Mo Li

Ye Li frowned as she watched the two men silently competing in drinking. Lord Ye was nearly glaring holes into them, yet no one paid him any attention. Ye Laofuren attempted to mediate but was outright ignored by Mo Jingli, while Mo Xiuyao merely smiled politely at her but made no move to decline Mo Jingli’s continued urging to drink. Ye Li glanced at A Jin standing nearby, who, sensing her gaze, returned an anxious look directed at the silently drinking Mo Xiuyao.

When Mo Jingli reached to pour another round, a fair, jade-like hand covered the wine cup. Mo Jingli’s expression darkened as he raised a brow at Mo Xiuyao. "Mo Xiuyao, what’s the meaning of this?"

Ye Li remained composed as she moved the cup before herself. "Prince Li, are you drunk? It was I who stopped the drink—why ask my husband?"

Mo Jingli scoffed disdainfully. "Men drinking is no business for women. I won’t lower myself to argue with one."

Ye Li’s smile turned frosty. "And women have no interest in arguing with Prince Li either. However, His Highness and I are visiting the Xu family this afternoon. Surely you wouldn’t want our prince reeking of alcohol when we arrive? Not everyone shares your disregard for propriety, especially the Xu family, a scholarly household that upholds decorum. Unless, of course, you’d prefer we get thrown out by my uncle?"

"Mo Xiuyao," Mo Jingli sneered after glaring at Ye Li for a long moment, "don’t tell me marriage has made you afraid of women now?"

Mo Xiuyao regarded him calmly, even with a hint of amusement. "Jing Li, respecting one’s wife is hardly a flaw. A Li is right—we must visit Mr. Xu and the Imperial Censor this afternoon. You know as well as I that Mr. Hongyu wouldn’t hesitate to turn us away."

Mo Jingli pressed on stubbornly. "Since when does a bride’s return home involve visiting her uncle’s family? Enough nonsense—Mo Xiuyao, will you drink or not?"

"No." Mo Xiuyao answered bluntly. Beside him, Ye Li could clearly sense his unusually good mood, even detecting a teasing undertone in his words to Mo Jingli.

"Ahem… Prince Li," Fu Zhao interjected helplessly, "since Prince Ding has other engagements, let’s not force the matter. There will be time for drinks later."

Having grown up together in the capital, they were all well acquainted. Mo Xiuyao and Mo Jingli had never gotten along, but Fu Zhao hadn’t expected their animosity to worsen over the years. He couldn’t help but feel relieved that Mo Xiuyao’s temper had mellowed—and that he now listened to his wife’s counsel. In the past, their clashes would have ended in either a life-or-death drinking contest or outright brawling.

"Jing Li…" Ye Ying cooed softly, "didn’t we have plans this afternoon as well? Let’s invite Prince Ding another time."

Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes at her before giving a dismissive hum and falling silent. The others collectively exhaled in relief. Lord Ye rubbed his throbbing temples, silently vowing never to let his two sons-in-law share a drinking table again.After lunch, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao bid farewell and headed straight to the Xu residence. Before leaving, Xu Hongyu called Mo Xiuyao alone into the study for a half-hour conversation. Ye Li was ordered not to eavesdrop and had no choice but to wait outside the study. Most of the Xu brothers—except for the elusive Xu Qingchen and the ever-busy Xu Qingze, who was being ordered around by Second Aunt—kept her company in the courtyard.

Xu Qingyan sprawled across the table, grinning at Ye Li. "Sister Li, my father won’t eat Brother-in-law alive. No need to worry for him."

Ye Li shot him an exasperated look. "Which of your eyes saw me worrying?"

Xu Qingyan pointed at both his eyes and laughed. "Both of them!"

The usually thick-skinned Xu Qingfeng was uncharacteristically sentimental. He gazed at Ye Li with melancholy. "Who would’ve thought that in just a few days, our Li’er would belong to someone else now. If Prince Ding ever bullies you, come back and tell Third Brother. I’ll stand up for you."

Ye Li nodded solemnly. "I’ll remember that. Don’t worry, Third Brother."

Xu Qingfeng sighed. "I’ll be leaving the capital soon. I’ll talk to Second Brother—once he gets married, his wife can visit Prince Ding’s Estate often to check on you."

Xu Qingyan chuckled. "Third Brother, you’re being too dramatic. Prince Ding’s Estate isn’t some den of knives and flames. With us around, how would Prince Ding dare bully Sister Li?"

Xu Qingbai rolled his eyes. "Who was it that hid behind others the moment Prince Ding showed up? How did the Xu family end up with such a timid kid? And you think he can stand up for Li’er?"

Xu Qingyan’s face flushed red. Remembering a certain someone’s ruthlessness, he shuddered. "Fourth Brother, it’s not that I’m timid. It’s just that… that person is too terrifying." The memory of those two unlucky bandits from the estate that night still gave him nightmares. Even now, the sight of Mo Xiuyao made him reflexively want to hide behind Xu Qingbai.

Ye Li took in Xu Qingyan’s guilty expression. Though he hadn’t finished his sentence, she could guess the gist—Mo Xiuyao must have done something frightening to scare him. She didn’t press further. After all, Mo Xiuyao was a renowned general who had fought his way through battlefields since youth. She never expected him to be some pristine, flawless gentleman.

Upon returning to the palace, Ye Li immediately busied herself with taking over its affairs. Just the account books alone took her two full days to sort through. She couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer wealth of the Ding Royal Palace—generations of kings had amassed an astonishing fortune, both overt and covert.

Just as she was getting the hang of things, an invitation to a palace banquet arrived. The pretext was a farewell for foreign envoys, leaving neither Mo Xiuyao nor Ye Li any plausible reason to decline.

Entering the palace again, Ye Li’s mood was far from pleasant due to her last unpleasant experience. Unlike other nobles who dismounted at the palace gates, the Ding Royal Palace’s carriage proceeded straight inside.

Mo Xiuyao, dressed in a moon-white robe embroidered with silver dragon patterns, soaring eagles, and auspicious clouds, his hair tied with a white jade crown inlaid with sapphires, looked every bit the refined and graceful noble.

"A Li, are you in a bad mood?"

Ye Li leaned lazily in the carriage. "It’s nothing. The palace just feels a bit stifling."

Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. "Countless people scheme day and night just to step foot inside. A Li’s perspective is certainly unique."Ye Li glanced at him indifferently and said, "Is it really so amusing to climb over countless corpses or be stepped on by others to ascend?"

Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and smiled, "The process is certainly not amusing, but most people never see that process. They only need to fantasize about reaching the top, standing above tens of thousands—that thrill alone is enough to make them forget everything." Ye Li raised an eyebrow, staring at him for a long while before asking, "Is that what Xiu Yao thinks too?" Mo Xiuyao paused, lowering his gaze to his hands resting on the wheelchair's armrests. After a long silence, he replied in a deep voice, "It's not just that. I don’t want to be the one others step on to climb higher." The carriage fell silent for a while before Ye Li's voice quietly broke through, "I don’t like stepping on anyone, but I also don’t like being stepped on."

"Your Highness, we’ve arrived. Her Majesty the Empress requests the Princess's presence," A Jin's steady voice came from outside the carriage as it gradually came to a stop. Ye Li estimated their location in her mind—it wasn’t any place she had visited before. Judging by the approximate position, they were likely near the Empress's Phoenix Virtue Palace. Mo Xiuyao turned his head and said, "I must go see the Emperor and cannot accompany you inside. Will you be alright on your own?"

Ye Li nodded and rose to exit the carriage. Mo Xiuyao gently grasped her hand and whispered, "Be careful. If anything happens... immediately send Qingluan to find A Jin. He’ll be nearby the Phoenix Virtue Palace." Ye Li frowned, "But you—" A Jin was Mo Xiuyao’s personal guard and most trusted confidant. If A Jin wasn’t by his side... Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly, "You don’t think A Jin is the only person I trust, do you? Don’t worry, go ahead."

"Alright, see you later." Hearing this, Ye Li didn’t insist further and stepped out of the carriage. Outside, attendants from Phoenix Virtue Palace were already waiting. Seeing Ye Li descend, they hurried forward and said, "This servant greets Princess Ding. By Her Majesty’s orders, we are here to welcome you." Ye Li nodded, "Thank you for your trouble."

"It is our duty. Please follow us, Your Highness."

Upon entering Phoenix Virtue Palace, the hall was already filled with noblewomen. The palace was arranged with dignified grandeur, not excessively lavish, yet its intricate details revealed a unique elegance. Ye Li couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity toward this Empress, whose reputation among the common folk was rather obscure.

"Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a thousand years in golden peace." Ye Li entered the grand hall and bowed respectfully to the dignified woman seated above.

"Princess of the State, you may rise. Please be seated," the Empress's voice was clear and composed, devoid of the lofty air one might expect from the ruler of a nation.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Ye Li stood and was guided by palace maids to the empty seat at the very front. Though Ye Li was among the youngest and perhaps not the most senior in rank among the noblewomen present, the status of the Ding Royal Palace surpassed all other princes, marquises, and dukes in the capital. Naturally, the position of Princess of the State stood above all titled ladies. Even though Ye Li arrived late, the foremost seat had still been reserved for her. Ye Li casually glanced around, spotting many familiar faces: the First Madam of Duke Hua’s household with Hua Tianxiang, Princess Zhaoyang and Zhaoren Grand Princess seated beside the long-unseen Qixia Princess and Princess Ronghua. There was also the stunningly beautiful Princess Li, Ye Ying. Those gathered in Phoenix Virtue Palace at this moment were evidently either connected to the imperial family in some way or held noble titles. Ordinary titled wives were not among them.After taking her seat, Ye Li turned her gaze toward the empress seated upon the phoenix throne. Dressed in a bright yellow phoenix robe, the empress exuded the dignified grace befitting the sole position of a nation's matriarch. When Ye Li looked over, she happened to meet the empress's smiling eyes and couldn't help but pause. The empress wasn't exceptionally beautiful—compared to Hua Tianxiang, who also hailed from the Duke Hua's household, the empress's looks paled slightly. Yet, her serene and poised elegance was something neither Hua Tianxiang nor any of the noblewomen present could match.

"Empress, is this the Princess of the State?" A clear voice rang out from across the hall, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Ye Li followed the sound and saw a colorfully dressed young woman seated to the right of Princess Zhaoyang, clearly indicating her extraordinary status.

The empress smiled. "Indeed, this is the Princess of the State. Speaking of which, Princess Lingyun, since your arrival in the capital, you've been unwell and haven't yet met the Princess of the State. Princess Ding, this is Princess Lingyun of Western Liang."

Ye Li nodded. "Greetings, Princess Lingyun."

Given Ye Li's status, even as a princess of another nation, Lingyun couldn't afford to slight her casually. Yet, the princess, who had been all smiles moments ago, seemed to ignore Ye Li's greeting entirely. Instead, she scrutinized Ye Li boldly before declaring, "My royal brother mentioned you drew the Cloud-Grasping Sword?" Ye Li nodded slightly, smiling faintly. "I did indeed see the Cloud-Grasping Sword." Dissatisfied with this answer, Princess Lingyun stood up, tilting her chin arrogantly. "I don't believe you. I challenge you to a sword duel."

"I don't know how to use a sword," Ye Li replied calmly.

"How is that possible? If you can't use a sword, how did you draw the Cloud-Grasping Sword?" Princess Lingyun pressed aggressively.

Ye Li arched an eyebrow, her smile faint. "Princess, drawing a sword and wielding one are two different things. Who says someone who can't use a sword can't draw one?" She truly couldn't understand why these princesses and noble ladies insisted on forcing others into competitions without considering whether their opponents even knew how to engage in them. "I don't care," Princess Lingyun retorted. "I demand a duel. Unless you're afraid to accept?"

Ye Li rose to her feet. "With Her Majesty the Empress and all the noble ladies of the capital as witnesses, how could I dare refuse?"

Princess Lingyun smirked in satisfaction. "In that case, where is your sword?"

"Truthfully, in this lifetime, apart from the Cloud-Grasping Sword, I've never touched another blade. The sword sent by Zhennan Wang Shizi that day was the first time I'd ever held such a weapon. So, I have no sword, nor do I know how to grip one properly."

"Pfft—forcing someone who's never even held a sword to duel..." Hua Tianxiang, nestled beside her mother, chimed in with a playful lilt, her voice just loud enough to carry through the hall. "Empress, may I challenge the Grand General to an embroidery contest tomorrow and then declare myself the greatest embroiderer in the world?" Many couldn't help but cover their lips to stifle laughter. The empress shot Hua Tianxiang a reproachful glance, though her eyes held a trace of amusement. "Your embroidery skills are hardly worth boasting about." Hua Tianxiang covered her face in mock shyness. "Aunt Empress, how could you say that? I just want a grand reputation. The title of 'Greatest in the World' sounds so impressive."

Ye Li cast a grateful look at Hua Tianxiang, who winked back before burying her face against her mother's shoulder in exaggerated bashfulness.

Suppressing a smile, the empress addressed Princess Lingyun. "Princess, the Princess of the State is not skilled in swordsmanship, so let us forgo this duel."Lingyun Gongzhu had long been flushed with anger by Hua Tianxiang's words. Gritting her teeth, she said, "She clearly drew the Cloud-Grasping Sword—how could she not know swordplay? She’s obviously deliberately mocking me!"

"The Cloud-Grasping Sword belongs to the Ding Royal Palace. Princess Ding can draw it however she pleases. What does it matter to you whether she knows swordplay or not?" Princess Ronghua sneered from the side, casting a sidelong glance at Lingyun Gongzhu. "Are all foreign princesses this strange? Always forcing others into competitions? Knowing full well the other person can’t do it yet refusing to let it go. Why don’t you just say outright that you want Princess Ding to admit defeat and concede that your swordsmanship is superior?"

"You—!" Princess Ronghua’s words didn’t just anger Lingyun Gongzhu—even Qixia Princess beside her looked somewhat embarrassed. Many present couldn’t help but recall the incident at the Hundred Flowers Festival when Qixia Princess had insisted on competing with Princess Ding in dance. Seeing the situation tense, the Empress quickly intervened, "Enough, let this matter rest. Ronghua, mind your words in front of the two princesses." Princess Ronghua gave a light humph and sat beside Zhaoren Grand Princess, saying no more. Compared to Ye Li, she disliked Qixia Princess even more—who, like her, was domineering and deeply favored by Zhaoyang Princess—and by extension, she also took a dislike to this newly arrived, equally arrogant Lingyun Gongzhu.

"Imperial Concubine Liu has arrived!"

Amidst the sharp announcement, Consort Liu entered the hall in a pale-yellow palace gown, her expression cold and detached.

"This consort greets Her Majesty the Empress." Consort Liu was as aloof and haughty as the last time they had met. She offered only a shallow curtsey to the Empress, clearly unwilling to show deference to either the Empress Dowager or the Empress. The Empress seemed accustomed to Consort Liu’s demeanor and nodded slightly. "You may rise. What brings you to Phoenix Virtue Palace today?" Many noblewomen present wore expressions of surprise—Consort Liu rarely attended palace banquets. Even though many of them entered the palace almost monthly, few had ever seen her in person.

Consort Liu replied indifferently, "This consort had nothing to do, and His Majesty mentioned that Her Majesty’s palace was lively, so I came to see for myself. Does Her Majesty disapprove?" The Empress frowned slightly but maintained her composure. "Since you’re in the mood, please take a seat." She gestured for a maid to prepare a seat for Consort Liu. However, Consort Liu walked straight to Ye Li and asked, "May this consort sit here?" Ye Li smiled faintly. "If Your Highness does not mind, please do."

Seeing Consort Liu sit beside Ye Li, the Empress no longer bothered arranging another seat for her. The Empress had always kept a respectful distance from Consort Liu, the Emperor’s most favored concubine. Fortunately, though Consort Liu was exceptionally arrogant and sometimes even willfully unreasonable, she at least restrained herself somewhat in the Empress’s presence. Today’s coldness and rudeness were already the limit. Compared to the Empress Dowager, the Empress found herself feeling a strange sense of balance.

With Consort Liu sitting sternly beside Ye Li, the noblewomen who had intended to speak with the newly appointed Princess Ding temporarily shelved their plans. Everyone knew Consort Liu was not one to spare anyone’s feelings—approaching her risked incurring her displeasure, and the embarrassment would only fall on themselves.

With no one to converse with, Ye Li had no choice but to sit quietly and listen to others talk. Fortunately, she was someone who could endure long periods of sitting.I've heard about what happened in the hall earlier. Originally thinking Consort Liu wouldn't speak to her, Ye Li was slightly taken aback when she heard the faint voice beside her.

"You're truly useless! Last time you couldn't dance when challenged by the Princess of Nanzhao, and now you can't even handle swordplay against the Princess of Western Liang! What exactly can you do?" Consort Liu's voice was full of dissatisfaction and disdain, though fortunately kept very low—otherwise, rumors about Princess Ding being scolded by Consort Liu at her first palace banquet would spread throughout the capital in no time. Listening to the reprimand, Ye Li found it both amusing and exasperating. If she recalled correctly, this Consort Liu had only admired Mo Xiuyao in the past, not his mother—so where was this tone of contempt coming from?

"Your Grace, I have no interest in dancing, and... the Ding Royal Palace doesn't need a princess consort with peerless dancing skills. As for swordsmanship... that doesn’t seem to be something young ladies of noble families in the capital are expected to learn."

Consort Liu snorted lightly. "You forgot to mention your mediocre painting skills and how you even need others to write poetry for you. You’d better watch yourself—if you dare embarrass me, I won’t let you off easily."

"Your Grace, are you sure you’re not Xiu Yao’s mother?"

"What are you and Princess Ding discussing so happily?" Zhaoren Grand Princess suddenly interjected from across the room.

Consort Liu raised her head, staring at her for a moment before replying, "Which of the Grand Princess’s eyes saw me looking happy?"

Zhaoren Grand Princess was instantly left speechless. Ye Li sighed inwardly, infinitely envious of Consort Liu’s straightforward nature. Unfortunately, not everyone had the privilege of such bluntness. If not for the emperor’s favor and protection, someone with Consort Liu’s temperament wouldn’t last long in the palace, no matter how prestigious her family background was. Watching Zhaoren Grand Princess rendered mute and flushed with anger, Consort Liu seemed rather pleased. She lifted her chin arrogantly and declared, "Since the Grand Princess asked what I was discussing with Princess Ding, I’ll tell you—I was saying that since Princess Ding isn’t skilled in swordsmanship, perhaps I should spar with Lingyun Gongzhu instead?"

"Consort Liu!" The empress frowned disapprovingly.

Unfazed, Consort Liu fixed a cold gaze on Lingyun Gongzhu. "Well, Princess? What do you say?"

Though Lingyun Gongzhu hadn’t been in the capital for long, she was well aware that Consort Liu was the emperor of Dongchu’s most favored imperial concubine. There was no way she would ever dare to cross swords with her. Regardless of the outcome, if she accidentally injured Consort Liu, the emperor’s wrath would undoubtedly fall on her—after all, they were still standing on Dongchu’s soil.

"That was merely a jest between Lingyun and Princess Ding. Lingyun is young and ignorant—how could she dare to raise a hand against Your Grace?"

"Enough, Consort Liu. Lingyun Gongzhu was merely being childish. Besides, she didn’t know Princess Ding was unfamiliar with swordsmanship—it wasn’t an intentional slight against our Great Chu," the empress said calmly, her expression unusually firm and unyielding. Consort Liu stepping forward to defend Princess Ding could be interpreted in many ways, not all of them favorable. Moreover, the fact that Consort Liu had once admired Prince Ding before entering the palace wasn’t exactly a secret among the nobility. What the empress needed to do now was provide a suitable justification for Consort Liu’s intervention.After accompanying the Empress in conversation for a while, and since it was still early before the palace banquet, the Empress invited the noblewomen to freely enjoy the scenery in the Imperial Garden. The ladies expressed their gratitude and took their leave of the Empress to head to the Imperial Garden. As they departed, Consort Liu was asked to stay behind by the Empress.

Once outside Phoenix Virtue Palace, Hua Tianxiang immediately approached Ye Li with a smile and greeted, "Greetings, Princess Ding."

Ye Li glanced at her and said, "Do you have nothing better to do?"

Hua Tianxiang waved her hand and said, "What do you mean? According to etiquette, I should at least pay my respects to the Princess of the State. So, did Consort Liu give you any trouble just now?" Ye Li was puzzled. "Why would she trouble me?" Hua Tianxiang looked at her silently with a pitiful expression. "A Li, I’ve told you before to go out more often, but you never listen. Don’t tell me you don’t know that Consort Liu..." Realizing that gossiping about an Imperial Concubine in the palace wasn’t a good idea, Hua Tianxiang leaned in and whispered, "Before Consort Liu entered the palace, she was quite... infatuated with Prince Ding." Ye Li was speechless. If even Hua Tianxiang knew about this, it must have been more than just "quite infatuated." She nodded. "I know. She didn’t trouble me."

Walking beside Ye Li, Hua Tianxiang shrugged. "Honestly, I was shocked when she stood up for you. Her expression didn’t seem like she had any ulterior motives toward you."

"Is Consort Liu very skilled in swordsmanship?" Ye Li decided not to mention how Consort Liu had looked down on her in various ways.

Hua Tianxiang sighed, her face full of envy and jealousy. "You know, over the years, the capital has been selecting the top talented ladies and beauties every year, but it’s all become so common. But Consort Liu... she’s the real deal—a true beauty and talent. It’s said that the Hundred Flowers Festival that year was the most spectacular since the founding of the Great Chu. The two contestants were none other than the top two beauties of the Chu capital as depicted by Han Mingyue. You can imagine the scene..." Ye Li nodded in agreement. Even without witnessing it, she could imagine how fierce the competition must have been. "Did Consort Liu win in the end?"

"No, she lost." Hua Tianxiang sighed regretfully. "Consort Liu was only thirteen at the time, while Su Zuidie was already sixteen. Even though Consort Liu is now a peerless beauty, at thirteen, she was just a budding one. So, the title of the top beauty of the Chu capital went to Su Zuidie. The second portrait of Consort Liu was painted by Han Mingyue when she was fifteen. Of course, purely in terms of looks, I’ve never seen any woman surpass Su Zuidie. Consort Liu’s loss wasn’t unjust."

"Hmm. And then?"

"Then these two became rivals. That year’s Hundred Flowers Festival was basically just about them. Su Zuidie won first place in dance, painting, poetry, and music, while Consort Liu took first in chess and calligraphy, with each placing second in the other’s categories. After Su Zuidie got engaged, she stopped participating in the festival. But in the following three years, Consort Liu won first place in every category the festival had to offer—dance, painting, poetry, music, you name it."

Ye Li was genuinely impressed. No wonder Consort Liu could look down on her—she certainly had the credentials. Seeing Ye Li’s indifferent expression, Hua Tianxiang said irritably, "Can’t you be a little more competitive? Don’t you feel any sense of crisis at all?" Ye Li sighed. "You’re overthinking it. I’m not even on the same path as a talented woman like Consort Liu. If I had to become a peerless talent who excels in everything, I’d rather go on a month-long wilderness survival trip. I can draw terrain maps and firearm schematics just fine, but when it comes to painting, my skills are only good for tracing embroidery patterns. My performance at the Hundred Flowers Festival was already an overachievement."Never mind. Hua Tianxiang waved her hand dismissively and glanced at Lingyun Gongzhu, who was watching them not far away. "How did you manage to provoke that Lingyun Gongzhu again?"

Ye Li sighed. "I'm certain this is my first time meeting Lingyun Gongzhu. The only person I've seen before is the son of Prince Zhennan of Xiling."

Hua Tianxiang frowned. "Then why does she look like she wants to devour you?"

"The Cloud-Grasping Sword?" That was the only thing Ye Li could think of that might connect her to Lingyun Gongzhu.

"The Cloud-Grasping Sword? That belongs to the Ding Royal Palace. What does it have to do with Lingyun Gongzhu?"

"Everyone knows it was brought back from Western Liang. Maybe Lingyun Gongzhu can't bear to part with it. Let's go somewhere else." Noticing Lingyun Gongzhu approaching, Ye Li suggested.

Hua Tianxiang scoffed. "If it's fortune, it can't be avoided; if it's misfortune, you can't escape it. Unless you want to sprint through the Imperial Garden?"

"Princess of the State." By then, Lingyun Gongzhu had already reached them, and the noblewomen lingering nearby were subtly stealing glances in their direction.

"Your Highness, is there something else you need?"

Lingyun Gongzhu declared, "This princess wishes to speak with the princess consort alone."

Ye Li frowned. "I don’t believe there’s anything we need to discuss."

Lingyun Gongzhu’s delicate face darkened. "This princess has traveled thousands of miles. Surely the Princess of the State won’t refuse to accompany me for a walk in the Imperial Garden?"

Ye Li reluctantly nodded. "Very well, Your Highness, lead the way."

Lingyun Gongzhu gave a light humph, lifted her chin, and strode ahead. Ye Li cast a reassuring glance at the worried Hua Tianxiang before following with a quiet sigh.

Young people these days… really need to be taught a lesson!

Lingyun Gongzhu dismissed her attendants, and Ye Li naturally couldn’t let Qingluan and the others follow either. The two walked side by side along the garden path.

"Your Highness, was there something you wanted to say to me?"

Lingyun Gongzhu tilted her head to look at her and scoffed. "You’re unworthy of Prince Ding."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Your Highness flatters me. A woman marrying above her station only proves I’ve found a good family and an excellent husband, doesn’t it?"

Lingyun Gongzhu sneered. "Don’t pretend. This princess has already investigated you thoroughly. An obscure daughter of a minister’s household, even worse—a woman rejected by Prince Li, who only gained some reputation in the capital after being betrothed to Prince Ding by imperial decree. Even if you’ve been called the capital’s top talent, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re unworthy of Prince Ding."

"Oh? Is that so?" Ye Li’s expression remained unchanged as she asked calmly, "Even if I’m unworthy of Prince Ding, what does that have to do with you, Your Highness?"

Lingyun Gongzhu raised an eyebrow, a smug smile playing on her lips. "You’ll soon find out what it has to do with me. Prince Ding belongs to this princess. Ye Li, if you know what’s good for you, you’ll obediently stay out of the way."

Ye Li frowned, studying Lingyun Gongzhu intently before asking, "Your Highness, may I ask you a question?"

"Speak."

"Tell me—does Xiu Yao even know which stalk of green onion you are?" Ye Li inquired. "As far as I know, Xiu Yao hasn’t left his residence in at least seven years. So, conservatively speaking, even if you’ve met before, it would have been when you were seven or eight. Do you honestly think he remembers who you are? Or perhaps… he doesn’t even know you exist?"

"What does that matter? I am the most noble princess of Great Ling. How could I possibly compare to you?" Lingyun Gongzhu glared at her furiously.Ye Li looked at him strangely. If the princess truly wanted to marry Prince Ding, shouldn’t she have appeared before our wedding to compete with me? What’s the meaning of showing up only after we’ve already married? After all, Prince Ding's Estate has never had the precedent of taking two wives simultaneously or divorcing one to marry another. Or is the princess willing to lower herself to be a concubine? If not… even if I died and the princess successfully married into the estate, she’d only be a successor wife, still obligated to kneel and offer incense before my memorial tablet on the first and fifteenth of every month.

"You—you wish! This princess will definitely become Prince Ding’s principal wife!" Lingyun Gongzhu snapped angrily.

"Think whatever you like." Ye Li gazed at her with pity. "But I believe Zhennan Wang Shizi’s intentions seem quite different from yours, don’t you think?"

A flash of hatred crossed Lingyun Gongzhu’s eyes. If Lei Tengfeng hadn’t confined her to the embassy the moment they arrived in Chu’s capital, claiming she was unwell, and only released her after Prince Ding’s wedding, she wouldn’t have sought out Ye Li so late. Ye Li smiled faintly, watching the princess’s shifting expression, and continued, "Speaking of which, it’s quite rare to bring a princess of marriageable age on a diplomatic mission… Usually, it’s for… a political marriage? I heard Western Liang suffered heavy snow disasters last winter. Could it be…?" There were many things she simply chose not to dwell on, but that didn’t mean she didn’t understand them. She wasn’t the least bit worried about this Lingyun Gongzhu. No matter how capable the princess was, the emperor alone would never allow Mo Xiuyao to marry a Western Liang princess and create trouble for himself. Forget a Western Liang princess—even a Northern Rong or Nanzhao princess would never have a chance with Mo Xiuyao. Only this naive little princess couldn’t see the situation clearly, thinking that confronting Ye Li directly and demanding she step aside would make her dreams come true. She really didn’t want to scorn the princess’s intelligence, but… was there even one normal princess among the younger generation? Or were they all just too young?

"What exactly do you see in Prince Ding?" Ye Li asked curiously, observing the resolute expression on Lingyun Gongzhu’s face.

Lingyun Gongzhu scoffed. "What do you know? Prince Ding is the most outstanding man in the world—the youngest and most formidable general, and the most talented man alive. This princess naturally deserves to marry the finest man in existence."

"He doesn’t seem quite as outstanding as you describe right now," Ye Li reminded her.

"You—you’re so vulgar it’s unbearable. Even speaking one more word to you disgusts this princess. Prince Ding must have been blind to take a liking to a woman like you. I know—it was the Eastern Chu emperor who ordered him to marry you. How could a woman like you possibly understand just how exceptional he is?"

Faced with the princess’s righteous indignation, Ye Li reflected on whether she ought to feel ashamed. Compared to this princess, Yang Qianru was so normal, and Ye Ying was downright adorable.

"I will become Princess Ding!" Lingyun Gongzhu declared firmly, glaring at her.

"Work hard. May you succeed swiftly," Ye Li replied flatly.

"I will become Princess Ding!" Lingyun Gongzhu repeated through gritted teeth, then suddenly leaped into the artificial lake by the roadside.

"Ahhh—Help! The princess has fallen into the water!" A shrill female voice shrieked through the Imperial Garden.

Ye Li cursed under her breath and dove into the water after her.

"Damn it, there are way too many lunatics these days! Mo Xiuyao, you’d better prepare yourself for a reckoning!"