verything in the army would be under the command of Prince Dingwang from now on. Mo Xiuyao naturally wouldn’t refuse Duke Nan's goodwill. Although he had been far away in Northern Rong and had led tro...420. A Crazy Plan

420. A Crazy Plan

Mosiuyun, who had brought Mo Suiyun back to the inn, was naturally unaware of what several brats thought about him. He also didn’t have the mind to think about it. As a newly crowned emperor who was worse off than a puppet at present, he couldn’t avoid being lectured and scolded by Mosiuyun after returning. Therefore, Mo Suiyun understood that he had no right to worry about Mo Xiaobao until he could grasp actual power. Even if he found the playboy Young Master Dingwang and his group of miscreant friends insufferable, unless he was able to seize control of Dachu’s real power, he wouldn’t have the qualification to compete with the young master of Dingwang Manor. Hence, Mo Suiyun soon put today’s matter behind him and focused all his attention on dealing with Mosiuyun and the officials of Dachu.

At this moment, Emperor Mo Suiyun hadn’t thought that he would be considered heartless by someone who cared little for others, yet was hoodwinked outside in just a few sentences. Wasn’t he more heartless than someone else, to the point where he ended up suffering countless losses at their hands later on

In the tavern, Mo Xiaobao and several others sent Mo Suiyun out along with Feng Zhiyao, who they suspected was a spy from Dingwang Manor. Then they started discussing again behind closed doors. Holding his chin, Mo Xiaobao looked at Qin Lie and asked, "Father seems to hold high hopes for this Mo Suiyun. Qin Lie, do you think that Mo Suiyun will win in the end or suffer the same misfortune as Mo Suyun"

Qin Lie pondered for a while before shaking his head and saying, "It’s hard to say. Mo Suiyun is certainly braver and more cunning than Mo Suyun. I just wonder if Mosiuyun has any ambition."

Lying on the soft couch, Leng Junhan said lazily, "There’s still an old hag in Dachu, right She’ll definitely help her grandson. Apart from Mo Suiyun, there shouldn’t be many princes left in Dachu who could just be swapped around at will."

"The Empress Dowager of the Imperial Ancestors is also very old," Xu Zhirui said with a solemn expression.

Moi Xiaobao blinked and said softly, "So… Mo Suiyun’s chances of winning are rather high"

“As long as he’s not an idiot. But… He seems somewhat stupid.” Leng Junhan expressed his worry, thinking that anyone who could be tricked by Mo Xiaobao was a fool. And Mo Xiaobao was the kind of person whose expressions couldn’t even be trusted.

Moi Xiaobao rolled his eyes and said, "Then let’s give him a heads up. We’re good friends anyway."

"Whatever." Leng Junhan and Xu Zhirui didn’t care about it. Leng Junhan continued to rub his belly while Xu Zhirui sat by the side reading a book with great interest. Qin Lie glanced at three kids younger than him, feeling that he really was a good person when he first met them. After getting along for some time, however, he doubted whether he would still be one in the future.

In an adjacent room, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were sitting calmly as they listened to several children discussing great plans across the way. Feng Zhiyao and Leng Haoyu sat by the side with a smile playing on their faces as they watched Mo Xiuyao. After those kids had finished talking and footsteps of them leaving could be heard outside, Feng Zhiyao couldn’t help but laugh out loud, shaking his head painfully and saying, "What sins did this world commit to give rise to such devils"

They were just children in their early teens yet already thinking about how to scheme against the little emperor of another country. When they were that age, they were still fighting each other, truanting from school, and playing around. In a few years’ time, what would happen

Cold Haoyu sighed somewhat helplessly, "Indeed, one is influenced by those around them. Even Junhan from our family has been corrupted."

In the past, his beloved son was a cute little bun. Of course, now he's still adorable, but... His personality is slightly twisted. This must be due to being in close proximity to someone negative, Cold Haoyu felt somewhat guilty. It was because he didn't have time to take care of his son that the latter became too close to Mo Xiaobao from Ding王府 (Ding Royal Manor).

"It sounds like your son is innocent," Mo Xiuyao lazily glanced at Cold Haoyu. Although Mo Xiaobao seems mischievous, the boy from the Cold family has a facade of being foolish but can be deadly when necessary.

Feng Zhiyao curiously said, "From what I understand, Mo Xiaobao wants to help the young emperor of Dachu control power. Is this okay" One must know that the young emperor is no pushover. Even at a young age, he knows how to sow discord and hit right in the heart of matters. Although he might not be able to fool Mo Xiaobao completely due to his youth, it's worth noting that he just ascended the throne less than two months ago and was left unattended before then.

Mo Xiuyao nonchalantly replied, "What problem could there possibly be Even if there is a problem, it would only concern him. Can I really kill off all those who pose threats to him" He isn't someone who spoils his children.

You sure are confident. Feng Zhiyao and Cold Haoyu exchanged glances and looked at Ye Li disapprovingly. Ye Li smiled faintly, "For the young emperor to take full control of Dachu's power, even with exceptional abilities, it would likely still take him ten years. There's no need to worry about it now."

Compared to spending a decade waiting for Mo Jingyu or any other adult to seize power, giving that time to the young emperor might be more effective. In a decade, whether it's Mo Xiaobao or Ding王府 (Ding Royal Manor), they should have recovered from the recent wars' tolls. By then, Mo Su Yun may not truly control Dachu's power completely either. Simply put, Mo Xiaobao isn't helping Mo Su Yun; he just doesn't want him to fail so soon. It can be said that in some aspects, Mo Xiaobao is starting to resemble his father.

"The children of today... are really something," Feng Zhiyao sighed. Is it only the children from Ding王府 (Ding Royal Manor) who are exceptionally twisted

"Your Highness, Lady."

Since returning to Li City, Yaoji returned to the tavern she managed for several years and lived a peaceful life. However, occasionally she would collect information for Ding王府 (Ding Royal Manor). Overall, it was a quiet existence.

"Prince Yu seems to have secretly sent someone to contact Prince Changxing," Yaoji reported softly.

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand, "Expected. What's the attitude of Prince Changxing"

"Prince Changxing did not interact with those that Prince Yu sent; it seems he doesn't want to get entangled too much," replied Yaoji. Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "They're not fools either; as long as they don’t make any moves, we won’t need to worry about them."

Cold Haoyu pondered for a moment, "I remember... Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning’s brother are also in Nanjing. Could there be trouble later" Even though Dachu is currently settled in the south, it's unlikely that they would remain peaceful indefinitely. They might provoke something with their young prince, which can't be ignored.

Mo Xiuyao calmly stated, "If they live quietly, I won’t mistreat them. But if they do anything inappropriate, don’t blame me for not showing mercy. Keep an eye on them."

Yao Ji nodded and hesitated, saying, "It seems that Mo Jingli appeared in the northwest."

"Mo Jingli" Everyone was taken aback. Hearing this name suddenly was somewhat surprising. Since Linyang fell, Mo Jingli had disappeared without a trace. They hadn't given up on eliminating him entirely, but they were too busy with emergencies at Feihong Pass to act on it. Later, when the situation stabilized, Mo Jingli had vanished. In this vast world, if someone truly wanted to hide, finding them would be no easy task.

Moreover, Mo Jingli's imperial title was revoked, he had neither troops nor power, and his martial arts skills weren't particularly impressive, so not many people cared about where he went.

"Are you sure" asked Mo Xiuyao with a frown.

Yao Ji shook her head and replied, "We can’t confirm it for now."

Mulling over the matter, Mo Xiuyao said, "Let this information be conveyed to Mo Jingyu. Mo Jingyu must surely not want to see Mo Jingli reappear more than we do."

"Understood," Yao Ji nodded in agreement.

In a secluded village outside Li City, a man wearing rough cloth and covered in stubble sat in a simple room with a twisted expression.

"Emperor." A similarly plain-dressed man entered the room and bowed his head respectfully.

The first man turned to look at him coldly. "Are there any news from Li City"

The second man replied solemnly, "King Jingyu has arrived in Li City with newly enthroned Emperor Mo Suicun. Simultaneously, the new Southern King of Xiling, Lei Tengfeng, also arrived. Today... Young Marquis Ding secretly took Emperor Mo Suicun out, and King Jingyu nearly overturned this city in his search. Eventually, they found the emperor at a restaurant."

The coarse-clothed man, Mo Jingli, flashed a look of hostility and sneered coldly, "King Jingyu values that Mo Suicun! I never expected... it would be him who stabbed me from behind!" In truth, not just King Jingyu had betrayed Mo Jingli; the Grand Empress Dowager, officials in court, powerful nobles, even all the royal family of Dazhu had turned against him. It was clear how much people disliked Mo Jingli.

The second man hesitated before cautiously asking, "Emperor, should we..."

Mo Jingli gave a cold laugh and said, "No, go send a message to King Jingyu, saying that I want to see him."

"This… Your Majesty, might this not be…" They were now fugitives; whether captured by the Ding王府 or the Great Chu government, they wouldn't have a good outcome. At such a time, if the Emperor still wanted to present himself, how could one not feel anxious

Mo Jingli spoke solemnly: "I know my limits. You go and do it."

The man hesitated for a moment but nodded and turned to leave.

Mo Jingli lowered his gaze, staring at the shabby and dirty desk in front of him with an uncertain expression. If someone had told him two months ago that he would be wearing ragged clothing and living in such a dilapidated house barely fit for shelter from wind and rain, he would have certainly killed them brutally. But over this month plus, Mo Jingli had endured countless hardships. To avoid being caught by the Ding王府 and the Great Chu government, he not only disguised himself as an ordinary citizen eating coarse food but even pretended to be a beggar or homeless person. After enduring so many hardships and walking through numerous dangerous paths, he managed to sneak into the vicinity of Li City. However, his purpose wasn't simply to take a look.

Even though he was now in such dire straits, Mo Jingli had been a prince for decades and an emperor before, so he still held some cards unknown to others. Because of this, he dared to sneak into the northwest and come close to Mo Family Army's headquarters—Li City. Yet, he didn't rush to enter the city; Li City was now tightly guarded. Although there weren't many people who could actually recognize him, Mo Jingli had experienced firsthand how formidable the Mo Family Army's secret agents were, so he wasn't eager to take unnecessary risks.

As for Mo Jingyu… Mo Jingli showed a cold smile on his face. He dared to meet with Mo Jingyu in broad daylight because he had enough leverage to protect himself.

In an inconspicuous small teahouse in Li City, as soon as Mo Jingyu pushed open the door of one of the rooms and saw the man dressed simply sitting inside, his eyebrows lifted. "You have quite a lot of guts." Indeed, it would be daring for anyone else to come straight into the heart of the Mo Family Army.

Mo Jingli snorted lightly and sized up Mo Jingyu from head to toe before mockingly saying: "Now you truly hold great power. I never imagined that in the end… it turned out to be you who reaped benefits."

Mos Jingyu wasn't bothered by this, bowing slightly with a smile on his face, and said modestly: "It's nothing much; just happened to be at the right place at the right time. What do you want from me" Mo Jingyu didn't think too highly of Mo Jingli now. Before, he was the powerful Li Prince and Emperor Chu, but now, he was merely a co-regent prince in Great Chu, while Mo Jingli had become an unfortunate fugitive running for his life. Thinking this far, a trace of satisfaction flashed in Mo Jingli's eyes.

Mo Jingli said: "Of course I have something to ask of you. I want you to do me one favor."

"What makes you think I'll agree" Mo Jingyu raised an eyebrow and asked.

Mos Jingli looked at him and questioned: "Do you… want the Imperial Seal of Great Chu"

Upon hearing this, Mo Jingyu's expression turned grim as he coldly remarked. Since Mo Jingli had disappeared, the Imperial Seal of Great Chu hadn't been found anywhere in Nanjing or Lianyang. The Imperial Seal symbolized supreme imperial authority; while another seal could indeed be made, having it lost outside was a huge embarrassment for the Royal Family of Great Chu. If someone else were to use the Imperial Seal to cause trouble in the future, it would be even more troublesome. Thus, secretly sending people to search for Mo Jingli was not only for eliminating him but also to find out the whereabouts of the Imperial Seal.

Mo Jingli smiled and said: "You don't have to help me; I can give the Imperial Seal to someone else… Of course, there's also Prince Yu’s smiling face together." This someone was naturally Mo Jingyu's political opponents. For instance, some brothers who had been gradually rising since the new emperor ascended the throne to challenge him or Empress Dowager Grandmother. With Mo Jingqi dead and Mo Jingli now a fugitive, with an old empress dowager and a young emperor, more people harbored ulterior motives. If the Imperial Seal fell into someone else's hands, it wouldn't be good for Mo Jingyu at all.

"What do you want me to do" Mo Jingyu asked in a solemn voice.

Moi Jingli said coldly, "I want you to help me... get rid of Mo Suicun and Mo Yuchen."

"Are you crazy!" Mo Jingyu stood up and turned to leave.

“You won't even consider it” Mo Jingli's voice came from behind. Mo Jingyu turned around, sneering: "Consider Do you think I'm stupid To kill Mo Yuchen in Li City Forget about killing him; just touching a single hair on his body will result in my death." The jade seal is indeed tempting, but it also requires one to have the life to enjoy it.

"Do you really think I can't do it" Mo Jingli was not nervous. Compared with Mo Jingyu, he didn't need to be overly anxious since what he had already lost was gone forever; all that remained for him now might only be his own life. But Mo Jingli couldn't continue hiding and living in fear like this forever; rather than that, it would be better to make a desperate attempt at everything!

Moi Jingyu laughed coldly and didn’t bother answering such a question. Ever since Mo Xiuyao had clearly distanced himself from the Great Chu, he never thought that Mo Jingli or Mo Jingqi could ever compete with him. Mo Jingli, who once was a king in his own right, couldn't do it; how much less so now for this Mo Jingli hiding here and there.

Moi Jingli paid no heed to the contemptuous look on Mo Jingyu's face as he said with a smile: "Since that is the case, I can show you my sincerity first. How about Mo Xiaoyun"

"What do you mean" Mo Jingyu asked guardedly.

Moi Jingli replied: "Mo Xiaoyun and Zhen Ning are living a very carefree life in Li City. They are the prince and princess of Mo Jingqi, but they have now sided with Ding王府 (Ding Prince's Mansion). Even for the sake of public opinion, Ding Prince’s Mansion would certainly protect them well. What do you think will happen if Mo Xiaoyun and Zhen Ning suddenly die under Ding Prince’s Mansion's protection" More interestingly, it is even more so just before Ding Prince's Mansion’s first birthday banquet, Mo Xiuyao’s face must look very good!

“If that isn't enough… what about adding the Queen of Nan Zhao” said Mo Jingli, his eyes gleaming with the same excitement. Mo Jingyu watched him calmly and asked: "What's the point in disrupting Ding Prince’s Mansion's banquet" If Longxing Wang and Zhen Ning Princess, who were under the protection of Ding Prince’s Mansion, died before their banquet, it would surely be a major blow to Ding Prince’s Mansion’s reputation. And if something happened to the Queen of Nan Zhao in Li City, Ding Prince’s Mansion would have no choice but to account for this to Nan Zhao.

“The point I want to see how Mo Xiuyao can change his expression,” said Mo Jingli with evident pleasure.

"You're really crazy," Mo Jingyu muttered in a low voice.

Moi Jingli's face contorted and he shouted angrily, "Yes! I am crazy! This is all because of Mo Xiuyao逼的 (forcing)! Because of you guys! You are traitors… you are rebels!"

Mo Jingyu laughed coldly and looked at the madly distorted expression on Mo Jingli's face with a distant look: "As if you were loyal to the country Do you think that all the officials would unanimously agree to depose you Mo Jingli, even if you return to Jiangnan now, you can only be a rat everyone wants to hit. Who dares to recognize someone who poisoned two consecutive emperors with Southern Frontier secret drugs as their leader

"Empress Dowager!" Mo Jingli gritted his teeth, knowing that only the Empress Dowager knew the truth about these matters.

Mò Jǐngyú smiled and said, "Indeed Even your own birth mother betrayed you, showing how much of a failure you are. What right do you have to accuse others of being traitors How can this be considered betrayal We’re merely removing the rebellious elements and upholding the legitimate ruler."

Surprisingly, Mo Jingli did not fly into a rage. After a long silence, he said, "I don’t want to waste time on idle talk. Do you want help or not"

Mò Jǐngyú shook his head and replied, "Sorry, I’m unable to assist. Farewell."

"Three years ago… how did the thirty thousand silver notes from the Northern Rong be spent" Mo Jingli’s voice came from behind, cold and eerie.

"You!" Mò Jǐngyú abruptly turned around with a pale face, glaring at Mo Jingli. "I have no idea what you’re talking about!"

"No need to know… others do. For example, Uncle Wang or the other brothers What do you think" Mo Jingli said coldly with a smile. Mò Jǐngyú was silent for a long time before finally returning and sitting down again. He stared at Mo Jingli for a while and asked, "How do I know if you’re lying to me"

Mo Jingli smiled and replied, "You can try it out. When you return to Nanjing, will everyone despise you just as they do me Tell me, does killing the emperor and seizing the throne or betraying the country evoke more hatred"

Mò Jǐngyú’s face turned dark as ink. After a long pause, he said, "When did you…"

Mo Jingli let out a soft snort and replied, "Of course I only found this out after the capital was moved to southern Jiangnan; otherwise, do you think I would tolerate you At that time, I didn’t want to tolerate you either, but… The court was in chaos at the time, and since you obeyed me then, I kept you around. Looking back now… it seems I made the right decision."

If another person without any leverage over him had come here, he would have been sold out to Mo Xiuyao immediately.

Mo Jingli looked at him with a sinister smile and said, "You can report me to Mo Xiuyao. We’ll die together if we must. Anyway, I don’t have much left to care about."

"I need time to think," Mò Jǐngyú closed his eyes and said in a deep tone. Clearly, he was struggling internally. Mo Jingli shrugged nonchalantly.

Mò Jǐngyú asked, "If I help you, how will I get out of this situation If death is inevitable, I’d rather return to southern Jiangnan than die at the hands of Mo Xiuyao." He had heard about Mo Xiuyao’s methods of tormenting people; no one with a choice would want to fall into his hands.

A cold smile flashed in Mo Jingli's eyes as he replied coolly, "Rest assured, I don’t need you to do much. As long as you manage it well yourself, nobody will find out. At that point, you’ll be able to safely return the jade seal and become King Yu of southern Jiangnan."

Mò Jǐngyú took a deep breath before finally deciding, "Alright, I agree."cred flower was just a common red lily, she would have felt like crying."Manjusha, a name from Buddhism, one of the four flowers of heaven," Mo Xiuyao said. Ye Li sat lightly beside Mo Xiuyao; after h...