Mo Li

Prince Li's Palace had lost face during the previous wedding, so this time, Consort Xian Zhao was undoubtedly determined to reclaim their dignity. The grandeur of welcoming a secondary consort was no less extravagant than that of a primary consort. However, given Lingyun Gongzhu's status as a princess of another nation, outsiders could hardly find fault with it. This only deepened the gloom on Ye Ying's already unpleasant expression.

On the wedding day, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao arrived together at Prince Li's Palace. Mo Jingli personally stood at the entrance to greet them. Ye Li instinctively noticed that Mo Jingli still wore his usual stern expression, devoid of any joy. If not for his brand-new crimson wedding robes and his undeniably handsome face, the arriving guests might have wondered if they should turn back home to change into black-and-white mourning attire before attending... a wedding.

At this point, Ye Li genuinely felt sympathy for Ye Ying. Mo Jingli wasn’t naturally cold—he was just habitually putting on airs. If any man dared to wear such a lifeless expression at her wedding, whether in this life or the past, she would have kicked him to death without hesitation.

Signaling for Mo Jingli not to bother with them, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li entered Prince Li's Palace accompanied by the estate steward. Mo Jingli truly had no time to entertain them. Perhaps to redeem the dignity lost last time, Consort Xian Zhao had not only spared no expense on the wedding but also invited the Empress Dowager to preside over her son's ceremony. Flattering the Empress Dowager was naturally a golden opportunity to curry favor, so every noble and official in the capital—whether invited or not—tried every means to attend and offer congratulations. For a time, Prince Li's Palace was bustling with guests, its gates crowded like a marketplace.

"What’s wrong? What’s on your mind, A Li?" Seeing the odd, conflicted expression on Ye Li’s face, Mo Xiuyao asked with a smile.

Ye Li shook her head and chuckled, "Nothing much. I’m just wondering if Prince Li wears the same expression all year round. Isn’t today supposed to be a joyous occasion? If it were anyone else, people might assume he was dissatisfied with the Emperor’s imperial marriage decree."

Mo Xiuyao glanced back at Mo Jingli at the entrance and smiled. "Jing Li has never been one to smile since childhood. Those familiar with him are long used to it."

Ye Li didn’t dwell on the matter. Since the wedding hadn’t yet begun, male and female guests were separated. Upon entering the estate, stewards approached to guide Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li to their respective areas.

A stewardess from Prince Li's Palace led Ye Li into the inner quarters, where the female guests attending the banquet had gathered in the garden or the pavilions to rest and chat. Passing through clusters of noblewomen in the garden, Ye Li was ushered into an elegant pavilion on the eastern side, reserved for high-ranking or elderly ladies. Consort Xian Zhao sat with Ye Ying by her side, personally entertaining them.

Observing Ye Ying’s resentful expression and the concealed displeasure in Consort Xian Zhao’s demeanor, Ye Li sighed inwardly. Ye Ying and Ye Yue were both daughters of Wang Shi, both exquisitely beautiful—so why were they so different? It seemed Ye Laofuren and Lord Ye had made the right decision. Even if Ye Ying’s looks surpassed Ye Yue’s, her temperament would have surely gotten her torn to shreds if she had been sent into the palace.

"Greetings to the Consort," Ye Li stepped forward to pay her respects.Consort Xian Zhao made a show of rising to greet her, but Ye Li naturally wouldn’t actually let her stand. Before the consort could speak, Ye Li smiled and said, "So many esteemed guests have already arrived, yet I am the latest. I beg the Consort not to take offense."

Consort Xian Zhao shifted slightly but remained seated, replying with a proud smile, "Not at all. The presence of Princess Ding alone brings honor to Prince Li’s Palace. I wonder if Prince Ding…"

Ye Li smiled. "His Highness has also come, but he went to the outer courtyard first and will pay his respects to the Consort shortly."

Consort Xian Zhao beamed with praise for Ye Li, though neither of them took the flattery seriously. Despite her age, the consort was technically of the same generation as Mo Xiuyao, and she had never truly expected Prince Ding to personally visit her.

After the pleasantries, Ye Li glanced around the pavilion and noted that most of those present were familiar faces. However, Princess Zhaoyang, the Zhaoren Grand Princess, and Old Madam Hua had yet to arrive. Madam Nan, seated near the front, stood to offer her seat to Ye Li, who thanked her graciously. As the mother-in-law of Ye Zhen, the eldest daughter of the Ye family, Madam Nan was someone Ye Li regarded favorably, given her positive impression of Ye Zhen’s husband. She exchanged a few polite words with the marquise.

While listening to the noblewomen casually discussing the latest permissible gossip of the capital, Ye Li occasionally chimed in. Yet she couldn’t help but notice that Ye Ying, seated beside Consort Xian Zhao, remained silent, almost like a beautiful but lifeless doll.

For the occasion, Ye Ying had abandoned her usual refined and ethereal style, instead wearing a formal princess’s robe of bright red embroidered with golden peonies. Yet the extravagant attire only made her seem more unnatural, as if she were ill at ease in her own skin. It was clear that Wang Shi had spoiled Ye Ying to the point where she bore little resemblance to a proper noble family’s legitimate daughter. Wang Shi had devoted all of Ye Ying’s intelligence and time to mastering music, chess, calligraphy, painting, poetry, and dance—skills that, in truth, many noblewomen either ignored or only dabbled in.

With their prestigious backgrounds, these women had no trouble securing advantageous marriages. While a reputation as a talented scholar was a nice bonus, when forced to choose between being known for artistry or for managerial prowess, any sensible person would choose the latter.

"It must have been a while since Princess Ding and Ying’er had a proper chat," Consort Xian Zhao remarked, having noticed Ye Li’s gaze lingering on Ye Ying. "We old ladies shouldn’t keep the princess sitting here idly. Ying’er, accompany Princess Ding for a stroll."

Ye Ying glanced at Ye Li, pressed her lips together, and stood. Ye Li also rose, smiling at the consort. "In that case, I thank the Consort for your thoughtfulness. Ladies, please excuse me for now."After seeing the two sisters off, Madam Nan smiled and remarked, "Speaking of which, Princess Ding is truly graceful in speech and dignified in manner. If she were an ordinary girl, who knows how much hardship she'd have to endure? No wonder Old Madam Hua has such high praise for her." The others quickly echoed her sentiments. As mothers with daughters of their own, they couldn't help but think—had Princess Ding not married into the Ding Royal Palace, their own daughters might have been the ones to suffer that fate. While the Ding Royal Palace was indeed prestigious, Prince Ding now held no real power in court and was practically a cripple. What mother wouldn't be heartbroken to see her carefully raised daughter married into such circumstances? Thus, they couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Ye Li, who had married into the family first. And yet, despite being only fifteen or sixteen years old and married to such a husband, she carried herself with such composure—truly remarkable.

In contrast, Princess Li, who had once been the envy of all the noble ladies in the capital, now seemed rather unimpressive. Wasn't she supposed to be the peerless beauty, accomplished in all the arts? Yet she couldn't even conduct herself properly in social situations. What on earth did Prince Li see in her? She and Princess Ding hardly seemed to have come from the same household. Of course, such thoughts were kept strictly to themselves—no one would dare voice them in front of Consort Xian Zhao.

Ye Li led Ye Ying through the garden, deliberately choosing secluded paths, but their differing statuses still drew many curious glances. Fortunately, the guests were tactful enough to understand that the sisters wished to speak privately and refrained from interrupting. Glancing at Ye Ying's aggrieved expression as she twisted her handkerchief, Ye Li frowned and asked helplessly, "What's wrong with you? Mo Jingli hasn't even married his concubine yet, and you're already acting like a resentful wife. Who are you trying to impress?"

Ye Ying shot her a venomous glare before murmuring despondently, "Do you think... His Highness truly loves me?"

Ye Li mentally rolled her eyes. If he truly loved you, we wouldn't be in this mess, would we?

"He... he once said he loved only me, that he would treat only me well."

Ye Li struggled to keep her expression neutral, her mind conjuring an image of Mo Jingli's impassive face as he spouted such sweet nothings. The thought made her shudder. A man who couldn't even muster a proper expression—how desperate must you be to believe his so-called sincerity?

"Why... why has everything changed since we married?" Ye Ying asked, her voice hollow.

"Well..." Ye Li suddenly felt an inexplicable urge to comfort her. Isn't there a saying—marriage is the tomb of love? Since you're already lying in the tomb, why dwell on the past? The sooner you accept it, the sooner you'll move on. Love? Don't be naive—that's something that exists outside the tomb. Ye Ying was momentarily stunned by her bizarre words, lowering her eyes as she whispered dazedly, "The tomb... So I... I shouldn't have married after all?" Ye Li wanted to slap herself. Keeping a straight face, she continued blithely, "Of course not. Men must marry, women must wed. Even if you hadn't entered this tomb, you'd have ended up in another one. At least this one's a bit more presentable, don't you think? Look at all these young ladies and gentlemen—before marriage, it's all moonlit promises and sweet nothings. But have you ever read a romance that continues after the wedding?"Ye Ying was taken aback and shook her head. Ye Li said seriously, "That's right. Before marriage, it's all about mutual affection and devotion. After marriage, it's about the daily grind of life, dealing with in-laws and children. Don't be upset—at least ninety-nine percent of people in the capital live like this. No one will laugh at you."

Ye Ying stared at Ye Li with a strange expression, as if she had never known her before. After a long while, she said unwillingly, "Why aren't you like this? There are only you and Prince Ding in the Ding Royal Palace."

"Oh, are you envious of me, girl?" Ye Li waved her hand. "Our situations are different. Look, if you were asked to marry our prince, you definitely wouldn’t agree, right? I bet most people wouldn’t. That way... isn’t the prince mine alone?"

"Is that so?" Ye Ying lowered her head, lost in thought. Ye Li had no interest in knowing what she was thinking about. She remembered she wasn’t really here to chat with Ye Ying or offer her counseling. Seeing Ye Ying deep in thought, Ye Li casually asked, "Speaking of which... I really didn’t expect you to like Prince Li. I thought you’d prefer a gentle, refined scholar."

Ye Ying snapped out of her thoughts, her face flushing red. Biting her lip, she glared at Ye Li and said, "Are you here to blame me for taking Prince Li from you, or to mock me?"

"Don’t be silly, I’m here to thank you." Ye Li took her hand, putting on a sincere expression. "Even though we don’t share the same mother, we’re still sisters, aren’t we? Did you really think I’d turn against you over a man? Before, I was just angry you didn’t tell me the truth. Though we didn’t get along well growing up, when have I ever fought you for something you liked? If you had just talked to me properly back then, we could’ve settled the marriage arrangement privately, and none of those later incidents would’ve happened to embarrass everyone."

Ye Ying looked at Ye Li suspiciously, her face full of doubt. Thinking back, she realized she had indeed taken many things from Ye Li over the years, but Ye Li had never said anything about it (that was because she couldn’t be bothered with you). At the time, Ye Ying had been eager for Ye Li’s marriage annulment to become public knowledge so she could be humiliated. Who would’ve thought she’d end up the one embarrassed? Even Ye Ying’s proud heart couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable at the thought, though she would never admit it. Ignoring Ye Ying’s expression, Ye Li sighed regretfully and said, "You know, I always thought you’d end up with the capital’s top scholar—a perfect match of talent and beauty. Truly... fate plays cruel tricks."

Ye Ying’s face burned with shame. Of course, she had once fantasized about what her ideal husband would be like. She had imagined a handsome, elegant man in white gently holding her hand and gazing at her with deep affection. But after meeting Prince Li, his royal status and the pleasure of trampling Ye Li underfoot had gradually made her forget those dreams. By the time she truly fell in love with Prince Li, she dismissed those fantasies as childish whims. But now, the man she had genuinely loved was treating her like this... If... if it were someone else, they would never treat me this way... A vague thought surfaced in Ye Ying’s heart.

"You... you really don’t hate me?" Ye Ying asked hesitantly.Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Didn't you say last time that it was Father's decision? Perhaps Father thought I wasn't suitable for Prince Li. But now it seems he was right—Prince Li and I truly weren't a good match. I'm quite content with my life now, and Prince Ding is wonderful too."

Seeing Ye Li's gentle and understanding smile, the hesitation in Ye Ying's eyes gradually faded. She bit her lip with a hint of grievance and said, "Could it be that Father knew Prince Li would turn out like this and deliberately made me marry him instead? Mother always says Father and Grandmother value you the most. Father must have thought Prince Li was no good and made me take your place!"

Ye Li looked up at the sky. That's just your mother trying to make you resent me, isn't it? When have I ever seen those two at home favoring me? Turning her head to glance at Ye Ying, she almost pitied Lord Ye. This is the precious daughter he doted on and spoiled so much?

"Who doesn’t know Father dotes on you the most? Maybe even the best of us misjudge sometimes. Do you remember what Father actually said to you back then?"

Ye Ying lowered her head and whispered, "Father... Father said that Zhaoyi and I are sisters, and of course Zhaoyi would care for me more. If I married Prince Li, I could support Zhaoyi, and with her around, no one would dare bully me. Besides... if I didn’t marry Prince Li, I’d only be matched with some official’s son in the future. If that happened, and Ye Li became Prince Li’s princess consort, wouldn’t I always be beneath her?"

Ye Li nodded. If not for the highly unusual circumstances surrounding both Prince Ding and herself at the time, the Emperor would never have allowed two daughters from the Minister’s household to marry imperial princes. But... was that all? Something still felt off to her. Would Father really manipulate his youngest daughter into stealing her elder sister’s betrothed just out of favoritism? That didn’t make sense. There had to be something else she didn’t know.

But judging by Ye Ying’s expression, she probably wouldn’t uncover any deeper truths. Over time, Ye Li had come to realize one thing: Ye Ying might seem arrogant, proud, and genuinely selfish, but when it came down to it, she was far less dangerous than Ye Shan or Ye Lin. Spoiled rotten by Wang Shi, she was the type to forget a beating as soon as she got a treat. Even after being disciplined by Ye Laofuren a few times, she’d revert to her old ways within days.

Seeing that she wouldn’t get anything useful from Ye Ying, Ye Li prepared to leave—only for Ye Ying to grab her sleeve.

"What should I do?"I'm not your mother? Ye Li restrained herself. You are the legitimate consort of Prince Li. Even Lingyun Gongzhu cannot surpass your status. As long as you hold Mo Jingli's heart and don't let Consort Xian Zhao dislike you, life won't be so hard. Ye Ying glared at her discontentedly—she didn't just want life to be bearable, she wanted it to be comfortable! Ye Li took a deep breath helplessly and said, "For example, right now, you should properly accompany the consort in receiving guests, letting everyone know you are the rightful legitimate consort of Prince Li's Palace. Understand? If you have any other questions, go back and consult Grandmother. Surely you don’t think someone like me, who just got married and doesn’t even have in-laws to serve, would know more than her?" Redirecting trouble eastward, Ye Li felt no guilt at all. After all, the old madam would surely be happy to guide her. "But if you’re unhappy about anything, you can write to me. If there’s anything you can’t figure out, I can quietly help you brainstorm. After all, we’re sisters, aren’t we? So, if anything happens in the Ye family or Prince Li's Palace, you must secretly tell me."

After coaxing Ye Ying away, Ye Li finally let out a long sigh. After chatting nonsense with her for so long, she hadn’t managed to extract any useful information.

"Third Master Feng, if you’ve heard enough, why not come out?" Glancing at the treetops nearby, Ye Li spoke coolly.

"Hehe..." The lush branches parted, revealing a figure clad in resplendent red robes. "Princess Ding, we meet again. What a pleasure. But... how did Your Highness know it was me?" Ye Li gave him an impassive look. "If Third Master Feng didn’t dress so eye-catchingly and drench himself in overwhelming fragrance, perhaps it wouldn’t be so obvious."

"Overwhelming fragrance?!" Feng Zhiyao’s brow twitched as he lifted his sleeve to sniff it. "This is Suhezhai’s latest and most understated magnolia scent—how is it overwhelming? You can’t even smell it unless you’re close! I, Feng San, am a refined and tasteful gentleman, not one of those vulgar fools who dump entire boxes of perfume on themselves." Watching Feng Zhiyao’s stiff, displeased expression, Ye Li lowered her gaze with a faint smile. Feng Zhiyao inspected his appearance, finding nothing that compromised his dashing image, and concluded that Ye Li must have accidentally spotted a corner of his robe. With a self-satisfied smirk, he said, "I never imagined Your Highness would pay such close attention to me, recognizing my identity from just a glimpse of fabric. Truly... an honor beyond words..."

"Third Master Feng." Ye Li raised her head with a smile. "Has no one ever taught you the saying, 'Don’t flirt with a friend’s wife'? Or... should I relay your words to His Highness? Also, the reason I was certain it was you is that, aside from the groom, no other man in the entire capital would dress so... flamboyantly."

"Gah—" Feng Zhiyao’s grin froze on his face, nearly causing him to topple from the tree. With a resigned shrug, he rubbed his stiffened cheeks and said, "Very well, Feng San admits his mistake. I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness."Ye Li nodded magnanimously, while Feng Zhiyao turned his face away, his handsome features contorted. He finally understood why Mo Xiuyao had married Ye Li—birds of a feather flock together. He had never met a woman more adept at pretense than Ye Li, nor a man more skilled at changing expressions than Mo Xiuyao! Speaking of which… the princess’s earlier assertion was absolutely brilliant. Marriage is the tomb of love? Hmm? Recalling what he had just heard, Feng Zhiyao couldn’t help but feel smug. I wonder if A-Yao knows what his dear wife really thinks?

Without a trace of guilt, Ye Li nodded earnestly and said, “Third Master Feng should believe me—this saying is undoubtedly a time-tested warning. I’m sure you agree with me, otherwise why would someone of your advanced age still be unmarried?”

“Nonsense! I’m the same age as Mo Xiuyao, alright?”

Rubbing his nose, Feng Zhiyao chuckled bitterly. “I’d love to step into that tomb, but unfortunately, the one I fancy doesn’t want me.” A faint shadow of melancholy flickered across his dashing, carefree face. Unsure how to comfort someone nursing a broken or unrequited love, Ye Li could only say, “There are plenty of fish in the sea.” Feng Zhiyao gave her a wry smile and cupped his hands in gratitude for the consolation. Not wanting to intrude on his melancholy, Ye Li said, “I won’t disturb you further then. Farewell.”

“Ah…” Feng Zhiyao stared blankly at the woman who turned away without hesitation before calling out, “Your prince sent me to check on you and told you to be careful.”

“Thank you.” Careful? Ye Li mused as she strolled off.

Grumbling under his breath, Feng Zhiyao resentfully retreated into the treetops to conceal himself. “What kind of person am I turning into? Even trivial matters like this get dumped on me. If you’re so worried, why not come see for yourself? Mo Xiuyao, the reward you promised had better be worth my efforts, or else…”

As soon as she returned to the garden, Hua Tianxiang, Qin Zheng, and Murong Ting rushed over joyfully. “Li’er, are you alright?” Qin Zheng asked, holding Ye Li’s hand with concern. Hua Tianxiang laughed. “Zheng’er, I told you not to worry. How could this one not be fine? Who in the capital hasn’t heard of Princess Ding’s formidable reputation now? She’s the kind of person who can scare a Western Liang princess into crouching on the ground and crying just by glaring!”

A Li, well done! Murong Ting patted Ye Li's shoulder approvingly and praised loudly, full of regret. "What a pity! I actually missed that incident the other day. A Li, let's have an archery competition when you're free." Ye Li waved her hand with a smile. "Let's skip that. It was just to scare a little girl. I wouldn't dare compete in archery with General Murong's beloved daughter. Isn't that like teaching fish to swim?" Murong Ting wasn't buying it. "Hmph, I don't believe you! Anyway, we must compete!"

"Alright, Ting'er, can you talk about something else? Do you want General Murong chasing after you again?" Qin Zheng said with a headache.

Murong Ting grumbled unhappily, "Zheng'er, you always use my father to scare me."

Ye Li looked curiously at Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang, but both remained silent under Murong Ting's threatening gaze. Hua Tianxiang subtly gave her a look that said they'd talk later, while Qin Zheng pulled Ye Li along with a smile. "Since Li'er got married, except for Tianxiang, none of us have seen you." Ye Li smiled apologetically. "There have been some minor matters at the residence lately, so I haven't gone out. Why don't you all come visit Ding Royal Palace in a few days?"

The four found a less crowded spot to sit. Qin Zheng and the other two asked about Ye Li's newlywed life with concern. Not wanting to worry her friends, Ye Li shared some fun and happy anecdotes. Hua Tianxiang said enviously, "A Li is still the happiest. Those who were terrified of marrying into Ding Royal Palace just couldn't see clearly. Look how comfortable Li'er's life is now—she became the mistress of the household right away, with fewer people and less scheming. Prince Ding doesn't even have any concubines or bedchamber servants..." Murong Ting nodded in agreement. "Tianxiang is right. Prince Ding is truly impressive!" Her admiration for Ding Royal Palace was utterly unconditional.

Qin Zheng still detected a faint trace of worry in Ye Li's eyes. Ye Li smiled and squeezed her hand reassuringly, and only then did Qin Zheng nod slightly.

The long-separated friends chatted happily, and Ye Li temporarily set aside her troubles to laugh and joke with them. Suddenly, a sharp scream came from somewhere. Murong Ting leaped up from her seat, alertly scanning the surroundings for the source. Ye Li frowned and pointed in a direction. "It seems to be coming from over there."

The four exchanged glances—that area seemed to be where the female guests were resting. They weren't the only ones who heard the scream; at least half the people in the garden had noticed, and many were already heading curiously toward the commotion. Murong Ting muttered, "This time, it's not the bride and groom in trouble, but the guests? Did the heavens take a dislike to Prince Li's wedding?" Qin Zheng clapped a hand over her mouth and glared. "Can you say such things recklessly?"

"Let's go take a look too," Hua Tianxiang said with a raised eyebrow. "A spectacle at Prince Li's Palace—might as well watch."Between the garden and the front courtyard stood an exquisite small courtyard, where Prince Li's Palace had arranged a resting area for the ladies. This completely independent courtyard had only one entrance from the garden, preventing guests from the front courtyard from accidentally intruding and disturbing the ladies, while also ensuring the ladies residing in the palace wouldn't be bothered by visitors. By the time Ye Li and her three companions reached the courtyard gate, many had already entered. Ye Li paused at the entrance, surveying her surroundings.

Hua Tianxiang whispered, "A Li, what's wrong?"

Ye Li shook her head and replied softly, "Not sure what happened, but that scream earlier—the woman’s voice was so loud. In a place like this, if she had been inside a room, the sound wouldn’t have carried halfway across the garden. So, it’s most likely someone deliberately stood in the courtyard and screamed to draw people over."

"Let’s stay toward the back. No need to rush into the commotion," Ye Li murmured.

Hua Tianxiang gave her a puzzled glance but didn’t object. Instead, she and Qin Zheng wordlessly took hold of Murong Ting, who had been about to charge forward.

"Oh heavens, how could this happen?"

As soon as they stepped into the flower hall, they saw two young women with flushed faces hastily exiting, one of them exclaiming, "Quick, someone fetch Consort Xian Zhao!"

The four exchanged glances—something had indeed gone wrong.

Murong Ting declared, "Zheng'er, you all wait outside. I’ll go in first and see what’s happening."

Ye Li swiftly grabbed her arm, her expression calm and composed. "Murong, you stay with Zheng'er and Tianxiang. Let me go in instead."

Judging by the two girls' faces, red as apples, Ye Li had already guessed what might have occurred inside. After all, she was a married woman, whereas Murong Ting was still unmarried—it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to witness something improper.

Qin Zheng and Hua Tianxiang, both sharp-minded, quickly grasped Ye Li’s reasoning. Hua Tianxiang suggested, "Why don’t we wait a little longer? There’s no hurry to join the spectacle."

Ye Li shook her head. "I’ll go take a look first."

Her biggest concern was that Ye Ying, that fool, might have done something she shouldn’t have. Moreover, as the elder sister of Princess Li, it would be inexcusable for her to stand by idly now that she was already here.

"Don’t worry, just wait here. Consort Xian Zhao should arrive soon."

Stepping further inside, she noticed a crowd gathered outside one of the rooms, all wearing strange expressions, unsure whether to enter or retreat. A quick glance revealed most were young women, with a few young married ladies among them. The older, more dignified ladies were occupied in conversation with Consort Xian Zhao, while the composed and capable ones had gathered in small groups elsewhere. Those still wandering outside were mostly young maidens and newlywed women.

When Ye Li approached, someone finally snapped out of their daze.

"Prin—Greetings, Princess Ding!"

A young married woman hastily curtsied, striving for grace but unable to conceal her embarrassment.

"Greetings, Princess Ding!" The others quickly followed suit with their salutations.Ye Li glanced at the crowd with their varied expressions, hearing ambiguous moans and gasps coming from the half-open door. Feeling utterly speechless, she stepped forward and, under everyone's astonished gazes, calmly closed the half-open door completely. "Let's go out first," she said composedly. "I imagine Consort Xian Zhao and Princess Li will be here soon." The crowd blushed in shame—they weren't ignorant of the principle of not eavesdropping on improper matters, but they had been too stunned by the bizarre situation. After all, they couldn't just quietly come and leave as if nothing had happened, could they?

"Princess is right, let's leave quickly," one woman said, and the others quickly agreed.

Unfortunately, someone seemed determined not to let this matter pass smoothly. Out of nowhere, a maid came sobbing and rushed forward, wailing, "Princess! The princess is inside!"

Bang! The already half-closed door was flung open by the maid, revealing the scandalous scene inside in full view.

The women present froze as if petrified. The princess? Good heavens… what in the world had they stumbled upon?

Ye Li calmly glanced at her empty left hand, which had failed to catch the maid, and silently withdrew it. Fine, so she meddled unnecessarily. But that wretched maid actually dared to dodge her—was being skilled in martial arts something to be proud of?

Author's Note:

Honestly, I think this chapter is a bit ridiculous~ I’ve already written three wedding scenes, can you believe it? I solemnly swear no more weddings from now on… Actually, I wanted to title this chapter The Most Unfortunate Groom in History (Part 1) . Okay, fine, I admit I’m just tormenting Mo Jingli~