343 The Successor of Vast Mountains

up around four in the morning to get dressed. After taking a fragrant bath with flower petals under the assistance of her maidservants, Ye Li came out and found her aunt, Madame of Marquis Huo's Manor...343. Descendants of the Vast Mountain

Compared to Mo Xiurao's ruthless mockery, Xu Qingchen's courteous and distant attitude clearly made Dong Fangyou feel out of place. After staring at Xu Qingchen for a long time, Dong Fangyou sighed softly and asked, "Does Mr. Qingchen not believe what I said" Xu Qingchen smiled but remained silent, neither confirming nor denying.

Dong Fangyou seemed to take Xu Qingchen's silence as tacit approval and said calmly, "Mr. Qingchen can rest assured. The reason I chose to marry Prince Ding as his concubine is not because of the affection from Prince Ding or anything else. It’s only for assisting Prince Ding. Once Prince Ding ascends to the throne, Dong Fangyou will retire and pursue my own happiness and will never be attached to Prince Ding nor cause any trouble for him."

Xu Qingchen smiled and said, "Miss Dong can now go in pursuit of your own happiness. To speak frankly, it seems that Prince Ding doesn't need your assistance. Furthermore, Miss Dong must have been away from the mountain too long and are unaware of some conventional rules of this world. For example, a concubine… cannot be referred to as marriage but rather as taking.

Someone who could so openly declare marrying Prince Ding couldn’t possibly really be without ambition as she claims. Perhaps she truly doesn't need Prince Ding’s favor, but that’s because what she wants is something more important than his affection. Xu Qingchen has always had little regard for these legendary reclusive families. As for the notion of 'choosing a ruler on behalf of heaven,' it's nonsense. If they had such foresight, they would have appeared ten years ago. Although the current situation in the empire isn’t clear yet, Mo Xiurao clearly has the best chance. With the power from Vast Mountain, creating an emperor who unifies the world is indeed not difficult. But these things can be achieved even without the people of Vast Mountain; Prince Ding’s王府完全可以做到，又何必非要沾這樣的名聲？

東方幽眼中微微閃過一絲惱怒，對於徐清塵如此不給自己麵子實難感到心平氣和。但是徐清塵的態度又讓她無法將心中的火氣發泄出來，一時間臉上的神色變得有些複雜難辨。

Dong Fangyou was well aware of her advantages and abilities, but she also knew that her innate talent was useless in the face of people like Mo Xiurao and Xu Qingchen. Therefore, she refrained from embarrassing herself. Calmly looking at Xu Qingchen, she said, "I think there are some matters I need to discuss personally with Prince Ding. Perhaps he might give a different answer after all... Mr. Qingchen does not fully represent the interests of Prince Ding's王府, right"

徐清塵俊眉微挑不置可否。隻是淡淡道：“定王現在冇空。”

Xu Qingchen raised his elegant eyebrows but made no comment and simply said, "Prince Ding is currently unavailable."

東方幽也不著急，“我可以等。”

Dong Fangyou didn't rush and calmly stated, “I can wait.”

Xu Qingchen frowned as he looked at the woman before him and suddenly felt that this woman was a problem. But he did not know that she was indeed an issue but not for Mo Xiurao.

Dong Fangyou truly had patience, sitting in the hall drinking tea with Xu Qingchen for six or seven cups. Even calm and composed Mr. Qingchen found it hard to sit quietly opposite such a woman without speaking, yet Dong Fangyou showed no signs of impatience. She sat gracefully in the hall, occasionally sipping her clear tea.

Until noon approached, Mo Xiurao and Ye Li only arrived late. Seeing Xu Qingchen’s stiff and helpless expression under his elegant demeanor, Mo Xiurao was clearly in a better mood. After sitting down as guests, Mo Xiurao leaned back in the chair and handed over the lead to Ye Li. Ye Li smiled at Dong Fangyou and said, "May I ask what your esteemed name is"

Dong Fangyou stood up gracefully and bowed slightly, saying, "My humble name is Dong Fangyou, I greet Madam."

Ye Li nodded with a smile and said, "Miss Dong, there's no need for formalities. Prince Ding and I had some matters to attend to, making you wait for a long time." Dong Fangyou smiled and replied, "Not at all, with Mr. Qingchen here to entertain me, we have been very enjoyable."

Mo Xiurao looked at Xu Qingchen with a smile and said, "If that's the case, Miss Dong, what would you like to discuss with Mr. Qingchen Nowadays, most of Prince Ding’s affairs are managed by Mr. Qingchen." Hearing this, Dong Fangyou frowned slightly and said, "Prince, forgive my straightforwardness. Although your Highness and Madam have a close relationship, and your Highness trusts the Xu family deeply, it's been historically that powerful relatives have caused chaos. And with your Highness yet to establish significant achievements... in the future..."

The three people silently watched Dong Fangyou speak her advice without uttering a word. It was not that there was anything wrong with what she said; these words could even be considered wise counsel at certain times. But the issue is, Miss Dong is neither closely related to Prince Ding’s王府 nor his close confidant. Is it really appropriate for someone in this position to directly speak ill of others in front of Xu family members and Prince Ding's wife

After patiently waiting until Dong Fangyou finished speaking, Ye Li smiled and said, "Thank you for Miss Dong’s advice, but these matters are something the prince is well aware of."

Dong Fangyou frowned slightly and looked at Ye Li with a hint of displeasure. She said, “Madam Ding, although the Xu family is your maternal relatives, it's often said that once a daughter marries out she’s like water poured away, let alone you are not even from the Xu family. Shouldn't you think more about Prince Ding's王府 Such actions to benefit one's own clan are surely not the way of a wife or concubine."

Ye Li remained silent; this girl not only wanted to be a loyal subject but also wished to emulate Ban Zhao and Empress Lü Zhi. If Vast Mountain’s曆代傳人were all like this, Ye Li seriously doubted how they ever became empresses in the first place. They should have been killed by the emperor for their frankness long ago.

"Miss Oriental, there's no need for you to worry about these matters temporarily. Why don't you tell me what brings you to the Ding Prince's residence" Ye Li finally interrupted her and asked. A look of disbelief appeared on Miss Oriental’s beautiful face as she stared at Ye Li, "Hasn’t Princess Consort Ding understood my meaning yet" Realizing that her intelligence was being questioned, Ye Li looked very innocent, "What should I have heard by now, Your Highness"

Miss Oriental said, "I came down the mountain to assist the new ruler."

"Then you can go find your new ruler," Ye Li replied somewhat gloomily. Miss Oriental was momentarily speechless and then smiled faintly after a while as she looked at Ye Li, "The chosen successor of the Cangmang Mountain is none other than Prince Ding. I am the heir of this generation of Cangmang Mountain, sent here to assist the prince by Heaven's will."

Ye Li looked at her and asked, "So Miss Oriental thinks assisting him would mean entering the palace as a concubine" Indifferent, she replied, "That’s just a temporary measure. As Prince Ding is already married, I naturally won’t intervene in his marriage affairs. Once he unifies the nation, I will retire." Ye Li turned to Mo Xiuyao and asked, "Your Highness, how about you decide Shall we take her as an advisor"

Mo Xiuyao was merciless with his reply, "Throw her out for wasting my time."

"Prince Ding!" Miss Oriental’s eyes widened in surprise. She stared at Mo Xiuyao and exclaimed, "You don’t want to know what I can offer you The power of Cangmang Mountain is far more than you imagine." Mo Xiuyao didn't even look up as he said indifferently, "I have no interest in your so-called Cangmang Mountain. Besides... if you are the kind of heir that Cangmang Mountain has now, it won’t matter how powerful they are."

These words were more devastating than looking down upon Cangmang Mountain would be to Miss Oriental. She sincerely wanted to assist Mo Xiuyao in unifying the nation under his rule as quickly as possible and becoming a great ruler of an era. But she never expected that he would look so disdainfully at her and her power.

She looked at Mo Xiuyao, then Ye Li, and suddenly had some insight. She turned to Xu Qingchen with furrowed brows and said, "If Prince Ding cannot accept my offer, we can change it." Mo Xiuyao remained indifferent. With a clear voice, Miss Oriental continued, "Since Prince Ding is unwilling for me to become his concubine and interfere in the relationship between him and Princess Consort, I can also join the Xu Family."

The three present were stunned as Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li looked at Xu Qingchen. The only two of the Xu Family who had not yet been betrothed were Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingyan. It was unlikely that Miss Oriental would marry Xu Qingyan, whom she barely knew, so it must be Xu Qingchen. Mo Xiuyao’s eyes lit up with amusement as he looked at him as if looking at a piece of delicious meat. If the assistance from Cangmang Mountain could be obtained through him, it was worth doing so. Of course, Miss Oriental would have to stay at home and take care of her husband and in-laws.

"Forget it," Xu Qingchen rejected Mo Xiuyao’s idea without hesitation.

Mo Xiuyao didn’t care. He didn't think the power of Cangmang Mountain was important, and whether or not he had it made no difference to him. Besides, if he really obtained their assistance, he would have to find a way to bring them under control so that another woman wouldn’t come up with the idea to choose a ruler for Heaven after a hundred years. With his hands in the air, Mo Xiuyao said, "Alright then, this matter will be left to Mr Qingchen’s handling. I won't ask about it further. Li, let's go first. There are still affairs to deal with in the study."

Ye Li hesitated as she looked at Xu Qingchen as Mo Xiuyao pulled her out and said consolingly, "Don’t worry; if Mr Qingchen cannot handle this matter, he would not be worthy of being called the number one young lord. Brother Qingchen, we are indebted to you." Watching Mo Xiuyao pull Ye Li away without a moment’s hesitation, Xu Qingchen was so furious that he wanted to throw all the memorials in the study at him. He had been working hard for Ding Prince’s residence, but not only did Mo Xiuyao show no gratitude, he always intended to make things difficult for him.

"Mr Qingchen," Miss Oriental said softly.

"Miss Oriental," Xu Qingchen stopped her and replied indifferently, "No need to say more. Prince Ding's residence doesn’t require your assistance." What was most important was that the Xu Family did not need a wife like Miss Oriental. Miss Oriental was displeased as she said, "Prince Ding didn't say that. Is Mr Qingchen’s decision too selfish"

Xu Qingchen waved his sleeves and summoned the guard outside, "Escort Miss Oriental out of here. No one is to let her back in."

"I won’t give up!" Miss Oriental said firmly.

Xu Qingchen’s expression didn't change as he said, “Take her away.”

Xu Qingchen only headed towards the study with a gloomy expression after sending Dongfang You away. Inside the study, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li were sitting together in an intimate atmosphere that made Xu Qingchen feel out of place. When Ye Li saw Xu Qingchen enter, she stood up and smiled gently, "Elder Brother, you sent Lady Dongfang off" Xu Qingchen nodded his head as he shot a sharp glance at Mo Xiuyao on the side. However, Mo Xiuyao was not ashamed in the slightest; instead, he said with a smile, "What are you doing, Mister Qingchen I didn't say that sentence myself, did I It's because Dongfang You fancied you."

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and said, "A woman who even the Prince of Ding cannot look at would be seen as what by others" Although their conversation was brief, Xu Qingchen could clearly see through Dongfang You. He couldn't understand how the people from Great Vast Mountain raised her because she had no concept of love or affection in her heart. Therefore, she truly did not interfere with Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li's relationship; naturally, suggesting that she marry Xu Qingchen was also not out of fancy for him. It was merely convenient for her to either become a concubine in the Prince of Ding’s household or a wife to Xu Qingchen so she could employ her skills to help the Prince of Ding conquer the world. Ultimately, there was only her so-called ambition and achievements in her heart. However, her far-reaching ambitions seemed vague like an illusion when viewed by people like Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen. Apart from the power behind Great Vast Mountain, she had nothing else. Let alone help a king.

Being competent to be a prime minister or lady of the harem was not enough for the woman at the back of a king. There were many smart women in the world who were also very talented in playing musical instruments and painting. However, there was only one woman like Ye Li who could stand side by side with men. But if it came down to skills like playing music, chess, writing poetry, or divination, Ye Li might really be inferior to Dongfang You. Nevertheless, what other women could do, Dongfang You could also do. However, there were few women in the world who could accomplish what Ye Li could achieve; hence she was unique. Furthermore, even the previous queens from Great Vast Mountain had never placed themselves at the position of a king's advisor. In short, Dongfang You overestimated herself.

Mo Xiuyao said with a smile, "Perhaps Miss Dongfang likes Mister Qingchen"

"Prince, I suddenly recalled that I want to travel for some time. All the matters of Prince Ding’s household are left in your hands." Xu Qingchen spoke indifferently and coldly as he mentioned this topic. Mo Xiuyao could only admit defeat when it came to this matter. After all, if he truly forced Mister Qingchen away, he would lose out greatly. Clearing his throat, Mo Xiuyao said firmly, "Anyway, you deal with Dongfang You yourself. Whether you want to kill her, make a concubine of her or marry her is up to your own decision. Rest assured that no matter what you decide, I and Ah Li will support you." After speaking, he patted Xu Qingchen on the shoulder to show his support.

Xu Qingchen waved Mo Xiuyao’s hand away in disdain. Had anyone seen such shameless person before Mister Qingchen felt that having a sister-in-law like this was truly unfortunate. If he had known of today, no matter what, he would not have married Li'er to such an immoral man.

Ye Li helplessly pressed her hand against her forehead and asked the two men who were arguing, "Elder Brother, Yao, how is Great Vast Mountain" Ye Li was not completely from this world; hence she did not know much about things that were unimportant. For instance, Ye Li truly had no strong impression of Great Vast Mountain.

Xu Qingchen sat down and frowned as he said, "Great Vast Mountain is so mysterious because it has produced three queens over the years. Furthermore, those who have undergone training from Great Vast Mountain are indeed exceptional talents. However, to really be powerful enough to decide a kingdom…" Mister Qingchen’s lips curled slightly in derision, which both Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li could see clearly.

Mister Qingchen continued, "The three queens belong respectively to the three nations and have lived for several centuries. Hence it is true that Great Vast Mountain has a great power or else its glory and mystery would not last for hundreds of years. Now that the successor of Great Vast Mountain has come out of seclusion… other people from Great Vast Mountain wouldn't be far away either. Therefore, Prince, you have three choices."

Mo Xiuyao said with a thoughtful expression on his face, "I am listening."

Xu Qingchen smiled and said, "The worst choice is to ignore Dongfang You; once she gives up on you, she will choose someone else. Then the Prince of Ding’s household would have another enemy. The middle option is that you comply with Dongfang You's wishes and take her as a concubine. Then Great Vast Mountain would certainly help the Prince of Ding." Mo Xiuyao said, "I usually only opt for the best choice."

Xu Qingchen smiled again and said, "The best choice is to… destroy Great Vast Mountain so the legend of them choosing a successor on behalf of Heaven no longer exists."

"Good idea," Mo Xiuyao nodded in agreement.

Xu Qingchen also smiled and said, "It's indeed a good idea. With this method, even if Prince is to conquer the world one day, you can avoid being restricted by Great Vast Mountain later on. However, the current issue is… it’s not that easy to destroy Great Vast Mountain." Although they from the Prince of Ding’s household looked down upon Great Vast Mountain, it didn't mean others shared this view. As long as there was someone interested in Great Vast Mountain's successor or choosing a successor on behalf of Heaven, Great Vast Mountain would not need to act themselves; there would be people who would help them deal with the Prince of Ding’s household. Even if they miscalculated and caused various forces across the country to attack the Prince of Ding’s household at once, it could still be a dangerous situation for them even though they weren't afraid.

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment before saying, "It isn’t as difficult as you think. Only Mo Jingli and Lei Zhenting can truly oppose us. Lei Zhenting is constrained by the Western Capital’s Emperor while Mo Jingli… has another person named Lei Zhenting in between; if he wants to oppose me, he first needs to deal with Lei Zhenting. As for Beirong and Beijun, they don’t have this opportunity."

Xu Qingchen knew that the Prince of Ding’s household had a successful layout regarding Beirong and Beijun. Therefore, it was indeed feasible. He raised his eyebrows as he looked at Mo Xiuyao and asked, "Prince, have you made up your mind"

Mo Xiuyao merely harrumphed in disdain without replying.

Actually, there was another option that Xu Qingchen did not mention. Mo Xiuyao could agree to cooperate with Cangmang Mountain and deal with them once the matter at hand is settled. With Mo Xiuyao's intelligence, it wouldn't be difficult for him to scheme against Cangmang Mountain if he wanted to. Looking at the two men who were so serious, Ye Li asked, "Is there a possibility that Dong Fangyou is not from Cangmang Mountain Aren’t you finding her too..."

“There have been dynasties’ changes, and how can a family remain excellent forever” Xu Qingchen shook his head. “But Dong Fangyou truly belongs to Cangmang Mountain.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow in puzzlement. With a hint of disgust, Xu Qingchen said, "People from the Dong Family of Cangmang Mountain possess a secret technique that makes others naturally like them. Didn't you see what happened at the banquet last night"

Ye Li wanted to say that it was really affection they felt for her Instead, she thought that Dong Fangyou had stirred up some men's hidden desires.

"How do you know so much about this" Ye Li asked in surprise.

Xu Qingchen wasn’t hiding anything and said coolly, "There is a legend that our Xu family’s ancestor married a woman from Cangmang Mountain."

“Then what's the truth”

"Indeed there was such a woman, but my ancestor did not marry her. Back then he almost fell for her trap so in his notes, he warned future generations to be cautious around women from Cangmang Mountain," Xu Qingchen said.

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were hearing this story for the first time. In addition to their surprise, they felt more disdain towards Cangmang Mountain as well.

After a moment of thought, Ye Li asked, "Since Cangmang Mountain is said to have the ability to choose new lords on behalf of the heavens, why did Lei Zhen霆agree to send Dong Fangyou to Ding王府 Is it possible that Lei Zhen霆is also under Cangmang Mountain's control" Xu Qingchen shook his head. "I don't think he would be controlled by them. Perhaps Lei Zhen霆 knows that with Lei Teng風’s abilities, he might not be able to go against Cangmang Mountain. As for the Ding王府… Lei Zhen霆might be betting on this and wagering that Ding王府will not accept Dong Fangyou. If so, a feud will arise between Ding王府and Cangmang Mountain. In such a situation, no matter whom Cangmang Mountain chooses to support, they can take advantage of the opportunity."

Lei Zhen霆had an illustrious reputation his entire life; unfortunately, he was most regretful about his son Lei Teng風. It wasn’t that Lei Teng風 was bad—he had a good personality and abilities—but he simply wasn't good enough. Growing up under his father’s shadow, Lei Teng風 clearly didn’t have the mentality of surpassing Ding王府. Hence, he was an excellent prince regent but not yet strong enough to shoulder the responsibility of being a king.

"So… Lei Teng風 won’t work with Cangmang Mountain," Mo Xiuyao pondered. "That means the most likely person for Cangmang Mountain to choose would be Mo Jing黎." Mo Jing黎was the Regent King of Dachu, controlling a million-strong army in the wealthiest region of Southern Dachu. Most importantly, he was cruel but lacked decisiveness and boldness, making him an excellent puppet. If it were Mo Xiuyao who had to choose, he would also pick Mo Jing黎.

Xu Qingchen raised his eyebrows. "Do we need to act on Mo Jing黎now"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "No, not yet. Currently, our main focus is dealing with Ye Li野and Ren Qining. However… We still have to get what we want. Send someone to tell Mo Jing黎that I will send my demands if he doesn’t deliver them in time. Meanwhile, also let him know about Dong Fangyou’s intentions and see how he reacts," he said.

“If that is the case… Then for Ye Ying…” Ye Ying was an important chess piece, but it wouldn't be possible to get her to work with Mo Jing黎and send someone over at the same time. She wasn’t going to be as obedient as they hoped.

Xu Qingchen shook his head and said, "Don’t worry about this, Li兒. If Dong Fangyou really helps Mo Jing黎, Ye Ying will become even more dependent on Ding王府." The Ye family had no hope of regaining their former glory, and the reason why she could still hold onto her position as a princess consort was because she was the sister of Ding王妃. Once an extremely important woman appeared by Mo Jing黎's side, Ye Ying would find it even more crucial to rely on Ding王府. of loyal officials… but after so many years, I fear that they have forgotten their ancestors. Actually, there’s nothing wrong about it. Isn’t a peaceful life better than what others outside this vill...