Mo Li

The moment she fell into the water, Ye Li couldn’t help but curse inwardly. Despite her persistent efforts over the years to train her reflexes and physique, it still fell short compared to the rigorous, mud-soaked drills of her past life. Moreover, this body—though neglected—was undeniably that of a pampered noble lady. The sudden plunge into cold water caused a slight spasm in her muscles. Fortunately, Ye Li had mentally prepared for this. She quickly adjusted and swam toward Princess Lingyun, swiftly seizing the flailing princess and dragging her deeper underwater.

A single glance told Ye Li that Princess Lingyun couldn’t swim at all. She couldn’t suppress a cold smirk. How admirable—was this princess’s courage to sacrifice herself for love? Daring to jump into the water without knowing how to swim? Well then, she might as well experience the true terror of drowning firsthand. Perhaps it would teach her to act within her limits.

At first, Princess Lingyun wasn’t too panicked, confident that help would arrive soon. But then she realized she was sinking rapidly, and her struggles grew increasingly frantic. Ye Li scoffed inwardly. Sensing movement in the water—likely rescuers diving in—she swiftly maneuvered behind the princess, knocking her unconscious with a precise strike. Then, she dragged the limp body further away before finally pushing her back toward the surface when she estimated the princess was nearing her limit.

In what seemed like mere moments, the entire Imperial Garden had gathered by the lake. The Western Liang guards and palace sentinels were the first to dive in for the rescue.

“There they are!” someone by the shore shouted. The crowd turned to see a flash of colorful brocade emerge from the water, followed by Princess Ding, who still had one arm supporting Princess Lingyun. To onlookers, it appeared as though Princess Ding had heroically saved the drowning princess.

As the guards swam toward them, Ye Li smiled down at the unconscious princess in her arms. “Your Highness, wake up. Someone’s come to rescue us.” The blow hadn’t been heavy, and Princess Lingyun soon stirred, her eyes fluttering open—only to find Ye Li smirking mockingly at her. Ignoring their surroundings, the princess shrieked, “Let go of me!” and thrashed violently.

“Your Highness, stop struggling. Be careful—”

“I don’t need your help!” Seeing the guards approaching, Princess Lingyun shoved Ye Li away without hesitation.

Perfect. With a convincingly terrified expression, Ye Li allowed herself to sink back into the water under the princess’s push—right in full view of the crowd.

The moment Princess Lingyun reached the shore, her maids rushed forward with dry robes to wrap around her. Qingyu and Qing Xia glared at her furiously. “Your Highness, our mistress saved you! Why did you push her back in?”Princess Lingyun raised her head and indeed saw many present casting accusatory glances her way, which made her freeze in surprise. This wasn’t part of her original plan! "This princess did not push her!"

Hua Tianxiang sneered, "A noble princess dares to act but not take responsibility. Even if you’re going to lie, at least make up something believable. Or do you think all of us here are blind?"

Princess Lingyun angrily retorted, "She was the one who pushed this princess into the water! This princess didn’t need her to save me!"

Princess Zhaoyang’s expression darkened as she said coldly, "So, Princess, you’re saying that Princess Ding pushed you into the water and then jumped in to save you? And now you’re unharmed while she still hasn’t surfaced? You’d better pray that Princess Ding is safe—otherwise, even if you’re a princess of Western Liang, our Great Chu will not let this matter rest!"

"Princess… we’ve found the princess!" Qingyu, who had been anxiously waiting by the shore, suddenly called out. In the lake, Qingshuang and Qingluan each supported one side of Ye Li, who was clearly unconscious, as they surfaced. The people on the shore quickly helped pull her up and draped dry clothes over her. Qingyu took her wrist to check her pulse.

Princess Zhaoyang watched Ye Li anxiously. "How is she? Why hasn’t the imperial physician arrived yet?"

Qingyu looked up. "Thank you for your concern, Princess. The princess swallowed some water, which caused her to faint, but she should be fine. However… she needs a place to rest now."

Princess Zhaoyang glanced around and decisively said, "Morning Glow Hall is the closest. Take Princess Ding there."

The crowd, led by Princess Zhaoyang, hurried toward Morning Glow Hall with the unconscious Ye Li in their midst. Princess Lingyun, who had also fallen into the water but emerged unscathed, was inadvertently ignored. Watching the crowd rush away, Princess Lingyun’s face alternated between pale and livid.

"Princess…" The palace maid from Western Liang accompanying her called out cautiously.

"Get lost!" Princess Lingyun snapped.

The atmosphere in Morning Glow Hall was heavy. Inside the inner chamber, Mo Xiuyao sat solemnly by the bed, his gaze fixed on the unconscious woman lying there. The imperial physician carefully stepped forward to check her pulse.

Princess Zhaoyang, seated nearby with a furrowed brow, asked, "How is Princess Ding?"

The physician hesitated, glancing at Mo Xiuyao before replying, "Your Highness, Princess, the princess is unharmed. However… she may have suffered some shock. I will prescribe some calming and warming medicine for her."

Princess Zhaoyang pressed, "If she’s unharmed, why hasn’t she woken up yet?"

The physician explained, "Well… the princess is a woman, after all. It’s likely that she choked on water suddenly, which caused her to lose consciousness. But the choking wasn’t severe—she should wake up after some rest."

Princess Zhaoyang couldn’t help but recall how Ye Li had been pushing Princess Lingyun to the surface when the latter suddenly shoved her. Her expression darkened further as she nodded. "Go prepare the medicine."

"Your servant takes his leave."Only Zhaoyang Princess and Mo Xiuyao remained in the room. The princess stood up and said, "Xiu Yao, take good care of your princess consort. As for Lingyun Gongzhu, I will personally seek justice for Princess Ding."

Mo Xiuyao gave a faint nod. "Thank you, Aunt. However, let's wait until A Li wakes before settling this matter."

Zhaoyang Princess sighed softly and nodded. "As you wish. Stay with your princess consort. I shall take my leave."

Only after watching the elder princess depart did Mo Xiuyao wheel himself forward. He gazed at the sleeping woman on the bed for a long moment before asking quietly, "A Li, do you plan to sleep through tonight's palace banquet?"

Ye Li's eyelashes fluttered slightly before she slowly opened her eyes. "How did you know?"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "A feeling. If even the imperial physicians were fooled, how could I tell?" Recalling the physicians' baffled expressions—how they had no choice but to insist she remained unconscious due to shock—a faint smile flickered in his eyes.

"A Li, I never knew you were so fond of rescuing people in distress," Mo Xiuyao remarked calmly.

Ye Li sighed helplessly. "I had no choice. If I hadn't saved her, everyone would now believe I pushed her into the water."

Mo Xiuyao's gaze sharpened. "Earlier, outside, Lingyun Gongzhu did insist that you were the one who pushed her in."

"Outside… She's quite tenacious, isn't she? After all that, she still has the energy to make a scene?" Ye Li marveled. She had given Lingyun Gongzhu quite the struggle underwater, yet the princess had not only refused medical attention but continued to stir trouble. Thinking of the culprit behind her ordeal, Ye Li narrowed her clear, beautiful eyes and fixed them on the half of Mo Xiuyao's handsome face that was visible. "Speaking of which, Your Highness… today's incident was, in a way, caused by you. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Mo Xiuyao raised a brow, looking at her questioningly.

Ye Li let out a soft hum. "That Lingyun Gongzhu is utterly infatuated with you. She even swore she would become the rightful princess consort of Ding Royal Palace."

"Lingyun Gongzhu of Western Liang?" Mo Xiuyao frowned.

Ye Li's gaze turned dangerous. "You wouldn’t actually have some long-standing promise with her, would you? If you dared to deceive a little girl of seven or eight, such a scoundrel… deserves a beating!"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, meeting her eyes seriously. "I can assure you, I have never met Lingyun Gongzhu before."

"Then why would she cry and insist on marrying you, even throwing herself into the lake? Unless… it's because of the status of Ding Royal Palace?" Ye Li mused. She didn’t doubt Mo Xiuyao’s honesty—the likelihood of him knowing Lingyun Gongzhu was already slim. Logically, marrying into Ding Royal Palace wouldn’t align with the interests of a Western Liang princess. If Western Liang sought an alliance, the best choice would be to wed her to the emperor.

Mo Xiuyao glanced at her, seemingly surprised. "How did you know Western Liang seeks a marriage alliance?"

"Why else would they bring a princess all this way? For a casual visit?"

Mo Xiuyao explained, "Western Liang and our Great Chu have never been on good terms. Though relations have been peaceful these past few years, everyone knows war is inevitable sooner or later. Under such circumstances, Western Liang would never truly send a princess to Great Chu for marriage. In this case, an alliance..."It was tantamount to being a hostage. Once war broke out between the two nations, whether you were a princess or a noblewoman, you could only become a tragic sacrifice. Ye Li frowned—that made sense. Under such circumstances, where both sides were well aware of the implications, even if the Western Liang emperor had too many daughters to handle, there was no need to send one to his enemies.

Mo Xiuyao watched her leaning against the headboard, lost in thought with a furrowed brow, his gaze softening slightly. "No need to overthink it. Whether they intend to propose a marriage alliance will become clear at tonight’s palace banquet."

When Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao emerged from the inner chamber, the hushed whispers in the hall immediately fell silent. Clearly, the incident in the Imperial Garden had alarmed many—not only the empress but even the emperor had arrived, along with envoys from various nations except Northern Rong. As the two stepped forward, Mo Jingqi’s gaze first settled on Ye Li before he asked, "Prince Ding, how is Princess Ding faring?"

Mo Xiuyao replied calmly, "Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. A Li is fine now."

The empress nodded in relief. "It’s good that Princess Ding is unharmed. Please, Princess, take a seat."

After expressing their gratitude, Ye Li followed Mo Xiuyao to their seats. Across from them, Zhennan Wang Shizi Lei Tengfeng stood and declared in a clear voice, "Princess Ding, Lingyun was startled earlier and accidentally caused you distress. I beg your forgiveness."

Before he could finish, Lingyun Gongzhu beside him sprang up in pain and cried out, "Elder Brother, I told you—she was the one who pushed me in!"

Zhaoyang Princess frowned at Lingyun Gongzhu. "Your Highness, everyone present saw that Princess Ding was trying to save you. On the contrary, it was you who pushed her into the water when she was already exhausted, causing her to faint."

Lingyun Gongzhu’s face flushed red with anger. "I have witnesses!"

Zhaoyang Princess replied coolly, "I know. Your Highness mentioned earlier that your maid personally saw Princess Ding push you in. However… given your behavior toward Princess Ding in Phoenix Virtue Palace and the circumstances in the water, your maid’s testimony is hardly credible."

Lingyun Gongzhu shrieked, "Are you implying that I’m lying?!"

Zhaoyang Princess gave her a faint glance. Though she didn’t respond, her expression spoke volumes.

"Lingyun, enough of this nonsense!" Lei Tengfeng snapped sternly.

Lingyun Gongzhu burst into tears, her voice laced with resentment. "Fine! If none of you believe me, I’ll prove my innocence with my death!" With that, she yanked a golden hairpin from her head and aimed it at her chest.

"Your Highness, don’t—!"

"Lingyun—!"

Lei Tengfeng swiftly grabbed her wrist and snatched the pin away, rubbing his temples in exasperation as he studied his willful cousin. At the same time, he cast a doubtful glance at Ye Li across the room. Though Lingyun had always been prone to tantrums, she had never reacted so violently before. Could she truly have been wronged?

"Princess Ding," he said, fixing his gaze on Ye Li, "might I ask you to recount exactly what happened?"

Ye Li met his eyes calmly and replied softly, "I’m not sure what occurred. Lingyun Gongzhu was speaking to me when she suddenly fell into the lake. Then I fell in as well."

Lei Tengfeng’s frown deepened as he scrutinized her warily. "You fell in too? Then do you know how you ended up in the water?"

Ye Li shook her head. "Lingyun Gongzhu suddenly collapsed forward. Before I could react, I was already in the lake."Princess Ding seems to know how to swim," Lei Tengfeng remarked.

Ye Li smiled faintly, "I wouldn't say I know how—it's just that I nearly drowned as a child, so I learned a little. But I lack experience, which is why..."

Though Ye Li appeared to say nothing substantial, the listeners interpreted much between the lines, easily piecing together the entire incident in their minds. Everyone had witnessed Lingyun Gongzhu forcibly pulling Princess Ding aside to speak, likely leading to some unpleasant exchange. In her agitation, the princess must have lost her footing and fallen into the lake, dragging Princess Ding down with her.

Had that been all, it might have been dismissed as an unfortunate accident. But after Princess Ding saved Lingyun Gongzhu, the latter repaid kindness with malice by pushing her rescuer underwater, causing her to lose consciousness. Worse still, while the victim lay unconscious, the princess falsely accused her of being the one who pushed her in. Instantly, the expressions of those in the hall toward Lingyun Gongzhu and the Western Liang envoys shifted. The nobles of Great Chu already held little fondness for Western Liang, and now their disdain deepened. What manner of people were these Western Liang folk?

"Actually, Lingyun Gongzhu need not be so desperate," Ye Li said calmly, gazing at the princess. "This is, after all, the Great Chu palace. Should anything happen to a Western Liang princess, it would harm the friendship between our nations. Though I am but a woman, I would never act in a way that jeopardizes peace between our countries. However, I do have a question. Lingyun Gongzhu and I came from the Imperial Garden, leaving our maids behind. Logically, from where they were positioned... unless they stood right by the lakeside, they couldn't have seen whether the princess fell or I pushed her. So how could they claim to have witnessed me pushing her in? Your Majesty, Your Highness the Empress, may I request that my maids and Lingyun Gongzhu's attendants be summoned?"

The emperor glanced at Mo Jingqi and, seeing no objection, nodded. "As the princess wishes."

Qingluan and the others soon entered, accompanied by Lingyun Gongzhu's maids from Western Liang.

Princess Zhaoyang began the questioning, "Were you all accompanying the princess and Her Highness at the time?"

Qingyu stepped forward. "Your Highness, Lingyun Gongzhu expressed a wish to speak privately with our princess and dismissed her own attendants first. Thus, our princess also instructed us not to follow."

Princess Zhaoyang raised an eyebrow. "Then did any of you see what happened by the lake?"

Qingyu shook her head. "There is a rockery between the lake and the Imperial Garden. We were standing farther back, blocked by the rockery, and couldn't see what transpired."

One of Lingyun Gongzhu's maids interjected, "We saw it—Princess Ding pushed our princess in."

Princess Zhaoyang replied coolly, "I'm familiar with that rockery by the lake. I played there as a child. If you were behind it, you absolutely couldn't have seen what happened at the lakeside."

"We weren't behind the rockery!" the maid blurted out.

Princess Zhaoyang arched a brow, casting a knowing glance at Lingyun Gongzhu. "Oh? Then where were you?"

"We... we were by the peach grove near the lake," the maid stammered, visibly flustered as she glanced nervously toward the Western Liang delegation.Princess Zhaoyang nodded. If it was there, then it was indeed possible to see. But this princess wants to know why you, who were supposed to be waiting behind, ended up appearing near the peach grove after circling nearly half the Imperial Garden? This princess remembers there’s a small river between the peach grove and the lakeside rockery. And the bridge seems quite far away. This…

Facing so many people, including the Emperor and Empress of Great Chu, the maid wouldn’t dare refuse to answer the princess’s question, no matter how bold she was. She could only stammer, "It… it was the princess who ordered this servant to go there… to go there…"

Princess Zhaoyang smiled. "Go there for what? If it were March, one might go to pick a few peach blossoms, but now that it’s nearly June, most people wouldn’t go there."

"This servant… this servant…" The maid panicked and tried to look to Princess Lingyun for help, but by now, even Princess Lingyun couldn’t think of a plausible excuse. She could only stubbornly argue, "No matter how my maid ended up there, at least it proves they did see this princess being pushed into the lake by her!"

The princess, having grown up in the deep palace, wasn’t so easily fooled. Her phoenix eyes fixed unwaveringly on the maid as she said, "Since you claim Princess Ding pushed Princess Lingyun, how exactly did she push her? Was Princess Lingyun facing Princess Ding, or was her back or side turned? Did Princess Ding use her left hand or right hand to push? Did Princess Lingyun cry out when she was pushed into the water? If so, what exactly did she shout?"

The maid stiffened, taking a long moment before replying, "This servant remembers… the princess was facing away from Princess Ding at the time. Princess Ding… Princess Ding used her left—no, right hand to push her. After being pushed, the princess struggled and called for help."

Beside them, Lei Tengfeng’s expression darkened, cursing inwardly at the fool.

Princess Zhaoyang’s expression turned severe as she snapped, "How dare you lie in front of His and Her Majesties! The patrolling guards who arrived at the lakeside said they heard no cries for help—they only rushed over after hearing your screams. They only realized someone had fallen in when they saw ripples on the water. How is it that you alone heard Princess Lingyun’s cries for help? Are your ears sharper than those of the palace guards?"

"I… I…" The maid, already at her limit after fabricating such a long string of answers, collapsed to the ground under the princess’s rebuke. "Spare this servant, Your Highness! Spare this servant! This servant… this servant was…"

"Silence!" Lei Tengfeng suddenly interjected. "You clearly didn’t hear Lingyun call for help. When the princess questions you, answer truthfully with what you know. Don’t embellish with things that never happened."

The maid froze, then hastily nodded. "Y-yes… this servant was wrong. This servant didn’t hear the princess cry for help…"

Lei Tengfeng turned and clasped his hands toward Ye Li with a smile. "Princess Ding, please forgive this foolish maid. She’s been with Lingyun since childhood and has never seen such a grand occasion. She must have been nervous and mistaken what she saw, wrongly accusing you. Lingyun has always trusted her, and after the fright today, she was misled… I hope you can be magnanimous."

Ye Li glanced at Princess Lingyun’s stubborn refusal to admit fault, her smile cooling. "You flatter me, Young Master. It’s truly no great matter. Only… for such a mishap to occur during my first palace banquet is truly a disgrace to the Ding Royal Palace. Perhaps… Princess Lingyun’s words hold some truth. Don’t you think so, Princess?"

Princess Lingyun snorted and turned her head away, refusing to look at Ye Li.Princess Ronghua, seated beside Zhaoyang Princess, suddenly raised her brows with a smile and asked, "What words from Lingyun Gongzhu made even Princess Ding agree?"

Ye Li sighed softly and said, "This consort has been so improper, bringing shame upon Ding Royal Palace and His Highness. Perhaps tomorrow, His Highness will hand me a letter of divorce, and the title of Princess Ding may change hands."

The Empress chided gently, "Nonsense! This was merely an accident. How could Prince Ding be so unreasonable?"

Mo Xiuyao, who had been leisurely watching the scene, nodded solemnly and said, "Her Majesty speaks rightly." Turning to Ye Li, he added with a smile, "A Li, rest assured. No matter what happens, you are the rightful principal consort formally wedded into Ding Royal Palace. Whoever dares question A Li questions Ding Royal Palace itself!"

Zhaoyang Princess also smiled and said, "Xiu Yao is correct. Whoever dares question Princess Ding is opposing this princess. Princess Ding need only set her heart at ease—everyone knows you were wronged today."

"Your Highness, Your Consort, my younger sister was ignorant and misunderstood the Princess. I offer my sincerest apologies on her behalf. Please forgive her offense."

Ye Li lowered her gaze without a word, adopting a deferential posture as if leaving all decisions to His Highness.

Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Prince, apologies are more sincere when made by the person involved. Don’t you agree?"

Lei Tengfeng was taken aback. Mo Xiuyao demanding Lingyun Gongzhu to apologize personally was nothing short of a direct slap to her face—he wasn’t leaving any room for courtesy. After a thoughtful glance at Ye Li, Lei Tengfeng replied, "Lingyun is still young, and it was my failure as her elder brother to guide her properly. I should be the one to apologize."

Mo Xiuyao raised a brow, the corner of his lips curling slightly. "Perhaps the Prince should teach the Princess what it means to take responsibility for one’s actions. As for today’s incident… should I interpret it as Western Liang provoking the Ding Royal Palace?"

Lingyun Gongzhu, publicly reprimanded by the man she had long admired, was already on the verge of tears from humiliation.

Lei Tengfeng’s heart skipped a beat. Had he known Mo Xiuyao would be this unyielding, he would have forced Lingyun to apologize from the start. Losing face was better than losing her life! Lingyun was bound to stay in Eastern Chu, and if she offended Mo Xiuyao, he could still protect her while he remained. But once he left, she might not even know how she died.

Lei Tengfeng believed Lingyun had indeed targeted Princess Ding today, but he doubted the Princess was entirely innocent. Worse, Mo Xiuyao had escalated the matter to a diplomatic level—Western Liang’s stance toward the Ding Royal Palace. Though Mo Xiuyao was now crippled, the Ding Royal Palace’s power remained, including the Black Cloud Cavalry that struck fear across the land. If Mo Xiuyao had shown weakness, it might have been manageable, but his unrelenting attitude only deepened Lei Tengfeng’s wariness. Western Liang could not afford a war right now.

"Lingyun! Apologize to Princess Ding!" Lei Tengfeng commanded without hesitation.

"What? You want me to apologize to her?!" Lingyun Gongzhu shrieked. The gathered crowd frowned, and even Princess Ronghua curled her lips in disdain. Even she, known as the most arrogant noblewoman in the capital, would never stoop to such rudeness in public. The so-called refinement of Western Liang’s princess was truly… eye-opening.

Lingyun Gongzhu glared hatefully at Ye Li. "Why should I apologize to her? I am the most noble princess of Western Liang! Does she even deserve my apology?"

Ye Li frowned. "Does the Princess refuse to apologize because you look down on me?"

"What about you is worthy of my respect?" Lingyun Gongzhu lifted her chin haughtily, sneering at Ye Li. She had already investigated Ye Li thoroughly—a neglected daughter of a minister’s household, infamous in the capital as the "Three-Nothing" noblewoman: no talent, no virtue, no beauty. Even Prince Li had abandoned her because of her reputation. She had only lucked into being betrothed to Prince Ding by imperial decree. As for her victory at the Hundred Flowers Festival, Lingyun dismissed it entirely—Ye Li had merely gotten lucky.

A cold glint flashed in Ye Li’s eyes as she silently reminded herself: She’s still young, don’t stoop to her level…

To hell with "still young"! This brat needs discipline. If this were the army, someone this reckless would’ve been skinned alive.

"Then… does the Princess look down on me, or on the status of the Ding Royal Palace’s Princess Consort?" Ye Li asked."You are utterly unworthy of the title of Princess Ding!" Lingyun Gongzhu exclaimed. Ye Li pressed her lips together, smiling as she looked at the princess. Everyone present silently admired her composure and grace. "Then who does the princess think is worthy of the title of Princess of the State?" she asked. "If you dare say it's yourself... this princess would truly admire your audacity."

Lingyun Gongzhu choked, quickly glancing at Mo Xiuyao. Unfortunately, while the falling petals had intent, the flowing water was heartless. Mo Xiuyao merely watched his wife with a faint smile, completely oblivious to the princess's resentful gaze. Though Lingyun Gongzhu could declare her ambitions for the position of Princess Ding to Ye Li's face, she still lacked the shamelessness to proclaim herself the only worthy match for Prince Ding before so many people.

Ye Li marveled at the princess's aggrieved expression. This girl had never met Mo Xiuyao before, yet at first sight she could display such... deep affection. Had it been the Mo Xiuyao of eight years ago, one might call it love at first sight. But the current Mo Xiuyao sorely lacked the qualities to inspire such instant devotion. Could hero worship truly intoxicate a young girl to this extent? Even so, shouldn't she be idolizing heroes from her own country?

Or was this princess truly a citizen without borders?

"In the past, the princess looking down on me would have been inconsequential," Ye Li said, fixing her gaze on Lingyun Gongzhu. "But now... this princess cannot allow the ancestors of Ding Royal Palace to be shamed because of me."

Lingyun Gongzhu lifted her chin arrogantly. "This princess absolutely will not apologize to someone inferior!"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Earlier, the princess challenged me to a sword duel, which I declined. Why don't we compete now instead? If I lose, today's matter... this princess will accept whatever punishment the princess demands. But if the princess loses—"

"Impossible!" Lingyun Gongzhu interrupted. "This princess will never lose to you!"

Ignoring her, Ye Li continued, "I want the princess to kneel and apologize before all the court officials and noblewomen during the palace banquet."

"You! Fine, this princess agrees!" Before Lei Tengfeng could stop her, Lingyun Gongzhu declared loudly, "If you lose, this princess demands you kowtow three times and bow nine times from the palace gates all the way to the busiest part of the capital, then proclaim to everyone that you're unworthy to be Princess Ding!"

Ye Li nodded calmly. "Agreed."

"Wait!" Zhaoyang Princess stood. "This princess recalls that Princess Ding knows no swordsmanship."

Ye Li smiled. "The princess is correct, so we won't compete with swords—with arrows instead. I believe Lingyun Gongzhu is also skilled in archery?"

"Ha! You want to compete in archery with this princess?!" Lingyun Gongzhu looked at Ye Li as if she'd heard a joke, her face full of disdain. "This princess began learning archery at seven and could hit every target by ten. You... can you even draw a bow?"

Ye Li lowered her eyes with a faint smile. "Does the princess mean to decline?"

"This princess simply fears your humiliation will be too severe. Since you're so eager to overreach yourself, this princess will oblige. State your terms."

Satisfied, Ye Li rose and addressed Mo Jingqi and the empress. "In that case, we humbly request Your Majesty and Her Majesty to bear witness."

Mo Jingqi studied her. "Princess Ding, are you resolved? Consider carefully."

Ye Li smiled. "This princess begs Your Majesty's permission. The dignity of Ding Royal Palace cannot be trampled."

Mo Jingqi's expression shifted as he gazed at her for a long moment before finally saying in a grave voice, "Very well. We grant permission."

Ye Li bowed respectfully. "This princess thanks Your Majesty." Then she turned to Lingyun Gongzhu with a smile. "Princess, after you."Hmph! Lingyun Gongzhu turned and strode out of the hall first. Ye Li followed at a leisurely pace, her smile serene and gentle.

Lei Tengfeng, walking behind them, watched the woman's straight and resolute back. For some reason, an uneasy premonition crept into his heart.