145 Heart-to-Heart

parture. Before she even left the house, a servant came in to announce that Prince Ding was here to pick up Third Miss. Knowing Mo Xiuyao's circumstances and not wanting to delay any further, Lady Dow..."Got it. After returning to the capital this time, we will begin the second special training right away. I'll give you the methods and subjects later. You're in charge of everything from now on. My requirement is that within five years, there should be a thousand people in Qilin."

145. Heartfelt Communication

After Mo Xiuyao said some encouraging words, he left the others with Qin Feng and Lin Han. When everyone returned to the study room and sat down, Ye Li turned to ask Lin Han: "How was the journey to Northern Rong" Lin Han answered respectfully: "Everything went smoothly; please rest assured." Ye Li nodded, then turned her head to ask Mo Xiuyao, "Regarding Princess Ronghua…" Mo Xiuyao softly replied, "Though Princess Ronghua might be a bit capricious, she is no fool. You can trust her not to cause trouble." Ye Li nodded again and sighed lightly: "That's good then; otherwise this trip would have been a huge loss." Qin Feng stood by quietly listening to the conversation. The fact that the Duchess and the King did not avoid him showed their trust in him. He was personally involved in training the first batch of Qilin members, so he knew each one well. As for who among the eight people Lin Han took out returned, he also had a clear idea.

Mo Xiuyao smiled at Ye Li and said: "I hadn't asked about your matters before, but through this trip to Northern Rong, I've learned that you're not only capable of managing the royal residence and commanding battles on the battlefield, but you are also remarkably adept in training soldiers."

Even Mo Xiuyao found it hard to believe such an army existed if he hadn't seen it himself. It wasn’t just their martial prowess or combat effectiveness that was astonishing, but how proficiently they mastered various battle skills on the battlefield. Mo Xiuyao even thought about what would happen if such a military unit really appeared—it would be terrifying indeed. Ye Li glanced at him and said: "These training methods are too laborious in terms of manpower and resources. Moreover, they set extremely high requirements for soldiers themselves. On large battlefields, their practical effect is limited; it could be considered counterproductive."

Though no one was eliminated during the first round of training, that’s because those selected were already elites, and many had been weeded out even before selection. More importantly, this was Ye Li's first attempt at training soldiers in this era, given the differences in equipment and combat methods between two eras; it could only be considered an exploratory phase. It was hard to say if they truly met Ye Li’s standards.

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li with a smile and asked: "Do you have any suggestions, Aili"

Ye Li blinked and stared at Mo Xiuyao for a moment without speaking. After some time she whispered, "Give me some time to think about it."

Mo Xiuyao was not concerned; as long as the goal was achieved that would be fine. If Aili had no interest in these matters, he hoped she could just be a leisurely Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom. However, since Aili showed both interest and ability, he wouldn't suppress her brilliance.

In response to Moxiu Yao, Ye Li only then turned to Qin Feng and said, "Starting today, you will be in charge of the Qilin team. From now on, these people will be under your command."

Qin Feng nodded and replied, "Subordinate will not disappoint Madam Wang's trust."

Ye Li nodded and said, "That is good then. You should put more thought into training them. Remember, you are not like regular armies with thousands of soldiers; there’s no need to participate in frontal battles and engage directly face-to-face on the battlefield. Do you understand"

Qin Feng raised his eyebrows slightly, saying, "Subordinate doesn’t quite understand. We’re not weaker than ordinary soldiers." Mastering all these skills but being unable to charge into battle felt stifling indeed. Could Madam Wang only hope they would act as scouts and spies With this thought in mind, Qin Feng was somewhat dispirited. Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly and said coolly, "You are indeed not weaker than ordinary soldiers; you’re even much stronger than them. But… if fifty of your men were to infiltrate an army of thousands, could each one hold their own against a hundred" Qin Feng was speechless. In the chaos of battle, blades and spears had no eyes; it wasn’t like dueling on a training ground where strength could be easily determined. Sometimes luck played just as crucial a role—surviving made you a victor. No matter how skilled or agile one was, a volley of arrows would leave them looking like porcupines. Ye Li looked at him and said, "You cannot hold your own against hundreds, but training each individual among you costs a hundred times more than training ordinary soldiers. Therefore, the battlefield you face will be different from theirs. Perhaps there won’t be the grandeur of frontal battles, but it’s certainly more shocking to behold. Small-scale, high-intensity combat is what you need to engage in. I’ve already mentioned this earlier: tracking and hiding, enemy reconnaissance, hostage rescue operations, sabotage, espionage, kidnappings, assassinations—anything that ordinary soldiers cannot do, you must be capable of doing. Do you understand"

Qin Feng thought for a moment before nodding and saying, "Subordinate understands."

"It’s good to understand then. After returning to the capital this time, start with your second round of special training immediately. I’ll give you the methods and subjects of the training later. This time it will be entirely under your charge. My requirement is that within five years, the Qilin team should have a thousand members."

Qin Feng was delighted. Although his subordinates were all elites, fifty people made them look rather sparse in numbers. Qin Feng imagined himself leading an elite force of over a thousand men; such a feeling would surely not be inferior to commanding a large army. He quickly said loudly, "Subordinate will follow orders and ensure the task is completed!"

"Very well, you may leave now."

Mosiyao smiled as he watched Ye Li, who was filled with vigor and vitality. "Now I understand why Ahli doesn't think much of the Dark Guards at Dingwang Manor. Compared to her people, the Dark Guards are far inferior. I'm starting to look forward to the day when the team she mentioned sets out."

Ye Li glanced at him and said, "Your Highness, please don't talk nonsense; I've never looked down on the Dark Guards."

Many of the Dark Guards were capable individuals. At most, she thought that Dingwang Manor was wasting their talent. Mosiyao lowered his head in thought for a moment before saying, "If Ahli wants to expand Qilin's numbers, after we return to the capital, let all the Dark Guards undergo Qilin's special training. In the future, Dingwang Manor will abolish the system of having Dark Guards."

Is this really okay Ye Li was a little worried about Mosiyao's quick decision, especially considering the sarcastic leader of the Dark Guards.

Mohua would probably eat her heart if she knew about Mosiyao's decision.

Mosiyao played with her hair and said with a smile, "What's wrong with that If there's a more favorable way to do things, why not use it"

Ye Li asked, "Aren't the Dark Guards supposed to protect the masters of Dingwang Manor"

Mosiyao said with a smile, "Didn't you also say that Qilin's mission includes protection Besides, this time they did an excellent job in Beirong." Ye Li trained them well; they were capable fighters who could speak persuasively and act convincingly. They had all sorts of skills for reconnaissance.

Ye Li looked at him helplessly; so that's the idea he was after.

"Your Highness, you're really cunning." Ye Li gave him a look as she rolled her eyes.

To Mosiyao, this look seemed flirtatious and full of charm. His heart stirred as he pulled her into his arms and kissed her deeply.

As their lips entwined, Ye Li was almost breathless from the kiss. With his large hands roaming over her body, she turned red and felt weak in the knees. Since returning from Beirong, Mosiyao had clearly become more affectionate towards her. These changes were sweet but occasionally exhausting.

"Ugh... You bastard, Mo Xiu Yao! Are you planning to die"

Mosiyao chuckled softly and let his cool lips move along her slender neck, exhaling warm air that made Ye Li's face even redder. Bastard!

Ye Li raised a hand as if to hit him.

As if he had anticipated this, Mosiyao caught her hand in his and stroked it gently. "Ahli, don't you feel bad about hurting me"

Feeling helpless, Ye Li looked up at the sky and then checked Mosiyao's forehead.

Mosiyao raised an eyebrow in confusion as she did this. Ye Li said coolly, "You're not sick; you must be dreaming during daylight."

Hearing this, Mosiyao was stunned for a moment before he laughed and rested his head on her shoulder. After a while, he looked up at her gently and said, "Ahli is so heartless. Even if you don't feel bad about hurting me, your husband worries that your hand might hurt."

Ye Li was exhausted by Mosiyao's sudden display of affection; she wasn't used to it.

Mosiyao occasionally joked with her before and called her "wife" or "husband," but since returning, he had become much more clingy towards her.

Sitting in his lap, Ye Li asked softly, "Xiu Yao, what's wrong"

Mosiyao was taken aback for a moment and then said with a smile, "What's wrong Does Ahli hate me

Ye Li calmly watched him as Mo Xiuyao’s smile gradually faded. He held her in his arms again, took a deep breath, and said, "A’li, I’m a little afraid…"

Ye Li was shaken. Although Mo Xiuyao always appeared courteous and refined, Ye Li knew how proud he truly was. If he could not bear something, he would never show his vulnerability in front of anyone. No, even if he couldn’t endure it, he wouldn’t display that weakness to others.

"What’s wrong"

“When I heard about the bloody battle at Duke Ding’s residence in the capital while I was in Northern Rong… When I learned you had to navigate between Mo Jingqi and those insatiable nobles, leading troops into battle… I regretted it… I regretted…” Regretting why he agreed to go to Northern Rong with Mo Jingqi. He insisted on not going, so Mo Jingqi would never dare force him. Even more so… he regretted why he didn’t kill those people sooner. Every time he thought about possibly losing her, the fear and murderous intent that erupted within him almost made him want to destroy everything in sight. "A’li... I’m glad you’re safe..."

Ye Li had never considered herself a soft-hearted person, but now her heart felt as soft as cotton. This strong and powerful man was so fragile and fearful because of her. Ye Li had never been more acutely aware of this fact than she was in that moment. She gently encircled his shoulder with her arm, speaking softly yet firmly, "No, I’ll always be by your side as long as I live." Mo Xiuyao lowered his head, pressing his forehead against hers. “Really” Ye Li said, “As long as you don’t leave me, I won’t abandon you.” This was the most sincere vow she could make. Ye Li had long understood that Mo Xiuyao had done enough for her already. She also knew how much he would suffer.

"Undying loyalty and love..." Mo Xiuyao murmured softly. He liked those words. The idea of being undyingly loyal to A’li made him feel a deep happiness; anyone who dared to stand in their way would pay the price!

Sweet, right More to come...invitation letter to send to Bian City. He also pondered whether he could personally visit Bian City; unfortunately, his current injury prevented him from doing so, and when Mo Xiuyao and the others l...