328 Queen of Helan

s the first time the region had organized such an examination since it declared independence from the Great Chu five years ago and naturally drew great attention as a result. It also clearly showed th...328. Queen of Helan

Northwest Li City, which was just a small city in the northwest region of Da Chu six or seven years ago, has since become an essential hub connecting Western Regions countries with Central Plains trade routes due to the establishment of the Ding王府 (Ding Prince's Mansion). In recent years, it has developed into one of the most prosperous cities among neighboring states. Today, Li City is connected by a continuous chain of cities from the westernmost Xi Ling Imperial City to the eastern Chu Capital Changxing, finally completing the east-west trade route that the Ding Prince's Mansion had painstakingly built over several years. Li City is destined to become a crucial transit and distribution point between these two areas, surpassing even the city to its west in terms of prosperity.

Even before mid-June, the number of people coming from other places to Li City has significantly increased. Among them are not only wealthy merchants, prestigious families, refined scholars, but also powerful figures and royal family members from various countries. In no time at all, heroes from all over have gathered in Li City. Originally, though Mr. Qingyun was renowned throughout the world, if it were just his birthday celebration, there wouldn't be so many people coming. But since Mr. Qingyun is the Ding Prince's mother’s father and the Xu family's sons hold important positions within the Ding Prince's Mansion, everything has changed dramatically. Moreover, with the recent establishment of two capitals and the birth of a prince in the Ding household, anyone who can make it will not miss this grand occasion.

In the Ding王府 (Ding Prince’s Mansion) inside the city, Mr. Qingyun and Su Zhe are sitting under a shady tree playing chess. Regardless of how noisy it gets outside, they remain undisturbed. As he contemplates his moves on the board, Su Zhe smiles and says, "This Li City truly gathers heroes from all over; Mr. Qingyun is indeed fortunate."

Mr. Qingyun calmly shakes his head, saying, "What's the point of a grand birthday celebration It’s much more enjoyable for everyone to have a simple dinner together. Among these people in the city, how many are truly here to wish me, an old man, a happy birthday" Su Zhe thinks about it and realizes that what Mr. Qingyun says is straightforward but true. He smiles gently and says, "At least, it’s out of their filial piety; Mr. Qingyun should not discourage them."

Mr. Qingyun laughs, saying, "An old man like me wouldn’t be so insensitive Although we are aged and weak, watching a few plays is still feasible."

Hearing this, Su Zhe smiles warmly and shakes his head repeatedly. He slowly places a piece on the board and says with a smile, "You’re making it awkward for those who rushed here in excitement."

"Greetings to Mr. Qingyun," a young servant in blue says respectfully at the door.

Mr. Qingyun looks up and asks, “What is it”

The servant reports respectfully, "Fourth Young Master Xu has returned and is waiting outside to pay respects to you. Also, Mr. Xiuting requests an audience."

Su Zhe and Mr. Qingyun exchange glances, then Mr. Qingyun hurriedly says, “Quickly invite Mr. Xiuting and Qingbai in.” The servant departs with the message. Su Zhe smiles and says, "Chen Xiufu actually came too; hearing that he has been helping Fourth Young Master in Xi Ling, it seems he truly intends to ally himself with the Ding Prince's Mansion." Mr. Qingyun laughs, saying, “Qingbai will surely reap benefits from sincere assistance.”

As they speak, Mr. Xiuting and Xu Qingbai enter one after another. Xu Qingbai bows respectfully before Mr. Qingyun and says, "Grandfather, your grandson wishes you well-being; I have been unable to serve at your feet for a long time, please forgive me." Mr. Qingyun quickly pulls him up and examines him from head to toe with a smile, saying, "Good child, you look well. Have you been doing well in Xi Ling" Xu Qingbai smiles, saying, "Thanks to Mr. Xiuting's help, I have not been overwhelmed."

Next to them, Mr. Xiuting quickly bows and says, “This junior Chen Xiufu greets Mr. Qingyun and respectfully salutes the venerable Su.” When Mr. Xiuting toured Chu Capital years ago, he had met Su Zhe. Although they hadn’t seen each other for a long time, he still remembered his appearance roughly. Mr. Qingyun smiles and says, "Xiuting need not be so polite; it’s rare to visit Li City, if I have been disrespectful in any way, please forgive me." Mr. Xiuting hurriedly replies that there is no need. Su Zhe invites Mr. Xiuting to sit down for a long chat. The three are great scholars of this world and naturally hit it off talking. Seeing them so engaged, Xu Qingbai bids farewell to go see Xu Hongyu.

Meanwhile, the main study in the Ding王府 (Ding Prince’s Mansion) is bustling with activity; even Ye Li, usually not allowed to do anything, was called to assist in preparations for Mr. Qingyun's birthday celebration which is less than ten days away. Many distinguished guests invited to the banquet are already arriving. This banquet would be unprecedentedly grand, and within a month, the population of Li City had increased by more than thirty percent. Apart from those invited by the Ding Prince’s Mansion, there were also merchants who came for news and many scholars and tourists who wished to witness this grand occasion. Every inn in the city was fully booked; even some latecomers could not find accommodation.

With so many people suddenly arriving, issues of clothing, food, housing, transportation, security, and the balance among influential figures from various countries needed careful consideration. No wonder they were so busy that their heads spun.

When Xu Qingbai entered, he saw his father, two elder brothers, Mo Xiuyao, and Ye Li sitting around a large long table covered with thick scrolls of documents. Outside in the anteroom, Zuo Jing and others had even more piles of preliminary review papers stacked up before them. Recalling how busy he was when he first arrived in Xi Ling, Xu Qingbai couldn't help but smile. It seems his father and brothers at Li City weren’t any less busy than him.

"Duke, Father, my elder brother, second brother, Li'er. I have returned," Xu Qingbai said with a smile.

When he saw him come in, Mo Xiuyao's eyes immediately sparkled as if reflecting light, making Xu Qingbai feel a chill down his spine. Mo Xiuyao warmly smiled and greeted him, "Qingbai has finally arrived after such a long journey. Please come in and take a seat." Being treated so cordially by Mo Xiuyao made Xu Qingbai feel rather surprised and honored as he warily looked at the duke and replied with a faint smile, "Your Highness is too kind. It’s nothing."

Mo Xiuyao smiled even more happily, "Since you're not tired... Here, these are yours now." With one casual wave of his hand, Mo Xiuyao forced Xu Qingbai to sit down beside him on a chair; it wasn't painful but he couldn’t stand up. Then Mo Xiuyao unceremoniously moved all the memorials that Ye Li had in front of her over to Xu Qingbai and kindly said, "These are for you now. Ahli, the doctor says that you shouldn’t strain your eyes too much after just giving birth. You can hand these over to Qingbai."

Xu Qingbai looked at the piles of memorials in front of him in shock; only when he caught his elder brother's teasing gaze did he realize that he had practically volunteered as a laborer.

"Has Fourth Brother been well in Western Ling" Finally, Xu Qizhe was more considerate and asked after Xu Qingbai to avoid making Xu Qingbai feel unwanted just because it hadn't even been a year since his departure. While flipping through the memorials on the table with one hand, Xu Qingbai answered, "Everything is going smoothly."

Ye Li helplessly looked at her empty desk and turned around to take another book from Mo Xiuyao's side as she said with a smile, "Fourth Brother has been very effective in his governance. Western Ling hasn’t seen much unrest these past months." Xu Qingbai shook his head and replied with a grin, "It’s not like I’ve managed it well. There was quite an incident last month when Zhang General could only be left behind to maintain the defense. But I’ll have to hurry back before my grandfather's birthday."

“Managing a region takes time,” Xu Hongyu said calmly.

Xu Qingbai nodded, “Thanks for Father’s advice. I understand.” He was indeed anxious; he was too young to be such an official and many people didn’t support him below him. But as his father pointed out, it would take years before the results of his efforts were apparent. As this thought sank in, Xu Qingbai’s restless mood began to settle.

With another helping hand, they finished all the paperwork within an hour. Usually Mo Xiuyao and two or three others could handle these memorials; there was no need for everyone to get involved at once. But during this period of time, each of them had many other important tasks that required their attention.

After finishing everything on hand, everyone heaved a sigh of relief. The foreign dignitaries would soon arrive and it was best to finish all the work now before it piled up until after the birthday banquet. But if they were too busy preparing for the banquet, important matters would be delayed. After dealing with their tasks, they had tea and snacks sent over so that everyone could chat.

"Second Brother, have Aunt Shen’s mother-in-law and Wuyou returned" Ye Li asked as she held a tonic prepared especially for her while frowning at the taste of it. Last year when Shen Yang went to Western Ling, he also took Mo Wuyou with him; after all, Mo Wuyou had officially begun studying medicine under Shen Yang’s tutelage and couldn’t stay in Glass City any longer even if he had a great deal of talent.

Xu Qingbai paused slightly before holding his tea cup and said, "They have returned. Mother was somewhat tired from the trip and went to rest at home first. As for Professor Shen, it seems that he wants to discuss some new ideas with Doctor Lin so they left together."

Ye Li raised her eyebrows when she heard this and glanced over at Xu Qingchen sitting opposite. Xu Qingchen smiled as gracefully as usual.

Xu Qingbai on the other hand shifted the topic of conversation uneasily and asked, "Where’s Second Uncle"

"Second Uncle went to Northern Rong but he should be back with their envoy," replied Xu Qingchen. As Xu Qingbai was far away in Western Ling, he knew little about what had happened here recently. With a look of curiosity, Xu Qingbai asked for an explanation and Xu Qingchen briefly recounted the events that had transpired in Glass City over the past few months. Hearing this, even Xu Qingbai couldn’t help but feel relieved to be so far away.

"If we have been at war for a year now, should things calm down"

Xu Qingchen smiled calmly and said, "Who knows However, apart from the troops facing off against the Northern Rong, the Mohist Army should be able to rest for a while. What are your plans, Your Highness" This year, the Mohist Army had displayed their power with nearly flawless victories to all surrounding forces. In the short term, no one would have the nerve to challenge them again. But they still needed to prevent these people from joining hands against the Mohists.

Mos Yao leaned back on the chair and said lazily, "Rest and recuperate. I’m not in a hurry. As long as they don’t want to fight anymore, let them rest for now. By the way… The Mohist Army’s troop strength is still inferior compared to that of Northern Rong and Western Xiling. This can be used to build up their forces." He didn't want to become emperor or rush to seize territories, nor did he need to worry about who would snatch the throne from him. But as long as he seized any territory, no one could make him give it back. Compared to the rulers of other countries around them, Mos Yao was actually the most comfortable and relaxed now. The Northern Rong King was old, while Yelü Ye and his brother had fought each other for more than ten years with an uncertain outcome. Ren Qining seemed in total control of the Northlands but eventually his subordinates would erupt over conflicts between Northerners and Middle Land people. In Western Xiling, Le Zhenting and the Emperor were now fighting openly as well. Le Zhenting had suffered a major defeat after Mos Yao’s massacre and was at par with the Western Xiling Emperor in strength. The winner would be whoever could outmaneuver each other better. As for Mo Jingli who resided in southern Jiangnan and Princess Anxi of Nanzhao, they couldn’t be compared to yet.

"What if they still want to fight" Xu Qingchen asked.

Mos Yao raised his eyebrows, "Let them. Do you think I’m scared of them"

Hearing this, Xu Qingchen had no choice but to laugh. That was true; who did the Mohist Army fear in a war

"Reporting to Your Highness and Lady Wang, King Ren Qin is here," Qin Feng said from outside.

Mos Yao was surprised, "Hm According to distance and relations between their countries, he shouldn’t be first." Originally, Mos Yao had thought either Le Zhenting or the Western Xiling Emperor should arrive before him. But after a brief moment of surprise, Mos Yao pulled Ye Li up and said with a smile, "No matter if it’s legitimate or not, he is still a king. Let me personally go to welcome him." Since they came under the excuse of celebrating his birthday, these people would naturally come to pay their respects to Qingyun Master. As the host of Ding王府 (Ding Manor), Ye Li and Mos Yao should at least greet them properly.

Ye Li smiled calmly as she looked at Mos Yao, "Let me and my elder brother go then. Are you sure that King Ren Qin won’t attack you with his sword when he sees you" Asking someone to smile after killing their entire family was too much. Ye Li could imagine the look on Ren Qining’s face if Mos Yao were to welcome him personally. Mos Yao smiled without a care, "Why Since he came here, it means that he can endure it. Besides, would I be scared of him even if he drew his sword Although killing a Northern Rong King is not good, I have no psychological barrier as long as he makes the first move."

Ye Li couldn’t persuade him and could only accompany him with great enthusiasm to meet Ren Qining. Yes, that was how enthusiastic she was. Anyone around could feel how warmly Ding Wang (Ding King) welcomed this meeting.

In front of the gates of Ding Manor, two rows of black-clad guards stood outside solemnly and ignored the unpleasant scene in front of them as if nothing had happened. Ren Qining, who just arrived, was dressed in a distinctive Northern Rong royal attire with a twisted expression fixed on the handsome man in white standing at the gate with a welcoming smile. Although he had a typical Middle Land appearance, his outfit made him look more rugged and bold than what people would think of someone from Central China.

But such a grandiose aura instantly vanished upon seeing Mos Yao’s face, turning twisted and vicious instead. Even the most ambitious person who was willing to sacrifice everything for the country wouldn’t remain calm when facing the killer of their family. Especially when that murderer looked at them with joy in his eyes. Regardless of Ren Qining’s thoughts, the more uncomfortable he felt, the happier Mos Yao would be. So all he did was raise an eyebrow and asked curiously, "What is it Your Highness King of Northern Rong You seem to have changed a lot after not seeing each other for two years. Is it because Ding Manor didn’t treat you well"

Ren Qining gritted his teeth as he replied sternly, "Ding Wang is joking. I’m just tired from the journey."

"I see." Mos Yao smiled, "It’s my fault for not thinking it through. How about this… Northern Rong King, why don’t you first rest at the inn Then tonight I’ll have a banquet in your honor"

"No need. First let me pay my respects to Qingyun Master," Ren Qining said.

"Your Highness, there’s no need to mind. My grandfather would understand." Understand what That the Northerners lacked manners

"Ding Wang, is this famous Ding Wang妃 (Wangfei)" As Ren Qining’s face became uglier and uglier, a beautiful woman dressed in colorful clothes asked. Mos Yao only now noticed two women following Ren Qining; they both had good appearances. A blue-clothed lady looked delicate while the other was tanned like she worked outdoors. Although her looks were stunning and she exuded pride, she didn’t look spoiled.

Ye Li took a step forward and said with a smile, "I am not worthy of such high praise, but yes, I am Ye Li. And who may this person be..."

Ren Qining said, "This is my queen Helan, and this is Cloud Consort."

Ye Li smiled inwardly. Ren Qining was quick to settle his harem in just a few months. However, bringing both his wife and concubine out of the house suggested that the struggle between local people from the Northern Frontier and Central Plain’s immigrants had become quite serious. Without looking at the woman in blue, Ye Li smiled kindly towards Queen Helan and said, "It is an honor to have you grace us with your presence, Your Majesty. May I introduce Duke Ding’s wife, Ye Li."

Queen Helan sized up Ye Li with a smile on her face and said, "Even though there are some words that I don’t understand, I know what you mean. Lady Ding, I like you very much." Ye Li smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty. Please come in." Without any formalities, Queen Helan came forward to take Ye Li’s hand.

Moshouyao frowned slightly at this action and held his hand out to block Queen Helan's attempt. With a flash of her eyes, Queen Helan hit Moshouyao with her palm.

A slender hand intervened in time before Queen Helan could hurt him. Ye Li smiled gently and said, "Queen Helan, our duke doesn’t like fighting with women, so let me spar with you."

Queen Helan’s eyes lit up as she said, “Alright.” She broke free from Ye Li's grip and pulled out a colorful whip to face Ye Li. “I heard that the Lady of Ding王府的王妃十分了得，正想跟你過過招呢。我可動手了啊。”說罷，手臂一揚長鞭朝著葉璃便揮了過來。葉璃淡淡一笑，身形輕巧的移形換位，從旁邊站著的秦風手裡抽出了一柄長劍，劍光一扇兩人便鬥在了一起。

“赫蘭！”這赫蘭王後的突來的一處顯然出乎任琦寧意料之外，臉色一沉沉聲叫道。

墨修堯卻不在意，神色平靜的看著正在過招的兩人，笑道：“北境王不必在意，隨意切磋一下罷了。阿璃素來有分寸，不會傷到赫蘭王後的。”墨修堯這話絕對不是嘲弄任琦寧。在場的人都看得出來，這赫蘭王後功夫雖然不錯，但是跟葉璃這樣在戰場上拚殺出來的人比起來顯然還差得遠。

任琦寧陰沉著臉，道：“王後無禮了，多謝定王不怪。”

墨修堯淡淡一笑將目光轉向門口的兩個窈窕身影。

站在任琦寧旁邊的那藍衣女子，正是前段日子任琦寧被迫娶赫蘭的時候一同納的妃。她是任琦寧手下心腹之女，自然比身為北境貴族出身的赫蘭王後要得寵得多。但是今天在這定王府門口，無論是定王還是定王妃都有誌一同的無視了她，這讓原本就有些恃寵而驕的雲妃臉上有些難堪。

此時，見定王府和赫蘭王後奪去了在場所有人的注意力，更讓她心中不悅，不由得輕聲道：“不是說定王妃是書香門第出身麼，怎麼不請客人進去反而在門口跟人打起來了？”她自以為是小聲，但是在場的人誰不是功力深厚的高手，墨修堯目光淡淡的從她身上劃過，眸中閃過一絲淡淡的冷意。打鬥中的葉璃和赫蘭王後也在她話音剛落的瞬間分開，各自退回了原來的位置。葉璃含笑道：“赫蘭王後身手不凡，不如有空在一起切磋一二？”

赫蘭王後笑道：“好啊，定王妃你果然很厲害。本王後佩服，交你這個朋友了！”

葉璃笑道：“有王妃這個朋友，是葉璃的榮幸。北境王，赫蘭王後，裡麵請。”

任琦寧深深地打量著葉璃，淡淡笑道：“多謝王妃，許久不見，王妃神采如舊。”

葉璃笑容清雅，“北境王謬讚了。”

Ye Li said with a refined smile, "King of the Northern Frontier, your praise is undeserved." they asked about it Blame yourself for being too cruel to the royal clan; now when things happen to you, no one will help you. Even your most beloved Consort Liu and her family… hahaha, surely they’v...