Mo Li

Shortly before noon, Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun tactfully took their leave. Before departing, Madam Sun invited Ye Li to an Autumn Flower Gathering for noblewomen in the capital two days later. Although the Western Mausoleum Imperial City was on the verge of changing hands, the aristocracy showed no signs of retreating behind closed doors. Instead, social gatherings became even more frequent. Heads of households and matriarchs gathered to probe each other's intentions, while close relatives seized the opportunity to discuss escape plans—all under the guise of banquets. After all, though the Xiling Emperor was preparing to move south, most of the city's power still lay with the Xiling imperial family. Few dared to openly visit Prince Ding like the Bai and Sun families, especially those harboring ulterior motives.

Ye Li found Madam Sun's bold and straightforward demeanor quite likable and understood that the so-called Autumn Flower Gathering at this time was hardly just for appreciating flowers—Western Liang's autumn offered little in bloom. After some thought, she agreed, much to Madam Sun's delight before she took her leave.

Meanwhile, Bai Yuncheng silently calculated that his plans needed swift execution.

Upon returning home, Bai Yuncheng was greeted by an anxious Madam Bai, who asked, "Husband, did you meet Prince Ding and Princess Ding?"

Bai Yuncheng nodded, and only then did Madam Bai brighten with relief. "Then what about those we sent over…?" Bai Yuncheng scoffed coldly, "A bunch of useless fools. They’re likely dead." Madam Bai shuddered. The group sent days earlier hadn’t just been maids and servants—three were Bai family’s illegitimate children. "How ruthless of Prince Ding! Many families have sent people recently, so why only ours…?" After the initial shock, she quickly composed herself. Since those sent weren’t her own children, she felt no grief—only concern over whether Prince Ding held some grudge against the Bai family.

Frowning in thought, Bai Yuncheng murmured uncertainly, "Perhaps… Prince Ding uncovered their identities? That might explain his displeasure." As a family head, he understood the taboos of those in power. Madam Bai sighed helplessly, "We were too naive. Prince Ding's Estate’s shadow guards are well-informed—there was no hiding it…" Little did she know, while the estate could indeed investigate if it wished, the Bai family’s envoys had simply been unlucky enough to cross Mo Xiuyao’s path. They died without even meeting him, their fate sealed without explanation."Today when I went to pay respects to Prince Ding, I happened to run into that woman from the Sun family." Remembering Madam Sun's smiling face before she left, Bai Yuncheng's expression darkened further. Madam Bai's face also changed color. Many noblewomen in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City had always looked down on Madam Sun—or perhaps it would be more accurate to say they envied her. As a woman, she managed family affairs like a man. When the Sun family patriarch was alive, there were no concubines or bedchamber servants in his household. Thus, when the Sun patriarch passed away, countless women in Western Liang secretly gloated behind their sleeves. But contrary to their expectations, Madam Sun didn't fall into destitution. Instead, as a mere woman, she single-handedly upheld the entire Sun family, even elevating its status beyond what it had been before. How could this not stir both resentment and envy in Madam Bai, who as a woman could only remain confined to the inner quarters?

"That woman... why would she go see Prince Ding? Could it be..." Madam Bai's voice turned shrill.

Seeing his wife's expression, Bai Yuncheng knew she had misunderstood, but he had no inclination to explain on Madam Sun's behalf. He merely said gravely, "Both Prince Ding and Princess Ding hold Sun Yushi in high regard. Princess Ding has even agreed to attend the Autumn Flower Gathering two days from now."

Madam Bai wasn't completely ignorant. She asked softly, "What does my lord mean to do?"

Bai Yuncheng said solemnly, "You should also attend in two days. Make sure to win Princess Ding's favor. And... bring Ning'er along."

"My lord..." Madam Bai frowned at Bai Yuncheng, hesitating before saying, "Approaching this through Princess Ding might not be easy." Though she didn't understand much about outside affairs, as a woman, she naturally comprehended female psychology far better than Bai Yuncheng. If they wanted to send a Bai family woman into Prince Ding's Estate, going through Princess Ding would never work. Prince Ding and his consort were deeply devoted to each other—even after years of marriage, the prince had never taken a concubine. There was no way Princess Ding would look favorably upon a woman who sought to enter the estate and compete for her husband's affection.

Bai Yuncheng, however, remained unconcerned. "You're overthinking it, wife. I met Princess Ding today as well. Though she is exceptionally beautiful, our Ning'er is no less comely. Moreover, Princess Ding was born into the Xu family, a distinguished lineage—she surely understands the proper conduct of a wife. Most women in Western Liang are arrogant and domineering, while our Ning'er is gentle, kind, and obedient. The princess will naturally regard her more highly. If Prince Ding wishes to stabilize Western Liang quickly, he will inevitably need to take a noblewoman from Western Liang as his Side Consort to reassure the local aristocracy." The Bai family had produced numerous imperial consorts through the generations, and its men were hardly incompetent. At the very least, they were quite adept at seizing opportunities to present their women before those in power.

With the Mo Family Army having just occupied Western Liang, public anxiety was unavoidable. Since Prince Ding clearly couldn't remain stationed in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City indefinitely, taking a daughter from a prominent Western Liang family as his Side Consort to placate the people was an inevitable move. In Bai Yuncheng's view, the most suitable candidate was naturally a daughter of the Bai family.

Madam Bai sighed helplessly. How could she explain to her husband that the more formidable a woman was, the less she would tolerate rivals by her husband's side? But then again, all their daughters had been raised according to the standards befitting imperial consorts—perhaps there wouldn't be any issues after all?

"Young Miss." A maid's voice came from outside the door as she paid her respects.Before the words had fully faded, a beautiful woman clad in colorful silken robes gracefully entered the hall, offering a respectful bow to Bai Yuncheng and Madam Bai. "Ning'er greets Father and Mother."

In terms of beauty alone, this woman was not necessarily a peerless beauty. At the very least, she paled slightly in comparison to Su Zuidie, who had once stayed with the Bai family, though she was on par with the former Lingyun Gongzhu. However, with her delicate brows, starry eyes, and a faint smile gracing her rosy lips, she exuded an approachable charm that contrasted with Lingyun Gongzhu's haughty demeanor. This woman was Bai Qingning, the only unmarried legitimate daughter of the Bai family in this generation.

Madam Bai's eyes softened with maternal affection at the sight of her daughter, and she quickly helped her up. "Ning'er, what brings you here?"

Bai Qingning smiled sweetly. "Daughter heard that Father had returned from paying respects to Prince Ding and Princess Ding, so I came to greet him. Did Father truly meet Princess Ding?" Seeing his beloved youngest daughter, Bai Yuncheng's expression warmed as he nodded. "Indeed, your father did meet Princess Ding."

"Then..." Bai Qingning asked curiously, "They say Princess Ding is one of the most outstanding heroines in the world. What does she truly look like?"

Bai Yuncheng shook his head and sighed. "Princess Ding... is indeed a rare beauty. Prince Ding is truly fortunate." His words were not an exaggeration. Most women in this world were delicate and confined to the inner chambers; those who could manage household affairs well were already considered virtuous. Those who dared to interfere in external matters were often seen as headstrong, while those who could lead troops on the battlefield were likened to fearsome demons in the eyes of the world. Yet Princess Ding excelled not only in the political affairs of Prince Ding's Estate but also on the battlefield. What was even rarer was her delicate, refined, and gentle appearance, which made it no wonder Prince Ding treasured her like a jewel in his palm.

Bai Qingning's eyes flickered slightly as she murmured, "Could it be that Princess Ding is even more beautiful than Aunt Bai Long?" Su Zuidie had once stayed briefly with the Bai family, and Bai Qingning had seen her a few times during her frequent visits to the imperial palace. She had always believed Su Zuidie to be the most peerless beauty in the world. Even though she prided herself on her own looks, she knew she could not compare. Could it be that Princess Ding surpassed even her, thus earning Prince Ding's deep affection?

Bai Yuncheng chuckled and shook his head. "Not quite. Though Princess Ding is beautiful, my Ning'er is no less so."

"Is that so?" Bai Qingning lowered her gaze, lost in thought.

Bai Yuncheng looked at his daughter with satisfaction and smiled as he instructed, "Ning'er, prepare well. In two days, accompany your mother to the Autumn Flower Gathering."

Bai Qingning blinked in surprise. "The Autumn Flower Gathering?"

"Indeed." Bai Yuncheng stroked his beard with a smile. "Isn't Ning'er curious about Princess Ding's appearance? In two days, Princess Ding will also attend the gathering. Wouldn't it be wonderful for you to meet her?" Bai Qingning's eyes brightened as she nodded with a smile. "Father is right. Princess Ding is a role model for women everywhere. Daughter has long admired her, and to have the chance to meet her would be a blessing of three lifetimes."

Bai Yuncheng laughed. "Excellent. Go now, Ning'er."

Two days later...The Autumn Flower Gathering was held in the largest garden southwest of Western Mausoleum Imperial City. It was said this garden originally belonged to the Western Liang imperial family before being bestowed upon a certain prince. Later, when the prince's estate declined, the imperial family didn't reclaim it, allowing it to pass into private hands. Only in recent decades had it come under the Sun family's possession. Though Western Liang couldn't compare to the floral splendor of Great Chu during this season, noblewomen still flocked to the gathering in even greater numbers than before.

At the garden entrance, Madam Sun stood waiting with her attendants. The visiting noblewomen naturally knew the Sun family had recently pledged allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate. Given Madam Sun's status, the identity of the person she personally awaited at the gates was obvious. Many families who shared similar ambitions but had acted too late also joined Madam Sun in waiting.

Ye Li was always punctual and disliked keeping others waiting. Before long, Prince Ding's carriage appeared at the street corner, escorted by black-clad Black Cloud Cavalry riders. The simple, unadorned carriage stood in stark contrast to the usual extravagance of royal vehicles. As it stopped at the garden gates, Madam Sun hurried forward with a smile, "Huiniang welcomes Wang Fei's esteemed presence."

Qin Feng, positioned at the carriage's left side, dismounted and lifted the curtain. The gathered women craned their necks to glimpse Princess Ding, but instead saw a white-robed figure emerge first—white hair, coldly handsome features—none other than Prince Ding himself.

After alighting, Mo Xiuyao turned back and extended his hand inside the carriage, smiling, "A Li, we're here."

He helped Ye Li out, then before she could step down herself, swept her into his arms and gently set her on the ground. Madam Sun looked surprised—today's gathering was meant for women only—but none dared refuse the prince entry. Hesitantly, she approached, "Wang Ye, Wang Fei, this..."

Mo Xiuyao waved dismissively, "This prince is merely escorting his wife. I must attend the Xiling Emperor at court shortly and won't disturb you further." Relieved, Madam Sun exhaled inwardly. Many Western Liang nobles harbored complicated feelings toward Prince Ding, and with so many unmarried young ladies present, his attendance could have caused complications.

Ignoring the others, Mo Xiuyao bent to whisper to Ye Li, "A Li, shall I fetch you after court?" Ye Li nodded resignedly. Recently plagued by poor sleep and appetite, Mo Xiuyao treated her like fragile porcelain. With a soft sigh, she straightened his collar, "Be careful. I'll wait for you."Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao couldn't help but smile. A Li had been in low spirits these past few days and hadn't spoken to him so gently for quite some time. Was she feeling better now? "I know, A Li must also be careful. I'll head to the palace first." Little did he know that his smile had set the hearts of many young maidens present aflutter. Mo Xiuyao's appearance was elegant and handsome, yet his demeanor often carried a faint trace of indifference. But this genuine smile, devoid of any pretense, made him appear even more exceptionally dashing and captivating.

After repeatedly reminding Ye Li and Qin Feng, who was by her side, Mo Xiuyao finally took a horse and rode off with his entourage. Nearby, Madam Sun covered her lips with a smile and said, "Wang Ye and Wang Fei are truly a devoted couple, the envy of countless women in the world." Ye Li smiled faintly and replied, "Madam flatters me. Is this your daughter?" Beside Madam Sun stood a seven or eight-year-old girl dressed in fine clothes, her features resembling Madam Sun's by seventy or eighty percent but with an added delicacy. Her large, bright eyes gazed curiously at Ye Li, but when Ye Li looked back, she quickly hid behind Madam Sun.

Madam Sun pulled the girl out from behind her and said with a laugh, "Indeed, this is my daughter, Sun Xiaofu. Xiaofu, greet Wang Fei properly."

The little girl looked at Ye Li curiously, took a step forward, and said in a clear voice, "Xiaofu pays her respects to Wang Fei." Delighted, Ye Li gently stroked the girl's hair and said, "Good child, no need for formalities." After a moment's thought, she took off a purple pearl pendant she was wearing and handed it to Sun Xiaofu as a gift. Sun Xiaofu glanced timidly at her mother and, seeing Madam Sun nod, accepted it with a soft "Thank you, Wang Fei."

Seeing Princess Ding's gesture, Madam Sun's smile grew even more pleased. As a widow managing her household affairs, she faced many difficulties. The value of the gift itself was insignificant; what mattered was the unspoken message it conveyed—Prince Ding's Estate's tacit approval. Indeed, the noblewomen present now regarded Madam Sun with greater warmth, and even those who had previously scorned her status as a merchant and widow began to reconsider.

"Tea and refreshments have long been prepared inside. Please come in, Wang Fei," Madam Sun said with a smile.

Ye Li replied softly, "After you, Madam."

The group followed Ye Li and Madam Sun into the garden, leaving the entrance much quieter.

Not far from the gate, a carriage stood by the roadside, inside which sat Madam Bai and her legitimate daughter, Bai Qingning. They had arrived just as Prince Ding's carriage approached and had no choice but to yield the right of way.

"Ning'er?" Madam Bai called out worriedly to her daughter, who seemed lost in thought.

Bai Qingning looked up and asked, "Was that Prince Ding just now?"

Madam Bai nodded. "They say Prince Ding has silver hair, so it must have been him."

Bai Qingning sighed softly. "I never imagined... Prince Ding would be so young. It's just a pity about his silver hair..." Without it, how striking his appearance would have been with raven locks flowing like clouds.In the flower garden, Madam Sun accompanied Ye Li on a leisurely stroll. Although it was already early winter in Western Liang, there were hardly any flowers in the garden. Even the common blooms that flourished in autumn and winter in Great Chu were rare here. Nevertheless, the Sun family had adorned the entire garden beautifully, with many areas decorated with silk flowers, creating a vibrant scene of greenery and blossoms amidst the season.

As the weather had grown somewhat chilly, the banquet venue had been moved from the open garden to a Water Pavilion at one corner of the garden. The pavilion was open on all sides, draped only with thin gauze. Guests could sit inside, drinking and enjoying themselves while still clearly viewing the song and dance performances outside. Ye Li was naturally seated at the highest place of honor. Although among the noblewomen present were high-ranking officials, powerful nobles, and even princesses and noble ladies of the royal family, everyone knew that the imperial capital had already changed hands. The beautiful woman before them, dressed in elegant blue-green robes, exuding a quiet grace and subtle radiance, was now the future mistress of this imperial city. Thus, no one dared to show displeasure.

As guests and hosts took their seats, Ye Li glanced around. Though she hardly recognized anyone, their attire gave her some clues. It seemed Madam Sun’s social skills were indeed impressive—many of these guests were not the kind merchants could typically invite with ease.

"Please don’t mind me. Today’s gathering is a happy coincidence, so everyone should feel free to enjoy themselves," Ye Li said with a gentle smile, noticing the tension in the air.

Yet, despite her words, how could these noblewomen, each with their own agendas, truly relax? Madam Sun chimed in, "Her Highness is right. If there’s any inadequacy in our hospitality, we ask for your understanding, ladies and young misses."

Polite exchanges followed, and the atmosphere gradually warmed. Many secretly observed the Princess Ding seated at the head of the table. She appeared to be barely twenty, with features as delicate as a painting, graceful and refined. Every movement carried an understated nobility that commanded attention. Such elegance seemed plucked from an ancient scroll of noble ladies, making it hard to reconcile with the legendary heroine who had once galloped across battlefields. After this assessment, many who had planned to send their daughters into Prince Ding’s household felt disheartened. In terms of beauty, Western Liang women generally paled slightly compared to those of Great Chu—how could their daughters possibly compete for Prince Ding’s favor when the princess herself was so radiant?

"Princess Lingyun arrives! Madam Bai arrives! Miss Bai arrives!" a voice announced loudly outside the Water Pavilion.

Everyone quickly rose to their feet. No matter when Western Liang might relocate its capital, no matter their personal sentiments, they were still subjects of Western Liang. Thus, upon seeing Princess Lingyun, they had no choice but to pay their respects as befitted her royal status.

Princess Lingyun strode in swiftly, clad in resplendent robes, her expression haughty. Behind her, Madam Bai’s face was visibly uneasy. They were well aware of the strained relationship between Princess Ding and Princess Lingyun. Having been delayed outside, they had unfortunately arrived alongside the princess and could only enter together. They could only hope Princess Ding wouldn’t hold their coincidental arrival against them.

"Greetings to Your Highness!"Princess Lingyun gave a light snort, casting a glance at Ye Li who was sitting and drinking tea before turning to Madam Sun beside her. With her chin raised, her sharp eyes were filled with icy fury. Clearly, she had not forgotten the incident a few days prior when she had been turned away from the banquet.

"Your Highness honors us with your presence. Please, take a seat," Madam Sun said with a smile.

Princess Lingyun sneered, "This princess thought Madam Sun intended to drive me out again today?"

Madam Sun feigned surprise and replied, "How could that be? Who would dare to turn Princess Lingyun away from their door? Do they still draw breath?"

At these words, the expressions of those present turned peculiar, and a few young ladies couldn’t help but stifle quiet laughter. Years ago, when Princess Lingyun had returned from Chu in disgrace, her temperament had not softened—instead, it had grown even fiercer. The Xiling Emperor had no choice but to hastily arrange a marriage for her. Unexpectedly, perhaps due to some trauma in Western Liang, within the first month of her marriage, the princess had beaten to death one of her husband’s bedchamber servants and a young maid from her mother-in-law’s courtyard. The reason for the maid’s death? Simply because her mother-in-law, angered and ill, had refused to see her and instructed the maid to bar her entry. Over this, the mother-in-law had fainted in rage and passed away within two months. It became a notorious joke in the Western Mausoleum Imperial City.

Princess Lingyun’s face twisted with fury, yet she managed to restrain herself from an outburst. Instead, she said coldly, "If that’s the case, was it not Madam Sun’s orders that barred this princess a few days ago? Or perhaps Madam Sun wishes to see whether I dare to take your life?!"

Madam Sun's expression changed slightly as she replied calmly, "Now that Your Highness mentions it, this humble one recalls that gathering. It was an event organized by unmarried young ladies of the city. Though several matrons attended, they were all exemplary women of virtue, there to instruct the young ladies in etiquette and refinement. Even I wasn't qualified to attend such a gathering personally. I wonder how Your Highness..."

Her words, left unfinished, were more cutting than if she'd completed them. As a married woman lacking both talent and virtue, what right did Lingyun Gongzhu have to attend such a gathering? Wouldn't that set a poor example for the unmarried young ladies?

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Ahem~ My deepest gratitude to dear Ranxinye for the flowers, and to Zengfengzhu and Diandian for the diamonds. Wolf kisses~ cough Just a little preview - something might happen in the next chapter~