Mo Li

"Princess Ding, your skills are impressive." After casually dispatching the last assassin, Yelv Ye turned to Ye Li with admiration. The assassin had been too close to Yao Ji, and the angle from which Princess Ding had thrown the jade pendant was far from ideal—yet she had managed to deflect the hidden weapon without harming Yao Ji. Such precision was no mere stroke of luck; it required keen eyesight, impeccable technique, and precise control of force.

Ye Li, however, had no time to dwell on Yelv Ye’s praise. In the heat of the moment, she had snatched a jade pendant from Mo Xiuyao’s person to use as a makeshift hidden weapon. Only now, with the crisis averted, did she worry about the fate of the pendant. After all, anything Mo Xiuyao carried on him was surely no ordinary trinket.

As she moved to retrieve the fallen pendant, Mo Xiuyao caught her wrist and raised an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

Ye Li gave him an apologetic look. "I was just going to check on the pendant... Is it... important?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And if it is?"

Ye Li frowned, troubled. If it was merely expensive, that was one thing—but if it held sentimental value or served a special purpose, the matter would be far more complicated. Seeing her anxious expression, Mo Xiuyao’s mood brightened further. He pulled her into his arms, feigning distress. "It wasn’t anything irreplaceable, but it was my favorite jade pendant. Wife, what do you plan to do about it?"

Ye Li met his gaze. "Should I get you a new one?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded magnanimously. "Good, it’s settled then. But you must choose it yourself."

His cheerful demeanor only deepened Ye Li’s guilt. She silently berated herself for neglecting him. Since their marriage, Mo Xiuyao had personally overseen every aspect of her daily life—her food, clothing, and comforts—while she...

A pang of guilt struck her as she recalled that she had only ever gifted him a single robe last year, and even that had been prompted by a reminder from her attendants. The realization made her feel even worse. She nodded earnestly. "I’ll choose one myself."

"My wife is so kind..." Mo Xiuyao replied, satisfied.

Despite his assurances, Ye Li still retrieved the broken pieces of jade and carefully stored them in her pouch.

While the couple basked in their tender moment, an icy tension had settled over the other side of the scene, so palpable that even Yelv Ye, who had been watching the spectacle, instinctively stepped back.

Yao Ji stood pale and trembling, her earlier allure onstage utterly gone. The warm June night breeze did nothing to ease the chill that wracked her body as she hugged her arms tightly. Her colorful robes only accentuated her pallor and exhaustion.

Mu Yang watched her in silence, his expression conflicted. Finally, he sighed and said in a low voice, "Come, I’ll take you back."

Yao Ji took a step back, her voice cold. "There’s no need to trouble yourself, Young Master Mu. I know the way."

"Yao Ji!" Mu Yang’s voice hardened with displeasure. "Enough of this. Throwing an embroidered ball in a place like this—are you trying to ruin yourself?"Yao Ji raised her head, forcing a bitter smile onto her pale face. "Does the Young Master mean that it would be fine if I threw the Embroidered Ball in the Alluring City Quarter? The people there are ordinary commoners, while the Alluring City Quarter is frequented by nobles and wealthy merchants. At least it wouldn’t tarnish the reputation of the capital’s top dancer, would it?" A flash of frustration crossed Mu Yang’s eyes as he lowered his voice and said, "You know that’s not what I meant."

Yao Ji was highly respected in the capital—not just because she had the backing of the third son of the Feng family, the heir of Marquis Muyang, nor solely due to her unparalleled dancing skills, but more importantly because she never entertained guests privately, maintaining a reputation of purity. If Yao Ji were to truly... then starting tomorrow, those lustful noble playboys who had long coveted her would surely swarm the Alluring City Quarter. By then, no one could help her, as neither Marquis Muyang Manor nor the Feng family would oppose the entire capital’s nobility for the sake of a courtesan.

Yao Ji glanced at Ye Li standing nearby, her eyes tinged with sorrow and envy, then stepped forward slowly and bowed slightly to Mu Yang. "These past years, I am deeply grateful for the Young Master’s care. However... please do not come to see me again after today."

"Yao Ji!"

But she no longer looked at him. Instead, she nodded at Ye Li and turned away, walking step by step toward the end of the street. Ye Li frowned slightly and discreetly signaled for a shadow guard to follow and escort Yao Ji back to the Alluring City Quarter. Although the curfew was in effect, it was still dangerous for a woman to walk alone in the capital late at night. Mu Yang, frowning, made to chase after her, but Ye Li called out to stop him. "Young Master, wait."

Mu Yang turned back, looking at Ye Li in confusion. Ye Li asked solemnly, "What do you intend to do if you catch up to her?" Mu Yang frowned. "Naturally, to see her home." Ye Li replied, "And then what? I’ve met Yao Ji twice before—let me arrange for someone to escort her instead. Unless... the Young Master doesn’t trust me?" Mu Yang hesitated, looking at Ye Li. "But..."

"If the Young Master cannot give Yao Ji the future she desires, it’s better to make a clean break now. Though severing a wrist is painful, I believe a woman of Yao Ji’s pride will endure it. But if the Young Master continues to waver, you may end up hurting not one, but two women’s hearts." Ye Li spoke calmly, deliberately emphasizing "two women" as she fixed her gaze on Mu Yang, reminding him that he had responsibilities not only to Yao Ji but also to Miss Sun, to whom he was betrothed. Mu Yang stiffened, glaring at Ye Li in irritation. "You understand nothing!" Ye Li fell silent. Indeed, she understood nothing. She knew neither the history between Yao Ji and Mu Yang nor the circumstances between him and Miss Sun. Given Yao Ji’s status, if the Young Master’s household were willing—or if Yao Ji herself consented—she could likely enter Marquis Muyang Manor as a concubine. But given how things had escalated, whether due to Yao Ji’s unwillingness, Marquis Muyang’s disapproval, or the Sun family’s objections, it clearly wasn’t feasible. In that case, Mu Yang’s current indecision was far from beneficial.

"Let’s go back," Ye Li said after a moment of silence, looking up at Mo Xiuyao.Mo Xiuyao nodded, glanced at Mu Yang, and said indifferently, "Given the friendship between Marquis Muyang Manor and the Sun family, Marquis Muyang would never accept Yao Ji." Without waiting for Mu Yang's reaction, he nodded at Yelv Ye and led Ye Li toward Prince Ding's Estate. Mo Xiuyao's words seemed to darken Mu Yang's expression further. He stood frozen for a long moment before finally turning and walking in the opposite direction. Left behind, Yelv Ye watched the retreating figures with an amused lift of his brow. "An interesting woman. It seems Mo Xiuyao is indeed deeply devoted to Princess Ding..." He had clearly seen the jade pendant—a token bestowed by the founding emperor of Great Chu upon the first Prince Ding, Mo Lanyun, symbolizing the identity of King Ding. Over time, as the prestige of Ding Royal Palace grew, the pendant became more of an ordinary ornament, no longer needed to signify status. Yet for Prince Ding's Estate, its significance remained unmatched by any ordinary treasure.

"Mo Xiuyao... Mo Xiuyao... Is it wise to expose such an obvious weakness so openly? Or... do you simply not regard this prince as worthy of your attention?!"

A slender crescent moon hung in the night sky, casting a dim and chilly glow over the quiet streets. Walking hand in hand, Mo Xiuyao asked softly, "A Li, are you still worried?"

Ye Li paused, looking at him in confusion. Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Aren't you concerned about Yao Ji?" Ye Li sighed helplessly. "A woman as remarkable as Yao Ji... It's a pity her background in the pleasure quarters has brought her such hardship." Mo Xiuyao gazed down at her. "Do you wish to help her? If you spoke on her behalf, Marquis Muyang Manor might accept her." Ye Li shook her head. "Regardless of whether Yao Ji would even want it, forcing Marquis Muyang Manor to accept someone they reject—even if she entered, her life there would be miserable. Besides... isn’t Miss Sun Mu Yang’s rightful fiancée? What has she done to deserve being forced to accept a... rival? If Mu Yang truly loves Yao Ji above all else, he’ll handle it himself. If not... how can one have it both ways? My stance remains the same: when it’s time to let go, let go; when it’s time to cut ties, cut ties." Mo Xiuyao sighed softly. "A Li, you’re truly ruthless. If you intervened, both Marquis Muyang Manor and the Sun family would surely honor your request."

Ye Li shot him a sidelong glance. "If someone came to me asking for my favor to take in a woman as your concubine, I’d send her flying without a second thought. Why is His Highness so concerned about this? Do you have similar worries? No problem... I’m very reasonable. Just say the word yourself." She smiled sweetly, her expression playful. Mo Xiuyao rubbed his nose helplessly. "This prince will never have such worries in this lifetime. You needn’t concern yourself, A Li." Ye Li gave a light hum, offering no comment on his assurance.Upon returning to the estate, Mo Xiuyao was immediately summoned for discussions—clearly, Prince Ding's Estate had already received news of Yelv Ye's appearance in the capital. As Ye Li turned to head back to her quarters, Qin Feng appeared before her with a somewhat peculiar expression. Raising an eyebrow in puzzlement, she smiled and asked, "What is it? Has training been too lax lately? Shouldn’t you be resting?"

Qin Feng hesitated before speaking, "Princess, that Lady Yao Ji..."

Ye Li arched a brow, suddenly understanding. "So it was you who escorted Yao Ji back? How considerate of you, Commander Qin. Perhaps I should mention to An San that your training regimen could be intensified further. What about Yao Ji?"

Qin Feng grimaced but pressed on, "She collapsed by the roadside before we even reached Alluring City Quarter."

"And so?" Ye Li watched him with amused eyes, her teasing evident.

Qin Feng steeled himself. "No 'and so'... I merely escorted her back and came to report to you, Princess."

Ye Li sighed softly, studying him. "You pity her, don’t you?"

Qin Feng remained silent.

Ye Li’s voice turned solemn. "I pity her too. But many things cannot be resolved through sympathy alone, for our so-called kindness might inadvertently make others just as pitiable."

Qin Feng nodded in understanding. "This subordinate was mistaken. I beg your forgiveness, Princess."

Ye Li smiled faintly and recited, "The moon rises bright, the beauty fair. Graceful her form, my heart in care?"

Qin Feng stiffened, then swiftly turned and bolted away. "This subordinate takes his leave!"

Watching him flee as if for his life, Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle. Yet, recalling Yao Ji’s stiff, rigid posture as she departed, she could only sigh softly once more.

Having promised Mo Xiuyao to personally select a jade pendant for him—and remembering his birthday was approaching—Ye Li set out the next day with a few maids in tow. After browsing several familiar shops, she found no jade that suited her taste. She wasn’t in a hurry, however; truly exquisite jade was rare by nature. Some pieces were already carved into shapes she disliked, while others lacked the desired quality. Taking one directly from the estate’s treasury would feel insincere, so as she walked the streets, she pondered the dilemma with a slight headache.

"Princess Ding, what a coincidence to meet again!" A cheerful voice called from behind as she exited a jade emporium.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and turned to see a man standing leisurely with arms crossed not far away. She nodded. "Prince Yelv. Have you not yet paid your respects to His Majesty at the palace?"

Yelv Ye waved dismissively. "The bridal procession won’t arrive in the capital for some days yet. I’ve been taking this time to explore privately, so I won’t trouble your emperor just yet."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "In that case, I won’t disturb your leisure, Prince Yelv."

Coincidence? In a city this vast, meeting again the morning after their first encounter—how truly convenient.

Yelv Ye seemed oblivious to her aloofness and grinned. "This is my first visit to Chu’s capital, and I’m quite unfamiliar. Might the Princess do me the honor of playing host and showing me around?"Ye Li pursed her lips in a faint smile, her delicate face filled with apology. "I truly must apologize. I rarely go out, so I might not even be as familiar with the capital as you are, Prince. I'm afraid I won't be able to guide you. Speaking of which, you mentioned visiting the royal palace yesterday. My lord specifically waited at home this morning to receive Your Highness. It seems he waited in vain."

Yelv Ye's lips twitched as he smiled. "Princess, please forgive me. I merely thought it improper to privately visit the Ding Royal Palace before paying respects to His Majesty your emperor, lest it bring trouble to King Ding and yourself. Don't you agree, Princess?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "How thoughtful of you, Prince. I have some matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave first."

Watching Ye Li turn away without hesitation, Yelv Ye narrowed his eyes, a smile playing at his lips. "A few days ago, I acquired a piece of exquisite jadeite. I wonder if the Princess would be interested."

Hearing his words, Ye Li didn't turn back, nor did her steps falter for even a moment. Yelv Ye raised an eyebrow and continued, "Don't you want to know what that jade pendant you smashed yesterday really was?"

Ye Li slowly turned her head. Just as Yelv Ye began to show a smug smile, she said calmly, "Since my lord didn't mention it, it means he doesn't care. Whatever jade it was, it's already broken. If I wish to know, I'll ask him myself—why should I hear it from an outsider? Don't you agree, Prince?"

The smile gradually faded from Yelv Ye's face as he thoughtfully watched the woman's retreating figure. "No wonder she's earned Mo Xiuyao's favor. Truly fascinating. Princess Ding... we'll meet again."

--------Author's Note--------

Ahem... Yao Ji isn't a homewrecker—at least I didn't write her as one. Mu Yang isn't a scumbag either. This will be explained later, though they probably won't end up together~