Mo Li

"What happened?" Ye Li hurried over and, seeing Mo Xiaobao and Leng Junhan standing there unharmed, let out a slight sigh of relief before turning to ask the guards beside her. The two Qilin members temporarily acting as shadow guards exchanged helpless glances, first looking at the disheveled woman nearby, then at their young master. Even as insiders, they couldn’t bring themselves to claim their little master had been wronged with a straight face.

With just one look at the shadow guards' expressions, Ye Li guessed what had happened. She cast a faint glance at Mo Xiaobao, who showed no trace of fear. Instead, he grinned sweetly at her. Ye Li then noticed several other handsome children, around seven or eight years old, standing nearby. Not far away, a delicate woman in a bright red gown embroidered with lotus vines was struggling to get up from the ground. Her crimson clothes were stained with something unidentifiable, the bizarre color making it look particularly unpleasant. Beside her, a stunning woman in a watery-red dress reached out to help, only to be rudely slapped away. The stunning woman didn’t seem bothered, offering a faint smile before stepping aside.

Ye Li frowned, finally recognizing the familiar-looking woman in red. She was the former fiancée of the heir to Marquis Muyang, now the young mistress of Marquis Muyang Manor—the wife of the heir. However, the once shy and gentle girl had transformed into a married woman clad in grand red attire, exuding an air of sophistication tinged with bitterness.

As soon as the young mistress of the Mu family stood up, she raised her hand to slap Yao Ji, who stood beside her. Though Yao Ji had no martial skills, her dancing prowess was unparalleled, making her naturally agile. The moment the young mistress lifted her hand, Yao Ji sidestepped gracefully.

"Young Mistress!" Yao Ji took a step back, her expression darkening as she spoke sternly.

Missing her target only worsened the young mistress’s mood. "You wretch! How dare you dodge! Do you think my husband is still here to shield you from everything?" Yao Ji replied calmly, "I don’t know if Mu Yang can shield me now, but I do know we’re in the palace. If you insist on making a scene, the embarrassment won’t just fall on you—it’ll reflect poorly on Marquis Muyang Manor as well."

The young mistress faltered. She was well aware that her in-laws prized the family’s reputation above all else. Regardless of who was at fault today, causing a scene in the palace would only bring her trouble. Yet, letting Yao Ji off so easily was unbearable. When Mu Yang had been home, he had constantly protected this woman, humiliating her at every turn. Now that he was away at war, her mother-in-law, citing her lack of children, doted on this woman’s son, forcing her to show some respect. Worse, Yao Ji had become far more formidable than she had been years ago, thwarting her schemes both openly and covertly. This time, she had finally found an excuse to act out—only for it to happen in the palace, even drawing the attention of Princess Ding.With a resentful glance at Ye Li and the three children not far away, she sneered coldly, "What? Has Princess Ding come to stand up for this lowly woman? Since when does a mere concubine from our Marquis Muyang Manor warrant such concern from Princess Ding?" Ye Li frowned slightly and replied calmly, "Young Madam Mu overestimates the situation. I merely came over upon hearing the commotion, to ensure my child wasn't in danger." Though she spoke these words, Ye Li couldn't help but sigh inwardly. In just a few short years, this once gentle and refined young woman—albeit somewhat scheming—had changed beyond recognition. What puzzled Ye Li most was the source of such hatred directed at her.

While it was true that Yao Ji's return to Marquis Muyang Manor had been at her suggestion, Young Madam Mu would never know that. And during their previous encounter, Ye Li was certain she hadn't shown any favoritism toward Yao Ji.

"It seems Young Madam Mu is unharmed. I won't intrude further. Farewell." With that, Ye Li turned to Mo Xiaobao and said, "Why haven't you brought Junhan over yet? Have you been causing trouble again?"

Pouting, Mo Xiaobao shuffled over to Ye Li and looked up, protesting, "I wasn't causing trouble! I made a new friend. Mother, I want to play with him." He pointed to the child standing nearby—Mu Lie, the only young master of Marquis Muyang Manor now.

Before Ye Li could respond, Young Madam Mu sneered sharply, "The Little Prince of Prince Ding's Estate certainly has peculiar tastes, eagerly chasing after the son of a lowly concubine to play with? No wonder he lacks even the slightest manners..." She cast a disgusted glance at the stain on the hem of her robe—an unsightly blotch on the otherwise dignified crimson court attire. Beside her, Yao Ji tugged at her sleeve and whispered, "Young Madam, be careful with your words."

Young Madam Mu shot Yao Ji a furious glare, her anger flaring further. The stain on her robe was the handiwork of the Prince Ding's Little Prince, dressed in black robes, looking particularly well-behaved and handsome. She had been strolling through the garden with Yao Ji earlier, making veiled jabs at the mother and son, when she spotted the two children—one in white, one in black—playing by the garden. Having married Mu Yang for years without bearing a child, she always felt a pang of envy and fondness at the sight of other children. Of course, Mu Lie, Yao Ji's son, was the exception.Madam Mu saw two children squatting by the garden playing and walked over to take a look. The shadow guard following Mo Xiaobao noticed she meant no harm and, seeing the little prince's hand signal, didn't intervene. But just as she crouched down without touching Mo Xiaobao, something leaped from his arms toward Madam Mu. Startled, she tried to dodge but tripped over something at her feet and fell to the ground. The small black, wet creature—whether cat or dog—stepped on her a few times before darting away. To make matters worse, instead of apologizing for frightening her, Mo Xiaobao openly mocked her and chatted cheerfully with Mu Lie beside him. It turned out the sharp-eared little prince had overheard Madam Mu's earlier disparaging remarks about Yao Ji and Mu Lie, prompting him to play the hero and make a new friend in the process.

As they spoke, the noblewomen and young ladies following Ye Li caught up. Seeing Madam Mu in such a disheveled state, they froze in shock. Humiliated and furious—having been born into an esteemed family and married into Marquis Muyang Manor where she was pampered and respected—Madam Mu had never suffered such disgrace. Overcome with rage, she lost control and glared defiantly at Ye Li. "Isn't it true? I merely wanted to greet Prince Ding's heir properly, yet he caused this mess. What else can you call it but ill-breeding?!"

Ye Li's expression darkened. While Mo Xiaobao might have been at fault, Madam Mu's words were far too harsh. Besides, no one from Marquis Muyang Manor had the right to reprimand Prince Ding's household! The surrounding ladies stared at the disgraced Madam Mu as if she were insane.

Before Ye Li could respond, Mo Xiaobao peeked out from behind her, his large, dark eyes glistening. "Mother, that's not what happened. I didn't mean to." The tenderhearted onlookers immediately sided with him.

Smiling, Ye Li bent down and ruffled his hair. "Then what happened? Tell Mother."

Pouting, Mo Xiaobao explained, "I saw a little puppy fall into the water over there, so I had someone fish it out. Leng Xiaodai and I were trying to dry its fur when this aunt suddenly tried to pat me from behind. I got scared, and the puppy jumped out. Then... Mother, I didn't mean to dirty her clothes... But... she's very angry. Can we buy her a new one? I don't have money now, but I'll pay you back when I grow up."

The noblewomen melted at the sight of the earnest, handsome child—barely reaching Ye Li's thigh—negotiating so seriously. Had they shared Ye Li's background, they might have recognized the phenomenon: they were utterly charmed. The refined ladies were instantly smitten by this well-behaved, kind-hearted boy who owned up to his mistakes.

"Little Prince, it was just an accident. I'm sure Madam Mu won't mind," someone quickly chimed in to console him.“Really?” Mo Xiaobao looked up at the lady who had spoken, his large, wet eyes brimming with worry.

“Of course it’s true. A single piece of clothing isn’t worth much. Little Prince, you needn’t take it to heart,” the lady hastily assured, completely disregarding the fact that the actual victim of the incident was still standing right there. The shadow guard beside them gazed at Mo Xiaobao with admiration. Their Little Prince, at such a tender age, already understood the art of deception—how to downplay, how to lie without batting an eye. Truly… a promising future. Of course, if one ignored the fact that the puppy had fallen into the water because of their Little Prince’s carelessness, or that it had only happened after the young Madam Mu entered the Imperial Garden, or that the result of Little Prince’s attempt to dry the puppy had only made it wetter and more colorfully stained… then, technically, their Little Prince hadn’t lied.

Glancing at the women who had been utterly taken in by Xiaobao’s pitiful act, the guard shook his head inwardly. If they had time to pity their Little Prince—who sometimes even made the Wang Ye suffer in silence—they’d be better off pitying the poor puppy, which had probably run off somewhere to wash itself by now.

Ye Li gave her son a light pat on the head, seemingly comforting but actually a warning for him to rein it in. Mo Xiaobao blinked innocently and obediently retreated to her side, holding Leng Junhan’s hand with one of his and Mu Lie’s with the other, the picture of a well-behaved child.

Ye Li turned to the young Madam Mu, whose face was flushed with anger, and smiled faintly. “My son can be a bit mischievous. Please forgive him. Since he and Young Master Mu seem to have hit it off, why not let them play together for a while? What do you think?”

A flicker of disgust crossed the young Madam Mu’s face. “Mu Lie is unruly and ill-mannered by nature. I fear he might be a bad influence on the Little Prince.”

The crowd fell silent. Had this woman lost her mind? While most could guess the reason behind the young Madam Mu’s behavior—after all, it was no secret that the mother of Marquis Muyang’s young son was Yao Ji, once the capital’s most celebrated dancer—any sensible matriarch would know better than to publicly slander the household’s only male heir. Especially when, after years of marriage, she had yet to bear a child of her own. Who knew if she might one day have to rely on this very stepson?

Ye Li’s brow furrowed slightly in displeasure. “Just now, the young Madam Mu questioned the upbringing of Prince Ding’s Estate. It seems the issue isn’t that Young Master Mu might corrupt my son, but rather that you fear my son might corrupt him.”

“Wang Fei jests. It would be an honor for Lie’er to earn the Little Prince’s favor,” the young Madam Mu began, but before she could continue, a stern voice cut in from the back of the crowd.

The young Madam Mu paled as the crowd parted to reveal the stern-faced Marchioness Muyang.

“Mother—” the young Madam Mu started resentfully.

“Silence!” The Marchioness shot her a sharp glare before turning to Ye Li with a slight bow. “My daughter-in-law lacks manners. I beg Wang Fei’s forgiveness.”

Ye Li smiled. “Marchioness Muyang flatters me. It was merely my son’s mischief. Perhaps the young Madam Mu should go change first—it’s hardly proper to remain in disarray.”

“Wang Fei is right.” The Marchioness nodded, then snapped at the young Madam Mu, “Go at once! What kind of appearance is this?”

The young Madam Mu flushed with humiliation, shot Mu Lie a resentful glare, and stormed off. Yao Ji exchanged a glance with Ye Li before quietly following.Seeing that Princess Ding's expression was not too pleasant, the others knew it wasn't the right time to speak and took their leave to stroll around the Imperial Garden. The Marchioness Muyang gave Mu Lie a few quiet instructions before departing as well.

"Greetings, Wang Fei, Little Prince." Mu Lie bowed respectfully to the two. Leng Junhan widened his eyes curiously at this new older brother before him.

Mo Xiaobao complained, "Just call him Prince, why add 'little'?"

Ye Li pinched his cheek in exasperation, "Always so particular. How have you been lately?" The latter question was naturally directed at Mu Lie. When they had chosen this child to accompany Yao Ji back to the capital, he had undergone rigorous training. Even Ye Li held this eleven-year-old who looked no older than seven or eight in high regard—anyone who could withstand Qin Feng's training was undoubtedly exceptional. Thus, Mu Lie's role wasn't merely to pose as Yao Ji and Mu Yang's son; at critical moments, he might prove even more important than Yao Ji herself.

"Thank you for your concern, Wang Fei. Lie is doing well," Mu Lie replied with a solemn, adult-like demeanor.

Ye Li smiled and ruffled his hair, "Why so serious at such a young age? Aren't you afraid you'll scare Mu Yang?" The sudden affection made Mu Lie stiffen slightly, his serious little face turning red without his realizing it. He maintained his composure, "They'll just think I'm precocious, a rare genius." Ye Li chuckled, "I can see that. The people at Marquis Muyang Manor seem quite fond of you."

"Hmph!" Mu Lie scoffed, "They'd like any son of Marquis Muyang. I heard the Marchioness has been desperate for a grandson these past few years, stuffing women into Mu Yang's chambers nonstop. It only eased up after we arrived at the manor. But she still wants a legitimate heir, so she keeps feeding that woman medicine. Too much of it really messes with the mind, tch!"

Ye Li straightened his clothes and said softly, "In a few days, Wang Ye and I will be leaving the capital. Leng Er has gone to the border, and Feng San is coming with us. That will leave only you and Yao Ji in the capital. You must be very careful, understand? If you encounter any trouble, prioritize escaping. Staying alive is more important than anything else."

A flicker of emotion passed through Mu Lie's eyes as he replied earnestly, "Wang Fei need not worry. Yao Ji isn't a fool, and neither am I. The people at Marquis Muyang Manor won't suspect a thing. We'll handle matters in Chu Jing properly and won't trouble Wang Ye and Wang Fei." Ye Li sighed apologetically, "But you're still just a child..."

Mu Lie bristled instantly, "I am not a child! I'm Qilin!" A reservist, at least.

"Alright, alright..." Ye Li quickly soothed him, "When you return, I'll have Qin Feng make an exception and admit you into Qilin. So, stay safe, all right?"

"Thank you, Wang Fei!" Mu Lie exclaimed joyfully. He believed his skills were no worse than anyone else's, but Commander Qin always barred him from joining Qilin due to his age. Hmph! Wasn't he on a mission now? And one those tall, clumsy oafs could never replace!

Ye Li could easily guess what Mu Lie was thinking just from his expression. She simply smiled faintly and shook her head."Fire! There's a fire..." A sudden commotion erupted in the distance. Ye Li stood up and turned toward the source of the noise, while two guards positioned themselves protectively beside Mo Xiaobao and Leng Junhan. Mu Lie, standing on a stool to peer over, raised his eyebrows and declared, "That's the direction of the Cold Palace. It's the Autumn Cool Pavilion—where Imperial Concubine Liu is imprisoned!"

"Autumn Cool Pavilion? What a coincidence that it catches fire just as the new emperor ascends the throne?" Ye Li murmured thoughtfully. After a moment's consideration, she instructed those around her, "Take the Little Prince to find Wang Ye. I'll go and see what's happening."

"Wang Fei?" The guard behind her hesitated.

Ye Li shook her head. "There shouldn't be any major danger in the palace. Just protect the three children. Go now."

Mu Lie protested indignantly, "This young master doesn't need protection! Wang Fei, I'll protect you!" Ye Li chuckled. "That won't do. If you follow me now, people might grow suspicious. Be good and stay with Xiao Bao and Junhan. I'm counting on you to look after these two little troublemakers." Without giving Mu Lie a chance to argue, she swiftly dashed off.

Mu Lie wore a stern expression, though his little ears flushed red. Glancing awkwardly at Mo Xiaobao, he muttered, "Fine, this young master will reluctantly protect you two." Mo Xiaobao rolled his eyes. "Who needs your protection?" Leng Junhan, however, beamed and stretched out a small hand toward Mu Lie. "Brother, hug."

"Leng Xiaodai! Do you even know who's on your side?!" Mo Xiaobao fumed.

"Hmm... Leng Xiaodai, Mo Xiaobao... hehe..."

Mo Xiaobao's face darkened. Hehe your sister!

By the time Ye Li reached the Autumn Cool Pavilion, the fire had already engulfed half of the side hall. The pavilion was practically the most neglected part of the Cold Palace—dilapidated, overgrown with weeds, and barely recognizable as part of the imperial palace. On ordinary days, few ventured here, let alone on the day of the enthronement ceremony. Even if palace maids or eunuchs spotted the fire from afar, it would take them considerable time to navigate the labyrinthine corridors to reach it. When Ye Li arrived, not a single person had come to fight the flames.

"Wang Fei." The guards, after all, hadn't all stayed with Mo Xiaobao—two had followed Ye Li.

"Help... help me..." A faint cry for help came from inside. Ye Li frowned. This wasn't Imperial Concubine Liu's voice. She would never mistake that proud, icy tone, even if weakened—it wouldn't sound like this.

"Help me..."

Ye Li darted into the Autumn Cool Pavilion. The two guards, startled, hurried to follow, but her voice rang out from within, "Stay outside!" The pavilion was a small side hall, so Ye Li immediately spotted the young woman collapsed on the floor and swiftly motioned for the guards to remain outside. The girl wore a light pink dress, her figure suggesting youth, and the fabric of her clothes clearly indicated she wasn't a palace maid.

Ye Li lifted the girl and quickly carried her outside. Fortunately, the girl had likely tried to escape the fire on her own but had collapsed just steps from the exit. Had she been deeper inside, her cries might never have reached them.Carrying the young girl, they quickly exited the Autumn Cool Hall and set her down on the stone path outside. Turning back, they saw the entire hall already engulfed in flames. Had they been just a step or two slower, the girl would have been burned alive inside.

"Wang Fei, Imperial Concubine Liu..." the guard behind her reminded.

Ye Li shook her head. "Forget it. The fire's too intense. We'll check after it's been put out."

Bending down, she brushed aside the girl's long hair to reveal a delicate face. However, from the corner of her left eye to her earlobe, there was a charred, bloody burn. Her clothes also bore scorch marks. The guard examined her and reported, "She was drugged with a narcotic drug. Probably something burning fell on her face, waking her up, and she managed to crawl out."

"This is..." Ye Li studied the unblemished half of the girl's face. Though years had passed and she had been very young then, Ye Li's sharp memory still recognized her—the daughter of Imperial Concubine Liu and Mo Jingqi, the Second Princess of Great Chu.

"Princess Zhenning."

On the ground, Princess Zhenning struggled to open her eyes. Despite the potent narcotic, the deep, palm-sized burn on her face, along with the terror and despair of her narrow escape, had jolted her awake.

Ye Li looked down at the young girl on the ground. She had rarely seen a girl of this age with such lifeless, dull eyes. After the initial relief of escaping danger, they had instantly turned hollow and devoid of any vitality. Glancing up at the blazing Qiu Liang Palace and then at Princess Zhenning's trembling figure, Ye Li could almost guess what had happened.

"It's alright now," Ye Li said softly.

Princess Zhenning stared blankly at her, lips parting but no words coming out. A single tear slowly trailed from the corner of her eye, disappearing into her raven-black hair...

--- Author's Note ---

Disappointed? Haha... Can't kill her off, just can't... Imperial Concubine Liu simply won't die... But she won't appear for now, and even later, her appearances will be few. Also, I sincerely apologize to you all. A reader previously mentioned the issue with Hua Tianxiang—I had indeed forgotten about her. Although she doesn't have much of a role here, it wouldn't make sense for her not to meet Ye Li at all given their relationship. So, I added a small part about Hua Tianxiang in the chapter "Mo Jingqi's Revenge." It's not much and won't affect the reading experience. Please forgive me...

P.S.: To the two posting recruitment ads and inappropriate ads—please stop! I don’t know if you’re even reading this. The one posting inappropriate ads—I’m exhausted from banning you every day. As for the recruitment poster, I only deleted your post without banning you. Normally, I don’t delete comments, even ads. But since I can’t verify if your recruitment is genuine, I had to remove it!