152 Trace of the Bright Moon

dn’t wait to fight for his mother and sister.Before they even left the room, Qingshuang’s argumentative voice could be heard: "How dare you! You’re just a lowly servant girl, yet you dare to stop me!...152. The Trace of the Bright Moon

152. The Trace of the Bright Moon

Allaying Feng Zhiyao’s concerns, Ye Li lightly tapped her fingers thoughtfully and said, "The last time we planned against Lei Zhenting once, it looks like he’s determined to get his revenge this time" Mo Xiuyao shook his head and replied, "Regardless of the matter in the past, Lei Zhenting would resort to any means necessary to deal with the Black Warriors." Back then after their defeat, the Black Warriors had already become a constant worry for Prince Southern Defense. This year, Prince Southern Defense was already

approaching fifty years old; for a military general, he could still be considered in his prime. But if it dragged on any longer, he wouldn’t have another chance to defeat the Black Warriors and avenge himself.

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "You’ll probably be very busy these days. Xiangyang is under my charge."

Mo Xiuyao looked apologetically at Ye Li. They had only been married for over a year, although he always claimed that he wanted A-Ge to live the life she desired. But in reality, since their wedding day, A-Ge hadn’t had a peaceful day once. Ye Li raised her eyebrows and smiled, saying, "When disaster strikes, birds fly apart; but people don't do this, right Or are you still not confident in my abilities" Mo Xiuyao chuckled lightly and admired the confidence and pride that shone in Ye Li’s eyes. He said softly, “So you’re taking charge of Xiangyang's defenses and politics”

Ye Li nodded and said, "I’ll be fine as long as you have peace of mind."

The news Huo Guogong sent was too sudden, but Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li knew that if Huo Guogong didn’t have complete confidence, he wouldn’t joke around like this. Although nothing could be seen yet, Mo Xiuyao had to take the initiative to arrange for the Black Warriors stationed at various places to prepare for possible future battles against multiple enemies. As for Xiangyang, Mo Xiuyao really didn’t have time to ask too many questions. After having people send Huo Guogong’s collected materials and maps to Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li had someone sort out a study room again and quickly moved there.

"My Lady, White Noble Consort has been insisting on seeing His Royal Highness." While Ye Li was contemplating over the map in front of her, Qin Feng quietly reported. Now all matters in Xiangyang were fully entrusted to Ye Li’s charge, including several ten thousand Black Warriors guarding Xiangyang City. Mo Xiuyao was busy day and night; naturally, Su Zuodie’s matter could only be left for Ye Li to handle alone as well. Ye Li frowned.

, said, "If you hadn't mentioned it, I would have forgotten about her. Do we have any news on Han Mingyue" Qin Feng replied, "The message from Xi Ling states that Han Mingyue has indeed left Xi Ling and entered the Great Chu Empire, but his whereabouts are still unknown." Ye Li rubbed her temples and said, "Not surprised that Mister Bright Moon would be a specialist in intelligence. I feel he’s near Xiang Yang."

Qin Feng nodded in agreement, "Given how Han Mingyue cares about Su Zuodie, it's likely he is indeed around there. Unfortunately, Han Mingyue himself is an expert at hiding his movements; as long as he doesn’t make a move, we will find it hard to track him."

Ye Li’s smile was chilling cold, "If there are weaknesses, then capturing him won't be difficult. However… I'm not eager to catch Han Mingyue himself but rather the Tian Yi Pavilion behind him. Although many of Tian Yi Pavilion's bases within the Great Chu Empire have been eradicated by the Prince and several defected alongside Han Mingxiang, it’s inevitable that some will slip through the net; such individuals pose a significant threat to the current Black Family Army."

Qin Feng raised his eyes in curiosity, "What are your plans, My Lady" Ye Li said coolly, "I'll see how much Han Mingyue cares about Su Zuodie. I’ll spread word that I resent the old feelings between her and the Prince and daily torment her to the point of even planning to kill her behind his back!" Qin Feng was taken aback and hesitantly asked, "Will Han Mingyue fall for it" Ye Li lifted her eyes and gave a faint smile, "Do you think I’m joking"

Qin Feng was puzzled, "What does My Lady mean"

Ye Li smiled, "If Han Mingyue doesn’t come… then I’ll send pieces of Su Zuodie to him one by one. Traitors who seek glory will surely die!"

"This subordinate accepts the order."

In a small town near Xiang Yang, an inconspicuous civilian house unseen for quite some time saw Han Mingyue sitting by the window. His handsome face now bore many signs of weariness and anxiety.

“Master.” A gray-clothed man pushed open the door, saying respectfully. Han Mingyue turned around and asked, "Any news" The man nodded and said, "Miss Su is indeed in the governor's mansion at Xiang Yang, but… our people can’t get close to her." Han Mingyue was unsurprised; he said calmly, “She’s under house arrest by Prince Ding.” The gray-clothed man shook his head and said, "Prince Ding doesn't seem interested in Miss Su. Since she entered the governor's mansion, he hasn’t bothered with matters there. All affairs of Xiang Yang City are now handled by Prince Ding’s wife." Han Mingyue was surprised; he turned to ask, “All matters of Xiang Yang City have been entrusted to Prince Ding’s wife Then what is Prince Ding doing” The gray-clothed man frowned slightly and said, "I suspect that Prince Ding has learned about the Southern Peace King’s plan and might be secretly setting up countermeasures. Otherwise… with over a hundred thousand troops still stationed outside Xiang Yang City, it's impossible for him not to personally oversee military affairs. Master, should I report this to the Southern Peace King"

Han Mingyue gave him a cool look and asked, "We came here for Zuodie’s sake; the Black Family Army does not concern itself with our matters. Understood

The gray-clad man was slightly taken aback but immediately nodded. "Understood, Your Excellency. I know nothing. Since we've found out Miss Su's whereabouts, should we send people to rescue her"

A trace of hesitation flashed across Han Mingyue’s face as he frowned and said, "To rescue her… given their past relationship, the Prince Dìng shouldn’t harm her. Perhaps it would be safer for her to stay in Xinyang City." The gray-clad man whispered, "But according to reports from the Governor's Mansion, Miss Su isn't faring well there. She even injured her forehead a few days ago. Furthermore, the Prince Consort of Dìng seems displeased with Miss Su’s status as his former fiancée. With the Prince now completely ignoring matters at the Governor's Mansion and in Xinyang City, Miss Su might… not be doing so well…"

"Princess Consort Ye Liuyi…" Han Mingyue frowned. He had only met Princess Consort Ye a few times due to her noble background, but each encounter wasn’t particularly pleasant. Even so, he couldn't help feeling envious of his former friend's good fortune. Princess Consort Ye was an excellent wife; she even suited the Prince and Dìng Royal Household better than Su Zuodie with her intelligence, sharpness, resilience, decisiveness, and courage. If she wanted to make life difficult for Su Zuodie while the Prince ignored everything… Su Zuodie wouldn’t be able to compete with Princess Consort Ye no matter what.

Han Mingyue understood his beloved woman better than others imagined; he even silently questioned whether all he did was worth it in the dead of night. But… "Keep an eye on the Governor's Mansion and report any developments immediately."

"Understood." The gray-clad man bowed respectfully. Han Mingyue thought for a moment, then sighed and said, "Prepare everything; I’ll go to Xinyang City myself." The gray-clad man was taken aback and somewhat disagreed. "Young Master, think carefully; the gates of Xinyang City are closed tightly, making it hard to enter or leave." Han Mingyue firmly replied, "Go and prepare."

"…Yes, Your Excellency."

"Princess Consort, the Western Ling army has been stationed twenty miles outside Xinyang City for several days. However, Crown Prince Nanzhen secretly led nearly 200,000 troops around to meet up with the Southern Route Army. I suspect that Western Ling might want to encircle our forces and attack from both sides," reported Zhuo Jing as Ye Li walked along a winding corridor in the Governor's Mansion.

Ye Li frowned slightly but continued walking as she asked, "Inform His Excellency about this situation; is there any movement outside the city"

"There hasn’t been any activity outside the city these past few days," Zhuo Jing replied.

"What’s Crown Prince Nanzhen doing" Ye Li inquired.

Zhuo Jing furrowed his brows, pondering. "The Western Ling army has remained stationary for several days, and there hasn’t been any news from Crown Prince Nanzhen."

Ye Li paused briefly, then said after some thought, "Send people to investigate whether Crown Prince Nanzhen is actually in the military camp. Also, inform His Excellency that they should be cautious regarding Jiangxia; Le Tengfeng leading troops southward might not necessarily aim for a pincer movement on Xinyang."

"Understood," Zhuo Jing nodded and added, "The one in the side courtyard has been causing trouble lately. What should we do with her"

Ye Li glanced at the small courtyard northwest of them; she couldn’t see anything from where she was walking. However, these past few days Su Zuodie had been incessantly demanding to leave and make various requests inside the courtyard. Ye Li calmly replied, "Let her cause a fuss if it amuses her. Has Han Mingyue sent any news"

Zhuo Jing nodded. "We received word yesterday that traces of Tianyi Pavilion under Han Mingyue’s command were found in nearby towns near Xinyang City. By the time they arrived, however, everyone had already left. Your guess was correct; Han Mingyue is indeed close to Xinyang."

Ye Li thought for a moment and said with a smile, "Perhaps he has already entered the city. As long as he is inside, I won't have any trouble finding him. Xiangyang now is different from before."

The original Xiangyang City had many people of mixed quality, but now, apart from soldiers, there were hardly any common civilians in Xiangyang City, let alone merchants and traders. It would not be easy for Han Mingyue’s group to hide their traces. "Be careful at the governor's mansion and don't let anyone sneak inside and kidnap them away. If you discover Han Mingyue's whereabouts, immediately seal off Xiangyang City and allow no one to leave. I wonder if Han Mingyue really thinks it's that easy to enter Xiangyang now" Unless they wanted someone to fall into their trap on his own accord, not even a fly would be able to get in.

Zhuo Jing smiled and said, "Don't worry, Your Excellency. Though we may not match Han Mingyue's ability to hide, it won't be easy for him to kidnap someone from us."

Ye Li nodded and stood at the entrance of her newly created study, saying to Zhuo Jing, "Go on about your business."

Zhuo Jing bowed respectfully before leaving. When Ye Li stepped into the room, she saw Mo Xiuyao sitting behind a desk reading a book. She asked in surprise, "What are you doing here" These few days, Mo Xiuyao had been very busy, and they hadn't met for two days. Mo Xiuyao put down his book with a light laugh, saying, "Why Are you unhappy to see me" Ye Li glanced at him and said, "I told Zhuo Jing to bring some things over to you, but you're here instead. Isn’t that wasting his effort" Mo Xiuyao smiled as he stood up and pulled her down beside him, saying, "It's my fault then. If there is anything important, just tell me. I'm only taking a rare break to see Miss Ye." Ye Li rubbed her forehead and looked at the files on the table with some helplessness, saying, "Your Excellency still has time for breaks But I am very busy." Looking at the things on the table, Mo Xiuyao furrowed his brow worriedly. He asked, "Why so many tasks The people around Miss Ye are not enough to handle them. Shall I send some more over"

Ye Li waved her hand and said, "No need, Your Excellency is busy too. It's natural for Xiangyang City to be busy with rebuilding. Things will get better in a few days. By then, Han Mingyue should have results on his end as well, and Dark Four would also return. I will have enough people around me."

Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms and murmured unhappily, "If only Miss Ye was better at managing people like this, I wouldn't have forgotten to assign some female guards for her back then."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Is Your Excellency jealous"

"My wife is wise," Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly.

Ye Li snorted. "Your Excellency is becoming more and more astute, now even managing to feel jealous of the people around me" Mo Xiuyao sighed with a tinge of melancholy. He did not want himself to appear as a complaining husband, but Miss Ye was shining brighter each day, while he spent less time with her than Zhuo Jing and Qin Feng. What's more important is that she hadn't said she loved him yet… Soon, Zhuo Jing and others would also get married...

"If you're too busy, let my second brother come over to help."

Ye Li rolled her eyes. "Second Brother came under the pretext of being a military supervisor; what would it look like for him to be at my side"

"I don't feel right about Second Brother," Mo Xiuyao murmured silently.ot good at these things."Qin Zeng held her hand and smiled, "This year, Ye Ying will definitely participate again. Li’er can’t lose to her."Hua Tianxiang was also enthusiastic and said, "That’s right!...