Mo Li

Ye Li sat to the side, leisurely sipping tea as she watched the two men engage in a verbal sparring match. It was clear that Mo Jingli couldn’t compare to Mo Xiuyao not only in martial prowess but even in a battle of wits. Many people had told Ye Li about how flamboyant and unrestrained Mo Xiuyao had been in his youth, but the Mo Xiuyao she saw—especially now that he was past thirty—was mostly composed and measured. Yet at this moment, she truly caught a glimpse of that youthful arrogance and audacity in his calm, leisurely demeanor. No wonder Mo Jingli’s face darkened with rage.

Mo Jingli took a deep breath and glared at Mo Xiuyao. “Fine, I’ll take your word for it. I won’t interfere with your affairs in the capital, but you’d better not do anything unnecessary either.” Mo Xiuyao glanced at him disdainfully. “Do you really think the little games you and Mo Jingqi are playing are that interesting? Watching too much of it might damage my brain.”

Mo Jingli didn’t bother continuing the argument—he knew he was no match for Mo Xiuyao. Now that he had obtained Mo Xiuyao’s promise, he naturally had no desire to stay and endure further humiliation. He stood up, cast a glance at Ye Li, then turned and strode out of the courtyard.

“A Li, did you see? He can’t even win an argument against me. Don’t you think marrying your husband was the best decision ever? A match made in heaven, right?”

Without waiting for Mo Jingli to even leave the courtyard, Mo Xiuyao reached across the chessboard to grab Ye Li’s hand, looking smug. Ye Li sighed helplessly as she watched Mo Jingli—who had stumbled slightly upon hearing such shameless words—quickly pick up his pace. “Is winning an argument against him really something to be proud of?”

Mo Xiuyao nodded arrogantly. “Of course. Your husband must let you know that in every aspect, he’s a hundred times better than anyone else—including arguing.”

Ye Li rubbed her temples and thought for a moment before looking at him sincerely. “If you want to compare arguing skills, you shouldn’t have picked Mo Jingli. He has no fighting power at all.”

“Then who should I pick?” Mo Xiuyao asked lazily, squinting as he basked in the sunlight.

“Madam Wang from the southern district of Li Cheng,” Ye Li said with a smile. Mo Xiuyao looked utterly confused. Who was that?

Ye Li grinned. “Madam Wang is known as Li Cheng’s fastest mouth and most notorious shrew. Rumor has it she once reduced three grown men to tears in the middle of the street. How about it? Want to give it a try when we get back?” Mo Xiuyao froze, silent for a long moment before raising his head and arching a brow. “Would she dare argue with me?”

Ye Li was speechless. Indeed, no matter how formidable Madam Wang was, she’d be struck dumb in front of Prince Ding. Seeing this, the prince smirked triumphantly. “See, A Li? Those with more power than me can’t argue as well, and those who argue better don’t have my status. Your husband is still the best.”

Ye Li covered her face, utterly defeated by his shamelessness.

Naturally, news of Prince Ding’s return to the capital didn’t reach only Mo Jingli. However, as the regent residing outside the palace, he had been the first to arrive. Barely an hour after Mo Jingli left, Prime Minister Liu came to request an audience—only to be told that the prince had taken the princess and their son out for a stroll.The ancestral tablets of Prince Ding's Estate were enshrined in the family temple, the Temple of No Moon, located outside the city. Although Mo Jingqi had ordered the sealing of Prince Ding's Estate, he dared not recklessly disturb the Temple of No Moon and risk offending the spirits of past Princes Ding. The temple was still tended to and maintained, and even some commoners from the capital would occasionally visit its outer halls to offer incense. Thus, despite the absence of the estate's master, the ancestral tablets never lacked offerings.

When the guards stationed there saw Prince Ding and his entourage arriving to pay respects, they naturally dared not obstruct them and respectfully allowed the group to enter.

Leaving their guards outside, the couple took Mo Xiaobao into the innermost hall, where the Buddhist shrine housed the tablets of Prince Ding's Estate's ancestors. At the top was the tablet of the first Prince Ding, Mo Lanyun, while at the bottom were those of Mo Xiuyao's father and elder brother, Mo Liufang and Mo Xiuwen. Without needing instruction, Xiao Bao reverently stepped forward to offer incense and kowtow to his ancestors.

After paying their respects, the family of three had just stepped out of the temple gates when they encountered a large procession approaching. Standing beside Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li raised an eyebrow and remarked, "At a time like this, who would make a special trip to pay homage to Prince Ding's ancestors?"

Since the rift between Prince Ding's Estate and the Chu Kingdom, aside from commoners, most nobles who came to pay respects did so quietly. Such a grand and conspicuous display was indeed rare. Frowning, Mo Xiuyao said coolly, "They're from the palace. Turn them back." This last command was directed at the attending guards. Everyone knew who from the palace would come at such a time. If they weren't sincere in their worship, Prince Ding's Estate had no need for their offerings.

Following orders, several guards stepped forward and blocked the procession before it could reach the temple steps.

The procession was indeed from the palace, and its members were all haughty and arrogant. Seeing two men suddenly blocking their path, someone immediately stepped forward and demanded sharply, "How dare you! Do you know who is in that palanquin? How audacious to block our way!" The guards of Prince Ding's Estate were even more disdainful. One of them sneered, "We don't care who's inside. At the Temple of No Moon, all must dismount or descend from their palanquins a hundred paces away. Anyone who dares to carry a palanquin up to the steps is unwelcome here. Turn back now!"

"Outrageous! How dare you disrespect Her Majesty the Imperial Concubine! Seize them!"

"Wait." A cold, dignified voice came from the opulent palanquin. The curtain was lifted, and Consort Liu, dressed in white, emerged with the support of a palace maid. The eunuch who had been blustering outside hurried over, fawning as he said, "Your Majesty, forgive this lowly one. These insolent peasants don't recognize your eminence and blocked your path. I'll have them arrested at once." Consort Liu frowned and said coldly, "Step back." The eunuch, having misjudged his flattery, retreated dejectedly. Consort Liu walked slowly to the two guards and asked, "Is Prince Ding here?"

The guards did not answer, only repeating, "Your Majesty, please turn back."

Consort Liu frowned. "This consort merely wishes to pay respects to the past Princes Ding."The two guards remained silent, their refusal evident. They only needed to follow the prince's orders, not to understand others' reasons for coming. Consort Liu had been raised in luxury since childhood, and after more than a decade as an imperial concubine, she was long accustomed to others obeying her every word. Seeing these two men so unyielding, a flash of anger crossed her face, but she suppressed it and said, "Go inform Prince Ding that this consort has matters to discuss with him."

The guards exchanged a glance before replying with distant politeness, "His Highness and Wang Fei, along with the young master, have already returned to the capital. His Highness left a message: since the visit is not sincere, there is no need to disturb the ancestors' peace." Consort Liu's expression darkened slightly, though her already impassive face masked the momentary awkwardness. Indeed, she hadn’t come to pay respects to Prince Ding's ancestors sincerely—she had only rushed here upon hearing that Prince Ding had left the city, assuming he would bring his child to worship. She hadn’t expected Mo Xiuyao to have people intercept her here, leaving her momentarily at a loss.

After a long pause, Consort Liu composed herself and said coldly, "In that case, this consort will return to the city to see Prince Ding."

"Thank you. Please return, Your Highness," the guards replied with a bow.

Back in her palanquin, Consort Liu's icy expression was so cold it seemed frost might form. She knew Mo Xiuyao was inside—he simply refused to see her. At this thought, a trace of resentment flickered in her eyes. Did he despise her so much that he wouldn’t even come out to meet her? Her delicate, jade-like fingers clenched tightly around the silk handkerchief as a determined light flashed in her gaze. Mo Xiuyao… one day, you will be mine!

The sudden appearance of Consort Liu had ruined Ye Li's mood for sightseeing. Of course, she knew the imperial concubine’s ostentatious visit was never about paying respects—it was all about the Ancient God Ring. Now, Ye Li was certain: the person she despised most in this life was undoubtedly Consort Liu. Even Mo Jingqi, Mo Jingli, Lei Zhenting, and even Su Zuidie weren’t as detestable as this woman. Su Zuidie was merely narcissistic, selfish, and shameless. But Consort Liu didn’t even understand the concept of shame. Su Zuidie clung to Mo Xiuyao because she believed he still loved her, while Consort Liu was fully aware Mo Xiuyao had no interest in her—yet she remained convinced that only she was worthy of him, that they were a match made in heaven. What kind of twisted mental resilience is this?

"A Li, I’m innocent…" Seeing his beloved wife’s gloomy expression, Prince Ding could only plead carefully. In the past, he had been unhappy that A Li never showed jealousy, thinking it meant she didn’t love him enough. But now that she was visibly upset, he couldn’t help but try to appease her, wishing she would never feel jealous again—too much of it was bad for her health.

Ye Li glanced sideways at him. "Hmm?" Mo Xiuyao quickly explained, "That woman came on her own. I made it clear to her long ago that my wife is only A Li. Who knew she couldn’t understand human speech?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Isn’t this just proof of our Prince Ding’s exceptional charm?" Mo Xiuyao brightened. "A Li thinks this prince is exceptionally charming?"Ye Li nodded and calculated seriously, "Of course. Su Zuidie, Lingyun Gongzhu, Consort Liu. Although the numbers aren't too high, they are still the top beauties of Da Chu and Western Liang. The quality is absolutely top-notch. Compared to so-called handsome men or Prince Ding's charm, they're simply trash, right?" Mo Xiuyao immediately became dejected—A Li was still angry. "A Li, your husband understands now. From now on, if anyone dares to look at me, I'll gouge out their eyes!"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked curiously, "Why not just ruin your face? That's the root of the problem, isn't it?"

Mo Xiuyao refused sternly, "If your husband disfigures himself again, it won't be pleasing for my wife to look at, would it?"

Mo Xiaobao poked his little head out from his father's arms, blinked, and said, "Father, feel free to ruin your face. Your son will definitely grow up to be a stunningly handsome man. Mother can just look at me." Mo Xiuyao, annoyed, stuffed his troublemaking son back into his arms. "Misusing idioms—go copy 'stunningly handsome' five hundred times when we get back." Mo Xiaobao wriggled his little bottom in his arms and mumbled, "Mother, Father is bullying me… wuwu…"

Upon returning to the city, after Prince Li's visit to the inn and the Imperial Concubine's hurried departure from the capital, everyone in the city now knew that Prince Ding and Wang Fei had returned with the Little Prince.

The moment they entered the city gates, they drew countless gazes. However, due to the delicate relationship between Prince Ding's Estate and the imperial family, the common folk dared not approach or speak. Yet, their expressions clearly revealed their excitement. While the high-ranking officials in court busied themselves with power struggles, many commoners still remembered that battles raged just a few hundred miles away.

Mo Xiaobao stood up in Mo Xiuyao's arms and curiously looked around at the bustling streets. Being stared at wasn’t uncommon in Li Cheng, so the little prince didn’t feel the slightest bit shy. In fact, he seemed to revel in the attention—the more they looked, the happier he became. Nestled in Mo Xiuyao's embrace, he stuck his head out and beamed brilliantly at the passersby, instantly melting the hearts of countless onlookers.

"The Little Prince is so adorable!"

"As expected of Prince Ding and Princess Ding’s child—so bright and lovely!"

"Such remarkable courage at such a young age. Truly a worthy heir to Prince Ding's Estate. The legacy is in good hands!"

These praises naturally reached Mo Xiaobao’s ears, making him even more spirited.

Walking beside Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li glanced at their exuberant son and raised an eyebrow at her husband. "People always said you were flamboyant in your youth, but I never believed it. Now I finally see it." She pointed at Mo Xiaobao and chuckled, "He’s already this showy at such a young age—what will he be like in a few years?"

Mo Xiaobao pouted and defended himself, "Mother, I’m doing this for Father’s reputation! Doesn’t the saying go, 'A tiger father won’t have a dog son'? If Father is so majestic, but his son turned out like Leng Xiaodai, wouldn’t that shame him?" Mo Xiuyao smirked and asked, "Since when did this prince’s dignity become so important in your eyes?"Mo Xiaobao giggled foolishly, and Ye Li flicked his forehead lightly, saying, "Xiao Junhan is much more well-behaved than you. Be careful, or Uncle Leng might hear your words and teach you a lesson—Carry a Fox Spirit." Mo Xiaobao hid in his father's arms, rubbing his flicked forehead and muttering, "I didn’t say anything wrong. Uncle Leng wouldn’t dare to punish me." If he were as soft and silly as Leng Xiaodai, he’d surely be bullied to death by his father. Leng Xiaodai should be grateful he became Uncle Leng’s child instead of a child of Prince Ding's Estate. Rubbing his forehead and gazing at the sky, Mo Xiaobao deeply felt the greatness of his own existence.

Watching her son tilt his head skyward with the troubled expression of a little old man, Ye Li asked curiously, "What are you thinking about now?" Her son always had a knack for pondering the strangest things, sometimes leaving his parents both amused and exasperated.

Mo Xiuyao pinched Mo Xiaobao’s bottom discreetly and smiled, "Hungry? Look at those big, lifeless eyes. You didn’t eat much at noon..." Mo Xiaobao glared angrily: You’re the one with big, lifeless eyes! You’re the glutton, you’re the bucket!

Mo Xiuyao smiled: Did you think this prince wouldn’t know you were cursing me in your mind?

The family of three—a tall, handsome white-haired man holding an exquisitely dressed boy in black, accompanied by a graceful woman in a light-colored cloak—walked leisurely down the street, chatting softly with faint smiles on their faces. The warm and serene scene left many onlookers spellbound. Even a few acquaintances hesitated to approach, not wanting to disturb the moment. People watched quietly as the trio strolled by, and the once-noisy street seemed to fall into a peaceful hush.

At a teahouse by the street, Consort Liu stood silently by an open window, draped in a snow fox fur cloak over her white robes. Gazing down from above at the couple approaching from afar, her clenched hands bore bloody marks from her nails. "What a perfect pair. And the Heir Apparent Ding—when he grows up, his elegance will surely surpass Prince Ding’s by threefold," Tan Jizhi remarked lightly behind her.

Consort Liu whirled around, shooting him a cold glare. Unfazed, Tan Jizhi shrugged and fell silent.

Only when he stopped speaking did Consort Liu turn back to fix her gaze on the white-haired man. Remembering why those once-black locks had turned white, a surge of resentment filled her heart. Back then... if I had known Ye Li would win Mo Xiuyao’s heart, I would never have let her stay by his side. But one misstep led to another. In her efforts to gain Mo Xiuyao’s favor, she had even helped Ye Li. The thought made her feel like the biggest fool in the world.

"Why...?" Why wouldn’t he love her? What did she lack compared to Ye Li?!

Her eyes locked onto the green-robed woman beside the white-haired man. Though her features were delicate, Consort Liu believed herself far more beautiful. In terms of family background, she was the daughter of a prime minister, while Ye Li—despite having the Xu Family as maternal relatives—was ultimately just the daughter of commoners.Tan Jizhi smiled as he looked at the woman before him. When it came to matters of love, becoming too engrossed and too persistent was akin to falling into madness. Moreover, did Consort Liu truly love Mo Xiuyao as much as she imagined? It was likely more a matter of unwillingness. Just think—how could a beautiful and proud woman who had even captivated the ruler of a nation tolerate a man whose eyes held not a trace of her presence?

"Send someone to invite Prince Ding and Princess Ding up for a chat," Consort Liu said coldly.

Tan Jizhi frowned. "Is that wise? Your sudden departure from the palace isn't exactly good news, Your Grace."

"Go!"

Tan Jizhi shrugged. "As you insist, Your Grace."

Downstairs, Ye Li sensed a resentful gaze fixed upon her from afar. When she looked up, she saw the figure of a woman in white standing by the second-floor window not far ahead.

Consort Liu was indeed worthy of being called the most beautiful woman in Chu Jing after Su Zuidie. Even now, past the age of thirty, she remained as stunning as a snow-covered pear blossom. Standing there for just a short while had already drawn the attention of many passersby, yet she seemed indifferent, her gaze fixed longingly on the distant crowd as if she were a beautiful white jade statue.

"Greetings to Prince Ding and Wang Fei. Her Grace the Imperial Concubine requests your presence," a guard-like man appeared on the street and said respectfully.

A dangerous glint flashed in Mo Xiuyao's eyes before he lowered his gaze and said calmly, "A Li must be thirsty. Let's go have some tea."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Very well."