Mo Li

Looking at the white-clad woman before her, her robes fluttering gracefully and her face veiled with light gauze, Ye Li's eyes deepened with amusement. However, upon closer inspection, that amusement carried a hint of icy coldness. With a faint, enigmatic smile, she glanced at the woman beside Yelv Ye and said lightly, "Speaking of which, I find the Seventh Princess Consort quite familiar. Crown Princess, what do you think?"

Ronghua Princess covered her lips with a chuckle, casting a similarly enigmatic glance at the woman opposite her. "Isn't that so? The first time I saw her, I was quite startled. I almost thought—"

"Sister-in-law!" Yelv Ye's expression darkened as he stiffly interrupted Ronghua Princess. She didn’t press the matter—many things only needed to be hinted at for everyone to understand; there was no need to spell them out explicitly.

Hearing Ye Li and Ronghua Princess's words, Mo Xiuyao finally turned his gaze toward the woman beside Yelv Ye, frowning slightly. Ye Li reached out and took his hand, smiling gently. "Does Wang Ye also find the Seventh Princess Consort somewhat familiar?"

Mo Xiuyao gave her a brief glance before replying indifferently, "No impression at all."

Though his answer contradicted the implications of Ye Li and Ronghua Princess's remarks, Ye Li's smile only grew more delighted. After all, no woman liked her husband remembering another woman's appearance—even if it was out of dislike. Mo Xiuyao could tell that Ye Li was in high spirits, and the furrow between his brows gradually smoothed out.

Meanwhile, Qing Yina, seated below, paled at Mo Xiuyao's few words. Had she not been wearing a veil, the twisted expression on her face would have shocked everyone present. Her half-lowered eyes flickered with a venomous, almost frenzied resentment.

Despite the strained relations with Northern Rong, Prince Ding's Estate still upheld the courtesy due to guests. After exchanging a few polite words with Yelv Hong and Yelv Ye, Ye Li rose and led Ronghua Princess and Qing Yina elsewhere to talk. After all, the matters men discussed would likely bore the ladies, and given Ye Li and Ronghua Princess's relationship, a private conversation was only natural. However, the presence of the taciturn, aloof future Seventh Princess Consort trailing behind them made the atmosphere somewhat awkward. Ronghua Princess clearly had no fondness for this prospective sister-in-law.

"Qing Yina, Wang Fei Ding and I have some matters to discuss. You wouldn’t mind stepping aside, would you?" Ronghua Princess still carried a trace of the domineering boldness from her days in Chu Jing, unhesitatingly dismissing a woman she disliked.

Qing Yina shot her a cold glance, displeasure evident in her eyes, though she clearly had no intention of provoking an outright conflict. Ye Li smiled faintly. "Since Wang Fei and the Princess haven’t seen each other in years, and the gardens of Prince Ding's Estate are passably pleasant, perhaps the young lady would like to take a stroll there first? I apologize for any discourtesy." With that, she summoned Qingshuang and A Jin, who had recently returned, and instructed, "Accompany our guest for a walk in the gardens."Qingshuang, having honed her wit and sensitivity over the years, immediately grasped Ye Li's intention and smiled, "As you command, my lady. Please come this way." Though already in her twenties, A Jin remained as taciturn as ever, merely casting a quiet glance at Qing Yina before silently standing behind Qingshuang. Qing Yina's gaze swept over Ye Li but ultimately, she said nothing and turned away.

With the unwelcome presence finally gone, Ronghua Princess relaxed into a carefree smile. "Finally, she's left. Like a ghost, just looking at her makes one uncomfortable."

As the two strolled through the garden, Ye Li asked softly, "Is that really...?" Ronghua Princess nodded. "Indeed. When I first saw her, I thought I might have mistaken her for someone with a similar face. But then I saw her expression, her attitude—how many women in this world are as detestable as her?" She curled her lip in disgust, entirely forgetting that her own arrogance back in Chu Jing had been no less than the other's haughtiness. "I just never expected she would escape and somehow manage to attach herself to Yelv Ye." The "she" referred to none other than Consort Liu, who had vanished after fleeing the palace. Ye Li, too, was surprised that Consort Liu had become the betrothed of Northern Rong's seventh prince.

Ronghua Princess had initially held no particular feelings toward Consort Liu. However, despite her resentment toward Mo Jingqi for marrying her off to Northern Rong, she was still a member of the Chu imperial family—Mo Jingqi's cousin. Seeing Consort Liu feign death to escape after Mo Jingqi's demise and then latch onto Yelv Ye, her husband's political rival, Ronghua Princess could hardly view her favorably.

"Don't be fooled by her arrogant demeanor—her skill in seducing men is nothing to scoff at. Not only is Yelv Ye utterly devoted to her, but even the King of Northern Rong sings her praises." Ronghua Princess's face flushed with anger as she spoke. Yelv Hong and Yelv Ye were the two sons most favored by the King of Northern Rong. If the king admired Qing Yina, it naturally elevated Yelv Ye's standing, which was detrimental to Yelv Hong.

Ye Li chuckled lightly, observing the princess's furious expression. "It seems the princess has developed quite a bond with the Northern Rong Crown Prince over the years?"

Ronghua Princess's cheeks reddened, and she shot Ye Li a glare. "Now you're teasing me. Everyone knows Prince Ding and Princess Ding are the envy of the world, the perfect couple." Ye Li grinned. "You're welcome to tease me back. Xiu Yao and I do have a wonderful relationship—are you jealous?" The princess huffed, exasperated. "The Crown Prince and I share a deep bond too!"

Ye Li maintained her serene expression, her faint smile unwavering. Gradually, the mirth faded from Ronghua Princess's face, and she met Ye Li's gaze solemnly. "You needn't worry. I gave my word to you and Prince Ding, and I won't go back on it."

Ye Li spoke softly, "From what I know, the princess and the Northern Rong Crown Prince already have two children. Are you truly prepared? If there are any difficulties, I hope you'll voice them now rather than let complications arise later. I trust you understand my meaning." Any reservations should be addressed now for mutual discussion. If Ronghua Princess were to renege later, causing losses to Prince Ding's Estate, the estate would not hesitate to respond accordingly.Ronghua Princess took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Wang Fei, please rest assured. I am a princess of Great Chu, even though Great Chu has now... Moreover, although I share an excellent relationship with the Crown Prince... if he ascends the throne in the future, my child would never be his heir." While the Central Plains people looked down upon the barbarians beyond the borders, those foreign tribes did not necessarily hold the Central Plains people in high regard—perhaps even less so. The Northern Rong royal family's rejection of foreign bloodlines could be described as nearly pathological. No matter how outstanding her child might be, they would never ascend to the throne of the Northern Rong King. Thus, even though Yelv Hong treated her well, he still married many side consorts and even favored the children born to those Northern Rong women more. As a member of the royal family, Ronghua Princess was well aware of the saying, "Beauty fades, and love wanes." Since ancient times, there had been tales of favor ending before beauty faded. Once Yelv Hong's affection for her diminished, Prince Ding's Estate would become the greatest refuge for her and her child.

Ye Li observed Ronghua Princess calmly for a long while before finally nodding. "I believe you, Princess. In truth, you need not worry now. Prince Ding's Estate and Crown Prince Yelv's stance are not opposed. At present, Prince Ding's Estate has no interest in the grasslands beyond the borders. We merely wish to drive the Northern Rong army entrenched in the north back. As for what Yelv Ye has done leading his troops in the north, I presume you are aware."

Ronghua Princess nodded heavily. As a princess of Great Chu sent to Northern Rong for a political marriage, the fall of Great Chu brought her no benefits. Ever since Mo Jingli relocated the Great Chu court southward, her position in Northern Rong had become precarious. Precisely because of this, she had followed Yelv Hong to Li Cheng. As long as Prince Ding's Estate acknowledged her existence, the stronger the estate became, the safer she would be. "The Crown Prince has repeatedly urged the Northern Rong King to withdraw the troops, but the King, seeing the Seventh Prince's unstoppable momentum, has not heeded his advice."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Though the Northern Rong army has been blocked by the Mo Family Army and can advance no further, Yelv Ye has still conquered vast territories for Northern Rong. As a result, the Crown Prince's position must be somewhat unstable now, no?"

Ronghua Princess gazed at Ye Li, nodding in admiration. "Wang Fei is correct. This was precisely why the Crown Prince initially opposed sending the Seventh Prince to war. In the military, the Seventh Prince has always held the upper hand. If he were to gain such military achievements, his supporters would only increase. By then, the Crown Prince..."

Ye Li said softly, "The Mo Family Army can offer some assistance to the Northern Rong Crown Prince."

"Then... what does Wang Ye and Wang Fei wish the Crown Prince to do?" Ronghua Princess asked. After all, blessings did not fall from the sky without reason. To gain something, one must always give something in return.

Ye Li chuckled. "As for that... Wang Ye will naturally discuss it with the Northern Rong Crown Prince. You need only lend a hand at the appropriate moment to hasten the Crown Prince's decision. Knowing too much might arouse his suspicions."

Ronghua Princess pondered for a moment and had to admit Ye Li's reasoning was sound. She nodded in agreement to Ye Li's words.

After sending the Northern Rong Crown Prince and his entourage back to the guesthouse to settle in, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao finally walked hand in hand back to their chambers."How did Consort Liu encounter Yelv Ye?" Ye Li leaned against Mo Xiuyao's chest, asking curiously while deep in thought. Mo Xiuyao reclined lazily on the couch, idly flipping through a book with one hand while occasionally playing with Ye Li's hair. He replied indifferently, "When Mo Jingqi passed away, Northern Rong sent Yelv Ye as their representative. It wouldn't be strange if he ended up saving Consort Liu."

"But for Yelv Ye to be so infatuated with Consort Liu—don't you find that odd? Yelv Ye is someone whose cunning and abilities are no less than Yelv Hong's. For him to be so obsessed with a fugitive concubine from Great Chu feels rather bizarre." This was something Ye Li truly couldn't understand. If it were about infatuation, it would be more believable if the gentler Yelv Hong were the one obsessed with Consort Liu rather than Yelv Ye.

Mo Xiuyao set down the book, frowned slightly in thought, and said, "It's likely that Consort Liu possesses something Yelv Ye values. Don't you think Yelv Ye's previous military advances were too smooth?" Northern Rong had always been a major defensive concern for Great Chu, yet Yelv Ye's campaign had proceeded even more smoothly than Ren Qining's in the northern border. This in itself was surprising. However, at the time, Great Chu was under attack from three fronts and collapsing on all sides, so no one had the time to ponder these questions carefully.

"Could it be that Consort Liu..." colluded with the enemy and betrayed the country.

"Very likely," Mo Xiuyao said coolly. "The Liu family holds high positions in the court. Although they haven't produced any notable military talents over the generations, Mo Jingqi favored civil officials over military ones, so the Liu family knows plenty of military secrets." Though his expression remained unchanged, Ye Li could hear the killing intent in his voice. She frowned and asked, "If that's truly the case, what do you plan to do?"

Mo Xiuyao replied, "If so, she won't be leaving Li Cheng again. Before that... where have Mo Xiaoyun and Zhenning been settled?" Mo Xiaoyun was, after all, a prince of Great Chu. Although he had voluntarily left Chu Jing, it was no longer appropriate for him to stay there, so he naturally had to relocate to Li Cheng, the stronghold of Prince Ding's Estate. Ye Li said, "They've been placed in a residence in the city, not far from the Xu residence and General Lü's residence." Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. "Good. Have someone pass the news to Mo Xiaoyun and Zhenning. Since their birth mother has arrived, they shouldn't be kept in the dark."

Thinking of Princess Zhenning, whose face had been half-ruined, Ye Li sighed inwardly. She had met the two children when they first arrived in Li Cheng. Because Ye Li had essentially saved Princess Zhenning's life, both Mo Xiaoyun and the princess held her in high regard. Ye Li could clearly see the hatred in Princess Zhenning's heart whenever Consort Liu was mentioned.

"I understand. What about the Northern Rong Crown Prince?"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze. "Compared to Yelv Ye, Yelv Hong's ambitions are much smaller. But this is also related to his steady temperament, which differs from most Bei Rong people. He sees things more clearly than Yelv Ye. If he's sensible, he'll naturally come to negotiate with us." Ye Li nodded and exhaled softly. Dealing with these princes and nobles these days had been even more exhausting than being on the battlefield.

Mo Xiuyao looked down at Ye Li and asked softly, "A Li, are you tired?"Shaking her head, Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "It's just that these matters seem too complicated. I'd rather be on the battlefield—it's much more straightforward." Mo Xiuyao replied softly, "If A Li doesn't like dealing with them, you can leave them to me and Xu Qingchen. There's no need to force yourself." Ye Li shook her head again and leaned against Mo Xiuyao, closing her eyes to rest.

"Wang Ye, Wang Fei, Lin Han requests an audience," Lin Han's voice sounded from outside the door.

Mo Xiuyao lifted his gaze and said calmly, "Enter."

Lin Han stepped into the room, glanced briefly at the prince and princess leaning against each other, then lowered his eyes and reported solemnly, "Your Highness, Princess Li has just visited the Ye residence." Ye Li sat up and shot a glance at Mo Xiuyao, who was nuzzling her discontentedly, before asking, "Is there a problem?" Lin Han kept his gaze fixed ahead and replied, "The shadow guards discovered someone at the Ye family and thought it necessary to inform Your Highnesses."

"Oh? Who?" Ye Li asked curiously, unable to imagine who in the now-declined Ye family could warrant the shadow guards' attention.

Lin Han answered, "Ye Yue."

"What?" Ye Li was stunned, and even Mo Xiuyao raised his head, his expression darkening. Ye Li looked at Lin Han with a grave expression and said coolly, "Explain in detail."

Lin Han continued, "After Princess Li returned to the Ye residence, she spoke with the Ye family members before being taken aside by Ye Wangshi for a private conversation. They disagreed and began arguing, which alerted the shadow guards hidden in the residence. They noticed something unusual about a maid in Ye Wangshi's room. The sketches sent out show the maid bears a seventy percent resemblance to Ye Yue, who was supposedly burned to death in the palace fire years ago."

"Ye Wenhua has quite the audacity," Mo Xiuyao's voice carried a chilling edge, sending a shiver down Lin Han's spine. The palace fire years ago had also led to Ye Li's prolonged disappearance, leaving a deep mark on Mo Xiuyao. Even he hadn't expected Ye Wenhua to dare shelter Ye Yue.

Ye Li frowned slightly. "Perhaps he didn't know." It wasn't that she believed Ye Wenhua harbored deep paternal affection for her, but the man didn't seem the type to take such risks for his daughter.

Mo Xiuyao scoffed coldly. "Didn't know? Ye Yue was right in Ye Wangshi's room. Even if he didn't know at first, how could he not grow suspicious over time?" So even if Ye Wenhua wasn't the mastermind, he had certainly turned a blind eye to it. Ye Li nodded and sighed. "I understand. I'll visit the Ye residence myself later." If it really was Ye Yue, who had helped her fake her death and escape back then? And why had she hidden in the Ye residence? Surely she hadn't come to Li Cheng just to live incognito forever—Li Cheng, under the watchful eyes of Prince Ding's Estate, was hardly the best place for that.

"Wang Ye, Wang Fei, someone from Princess Li's entourage requests an audience," another voice announced from outside.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly. "Let her in."

Soon, an unremarkable young maid was brought in. The moment she saw Ye Li, the girl threw herself forward and knelt on the ground, pleading, "Wang Fei, please, Princess Ding, save our princess!""What's going on?" Ye Li frowned, feeling a pang of concern. She had invested considerable effort in guiding and nurturing Ye Ying, not for her to be ruined here. The little maid sobbed, "Our Wang Fei went to the Ye residence to pay respects to the old madam and Lord Ye and Madam Ye. Then she stormed out in anger, saying she was coming to Prince Ding's Estate. But as soon as she stepped out, His Highness took her back to the posthouse. I... I'm just a lowly maid in the estate, unnoticed, so I sneaked out to inform Wang Fei."

As the maid spoke, a shadow guard from Prince Ding's Estate arrived to report that Ye Ying had been taken back to the posthouse by Prince Li and placed under house arrest.

Though it was difficult to plant spies close to Mo Xiuyao, Prince Ding's Estate had many eyes in the posthouse. Such matters couldn't be hidden from them. The shadow guard quickly recounted the events, which matched the maid's account. After a moment's thought, Ye Li said, "Ye Ying learned about Ye Yue's news and wanted to come to Prince Ding's Estate to tell us, so Mo Jingli confined her? But that doesn't make sense... Why would Ye Ying betray her own sister for our sake?"

Mo Xiuyao replied, "Naturally, because Ye Yue conflicts with her interests. Ye Yue is Mo Jingqi's favored consort, and we still don't know whether she truly belongs to Mo Jingqi or the Empress Dowager. For Mo Jingli, she isn't useless either."

Hearing this, Ye Li suddenly understood. After a pause, she instructed the shadow guard, "Go back and tell Princess Li to make a scene with Prince Li. The more she fusses, the less he'll suspect her. Also, remind her to think carefully—even if that woman really is Ye Yue, as long as she remains composed, her position won't be threatened." The shadow guard nodded silently and withdrew.

Ye Li stood and said to Mo Xiuyao, "It seems I really must visit the Ye residence now."

Mo Xiuyao held her back. "Going now would arouse Mo Jingli's suspicion. The Ye residence is being watched, and nothing will go awry. Go tomorrow."

At the posthouse, Ye Ying dismissed the maid who had suddenly appeared in her room. Slowly wiping the tear stains from her face, she sat up and called, "Someone!" Soon, a guard appeared at the door. "Wang Fei, His Highness has ordered that you not leave your quarters without permission."

Ye Ying said coldly, "This princess has no intention of leaving. Summon His Highness. Tell him I have something important to say."

The guard hesitated but, seeing Ye Ying's unusually stern expression, finally nodded and went to inform Mo Jingli. Once the guard left, Ye Ying closed the door again. The softness in her eyes was replaced with resentment. Her lips, bitten pale, trembled slightly. "Second Sister... Second Sister... Why couldn't you just stay dead?!"

The memory of unexpectedly seeing her second sister, whom she had believed long dead, at the Ye residence today made Ye Ying's expression darken. What shocked her even more was that her mother and grandmother had made such a demand. And her second sister—what a wonderful sister she was! Third Sister was right... Ye Ying gradually calmed her anger, forcing a strained smile. Slowly, the reflection in the bronze mirror on the table grew more natural, tinged with a hint of grievance and gentleness. Third Sister was right—as long as she remained steady, no one could surpass her position. At least... not Qixia Princess, and not Ye Yue either!Before long, Mo Jingli pushed the door open and entered, his expression unfriendly as he asked, "What else do you want?"

Ye Ying threw herself into Mo Jingli's arms, tears streaming down her face as she sobbed pitifully. Mo Jingli frowned, his cold gaze fixed on the woman weeping bitterly in his embrace. Clutching his lapel with one hand, Ye Ying cried, "Wang Ye, Wang Ye, please don't treat Ying'er like this. Ying'er knows she was wrong."

Mo Jingli shoved her away with a sneer. "Know you were wrong? What were you planning to do at Prince Ding's Estate just now? Trying to tell Mo Xiuyao about what happened in the Ye family?"

Ye Ying shook her head repeatedly. "Wang Ye, you wrong me. Ying'er isn't close to Prince Ding at all. I just... wuwu... How could Wang Ye and Second Sister do this to Ying'er? Even Mother and Grandfather are siding with Second Sister. Ying'er feels so wronged... Third Sister said if I had any grievances, I could confide in her. All of you bully me—what's wrong with wanting to cry to Third Sister? Wang Ye, you're so heartless... Ying'er has been with you for so many years, and our child is still missing, yet you... you couldn't wait to... wuwu..."

Hearing Ye Li's name, Mo Jingli was momentarily taken aback and said, "What difference does it make whether you tell Ye Li or Mo Xiuyao?"

Ye Ying raised her voice, "Why shouldn't I speak of this disgraceful, underhanded affair you've been involved in?!"

Mo Jingli frowned, studying Ye Ying for a long moment before finally replying, "What nonsense are you spouting? Ye Yue still has her uses—it's not what you think."

Ye Ying remained skeptical, "Is that truly the case? Has Wang Ye really no intention of bringing my second sister into the palace?"

Mo Jingli responded coldly, "This prince is not so desperate as to take in a woman past her prime. Ye Yue is useful to me—do not make a scene." Seemingly convinced by his words, Ye Ying wiped her tears and gazed at him pitifully, "I understand now. Ying'er was wrong. But you can't blame me entirely for this. If people were to find out about Second Sister and Wang Ye... how could I ever show my face in Prince Li's Palace again?"

Seeing her delicate demeanor, tears clinging to her lashes, her expression a mix of grievance and worry, Mo Jingli's expression softened somewhat. After all, he had once harbored genuine affection for Ye Ying. He nodded and said, "As long as you understand. Speak of this to no one. You may visit Prince Ding's Estate more often in the future, but for now, rest at the posthouse for a couple of days."

Ye Ying nodded obediently, "I understand."