```htmlCandleflame Flicker (Litigious Interlude)``` 注意：“迴光返照

ver was no small amount. How could she possibly make up for it"Hush! As a concubine who embezzled the dowry of her predecessor, do you think that sounds good You don’t have any shame, but Fourth Miss...273. A Momentary Resurgence of Light

273. A Momentary Resurgence of Light

In the study of Prince Li's mansion, Mo Jingli's expression was twisted, his face brimming with rage that not even the most favored Princess Qixia dared to approach. By the time Mo Jingli finally vented his anger, the entire study was in a mess. The strategist and subordinates of Prince Li who were standing in the corner naturally did not dare to speak up; Princess Qixia could only muster her courage and say, "Your Highness, it's difficult to hold discussions here now. Why don't we move to the side hall"

Mo Jingli snorted coldly, rolled up his sleeves, and left the study. The others hurried after him.

"Your Highness, did something happen" In the side hall outside the study, someone finally plucked up their courage to ask.

Mo Jingli asked coldly, "Grand Princess Dazhang and Princess Zhaoyang left the palace to see Mo Xiuyao." Everyone was shocked. "His Majesty... what does this mean" Mo Jingli sneered, "What else could it mean Naturally, he invited Grand Princess Dazhang to intercede on his behalf with Mo Xiuyao. He's been competing against him for their entire lives; in the end, he actually decided to reconcile."

Everyone immediately frowned or shook their heads. "Your Highness, if this is the case, it will be extremely disadvantageous for us." The emperor would rather set aside past grievances and suspicions towards the Ding Prince's mansion than seek help from him, clearly indicating that he harbors murderous intentions toward Prince Li's mansion. Mo Jingli snorted coldly, saying disdainfully, "Mo Xiuyao won't agree to his request. Moreover... even if Mo Xiuyao does agree to intervene, how could I be so easily dealt with now" Everyone was stunned by the stern-looking man before them; it took a while for them to come back to their senses. That's right, Prince Li is no longer the same person he used to be years ago. He is the Regent of Da Chu and wields real power over the wealthiest southern half of the kingdom. Not to mention that Ding Prince's mansion's influence lies far in the northwest; even at its peak in Jing city, it would not have been able to deal with Prince Li overnight.

"I wonder what Your Highness plans to do The emperor surely won't..." one strategist frowned and said. They originally hoped that Empress Dowager could persuade the emperor to formally abdicate to Prince Li. In reality, this idea was already somewhat unrealistic; given the emperor's disposition, even if it meant his death, he would not hand over the throne to someone who had harmed him.

Mo Jingli frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "Spread the news out, make sure it reaches the Liu family. Say that the emperor intends to pass the throne to the Sixth Prince... as for the rest, the Liu family will know what to do."

"Your Highness is wise."

The Liu family would not be any slower than the Li mansion in obtaining news. Without even needing the Li mansion to disseminate it deliberately, the Liu family had already received the news through Palace Noble Consort Liu within the palace. Inside the palace, after hearing what the female attendant reported, Noble Consort Liu coldly dismissed her and smashed an exquisite white porcelain teacup into pieces with a flick of her hand. "Sixth Prince... Mo Ruiyun!"

Tan Jizhi sat in a nearby chair with a pleased smile and said, "It seems that His Majesty has already learned about Your Excellency's plans. I've always said that Your Excellency acts too hastily. Remember... even if something is almost certain, could there still be an exception"

Noble Consort Liu gritted her teeth as she recalled how a few days ago, on returning to the palace from outside, she had encountered Mo Jingli leaving His Majesty's chambers. Since then, many things seemed to be beyond her control. "Mo Jingli! It must be him!" Tan Jizhi frowned and said, "Your Excellency, who is behind this isn't important anymore. What matters now is... what do we plan to do"

Noble Consort Liu was troubled; she herself was actually not skilled in such matters. She had been protected by everyone from a young age, only experiencing smooth sailing except for her feelings towards Mo Xiuyao. Despite being extremely intelligent and well-versed, Noble Consort Liu could not immediately think of how to handle the current situation. Turning back to look at Tan Jizhi, she asked, "Do you have any ideas"

Tan Jizhi curled his lip in a faint smile and said calmly, "If we're going to do it, let's go all the way. Kill!"

Noble Consort Liu was stunned; she lowered her head and seriously considered Tan Jizhi’s proposal. Having spent decades within the palace, even though she had been favored by Mo Jingqi and wielded power close to that of a queen, there were still lives on her hands. Women like them who were groomed from childhood with the sole purpose of entering the harem likely never saw human life as anything but expendable. After pondering for a moment, Noble Consort Liu lifted her head; cold beauty flashed in her eyes, and she said calmly, "Alright. You go ahead."

With assistance from the power of the Liu family and Noble Consort Liu within the palace, Tan Jizhi's actions were swift and efficient. The news that Sixth Prince had fallen while playing on a rock formation and was in a coma before he could be rescued hadn't even darkened the day when it reached them. When the news came, the twelve-year-old Crown Prince was sitting by Noble Consort Liu’s side chatting with her. Noble Consort Liu waved the eunuch reporting away with a casual gesture. The Crown Prince hesitated and looked at Noble Consort Liu, "Mother, should I go see my younger brother"

The Concubine Lady Liu flashed a look of disdain across her face and lifted the young Crown Prince's unmatured little face, scrutinizing it carefully before hiding her loathing in her eyes. She said coldly, "Why would you go see him A low-born girl’s son—do you really think he is your brother You must remember that you are the Crown Prince; one day, you will be Emperor of this Great Chu. Apart from me… everyone else shall be your servant."

The Crown Prince opened his mouth as if to say something about having a younger brother and sister, but upon seeing his mother’s beautiful face sculpted like an ice carving, he shivered slightly and couldn’t bring himself to speak.

Concubine Lady Liu nodded in satisfaction and said with a smile, "That is my good boy. You can rest assured that I will help you become Emperor."

"Yes, Mother,"

The sudden grave injury of the Sixth Prince left Mo Jingqi’s body already weakened by illness even more decayed. When he heard the news, he couldn’t help but cough up blood. The Imperial Physician in front was secretly alarmed—his Majesty’s originally pale and sallow face suddenly looked healthier with rosy redness and vitality, as if his energy had recovered somewhat. But these experienced physicians were all well aware that this was merely a deathbed rally. They quickly signaled to the attendants outside and ordered them to notify the nobles in the palace.

But it was Concubine Lady Liu who arrived at the scene first for no other reason than her being the most favored concubine and originally living closest to where His Majesty resided.

The guards at the entrance did not stop her. As soon as she stepped into the chamber, she could smell a pungent stench of blood along with that of someone who had been sick for a long time. She couldn’t help but furrow her brows in disgust. Since Mo Jingqi fell ill, this was only the second time Lady Liu entered his bedroom; they hadn’t seen each other for several months.

"Your Majesty," said Concubine Lady Liu coolly.

Mo Jingqi stared at the cold and beautiful woman before him without moving an inch. After a while, he waved his hand and said, "I have something to tell Concubine Lady Liu; you all may leave."

The servants left, leaving only Mo Jingqi and Lady Liu in the chamber. They stood there looking at each other as if they had never met before—Mo Jingqi staring fixedly at the woman before him, trying to discern any hint of emotion or concern from her cold gaze. Unfortunately for him, he was disappointed once again; Concubine Lady Liu’s eyes were as calm as ever, as though she did not recognize the Emperor who had been kind and generous to her but rather a commoner she didn’t know. No, there was still some emotion in her eyes—disgust. Mo Jingqi looked sickly thin, and the blood he had just vomited on the floor had yet to be cleaned up; everything about him disgusted Lady Liu so much that she forgot all pretense.

"You finally came," said Mo Jingqi at last.

Lady Liu frowned slightly and asked, "Does Your Majesty not want me here"

Mo Jingqi smiled bitterly and said, "I… really didn’t expect you to come so quickly. Was it you who had Prince Ruiyun injured"

Lady Liu raised her chin haughtily and looked down at Mo Jingqi from above, replying coolly, "You shouldn’t blame me."

"Why did you do this" asked Mo Jingqi. "I originally thought that nothing mattered to you. But it seems… I was wrong."

Lady Liu tilted her head and looked at Mo Jingqi with a mocking smile, “Why You should be asking me why. After Your Majesty appointed my son as Crown Prince, why do you still want the Sixth Prince to succeed What are you trying to do—put me and my son in an impossible position” Mo Jingqi’s eyes were filled with sorrow and coldness. "It seems I have been too indulgent towards you all these years that you forget one thing."

“What is it” Lady Liu frowned.

"Thunder and rain are both the grace of His Majesty." Mo Jingqi said, "The throne is mine. I can pass it to whoever I want. If I am pleased to make someone the Crown Prince, then that person will be the Crown Prince. Whatever I wish to give you cannot be refused. And if I do not wish to give it to you, you shall not receive it!" Concubine Li was taken aback; her usually cold expression showed a hint of displeasure. Arrogant as she was, even before Mo Xiuyao, she always maintained her high status in front of anyone else, including the emperor, Mo Jingqi: "What does Your Majesty mean by this"

Mo Jingqi's smile turned sinister. "What do I mean… It means that even if you kill Prince Liu, I can still pass the throne to someone else. Even if you kill all the princes, I will still be able to pass it to a member of the imperial clan. As for your Crown Prince… forget about it."

"Why are you doing this" Concubine Li stared at Mo Jingqi, her beautiful face showing nothing but confusion. It was as if he had done something incomprehensible.

Mo Jingqi burst into laughter, yet his chest aching with pain made his laughter sound fragmented and broken. "Why Soon… very soon you will know why. I have treated you well these years; how did you repay me Do you truly think that my patience for you is limitless Hahaha... Are you really trying to make the Crown Prince ascend the throne for him, or are you just trying to get Mo Xiuyao's attention You're dreaming! Even if I die… you will be with me!"

"What does this mean !" Concubine Li shouted in shock and anger. Of course she knew what he meant. Although the Chu Dynasty did not popularize the practice of burial sacrifices, there were still examples of emperors ordering their most beloved young concubines to be buried alive with them before death. She simply couldn't believe that Mo Jingqi would have such an idea, especially because she absolutely refused to accept this fate. There was still so much left for her to do; she still wanted Mo Xiuyao's love and to become the Duchess of Ding. How could she possibly be buried alive with Mo Jingqi

Mo Jingqi laughed again before closing his eyes, no longer speaking.

This confirmed Concubine Li’s suspicions even more. Her face turned pale as her mind raced. After a while, she suddenly turned around and rushed out of the palace chamber, just to collide with Empress Xu who had received the news and hurried over. Empress Xu frowned: "Concubine Li, what are you doing" Concubine Li didn’t have time for further conversation; she glanced at the empress and left in silence. The empress frowned but decided not to dwell on it, entering the bedroom with her followers.

The news of His Majesty’s imminent death spread quickly. Within less than half an hour, high-ranking members of the royal family and princes and princesses arrived at the emperor's chamber. The originally empty room now bustled with kneeling figures. Even elderly people like Grand Princess Changle and Duke Hua, as well as Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li who were in a somewhat awkward position, had been invited over. But unlike the kneeling princes and lords, Mo Xiuyao wore casual white clothes and stood beside Ye Li and Grand Princess Changle, his face devoid of the mournful expressions worn by others.

After days of struggle, he became surprisingly calm as death approached. Mo Jingqi opened his eyes in a room full of sobbing. He saw Mo Xiuyao immediately and smiled faintly: "I knew you would come to see me off." Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow but didn’t speak.

The Empress Dowager sitting by the bed cried out, holding Mo Jingqi's hand and shedding tears: "Your Majesty, do you have anything to say to your mother"

Mo Jingqi gave the Empress Dowager a strange smile. His gaze passed over her and rested on Mo Xiuyao and the empress standing not far away. After Concubine Li left, he didn’t care about her whereabouts anymore; his gaze then shifted to the kneeling princes and princesses.

"Changle…"

Of course there was no sign of Princess Changle among the princes and princesses. Mo Jingqi loved this daughter since she was young, not only because she was his eldest daughter but also due to her intelligence and understanding nature. Even though he favored Concubine Li, the second-born Princess Zhenning ranked after Princess Changle. However, he had been the most cruel towards this daughter precisely because she was the Empress’s biological child and a potential threat from Duke Hua's family, so he couldn’t keep her in the capital.

Hearing Mo Jingqi calling his daughter's name, the empress turned away sadly. The blue veins on Duke Hua's aged face twitched twice but eventually said nothing. Mo Xiaobao stood beside his parents; although he didn't understand what was going on, he felt the sorrow and solemnity in the air. Looking up at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, he remained silent.

Finally, Empress Dowager let out a sigh and patted Mo Jingqi's hand: "Has Your Majesty forgotten Changle had an unfortunate fate and went missing in Nanzhao."

Closing his eyes, Mo Jingqi seemed to hear nothing. Everyone present, except for the three people from Ding王府 who were not involved and the young princes and princesses, each watched anxiously at the seemingly dying man lying on the bed. Even though he was too weak to lift a hand, he still held the fate of most of the people there in his hands.

"Empress…" After a long while, Mo Jingqi finally called out.

The Empress Dowager replied upon hearing this, "Your Majesty, does the emperor have any orders"

Mojingqi was no longer strong enough to speak loudly. He raised his eyes to look at the Empress Dowager, who stood up reluctantly and moved aside for the empress.

The empress sat by the bed calmly and asked, "Your Majesty, is there anything you wish to tell this minister"

Mojingqi struggled to lift his hand from under the pillow, pulling out a yellow silk cloth. He placed it with difficulty in the Empress's hands, saying weakly, "The... testament." Hearing this, everyone present narrowed their eyes and focused intently on the yellow silk cloth in her hands. No one knew when Mojingqi had written his testament or put it under his pillow.

"Duchess Long, Duke Hua, Prince Ding, please serve as witnesses; Empress, read out the testament..." Mojingqi said haltingly.

Upon hearing this, Mukyoxiao raised an eyebrow with interest and said smilingly, "Alright, I guarantee to ensure that the empress can read out the testament smoothly."

The Duchess Long also nodded and said, "Your Majesty can rest assured."

"This old minister obeys your command."

As if he had completed a major task, Mojingqi took a deep breath. His face turned even paler as he said indifferently to everyone present, "You may leave... I want some peace and quiet..."

The crowd was at a loss whether they should leave or stay.

Mojingli fixed Mojingqi with a dark look and finally stepped forward to ask, "Where is my child"

Mojingqi smiled as he looked back at him, chuckling softly.

Mojingli barked angrily, "Duke Li, where is my child!"

Mojingqi continued to smile without answering. Blood slowly seeped out of his mouth, dripping incessantly.

"Mojingqi..." Mojingli could not help but reach out to pull on his clothes. The Empress Dowager quickly stepped forward to stop him. "Li'er, what are you doing" At this moment, the emperor was about to breathe his last; if Li'er pulled him at this point and caused him to die, regardless of how he had died, Li'er would not be able to escape the charge of treason.

Mojingli knew that he was being impulsive. For months, he had tried every means possible to find his only son but found nothing. If Mojingqi really were to die now, this last hope could very well disappear with him.

"Can't you see The emperor is clearly unable to speak." Mukyoxiao said with a smile. Although it was somewhat rude for the ruler of an entire nation to still be smiling as he lay dying, no one dared accuse him of being disrespectful given his status.y gate suddenly opened, and the drawbridge over the moat was lowered. The soldiers from Xi Ling who had previously been hiding inside the city surged out like a tidal wave to attack the Mohist Army's...