Chaos Is About to Erupt

w years younger than them. When something happened to Mo Xiuyao, Leng Haoyu should have only been around twelve or thirteen years old. Moreover, the Leng Family was staunchly loyal to the emperor. Fen...290. Chaos Approaching

290. Great chaos is about to come.

L city

In the grand study room where discussions were held, a white-clothed Mr. Qingchen sat in the first chair below the empty seat at the head of the table. His handsome face was smiling as he gazed ahead, looking ethereal and graceful like an immortal. However, those sitting beneath him couldn't help but shiver. This demeanor of Mr. Qingchen... it was too terrifying.

"Mr. Qingchen, when will the Prince finally return Western City's border has been increasing troops for over a month..." Everyone looked at the person asking as if they were looking at a fool. Didn't they see that Mr. Qingchen was angry because the Prince wouldn't come back Yet they still ask about it! However, to be honest, when will the Prince finally return Seeing Western City's border acting like war is imminent, but the Prince still hasn't returned yet. Of course, this doesn't mean they can't fight without the Prince; it's just that without him sitting in command, everyone feels uneasy.

Xu Qingchen turned his head and smiled calmly, slightly raising his sword-like eyebrows, "When he gets tired of playing... The Prince will naturally return."

"Then Western City..."

"We've also increased our troops. Western City is just trying to test us. Even if there's a real fight… when it really starts, the Prince should be back." If the Prince only returns after a war has started, he can be thrown directly onto the battlefield! Of course, Li'er must remain in L city.

The group fell silent; this Mr. Qingchen is excellent at everything except for one thing: his appearance is too handsome and ethereal. When he smiles gracefully, most people would swallow their words and feel unable to refute him. And when his smile turns cold… it usually has something to do with the Prince, making everyone feel a chill like winter wind.

"Mr. Qingchen, the Prince and Princess Consort have returned!" A guard outside announced loudly.

Xu Qingchen's handsome face lit up with a bright smile, as if spring had returned and flowers bloomed, but most in attendance still shivered. Whenever Mr. Qingchen smiles like this, someone is usually about to be倒黴 (unlucky).

"Good, very good," Xu Qingchen nodded smilingly and stood up, sweeping his gaze over the group and said, "Everyone, let's go welcome our Prince."

The Prince, having spent much time in leisure in Chu Capital before returning to Northwest, was immediately summoned by his most trusted military advisor兼大舅子 (and brother-in-law) for discussions without even getting a chance to rest. Originally, Ye Li felt guilty about leaving all matters to Xu Qingchen alone and wanted to follow up to help. However, Mr. Xu’s anger seemed directed only at the Prince; thus, he politely refused Ye Li's offer of assistance while kindly reminding his sister-in-law to rest after her long journey. As for other things... The Prince will handle them.

Ye Li felt that when her brother said 'The Prince will handle it', he was actually grinding his teeth. Although Mr. Xu wouldn't make such an unseemly gesture, Ye Li decided to follow his advice and rest; after all, she still had some guests to settle in.

In the guest quarters deep within the Prince's mansion, someone was already waiting. As soon as Ye Li arrived with the Empress and Hua Tianxiang, a person rushed out, "Princess Consort of Ding! Princess Consort... has my mother come" Longle Princess, dressed in light purple robes embroidered with orchids and having not been seen for a long time, ran out and saw the Empress walking beside Ye Li, causing her to freeze at the door.

"Longle..." The Empress looked at her daughter whom she hadn't seen for nearly a year; taller now and looking much better than when in the palace. Despite hearing about Longle's situation from Ye Li along the way, seeing her now made the Empress' eyes water.

"Mother... Mother!" After blinking her eyes back to reality, Longle Princess ran into her mother’s arms. At fifteen, she was only a little shorter than her mother but in front of the Empress still acted like an eight-year-old child, coquettishly clinging and smiling.

Hua Tianxiang stood by with a smile as she watched Longle Princess say to her, "Longle can only see your mother, have you completely forgotten about me"

The Princess Changle finally looked up and turned to where Huaxitianxiang was smiling at her. She then blushed and called out, “Sister Tianxiang.”

"Uncle Sister Wuyou, and me... Me..." Mo Xiaobao extended his little hand in an attempt to catch Changle’s attention. The relationship between Princess Changle and Mo Xiaobao had always been good. She bent down with a smile as she pinched his cheeks. "So it’s Xiao Bao. Is the capital fun This must be your new friend" Cold Junhan stood next to Mo Xiaobao, blinking his big eyes at the pretty lady in front of him. Changle was immediately drawn to the baby-like child before her. Compared to the tricky and cunning little bun that could even trick Mo Xiaobao, this soft and tender little one was clearly more appealing to women. On this journey, both the empress and Huaxitianxiang had a preference for hugging and touching Cold Junhan, which made Mo Xiaobao feel a bit depressed.

"It's not fun... But I have gifts for Uncle Sister Wuyou. This is Leng Xiaodaii, my new friend," Mo Xiaobao said with some disappointment.

“Oh Only gifts for Uncle Sister Wuyou And what about us” A clear laugh came from inside the room as Qin Zeng and both Madams Xu appeared at the door. They were smiling down at Mo Xiaobao.

Momo immediately rushed to hug Madam Big Aunt, “Big Aunt, Second Aunt, Second Auntie, I’ve also brought gifts for you. And I have a gift for Brother Zhirui too.” Four-year-old Xu Zhirui huffed and cuddled into his mother’s arms, "I don’t want your gift." As if to say, "You left me behind in the capital!"

Momo turned his eyes and smiled sweetly, “If you don’t want it then that’s fine. I heard that General Lu's youngest son is having a birthday soon. In a few days, I’ll have someone deliver it to him! I almost forgot about preparing gifts for him.” Xu Zhirui was still very young; at four years old he was still as white and chubby as ever, unlike Mo Xiaobao who had been compared to black sesame paste before. When he heard this, his big eyes watered, “Mother...”

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

"Right right, it’s just a joke. How could I give the gifts meant for you to others In a while, I’ll have someone bring them to you." Receiving his mother's warning look, Mo Xiaobao had no choice but to personally coax the little bun himself. Looking at two buns who were only one year apart consoling each other so seriously in their arms, everyone couldn’t help but hide behind their hands and laugh.

"Alright, let’s go inside to talk about it. What’s with blocking people outside the door We finished arranging everything for the garden just these two days; look and see if you like it," Madam Second Xu finally said as she led everyone into the yard.

The empress looked worriedly at Ye Lige, "Duchess, staying in Prince Ding's residence..." After all, their statuses were different. If they simply stayed in Li City and were found out by others it could still be explained away somehow. But if someone discovered that the empress was staying in Prince Ding’s mansion, it would likely affect his reputation as well. Ye Lige smiled and patted her arm, "Just stay here comfortably. Not just you two, Wuyou will also move back to the residence soon too. The days ahead might not be peaceful even in Li City; staying at Prince Ding's place is still safer."

Princess Changle nodded, “Mother, Sister Tianxiang, the Duchess is right. In a couple of days, our two masters will also move back to the residence. These few days, so many people came out from the city; even our two masters' clinics were visited by several groups."

When she heard this, the empress and Huaxitianxiang finally agreed.

The group entered a flower hall where various furnishings had indeed been newly arranged, most of which were in the style of the capital. It was obvious that it had taken a lot of effort to set up everything. After the host and guests took their seats, a servant girl served tea and then left. Ye Lige said, "Just feel at home here; if you lack anything, just tell the steward." Madam Second Xu also smiled and said, “Ling’er is right, why not come to our place when you have free time”

Madam First Xu wasn’t familiar with the empress, but Madam Second Xu knew her. Now that they met again, she didn’t show any discomfort on her face and seemed as if these were really Ye Lige's two old acquaintances from the capital whom she had brought back. However, Huaxitianxiang’s gaze flickered brightly when it fell upon her, curiously looking at Ye Lige.

Ye Lige couldn’t help but smile inwardly and nodded without a trace. She naturally understood what Madam Second Xu was thinking. In recent years, the two aunts had almost gone mad with worry over their nephews’ marriages. Unfortunately, this northwest region wasn’t as prosperous as the capital; there were fewer prestigious families around, making it hard to find excellent ladies for them to marry. And yet those nephews of theirs clearly didn’t want to get married at all. Big Aunt was a bit better off since her second nephew had already gotten married and had children. But Second Aunt was very anxious, so she naturally brightened up when she saw Huaxitianxiang. Even back in the capital, Huaxitianxiang had been one of the top ladies from prestigious families, but it had been many years since then; although Huaxitianxiang still wore her hair like a maiden’s, Madam Second Xu couldn’t be sure if she was married or engaged.

After getting Ye Lige's confirmation, Madam Second Xu looked at Huaxitianxiang with even more warmth. Being stared at so intensely made Huaxitianxiang turn around in confusion and look back at them; the empress immediately understood what Madam Second Xu was thinking. She smiled faintly without saying much. The Xu family was indeed an excellent family, and if Tianxiang could have her wishes fulfilled after years of suffering, it would be wonderful luck for her.

After settling Huaxitianxiang and the empress, Ye Lige thought about going to the study.

In the study, Mo Xiuyao was buried in a thick stack of documents with his face darkening like he had stepped on dog poop. Not far away sat Feng Zhirao who was summoned here to suffer along with him. Feng Zhirao’s complexion was greenish as he glanced at Mo Xiuyao behind the desk and then at Xu Qingchen sitting by the window leisurely flipping through a travel journal, only to reluctantly bury his face back in his documents. He couldn’t afford to offend either of these two people, so it was best to just concentrate on working.

Xu Qingchen put down his book and looked up at the door with a smile, "Why isn’t Ling’er resting What brings you here

Ye Lique entered with a newly brewed pot of tea. Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s pale face and Xu Qingchen’s indifferent smile, she said with a smile, "I brought some snacks over since my brother has been working hard these days. Is there much work"

Xu Qingchen picked up the cup of tea that Ye Lique had poured for him and sighed helplessly, "Indeed, once a daughter is married off, she's gone forever..."

Ye Lique was helpless and poured tea for Mo Xiuyao and Feng Ziyao. Mo Xiuyao took a sip of the tea before sighing in complaint, "Lique, my brother-in-law has been tormenting me... From when I returned until now, I haven't even had a drink of water. He wants me to finish reading all these documents by today!"

Ye Lique looked at the piles of reports that were taller than Mo Xiuyao's head and could only give him a sympathetic look.

Xu Qingchen brushed off imaginary dust from his clothes with an indifferent smile, "Is it me who’s tormenting Your Highness Or is it you tormenting us who are working like horses All these documents contain military-political-civil affairs of the Northwest, fiscal income, and analysis of border battle reports during your absence. We’ve worked on them for two months, yet we ask only Your Highness to spend half a day reviewing them. Is that unreasonable"

Who would dare make me work like a horse They must be mad! Mo Xiuyao silently criticized in his heart. He definitely wouldn’t admit that he made Xu Qingchen work like a horse; he merely used people according to their abilities. These matters could have been explained with just a few words, so why did I need to search for answers among these piles of documents Even if it was necessary, is there no way you could give me some water to drink The servants in the study were sick and took leave; such a foolish reason, could this truly be something your esteemed Mr. Qingchen thought up

"Can’t we look at them tomorrow" Mo Xiuyao asked without much hope.

Xu Qingchen smiled politely, "Of course you can. Starting from tomorrow, these matters will all fall on Your Highness to handle. But… I recall there are other things that need your attention tomorrow as well. Are you planning to postpone them until the day after These include some military intelligence related to Western Ling and Northern Rong. Really… is this okay"

Of course not! Mo Xiuyao gritted his teeth in hatred. It was undoubtedly a mistake to allow Xu Qingchen to oversee all the affairs of the Northwest. How could he think that his brother-in-law would be easier to deal with than his father How did he think being younger meant he could make use of him for more years At least Scholar Hongyu wouldn’t be as evil as this celestial-like man in front of him!

On the side, Feng Ziyao pitifully looked at Mo Xiuyao. My lord, is having such a brother-in-law your retribution for oppressing us good people all these years

"Third Young Master Feng, I’ve heard you did something earth-shattering in the capital" After dealing with Mo Xiuyao, Xu Qingchen turned and smiled at the listless Feng Ziyao lying on the table.

Feng Ziyao’s expression froze; he could only force a smile. If it were just him, he wouldn’t think he was wrong, but this time his actions involved even the Feng family and might affect Ding王府 (Ding Prince's Manor). Xu Qingchen looked at Feng Ziyao and said indifferently, "You did well."

Feng Ziyao nearly dropped his jaw. He had seen how Xu Qingchen treated His Highness; of course he didn’t expect the enraged Mr. Qingchen to let him off either. Mo Xiuyao was even more displeased, “What did he do right”

Xu Qingchen said indifferently, "The outcome is good." Not only has he made the new emperor of Da Chu less reliant on the Feng family and caused greater turmoil in the imperial court, but also brought back a capable Feng Huaiting who can handle business affairs independently. This result was indeed quite satisfactory. Mo Xiuyao was frustrated; could this excellent outcome not be attributed to his efforts Could Feng San have achieved such results by himself Why do all the criticisms fall on him, and yet Feng Ziyao, who caused trouble, gets praised

"Lique, my brother-in-law is bullying me!" Mo Xiuyao wrapped his arms around Ye Lique’s waist in a pitiful tone.

Ye Lique patted his shoulder sympathetically, implying that if he wants to be bullied, she can’t help him. She wouldn't dare confront her big brother either.

Xu Qingchen glanced back indifferently at the person clinging to Ye Lique in a petulant manner, "If Your Highness still plans to have dinner, it’s best not to waste time any longer. These documents are waiting for your decision." Mo Xiuyao resentfully let go of Ye Lique and started flipping through the documents: Xu Qingchen, don’t you secretly love my dear wife

The study remained quiet momentarily as Ye Lique sat down to help him read those towering piles of reports at his request.

"Eh What exactly is Lei Zhen霆 (Thundering) trying to do" Feng Ziyao lifted the document in his hand and asked, "In just a month, he has already increased military forces on the border by hundreds of thousands. Now there are over 600 thousand troops at Western Ling’s borders. Could it be that he intends to act against us"

Lei Zhen霆 (Thundering) in Chinese can also mean "to thunder", but in this context, it is likely a name or title for the character. Therefore, I kept it as "雷振霆" in the translation.

Moshyouxiao tilted his head to the side and touched his chin, saying, "That shouldn't be possible. Leizhenting isn’t an impulsive person. Besides, if he were planning on attacking the Northwest, he would have done so when both I and Ahli weren’t around instead of waiting until now."

Feng Zhiyao asked in confusion, "Then what does he want to do Boredom got him to provoke us"

Ye Li pondered for a moment before saying, "If he doesn’t want to fight against us, it must mean that he wants to fight someone else. War is a major undertaking of the state. Leizhenting wouldn’t risk mobilizing hundreds of thousands of troops just for playfulness and fun with us. But… We previously thought that he would attack Nanzhao, only to find out later on that he actually withdrew."

Xu Qingchen said somewhat regretfully yet relieved at the same time, "This time around, it was indeed my miscalculation. The Southern Frontier is in a strategic position and the terrain between the Western Province and its border is difficult. Nanzhao cannot pose an effective threat to the Western Province most of the times. Similarly, for the Western Province to conquer Nanzhao would require quite some effort as well. Leizhenting has always been wary of us, so it’s very possible that he temporarily gave up on attacking Nanzhao."

Moshyouxiao turned around and looked at the map hanging on the wall before saying, "He still wants to attack Great Chu."

Feng Zhiyao smiled and said, "That is indeed possible. Compared to our barren Northwest, it’s only natural for him to want to take over the prosperous South of Great Chu and its capital city of Chuzhou instead. Besides, since a new emperor has just ascended in Great Chu and is currently at war with the Northern Frontier while the Xirong are looking out hungrily from the North as well, it’s only natural for him not to want to miss his chance at seizing some territories for himself. So… Is that hundred thousand troops stationed on the border meant to prevent us from coming to Great Chu's aid It seems he thinks highly of our army; I doubt if his real intention is to attack Great Chu with an even greater force."

Xu Qingchen gazed calmly at Moshyouxiao and asked, "What are your plans, Your Highness"

Moshyouxiao raised his brows as he looked in puzzlement at the leisurely seated man. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and said, "Once the Western Province launches an attack on Great Chu, the Xirong will certainly take advantage of the opportunity to make a move too. So… Are you planning to lend a helping hand or remain indifferent"

Moshyouxiao raised his brows and asked in return, "What if I choose to help What if I decide not to do anything instead"

“If you choose to lend a helping hand, it will mean that you have acknowledged the final wishes of Mo Jingqi. The military of our family would continue being Great Chu’s guardians while the Ding王府 would remain as one of its vassals and the Northwest would still be part of Great Chu’s territory. If you were to decide not to do anything, however, no one in the Northwest will dare provoke us for a short period of time, but once Great Chu is conquered… The Western Province and Xirong will encircle the Northwest then. At that moment…” Xu Qingchen said calmly without any fluctuations or waves in his voice as if he were discussing something trivial like what breakfast they would have tomorrow morning instead of something closely related to the fate of the Northwest and the military of their family.

Moshyouxiao leaned forward and scrutinized Xu Qingchen for a long time before turning back to Ye Li with a smile. He said, "I choose neither."

Xu Qingchen raised his brows while Moshyouxiao gave a cold laugh as he threw the brush in his hand over towards the map on the wall; it flew and stuck into the wall by an inch or two at where Lu City of the Western Province was located. Everyone looked up to see the tip of the brush embedded within the map’s wall, just right above the city. Moshyouxiao said indifferently, "I choose… To attack the Western Province!"

Feng Zhiyao’s eyes shone brightly as his gaze fixed on the spot where the brush was stuck in the map as if that little brush were a sharp sword slicing through the capital of the Western Province.

"To invade… The Western Province! Are you serious, Your Highness" Feng Zhiyao asked with some tremor in his voice, clearly excited beyond belief.

“Do I look like I’m joking” Moshyouxiao laughed. As Feng Zhiyao’s eyes gleamed even brighter, the time had finally come for the military of their family to prove its worth after years of biding its time. This army that was founded in order to unify the country from day one was never able to fulfill its purpose due to various reasons and obstacles; it seemed like the dream might soon be realized now.

"In this case…" Xu Qingchen smiled calmly as he asked, "Are you prepared"

“If I’m not ready, would the hundred thousand troops that you sent over to our border have been in vain” Moshyouxiao laughed. Xu Qingchen didn’t care about being caught out by Moshyouxiao and simply smiled back, saying, "In this case, may Your Highness win a glorious victory."

What had appeared to be a casual conversation within the peaceful study room was actually determining the future fate of the country. Ye Li sat quietly on one side with a faint smile; it looked like the chaos would soon begin and she would always stay by his side as his wife and take part in this battle for supremacy.

—— An extra note ——

The last volume, The Hunt For The Throne is now complete. Readers have probably found Feng rather indecisive; it’s surprising that he hasn’t killed the two scum yet even after such a long time. Those who feel unsatisfied with the lack of action will probably be satisfied soon…worry: "Is she… going to be alright" Ye Li had heard about the feelings that Concubine Liu harbored for Mo Xiuyao. Although these two people seemed never to have met alone in her knowledge, it was und...