On this day, an unexpected guest arrived at Marquis Muyang Manor—someone who would never have appeared there before. Upon receiving the steward’s report, Marquis Muyang froze momentarily before his expression stiffened. Standing beside him, Mu Yang, his handsome face somewhat haggard, furrowed his brow in confusion. Though his wedding was just days away, there was no trace of joy on the young man’s face. Seeing his father’s ashen and rigid expression, Mu Yang’s lingering resentment softened, and he asked in a low voice, "Father, what’s wrong?"
Marquis Muyang glanced up at him, forcing a faint smile. "It’s nothing… I need to go meet with the Princess of the State."
Mu Yang frowned, noting his father’s visibly poor complexion. "Let me accompany you. I’ve met Princess Ding a few times before." Marquis Muyang paused, moved by his son’s obvious concern, but shook his head. "No need. The Princess likely has official business to discuss with me. I’ll handle it alone." Seeing his insistence, Mu Yang could say no more.
In the study of Marquis Muyang Manor, Ye Li stood with her hands behind her back, leisurely admiring the famous paintings on the wall, while Zhuo Jing stood respectfully at her side. When Marquis Muyang entered and saw the slender figure standing with her back to him, he froze briefly before quickly composing himself and bowing. "Greetings to the Princess of the State."
Ye Li turned and smiled. "No need for formalities, Marquis. I apologize for disturbing your peace with my sudden visit." Her voice was light and pleasant, but the word "peace" seemed deliberately emphasized. To Marquis Muyang, those two words struck like a thunderbolt, making his heart lurch. He forced a smile. "You jest, Princess. Your presence honors my humble manor. Please, have a seat."
Ye Li took a seat without ceremony. After a maid served tea, Marquis Muyang glanced at Ye Li and Zhuo Jing hesitantly. "This gentleman…"
"No need for courtesy, Marquis. I am merely the Princess’s subordinate," Zhuo Jing said coolly.
Though Zhuo Jing referred to himself as a servant, Marquis Muyang dared not treat him as an ordinary one. While no one knew Zhuo Jing’s true origins, over the past two months, most of the Princess’s affairs had been handled by him and Lin Han. It was clear that these two were her most trusted confidants.
Ye Li smiled at Zhuo Jing. "Take a seat, Zhuo Jing. Surely you don’t expect the Marquis and me to crane our necks looking up at you the entire time?"
Zhuo Jing murmured an apology and sat in the lowest seat.
Silence settled over the study as the three sipped their tea, as if testing one another’s patience. Marquis Muyang’s gaze flickered subtly between Ye Li and Zhuo Jing. Though his expression remained amiable, inwardly he was sweating. No wonder the Emperor is so wary of the Princess of the State. Even knowing Prince Ding is absent from the estate, rendering any attack on it futile… The Princess’s composure at such a young age was extraordinary—her future would undoubtedly be limitless.
After a long pause, Marquis Muyang sighed softly and looked at Ye Li. "Princess, to what do I owe the honor of your visit?"
Ye Li smiled faintly. "No honor, Marquis. I’ve come on someone’s behalf to inquire about a certain matter."Marquis Muyang set down his teacup and said, "The Princess Consort may speak freely. This Marquis will certainly answer all questions without reservation."
Ye Li smiled faintly, "Then I thank the Marquis. I merely wish to ask the Marquis a question on someone's behalf—does the Marquis remember a man named Mu Qingcang?"
Marquis Muyang's hand trembled slightly, nearly knocking over the teacup beside him, but he quickly steadied himself. Zhuo Jing, sitting nearby, raised an eyebrow as he clearly saw the Marquis's hand clench tightly at his side, obviously forcing himself to relax. The Marquis forced a smile, "Of course this Marquis knows of him. Mu Qingcang is hailed as the Number One Expert of Great Chu, ranked even above His Highness Prince Ding in the world. Who wouldn't know of him?" Ye Li lowered her head to sip tea and replied mildly, "What the Marquis says is true. Incidentally, Mu Qingcang shares the same surname as the Marquis. Might the Marquis know him personally?"
After a moment of silence, Marquis Muyang finally said gravely, "Though I have long admired his reputation, regrettably, I have never had the honor of meeting him."
"Does the Marquis truly not know Mu Qingcang?" Zhuo Jing suddenly interjected.
The Marquis frowned, displeased. "What does Young Master Zhuo mean by this? Are you suggesting this Marquis is lying?"
Zhuo Jing arched his sword-like brows slightly but remained silent, as if tacitly agreeing with the Marquis's words. Seeing the Marquis about to lose his temper, Ye Li set down her cup and smiled, "Please don't be angry, Marquis. It's just that a few days ago, we apprehended an assassin in our estate who claimed to be Mu Qingcang and an old acquaintance of yours. That's why I took the liberty to inquire. If the Marquis truly doesn't know him, then so be it—after all, he's merely an assassin. Once in the hands of the Ding Royal Palace, what trouble could he possibly stir?" Marquis Muyang knitted his brows, "An assassin? But the assassins Prince Ding's Estate handed over to the Dali Court didn't include..." He trailed off mid-sentence. The significance of the assassins the estate had transferred was something everyone tacitly understood, just as it was common knowledge that the estate was aware of the masterminds behind the various assassins yet never disclosed them. That the estate had kept more important captives was an open secret. However, the recent battle at the Ding Royal Palace had left all parties trembling with fear, and for the time being, no one would dare attempt a prison break there.
Ye Li smiled apologetically at the Marquis, "Since the Marquis is unaware, I've troubled you unnecessarily. There are still many matters awaiting me at the estate, so I shall take my leave now."
In his agitation, the Marquis blurted out, "How does the Princess Consort intend to deal with that Mu Qingcang?"
A faint, icy smile touched Ye Li's lips, "He's just an assassin. Execution will suffice."
A chill ran down the Marquis's spine as he watched Ye Li rise and depart with Zhuo Jing. As they reached the doorway, Zhuo Jing suddenly turned back to look at the dazed Marquis and said, "The Princess Consort has decided to execute all the assassins tonight in honor of the soldiers who fell defending Prince Ding's Estate. If the Marquis wishes to see anyone, it would be best to act quickly." A flicker passed through the Marquis's eyes as he forced a smile, "Young Master Zhuo jests. This Marquis has no one to see." Zhuo Jing gave an indifferent nod before following Ye Li out.Until the sound of their footsteps completely faded at the end of the corridor, Muyanghou (Marquis Muyang), who had been rigidly maintaining his posture of rising to see off guests, suddenly collapsed back into his chair as if all his strength had been drained. A trace of exhaustion and guilt flashed through his aged yet sharp eyes, but what dominated was a certain resolute and determined disregard for everything.
"Father." Mu Yang appeared at the doorway at some point, looking at his rarely seen despondent father with a complex expression. "Father, did Princess Ding say something that troubled you?"
Muyanghou waved his hand and smiled. "It's nothing. Yang'er, you're about to get married. Don't worry about these matters for now. I'll handle these trivial matters properly. You just focus on being a good groom."
Mu Yang frowned and said solemnly, "Father, I am also a descendant of the Mu family. Is there anything you can't tell me?"
Muyanghou replied, "There really isn't anything. Yang'er, you're overthinking."
Mu Yang said, "I'm not a fool. Father, what does the incident with the assassins at Prince Ding's Estate the other night have to do with our manor? Otherwise, why would Princess Ding—"
"Silence!" Muyanghou suddenly roared sharply, his gaze fierce and cold as he stared at Mu Yang. "Remember this clearly: the affairs of Prince Ding's Estate have nothing to do with our Mu family!"
In truth, this reaction itself already spoke volumes. Mu Yang looked at his father with a headache and sighed. "Father, do you know what you're doing?" Muyanghou was taken aback, then lowered his eyes and said, "Father is doing this for the prosperity of Marquis Muyang Manor for generations to come. Yang'er, don't worry, nothing will happen. You may leave." Mu Yang wanted to say more, but seeing his father's expression, he swallowed his words and silently retreated from the study.
Back at Ding Royal Palace, Ye Li turned to look at Zhuo Jing, who was following her, and said calmly, "Are you satisfied with this outcome?"
Zhuo Jing remained silent for a long moment before suddenly raising his hand to his face. A thin leather mask was peeled off, revealing a face marked by sorrow and weariness beneath. In truth, Mu Qingcang's disguise wasn't very similar to Zhuo Jing's actual appearance, but few had ever seen Zhuo Jing to begin with—at least Muyanghou had never met him. Moreover, Zhuo Jing had always maintained an expressionless demeanor in front of outsiders, so even Muyanghou hadn't noticed anything amiss with the stiff-faced Mu Qingcang. Mu Qingcang bowed his head and said indifferently, "A bet is a bet."
Ye Li showed no hint of triumph, merely stating, "It was just a transaction. Now, tell me the information you know."
"Aren't you afraid I'll break the agreement?"
Ye Li sneered. "If you break the agreement, I'll kill Muyanghou!"
Mu Qingcang closed his eyes wearily and said, "I understand. I'll tell you what I know. Ask away."
Ye Li wiped the smile from her face and looked at the man before her with solemn gravity. "How did the former King Ding, Mo Xiuwen, die?"
Mu Qingcang was startled, not expecting her to ask such a question right away. Nevertheless, he answered frankly, "I killed him."
Ye Li raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Mu Qingcang continued, "Back then, I was ordered to go to the border where the war with Northern Rong was taking place. I poisoned Mo Xiuwen's water, making it look like he died of illness." Ye Li stared at him coldly and said with a mocking laugh, "Mr. Mu, you certainly dare to say anything."Mu Qingcang remained indifferent and said calmly, "Since I've made a promise to the princess consort, I naturally intend to keep it. If the princess consort feels it's too much to hear, then consider my words unsaid."
Ye Li snorted lightly and replied, "Mr. Mu, leaving half your words unspoken naturally makes me hesitant to listen."
Lowering his gaze, Mu Qingcang said, "With the princess consort's intelligence and wisdom, do you really need me to elaborate on the rest?" Ye Li closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and said, "Very well. I won't ask you about the mastermind behind this, Mr. Mu. Please tell me everything you know. And... I cannot guarantee your safety."
Mu Qingcang replied indifferently, "It matters not. At this point, life or death makes no difference to me."
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