309 The Allegiance of the Xiling Aristocracy

ei had seen before. The current Marchioness Consort of Ding was beautiful but seemed less radiant than Su Zuodie in appearance."So this is the Marchioness Consort of Ding Empress Dowager, may I sit be...309. Loyalty of the Xi Ling Aristocracy

309. The Allegiance of the Xi Ling Elites

Killing a few people wasn't as simple as slaughtering chickens without any hassle at all. At least, he would soon realize that the people he had sent over hadn't achieved the desired effect. So early the next morning, the head of the Bai family personally paid a visit.

The Bai family was known as the first aristocratic family in Xi Ling's imperial city. Their status in Xi Ling was comparable to the Xu family in the Chu Kingdom. However, unlike the Xu family who had always prioritized education and never focused on political affairs throughout generations, the Bais were quite the opposite. Since the founding of Xi Ling, Bai family members held high official positions in court every generation. In fact, many women from the Bai family also became imperial consorts and empresses across different dynasties. Several queens and over a dozen noble concubines came from the Bai family, making them a genuine maternal lineage. However, since Regent Prince Lei Zhen霆 took power, although the current empress was still from the Bai family and even Concubine Gongrong Su Zuì蝶, who had been showered with affection by Emperor Wenhuí, was also admitted to court under the surname Bai, their influence diminished due to the lack of an heir for the Empress and because neither the deceased concubines nor the current consorts of the Southern Prince were from the Bai family.

Regent Prince Lei Zhen霆 himself wasn't someone with weak scheming abilities like Xi Ling's Emperor. Therefore, even though he used the Bais without stripping them of their power as a maternal lineage, he certainly wouldn't allow them to regain their former glory. Thus, in recent years, not only did few Bai family women enter the palace or marry into the Southern Prince's household, but also among other noble families in Xi Ling’s capital city, there were very few Bais who married into such families. Over time, it was clear that the Southern Prince had intentions to suppress them. For a family like the Bais, loyalty to the emperor and love for their country weren't given much importance; maintaining the family's continuity and power was what mattered most. Therefore, as soon as the Mo army approached the city gates, they began planning their next moves. The Xu family in Chu… undoubtedly served as a model for them.

The Xu family only married one granddaughter to Duke Ding, yet now their influence in Duke Ding’s household could be described as unparalleled. Although the Bais didn't intend to replace Duke Ding's consort, if Duke Ding ever took an interest in a Bai woman, the Bais’ status in Xi Ling would significantly differ from that of other aristocratic families. Therefore, among the eight men and women sent over as servants, there were two younger daughters and one son from the Bai family. However, once these people entered the inn, no further news was heard about them. Since the Mo army had come to fight, they hadn't brought any maids or servants with them. In the inn, apart from close attendants like Ye Li and Moshouyao who served their needs, most of the laborers were locals from Xi Ling. These aristocratic families in Xi Ling could gather information but couldn’t do much else. The inn wasn’t large yet there was no news about these people, which clearly indicated a bad outcome. How could the head of the Bai family not be anxious

"Head of the Bai Family, Duke Ding invites you to see him," after being left in the outer hall drinking tea for half an hour, the head of the Bai family was somewhat anxious and displeased but didn’t show it on his face. Seeing Lin Han who came to deliver the message, he nodded politely with a smile without any arrogance: "Thank you, sir, please lead me."

Moshouyao received the head of the Bai Family in the inn's small courtyard as usual. The inn wasn’t large and inner quarters were Ye Li and Moshouyao’s living space. Since Ye Li had been feeling down recently, Moshouyao didn't allow anyone to disturb her. Routine matters were usually handled in the study at the outer part of the compound. When Lin Han led the head of the Bai Family into the garden, Moshouyao was sitting under a tree, holding something and slowly carving it with a knife. The head of the Bai family glanced over but saw only a hairpin already carved into shape. Although he couldn’t tell what pattern it was at first glance, from the way Moshouyao was carefully chiseling and polishing it, it must be very important. Moreover, looking at the jade’s quality… the head of the Bai Family felt a twinge in his heart. It was an exquisite piece of white warm jade that was rare even throughout Xi Ling. Currently, there was only one such piece in the imperial city, which he had once coveted but eventually bought by the Sun family. More importantly, the jade he had originally wanted to have carved into a rare treasure ended up as a mundane hairpin in Duke Ding’s hand. For a moment, the head of the Bai Family felt heartbroken.

Moshouyao didn't pay any attention to the person standing not far away and frowned slightly while holding his chisel and jade hairpin in one hand each. It had been too long since he last did this, so he was a bit rusty…

"This is Bai Yun Cheng of Xi Ling's Bai family," the head of the Bai family knew that if he didn't speak up, Duke Ding might not acknowledge him even after standing there for one or two hours. Although it made him somewhat uncomfortable, considering his advisors' analysis on Duke Ding’s prospects in the capital city, he decided to bear with it.

Moshouyao carefully put the jade hairpin and chisel back into a zitan wooden box by his side before looking at Bai Yun Cheng and nodding: "It's an honor to meet you, head of the Bai family. Please be seated." Bai Yun Cheng’s mouth twitched involuntarily. Looking around, there wasn't even a stone bench, let alone a chair. Moshouyao simply sat casually on a rock beside a fake mountain without any intention to prepare a seat for guests.

Moshouyao raised his eyebrows indifferently and said: "Head of the Bai family seems pleased."

Bai Yun Cheng couldn't help feeling like vomiting blood in his heart. Was this pleasing him He was after all an elderly patriarch of a major clan, how could he casually sit on the ground.

"Why has your noble family come" Moshouyao asked somewhat carelessly. Bai Yun Cheng respectfully said: "As Duke Ding and Consort Ding are new arrivals in the imperial city, I have taken it upon myself to be their host here, hoping to fulfill my duties as a host." Moshouyao shook his head and said helplessly: "It's not that this duke doesn't want to give you face but Consort Ding has been unwell recently. We must decline your kind offer."

Bai Yun Cheng was delighted in his heart. The reason he brought up Consort Ding was merely out of courtesy. He wanted to send someone into Duke Ding’s household without offending Consort Ding, so naturally, it would be best if she wasn't there.

"Then, what about His Royal Highness..." Bai Yun Cheng試探地問道.

Moxiu Yao shook his head and said, "The Duchess is unwell. I am uneasy in my heart and have no intention of going out."

Thus, Bai Yun Cheng could only follow suit and smile apologetically as well. Since the Prince Dì had already clearly refused him, he couldn't say much more or it would backfire on him. After some thought, Bai Yun Cheng could only try to change the topic to one that might interest the Prince Dì, "In about a month, His Majesty is planning to move the capital to City An. I wonder if His Royal Highness has any plans to relocate... temporarily stay in the imperial city"

Although Bai Yun Cheng had never been to the Northwest, he still knew quite a bit about Licheng City. For those who lived permanently in the imperial city, Licheng was rather lacking. It wasn't that Licheng wasn't prosperous; indeed, after years of governance by Prince Dì's residence, Licheng's prosperity had already surpassed both the capital city of Chu and the Western Liang imperial city. To have such an effect within just a few short years showed how capable Prince Dì was. However, the most important place in Licheng—the Prince Dì’s residence—was far from matching the grandeur of the imperial cities of Chu and Western Liang; it had merely been a bit more spacious and magnificent than other residences all these years. Therefore, Bai Yun Cheng believed that moving the political center of Prince Dì's administration to the Western Liang imperial city was almost a certainty.

Moxiu Yao shook his head with a calm expression, "Western Liang’s imperial city is not suitable as a princely capital." Although the Western Liang imperial city was majestic and grand, it was too far from Central China. No king or emperor who had ambitions to rule Central China would choose this place for their capital. After all, those warlords who grew up amidst the turmoil of Central China mostly aspired to unify it rather than dominate the western regions. The reason why Western Liang’s founding ancestors chose this location was largely due to the overwhelming power of Great Chu at that time.

Bai Yun Cheng wasn't a mediocre talent, and he understood Moxiu Yao's words after a brief consideration in his heart. He couldn’t help but be shocked, with even more reverence in his eyes when looking at Moxiu Yao. Whether Moxiu Yao’s sudden attack on Western Liang was timely or premeditated was something that many people debated secretly. But upon seeing the young ruler before him dressed entirely in white, Bai Yun Cheng suddenly believed that this matter must have been meticulously planned by Moxiu Yao all along. At this thought, his eyes shone even brighter as his resolve strengthened.

"Your Royal Highness has far-reaching aspirations; I am truly impressed. Our Bai family is willing to serve your Royal Highness with utmost loyalty." Bai Yun Cheng said respectfully.

Moxiu Yao raised his gaze and calmly looked at the middle-aged man before him. However, Bai Yun Cheng felt an unusual pressure bearing down on him as if from all directions; he might have kneeled right there had it not been for his continued caution. Such a palpable sense of authority was unprecedented even when faced with Prince Zhentan. Maintaining a respectful demeanor, sweat began to bead on Bai Yun Cheng's forehead. After some time, Moxiu Yao said calmly, "The head of the Bai family needn’t be so formal. I will be returning to Licheng City shortly and will require much assistance from the head of the Bai family regarding many matters here."

Bai Yun Cheng was delighted at this and hurriedly replied, "Thank you, Your Royal Highness! Our Bai family will certainly not let your Royal Highness down."

Moxiu Yao nodded, about to say something when Zhuo Jing came in to report, "Your Royal Highness, the head of the Sun family requests an audience."

Hearing this, Bai Yun Cheng’s heart sank. Originally, the Bai and Sun families were one in government service and one in business, so there shouldn’t have been much conflict between them nor any deep enmity. But when Prince Zhentan held power, despite not being staunch loyalists to the royal family, the Sun family did not like him either. During Prince Zhentan’s multiple campaigns, he had looted a great deal of gold and silver from the Sun family through Bai Yun Cheng’s hand. When Bai Yun Cheng realized that Prince Zhentan was trying to sow discord among these noble families, it was too late; their enmity had already formed. Over the past few years, the Bais and Suns had been in open and covert conflict, with Prince Zhentan taking no sides, sometimes even helping a weaker party, deepening the feud between them until neither side cared to reconcile.

Bai Yun Cheng had just allied himself with Prince Dì’s residence, so naturally he didn’t want the Sun family to be more influential than him. Unfortunately, at this moment, he couldn’t make that decision; even if Moxiu Yao appreciated the top-grade warming jade, he wouldn’t ignore someone from the Sun family.

Indeed, upon hearing Zhuo Jing’s words, Moxiu Yao raised his brows and said, "Ask him to come in."

In no time at all, the head of the Sun family walked in with large strides. Unlike Bai Yun Cheng who was over fifty years old, the head of the Sun family was a completely different person—a woman. She was still under thirty this year; her appearance wasn’t particularly outstanding but she certainly looked dignified, with an air uncommon among ordinary women that spoke of briskness and decisiveness. It was clear she had a passionate personality, no wonder she dared to confront Princess Lingyun. As the widow of the former head of the Sun family who died from illness at an early age, when his wife took over the management of all affairs after his death, she managed to fend off rival branches coveting the Sun family’s wealth with her own strength as a woman. She became the new head of the Sun family and would continue it through her daughter once she came of age. Although Western Liang did not restrict women as strictly as Chu, Lady Sun’s ability to stand firm in this perilous imperial city under her widow status was quite impressive.

"I am Hui Niang from the Sun family," said Lady Sun without using humble terms like 'this unworthy one'. She called herself "in front of me" just as a man would, with an easygoing and straightforward manner that immediately won people's favor upon meeting her.

Mos Xiaoyao said coolly, "I've long heard of Lady Sun's exceptional ability. Today I see that it is indeed true. Please sit down, Lady Sun."

Lady Sun smiled and thanked him as she sat on a stone not far from Mos Xiaoyao. Turning around to Lin Han behind him, Mos Xiaoyao said, "Go check if the Queen Consort has some free time. She wanted to meet Lady Sun yesterday."

"No," Lady Sun hurriedly said, "I should be the one who should pay my respects to her."

Mos Xiaoyao waved his hand coolly and said, "Ally doesn't care about this." Besides, the inn was not as spacious as the previous Prince’s Manor. Neither Ye Li nor Mos Xiaoyao wanted outsiders entering their temporary residence.

Lin Han left after receiving orders. Only then did Mos Xiaoyao smile coolly and say, "Master Bai and Lady Sun must have known each other for a long time"

With his eyesight, he couldn't possibly not notice that the two families were not on good terms even if he didn’t know it beforehand. But neither did they dare to show their enmity in front of him because both of them were high-ranking officials who knew what Prince Ding was thinking. As a leader, it wasn't possible for him to spend time resolving subordinates' conflicts. He also wouldn’t favor one family over another just because the two families didn't get along. Unless these two families’ conflict affected matters in the Prince’s Manor, Prince Ding would not intervene, but they couldn’t let their feud irritate him.

Lady Sun smiled coolly and said, "Prince Ding is correct. The Sun and Bai clans have been living in the imperial city for a long time; it's natural that we know each other. I am honored to be able to meet Master Bai here today."

Bai Yuncheng pulled at the corners of his lips and said with a smile, "Lady Sun speaks too modestly. Lady Sun is busy with many matters; it has been quite some time since I last saw her, but she still looks as radiant as ever." A cold light flashed across Lady Sun’s eyes, but she replied with a smile, "Master Bai overpraises me." As a widow, even Lady Sun had to be cautious of how she acted. She hated most when people spoke about her appearance. Firstly, as an unmarried woman, she couldn't dress too brightly; secondly, if someone thought that she looked radiant and healthy, it might imply that she didn’t adhere to the ways of a virtuous wife.

"The Queen Consort has arrived."

Hearing this from the guards at the door, Mos Xiaoyao immediately put aside his conversation with Bai Yuncheng and Lady Sun and greeted Ye Li. Both Bai Yuncheng and Lady Sun looked curiously toward her to see what she was like, a woman who had shaken the world and captured Prince Ding's heart so deeply.

Today, Ye Li wore light blue robes with hidden embroidery and let her hair down in an easy bun. A jade pendant hung from one side of her bun, its dangling jade beads swinging gently as she moved around, giving off a delicate and frail appearance. When they walked closer to each other, it was seen that her complexion was somewhat pale, and there were signs of dark shadows under her eyes, indicating that Prince Ding wasn’t lying when he said the Queen Consort had been unwell. However, renowned throughout the world for her talent and martial arts rather than beauty, Ye Li didn't fit their expectations; they couldn't believe that the warrior-like Queen Consort could be a young lady so frail in appearance.

"Ally, are you still not feeling well... I’ll have Zhuo Jing bring the physician from outside the city to examine you," Mos Xiaoyao said anxiously as he held Ye Li close and supported her waist. "I’ve been worried sick about your appearance since yesterday."

“Indeed without my care, Ally can’t sleep well” Upon hearing this, Mos Xiaoyao became pleased with himself, disregarding what Ye Li thought; he firmly said, “Tonight it’s best for me to stay and take care of you. I wouldn’t want you to have another bad night’s sleep. There’s no one else around now, so how can I feel at ease leaving you alone”

Ye Li helplessly glared at Mos Xiaoyao and glanced coolly at Bai Yuncheng and Lady Sun. Neither of them had misunderstood the situation; they thought that the Queen Consort was ill and afraid of passing her illness on to Prince Ding, so she separated their rooms. They were surprised by how considerate Prince Ding was willing to be for his consort.

“Greetings, Your Excellency.” Both stood up and greeted Ye Li together.

Ye Li nodded and said with a smile: "Master Bai, Lady Sun, there’s no need for formalities."

After the two thanked her, Ye Li continued, "I’ve prepared tea and snacks at the front. Would you like to move over and join me" The two had no objections and respectfully invited Mos Xiaoyao and Ye Li to proceed first.

In fact, it was just around the corner where a stone table had already been set up with tea and snacks. The host and guests took their seats. Lady Sun looked at Ye Li and asked out of concern, "The Consort’s complexion looks rather poor. Is there something wrong with her health"

Bai Yun Cheng naturally wouldn’t let Lady Sun have all the glory. He followed up with a smile, "I happen to have several skilled doctors in my household. Shall I send them over for the Consort’s service"

Ye Li smiled and said, "You are both very kind, but it is likely just because of my first night here in Western Capital’s imperial city without proper rest. It isn’t a big deal." This wasn’t Ye Li making excuses; her health was good, except for the minor damage she had sustained when she gave birth to Mo Xiaobao all those years ago. The last few years, Shen Yang and Dr Lin’s extra care had already restored her health. She might have been feeling restless lately but there weren’t any physical symptoms of illness. Ye Li believed that medicine was inherently toxic, so she didn’t seek medical help unless it was absolutely necessary.

Lady Sun said, "There is quite a distance between West City and the imperial city, and the climate also differs significantly. It’s understandable that you haven’t fully adjusted yet. My household has a fair understanding of dietary supplements; I’ll have someone bring over the menu for your review." Lady Sun made this offer, so Ye Li didn’t refuse but smiled gratefully instead. Bai Yun Cheng also followed up with a smile and said, "My kitchen staff is very skilled in Eastern Chu’s cuisine. Since you might not be used to Western Capital’s food yet, I’ll have someone sent over for the Consort’s service."

"I’m not that delicate; there’s no need to trouble Master Bai," Ye Li replied.

Bai Yun Cheng said with a smile, "It is their honor to serve the Consort."

Ye Li wasn’t someone who was ignorant of household matters. She had accepted Sun Family’s overtures and shouldn’t neglect Bai Family either. The principle of balance didn’t mean she could cater to people’s wishes recklessly; therefore, she no longer declined but nodded instead, "Thank you then, Master Bai." Bai Yun Cheng hurriedly said that it was his duty.

Murong Xiuran held a cup of tea in one hand while his other hand had found Ye Li’s under the table. He frowned slightly at her coolness to the touch. Ah Li had always been healthy; any chilliness now wouldn’t be good, so he should indeed take extra care of her and nourish her properly, hence his expression towards Sun and Bai was somewhat more amiable.

While the four of them sipped tea and chatted idly, everything seemed to be going smoothly. If one ignored the subtle competition between Bai Yun Cheng and Lady Sun. It would perhaps be more accurate to say that Bai Yun Cheng was single-handedly targeting Lady Sun, while she found him rather tedious.

Lady Sun understood clearly. No matter how attentive Bai Yun Cheng might appear now, Bai Family would inevitably offend Consort of the Fourth Prince’s in the future. This had been decided by the nature of Bai Family since its inception. From the founding of Western Capital, Bai Family was a family of imperial consorts and concubines—essentially, those who climbed up through their relationships with the royal family. Throughout history, there hadn’t been any exceptionally outstanding figures in Bai Family, but several chancellors and many high officials had come from it. This was entirely due to the status that Bai Family’s daughters held within the imperial harem. Therefore, although Bai Family had always been one of Western Capital’s prestigious families, those with real power and depth secretly looked down on them.

Now, Bai Family had aligned itself with Fourth Prince’s Manor, but none of its members, including Patriarch Bai Yun Cheng, were particularly talented or powerful. That was why the Southern Commanding Prince could easily suppress them for so many years, even after they produced an empress. Clearly, Bai Family couldn’t regain their former glory in Fourth Prince’s Manor unless they continued down the same path as before. However, this would inevitably offend both Fourth Prince and Xu Family. Therefore, Lady Sun felt there was no need to compete with Bai Yun Cheng fiercely in front of Fourth Prince and Consort of the Fourth Prince; she didn’t want them to think she was overly aggressive.

But Bai Yun Cheng had a different view. In his opinion, it was simply unacceptable for someone like Lady Sun—a widow—to overshadow him in the presence of Fourth Prince. Moreover, there was no way to resolve the enmity between Sun and Bai Families; if Sun Family received favor, they would inevitably take revenge for the grievances over these years. Therefore, it might be better for Bai Family to act first!

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Sorry, I returned home late today...feng's expression remained grim with his brows furrowed tightly, clearly anxious about the robbery of medicinal herbs on their journey. To make matters worse, Prince Zun had chosen not to accompany th...