Mo Li

Though Ye Laofuren and Lord Ye still wore stern expressions, Ye Li could detect a glimmer of satisfaction in their eyes. It seemed Mo Jingli personally coming to retrieve Ye Ying had pleased them greatly. After all, their daughter was already married. No matter how angry the Ye family might be, they couldn’t possibly let Ye Ying move back to the Ye residence to be supported for life, as Ye Li had suggested.

Before long, Mo Jingli entered, his face as cold and gloomy as ever. In fact, Ye Li could hardly recall ever seeing him in a good mood—he always looked as if someone owed him hundreds of taels of silver. The moment he stepped inside and saw Ye Li, he paused briefly before shifting his gaze to Ye Ying.

Ye Ying bit her lip resentfully, turned her head away with a soft huff, and ignored him. Lord Ye and Ye Laofuren also remained indifferent, their usual warmth and courtesy absent. Wang Shi’s face darkened, and if not for Ye Laofuren’s sharp sideways glance, she might have openly confronted him.

Seeing this, Mo Jingli’s expression darkened further, clearly in no better mood.

Truthfully, Mo Jingli felt even more aggrieved about this marriage than Ye Ying. It wasn’t as if he had wanted to marry that so-called Lingyun Gongzhu—what use did he have for a woman who had lost to Ye Li? His imperial brother, the emperor, had unceremoniously foisted her upon him without even asking.

After returning home, Ye Ying had thrown tantrums nonstop, and that ungrateful Lingyun Gongzhu had the audacity to cause a scene at the embassy, refusing to marry. Did she think he was desperate for her?

Driven to frustration by both Ye Ying and Lingyun Gongzhu, Mo Jingli had stormed into the palace to demand an annulment, only to be scolded by the emperor and sent away. Then, he had been lectured by both the empress dowager and his own mother. The more he thought about it, the uglier his expression became.

Noticing the shift, Lord Ye wisely decided not to push further and coughed lightly. "Ying’er, His Highness has come to take you home. Sit properly and speak with him."

Only then did Ye Ying turn back with reddened eyes, gazing pitifully at Mo Jingli. "Your Highness…"

The mournful tone made Ye Li shiver involuntarily. She watched as Mo Jingli walked over, pulled Ye Ying into his arms, and murmured, "Let’s go. Return to the manor with me."

"Your Highness… Ying’er has been so miserable… Wuwu…" Ye Ying sobbed into Mo Jingli’s embrace as he held her waist, silently listening to her grievances. Though he said nothing, his expression visibly softened.

"Let’s go." Mo Jingli lifted Ye Ying into his arms, nodded at Lord Ye and Ye Laofuren, and strode out without sparing Ye Li a glance.

Left behind, Ye Li was filled with questions. Even now, she couldn’t tell whether Mo Jingli truly cared for Ye Ying—or how much. Perhaps… the thoughts of an emotionally stunted man were simply hard to decipher, even if Mo Jingli was a particularly twisted case. Leaning back in her chair, she rested her chin on her hand and pondered silently.

Declining Ye Laofuren and Lord Ye’s attempts to make her stay, Ye Li left the ministry with her attendants. Seeing that it was still early, she realized she hadn’t gone out alone since marrying into the Ding Royal Palace. Remembering Granny Sun’s repeated hints, she decided to look for a suitable gift—Mo Xiuyao’s birthday was approaching.

With that in mind, she headed toward the busiest streets of the capital, accompanied by Qingluan and Qingshuang.Walking through the bustling streets and browsing several shops without finding anything suitable, Ye Li couldn't help but feel troubled. She didn't know what kind of gift would be appropriate. Seeing Ye Li's obvious distress, Qingshuang gathered her courage and asked, "Princess Ding, are you looking to buy something?" Ye Li glanced hesitantly at the two maids staring at her with bright, curious eyes before replying, "Granny Sun mentioned that Mo Xiuyao's birthday is in a few days. I want to find a gift for him." Qingshuang rolled her eyes at her. "Miss! Do you really need to scour the streets for a gift for the prince?"

Ye Li looked puzzled. "You mean give him something ready-made? Wouldn't that seem insincere?" Besides, while her room was filled with treasures, most of them were either calligraphy and paintings or women's jewelry. Should she really just pick a painting for him?

Qingluan stifled a laugh and whispered, "The prince isn't lacking in treasures, Princess. If you want to show sincerity, why not make something yourself? Even a simple pouch would probably mean more to him than some antique."

"A pouch?"

Qingshuang waved her hand dismissively. "A pouch? How about sewing a robe for the prince instead?"

"Sewing a robe..." Ye Li looked down at her hands. She hadn't touched a needle since marrying into the Ding Royal Palace. But... this seemed like a good idea.

"Princess Ding?"

Having made up her mind, Ye Li turned to head back to the palace but was stopped by a voice behind her. Turning around, she saw the pair of cousins standing in the crowd and could only think, "Fate has a cruel sense of humor."

"Shizi, Gongzhu," Ye Li nodded coolly in greeting. Lei Tengfeng, however, seemed oblivious to her aloofness and stepped forward with a smile. "What a coincidence! Is Princess Ding shopping alone?" Ye Li smiled. "Qingluan, Qingshuang, greet Shizi and Gongzhu." Was this Zhennan Wang Shizi blind? Couldn't he see the two living, breathing people standing beside her?

Lei Tengfeng's eye twitched slightly as he continued, "I'll be returning to Western Liang in a few days and wanted to buy some things for Lingyun. I was wondering... if Princess Ding might offer some advice."

Ye Li gave a strained smile at the contrast between the overly enthusiastic cousin and the icy princess. "I'm afraid I won't be much help."

"How so? Princess Ding is accomplished in both literary and martial arts, not to mention this year's Flower Festival champion. Your taste must be exceptional," Lei Tengfeng insisted.

With the conversation at this point, Ye Li could hardly refuse. "Very well then. Shizi, Gongzhu, after you."

Lingyun Gongzhu cast a weary glance at Ye Li, her face haggard and disinterested. Clearly, life hadn't been kind to her since the arranged marriage. Ye Li wondered what method Lei Tengfeng had used to make the once-wild princess so obedient. As the three walked down the street with their attendants, Lingyun Gongzhu seemed completely distracted, needing constant support from her maid to avoid bumping into passersby. Watching the formerly arrogant girl wither like a dried-up bean sprout in just a few days, Ye Li finally spoke up when Lei Tengfeng sent Lingyun Gongzhu to try on clothes: "Lingyun Gongzhu doesn't seem well."

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow, studying Ye Li with amusement. "Is Princess Ding sympathizing with Lingyun?"

Ye Li shot him a glance. "If her own cousin doesn't pity her, why should an outsider like me meddle?"Lei Tengfeng smiled nonchalantly, "It's nothing. Just a child throwing a tantrum and playing at starving herself."

A child throwing a tantrum and starving herself?

Ye Li nodded, "I hope the princess won't faint at the wedding from hunger."

Lei Tengfeng, brimming with confidence—or perhaps simply indifferent—laughed, "Princess Ding need not worry. Our Western Liang would never allow such a breach of etiquette to occur. On the wedding day, Lingyun will surely be radiant as a bride." Ye Li turned her head to examine the shop's decorations, feeling not the slightest bit of goodwill toward someone like Lei Tengfeng. She didn’t believe he was unaware of the fate awaiting Lingyun Gongzhu if she remained in Great Chu to marry Mo Jingli—he simply didn’t care. A man who could cheerfully push his own cousin toward ruin while smiling and claiming it was for her good was, in truth, even more cold-hearted and ruthless than Mo Jingli himself. The detachment in Ye Li’s expression did not escape Lei Tengfeng’s notice. With a faint smile playing on his lips, he asked, "Princess Ding seems to have some opinion of me?"

Ye Li glanced at him coolly. "No, I never form opinions about strangers."

"Strangers?" Lei Tengfeng chuckled meaningfully. "How could we be strangers? Speaking of which… did Prince Ding and the princess like my wedding gift?"

Ye Li replied, "The Cloud-Grasping Sword holds great significance for the Ding Royal Palace. How could we not appreciate it? We are grateful for the effort the heir apparent has put into this."

"No, no…" Lei Tengfeng shook his head with a smile. "The Cloud-Grasping Sword was a gift for the princess. As for the wedding gift for Prince Ding and the princess, I sent it to the Ding Royal Palace the day after the wedding. Could it be that the princess hasn’t received it?"

Ye Li froze, her delicate brows furrowing slightly as she fixed a cold stare on Lei Tengfeng. "The heir apparent is quite resourceful. Such a renowned painting—countless people long for it in vain, yet you could part with it so easily." Lei Tengfeng grinned. "I am but a crude man. Masterpieces like that are best appreciated by refined scholars, no? It seems… both Prince Ding and the princess were satisfied." Ye Li stared at him, then suddenly smiled faintly. "With the heir apparent going to such lengths, how could my husband and I not be satisfied? Speaking of which, Han Mingyue’s 'Beauty of the Chu Capital' has long since vanished from sight. To witness the grace of the capital’s former top beauty is truly my fortune."

"How intriguing," Lei Tengfeng praised, watching Ye Li with an amused smirk. "Princess, I don’t believe you are unaware that the woman in that painting was once Prince Ding’s betrothed."

Ye Li met his gaze. "So, the heir apparent sent that painting to make me feel ashamed of my own inadequacy?"

"Perish the thought," Lei Tengfeng laughed. "The princess is both talented and beautiful—I admire you greatly. How could I harbor such vulgar intentions? However… the princess must admit that sometimes… what one cannot have becomes the most desirable. Isn’t that so?" Ye Li arched an eyebrow. "There are countless things in this world one cannot obtain. The heir apparent’s mindset is rather dangerous." Lei Tengfeng chuckled playfully. "Why dangerous? I believe one should seize what they desire by any means necessary. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be a pity if someone else took it?"

Ye Li lowered her eyes, sipping her tea calmly. "The princess will be out soon, won’t she? Are you certain you wish to idle here chatting with me?"

Lei Tengfeng paused, then laughed helplessly. "The princess is indeed straightforward. I am no match for you."

Ye Li raised a brow, watching him in silence. Lei Tengfeng smiled. "Actually, it’s nothing major. Someone… asked me to relay a message to the princess. And I, too, have a question for you."

"I’m all ears."

"Someone told me to tell the princess… what belongs to another will always remain another’s." Lei Tengfeng grinned at Ye Li.Ye Li remained expressionless. This statement... what did it have to do with the congratulatory gift from the heir?

Lei Tengfeng shrugged and said, "I don't know. I was only tasked with delivering the message. By the way, wouldn’t Your Highness like to hear what I wish to ask?"

"Please speak, Young Master."

"I just mentioned... I greatly admire Your Highness. I wonder... would you be interested in visiting Western Liang?"

Ye Li's eyes darkened. Was she being flirted with? Or did Lei Tengfeng think eloping with Prince Ding's wife would be some grand achievement? She stared at him for a long moment before sighing faintly. "Young Master... I would indeed be interested in visiting Western Liang, but I fear..."

"Fear what?" Lei Tengfeng's gaze was inscrutable.

"I fear—before I even set foot in Western Liang, I would die by your hands, wouldn’t I?" Ye Li let out a cold laugh, finishing her words with icy calm. Lei Tengfeng's expression froze instantly, as if he hadn’t yet decided how to react. His face stiffened into a forced smile. "Your Highness, what kind of talk is that? My invitation is sincere." Ye Li stood up and smiled. "In that case, if the opportunity arises in the future, I will surely visit Western Liang with my lord to pay my respects to you. For now, I won’t disturb the reunion between Young Master and your sister. Farewell."

Without waiting to see Lei Tengfeng's reaction, Ye Li turned and walked out.

In the inner hall, the abandoned Lei Tengfeng stroked his chin thoughtfully, watching the beaded curtain sway slightly from her departure. His smile grew more audacious and ambitious than before. An interesting woman. No wonder Mo Xiuyao married her.

Princess Lingyun emerged from inside, still dressed as she had been earlier. She stood by the door, gazing at Lei Tengfeng with resentment. He raised an eyebrow, lowering his lashes to conceal his disdain. "Lingyun, give it up. His Highness is doing this for your own good. Compared to that brainless Princess Li, Princess Ding is far more formidable. Even if you entered Prince Ding’s Estate, you’d never outmaneuver her. Haven’t you learned your lesson from last time? You know perfectly well that even without Ye Li, you’d never set foot in Prince Ding’s Estate."

Princess Lingyun glared at him. "Are you defending Ye Li now?"

Lei Tengfeng scoffed. "Forget I said anything. If you think you can provoke Ye Li, go ahead. See if she dares to put an arrow through your skull next time. I don’t care what you’re scheming—in three days, you’ll obediently board the bridal sedan and marry into Prince Li’s Palace. Don’t force me to drug you."

"I’m a princess! How dare you!"

"I thought you understood your purpose when you insisted on coming to Eastern Chu." Lei Tengfeng looked at her mockingly. "Did you really believe you were here to choose a consort, that whoever you fancied would be yours? No matter how favored a princess is, she’s still just a princess—a princess sent for marriage alliance... and you still dare put on airs in front of me?"

Western Liang EmbassyAfter arranging for Lingyun Gongzhu to be escorted back to her room, Lei Tengfeng turned and returned to his own chamber. The moment he closed the door, his eyes darkened like sharp blades as they fixed on a particular spot in the room. The completely sealed chamber was dim and unfathomable without any lamps lit. By the high-quality sandalwood round table sat a slender black figure.

Lei Tengfeng's gaze hardened as he stared at the woman's back. "What are you doing here?"

The woman in black turned slightly, revealing a pair of captivating star-like eyes in the dim light. Yet, those eyes, which should have been gentle and alluring, burned with unmistakable fury. "Why did you ruin my plans?"

Lei Tengfeng scoffed coldly. "Ruin your plans? What exactly have I ruined, my dear cousin?"

"Lingyun's matter!" the woman gritted her teeth. "If not for your interference, why would Lingyun have been married off to Prince Li's Palace?"

Lei Tengfeng relaxed lazily, walking over to a chair and sitting down. "You have the nerve to say that? If not for you filling Lingyun’s head with nonsense day and night, why would she have ended up married to Prince Li? The original plan wasn’t to wed a princess to a brainless prince. But thanks to Lingyun’s tantrum, the Emperor would never have accepted her."

The woman in black snorted. "Wouldn’t it have been better if Lingyun had entered Prince Ding's Estate?"

"Stop dreaming. Lingyun might have been fooled by you, but have you lost your mind too?" Lei Tengfeng sneered. "Do you think Mo Xiuyao is some merciful saint? If Lingyun had entered Prince Ding's Estate, we’d be collecting her corpse within a month. Even if she miraculously survived, do you think her feeble mind wouldn’t be swayed by Mo Xiuyao to turn against us?"

Seemingly provoked by his mocking tone, the woman snapped, "I did all this to help you!"

Lei Tengfeng scoffed, his expression blatantly disbelieving. "Help me? Then why didn’t you send Rouyun instead? You were certain Lingyun’s temperament would never win Mo Xiuyao’s affection, weren’t you? Pity… I suspect Mo Xiuyao might actually fall for Ye Li."

"Impossible!" the woman shrieked before quickly regaining her composure. She exhaled slowly, forcing a light laugh. "Don’t try to deceive me. Mo Xiuyao is too proud to ever fancy a worthless woman like Ye Li."

"Worthless, you say…" Lei Tengfeng mused, casting her a sidelong glance. "Mo Xiuyao being too proud? I wouldn’t be so sure."

"Enough. I didn’t come here to argue with you."

Lei Tengfeng regarded her lazily. "Then state your business. What brings you to my room at this hour?"

"I’m staying in Great Chu for a while," the woman declared.

"Fine. Just don’t ever return to Western Liang." He waved dismissively, signaling for her to leave.

"You—!" The woman glared at him, speechless with rage.

Lei Tengfeng smirked coldly. "Do you think I don’t know why you want to stay in Eastern Chu? Few women are as greedy as you. But be careful—you might end up with nothing."

Behind her veil, the woman bit her crimson lips in resentment. "Lei Tengfeng, must you always mock me?"

He met her gaze, his icy eyes laced with suppressed hatred. "Must you always chase after men to survive? Stop deluding yourself. Mo Xiuyao will never want you."Do you know where the painting you had someone deliver ended up? Lei Tengfeng looked at her, a malicious smile suddenly appearing on his face.

The woman in black stared at him warily. Lei Tengfeng studied her with amusement, watching as her gaze gradually grew flustered under his scrutiny before he finally laughed, "It was sent to Su Zhe by Mo Xiuyao the very same day. No matter how stunningly beautiful Su Zuidie was, to Mo Xiuyao, she's nothing more than a dead woman. What do you think you can accomplish? Shall we make a bet? I think Mo Xiuyao will definitely fall for Ye Li."

If looks could kill, the fury in the woman in black's eyes would have reduced Lei Tengfeng to ashes. It took her even longer this time to suppress her anger. She smiled sweetly at him and asked, "What about you? Zhennan Wang Shizi of Western Liang, why are you so interested in Ye Li?" Lei Tengfeng's eyes flickered briefly before he chuckled, "Because she's Mo Xiuyao's woman. From that perspective, her value is clearly much higher than yours." The woman in black's eyes danced as she giggled softly, "Then... don't you want to have Mo Xiuyao's woman for yourself? Hehe... Just imagine how amusing it would be if the whole world knew Mo Xiuyao's wife ran off with another man."

Lei Tengfeng frowned, his sword-like brows knitting together as he glared at her in disgust. "Meeting you must be the worst misfortune of Mo Xiuyao's life. If I want to defeat Mo Xiuyao, I'll do it honorably in open battle. I don't need to resort to such methods."

"Oh, how could that be? Meeting me should have been the happiest thing in his life. Of course, that's what I believe too." The woman in black spoke softly, her bewitching eyes glimmering with a hint of nostalgia. "Besides, Mo Xiuyao is already crippled. He'll never return to the battlefield. In a way, he'll never be defeated again. And you still fantasize about defeating him honorably? The undefeated legend of the Ding Royal Palace that has lasted over a century..."

"Enough! Get out!" Lei Tengfeng's face darkened as he spoke coldly. "We depart for Western Liang in three days. Feel free to try staying in Dongchu if you wish. From what I hear, Han Mingyue has already returned to Jiangnan. You might as well see whether Mo Xiuyao will show you mercy again." The woman in black stood up, her eyes brimming with grievance as she looked at him. "I know why you're being so mean to me. You're jealous, aren't you? Or do you think I don't look good with this veil on..." As she spoke, she raised her hand to remove the veil covering her face. Lei Tengfeng suddenly grabbed a teacup from the table and hurled it at her. "Get out!"

"You... Hmph!" Furious at his rudeness, the woman in black lowered her hand, shot a glare at the man seated in the chair, and stormed out with a flick of her sleeve.

Ye Li returned to Prince Ding's Estate to find Mo Xiuyao reading in their room. Hearing her footsteps, he looked up and asked, "You're back? Did Ye Laofuren have some matter to discuss?" Ye Li waved her hand dismissively. "What could it be at this time? My fourth sister went home crying and making a scene, so grandmother asked me to go back and talk some sense into her. She's never gotten along with me—how could she possibly listen to anything I say? Though I did run into that Western Liang prince and Lingyun Gongzhu on the street." Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow at her. Ye Li thought for a moment but found the topic unworthy of further discussion, so she turned to change into more comfortable clothes. When she came out, Mo Xiuyao was still sitting in the room, absorbed in his book. She called for Qing Xia and the others to bring out some plain-colored fabrics.Qingshuang had always been quick-witted. Before Ye Li could even sit down after giving her instructions, she had already cheerfully delivered the fabrics. They were all light colors like moon white, pale green, and beige. Considerately, she also brought along various tools. Ye Li took the fabrics and glanced at the man opposite her, her delicate brows furrowing slightly.

Mo Xiuyao looked up curiously at her troubled expression and smiled faintly, "What's wrong? Are the clothes made in the mansion not to your liking? I heard there are two embroidery shops in the capital with decent work. I can have them send some over later for you to look at. No need to be so distressed." Ye Li was speechless. If I bought clothes from outside to give you, wouldn’t Mama Lin and my wet nurse nag me to death? She glanced down at her own clothes—was she really that picky?

Gritting her teeth, Ye Li said, "Lend me one of your old clothes."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, puzzled as he watched Ye Li struggling to maintain a neutral expression. Slowly, his gaze shifted to the fabric on the table, and his eyes flickered with understanding as he smiled at her. "Go inside and take one yourself." Ever since he had been sent to this courtyard to recuperate, Head Steward Mo had ordered all his belongings, including clothes, to be moved here. However, his newlywed wife seemed to have an impeccable habit of never touching others' belongings without permission—even if that "other" was her husband. Thus, though their things were stored together, they remained distinctly separate, untouched by the other.

Ye Li snorted lightly and stood up to enter the inner room. But after only a few steps, she suddenly stopped, turned back, and picked up the soft measuring tape from the sewing box before heading inside.

Mo Xiuyao stared at the elegant fabric on the table for a while, lost in thought, before a faint smile spread across his lips. The usual coolness in his eyes softened with genuine warmth.

If something was worth doing, it was worth doing well—and quickly. Thus, Ye Li’s daily routine now included needlework. The two elderly maids were deeply gratified by this development. They had long been anxious about their young mistress, who had taken to wielding swords and knives ever since her marriage. Though the prince hadn’t said anything, it was hardly fitting for a proper consort to spend her days with weapons. The Xu family hadn’t produced a single martial figure in centuries—except for Third Master! It must be Third Master who had corrupted their young lady! The two oblivious maids silently blamed Xu Qingfeng, who was about to enlist in the army.

The fact that their mistress was sewing clothes for the prince for the first time became a matter of great interest, from the maids down to the young maidservants. However, once she started, Ye Li encountered a frustrating problem: she had no idea how to make men’s clothing. When her mother was alive, she had been too young to learn tailoring. After her mother’s passing, with no one to teach her and no need to learn, she had completely forgotten about it. In the end, she had no choice but to let Mama Lin guide her step by step in cutting the fabric.

Once the fabric was cut, the maidservants crowded around Ye Li, debating which patterns to use, what color threads to choose, and what style of pouch would best match. Their chattering and bickering filled the room. Strangely enough, Mo Xiuyao had recently shifted his reading spot from the study to their chambers—albeit in the outer room. Though he wasn’t inside, Ye Li, surrounded by the maids, couldn’t shake the feeling that he could hear every word of their whispered discussions. She grew increasingly flustered and annoyed, wishing she could smack the talkative girls into silence.

"My lady..." Qingshuang protested when Ye Li picked up the Cloud Pattern design to match the threads, her expression so horrified it seemed she wanted to snatch the pattern away and destroy it on the spot.

Ye Li arched an eyebrow at her. Qingshuang said, "My lady, this is a gift! How can you use such a plain design? It’s hardly presentable!"Ye Li felt a vein throbbing on her forehead. Was this girl being too opinionated just for making a piece of clothing? Qingshuang paid no heed to Ye Li's displeased expression, swiftly placing a stack of pattern designs before her—various Dragon Patterns, Eagle Patterns, Tiger Patterns, along with intricate Floral Patterns, Auspicious Patterns, and more. Noticing Ye Li's darkening expression, Qingshuang quickly slid one design forward and whispered ingratiatingly, "Qingshuang asked for you, my lady. His Highness likes this one."

Staring at the image of a majestic eagle soaring across the sky, Ye Li nearly wished she could stab Qingshuang with a needle. Seeing her mistress's ominous expression, Qingshuang hastily flashed a pleading look before darting out of the room. Ye Li gazed blankly at the patterns on the table for a moment before sighing and picking up the sewing basket beside her to start matching threads. Qing Xia, who was attending to her, said, "Qingshuang is indeed mischievous, but she means well for you, my lady. Please don’t be angry with her." Ye Li glanced up at her and replied helplessly, "That girl has been spoiled rotten, always fooling around." Qing Yu stifled a laugh and added, "Qingshuang is certainly spirited. Perhaps my lady should punish her by making her do embroidery."

Qing Xia covered her mouth to hide a giggle. "That’s quite a harsh punishment, but if it appeases your anger, I’m sure Qingshuang would gladly accept it. She’s always been restless and detests needlework the most. Getting her to finish embroidering a handkerchief is like pulling teeth." Ye Li’s eyes gleamed with amusement as a smile crept onto her face. "Excellent. Go tell Qingshuang to embroider a 'Winter Plum Celebrating the New Year' for me. She must finish it within half a month. Otherwise... she’ll have to face the consequences."

Qingluan and the others blinked, suppressing smiles as they silently mourned for Qingshuang. Knowing full well that their lady was shy, why did she have to go ask His Highness? She was practically begging to be punished.

"What is A Li embroidering?" Mo Xiuyao’s clear voice carried in from outside, prompting everyone to turn and bow. "Your Highness."

Mo Xiuyao glanced at the three smiling maids and said, "You may leave."

The three curtsied and withdrew, leaving the space to the prince and princess.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao approach, Ye Li flustered slightly and looked down at the item in her hands. "Is Your Highness so free these days that you have nothing better to do than wander around the rooms?" Mo Xiuyao smiled. "With no court duties or pressing matters, I am indeed quite free. A Li, however, seems very busy these days." Ye Li shot him an exasperated glare—couldn’t he see what she was busy with? His wheelchair stopped beside her, and Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. "A Li, there’s no need to be embarrassed. Even if your embroidery isn’t perfect, I won’t laugh at you."

"Wonderful!" Ye Li jabbed the fabric with her needle indignantly. How dare he imply her embroidery was lacking? Even Second Aunt had praised her needlework. She turned to Mo Xiuyao with a forced smile. "Oh, but my poor skills would only offend Your Highness’s eyes. Perhaps we should leave this to the seamstresses—it would save me the trouble."

Mo Xiuyao sighed in resignation. "What I meant was, no matter how A Li’s embroidery turns out, it will always be the best in my eyes."

Ye Li snorted dismissively and turned away to focus on her work. Mo Xiuyao sat quietly beside her, watching her gradually immerse herself in the task, a warm smile playing on his lips.