Mos Jingli's Plan
Ding When Mother goes to Ye Family’s residence soon, ask her to tell Li'er about it." Qingfeng replied helplessly, “Other than that, everything was fine in my inquiry. The Prince of Ding rarely inter...The Capital's Eldest Noble Consort 305: Mo Jingli's Plan
The Prince of Southern Tranquility’s unusual movements were known to Mo Jingli in the first moment. Even if Mo Jingli was stupid, he still remembered that Jiangnan was his true capital for survival. Besides, Mo Jingli was never a real fool; he just wasn’t as smart as some others. Therefore, upon receiving news of the Prince of Southern Tranquility’s movements immediately, Mo Jingli ordered Meng Shun who was leading troops northward to stop the Prince of Southern Tranquility from heading south under the name of Regent King. The reason why Meng Shun led troops northwards in the first place was because the northern army had been badly beaten by the Prince of Southern Tranquility’s forces. He originally came here for a reckoning, so he didn’t mind where to do it. After receiving Mo Jingli's order, he immediately led the large army that had originally headed north towards southeast instead, in an attempt to block the Western Liang troops before they advanced.
After making such plans, however, Mo Jingli still couldn’t feel at ease and secretly ordered his trusted subordinates to prepare for moving the capital southward, completely ignoring the lives of soldiers fighting against the Northern Territory and Northern Rong. Yet, Mo Jingli’s actions didn't truly escape everyone's notice; soon after, a secret letter was sent towards the northeast of Chu Capital in Zijing Pass.
At Zijing Pass, Cold Huaoyu had become much more haggard and gaunt over these past few weeks as the war became increasingly difficult to handle. The Northern Territory’s army seemed to know that Great Chu was already at its end, and since the Northern Rong troops invaded the territory within the borders, they began a crazed offensive. Cold Huaoyu had reason to believe that the Northern Rong and Northern Territory secretly coordinated with each other long ago. However, the supplies sent from Chu Capital to Zijing Pass were becoming less day by day; since the new emperor ascended the throne, it was already ten days late in sending grain and military provisions this month. If there wasn’t any provision for another ten days, Great Chu wouldn't need Northern Territory’s troops to attack them—Great Chu would surrender without a fight.
"Father, what do you want" When called suddenly into the study room, Cold Huaoyu looked at his father with a carefree and unconstrained gaze, seemingly unable to comprehend where his father's worries stemmed from. This indifferent attitude of his also made Cold Huaoyu extremely infuriated. He didn’t know when it started, but this son had been acting like the sky could fall on him without caring about anything since he was young. Although he already knew that Cold Huaoyu wasn't truly a spoiled brat who cared not for others, seeing his indifferent attitude made Cold Huaoyu feel an urge to lash out.
"What kind of look is this" said Cold Huaoyu sternly.
Cold Huaoyu puckered his mouth in disdain. Was it necessary to always wear a long face as if someone owed him hundreds of thousands of taels of silver Rolling his eyes, he said, "Father, what's the matter" A vein on Cold Huaoyu’s forehead twitched irritably, “Play What time is this for you to be playing with your wife What about your wife Are both of you irresponsible”
Cold Huaoyu usually didn’t care when being scolded, but he was not pleased when his father criticized his beloved wife. "What's wrong with my wife" Cold Huaoyu said unhappily, "She can manage a household and give birth to children; she can also accompany me in business dealings and on the battlefield. Though she may not be as good as Princess of Dingwang, I don’t think there’s much difference. Is your wife capable What about your eldest daughter-in-law" Cold Huaoyu became increasingly smug as he spoke, as if his own wife was truly excellent.
Cold Huaoyu's words made Cold Huaoyu twitch his mouth involuntarily and said helplessly, “I didn’t call you here to listen to your boasting about your wife!”
"Is it boasting I’m just telling the truth," grumbled Cold Huaoyu unhappily. In his heart, he thought, Isn't this all because of you Why don't you get straight to business then "Father, if there is something important, please say it."
Cold Huaoyu frowned and said gravely, “What’s going on in the capital Don’t tell me you don’t know. I know you have another information source.” Cold Huaoyu smiled at him and asked with his head raised, "Then do you know where my information comes from, Father Would you really use it What would you give as compensation"
"This..." Stammered Cold Huaoyu. Although Cold Huaoyu had never said anything, during their months of interaction he didn’t hide much from him either. He could guess what this son was up to all these years. While he was alarmed and annoyed by his son's audacity and arrogance, at the same time as a father, he felt some pride in his son’s capability and achievement without relying on family support. Cold Huaoyu wasn’t anxious; he smiled and waited for his father’s decision.
After a long pause, Cold Huaoyu angrily stared at him and said, "You are my son. As your father, do I need to pay you for information"
Cold Huaoyu raised an eyebrow in mockery; he didn’t trouble his father and shrugged his shoulders. “Actually, it’s not much of a deal. Prince of Southern Tranquility had his way back to Western Liang blocked by Dingwang. He plans on leaving his hometown behind to seize the territory of the Prince of Nanyi in Jiangnan. The Prince of Nanyi obviously doesn’t want to easily give up his territory, so he’s secretly preparing for a return to Jiangnan. To head back to Jiangnan naturally requires bringing many things and even troops there—where would he have time to concern himself with your little Zijing Pass Besides, the Prince of Nanyi isn’t the emperor; even if Chu Capital falls, it won’t cause much loss to him since there’s still prosperous Jiangnan.”
"What" Cold Haoyu's words were light and insipid, but Cold Huai heard them with a face ashen: "How is this possible Doesn't Li Prince know that if the capital falls, most of Greater Chu will be doomed!"
Cold Haoyu raised an eyebrow and said: "Do you still want me to explain when you don't believe it Even if Li Prince doesn’t give up, what can he do about it The Tartars have already crossed the pass. They’ll reach Chu Capital sooner or later. Will Zijing Pass hold out then If they retreat at that time, Mo Jingli might lose even the Jiangnan region. He naturally wants to go there first. In Jiangnan, he doesn’t need to act as regent anymore. Once the little emperor is killed by the Tartars or the Northern Frontier troops, he can ascend the throne directly."
Cold Huai was at a loss for words. Although Cold Haoyu’s crude and unpolished words hit the nail on the head, it was still hard for him to give up defending Zijing Pass after all these years, especially when he knew the consequences of giving up.
"Then why did you come Prince Ding must have a plan. Does he really want to watch Greater Chu fall" Cold Huai no longer avoided addressing Cold Haoyu's identity.
Cold Haoyu’s face darkened as he said with a mocking smile: "Why am I here Who told you to recklessly run onto the battlefield at your age I just came to see if you or Leng Qingyu need help. As for Prince Ding, give up hope. He is in Xi Ling now and even if he changes his mind, it won’t be easy for him to fly back." No matter what Mo Xiuyao was thinking, Cold Haoyu’s presence here was really out of worry that this old man might play himself dead on the battlefield. But he didn’t expect the other party to completely reject him, hence the ugly expression.
Cold Huai knew he had overreacted, but he wasn’t bothered by Cold Haoyu's harsh words. He sighed and said: "Never mind then. In a few days, you take Ting back to Chu Capital." Cold Haoyu raised an eyebrow: "What do you mean"
Cold Huai said with annoyance: "You said that Zijing Pass won’t hold out. My brothers and I are officers of Greater Chu; it’s our duty to die on the battlefield, but do you want to join us While things still aren’t bad, hurry back. Cold Family… If you can look after them, please take care." He might be loyal to Greater Chu and the royal family, but he didn’t really plan to sacrifice all his sons. As Cold Haoyu wasn’t a subject of Greater Chu anyway, Cold Huai naturally let him leave without any pressure.
But Cold Haoyu didn’t appreciate this gesture. He rolled his eyes: "Your wife and son look after themselves." My Lord begged the prince to run here is not really for your funeral, but rather to protect you, Cold Haoyu thought silently.
Cold Huai assumed that he had some issues with the family and said helplessly: "Alright then. Everyone has their own fate. Do as you wish."
Cold Haoyu frowned and looked at Cold Huai: "Have you never considered retreating Are you really prepared to let these hundred thousand soldiers die with you in Zijing Pass" Cold Huai smiled bitterly, "Retreat Where can we go Behind us is Chu Capital. We could retreat, but where would the common people go I’ve never fought any earth-shaking battles all my life, nor have I ever been a coward who abandoned the city and ran away."
Cold Haoyu rolled his eyes and waved: "Alright then, I won’t bother you. You do as you wish too. When it’s time to leave, I’ll naturally go." Once it comes down to it, I can knock this old man out and take him northwest. Although he dislikes the old man, he didn't want to send his father off so early either. Plus, the prince wants a general who can fight. Hmm… He's only in his fifties, not too old yet, and can still command troops for several more years!
Cold Huai was very uncomfortable under his son’s strange gaze but couldn’t guess what he was thinking about at this moment either. Thus, he waved him away.
Meanwhile, the North Frontier army’s advance had been temporarily blocked by Cold Huai's defense of Zijing Pass. But on the other side, it wasn't so easy. Most of the Tartar soldiers were cavalrymen and the harsh climate outside the pass made them more formidable than Greater Chu soldiers inside. Their warhorses could be considered the best among all countries. Among the surrounding nations, only He Family Army’s Black Cloud Cavalry could match up with the Tartars in terms of cavalry numbers but they were far fewer. Furthermore, the Black Cloud Cavalry excelled at long-distance assaults and quick withdrawals, so it was uncertain whether they could defeat the Tartar army in a direct confrontation. Therefore, one could imagine what would happen when tens of thousands of ironclad Tartar horsemen entered the pass.
The Tartars were different from those of the North Frontier: although most of the latter were also uncivilized barbarians, Ren Qining or Lin Yuan were Han Chinese and had recruited many talented people from Central Plains. He knew his goal was to rule over Central Plains rather than destroy it, so unlike other invading forces, his army did not commit large-scale massacres when passing through. However, the Tartars were completely different: they were nomadic tribes who wanted to seize the fertile land and abundant resources of Central Plains. Thus, naturally, they didn’t hold back from slaughtering those Greater Chu citizens originally possessing these things. In northern regions, wherever the Tartars passed, there was a scene of devastation with rivers running red with blood. Ten out of every ten people along their route died.
However, at the regent’s residence in Chu Capital, there was an air of solemnity. Grand Duke Hua glared fiercely at Mo Jingli who appeared calm and collected. In the end, Grand Duke Hua's wish to defend the border wasn’t realized; it wasn't that Mo Jingli didn’t believe in his abilities but rather he feared him like he did Mo Jingqi. Although no one spoke of it, Mo Jingli was aware of where the missing empress had gone. He naturally believed that the Grand Duke Hua’s mansion had already found a way out for themselves. What he worried about was whether Grand Duke Hua would take Greater Chu's troops to the northwest.
"Prince, the Northern Rong army has already entered the pass, and the northern border forces are also pressing in. Why haven't you sent supplies to General Leng yet!" Marquis Hu asked sternly.
A flicker of surprise passed through Mo Jingli's eyes as he said coolly, "The old marquis seems well-informed."
Marquis Hu snorted lightly and replied calmly, "After a lifetime of military service, I still have two or three old acquaintances in the army." Although the Hu family had never been on good terms with the Leng family, when Cold Hua first went to war, he did serve under Marquis Hu for some time. So it wasn't strange that Marquis Hu was asking about this now.
Of course, Mo Jingli didn't believe what Marquis Hu said, but he didn't show it, merely saying coolly, "The old marquis should know that since the Mo army broke away from Chu, northern... is bound to be unable to withstand it in the end." When speaking of this, Mo Jingli wasn't really depressed. Even though he hadn't yet ascended to the throne, he was already the actual ruler of Chu. No leader wants to see their territory being occupied by others, but he had no choice but to admit this reality.
Marquis Hu sneered and said, "Without supplies and reinforcements, it's impossible to hold out. I know that Prince Li's power base is in the south; naturally, he's anxious when the Western Ling Regent mobilizes troops to move south."
"Marquis Hu!" Mo Jingli's face flashed with anger as he said sternly, "Marquis Hu, please be cautious with your words."
Marquis Hu didn't back down at all and said, "Is what I'm saying wrong Prince Li is withholding supplies from Cold Hua and not sending reinforcements to the north. Isn't that because you want to move south" Mo Jingli's eyes flashed with embarrassment as he angrily retorted, "The south is already more important than the north anyway. If the Jiangnan region falls into Lei Zhen Ting's hands, then the north will also be unable to hold out; how can we deal with enemies attacking from both front and rear All of this was caused by Mo Xi Yao. If he hadn't gone to attack Western Ling or block Lei Zhen Ting's retreat route, would Lei Zhen Ting have turned his attention to Jiangnan"
Upon hearing this, Marquis Hu looked at Mo Jingli coolly as if looking at an unruly child. Mo Jingli knew that he was being unreasonable; the Ding王府 had already made it clear that they were breaking off relations with Chu. Whether it was Mo Xi Yao attacking Western Ling or blocking Lei Zhen Ting's retreat route, these actions were all for their own interests. It didn't matter to Mo Xi Yao who else's interests might be damaged by this. As a leader, he would never value others' interests more than his own. Additionally, if Chu had been more competent, they could have united with the Ding王府 to completely encircle Lei Zhen Ting, trapping him in place. But letting Lei Zhen Ting lead his troops southward and sweeping all before them was due to their own incompetence. However, Mo Jingli couldn't help but feel resentful; if it weren't for Mo Xi Yao, none of this would have happened.
After composing himself, Mo Jingli didn't want to continue discussing with Marquis Hu who was right or wrong. Most officials in the court were staunchly siding with the Ding王府 even now that it had abandoned Chu and brought about a great disaster for Chu. This situation made Mo Jingli both envious, resentful, and helpless.
"It's hard to come to this prince's residence, Marquis Hu; surely you didn't just come here to discuss this matter" Mo Jingli put on a calm expression as he asked.
Marquis Hu glanced at him. It was now a critical time; he had not come to discuss matters of grain and military supplies, so wasn't it absurd to suggest they merely drink tea
Mo Jingli said, "Actually, these matters the old marquis doesn't need to worry about, as there are ministers in court who will handle them. Surely Marquis Hu doesn't think all officials in court are useless" Marquis Hu sneered; Mo Jingli hadn't grown any real political skills over recent years but had learned how to engage in empty rhetoric well. The court officials were indeed not useless, but no one had solved the border issues either. It was more like they were secretly preparing to retreat south as Prince Li was doing. Looking at Mo Jingli, Marquis Hu said gravely, "Since Northern Rong entered the pass, they have been slaughtering civilians along the way; the places occupied by them are already desolate and barren. Has the prince heard this"
Mo Jingli was taken aback and nodded, saying, "This prince has indeed heard of it. But... rumors might not be entirely accurate. The old marquis is overthinking things."
Marquis Hu laughed bitterly in anger, "Rumors Inaccurate Whether these are true or not I don't believe Prince Li doesn't know. Chu's capital and beyond southward to the plains, does the prince have a plan for where he will retreat To south of Yunlan River With Northern Rong cavalry unsuited for naval warfare, it is indeed a good idea. But I want to ask: What about the millions of civilians in northern Chu whom Prince Li is leaving behind" Seeing Mo Jingli silent and motionless, an expression of sorrow appeared on Marquis Hu's aged face as he stared at Mo Jingli with great pain, "Prince Li, those who have been killed are all citizens of Chu; they are your people too!"
Mojingli's expression turned grim as he stared at Huogong, asking coldly: "Is Huogong criticizing this king"
Huogong gave a sad and bitter smile. "What merit does this old man have to criticize the Regent King This old man only remembers what the Regent King Moliang said back then—a ruler who wins the hearts of his people will win their support! If Prince Li treats his subjects like disposable objects, how can he expect them to be loyal to him When the Regent King first took power, the situation in Chu was no better than it is now..."
"Enough!" Mojingli harshly cut off Huogong's words. Huogong's earnest advice sounded like a mockery to his ears. With cold eyes staring at the old man before him, Mojingli sneered: "This king may not be as capable as Moliang and Moyouxiao [Mojingyi], but so what Shall I send for Moyouxiao on your behalf, or shall I abdicate in favor of Moyouxiao" Huogong was stunned speechless by this, his body trembling with anger. If the late emperor could be considered a scheming warlord, Mojingli and his brother Mojingqi were anomalies within their family. Even at such a dire situation, they refused to reflect on themselves but instead shifted the blame onto others. With such successors, Chu must truly... have run its course
Huogong took several deep breaths to calm down before standing up and saying: "Alright then. If Prince Li refuses to heed my words, so be it. But please mobilize troops and provisions for the northern border as soon as possible!"
Although Huogong swallowed his anger, Mojingli's fury had not completely subsided. He coldly watched Huogong: "Regent Grandee, this king remembers that you've retired from office long ago. Whether to allocate troops and provisions is my decision alone. I suggest Regent Grandee return home for a good rest. We may have to start heading south in days’ time, and if anything happens to your health on the road, it would be hard for me to explain things to Huojia."
"I will not leave the capital," Huogong said solemnly.
Mojingli dismissed this with indifference. Whether Huogong left or stayed in the capital was entirely up to him and not something he could decide. Even though Huogong had not commanded troops for many years, there were still many old acquaintances within the military who would side with him. Mojingli wouldn't hesitate to leave Huogong behind if it meant giving the Northern Rong forces a chance to capture Chu’s capital city!
As for Huogong's wishes, they did not factor into Mojingli's considerations at all. If necessary, he would resort to force if Huogong refused to cooperate.
"Prince Li!" Huogong could see through Mojingli’s intentions and even guessed some of his thoughts. This was why he felt even more depressed; given Mojingli's temperament, not only was it unsuitable for him to rule in these turbulent times, but also in any era of peace. Composing himself, Huogong said gravely: "This old man will absolutely not leave the capital city! If Dingwang insists on forcing me out, let him try taking my body outside!"
Mojingli frowned displeasedly despite his distaste for Huogong; he still dared not force Huogong to death given that he was one of the few senior officials left in the capital who had served through four dynasties. Moreover, persuading those old men to agree to a relocation would be no easy feat if Huogong openly opposed it—many officials wouldn't consent. He frowned and said: "Grandee, I'm doing this for your own good. At your age, you should enjoy your later years in the South. As for Chu’s capital city... we will return one day."
Huogong gave a cold laugh, saying sarcastically: "Enjoy my later years When haunted by the cries of the innocent souls who perished unjustly, I can neither sleep nor rest peacefully! This old man is done living and willing to die alongside Chu’s capital!"
Mojingli stood up angrily, staring at Huogong for a long while before coldly declaring: "This king will never provide you with even one soldier or grain of rice!" Then he left.
Huogong sat in shock and horror for a moment before finally lifting his head to the sky and sighing deeply. "Fools! Chu has such fools..." Tears flowed sorrowfully down Huogong's wrinkled face as he gazed upon the golden palace of the Regent King. He slowly stood up and shuffled out.
Chu... is doomed...and bowed respectfully: “Your Excellency’s swordsmanship is indeed profound. I concede defeat.” Ye Li didn’t press him; she withdrew her sword, tossed it to Zhuo Jing standing at the side of the stage...