Chapter 190: The Lady Dongjun who Daydreamed and Cried!
Li Mo had not expected the sudden passing of the old village head.
It seemed to have a significant impact on him.
He had been sitting by the window silently ever since they got on the carriage.
Fei Yan and Yan Lingji stayed by his side.
Earlier, they had chatted briefly with the new village head.
The old village head had passed away due to old age and a sudden illness.
He didn’t survive past the end of the year.
He died suddenly, not even giving Li Mo a chance to repay him.
He didn’t leave any descendants.
Originally, he had two sons, but both had died on the battlefield.
While he had sent money before, material wealth was insignificant compared to a life-saving grace.
After contemplating for a long time, Li Mo suddenly asked Fei Yan this question.
Fei Yan was stunned.
She hadn’t expected Li Mo to ask her this question.
She raised her head, her soft eyes showing a hint of complex emotions.
Li Mo sensed this clearly and turned to ask, “What’s wrong?”
Fei Yan’s expression was not one of ignorance; she seemed more like she was nervous.
As if she hadn’t expected Li Mo to ask her this.
“Perhaps there is.” After hesitating for a moment, she finally spoke.
Beside them, Yan Lingji immediately got interested and leaned over, “Is there really a way to live forever?”
Fei Yan turned to look at her and said slowly, “The Yin-Yang School has been exploring the mystery of the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon for centuries. It is rumored to have the power to control the world, and this power is related to immortality.”
The Yin-Yang School has been studying the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon for hundreds of years.
They possess far more clues and knowledge than others.
As the Dongjun of the Yin-Yang School, Fei Yan is well-acquainted with these secrets.
Li Mo now understood why Fei Yan had that particular expression just now.
From the beginning, she approached him to investigate the affairs related to the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon.
Although he had never asked her, he could guess.
She likely divined some related clues through astrology.
She suspected that he had some connection with the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon.
But later, things developed unexpectedly.
She did not uncover the matters of the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon but got herself entangled instead.
If it weren’t for Li Mo’s question just now, Fei Yan would almost forget that she still carried the mission of the Yin-Yang School.
Yan Lingji’s eyes suddenly brightened.
“The Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon are related to immortality?”
Then her large blue eyes sparkled as they landed on Li Mo.
Li Mo had once told her that there were seven secrets to the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon.
They were divided into seven bronze boxes, each held by a different country.
But by a twist of fate, he obtained two of them.
Fei Yan bit her seductive red lips, looking somewhat uneasy.
Only after sneaking a glance at Li Mo’s expression did she say, “According to the Yin-Yang School’s deduction, this is the case. But the exact nature of this power, and how it grants immortality, can only be known by uncovering this secret.”
Yan Lingji made a long, “Oh,” and tapped her chin with her fair finger.
Casually, she asked, “Have you been out so long to investigate the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon?”
Fei Yan’s face turned pale at the question, and panic flashed in her eyes.
She bit her lips and lightly nodded.
Yan Lingji curiously pressed, “So, have you found anything?”
Fei Yan grew even more flustered.
For the first time, she found Yan Lingji too talkative.
She was now worried that Li Mo might find out she initially approached him with a purpose.
Although it’s different now, what if he misunderstood?
What if he thought she was with him just to uncover the secrets of the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon?
What if he didn’t want her anymore?
Fei Yan lowered her head slightly, avoiding his gaze, “No, no.”
Yan Lingji pouted, “You Yin-Yang School aren’t that great then. So many people have investigated for so long and found nothing.”
“You weren’t as effective as this guy, who easily got hold of some clues.”
Fei Yan’s head snapped up.
She looked at Li Mo with astonishment and disbelief.
“Husband has clues?”
She had deduced that Li Mo was connected to unlocking the secrets of the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon, but she didn’t expect he already had clues at hand.
Li Mo nodded thoughtfully.
Under Fei Yan’s gaze, he continued, “Yes, I have some clues. About the seven bronze boxes of the Seven Mansions of the Azure Dragon, I—”
He abruptly stopped.
Shaking his head, he changed the subject, “Alright, we’ve arrived. Let’s get off the carriage.”
With that, he lifted the carriage curtain and jumped out.
Watching his departure, Fei Yan felt lost and dazed.
She sat in the carriage, as though her soul had left her.
Previously, Li Mo always needed her support to get off the carriage, but this time he did so himself.
Thinking back to his abrupt stop mid-sentence,
Had her husband figured out that she had other motives when she first approached him?
Yes, that must be it.
Her husband was so clever; how could he not figure it out!
Fei Yan’s heart sank to the bottom, her panicked eyes trembling uncontrollably.
Each breath felt unbearably heavy.
Her mind was chaotic, feeling disheartened and lost.
She didn’t even have the strength to get off the carriage.
Finally, when Yan Lingji saw she had been in there too long, she ran back to call her out.
Fei Yan’s heart sank again.
Why wasn’t it her husband calling her, but Yan Lingji instead?
Could it be… he didn’t want to see her?
Did he resent her early intentions and now disliked her?
The more Fei Yan thought, the more she felt it was possible.
Slowly raising her head, she looked at Yan Lingji, who had poked her head in, with tearful eyes.
Her heart ached so much that she couldn’t breathe.
Yan Lingji blinked.
Seeing her in this soulless state, he scratched his head in puzzlement.
What’s the matter?
At the front of the crowd, Li Mo was dealing with the Hann prime minister, Zhang Kaidi, who had come to greet him.
He had stopped halfway through his sentence just now because he sensed Bai Xianwu approaching.
He had Yan Lingji call her because he couldn’t leave.
Who would have thought that Fei Yan would imagine so much sitting alone in the carriage!
The welcoming banquet for Li Mo was hosted by Zhang Kaidi.
Bai Xianwu’s duty was to escort him to Xinzheng.
Li Mo was not only an envoy but also the national master of Qin.
Therefore, in terms of status, only Zhang Kaidi, the prime minister, was qualified to receive him.
At the banquet, besides the Hann officials, there was also someone Li Mo knew well.
Zhang Liang.
Zhang Liang was Zhang Kaidi’s grandson, so it was not surprising that he came along.
Zhang Kaidi had also learned some things from him.
Looking at Li Mo, who had now become the national master of Qin, he couldn’t help but sigh.
This young man first went to Han to deal with the arrogant Ji Wuye.
Then, in just half a month, he helped the Qin king overthrow the powerful Lu Buwei.
Why didn’t the Han king listen to Jiugongzi’s suggestion to recruit him back then!
Someone whom even Xun Fuzi went to visit personally could not be an ordinary person!
At the banquet, Fei Yan was absent-minded from beginning to end.
The usual nobility was gone.
She would glance at Li Mo every now and then, and the sadness in her eyes would grow stronger.
Li Mo had noticed this long ago.
He wanted to ask but couldn’t find the time.
Yan Lingji was drinking fine wine and eating delicacies.
The wine in front of Fei Yan remained untouched, so Yan Lingji simply took the whole pot and drank it for her.
When the banquet finally ended, her little face was flushed red from drinking.
After the banquet, someone escorted them to the place Zhang Kaidi had arranged for them.
Yan Lingji stood at the door, lifting her little face to the night breeze to dispel the alcohol.
Fei Yan stood beside her, her eyes never leaving Li Mo, who was saying goodbye to the officials.
Zhang Kaidi was about the same age as Lu Buwei.
Having held a high position for many years, he carried an aura of authority.
“Master National Advisor, have a good rest tonight. I will send someone to escort you to the palace tomorrow.”
Since Li Mo had come as an envoy, he naturally needed to meet the Han king.
Li Mo did feel some guilt toward the Han king.
But not too much.
Li Mo nodded and responded, “I will trouble you, Prime Minister Zhang.”
The two exchanged a few words at the door, and then Zhang Kaidi got into his carriage.
The carriage that was to take Li Mo had been waiting for a while.
Just as he was about to get in, he paused.
Turning his head to Fei Yan, he said, “You go back first, I’ll follow shortly.”
Yan Lingji, having drunk quite a bit, felt her head spinning.
She couldn’t wait to get back and lie down on a soft bed, then sleep hugging Fei Yan.
Without giving Fei Yan a chance to protest, she pulled her into the carriage.
Fei Yan’s heart trembled.
The tender eyes suddenly felt sour.
Her husband wouldn’t even ride in the same carriage with her anymore?
She sat in the carriage absent-mindedly.
Her head leaned weakly against the carriage wall.
She lifted the curtain, letting the cold wind whip against her pale face.
The starlight tonight was particularly dim, the night wind increasingly chilly.
Li Mo scratched his forehead.
What’s wrong with Fei Yan today?
Is she feeling unwell?
That’s unlikely.
With Fei Yan’s level of strength, it would be hard for her to get sick.
As he was wondering what was wrong with her, a sneaky figure suddenly appeared beside him.
It was Zhang Liang, who had evaded Zhang Kaidi and returned.
“Has my grandfather left?”
Zhang Liang looked nervously in the direction Zhang Kaidi had left.
Li Mo laughed, “He’s gone, don’t worry.”
It was clear that Zhang Liang was quite afraid of his stern grandfather.
Hearing this, he patted his chest and said, “That’s good, that’s good.”
Then, tidying his clothes, he bowed to Li Mo, “Zhang Liang greets Master National Advisor.”
Li Mo shook his head and said, “Come on, I’m the National Advisor of Qin, not your Hann National Advisor.”
“Let’s go, tell me about Han Fei’s recent situation.”
Han Fei was confined by the Emperor of Han to his residence.
This confinement meant not only that he couldn’t come out, but also that no one else could visit him.
Zhang Liang managed to sneak in a few times, relying on his grandfather’s status.
The guards turned a blind eye to him.
As they walked, Zhang Liang shook his head and sighed, “Things are not looking good.”
Li Mo asked, “Why was he confined?”
Han Fei’s confinement must have been due to greatly offending the Emperor of Han, prompting him to make such a decision.
Han Fei wanted to save the ailing and dilapidated Han state.
He proposed reforms and wanted to implement new policies.
But the Emperor of Han thought he was using this as an opportunity to amass power and push the Crown Prince out.
Moreover, he always opposed Bai Xianwu’s appointment as Grand General.
After finally dealing with Ji Wuye and Bai Yifei, a more formidable threat emerged.
Multiple reasons led to the Emperor’s fury.
Not only was he confined, but all his powers were stripped away.
It could be said that now Han Fei only had the title of a Han prince.
He even became a laughing stock among many princes.
After hearing Zhang Liang’s words, Li Mo shook his head.
Han Fei’s situation is somewhat similar to that of the previous Ying Zheng.
Full of ambition but with nowhere to direct it.
“Sir, have you come this time to rescue Han Fei?”
Zhang Liang slowed his pace and respectfully asked.
“I came this time to relieve his predicament.”
Zhang Liang’s eyes lit up, and he said joyfully, “Sir, you have a solution?”
He had a deep relationship with Han Fei, having known each other since childhood.
Now that Han Fei had fallen to this point, he was one of the most anxious people.
But what could he do as just the grandson of a prime minister, not the prime minister himself?
Moreover, his grandfather acted cautiously.
He wouldn’t easily offend Bai Xianwu, who held substantial power.
Li Mo pondered for a moment and then said, “Han state is not suitable for him.”
“The Emperor of Han is weak and indecisive, not daring to easily try Han Fei’s reform methods.”
“He believes Bai Xianwu is sufficient to keep him safe.”
“But the real source of trouble for Han state is Bai Xianwu.”
If things continue like this, Bai Xianwu will soon become another Ji Wuye.
Even posing a greater threat than Ji Wuye did.
Zhang Liang frowned, understanding that Li Mo’s words were factual.
He then asked, “Are you planning to take Han Fei to Qin state?”
Li Mo nodded, “I will provide him with a platform there. How far he can go will depend on himself.”
Zhang Liang was taken aback, “But Han Fei is a prince of Han. Will Qin officials accept him?”
Li Mo confidently replied, “As long as I’m in Qin, I can ensure his safety.”
Right now, Qin is undergoing a major purge.
Ying Zheng is also eager to recruit talents.
Han Fei’s philosophy of “ruling by law and Confucian instructing” can certainly move him.
If not for my appearance, Ying Zheng would have come to meet Han Fei.
Zhang Liang finally felt reassured, “That’s good then.”
“And you?”
Suddenly, Li Mo stopped and asked him.
“Me?”
Zhang Liang also stopped, looking at him in surprise.
“Yes, if Han Fei goes to Qin with me, what are your plans?”
Zhang Liang pondered for a while and said slowly, “I plan to go to Little Saint Academy to study for a few years. My grandfather said that when he grows old, he will find a way for me to take his place.”
Li Mo chuckled and said, “Do you think you can have an opportunity to make full use of your talents under such a king?”
Zhang Liang stayed silent.
Li Mo continued, “Go and find me in Qin after you finish your studies.”
Zhang Liang, a half head shorter than Li Mo, looked up at him and asked, “Sir, you don’t agree with me serving in Han state?”
Li Mo shook his head and ambiguously replied, “You’ll know when the time comes.”
It’s not that he didn’t agree.
But by the time Zhang Liang finishes his studies, there might be no more Han state left.
What’s the point of entering officialdom then!
“You should go back first. I’ll go see Han Fei.”
After saying that, Li Mo turned back and walked away.
Entering Han Fei’s residence was effortless for him.
He would propose taking Han Fei to Qin when he meets the Emperor of Han tomorrow.
Given Han Wang’s current mindset, he probably wishes Han Fei would go far away.
So now it’s up to Han Fei.
This person is a bit stubborn and needs a good talking-to.
If Han Fei can go to the Qin State, it can save me a lot of trouble.
Besides, he is preparing to cultivate Li Si.
Li Si is an ambitious person.
So, a balance needs to be found to counter him.
To maintain balance, the best way is to place equal weights on both ends.
Master Xun’s two disciples are both genuinely talented.
Using only one would cause the scale to tip.
Only by having them balance each other can the desired result be achieved.
By the time Li Mo finished communicating with Han Fei and returned to his residence, it was already midnight.
Before even entering the courtyard, he sensed Fei Yan sitting alone and lost in thought in the pavilion.
Looking deeply troubled, she was so heartbreakingly pitiful to look at.
“Why haven’t you rested yet?”
Li Mo quickened his pace into the courtyard, silently appearing behind Fei Yan.
Fei Yan, who was already distracted, was startled by his sudden voice.
Patting her towering bosom, her face turned pale, “Hus… Husband, you’re back?”
Li Mo stood beside her, gently patting her soft, jade-like back.
He softly said, “Did I scare you? What were you thinking about so deeply?”
Fei Yan’s delicate body trembled.
She slowly extended her hand, tightly gripping the corner of Li Mo’s clothes.
So forceful that blue veins could be seen on her pale knuckles.
As if she feared that if she let go, Li Mo would leave her.
Fei Yan raised her head, her frail gaze filled with worry and fear.
She sorrowfully said, “Husband, are you going to abandon Fei Yan?”
Li Mo: “??”
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