by me and not by fate! Another saying goes that personality determines one's fate, and choices determine one’s path in life. Scholar, you’re not a weak person; your choice decides the future of Longshan Academy. If you want it to exist, it will; if you wish for its demise, it will naturally fade away with you."

Chen Xiufu was slightly shaken, staring at Ye Li for a long time before he sighed, "A fine phrase 'My fate is determined by me and not the heavens'... A fine phrase 'Personality determines destiny, choices determine life.' Marquise Ding, with such magnanimity of heart, is truly fortunate. Master Qingyun is also very lucky..."

"Then… what's Scholar Xiuting's decision" Ye Li asked.

Chen Xiufu lowered his eyes, saying in a solemn voice, "I won’t submit to the Marquise Ding’s household. Marquis Ding may be an outstanding hero in this world, but by slaughtering tens of thousands of innocent people with one hand, he is overly ruthless!" Speaking about this made Chen Xiufu's tone more sorrowful and hoarse. Clearly, he was extremely disapproving of Mo Xiuyao's actions. Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and gave him a disdainful look. My lord can kill as much as I want; what can you do to me

Ye Li helplessly pulled on Mo Xiuyao’s sleeve, and Mo Xiuyao pouted, lowering his head to continue drinking tea. He himself knew that persuading someone like Chen Xiufu was utterly hopeless. Given the actions he had taken in Bian City, no matter how much Ye Li might try to persuade him, Chen Xiufu wouldn’t believe her words. Even if she threatened to kill him with a sword, he still wouldn't submit to her. Since that was the case, there wasn’t any point in trying anymore. If Aili could convince this person, then in future, this person would stand on Ye Li’s side, which was also beneficial for Ye Li. Although Mo Xiuyao would always act like a spoilt child before Ye Li, he thought more deeply about many things than even Qingchen公子 (a respectful title) might be able to.

After soothing Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li turned towards Chen Xiufu and said, "This is precisely what the junior wishes to discuss with Scholar Xiuting. While Scholar Xiuting’s literary talent shines brightly and he can speak eloquently offhand, one must not slander my husband's reputation at will."

Chen Xiufu was momentarily stunned by how easily Ye Li had calmed Mo Xiuyao down, then became even more perplexed after hearing what she said. He asked somewhat displeased, "What does the Marquise mean by this When did I ever slander Marquis Ding"

Ye Li smiled and replied, "Earlier when the junior was listening outside, every word Scholar Xiuting spoke pointed to my husband’s indiscriminate killing of innocents. Isn't that slandering him"

Chen Xiufu was instantly amused by her words, looking at Ye Li with a glare and asked, "Is it possible then that those people Marquis Ding killed yesterday were all deservedly dead"

Ye Li lowered her eyes and said in a mild tone, "During war, each side fights for their own interests. As to how prisoners of war are handled between different countries, I've never heard Scholar Xiuting comment on that before. To kill prisoners… Although the Marquis is indeed ruthless, there was reason behind it. Is Scholar Xiuting’s poetry perhaps too harsh in its criticism"

Chen Xiufu glared at Ye Li with a cold expression and said sternly, "Then can’t those people in Bian City be considered innocent"

Ye Li blinked her eyes in surprise and asked, "What people When has the Black Family Army ever indiscriminately killed civilians"

Chen Xiufu was momentarily stunned. Mo Xiuyao had personally overseen the relocation of all the residents to the execution ground; he had seen it with his own eyes. Longshan might not be very high, but being confined here cut off him from information flowing outside. Naturally, he hadn't known that those civilians had already been expelled from Bian City by Mo Xiuyao. Seeing Chen Xiufu’s surprised expression, Ye Li smiled and said, "Scholar Xiuting seems to have received incorrect information. General Longyang used the people of Chu as human shields during battle, which is something a general should not do. Although the Northwest has distanced itself from Chu, the soldiers of the Black Family Army and the civilians of Chu are still part of the same lineage. My husband may indeed have acted out of anger at times, but the truth is that no one in Bian City was harmed by our army. I hope Scholar Xiuting will look into this matter clearly."

Hearing Ye Li’s words, Chen Xiufu was somewhat suspicious but also more relieved. Longshan Academy had been located in Bian City for decades; he naturally didn’t want those innocent civilians to lose their lives. After carefully observing Ye Li for a while, he finally confirmed that she wasn’t lying and exhaled with relief. He stood up, bowed respectfully towards Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, and said, "This was my mistake, I hereby apologize to Marquis Ding and the Marquise."

Chen Xiufu differed from General Longyang Zhu Yan; he had never served in the government of West Jing. In his youth, he traveled around many countries and gained extensive knowledge with a broad-mindedness that matched it. On the other hand, he didn’t have any deep-seated attachment to the court of West Jing, as Chu and West Jing shared the same language, customs, and even bloodline origins. His opposition to Mo Xiuyao stemmed mainly from him leading troops into West Jing and planning to exterminate Bian City’s populace. Knowing now that it was a misunderstanding, he naturally didn’t mind personally apologizing to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li.

Ye Li hurriedly got up to support him and said, "Scholar Xiuting needn't be so formal; your information here on the mountain is somewhat closed off."

Chen Xiufu sat back down and asked, "Then… where are the people of Bian City now It seems I haven’t seen anyone return."

Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiuyao and said apologetically, "All the civilians in the city have left." What leaving meant didn't require explanation for Chen Xiufu to understand. He frowned involuntarily; though they had saved their lives, tens of thousands of people were homeless, with many unable even to take all their possessions along. Their future wouldn’t be easy either. Shaking his head, Chen Xiufu looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "I remember that the Northwest’s four states are not particularly vast in area. I somewhat understand your lordship's actions, but I cannot approve of them."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow without speaking.

"Your Lordship surely doesn’t intend to drive all West Jing’s people away and relocate the Northwest and Chu’s civilians here," Chen Xiufu said. "Forgive me for being frank, but your lordship's actions may be even more inappropriate than massacring a city." Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao finally raised his head and asked indifferently, "Why"

Chen Xiufu spoke solemnly, "The people of West Jing have lived here generation after generation. If your lordship only intends to occupy the land, that’s one matter; but if you intend to drive these people away across this vast land… where do you plan on sending them Once they reach a point with no place to go, even unarmed civilians will fight back. Although West Jing and Chu have enmity between their nations, the common people of both sides don’t necessarily harbor deep hatred. A thousand years ago, West Jing and Chu were originally one nation. If your lordship intends to take West Jing’s land, you must also accept its people."

Moxiu Yao and Ye Li exchanged a look. Considering Chen Xiufu's relationship with them as well as his position, what he had just said was quite sincere despite their shallow acquaintance. It also conveyed some special meaning. Ye Li nodded and said, "What the Master mentioned is correct. Last night’s incident was indeed handled improperly by us. We hope that you can forgive us, considering the circumstances. Additionally, our visit today is to seek your assistance in remedying the situation."

Chen Xiufu remained silent for a moment before asking solemnly, "What does Your Excellency's wife want from me"

Ye Li softly replied, "Please have Scholar Xiutingsheng issue an official notice to inform the public that Bian city has returned to normal. The original residents of Bian city who wish to return may do so and all their property will be restored. Moreover, please reopen Longshan Academy and recommend several capable individuals to assist in managing Bian city."

Chen Xiufu stared silently at Ye Li for a long time. However, those across the table knew that his mind was far from calm as it appeared. The request seemed simple, but if he agreed, it would mean that Scholar Xiutingsheng had officially submitted to the Prince of Ding王府從此歸順定王府。深知他內心的猶豫與掙紮，兩人也不催促他，隻是靜靜地坐著喝茶。

After a long time, Chen Xiufu's face showed a moment of determination as he looked at Ye Li and said, "Old Man agrees with Your Excellency’s wife, but I also ask for the Prince and Princess to promise one thing."

Ye Li breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, "Scholar Xiutingsheng, please give your instructions."

"Please ensure that the Prince and Princess will not kill ordinary civilians in Western Shili," Chen Xiufu said.

Ye Li smiled and replied, "Of course. The Mo Family Army is not a bloodthirsty force and has never infringed upon common people, right"

"I believe Your Excellency’s wife," Chen Xiufu nodded with a smile. "And I hope that the Prince and Princess will keep their word."

"Then please look forward to it," Ye Li smiled.

After sending off Ye Li and Moxiu Yao, the soldiers of the Mo Family Army who had been guarding outside also withdrew. This demonstrated the sincerity of the Prince of Ding王府。在小院裡，陳秀夫看著桌前已經冷卻的茶水，歎了口氣。

"Master, are we truly going to submit to the Prince of Ding王府？This move might be detrimental to Master’s reputation; the world’s public opinion would not easily be silenced," one of Chen Xiufu's younger students asked with concern.

Chen Xiufu shook his head and looked up at the sky, saying solemnly, "Fame or disgrace is all illusory. Seeing these two people... Old Man suddenly feels that perhaps the world’s landscape truly will change."

The Great Chu Kingdom and Western Shili were once great powers. However, every scholar remembers a vast empire that stood on this land a thousand years ago. That era was an unprecedented time of peace and prosperity for countless people. There is a saying: ‘After prolonged union comes division; after long separation comes reunion’. The world has been divided for too long. When these two exceptional individuals appeared before him, he finally saw a dream that he had never dared to touch in his lifetime—a true era of peace.

"But didn't Master say that the Prince of Ding王府’s aura is ominous and against the natural order It's not a good sign," the student asked puzzledly.

Chen Xiufu chuckled, "That was because Old Man hadn’t seen another person. With her presence, perhaps the Prince of Ding王府 wouldn't have committed so many killings. This time... weren’t the people of Bian city fine It’s old man who overthought it; Scholar Qingyun’s foresight is unparalleled and he would not miss this point. Since Scholar Qingyun didn’t stop the Prince from mobilizing troops, that means…" That means Scholar Qingyun also believes in the Prince.

In his youth, Chen Xiufu had once harbored great ambitions. Unfortunately, few could understand them. Most considered him delusional and arrogant. After experiencing many setbacks, he became disillusioned and settled down to teach at Longshan Academy, hoping to pass on his ideals and thoughts to future generations. Later, Western Shili's emperor was weak and powerless, the Southern Prince held absolute power, and the Great Chu Kingdom’s Emperor Moxingqi was suspicious and cruel; despite the kingdom appearing prosperous, it was actually declining. All these made him feel hopeless and helpless until he completely gave up. He had even seen in his dreams foreign invaders overrunning the Great Chu and Western Shili kingdoms at night. Yet now, nearing his sixties, he unexpectedly saw a glimmer of hope.

For the first time in his life, Chen Xiufu was frustrated by his advanced age; if only he were twenty years younger...

Lifting his head to gaze at the clear sky, Chen Xiufu muttered, "Old Man has accomplished nothing throughout my lifetime and it is not worth regretting. But now I hope for a few more years of life so that perhaps in my remaining days, I might witness true peace."

True peace The young student was shaken behind him; he didn't expect his teacher to hold such high hopes for the couple. Although he had not seen the Prince and Princess himself, hiding behind them, he heard their conversation. Watching the two depart, he felt no one could be more suited than they.

"Master will see that day," the young student whispered.n Li finally sounded their retreat. It would not be wise to continue attacking incessantly without knowing how many reinforcements the Black Warriors had received. If both sides were evenly matched, t...