Mo Li

After leaving the Imperial Garden, Mo Jingqi had already sent people to wait at the exit. With such a major incident occurring in the palace, it was impossible for everyone to simply disperse and go back to wash up and sleep. Although there were quite a few assassins who infiltrated the palace, compared to the nearly thousand Inner Court Guards, they were merely a drop in the bucket. The reason they could cause such a commotion was solely due to the element of surprise. However, this incident revealed that the palace's defenses were not as tight as one might imagine. No wonder the shadow guards of Prince Ding's Estate privately looked down upon these Imperial Guards and Inner Court Guards with some pride. At least in the past hundred years, no assassin had ever managed to break into the Ding Royal Palace.

Frightened by the assassins, Mo Jingqi naturally couldn't sleep. He moved with his shaken ministers to the Dragon Soaring Hall, where political affairs were usually handled. As Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao approached the entrance, they could hear Mo Jingqi's furious scolding inside, clearly reprimanding the guards for their negligence. Ye Li raised an eyebrow—she remembered that the current Commander of the Imperial Guards was Leng Haoyu's elder brother, Leng Qingyu?

Upon entering the hall, they indeed saw a young man kneeling on the ground with his head bowed, listening respectfully to Mo Jingqi's reprimands. He bore some resemblance to Leng Haoyu. When the two entered, Mo Jingqi finally suppressed his urge to continue berating the man and instead gazed thoughtfully at the couple who had arrived hand in hand. "Why is Princess Ding with Prince Ding?" he asked. Ye Li smiled faintly and replied, "Your Majesty, Ye Li was worried about my husband's safety, so I took some people to search for him. In the rush, I didn’t have time to inform Your Majesty. Please forgive my oversight." Mo Jingqi gave Ye Li a complicated look before forcing a smile. "The deep affection between Prince Ding and Princess Ding is truly a beautiful tale in Great Chu. It’s only natural for the princess to worry about her husband. How could I possibly blame you?" Ye Li appeared to relax slightly and said, "Ye Li thanks Your Majesty for your understanding."

"How is my beloved Princess Zhenning?" Mo Jingqi turned his gaze to Mo Xiuyao and asked.

Mo Xiuyao nodded faintly. "Princess Zhenning was slightly frightened but unharmed."

"That’s good," Mo Jingqi said with a smile. "Zhenning is my beloved daughter. If anything had happened to her, both my consort and I would have been heartbroken." Though he was smiling, Ye Li couldn’t detect even a trace of genuine joy in his expression.

"What does Prince Ding think of tonight’s events?" Mo Jingqi asked, staring intently at Mo Xiuyao.

Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly in thought. "This subject does not know, but... it likely wasn’t aimed at Your Majesty." Although most of the guards had been protecting the emperor at the time, the assassins made no attempt to break through their defenses to attack him. Even if they had succeeded in killing all the ministers upstairs, it would have at most angered the emperor without causing any substantial impact—just a reshuffling of the court. "However... Commander Leng, may I ask why the Imperial Guards arrived so late?" Turning, Mo Xiuyao directed his question at Leng Qingyu, who was still kneeling on the ground.

Leng Qingyu looked up at Mo Xiuyao and replied solemnly, "At the time, the assassins split into several groups and attacked other parts of the palace. This official was momentarily careless and fell for their diversion tactic. I beg Your Majesty to punish me.""A momentary oversight?" Mo Xiuyao gave a cold laugh. "It seems Lord Leng has completely forgotten the purpose of the Inner Court Guards' existence. Knowing that intruders had entered the palace, regardless of whether there were assassins at the Star Plucking Tower at the time, shouldn't your first priority have been to rush there to protect His Majesty? The Commander of the Imperial Guards, no less, actually fell for the enemy's diversionary tactic—perhaps it's time to consider replacing you in this position." Leng Qingyu's already icy expression stiffened further, but he knew Prince Ding was right. Tonight's incident was indeed his dereliction of duty, and no matter what Mo Xiuyao said, he had no grounds for rebuttal.

"Enough," Mo Jingqi frowned. "Qingyu was indeed negligent tonight. He shall be fined half a year's salary. The palace guards must also be thoroughly reorganized. If such negligence occurs again, I will not be lenient." By saying this, Mo Jingqi was effectively letting Leng Qingyu off without punishment. The Leng family's wealth was vast—losing half a year's salary meant nothing. For anyone else, such an offense would likely have cost them their head or at least their official position. But since the emperor had already spoken, no one else dared to say more. Hearing Mo Jingqi's words, Mo Xiuyao lowered his head and refrained from further argument.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao remain silent, Mo Jingqi nodded in satisfaction and asked, "Shall we entrust the investigation of tonight's incident to Prince Ding? I trust you will give me a swift resolution?"

Mo Xiuyao frowned. "Your Majesty, forgive me, but in a month's time, I must depart for Northern Rong. There are also matters concerning the Northern Rong prince and numerous affairs in my own household. I fear I will have no time to spare."

Mo Jingqi paused, then relented. "An oversight on my part. Very well. I will assign Prime Minister Liu to handle this matter."

Mo Xiuyao had no objections—not that Mo Jingqi would have listened even if he did.

After leaving the palace, Ye Li looked curiously at Mo Xiuyao in the carriage. "Were you helping Leng Qingyu?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled at her, raising an eyebrow. "You noticed?"

Ye Li pursed her lips. "It was too obvious." Anyone could see that Mo Xiuyao had deliberately targeted Leng Qingyu earlier in the hall. But by the same token, even if Mo Xiuyao disliked Leng Qingyu, there was no need to kick him while he was down at such a moment. And given Mo Jingqi's temperament, he would inevitably protect whomever Mo Xiuyao sought to demote. Without Mo Xiuyao's pointed criticism, Mo Jingqi would never have let Leng Qingyu off with just a half-year salary reduction, no matter how much he trusted him. "Since when are you and Leng Qingyu so close? Was it out of consideration for Leng Er?"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Leng Er doesn't need me to do him favors. Besides... even if it were a beggar on the roadside, he wouldn't ask me to help his elder brother."

Ye Li lowered her gaze in thought before looking up at him again. "Are you trying to drive a wedge between Mo Jingqi and the Leng family?"Mo Xiuyao leaned leisurely against the carriage and smiled, "My wife is truly clever. This is just a minor tactic. Mo Jingqi will figure it out soon enough. However, that man Mo Jingqi—even if he understands it clearly in his heart, he can't help but remain slightly wary of Leng Qingyu with even the slightest suspicion. This will make it easier for us to add fuel to the fire later if needed." Ye Li understood—this was laying the groundwork in advance. If Mo Jingqi and the Ding Royal Palace coexisted peacefully in the future, Leng Qingyu would naturally remain the emperor's trusted confidant. But if things reached an unavoidable point, Mo Jingqi's close associates would naturally fall within the scope of those the Ding Royal Palace needed to eliminate. Thinking of Mo Xiuyao's impending journey to Northern Rong in just over a month, Ye Li couldn't help but frown, an inexplicable unease lingering in her heart.

"What's wrong, A Li?" Mo Xiuyao asked softly, looking down at her furrowed brows.

Ye Li raised her head to meet his gaze. "What are your plans for the trip to Northern Rong?"

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "A Li, don’t worry. The Northern Rong people won’t openly confront me. There will inevitably be underhanded schemes, but who has the Ding Royal Palace ever feared all these years?" Ye Li frowned. "It’s still best to be cautious." Knowing she was worried about him, Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his arms and said gently, "I understand. Don’t worry, A Li. I’ll return safely." Ye Li nodded solemnly, her hand unconsciously clutching the fabric of his robe.

Early the next morning, while Ye Li was still practicing martial arts in the training grounds, Head Steward Mo hurried over to report that the Northern Rong prince had come to visit. Ye Li knew that with just over a month left, time was tight. Not only did they need to select a suitable candidate for the marriage alliance, but they also had to teach the chosen woman the etiquette and customs of the royal court—none of which could be accomplished overnight. Since the founding of the Great Chu, princesses had rarely been sent to foreign lands for marriage alliances. Even when such alliances did occur, preparations typically took nearly a year. This time, Mo Jingqi had suddenly agreed to the alliance with Northern Rong, and the terms were so lax it was almost laughable. Though no one truly took this marriage alliance seriously, they still had to go through the motions for appearances' sake.

"Is His Highness here?" Ye Li asked, flipping her sword back into its sheath hanging nearby.

Head Steward Mo replied, "Third Master Feng came to see His Highness early this morning. His Highness has already left."

Ye Li nodded. "Invite Prince Yelv to the main hall and bring the Register of Names of the noble ladies from the capital that we compiled the other day."

"Princess Consort, the gates of Prince Ding's Estate are truly difficult to enter," Yelv Ye's laughter rang out from afar before Head Steward Mo could respond. Beyond the crescent-shaped gate, Yelv Ye narrowed his eyes at the Ding Royal Palace guards blocking his path, his expression calm but inwardly regretting that he couldn’t force his way in. Truly worthy of the Ding Royal Palace, which had thwarted countless assassins and spies. Its defenses were at least ten times stricter than those of the Great Chu imperial palace. Facing the indifferent guards, Yelv Ye didn’t press forward—he knew that if these men refused him entry, he wouldn’t be able to break through their encirclement quickly. Besides... angering the beauty would be a loss not worth the gain."Step aside," Ye Li said softly as she appeared behind the guards with Head Steward Mo. The guards silently obeyed and withdrew, while Yelv Ye raised his sword-like brows to examine the woman before him. Unlike previous encounters, Ye Li was dressed simply in a white martial outfit with an emerald belt tied at her waist. Her dark hair was casually tied up without any adornments, and though she wore no makeup, her features were strikingly elegant, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Yelv Ye smiled. "Have I disturbed the Princess of the State?"

Ye Li looked at him with a faintly mocking expression. "If the prince were truly concerned about disturbing me, why force your way in?"

Yelv Ye grinned innocently. "I merely wished to admire the beauty of Ding Royal Palace. Who knew it would be so heavily guarded?"

Seeing no need to refute such an excuse, Ye Li gave a light smile. "Prince, please proceed to the front hall for tea. I must excuse myself first."

"Wait." Yelv Ye stepped forward, but Head Steward Mo moved to block him, smiling politely. "Prince, please restrain yourself."

Yelv Ye laughed heartily. "Were you practicing martial arts just now, Princess? I’ve always been curious about Central Plains martial techniques. Might I have the honor of a friendly spar with you?"

Head Steward Mo replied, "Ding Royal Palace is filled with masters. If the prince wishes to spar, I can select a few to exchange moves with you. Even this old servant can entertain you briefly."

Yelv Ye grinned at Ye Li. "I’m well aware that Ding Royal Palace has no shortage of experts. However… I’d like to experience the Princess of the State’s skills firsthand."

Ye Li said coolly, "I thought we already crossed swords last night. Besides… the prince’s own martial arts were learned from our Central Plains, were they not? If so, why claim curiosity now?"

Yelv Ye was taken aback. His skills had indeed been taught by a Central Plains master, but he had deliberately avoided using them in their previous encounters. Had he failed to conceal them? "The Princess has sharp eyes. Last night’s brief exchange was regrettably rushed. Might I have the pleasure of a proper match today?"

Ye Li lowered her gaze and turned. "Very well, Prince Yelv. After you." With that, she led the way inside. Watching her retreating figure, Yelv Ye smirked in amusement and followed eagerly.

Entering the training grounds behind the walls, however, left Yelv Ye somewhat disappointed. The Martial Arts Field, hidden deep within the forbidden rear courtyards of Ding Royal Palace, was no different from any other. But upon reflection, it made sense—Mo Xiuyao had been crippled for seven or eight years and had no use for such a place. Besides, even if the palace held secrets, they wouldn’t be openly displayed where intruders might stumble upon them—though no one had ever successfully broken in before.

What he didn’t know was that just half a month ago, this place had looked entirely different. Ye Li had removed the simplified training setups once she found better alternatives, and daily drills no longer required them.

Ye Li walked to the center of the Martial Arts Field and turned to face Yelv Ye, who had followed behind. Calmly, she said, "Prince Yelv, after you."Yelv Ye couldn't help but frown. Only now did he realize that this Princess of the State wasn't as easy to deal with as he had imagined. He didn't believe Ye Li couldn't tell he wasn't genuinely interested in sparring with her, yet she deliberately pretended not to know, walking solemnly onto the Martial Arts Field and waiting for him to make the first move. She even adopted an expression that seemed to suggest she, as the host, would let him, the guest, take a few moves first as a courtesy. This left Yelv Ye both amused and exasperated. The idea of being given an advantage by a woman during a martial contest—if word got back to Northern Rong, his elder brother the Crown Prince would surely laugh himself to death. As the seventh prince of Northern Rong, his status was noble and his appearance extraordinary; even the bold and straightforward women of Northern Rong couldn't help but blush and grow shy in his presence. Yet this woman showed no reaction whatsoever despite his deliberate attempts to flirt with her. If a woman could remain so composed even when a remarkably outstanding man deliberately showed her favor, then it had to be said she was truly formidable.

As they walked toward the Martial Arts Field, Yelv Ye said with a smile, "Won't the Princess choose a weapon? Do you study the sword?"

Ye Li replied calmly, "As the Prince mentioned, I study the sword. How could I dare to embarrass myself with something I'm still learning?"

Yelv Ye nodded. "I also think the Princess is quite skilled with short weapons." Quite skilled was an understatement—remembering those two unexpected strikes from the previous night still sent a chill down his spine. "After you, Princess."

"After you," Ye Li said.