Mo Li

Madam Sun's seemingly casual remarks left Lingyun Gongzhu pale-faced. However, though Lingyun Gongzhu was proud by nature, she was no fool. She understood all too well that the Xiling imperial family was no longer what it once was. As a princess, she was now beneath not only Ye Li, the Princess Ding, but even this widow who had recently pledged allegiance to Prince Ding's Estate. With a cold snort, she suppressed her anger and sat down in a nearby chair, her face dark.

Lingyun Gongzhu’s restraint surprised everyone present. But after a moment of astonishment, they quickly grasped the reality—times had indeed changed. Even someone as haughty as Lingyun Gongzhu dared not act recklessly before Princess Ding. This realization only strengthened their resolve to align themselves with Prince Ding's Estate.

Once Lingyun Gongzhu had taken her seat, Madam Bai stepped forward with Bai Qingning to greet Ye Li. "This humble wife, Bai, and my daughter Qingning, pay our respects to Princess Ding."

Bai Qingning followed her mother gracefully, performing a flawless curtsy in the manner befitting a young lady from a distinguished scholarly family of Great Chu. This stood in stark contrast to the earlier greetings from the noblewomen of Western Liang. Ye Li raised a delicate brow and smiled. "Madam Bai, Miss Bai, there’s no need for such formality. I, too, am a guest here today. Please, make yourselves at ease."

Madam Bai replied warmly, "How could we presume? To behold Your Highness’s noble presence today is a blessing earned through three lifetimes of virtue."

While Madam Bai exchanged pleasantries with Ye Li, Bai Qingning discreetly studied the woman seated at the head of the room. Dressed in simple blue-green robes, she appeared only slightly older than herself. Yet, beneath her refined and gentle beauty lay an understated radiance and dignity that commanded attention, elevating her grace to an almost regal level—enough to make others feel inadequate in comparison.

Ye Li, perceptive as ever, noticed Bai Qingning’s lingering gaze even as she conversed and couldn’t help but smile.

"Miss Bai, is there something you wish to say?" she asked gently.

Bai Qingning started slightly before rising hastily. "Qingning wouldn’t dare. It’s just… I’ve heard of Your Highness’s heroic exploits on the battlefield, your fame spreading far and wide. I couldn’t help but admire you. Forgive my impropriety."

Ye Li waved a hand dismissively. "No need for apologies. The so-called 'fame' is merely hearsay. I’ve simply accompanied His Highness on his travels and seen a bit more of the world, that’s all."

Bai Qingning’s eyes sparkled with admiration. "Your Highness is too modest. To live as freely and boldly as you do—that would truly be a life well-lived."

Beside Ye Li, Madam Sun arched a brow and pulled her daughter closer, her lips curling in amusement. The Bai family had always groomed their daughters for the imperial harem or noble marriages—never had they produced a young lady who yearned for freedom and adventure. Yet, seeing Madam Bai’s unperturbed expression, Madam Sun’s smile deepened.Ye Li lowered her head to take a sip of tea, the smile on her face fading slightly. Under normal circumstances, she would have quite liked such a woman, but these past few days, her mood seemed to have influenced even her perception of others. Faced with this smiling, elegant, and cheerful woman before her, she felt not the slightest bit of goodwill. In truth, Ye Li was not unaware of the intentions harbored by those present, but she didn’t particularly care. Since she and Mo Xiuyao occupied such positions, it was inevitable they would encounter such issues. Everyone acted for their own interests—she disliked them for their respective stances but didn’t consider them particularly heinous. It was just a pity… If she and Mo Xiuyao had no real affection between them, she wouldn’t have minded being a nominal, virtuous consort for a generation. But they had already been through so much together, their bond so deep, so she could only apologize to these people. Mo Xiuyao was hers alone!

The atmosphere in the Water Pavilion grew slightly chilly. Seated to one side, Lingyun Gongzhu let out a disdainful snort. Born into the imperial court, she was naturally more domineering and scheming than most. How could she not know what the Bai family was plotting? Unfortunately, Ye Li was not someone easily manipulated. Now nearly thirty and long married, whatever infatuation she once held had long been worn away by time. What remained was not so much lingering affection for Mo Xiuyao as it was resentment toward Ye Li. Thus, she understood all too well what kind of person Ye Li was. Even as a newlywed of fourteen or fifteen, Ye Li had dared to show no mercy to her, a princess of Western Liang. Now, as the mature and battle-hardened Princess Ding, how could she tolerate other women coveting what was hers? The Bai family’s schemes were doomed to fail. Western Liang wasn’t even destroyed yet, and these people were already scrambling to pledge allegiance to Prince Ding’s Estate—each and every one of them deserved death!

After a long pause, Ye Li finally spoke with a faint smile, "What’s the harm in that? This consort has always believed that confining young ladies to the inner chambers is no good thing. If Miss Bai is willing, I could speak to the Bai family head and arrange for her to go out and gain some experience. It might do her well."

"Gain experience?" Bai Qingning was taken aback, unsure how the conversation had suddenly taken this turn. Moreover, she had no real desire to venture out for any kind of "experience." She was nothing like the Princess Consort—though a woman of Western Liang, she was frail and delicate, hardly suited to endure the hardships of travel.

Ye Li smiled. "Isn’t that so? This consort still remembers… my first journey was to the Southern Border. I must have been around fifteen or sixteen at the time, not much older than Miss Bai is now."

Bai Qingning’s smile faltered, and she cast a worried glance at Madam Bai, fearing Ye Li might actually send her off to the Southern Border. She had only read about such places in books—how could anyone possibly endure those wild, treacherous lands? Beside them, Madam Sun, who had been watching the scene with amusement, chimed in cheerfully, "The Princess Consort speaks wisely. This humble wife’s greatest regret is never having ventured beyond the Western Mausoleum Imperial City. When Xiaofu is older, I certainly won’t keep her so confined."The others quickly joined in praising Princess Ding's insight, though inwardly, none of them took it seriously. While Western Liang wasn't as strict with young women as Great Chu, their daughters were still raised with utmost pampering, and no one had any intention of sending them out to suffer. However, many couldn't help but think that Princess Ding, who had traveled to the Southern Border at just fifteen or sixteen, was indeed extraordinary. The idea of sending their daughters to Prince Ding's Estate was quietly suppressed in their minds.

After sitting with Ye Li for a while and enjoying some tea, the guests gradually dispersed in small groups to stroll through the garden. Naturally, Ye Li couldn't avoid joining them and was accompanied by Madam Sun, Madam Bai, and a few others as they walked through the garden. Admiring the colorful silk flowers lining the paths, Ye Li smiled and remarked, "Madam Sun's ingenuity is remarkable. No wonder the Sun family has flourished under your care."

Madam Sun, holding Sun Xiaofu's hand, chuckled and replied, "Western Liang lies in the western regions, where the climate is harsh. It can't compare to Great Chu, nor even Li Cheng. We hardly see flowers or greenery throughout the year, so this display is merely a necessity. I fear it has amused you, Princess." Ye Li smiled faintly, while Bai Qingning, walking beside her, added cheerfully, "Does the Princess enjoy flowers? My family has many exotic plants imported from Great Chu and the western regions. Perhaps I could send some for your enjoyment tomorrow." Ye Li glanced at Bai Qingning's serene smile and shook her head. "Taking what others cherish is hardly gentlemanly. Besides, I'm no connoisseur—such rare blooms would only be wasted on me."

Bai Qingning covered her lips with a laugh. "The Princess is the esteemed granddaughter of Mr. Qingyun. If you're not refined, then what does that make the rest of us?"

Madam Sun gave Bai Qingning a knowing look and said to Madam Bai with a smile, "Madam, your daughter certainly has a silver tongue. If she spoke like that to me, I'd be overjoyed to the point of dizziness." Madam Bai's smile stiffened as she replied coolly, "You jest, Madam Sun. How could a young girl like her compare to your eloquence?"

Madam Sun tittered. "I’m not jesting at all. Everyone knows the Bai family’s daughters have always been quick-witted—how else could they have earned imperial favor generation after generation, producing consorts and empresses?"

Madam Bai’s face darkened with anger, glaring at Madam Sun, who remained unfazed and continued walking cheerfully with her daughter and Ye Li.

"Princess, the Fourth Young Master requests an audience," a guard approached and reported.

"Fourth Brother?" Ye Li was surprised. Today’s banquet was for female guests, and male attendees were not permitted—even Mo Xiuyao had only escorted her to the gate before leaving. But she knew Xu Qingbai wouldn’t seek her out unless it was urgent. "Madam Sun, would it be appropriate?"

Madam Sun thought for a moment and smiled. "The Fourth Young Master is a man of noble character—there’s no issue. Perhaps the Princess could wait for him in the pavilion ahead?"

Ye Li nodded. "Very well."

Soon, Xu Qingbai was led over by the guards in haste. "Li'er."

"Fourth Brother, has something happened?" Ye Li asked worriedly.

Xu Qingbai glanced at the ladies nearby but decided it wasn’t a secret and said directly, "My mother has arrived in Western Liang!""What?" Ye Li was stunned, not quite understanding what had happened. After a long moment, she regained her composure and asked, "Madam Xu... why would Madam Xu come all the way to Western Liang?" Xu Qingbai gave a bitter smile and said quietly, "Some time ago, my mother somehow found out about my presence in Western Liang. I just received a letter from my elder brother—she left Li Cheng half a month ago and should be arriving soon."

Ye Li steadied herself before replying, "Since both my elder brother and uncle are aware, Madam Xu’s safety shouldn’t be an issue. I’ll arrange for someone to fetch her right away, so Fourth Brother need not worry." Xu Qingbai smiled helplessly, and seeing Ye Li’s puzzled expression, he confessed, "I’ll be staying in Western Liang for quite some time. When Mother arrives, she’ll likely... I’d like to ask Li'er to help persuade her for me."

Ye Li finally understood. Earlier, she and Mo Xiuyao had discussed who would oversee Western Liang after their departure. It seemed Mo Xiuyao had already decided on Xu Qingbai. With his experience in governance and his impressive track record—especially in managing the barren northern regions of the northwest—he was indeed the right choice. Now it made sense why Madam Xu had rushed here despite the dangers. Xu Qingbai’s assignment in Western Liang wouldn’t be a short-term affair; it could easily take three to five years. At his age, if he didn’t return to Li Cheng for so long, Madam Xu would surely be frantic with worry.

Covering her lips to stifle a laugh, Ye Li nodded. "Fourth Brother, I understand. I’ll speak with Madam Xu properly."

Xu Qingbai sighed in relief. "Thank you, Li'er." With the serious matter settled, he relaxed and turned to Madam Sun with a nod. "I’ve disturbed you, Madam. Please forgive the intrusion."

Madam Sun smiled warmly. "You flatter me, Fourth Young Master. If there’s anything I can do to assist Madam Xu on her long journey here, please don’t hesitate to ask—whether it’s you or Wang Fei."

Xu Qingbai thought for a moment and realized he did need Madam Sun’s help. Without further ceremony, he said, "My mother may stay in Western Liang for quite some time, and lodging at the courier station indefinitely isn’t ideal..."

Madam Sun caught his meaning and chuckled. "It seems you’ll also be staying in Western Liang for a while, much to the delight of the young ladies here... Hehe. Many properties in the city are up for sale these days. I’ll keep an eye out for a suitable residence for you." While many noble families sought to align themselves with Princess Ding, others were preparing to follow the Xiling Emperor south, leaving numerous estates in the capital available for purchase.

Xu Qingbai cupped his hands in gratitude. "Then I’ll trouble you, Madam."

Using Madam Xu’s impending arrival as an excuse, Ye Li sat for a short while longer before rising to leave with Xu Qingbai. Given her status, it wasn’t necessary for her to attend the entire banquet—making an appearance and exchanging pleasantries with the noblewomen was sufficient. Besides, she had begun feeling slightly unwell after sitting in the breeze for a while. Madam Sun didn’t dare detain her and escorted them to the door. At the entrance, Ye Li turned and said, "Madam, there’s no need to see us further. Please stay."

Madam Sun didn’t insist and nodded with a smile. "Very well. Safe travels, Wang Fei."

"Farewell." Ye Li nodded and turned toward the carriage."Wang Fei, be careful!" A silver flash streaked through the sunlight as Ye Li reflexively dodged, a feathered arrow whizzing past her and embedding itself into the nearby carriage. The surrounding guards immediately formed a protective circle around Ye Li and Xu Qingbai as a group of masked men in varied attire leaped down from street corners and rooftops, charging straight toward them.

Prince Ding's guards met them head-on without hesitation, and both sides quickly became embroiled in combat. Safely shielded in the center, Ye Li observed clearly—though these assailants wore different colors, their skills were uniformly excellent, clearly the result of rigorous training. Yet she couldn't fathom who in Western Mausoleum Imperial City, apart from the Xiling Emperor, could command such elite soldiers and would want to assassinate her.

"Ah—?!" The sudden attack caught the noblewomen still lingering at the entrance unprepared. Though not the intended targets, they suffered as collateral damage in the chaos. A maid was stabbed to death and collapsed right before Madam Sun, who, despite her pale face, tightly clutched her screaming daughter as they retreated to a corner. "Capture the assassins, now!" she shrieked. Since this banquet gathered the city's most influential women, guards were naturally present—but they were clearly no match for the assassins, suffering heavy casualties the moment they engaged.

One guard took a blade straight to the face and was sent flying toward the entrance, landing near Bai Qingning. No matter how composed she usually was, Bai Qingning was still a girl of sixteen or seventeen. She screamed, her voice even shriller than Sun Xiaofu's. An assassin nearby turned at the sound and flung a handful of willow-leaf darts at her. Bai Qingning's eyes widened, but her body froze—she could only shut her eyes and await death.

Clink— A crisp metallic sound rang out as the darts meant for her body were knocked to the ground. Beside them lay a broken vermilion hairpin, which Bai Qingning distinctly recognized as the one Wang Fei had been wearing earlier. She hurriedly looked toward Ye Li and saw her and Xu Qingbai shielded beside the carriage. Despite the surrounding chaos, the space around them remained eerily untouched. Summoning inexplicable courage, Bai Qingning dashed toward them. Whether by sheer luck or fate's mercy, she actually made it to their side. "Wang Fei..."

Seeing how terrified she was—and since she had already reached them—Ye Li signaled the guards to let her through. Only when standing before Ye Li and Xu Qingbai did Bai Qingning finally exhale, her voice trembling. "Wang Fei... these people..."

Ye Li replied calmly, "Don't be afraid. It'll be over soon."

Taking in Ye Li's composed demeanor, Bai Qingning swallowed whatever else she had meant to say. She could only stare fearfully at the unfolding chaos, her eyes filled with dread.The assassins seemed fearless and paid little attention to those around them. They charged relentlessly toward Ye Li, determined to achieve their goal at all costs. Although Prince Ding's Estate had many guards, the assassins outnumbered them significantly. Clearly aware that time was limited, the assassins fought with even greater desperation. Several even sacrificed themselves to hold down a guard, allowing their comrades to advance. Under normal circumstances, Ye Li might have praised their bravery, but the current situation was extremely unfavorable for them.

Finally, someone broke through the guards and lunged at Ye Li. She pushed Xu Qingbai aside and urged, "Fourth Brother, go quickly!"

Xu Qingbai knew he lacked martial skills and would only be a burden if he stayed. Nodding, he said, "Li'er, be careful." Ye Li nodded in return, dodging the assassin's sword with a swift tilt of her head. A flash of silver from her sleeve sent a spray of blood as the hand gripping the sword fell to the ground. The pungent smell of blood made Ye Li frown slightly, but she showed no mercy—her dagger swiftly pierced the assassin's heart, killing him instantly.

A guard pulled Xu Qingbai away, but Bai Qingning rushed forward, crying, "Young Master Xu! Take me with you..." The assassin, whose hand Ye Li had severed before delivering the fatal blow, had splattered blood all over her, shattering her already fragile nerves. She clung desperately to Xu Qingbai, who frowned but had no choice but to pull her along. However, the assassins seemed aware of Xu Qingbai's identity and quickly surrounded them, forcing them back toward Ye Li. The guard, torn between protecting Xu Qingbai and fighting the assassins, soon found himself overwhelmed and in constant danger. Xu Qingbai said solemnly, "Life and death are fated. Don't worry about us—focus on the fight."

The guard understood that if he fell, Xu Qingbai, defenseless as he was, would meet the same fate. Thus, he fought with renewed determination. Yet, gradually, Xu Qingbai and Bai Qingning were pushed back to Ye Li's side. Wielding a sword seized from an assassin, Ye Li deflected another attacker and asked with a frown, "Why haven't you left yet? Qin Feng, take Fourth Brother away first."

Qin Feng was surrounded by several assassins and, though he heard Ye Li's order, couldn't break free immediately. Xu Qingbai, dragging Bai Qingning—who still clung to his robes—backed away, trying to keep his distance from Ye Li. He smiled wryly. "Li'er, it seems I'm dragging you down." Ye Li's sword moved like the wind as she replied lightly, "Nonsense, Fourth Brother. Isn't this my fault for involving you?" Her swordsmanship, personally taught by Mo Xiuyao, wasn't flawless but was still formidable. For a while, the assassins couldn't gain the upper hand. However, Ye Li soon noticed a dull pain in her abdomen, and fine beads of sweat formed on her forehead. Normally, she wouldn't have struggled so much, but there was no time to dwell on the reason now.

The assassins, sensing her slowed movements, rejoiced. Several lunged at her simultaneously—their mission was to kill Ye Li. Her death would cripple half of Prince Ding's Estate and even destroy Prince Ding himself. Even if none of them returned alive, it would be worth it.Ye Li steadied herself, her long sword sweeping through the air, leaving a trail of blood in its wake. The dull ache in her abdomen made her feel incredibly weak, even sending chills through her body.

"Wang Fei!" Qin Feng, having shaken off the assassins, also noticed Ye Li's discomfort and swiftly leaped over to support her. Ye Li gripped his shoulder and said, "Take Fourth Brother out first!"

Qin Feng frowned and replied firmly, "No, this subordinate will take Wang Fei out first!" Though he didn't know exactly where she was injured, he could clearly see she was in extreme distress. Not far away, Bai Qingning rushed over in panic, crying, "Take me away... please take me away..." Qin Feng raised his hand impatiently to strike her, but just then, a sharp gust of wind whistled through the air—"Ye Li, your life is mine!"

Three gleaming swords thrust straight toward Ye Li. Qin Feng swung his blade to block the two in front of her, but the third sword veered off course and slashed toward Bai Qingning beside them. With a shriek, Bai Qingning grabbed at someone nearby—just catching Ye Li's robe. Already struggling to stand, Ye Li was barely holding herself up with Qin Feng's support. The sudden tug sent her stumbling directly into the path of the sword.

"Wang Fei!"

"Li'er!"

Ye Li struggled to raise her hand, using her dagger to deflect the force of the sword strike, but the momentum sent her tumbling away from Qin Feng's support and onto Bai Qingning. The assassin's first strike having missed, the second followed immediately. "Wang Fei?!"

Qin Feng, entangled with another assailant, couldn't reach her in time and could only hurl his sword toward the attacker—but it was already too late. The blade was already thrusting toward Ye Li. Bai Qingning, her face pale, hastily let go and moved aside. Just as the sword tip was about to pierce Ye Li, a jade-colored figure lunged forward, shielding her.

A wet, warm splatter of blood landed on Ye Li's face. Her eyes flew open wide. "F-Fourth Brother...?"

－－－－－－Author's Note－－－－－－

Well~ Now you see what Miss Bai's role is, don't you? She wasn't here to seduce Prince Ding or to be a villain—she was just cannon fodder. Honestly... this wasn't really her fault; it was just instinct. But alas, she's about to face misfortune, and the Bai family will suffer too. She simply lacked the capability and resolve to sacrifice herself for her family. If it had been Madam Sun in this situation, she would've taken the sword for A Li without hesitation—even if she died, Prince Ding's Estate would've absolutely taken care of her daughter and the Sun family.