Mo Li

Upon reaching the second floor of the tea house, they found it completely empty of patrons. This wasn’t a particularly high-end establishment, and its furnishings naturally wouldn’t suit the tastes of Consort Liu, who had long resided in the imperial palace. The only reason she had chosen this place was to wait for Mo Xiuyao and the others. Of course, Consort Liu couldn’t possibly share the space with common folk, so the tea house had been cleared out in advance.

The empty floor was eerily quiet. As soon as they stepped onto the landing, they saw Consort Liu standing by the window, her white-clad back turned to them. The attending palace maids and eunuchs stood solemnly with bowed heads, not daring to make the slightest sound.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and carried Mo Xiaobao to an empty table, setting the little bun down on its surface. Xiao Bao pouted—he wasn’t a baby anymore, why should he sit on the table? He stretched out his little arms, demanding to be held by Ye Li instead. With a faint smile, Ye Li picked him up and settled him into a chair beside her. Satisfied, Xiao Bao wiggled his little bottom in the large seat and blinked up at her. “Mother, didn’t that auntie invite us here for tea? Why is she ignoring us?”

Auntie? Ye Li’s lips twitched. Don’t think Xiao Bao didn’t know how to speak—he just had a knack for offending people the moment he opened his mouth. From the time he first started talking, this little imp had known to call Qin Zheng “sister” and his Second Aunt “auntie.” Whether he chose to charm or annoy someone depended entirely on his mood. Ye Li sometimes worried that her son might grow up to be a frivolous playboy, which was why she had—uncharacteristically—agreed with Mo Xiuyao’s suggestion to minimize Xiao Bao’s interactions with Han Mingxi. So right now, it was clear that Consort Liu had somehow managed to displease the little lord.

Consort Liu turned around and froze at the sight of the black-clad child sitting between Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. Though she prided herself on her beauty, and while she might disdain Mo Jingqi as a person, she couldn’t deny that he was a handsome man. Yet, none of the two sons and one daughter she had borne with him could compare to the striking beauty of this little boy in black. Staring at the child, who was now gazing at her with wide eyes, even the anger she had felt moments ago dissipated. But in its place rose a wave of resentment—if she and Prince Ding had a child… surely it would be even more beautiful than this one…

Beside her, Ye Li sighed inwardly. Just by the dazed look on Consort Liu’s face, she could tell the woman was lost in her own delusions again, likely conjuring up some unrealistic fantasy.

“Auntie? Pretty auntie?” Xiao Bao considered himself a connoisseur of beauty, so even if he didn’t like this particular auntie, he had to admit she was quite pretty. Unfortunately… her brain seemed a little faulty. One moment she had been glaring at him in fury, and just when he thought she was about to explode, she started staring at him blankly instead. I know I’m good-looking, but auntie, you’re too old to be drooling over me, the narcissistic little lord mused.

“Auntie, are you going to serve us tea or not?” Xiao Bao asked impatiently.Being repeatedly called "auntie" by a child, even the slow-witted Consort Liu realized the boy was doing it on purpose. Even if the child didn’t know better, someone must have put him up to it. Consort Liu stepped forward with a frown and said, "Little Prince, I am not an auntie." Mo Xiaobao furrowed his tiny brows and studied her for a long moment before solemnly replying, "My father said anyone ten years older than my mother should be called auntie."

His mother was in her twenties, but many said she looked like a youthful maiden under twenty. This "auntie" before him, however, appeared to be over thirty—as old as his father. "It’s okay if you don’t take good care of yourself. I’ll introduce you to my mother’s skincare products later," Mo Xiaobao said sympathetically. Such a beautiful person reduced to an auntie due to poor maintenance—how pitiful. Thus, Mo Xiaobao firmly decided Consort Liu was indeed an auntie.

"Ahem." Ye Li, who had been quietly sipping tea beside them, choked slightly. Mo Xiuyao arched an eyebrow, watching his earnest and serious son with amusement. He didn’t recall ever teaching him to call women ten years older than A Li "auntie."

"The Little Prince is truly clever!" Consort Liu said through gritted teeth, her voice icy. "Miss Ye has taught him well." Ye Li remained unruffled, smiling gently. "You flatter me, Imperial Concubine."

Who was praising her?! Consort Liu seethed inwardly, her heart twisting at the sight of Ye Li’s radiant smile. She had always believed Ye Li’s looks paled in comparison to her own, but now, sitting so close, she realized Ye Li was far from the plain woman she remembered. Her delicate, refined features and soft smile exuded a warmth that felt like a spring breeze. Beneath that gentle grace, however, lay an undercurrent of elegance and nobility—two seemingly contradictory traits that merged into an unprecedented aura of confidence and dignity. It reminded others that this woman was not only a noble-born lady but also a heroine who could ride into battle. Such presence needed no embellishment or pretense; even when she smiled like any ordinary gentlewoman, one dared not slight her.

Of course, this wasn’t what troubled Consort Liu the most. What gnawed at her was Ye Li’s age. Compared to girls of fifteen or sixteen, Ye Li might be considered old. But next to Consort Liu, who was over thirty, Ye Li—at twenty-one or twenty-two—looked as youthful as an eighteen-year-old, a fact that filled Consort Liu with resentment. No matter how much she refused to admit it, she couldn’t deny that, next to Ye Li, she had aged.

At this thought, Consort Liu glanced anxiously at Mo Xiuyao, who sat nearby. He held a teacup but wasn’t drinking, nor was he looking at her. Instead, his gaze rested on the woman in green seated one seat away. Watching the faint dimple in Ye Li’s smile, his handsome face beneath silver-white hair also softened into a quiet, pleased smile. Between this striking pair sat a child who seemed to embody the best of both—a scene so mesmerizing it was almost intoxicating. Yet for Consort Liu, it sent a sudden chill down her spine.

"Xiu... Prince Ding." After a hesitant pause, seeing Mo Xiuyao showed no intention of speaking, Consort Liu had no choice but to break the silence herself.Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, giving her a silent questioning look. Consort Liu gritted her teeth and said, "This consort has some matters to discuss privately with Prince Ding. Could Miss Ye and the Little Prince please step aside?"

Before Ye Li could respond, Mo Xiaobao blurted out, "No way!"

Though furious, Consort Liu couldn't vent her anger at his son in front of Mo Xiuyao. Forcing a stiff smile, she said, "Little Prince, this consort has important matters to discuss with your father. Why don't you let your mother take you out to play?" Mo Xiaobao pouted, looking up at Mo Xiuyao with wide, tear-filled eyes that threatened to spill over at any moment. Mo Xiuyao arched an eyebrow at his son: What are you up to now?

Pitifully gazing at his father, Mo Xiaobao sniffled, "Father... do you not want Xiao Bao and Mother anymore? Xiao Bao loves Mother and Father the most. Don't abandon Xiao Bao, wuwu..." Thanks to Consort Liu's provocation, Mo Xiuyao heard his son say "I love you" for the first time in his life. Normally, the boy would rather kick his father as far away as possible—and the feeling was mutual.

"Your father would never abandon your mother," Mo Xiuyao promised. Just you, though.

Mo Xiaobao, still teary-eyed, whimpered, "But this auntie just told Mother to take Xiao Bao away, wuwu... Little Uncle said women who want to talk to Father alone all want to become Xiao Bao's stepmother. Xiao Bao doesn't want a stepmother..." Mo Xiuyao's face darkened. He deeply regretted only separating Han Mingxi from Mo Xiaobao—he should have kept all five Xu brothers away too. Just look at what Xu Qingchen had taught his son! And with all those schemes learned from Xu Qingchen, always babbling about "Big Uncle this" and "Big Uncle that." If Mo Xiaobao didn't still cling to A Li so often, Mo Xiuyao would suspect the boy had already moved in with the Xu Family. Of course, Mo Xiuyao had since sent Mo Xiaobao to the Xu Family himself, but there was a difference between a father sending his son away and the son eagerly running off on his own.

"Your Little Uncle is right, so your father won't be talking to other women alone," Mo Xiuyao said. This prince only wants to talk to A Li alone, so stop clinging to her all the time. Then your father might love you too.

"Xiao Bao knew Father wasn't a heartless villain who abandons his wife and child," Mo Xiaobao said, relieved.

This time, both Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li twitched. The couple exchanged glances—whose failure in parenting had turned their five-year-old into this?

Unfazed by his parents' shock, Mo Xiaobao clambered over the chair and into Mo Xiuyao's lap, his tear-streaked face breaking into a blissful smile. Turning to the livid Consort Liu, he declared, "Auntie, men and women shouldn't be too familiar. My father would never meet with you alone. A man's reputation is important too—don't ruin my father's!"

Ye Li sighed and ruffled her son's hair, turning to Consort Liu. "Please forgive the child's rudeness, Imperial Concubine." Mo Xiaobao happily nuzzled into his mother's palm. Though he hated his father the most, Father belonged to Mother. If Mother still wanted Father, he'd grudgingly tolerate him. But another woman trying to steal him? Hmph!Consort Liu's face turned cold as she realized it was impossible to speak with Mo Xiuyao alone today. Suppressing her anger, she said in a low voice, "Very well, Miss Ye may as well listen."

Ye Li smiled and nodded, indicating she was all ears.

Only when Mo Xiaobao had quieted down, drowsily nestled in Mo Xiuyao's arms, did Consort Liu finally speak. Though their exchange had been brief, she was genuinely intimidated by this precocious child. With his innocent, clueless expression, every word he uttered had been aimed at humiliating her—making it impossible to dismiss his remarks as unintentional.

"What are Prince Ding's thoughts on the current situation in the capital?" Consort Liu fixed her gaze on Mo Xiuyao and asked quietly.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "This prince has returned solely for ancestral rites and has no intention of involving himself in the capital's affairs. Moreover, the Mo Family Army no longer has any ties to Great Chu, so my interference would be unjustified. There’s no need for Consort Liu to ask again—nor is this a matter you should concern yourself with."

Should not ask. These three words struck Consort Liu like a heavy blow, for they meant Mo Xiuyao still regarded her as nothing more than an ordinary woman of the inner palace. Despite his brilliance, Mo Xiuyao was still a nobleman of an ancient imperial era, with no inherent belief in gender equality. Yet he differed from ordinary men in that he acknowledged some women were as capable as men—whether in scholarship, martial arts, governance, or military leadership. Ye Li and Princess Anxi were examples of this.

At the same time, he still believed most women were ordinary maidens confined to the inner chambers, whose sole duty was to remain quietly within their boudoirs. The former group earned his respect and equal standing, while the latter were merely appendages to men.

Thus, in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes, it was natural for Ye Li to inquire about any matter, whereas Consort Liu had no business meddling in court affairs—not because she was a consort, but because she simply wasn’t qualified. Consort Liu clearly understood his stance, which only fueled her fury.

After a long pause, she gritted her teeth and said, "Wang Ye must know that my son has been named Crown Prince. Once His Majesty passes, he will become the emperor of Great Chu, and I will be the Empress Dowager."

Mo Xiuyao nodded. Of course he knew—but what of it? "There have been many Empress Dowagers. In Great Chu alone, seven or eight have held the title. So... what of it?"

What of it?

Great Chu had never had an Empress Dowager who manipulated a young sovereign and stirred chaos in court. It wasn’t for lack of desire—few women who toiled their entire lives to reach the position of Empress Dowager would refuse the chance to rule from behind the curtain. But... Great Chu had Prince Ding’s Estate. As long as it stood, no woman from the inner palace could dictate court affairs.

Thus, since the founding of Great Chu, the most powerful Empress Dowager had been none other than the current one—Mo Jingqi’s birth mother. Even so, she had never achieved the level of influence seen in previous dynasties. First, because Mo Jingqi was already of age when he ascended the throne, and he was the type of man who would never tolerate power slipping from his grasp. Second, because the officials of Great Chu were no longer accustomed to letting the inner palace wield authority.Consort Liu lowered her gaze, unable to argue with Mo Xiuyao. Not only because she loved him, but also because she lacked the leverage to oppose him. She could only change her approach and say, "Prince Ding should be aware of the current situation at court. Not only did Mo Jingli poison His Majesty, but he also forced him to appoint him as regent. Once His Majesty passes away, Mo Jingli, as regent, will surely manipulate the young emperor to command the realm. By then, the Great Chu will likely become Mo Jingli's personal domain. Wouldn't that be disadvantageous for Prince Ding as well?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, silently studying Consort Liu without speaking. She continued, "Prince Ding must know that Prince Li has been at odds with you since childhood, and now, because of Miss Ye, he harbors the hatred of having his betrothed taken away. Once Prince Li gains power, if he mobilizes the entire nation's forces to target the northwest, even Prince Ding would find it troublesome, wouldn't you?" Mo Xiuyao casually picked up his teacup and took a sip. The mediocre tea's slight bitterness made him frown faintly as he remarked coolly, "Consort Liu, you must not have discussed this with Prime Minister Liu beforehand, have you?" The smile on Consort Liu's face froze, and she asked in confusion, "What does Prince Ding mean by that?"

Mo Xiuyao replied, "This prince has said before that Consort Liu should stay quietly in the palace and refrain from meddling in matters beyond her understanding. Had you consulted Prime Minister Liu beforehand, he would have told you that neither your son nor Mo Jingli has the capability to oppose this prince, regardless of who ascends the throne!"

Consort Liu's expression darkened slightly. Clenching her fingers tightly, she forced herself to retort, "Prince Ding is far too overconfident." She truly didn't believe it—how large was the northwest, after all? In her view, the people of Great Chu could drown that tiny place with just one spit each. But she forgot how many of Great Chu's citizens would actually be willing to spit on Prince Ding's Estate for her sake.

"However, what you said does hold some truth. The young crown prince ascending the throne would indeed benefit this prince more than Mo Jingli taking the throne." Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze, staring at the tea in his cup as he spoke indifferently.

Hearing this, Consort Liu's heart leaped with joy, and she smiled. "So, Prince Ding agrees to assist this consort?"

Mo Xiuyao looked up and glanced at Ye Li, who had been silently drinking tea beside him, and asked, "A Li, did this prince agree?" Ye Li raised her head and replied calmly, "This consort didn't hear it."

"What does Prince Ding mean by this?" Feeling as though she was being toyed with—even if the one toying with her was Mo Xiuyao—Consort Liu found it unbearable. However, Mo Xiuyao had no intention of toying with her. He looked at her calmly and said, "This prince has already promised Mo Jingli not to interfere in court affairs."

"Why?" Consort Liu asked, her heart filled with deep disappointment. She had hoped to collaborate with Mo Xiuyao, to at least make him see her uniqueness. Mo Xiuyao would surely realize that she was the better choice compared to Ye Li. "Why? Aren't you concerned about what you could gain by cooperating with me? If you help me, Prince Ding's Estate will remain the Prince Ding's Estate of Great Chu. You could become the next regent, or even..." She would even help him become emperor if he wished. Compared to being the Empress Dowager, she would rather be his Empress.On the side, Ye Li's eye twitched slightly as she spoke calmly, "What benefits one can gain from cooperating with Consort Liu, this consort does not know. However... at the very least, it could enrage Mo Jingqi to death. Isn't that right, Wang Ye?" For one's most beloved imperial concubine, the birth mother of the crown prince, to collaborate with one's most hated enemy and most feared adversary—Mo Jingqi would probably die from rage even if he didn't succumb to illness or poison.

"Miss Ye! This consort is speaking with Prince Ding," Consort Liu said coldly, her eyes flashing with anger as she glared warningly at Ye Li. Ye Li remained composed and unruffled, replying mildly, "Ah, this consort was also speaking with Wang Ye. This consort was merely offering Wang Ye some considerations regarding Consort Liu's earlier proposal. Isn't that right, Wang Ye?" Mo Xiuyao smiled indulgently and said gently, "A Li is very thoughtful. This prince's affairs are A Li's affairs—there is nothing you cannot say. Besides, even without cooperating with Liu Jia, this prince can still enrage Mo Jingqi to death. A Li, you should have faith in your husband's capabilities."

"So Wang Ye is refusing?!" Consort Liu addressed Mo Xiuyao, though her gaze remained fixed fiercely on Ye Li.

Mo Xiuyao replied nonchalantly, "It's not a refusal. This prince never considered such a—boring and time-wasting proposal in the first place."