Mo Li

"Li'er..." Hua Tianxiang was taken aback upon hearing this, lightly biting her crimson lips as she gazed at Ye Li. Her usually bright eyes shimmered with unshed tears. She knew Ye Li was in a difficult position. The Emperor had entrusted such a significant matter entirely to the Ding Royal Palace, seemingly placing great trust in Prince Ding's Estate. In reality, however, this had pushed the Ding Royal Palace into the eye of the storm. Ye Li's ready agreement to Princess Changle's request filled Hua Tianxiang with both joy and worry.

Ye Li reached out and gently patted Hua Tianxiang's hand, which was tightly clutching her sleeve, smiling as she said, "People's hearts are always a little biased. Besides, no matter what, this is a situation bound to offend someone. Why shouldn’t I choose the option that makes me feel better?"

Princess Changle, oblivious to the complexities, happily threw herself into Ye Li's arms and giggled, "You really are a good person. I like you!" Ye Li arched a delicate brow and teased, "If I hadn’t agreed, would you have stopped liking me?" The princess frowned, struggling for a long moment before answering, "Uncle Prince Ding said you would agree. But... even if you really hadn’t, I wouldn’t have blamed you. Mother said... Mother said it wouldn’t be your fault no matter who you chose for the marriage alliance. Because... because this isn’t your responsibility to begin with."

Surprised by the Empress's words, Ye Li paused, then pinched the little princess’s cheek affectionately. "Please thank Her Majesty for me. She’s right—no matter who is sent for the alliance, it won’t be the princess’s fault either. So you don’t need to be too upset." Princess Changle blinked, hesitating before nodding. "If I were older, I would go myself for the alliance."

Ye Li had never held a favorable impression of imperial princesses or noble ladies, but she hadn’t expected this little princess to be not only adorable but also capable of such thoughts. Smiling, she pinched the girl’s rosy cheeks. "Her Majesty and the Emperor would never bear to send you away. Besides... do you even know what a marriage alliance entails? Life in another kingdom wouldn’t be as comfortable as staying in Great Chu."

Princess Changle bared her teeth at Ye Li, grabbing the hand tormenting her face and grumbling, "I know. Mother told me that as a princess, I enjoy wealth and privilege, but I can’t decide my own marriage—not even Mother can. If in the future a marriage alliance is needed and Father chooses me, I mustn’t throw a tantrum. Because that’s a princess’s duty."

Hearing this, Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang could only sigh inwardly.

The palace was hardly a place for private conversation. Even hidden away, the three couldn’t escape the swarms of palace maids and eunuchs searching for them. Ye Li took Princess Changle’s hand and stood. "We’ve finished talking—let’s go out." It was better to emerge on their own than to be found. The dignified Princess of the State hiding in a rockery with a little princess would be a blow to both dignity and reputation.

Princess Changle, too, heard the approaching calls and wrinkled her delicate brows. "Mother never restricts me like this. These people are so annoying, as if they’re afraid I’ll say one extra word to anyone." Ye Li climbed down from the rockery first, then turned to lift the princess down before helping Hua Tianxiang descend.Stepping outside and seeing the palace attendants rushing toward them, Hua Tianxiang smiled helplessly, "Now I can't visit you freely. I thought we could chat, but it seems the palace isn't a place for peaceful conversation."

Ye Li chuckled, "What's stopping you? If you have time, feel free to come see me anytime." Hua Tianxiang pondered for a moment before shaking her head, "Better not. I know you barely have any leisure time to spare these days." Ye Li reflected that she had only been back in the capital for two or three days yet was already swamped with tasks. She sighed with a wry smile, "Being away for so long means there's inevitably more to handle. I haven't even had the chance to see Zheng'er yet."

Hua Tianxiang pursed her lips, "You'll be family soon enough. Zheng'er is being kept at home by her mother to prepare for her wedding. Even if you wanted to see her, it might not be possible." Glancing at the approaching palace maid, Ye Li lowered her voice teasingly, "If you weren't so picky and settled your marriage earlier, wouldn't everything be simpler?"

Hua Tianxiang froze, her fair cheeks instantly flushing crimson. With the maid now right before them, she could only shoot Ye Li a resentful glare, unable to retort.

Returning to the pavilion, they found Consort Yun and Wang Zhaorong already gone. The Empress noticed Hua Tianxiang’s still-flushed face and then caught Princess Changle winking mischievously at her. Understanding dawned, and she nodded slightly at Ye Li with gratitude. Ye Li smiled faintly and led Princess Changle back to their seats in the pavilion. Only Princess Zhaoyang, Princess Zhaoren, and Princess Ronghua remained inside. The other noblewomen, though eager to plead for their daughters, knew better than to disturb the gathering in the palace.

As soon as Ye Li sat down, she sensed two unfriendly gazes directed at her. Princess Zhaoren wore her usual look of disdain, while Princess Ronghua’s glare held even more resentment than her mother’s. Ye Li picked up the freshly served tea and was about to lift the lid when Qingyu suddenly spoke up from behind her, "Princess, you’ve been overworked lately, and your constitution is weak. Physician Shen advised against drinking green tea for now."

Ye Li paused, then inhaled the tea’s aroma regretfully. "Such fine pre-rain Longjing. What a shame to waste Her Majesty’s good tea." A flicker of coldness passed through the Empress’s eyes before she smiled warmly. "Though the Longjing is excellent, your health comes first. If you like it, I’ll have some sent to Prince Ding’s Estate later."

Ye Li accepted graciously, "Many thanks, Your Majesty. I hope you won’t think me greedy."

Princess Changle, nestled in Ye Li’s lap, blinked her clear eyes and stood up. "Mother, I must go practice my calligraphy now."

The Empress gazed at her daughter affectionately and nodded. "Go ahead."

Once Princess Changle had disappeared, Princess Ronghua scrutinized Ye Li and sneered, "Aren’t you the famed Princess Ding, accomplished in both letters and martial arts? Since when has your health become so delicate that you can’t even handle a cup of tea?"

Ye Li met her gaze with a smile. "You jest, Princess. But when one’s health is unwell, it’s best to heed a physician’s advice early. Ignoring illness does no good—don’t you agree?"

Princess Ronghua lifted her chin haughtily and took a sip of her tea. "I’ve never heard of anyone being too unwell to drink tea.""Enough, Ronghua." Seeing the aggressive manner of Ronghua Junzhu, the Zhaoyang Princess frowned slightly in displeasure and said, "As an unmarried young lady, can't you speak properly? What kind of behavior is this reckless charging about?"

"I'm about to be married off to the Northern Rong, why should I care about speaking properly!" Ronghua Junzhu retorted angrily, then shot Ye Li a fierce glare, clearly having held back these words for some time. Ye Li sighed inwardly—the marriage alliance was the emperor's decision, what did it have to do with her? Turning around, she handed her teacup to Qingyu behind her, resolved not to speak.

Princess Zhaoren couldn't hold back either and spoke up, "Princess Ding, what are your plans regarding the candidate for the marriage alliance?"

Ye Li shook her head inwardly; Princess Zhaoren and Ronghua Junzhu were cut from the same cloth. Perhaps accustomed to royal arrogance, even in such circumstances their words carried a commanding tone. "The list of candidates favored by His Majesty was just brought to the residence by His Highness yesterday. I haven't had time to review it yet, so I truly cannot answer Your Highness's question."

"Everyone knows Hua Tianxiang is the one His Majesty favors!" Ronghua Junzhu blurted out. "By saying this, you clearly intend to exclude her—do you think I wouldn't notice?"

Ye Li lowered her brows with a faint smile, then looked up at Ronghua Junzhu with feigned confusion. "His Majesty favors Miss Hua? If so, why didn't he directly issue an edict ordering her to go for the marriage alliance, instead entrusting me to select a suitable candidate? Since that's the case... and we're all in the palace today, why don't you, Ronghua Junzhu, go ask His Majesty if he truly favors Miss Hua? That way, I won’t risk choosing someone who doesn’t align with His Majesty’s wishes later. What do you think, Ronghua Junzhu?"

"I—" Ronghua Junzhu paled with anger. Though she knew little of court politics, she wasn’t completely ignorant. The reason the emperor hadn’t directly ordered Hua Tianxiang to go was something she, as a close royal relative, had been told even if she hadn’t figured it out herself. If she actually went to ask the emperor, she would likely become the sole candidate for the marriage alliance. This Ye Li—how dare she scheme against her! Just like that woman Ye Ying, all those surnamed Ye were wicked!

"Princess Ding." The Zhaoyang Princess glanced at the resentful Ronghua Junzhu and sighed helplessly. She had no children of her own, and Princess Zhaoren also had only this one daughter, so it was inevitable that Ronghua had been overly indulged. Yet no one expected her to grow up so reckless and thoughtless. Princess Ding had lost her mother at a young age and was even half a year younger than Ronghua, but in terms of composure and conduct, Ronghua couldn’t compare. "Ronghua is impulsive and speaks without thinking. I hope Princess Ding won’t take offense."

Ye Li knew the Zhaoyang Princess doted on her niece and didn’t mind, replying with a gentle smile, "Your Highness flatters me. Though His Majesty entrusted me with this matter, as you know, I’m young and have never handled such affairs before. There’s much I don’t fully understand, so I dare not rush to conclusions. Thus, I truly couldn’t answer Princess Zhaoren’s question earlier. Please forgive me."

The Zhaoyang Princess smiled. "Princess Zhaoren only asked out of concern for Ronghua. Please don’t take it to heart, Princess Ding."

"Your Highness, Prince Ding has arrived," a palace maid announced from outside the pavilion.The empress turned to look at Ye Li with a smile and said, "It's said that Prince Ding and his princess are deeply in love. I originally didn't believe it, but now I do. How could Prince Ding not wait just this little while? Please invite Prince Ding over."

Before long, Mo Xiuyao arrived at a leisurely pace. Standing outside the pavilion, he glanced at the people inside and said with a faint smile, "Empress, pardon my intrusion."

The empress smiled and said, "Prince Ding, have you come to take your princess back?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded slightly, his eyes smiling as he looked at Ye Li. "A Li and I have some matters to attend to and must return to the residence early. I apologize for interrupting your enjoyment, Empress." The empress waved her hand and laughed. "Enough. It's no wonder Prince Ding and his princess are so inseparable after being apart for so long. Today, I just wanted to see how Princess Ding has been after not meeting for so long. Now that we've met, Prince Ding may take his princess away." Mo Xiuyao thanked her softly, took Ye Li's hand, nodded to the Zhaoyang Princess, and then took his leave.

The two walked hand in hand through the Imperial Garden, where the noblewomen admiring the flowers tactfully made way. Although Mo Xiuyao had recovered physically, the mask covering half his face still intimidated many. After all, there were once rumors that one of his fiancées had died of fright upon seeing his disfigured face. Moreover, with the current delicate political situation in the court, even those who admired Prince Ding's demeanor wouldn't dare approach him for conversation in the Imperial Garden.

Ye Li was naturally in good spirits at the prospect of leaving the palace early. The faint fragrance drifting through the Imperial Garden accompanied her as she strolled leisurely beside Mo Xiuyao, enjoying the peaceful moment. Yet she didn't forget to ask about his mood. "What's wrong? Did the emperor say something? You don't seem to be in a good mood." Mo Xiuyao glanced at her sideways and asked, "What was in your tea earlier?"

Ye Li looked at him in surprise. Had he already learned about what happened in the pavilion so quickly?

"Probably something like musk or safflower. Qingyu went to check, and we should have the results when we return." Seeing his grim expression, she decided to share what she knew, though she was also curious about why such things had been added to her tea. While those substances did have some effect on the body, their impact on her now was minimal. She couldn't understand why someone would take the risk to put those things in her tea—even a dose of laxatives would have been more effective. Mo Xiuyao stopped walking and turned to look at her. "A Li, do you not know what those medicines do?"

"They promote blood circulation... relieve pain..."

"A Li, after we return, you will study pharmacology with Shen for a month." After a long silence, Mo Xiuyao finally spoke.Pharmacology? Ye Li's lips twitched slightly. Alright, she wasn't unaware of those two supposed additional effects, but... it was also said that those claims were completely unreliable. Besides... it wouldn't have any effect on them anyway? Although Mo Xiuyao was angry, he still didn't let go of Ye Li's hand, pulling her as they walked out of the Imperial Garden. Seeing that Mo Xiuyao wasn't speaking to her and was just walking ahead, Ye Li found it somewhat novel—she had never seen Mo Xiuyao angry, or rather, she had never seen him angry with her. She tugged at his hand. "Xiu Yao..." Mo Xiuyao glanced at her but remained silent. Ye Li sighed helplessly. Fine, it was her fault for acting so indifferent.

"Are you really angry? It's not that I don't care, it's just... it doesn't affect us, so I wasn't that tense..." Ye Li couldn't help but inwardly scorn herself. Mo Xiuyao was just not talking to her—why was she explaining herself? Of course she was angry about being drugged in the palace, and she could even guess who was behind it. She had already mostly planned her retaliation. It was just that what they had used was so unexpected that she had acted a bit casually. Why wasn't Mo Xiuyao angry at the person who drugged them but instead angry with her? Most importantly, why did she feel the need to justify herself to him?

"No effect?" Mo Xiuyao lifted Ye Li's delicate face to meet his, his deep gaze locking onto her troubled eyes. Ye Li wasn't used to being in such a vulnerable position and squirmed uncomfortably. "Yes, I know that drug supposedly has... that kind of effect... but we didn't... and that claim seems unreliable anyway. Besides, I didn't drink it." Was Mo Xiuyao really worried that if she had been drugged with that, she would... become infertile? Watching Mo Xiuyao's still oppressive aura, Ye Li belatedly wondered.

"A Li..."

"Prince Ding, Princess Ding, what are you doing here?" Just as Mo Xiuyao was about to speak, a cool female voice overrode his. Both turned to see Consort Liu standing under a white crabapple tree in the distance, dressed in white like an ice fairy.

Consort Liu's gaze swept lightly over Ye Li, lingered briefly on Mo Xiuyao, and finally settled on their clasped hands. Mo Xiuyao seemed unbothered by her stare, nodding indifferently. "Consort Liu. This prince and A Li are just leaving the palace. Farewell." A fleeting, inscrutable emotion flashed across Consort Liu's coldly beautiful face. She bit her red lips, staring at Mo Xiuyao for a long moment before turning to Ye Li with a slight frown. "Princess Ding, this consort has something to discuss privately with Prince Ding." Ye Li raised an eyebrow in surprise. If she wanted to speak with Mo Xiuyao alone, shouldn't she have asked him directly? Was Consort Liu implying that Ye Li should voluntarily step aside? Truly befitting the most favored imperial concubine in the palace—this commanding presence was something other consorts could never hope to match.Ye Li was about to speak when Mo Xiuyao tightened his grip on her hand. She looked up and met his deep, angry eyes, then turned to Consort Liu apologetically. "I'm truly sorry, but the prince and I have urgent matters to attend to and must leave the palace. I'm afraid we won't have time to chat with you today."

Consort Liu frowned and glanced at Mo Xiuyao, who said indifferently, "We take our leave."

Consort Liu's face paled, her hands clenching tightly beneath her sleeves. She gave Ye Li a long, searching look before turning away without a word.

Watching Consort Liu's resolute departure, Ye Li couldn't help but worry as she turned to Mo Xiuyao. "Will she... be alright?" She had, of course, heard of Consort Liu's feelings for Mo Xiuyao, though to her knowledge, the two had never met privately. Still, she couldn't deny that Mo Xiuyao's merciless rejection had lifted her spirits considerably.

"Let's return to the manor," Mo Xiuyao said, as if ignoring her question entirely, and pulled her away.

Once they had left the palace and returned home, Ye Li sighed helplessly at Mo Xiuyao, who remained silent and sullen. "Are you still angry?" she asked. People who rarely got angry were always the hardest to deal with when they did. The entire journey back, he hadn't spoken a word. She had grown so accustomed to his gentle smiles and voice that his current silence and stern expression left her deeply unsettled. "I know you're worried about me. It was my fault—I shouldn’t have been so careless, alright?" She mentally consoled herself—he was throwing a tantrum, and she shouldn’t stoop to his level. Heaven knew she hadn’t meant to take the matter lightly. Mo Jingqi, just you wait!

Mo Xiuyao gave her a cool glance before turning away to sit down.

Ye Li felt a vein throb in her forehead. She had only ever heard of men coaxing women—how had their roles reversed? Mo Xiuyao, are you seriously this childish? Fine. Ye Li, be the bigger person.

"Xiu Yao... you're still upset? Then... I'll go to the study to handle today's affairs. We can talk once you've calmed down." Having little experience in placating others, Ye Li decided retreat was her best option. It wasn’t that she lacked patience or courage—it was just that Mo Xiuyao’s anger made her deeply uncomfortable. His usually refined and gentle face was now expressionless, not so much furious as sorrowful, making her wonder if she had committed some unforgivable sin. If she stayed any longer, she might resort to desperate measures to beg his forgiveness and cheer him up. So... sensing danger, Ye Li resolved to make a swift exit.

"A Li..." A hand caught hers, and with a slight tug, Mo Xiuyao pulled the fleeing woman back into his arms. Ye Li flushed in embarrassment at their current position—Mo Xiuyao seated on the chair, her pulled into his lap with no choice but to sit on his legs. Though they had shared a bed many nights, their relationship had remained entirely proper. This sudden intimacy left her utterly flustered."That... Mo Xiuyao, could you... let go of me first?" Ye Li swallowed hard, feeling utterly helpless. She didn’t want to appear so useless—no matter who she faced, she could always handle things with ease. But when it came to Mo Xiuyao, she sometimes doubted her own intelligence. Mo Xiuyao gazed at her quietly, his eyes deep and somber. "A Li, what do you consider me to you?"

"What... what do you mean?" Ye Li felt like crying. She must have been insane to think Mo Xiuyao was upset. The most sensible thing to do right now was to break free from him and leave immediately. Her instincts as a special forces soldier warned her that staying any longer would lead to something... not good. "Well... didn’t we get married long ago? Of course, I consider you my husband..."

His dark eyes flickered slightly. "Then... have we forgotten something all this time?"

"Forgotten... what?" Ye Li asked blankly. Mo Xiuyao leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against the smooth skin of her neck. His clean, elegant scent made her feel inexplicably feverish and weak.

"Consummate the marriage," Mo Xiuyao whispered softly into her ear.

Boom!

Ye Li’s mind seemed to explode, leaving her utterly blank. But Mo Xiuyao had no intention of giving her time to think. Gently tilting her delicate chin, he lowered his head and captured her soft lips.

"Mo... Mo Xiuyao..." Compared to their previous kiss outside Snowbreak Pass, Mo Xiuyao was much gentler this time. Yet it was precisely this tenderness that made Ye Li even less inclined to resist. Among married couples, there were probably only the two of them who hadn't consummated their marriage after a year. Ye Li understood clearly that Mo Xiuyao was giving her time to prepare mentally. But as for herself... Ye Li wasn't sure if she was truly ready to accept Mo Xiuyao. Or rather, she wondered... if she had fallen in love with him at all.

"A Li..." Scattered kisses lingered by Ye Li's lips, trailing across her jade-like cheeks to tenderly brush against her delicate earlobes and graceful neck. "A Li..."

Perhaps it was the intimate atmosphere in the room, or Mo Xiuyao's husky yet melodious whispers, or those lingering, feather-light kisses. Ye Li hated how she always seemed to be at a disadvantage when facing Mo Xiuyao, so she made a bold decision. She sat up, wrapped her arms around Mo Xiuyao's neck, and pressed her crimson lips to his. "Mo Xiuyao... do you like me?"

Mo Xiuyao was momentarily taken aback, then smiled candidly. "Yes, didn't A Li already know that?"

Ye Li tilted her head to look at him, a radiant smile lighting up her starry eyes. "In that case, this princess permits you to like me."

In a dizzying whirl, Ye Li found herself no longer by the table but lying on the bed. Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly against her shoulder before finally lifting his head to gaze down at her. "A Li, merely liking you isn't enough." A spark flickered in Ye Li's heart as a breathtaking smile curved her lips. She hooked her arms around Mo Xiuyao's shoulders and raised an eyebrow. "Then this princess permits you to love me."

"And if the price is that you can never leave me, would you still permit it, A Li?" Mo Xiuyao asked quietly.

Ye Li paused. "Forever... perhaps. But in return, you must belong only to me as well?" she countered with a raised brow.

"Then... I love you, A Li. As you wish, in this lifetime, there will only be A Li..." He reclaimed those lips that belonged solely to him. As if ignited in an instant, waves of passion surged within the silk tent. Soft moans and breaths spilled from behind the layered curtains, prompting a clever maid outside to close the door with a knowing smile before slipping away.

Long after the storm had passed...

Mo Xiuyao lay on his side, watching the slumbering woman beside him. Faint marks adorned her exposed shoulders, and her usually elegant or radiant face still bore a lingering flush, making her appear exceptionally serene and alluring. Gently stroking her delicate cheek, he pressed a light kiss to her forehead. The gloom and shadows that had once clouded his expression seemed to have completely dissipated, replaced by a buoyant joy in his gentle eyes.

"A Li... A Li..." Recalling their earlier intimacy, he couldn't resist kissing her sleeping face again. His A Li was finally... his. Countless days and nights, countless times he had resented the heavens' injustice and cursed his enemies. His incomplete body had made him afraid to touch this one-of-a-kind woman. Now, he could possess her completely. For this, he was willing to give everything..."Mmm... Xiu Yao..." Ye Li drowsily opened her eyes. The recent lovemaking had drained too much of her energy, and she gazed half-asleep at the man before her, murmuring softly.

Mo Xiuyao gently pressed a kiss to her lips. "It's alright, sleep now. We can talk about anything after you wake up."

"Mm." Ye Li nodded vaguely, nuzzling into his slightly cool embrace before drifting back to sleep.

"A Li, in this lifetime, you are the only one for me..."

–––––– Author's Note ––––––

Well... this chapter feels a bit stiff. Bear with it for now, dear readers. I'll think about whether I can revise it later—it doesn't really affect the plot anyway. Though I'm not sure if any changes would just make it more melodramatic~ Looking back at my past writings, it seems I've always glossed over such scenes in under a hundred words, leaving me nothing to reference. Xiu Yao is so devoted, but... this man is absolutely and irredeemably scheming~ I'll tell you more about that later, haha.