209 Sisters Farewell

n doing this besides infuriating Miss And it’s not even certain that she would be able to do so."Ye Li frowned slightly, shook her head, and told Qingshuang, "Tomorrow you go personally to the Office...Sisters, Goodbye Again

There were still a few days until the full moon banquet for Crown Prince Dingwang, but Ruyang City had already started to熱鬨起來. Because of last year's turmoil in Northwest, many wealthy merchants from that region fled into the interior. This led to some stagnation or even regression in business activities across the entire northwest. Upon the birth of Mo Xiaobao, Duke Dingwang announced a grand celebration for his little heir. Moreover, due to the treasures and imperial jade seal from the previous dynasty, people were continuously flowing into Northwest. Within just a month, Ruyang City seemed to be slowly recovering its prosperity. With Xinyang, formerly the largest city in Northwest, turned into ashes, Ruyang City now appeared set to become the new major city of Northwest due to Duke Dingwang’s presence there. The townspeople prepared themselves early on for the influx of visitors and were ready to take advantage of this opportunity to make a profit.

In the Dingwang Mansion, with the addition of several members from the Xu family, both Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li felt much more at ease. Apart from Scholar Qingyun who was retired due to his advanced age, other members such as Xu Hongyu, Xu Hongyan, and the five young masters were actively participating in various tasks. Even the youngest, Xu Qingyan, could assist a little under Xu Qingbo's guidance. With Xu Hongyu and Xu Qingchen being extraordinary talents, Mo Xiuyao immediately delegated most of the Northwest’s affairs to them without hesitation, leading a rather relaxed life.

"Lily, is this something you wrote" In the spacious study room, several tables were pushed together to form a large desk filled with various documents and files neatly arranged. A few people sat around the table, handling their paperwork while occasionally engaging in conversation. Although everyone had their own private studies, they usually preferred the big study for official work as it was lively and allowed them to seek advice when uncertain.

Ye Li raised her head from among the documents, looking somewhat puzzled at Xu Qingchen who asked a question. Mo Xiuyao glanced over and said, "It's about the plan for Northwest commercial development."

"Oh... that’s mine," Ye Li recalled and said sheepishly, "I only have a rough idea and am not familiar with this area. Didn’t we say to leave it to Mingxi and Cold Second" Mo Xiuyao replied, "Cold Second has returned to the interior while Han Mingxi is overwhelmed dealing with Northwest and South Zha relations; he set it aside for now." Hearing this, others also looked at Xu Qingchen curiously. He passed the document to Xu Hongyu who read through it and nodded approvingly, saying, "Lily’s ideas are quite novel. It might be worth trying."

The Xu family was a scholarly household but not rigid; they understood how crucial commerce could be for cities or even nations. Compared to the prosperous Central Plains and Jiangnan regions, Northwest was less fertile, especially with poor grain production. If no new strategies were found, the Mo Family Army would eventually decline due to Northwest’s poverty. Initially, people were surprised seeing Ye Li working alongside Mo Xiuyao on Northwest's administration and military affairs daily, but they felt reassured by the generals’ usual demeanor regarding this arrangement. Lily had sufficient talent and capability, and most importantly, Duke Dingwang was willing to give her trust and space to showcase her abilities. This improved everyone’s perception of Mo Xiuyao.

The documents were passed around among them, but Xu Qingbo showed the most interest in it. Originally assigned to the Southwest, he had been recalled before getting a chance to put his plans into action; now seeing this plan reminded him of how eager he was back then. "Lily, what are your thoughts"

Seeing everyone’s gaze on her, Ye Li paused and asked Zuo Jing for a map to hang beside the wall while ordering fresh tea water. After careful consideration, she organized her thoughts and said, "The area of Northwest is less than one-sixth of Chu Kingdom's total land, with its population being merely ten percent of the kingdom’s total. Although Hongzhou has the reputation as the granary of Northwest, it still falls short compared to Central Plains or even Southwest called天府. If we are in peaceful times, importing a small amount of grain would suffice for sustaining Northwest’s populace and soldiers. However, under the worst-case scenario, Chu Kingdom, Northern Rong, and Western Ling could collectively deploy over three million troops against us. Even without war, these countries could collaborate to embargo Northwest on food supply and economics, leading it into increasing poverty. In turn, this would weaken our Mo Family Army, with its gradual decline being inevitable."

The others were silent; what Ye Li said was true but no one had ever laid out the statistics so clearly before, making them appear even more alarming.

Feng Zhiyao frowned and asked, "What if we take the initiative Expand Northwest’s territory

Xu Hongyu frowned and said, "It's not impossible, but... the land of Xi Ling is already barren. Their food mainly comes from Da Chu, Nan Zhao, and Western countries. The North Rong region is vast grassland and desert, with its people relying on beef and mutton as their main diet. As for Da Chu… it can't be moved just yet. If the Mohist Army attacks Da Chu first, it might provoke simultaneous resistance from Xi Ling, the North Rong, and Nan Zhao against the Mohists. Actually, considering the agility of the Mohist soldiers, what Feng Jushi mentioned might still work, but losses would certainly be significant. What I think Leye means is to proceed slowly with this plan."

Ye Li nodded and said, "Indeed, if we make a mess in Northwest, it will ultimately end up being our own problem to clean up. Unless we can conquer Xi Ling or the North Rong within half a year, once they start retaliating against us, it would be enough to deal with for the Mohist Army."

The Mohist Army was not like any other army; they seemed incredibly powerful but were actually in a precarious situation. Anyone trying to rise up and dominate the world or do anything significant without sufficient power would be ignored, while those with enough strength could form alliances. However, from the very beginning, the Mohist Army had been set as everyone's adversary. Neither Xi Ling nor the North Rong would cooperate with them; if given a choice, they would rather eliminate the Mohists first at any cost.

Xu Qingyan tilted his body to stretch his neck and look at what Xu Qingbai was holding while asking, "Sis Leye has already considered so much. There must be solutions then"

Ye Li無奈地笑道：“想要解決這些問題，一時半刻哪裡辦得到？不過之前命人勘查過整個西北境內，除了洪州附近，其實在甘州也就是閔江中遊是大片的平原地區，無論是土質和水質都極好。隻是這裡與北戎接壤，所以人煙稀少大片的良田無人耕種。” "Previously, we had people survey the entire Northwest and found that besides Hongzhou, Ganzhou near Min River is a vast plain with excellent soil and water quality. However, as it borders North Rong, there are few inhabitants and much of the fertile land remains uncultivated."

Xu Qingbai thought for a moment and asked, "Does Leye mean to relocate citizens to Ganzhou to cultivate fields That would require a large number of troops to guard the border to prevent North Rong people from plundering at any time."

Mosixiao nodded. “That’s not a problem now that we have hundreds of thousands of idle soldiers in the Mohist Army. Moreover, the army will likely expand further in the future, so there's no need to worry about who will guard it.” Ye Li also nodded and said, "If the citizens are worried, the Mohist Army can start by cultivating land or work alongside them."

"The Mohist Army working alongside ordinary citizens" Everyone frowned, somewhat hesitant.

Xu Qingchen raised his eyebrows slightly as he smiled. "Leye's idea is quite good. With hundreds of thousands of soldiers not needed for battle at the moment, using them to farm would be a great use of resources. This way, the Mohist Army could produce its own food and reduce taxes on the citizens."

Xu Qingbai nodded and asked anxiously, "Then what about this commercial hub you mentioned in your proposal"

Ye Li pressed her temples as she organized her thoughts. “The world isn’t just made up of countries like Da Chu, North Rong, Xi Ling, and Nan Zhao; there are countless small nations to the west of Xi Ling, possibly even large ones we don't know about due to the distance. Now that Northwest is surrounded by multiple countries, if we can transport goods from East Chu, North Rong, and Nan Zhao through Xi Ling to sell in more western countries or vice versa, this area could become a crucial economic hub for Eastern-Western exchange….” Xu Qingbai was intelligent enough to grasp her meaning immediately. He smiled and said, "When do you plan on starting this Count me in."

"I want to too!" Xu Qingyan, who always followed his fourth brother’s lead, quickly raised his hand to vote.

Ye Li laughed and said, “Some people have already been sent for agriculture. As for the commercial aspect… since Fourth Brother has no experience in this field, he can ask Han Mingxi and Leng Haoyu…” Thinking of how busy Han Mingxi and Leng Haoyu were, Ye Li felt a headache coming on; then she thought about someone who was likely being idle somewhere at that moment. She regretted killing Su Zuodie so quickly back then, as otherwise, he would have been a free laborer for her.

"Your Excellency and Consort, the Prince of Lai from Chu Jing and Princess Li are here," a guard announced as they were speaking.

"Duke Li Mo Jingli" Ye Li was taken aback; she hadn't expected him to come to Ruyang, let alone bring Ye Ying with him. To be honest, it had been almost two years since she last saw Ye Ying. Originally imprisoned by Mo Xiuqian, now that Mo Jingli has returned to the capital and is in command of a large army, he clearly intends to challenge Mo Xiuqian. As Duke Li's consort, Ye Ying naturally regained her freedom.

Moxiuyao stood up with a smile, "Mo Jingli, huh Since that's the case... Lily, let's go welcome Duke Li and his consort." Ye Li had no objections; she followed Moxiuyao out. Xu Qingbai still had some questions he wanted to ask but was hesitant to do so.

Calling it a welcoming ceremony was somewhat of an exaggeration; all that happened was that when the chief steward brought them in, Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao went to the entrance hall to greet them. Clearly not expecting any special treatment from Mo Xiu Yau, Mo Jingli's expression remained unchanged. As he approached the main hall of Ding王府, he saw a pair of figures waiting at the door: Mo Xiyuao in light purple brocade and Ye Li in a pale blue dress with silver thread and dark patterns. Despite her warm smile, there was more regal and seductive charm about her than before. Mo Jingli's eyes flickered as he saw the smiling woman dressed in black next to Mo Xiuyao; he could not describe what he felt.

"Welcome to Duke Li and his consort," Ye Li said with a smile when she noticed that Mo Xiyuao had no intention of speaking.

Compared to her appearance last year, Ye Ying now bore little resemblance to the famous Miss Ye who once graced Chu Capital. Her previously delicate features were tinged with sorrow and apathy, and her once clear eyes were sharper than before, which diminished their gentle charm. She followed Mo Jingli silently; she seemed more like a consort than ever before. However, Ye Li noticed a hint of jealousy and resentment in Ye Ying's eyes when they met.

Mo Jingli glanced at the two standing side by side and said coolly, "It has been long since we last saw each other."

Moxiuyao raised an eyebrow; he was surprised that Mo Jingli would greet him properly. After all, this year had not been kind to Mo Jingli. With a nonchalant nod, Moxiuyao replied with a faint smile, "I hope you are well." Mo Jingli's face froze as if he had swallowed something unpleasant; who cared about his wellbeing

Mo Jingli smiled and said, "Please come in."

Inside the main hall, Ye Li noticed that Mo Jingli had brought someone else—Qixia Princess. Dressed like a maidservant, Qixia Princess kept her head lowered as she followed Mo Jingli, so Ye Li initially mistook her for an ordinary servant girl. Only when they entered the main hall did Ye Li realize something was amiss; it explained why Ye Ying looked so displeased—Mo Jingli had taken Qixia Princess with him from Chu Capital and still kept her close even now.

After everyone sat down, Ye Li hesitated before looking at Qixia Princess. "This one..."

Before Mo Jingli could respond, Ye Ying said coolly, "She's just a servant girl; what does Auntie care about her for"

Hearing this, Mo Jingli's expression darkened as did Qixia Princess'. Originally, with her background, she would have been more than qualified to be a Concubine. But after the incident at their wedding ceremony, she had pretended to die hurriedly and left Chu Capital. Ye Li thought that Mo Jingli should have provided another identity for Qixia Princess by now; it was surprising that she still lacked official status as his concubine. Seeing Mo Jingli's silence, Ye Li didn't mind anymore and ordered tea to be served.

"Seeing Duke Ding in this state has indeed startled me," Mo Jingli said. Although he had heard about Duke Ding's white hair, seeing it with his own eyes still came as a surprise. Glancing sideways at Ye Li who was sitting next to Mo Xiuyao, Mo Jingli assessed that Ye Li seemed even more important to Mo Xiuyao than they previously thought.

Mo Xiuyao paid no mind and casually swept the hair hanging over his chest behind him with a smile on his face. "Flowers bloom and wither, life and death are common occurrences; why worry about them I've heard that Duke Li has been quite at ease in Jiangnan recently."

Mo Jingli tugged at the corner of his mouth and said, "Duke Ding is too flattering. How can anyone be as carefree as you who have control over the northwest" The two men were now engaging in a verbal exchange. If it was before, Mo Jingli might not have had the courage or confidence to spar with Mo Xiuyao. But things are different now; while Mo Xiuyao controls the northwest, he rules Jiangnan, which is more advantageous compared to the barren northwest.

Ye Li smiled at Ye Ying and said warmly, "Has Fourth Sister been well in these past months"

Ye Ying looked at Ye Li with a complex expression on her face. She snorted coldly. "Does Third Senior Sister not know about my imprisonment by the Emperor How could someone who is a prisoner be well" Her words seemed to blame Ye Li for knowing she was imprisoned by Mo Jingqi but refusing to help her. But Ye Li did not mind; there was no deep bond between her and Ye Ying. If it had been within her means, she would have helped her sister, but at that time, Ye Ying could be considered a hostage used by Mo Jingqi against Mo Jingli, so naturally, she was heavily guarded. How would she risk the lives of her subordinates to save her Facing Ye Ying's questioning, Ye Li remained calm and said consolingly, "Fourth Sister has now met up with Duke Li again and even has his son; from now on, things will be sweeter."

Hearing this, Ye Ying’s face darkened. After a moment of thought, Ye Li understood that Mo Jingli probably had no intention to make the child Ye Ying bore as heir. Indeed, Mo Jingli was still young and could have children whenever he wanted. Moreover, at present, apart from her own half-sister, Ye Ying had virtually no roots; she wasn't even comparable to an ordinary official's family. And this sister who didn’t get along with her had families that were rivals too. Of course Mo Jingli wouldn’t consider making the child of Ye Ying his heir. He was probably already planning on selecting another woman from a good background as a consort.

Ye Li naturally couldn't interfere in these matters, so she decided not to ask about it and instead talked with Ye Ying about other things. Ye Ying listened silently while Ye Li spoke; after a long time, she suddenly asked, "Why did Third Senior Sister make Father retire"

Ye Li raised her eyebrows; this was clearly an accusation.

With pursed lips, she gave a cold smile. "Father is advanced in age and has reached the peak of his career. What's wrong with retiring while at the height of one’s power"

Ye Ying bit her lip, glaring resentfully at Ye Li. No one knew how she felt when she was released from prison only to find out that none of her parents or relatives were in the capital anymore. The Duke no longer treated her as he once did; instead, he was cold and indifferent even to their children. If Father had still been around and serving as a minister, would things have turned out like this

Ye Li understood Ye Ying's sense of grievance and resentment and sneered inwardly. If Lord Ye hadn't retired, he might have already been killed by Mo Jingqi, leaving no time for Ye Ying to be released from prison. She had thought that after the hardships of these past months, Ye Ying would grow up, but it seemed she was still as immature and foolish.ed at her and looked up at her with a sense of gratitude in his eyes. "Ting'er, are you worried about me" he asked. "Don’t worry; no matter how difficult the journey is, I will persist for Ting’er.""L...