Expelling Guests - Father-Son Relationship

it wouldn't count for anything. Ye Li recalled Mo Xiuyao spreading news that Yelü Ye would personally select someone. Ordinary consorts and princesses wouldn’t be chosen, but since Yelü Ye was consid...285. Banish the Guest, Father-Son Relationship

The Empress Dowager Liu's face turned ugly and nasty as she had never seen before. Although she did not know where the Qīngfēng Hall was, it did not hinder her from understanding the meaning behind Ye Li’s words. She actually compared her to those lustful women! How dare she

"Ye Li! You...賤..." (Note: The word is censored as it's an offensive term)

The Empress Dowager Liu had not finished speaking when a loud thud was heard, the figure in white immediately flew out of the room and crashed into the garden outside. This time there was no mercy shown at all; the Empress Dowager Liu fell with a great noise on the ground. The guards guarding the door felt their teeth ache inwardly as they heard what sounded like a bone breaking.

As soon as she hit the ground, blood spurted out of the Empress Dowager Liu's mouth. Her originally cold eyes widened in disbelief, staring at the white-clad man walking towards her from inside the hall as if she had never met him before.

Mò Xiuyáo walked up to her and looked down on the woman who was struggling on the ground, but there was no trace of pity or sympathy in his eyes.

"Who gave you the audacity to speak to her like that" Mò Xiuyáo's voice was as cold as ice, making the Empress Dowager Liu shiver in pain when it reached her ears.

"Mò Xiuyáo... You're too ruthless!" The Empress Dowager Liu struggled to sit up with one hand, while another hung strangely by her side. It was clear that she had broken a bone when she landed and the arm on which she hit first touched the ground. Mò Xiuyáo frowned slightly as he looked at the woman who was filled with hatred; he thought it was very funny. "Do you think that because you helped me once or twice in the past, I will show special favor to you Or even tolerate your humiliation of my wife" The Ding王府 did not owe her anything, and although Empress Dowager Liu had indeed assisted him back then, the Ding王府 also reciprocated with what she deserved. It was just a case of mutual benefit. To bring up this matter now seemed rather amusing.

"That woman... That woman is so important to you For her sake… Even territories that are within easy reach in the north, you’re willing to give them up" The Empress Dowager Liu struggled to ask.

Mò Xiuyáo sneered and replied, "Isn't what A’Li said clear enough Furthermore... for her sake, even if it's the whole world, this king can give it all up."

"You!" The Empress Dowager Liu was shocked as she stared at the man in white. Mò Xiuyáo let out a light snort, seemingly weary of the bloodied and disheveled woman before him; he waved his hand towards one of the guards by his side and said, "Throw her out."

"Yes, Your Highness," replied the waiting guard without delay. He hurriedly came forward to drag the Empress Dowager Liu outside. With severe injuries and being restrained, she could do nothing but curse as she was dragged away: "Mò Xiuyáo, you will regret it!" Mò Xiuyáo gave a cold laugh and ignored her. The Empress Dowager Liu was tossed out of the Ding王府 without any courtesy. She landed heavily on the ground outside the steps of the Ding王府 with another injury from the fall. Those who had come to the Ding王府 with her rushed forward to help her up, but their efforts only made her suffer more pain and she shouted angrily: "Get away from me!"

The crowd was taken aback, wondering how the Empress Dowager could have sustained such injuries after visiting the Ding王府. Thankfully, the area around the Ding王府 in the capital city of Chu was a residential area for nobles, so there were no pedestrians at that moment on the streets, which would otherwise have made the royal family lose face.

With great difficulty, the Empress Dowager Liu managed to stand up from the ground and froze. A few steps away in a street corner, a thirteen-year-old youth in fine clothing was quietly looking at her with a solemn expression.

"Your Excellency, it's Prince Qin..." whispered one of the palace maids beside her.

"My son..." Empress Dowager Liu called out softly.

Prince Qin silently looked at the Empress Dowager for a while before turning around and disappearing in the corner of the street. The Empress Dowager stood there, staring blankly at the empty road, with an inexplicable unease growing in her heart.

In the Ding王府:

Lord Feng Huaiting and Queen saw Lord Feng Ziyao’s appearance and were startled, but no one spoke out. When they noticed the atmosphere was strange, Ye Li had to ask herself: "Third Young Master Feng, are you alright" Feng Ziyao looked at her with gratitude in his eyes as he smiled and said, "Thank you for asking, Your Excellency. It's just a minor injury."

Next to them, Lord Feng Huaiting and Queen breathed a sigh of relief.

Mò Xiuyáo sat by the side, idly tapping on the armrest with his fingers while looking at Lord Feng Ziyao with a half-smile. "Third Young Master Feng, do you have anything to say"

Feng Ziyao's face fell instantly as he replied with a bitter smile: "Your Highness may punish me however You see fit."

"Very well," Mò Xiuyáo clapped his hands and laughed. "Since you are willing to accept punishment, how about going to Qin Feng’s place for your penalty For the next few months, I don’t want to see you." Feng Ziyao was taken aback by this suggestion; he couldn't quite figure out what His Highness's intentions were. Going to Qin Feng's place to receive his punishment Didn't Qin Feng have such authority Most importantly, was Mò Xiuyáo willing to refrain from enslaving him for several months

His unexpected punishment appeared extremely severe in the eyes of the other two people who were unaware. Their faces darkened slightly as well. After a long moment, Feng Zhiyao accepted Mo Xiuyao's order somewhat hesitantly, "Subordinate obeys." No matter how Mo Xiuyao wanted to torment him, he might as well face it head-on since there was no escape.

"Your Highness..." Both figures spoke at the same time. Feng Huiting and the Empress could not help but look at each other before Feng Huiting finally opened his mouth, "Your Highness, this is all because of an old man like me. Please show mercy for my sake."

Feng Zhiyao looked at Feng Huiting in surprise as the latter furrowed his brows slightly despite looking calm-faced; he clearly did not expect that Feng Huiting would plead on his behalf.

Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Old sir Feng is being too polite. This was all caused by Feng San, how could it be your fault Besides, this lord always punishes and rewards according to merit. How can I expect the people below me to follow my orders if I do not punish someone who has committed such a grave mistake" As an upper-class person himself, Feng Huiting naturally knew how important it was to reward and punish fairly. However, Mo Xiuyao's next remark made him feel uneasy in his heart, "Do not worry... this lord will spare his life."

"Your Highness… isn't that too severe" Clearly, there was a serious misunderstanding between Mo Xiuyao and Feng Huiting; Mo Xiuyao had never thought of taking Feng Zhiyao's life in the first place. Naturally, he would spare him. But Feng Huiting believed that as long as someone was still alive, it was enough.

Taking a deep breath, Feng Huiting said solemnly, "Your Highness, regardless of what happens, Feng Zhiyao is my son. If he has committed a mistake, I am the father who should punish him."

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked at Feng Huiting, saying, "This lord remembers that the Feng family had already excommunicated Feng San."

"His name is still on the genealogy." Feng Huiting said resolutely. As long as there was still a trace of Feng Zhiyao's name in the genealogy, he would forever be part of the Feng clan.

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment and shook his head, "This is not acceptable either. Feng Zhiyao has already grown up and can take responsibility for his own actions. Moreover, this case concerns public affairs rather than family matters. It naturally falls under my jurisdiction to deal with it. How about you, Feng San Do you have anything to say"

Feng Zhiyao was stunned when Feng Huiting pleaded on his behalf and could not think of any words to speak. He shook his head blankly. Mo Xiuyao turned back to look at Feng Huiting with a good mood, saying, "As you can see, even Feng San himself has no objections."

Feng Huiting gritted his teeth and said, "It's my fault for not educating him properly. I am willing to take the punishment on his behalf and request Your Highness' approval."

Mo Xiuyao stared at Feng Huiting and said indifferently, "Have you thought this through The punishments in Prince Ding’s residence are always severe; it is not only those young men who have been specially trained that can endure them. Taking another person's punishment means doubling the penalty."

Feng Huiting said resolutely, "If a father does not educate his son properly, it's his fault. This is what I deserve and I request Your Highness' approval."

A pleased smile appeared on Mo Xiuyao’s face as he looked at Feng Zhiyao, asking, "Feng San, how about you"

Feng Zhiyao finally came back to his senses and said sternly while frowning, "One does what one must do; who wants him to take the punishment instead I have nothing to do with that fellow!"

Mo Xiuyao looked at Feng Huiting helplessly, saying, "Old sir Feng, you decide…" Ye Li pulled his sleeve from beside him and signalled for him to stop. Feng Huiting glanced at Feng Zhiyao and said to Mo Xiuyao, "As long as he still bears the surname Feng, he does not have the right to make decisions. Please show mercy."

"Very well!" With a smile on his face, Mo Xiuyao looked back at Ye Li with an assuring expression before turning to order, "Servants! Escort old sir Feng down for punishment."

"Your Highness!" Feng Zhiyao was so furious that he jumped in place. Of course, he knew that Mo Xiuyao would not really torment him to death; however, the punishments which might be inflicted were nothing to him but could easily kill his father who was nearly sixty years old.

The guards outside had already come inside to escort Feng Huiting out of the room. Feng Zhiyao started running after them, only to feel a sharp wind rush past and numb his knees so that he fell onto the ground. He could do nothing but watch helplessly as Feng Huiting was taken away.

"What are you running for I have not settled accounts with you yet." Mo Xiuyao looked at Feng Zhiyao who knelt on one knee and smiled, saying, "You said that he had nothing to do with you earlier; now you suddenly call him your father"

"Your Highness…" Feng Zhiyao was so anxious that tears threatened to fall. He only hoped that the guards below would not carry out their orders too quickly because according to Consort Liu’s experience just now, he might have been executed if he had delayed any longer, "Your Highness, I am sorry. What do you want Am I not willing to serve you until death

Moxiu Yao disdainfully said, "You were originally supposed to serve me until your death."

"Then what do you want"

"Make your father go with us to Northwest."

Feng Zhiyao was dumbfounded. He didn't know when Moxiu Yao had set his eyes on his father.

“Disagree” Moxiu Yao narrowed his eyes dangerously.

"Agree! I agree!" Feng Zhiyao nodded repeatedly, "But… my father will most likely not agree."

Moxiu Yao smiled and clapped his hands. “That’s none of this prince's business then. Oh, you can tell him that if he doesn't agree with me, I'll kill you. Go…” Moxiu Yao waved dismissively as he sent Feng Zhiyao away. Seeing Ye Li and the empress hiding their laughter behind their hands, Feng Zhiyao finally realized that he had been tricked.

Feng Zhiyao hung his head in dejection and left to find his father. Moxiu Yao's clearly pleased voice reached him from behind. “Remember to finish the pile of work that has built up at your study once you’ve dealt with everything else. After all, you said so yourself, serving me until death…”

Feng Zhiyao stumbled and he was really an idiot…

Ye Li watched Feng Zhiyao leave with a smile on her face. She looked at Moxiu Yao helplessly and asked, "Why must you torment him like this" Moxiu Yao snorted coldly. “Torment him This prince hasn’t tormented him in the least! If he didn't earn his keep over these past few months, it would be this prince’s fault!”

Ye Li shook her head and asked, "Do you think that Feng Zhiyao can persuade his father"

To be honest, Feng Huiting was a talent in business that they needed at the moment. Whether it was Han Mingxi or Leng Haoyu, neither of them were suited for such matters. Leng Haoyu could manage the Ding王府’s assets without issue, but to shoulder the economic burden of Northwest and beyond would be a strain on him. Moreover, Leng Haoyu came from a military background and had been working silently as a businessman all these years for the sake of the Ding王府, which was rather unfair to him. Ye Li knew that Moxiu Yao might already be seeking a replacement for him this time around when he sent Leng Haoyu off to Zijin Pass. However, she was still surprised that it had ended up being Feng Huiting.

Moxiu Yao raised his brows and said, "Unless he doesn’t care about Feng Zhiyao's life."

Ye Li shook her head and said disapprovingly, “He’s only the father of one person, Feng Zhiyao. On another hand, there are two legitimate sons and the entire Feng family. One single person probably isn't enough.”

Moxiu Yao replied, "Then it depends on whether or not Feng Huiting is a true businessman. A businessman must have sufficient foresight to be considered one. Otherwise, there’s no need for him."

The empress looked at them and smiled softly. “Your Highness has put a lot of effort into your subordinates. It's truly rare in the world to see such a wise leader. The Feng family will definitely not suffer if they follow you.”

Moxiu Yao looked at her and asked, "What about the Hua family"

The empress was taken aback and shook her head helplessly. “The Hua family… I don't have a say in it.” She knew her father well enough to know that even if the Great Chu were truly doomed to fall, he wouldn’t leave a single step of his homeland. A lifetime spent fighting for this country meant that these elders viewed the Great Chu more highly than their own lives. It was simply impossible to persuade them to leave.

Moxiu Yao obviously also knew Hua Guogong well enough and nodded, saying, “This prince will not force the Hua family to make a decision.”

"Thank you, Xiyao." The empress smiled faintly.

Moxiu Yao smiled faintly in return.

In Li王府, Moying Li’s mood was quite good as he sat in his study looking at the accounts sent over by Feng Family. A cold smile appeared on his lips. What did it matter if Moxiu Qi had ruined all of his plans He was still alive while Moxiu Qi was dead. Only those who were alive could see what would come next, and only they could do everything. Moying Li thought that Moxiu Yao would take care of the mess for him, but sadly, Moxiu Yao didn't have any interest in it whatsoever. Moreover, with his current strength, even if he had to face off against Moxiu Yao head-on, he wouldn’t necessarily be at a disadvantage. But… Thinking of Zijin Pass where the war was still ongoing, Moying Li hummed lightly and for now, he could not provoke Moxiu Yao.

"Your Highness, Concubine Noblewoman Liu is here," the steward reported from outside.

Moying Li frowned unhappily. "What does she want" Although he no longer feared rumors at this point, Liu Guifei was still his brother’s widow and it wasn’t appropriate for her to go to the Regency王府 with the late emperor not even cold in his grave yet. Furthermore, Moying Li had never liked Liu Guifei much and naturally felt unhappy upon hearing that she had come unannounced.

The Lady Consort Liu appeared to be severely injured and insisted on seeing His Royal Highness.

Meng Jilǐ snorted coldly, "She went to the Ding王府to court trouble" He got up irritably and instructed his subordinate, "Bring her to the flower hall. I'll come there shortly."

When Meng Jilǐ entered the flower hall and saw Lady Consort Liu's terrible condition, he was shocked as well. Her white robes were stained with blood that could only have been caused by a whip; in some places, the clothes had even ripped apart. There was also uncleaned blood on her pale face and an unnatural droop to her right hand. "What happened" Meng Jilǐ asked sternly. Lady Consort Liu running around looking like this would cause another uproar if it got out.

Lady Consort Liu looked up at him, sneering, "How could something else have happened Don’t you know It’s all because of Mo Xiuyao."

Meng Jilǐ scrutinized Lady Consort Liu carefully and noticed that she seemed different from before. Whenever she mentioned Mo Xiuyao in the past, her eyes would always reveal a fervent love and adoration that couldn't be concealed; now, however, it was hatred seething through clenched teeth. Although there still remained an unshakable devotion deep within her gaze, Meng Jilǐ believed that Lady Consort Liu's current heart held more hate than love for Mo Xiuyao.

Meng Jilǐ sat down across from her and said calmly, "I warned you long ago not to provoke Mo Xiuyao. Now do you understand In this life, apart from Ye Li, which woman has ever captured his affection Even Su Zuodie… didn't she die at the hands of Mo Xiuyao"

"Don’t compare that woman to me!" Lady Consort Liu said with distaste.

Meng Jilǐ rolled his eyes and thought, "Do you think you're better off than Su Zuodie" He was too lazy to care about her thoughts. Impatiently he asked, "Why are you here in my mansion instead of at your family home right now"

Lady Consort Liu lowered her gaze and said coolly, "My family Haha… My father told me earlier that he plans to arrange a marriage between my niece and Prince Li. The prince is quite fortunate. My niece is just the perfect age, and she's also one of the most beautiful girls in the capital."

Meng Jilǐ frowned before understanding Lady Consort Liu’s intentions as well as her family’s plan. He stared at Lady Consort Liu and said bluntly, "What do you want to do"

Lady Consort Liu smiled, "I know that you want my family's support but don’t want them to control you. I can help you obtain the entirety of the Liu Family… without marrying into it."

"What’s your condition" Meng Jilǐ asked directly. Lady Consort Liu wouldn't just do this for no reason. She smiled, "Prince Li is indeed straightforward. The condition is that … I want you to kill Ye Li for me!"

Meng Jilǐ was stunned and looked down, "Kill Ye Li Have I lost my mind… Who can bear the retaliation Mo Xiuyao would bring if Ye Li were killed" Back then, when Ye Li fell from the cliff, Mo Xiuyao had severed all ties with Great Chu to seize the northwest of the country. If he hadn’t been in such poor health after that fall, no one could have stopped him from launching an attack on Great Chu. And now they even had a child together; their feelings were certainly deeper than before.

Lady Consort Liu sneered coldly, "With Prince Li’s strength nowadays, are you still afraid of the Ding王府 With the support of my family, at least half of the court will back you up. Then you can ascend to the throne openly…"

"Foolish woman." Meng Jilǐ said without holding back. The Meng Family Army might not have been as terrifying before, but now with tensions between nations seemingly peaceful yet ready to ignite, Great Chu was already facing attacks from the North. If the Meng Family Army interfered in Great Chu’s affairs and made enemies on both fronts, the Bei Rong would definitely take advantage of it. Now more than ever, Great Chu could not afford to offend Mo Xiuyao.

"You won’t agree" Lady Consort Liu narrowed her eyes, "Then do you still want your son"

Meng Jilǐ’s eyes flashed with a hint of cruelty that he quickly suppressed. "Change the conditions. I can't kill Ye Li. Not to mention anything else, she herself is an expert martial artist and has Secret Guard and Qilin protection around her. Would you come to me if it were so easy"

Lady Consort Liu clenched her teeth and thought for a moment before saying, "Kill Ye Li's son!"

"Why" Meng Jilǐ frowned.

"I want her life to be worse than death!" Lady Consort Liu’s beautiful face twisted in an ugly grimace. "I want her to lose the most important person to her and spend every day suffering heart-wrenching pain, never finding peace again."

There was silence for a moment in the hall before Meng Jilǐ said coldly, "I refuse."

"You!" Lady Consort Liu glared at him. Meng Jilǐ sneered back, “Don’t think that trick always works on me. I haven't even seen my son once since then. I told you… dare to deceive me and I will make your life worse than death!”

Lady Consort Liu trembled slightly as the pain she had been trying hard to ignore came back, making her involuntarily groan in agony.

With a pale face, Lady Consort Liu stood up. "Since Your Highness doesn’t trust this palace woman, there’s nothing left for us to talk about. I take my leave."

Meng Jilǐ stared at her and said coldly, “I don't care what you want to do, but don’t touch Ye Li.”

Lady Consort Liu raised an eyebrow in surprise and turned around to look at him for a long time. "Don't touch Ye Li So Prince Li isn't refusing me because he fears the Ding王府but… actually cares about that woman" She looked quite astonished, "It’s rare indeed; I didn’t think Prince Li would be so attached to a woman who doesn't belong to him! Or are men just like this—what they can't have is always the best!tterly and helplessly): to be honest, I came to Northwest China this time also for this matter. If Scholar Scribe can obtain the news that Ding Prince's Manor has Blue Void Flower, Pavilion Master Lin...