Mo Li

Whether the Empress Dowager and her sons were truly engaged in covert struggles and conflicts was naturally beyond Ye Li's concern. However, whenever the Ye family sent someone to summon her back for some matter, she usually found an excuse to decline. Lord Ye, though clearly dissatisfied with this daughter who had always been somewhat beyond his control, could neither say nor do much about it—given her status as Princess Ding.

Under normal circumstances, if the Empress Dowager and the two brothers, Mo Jingli and Mo Jingqi, were vying for the throne, one would expect them to try and win over Mo Xiuyao. But to outsiders, Mo Xiuyao appeared to be a cripple, and Mo Jingqi likely wished nothing more than to eliminate the Ding Royal Palace as soon as possible. Thus, life in the Ding Royal Palace remained peaceful and undisturbed. Neither side harbored any illusions that Mo Xiuyao would support them, nor did they believe he would side with their opponents.

"Your Highnesses, the young mistress from the Yang family requests an audience."

Ye Li set down her embroidery and looked up in surprise. "The young mistress? Yang… Qianru? Why would she come to the main courtyard?"

The Ding Royal Palace was vast—truly vast—and many areas were not accessible to just anyone. Even though two rather unpleasant individuals resided within the estate, Ye Li rarely felt their presence. Since Mo Xiuyao had moved into the main courtyard, security had been significantly tightened. Without permission, not only was entry to the main courtyard forbidden, but even approaching its outer perimeter was impossible.

After being rebuffed twice and sternly reprimanded by Head Steward Mo—sent by Mo Xiuyao—Concubine Yang had given up trying to challenge the authority of the new Princess of the State.

Ye Li was well aware of Mo Xiuyao's kindness toward her. Not only had he generously delegated authority to her shortly after their marriage, but he had also made his support for her clear in front of the servants. Without his backing, even in an ordinary household, it would not have been so easy for a newlywed bride to gain the servants' obedience.

Having someone powerful in your corner was crucial—especially when that person was the highest authority in the estate.

"I don't know, my lady," replied Jing'er, who had come to deliver the message. "But the young mistress has been waiting outside the outer courtyard for quite some time. The guards at the gate asked me to inform you and His Highness. Since the prince has ordered that no outsiders are to disturb you in the inner courtyard without reason, they usually just send people away. But today, the young mistress—who had been easy to dismiss before—refused to leave. The guards couldn’t lay hands on her, as she is a guest, so they asked me to come and inform you."

"Your Highness, what do you think?" Ye Li turned to ask Mo Xiuyao, who was reclining by the half-open window, reading a book.

Without even glancing up, Mo Xiuyao flipped a page and replied indifferently, "A Li, if you wish to see her, let her in. If not, have someone escort her back. Or… the estate has a villa outside the city. She could accompany Concubine Yang there for a few years."Tsk... Ye Li clicked her tongue in disapproval. This man was truly heartless to an extreme. Although she hadn't seen Yang Qianru often, during their occasional encounters, the way the girl looked at him was so full of tender melancholy and endless affection. Yet he could still utter such cold, unfeeling words. But... she liked that about him!

"Please invite her in." Putting aside the nearly completed garment, Ye Li said somewhat vexedly, "The side consort previously mentioned finding a good match for the cousin, but I..." She had never played matchmaker before.

Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "No need to trouble yourself. You won't find one."

What did he mean? Why couldn't she find one?

Mo Xiuyao explained, "Head Steward Mo already proposed this three years ago, but none of the candidates satisfied the side consort or the girl herself. You're unfamiliar with the capital—I doubt you could find better options than those Head Steward Mo listed." Ye Li couldn't help but wipe imaginary sweat. So Mo Xiuyao had played matchmaker too, though he'd simply delegated it to Head Steward Mo. She'd been foolish to worry about attending more banquets—were Head Steward Mo's choices really that bad?

Mo Xiuyao looked up at her and said, "The candidates Head Steward Mo selected were the best matches possible given her circumstances. Moreover, she's already seventeen now—there are even fewer unmarried men around her age. Not everyone is like Mo Xiuyao, Mo Jingli, or Xu Qingchen, remaining unwed past twenty. Most families would have arranged betrothals by then."

"Then what should we do? We can't just let her waste her life away, can we?" And it wasn't that Ye Li was being overly suspicious, but she truly feared this might eventually become Mo Xiuyao's responsibility if it dragged on.

"If she wants to marry, have Head Steward Mo send the list. If not, leave it be. If she remains unmarried by eighteen, send her to the Temple of No Moon to accompany my elder sister-in-law."

Ye Li almost wanted to shed a tear for the lovesick Miss Yang. What did "distant relatives by three degrees" mean? Just look at Mo Xiuyao's attitude.

Soon, Yang Qianru was led in gracefully, accompanied by two maids—one holding an unidentifiable box. Noticing Yang Qianru's suddenly eager gaze fixed on something behind her, Ye Li glanced at the unfinished garment beside her and had an unpleasant premonition.

"Cousin, please have a seat," Ye Li said with a smile.

Yang Qianru quickly peeked behind Ye Li before shaking her head meekly. "Thank you, Princess Consort... No, I'll stand."

Ye Li was speechless. What did she mean by "I'll stand"? As a cousin staying at the manor, did she need to act like some abused concubine? Observing Yang Qianru's moon-white dress with elegant orchid embroidery, her delicate updo adorned with a pearl hairpin—since Ye Li had sorted out Mo Xiuyao's plain wardrobe, this girl had finally abandoned her eternal white-robed image, though she clearly still favored a refined, noble style.

"Cousin, sit down," Ye Li repeated, her voice slightly firmer.

Yang Qianru started, her expression turning visibly fearful. Under Ye Li's gaze, she sat down with exaggerated timidity, her aggrieved look making Ye Li feel as if blood was stuck in her throat—spitting it out would be disgusting, but swallowing it would be worse. She hadn't bullied her at all!Cousin, what brings you to the main courtyard at this time? Ye Li suppressed her displeasure and greeted her with a gentle expression.

Yang Qianru lifted her head, nervously twisting the handkerchief in her hands, her delicate face flushed. "I... I..."

Ye Li smiled patiently. Yang Qianru glanced at Mo Xiuyao, seeming to finally gather her courage as she said, "I... tomorrow is Cousin's birthday. I came... to give him a gift."

Ye Li glanced at the box in the hands of the maid behind Yang Qianru, then turned to look at Mo Xiuyao, who appeared engrossed in his book. She smiled and said, "I see. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Cousin. May I take a look?"

"This..."

"Is it inconvenient? Then let His Highness have a look." She waved her hand, signaling the maid to take the box to Mo Xiuyao. At Ye Li's words, Yang Qianru's eyes brightened, filled with anticipation as she looked at the man reading by the window. Just as the maid reached Mo Xiuyao, a hand suddenly reached in from outside the window and snatched the box away. A Jin, who had appeared out of nowhere at the window, held the box intently, opening it directly and pulling out the contents to examine. From Ye Li's angle, she could see it was a luxurious robe in a pale violet hue. Though she only caught a glimpse, the embroidery was indeed exquisite and meticulously crafted—and, more importantly, not poisoned.

"A Jin, move. You're blocking the light," Mo Xiuyao said calmly.

"Oh." A Jin responded and vanished from the window with the box in hand. From start to finish, Mo Xiuyao didn’t even glance at the garment. Yang Qianru froze, then quickly asked, "Where did he take it?"

"Well..." Ye Li considered whether to tell her that the things Mo Xiuyao didn’t want were all taken by A Jin to play with—and discarded afterward.

Mo Xiuyao set down his book and looked up. Under Yang Qianru's hopeful gaze, he replied indifferently, "If there’s nothing else, return to your courtyard. Tomorrow, I’ll have Head Steward Mo send you a list of suitable candidates for marriage. You may choose one." Yang Qianru’s delicate face instantly paled, and crystalline tears streamed down her cheeks. "No... Cousin, I don’t want to... I don’t want to leave the manor, I don’t want to marry... Please don’t send me away..." Mo Xiuyao frowned, then nodded. "Very well. Tomorrow, pack your things and go to the Temple of No Moon to accompany Sister-in-law. That’s settled. Escort Miss Yang back." The maids attending Yang Qianru were all from the manor and naturally dared not disobey Mo Xiuyao’s orders. Even knowing their mistress was unwilling, they stepped forward to support her as she was led away.

"Cousin... sob ... Please don’t send Qianru away... I’ll be obedient, I won’t cause trouble or anger you..." Yang Qianru sobbed pitifully, struggling against the two maids who held her, refusing to leave.

"Take her away," Mo Xiuyao said coolly, his brow slightly furrowed.

No matter how much Yang Qianru struggled, she was no match for the two taller maids. In the end, she was practically dragged out. Ye Li sat silently, observing Mo Xiuyao’s impassive expression and listening to the faint sound of Yang Qianru’s heart-wrenching sobs. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly at how ruthless this man was. Most men, faced with a beautiful, fragile girl weeping so pitifully, would feel at least a twinge of sympathy, even without affection. But Mo Xiuyao’s eyes held not a trace of emotion, as if what had just been dragged away wasn’t a helpless young woman but an unwanted object.

"A Li, why the sigh?" Mo Xiuyao asked.Ye Li couldn't help sighing again, saying, "Anyone who falls in love with you must have committed some sin in their past life. Or perhaps they owed you some debt they didn't repay." Mo Xiuyao's eyes flickered slightly as he stared at Ye Li's back and asked, "Why do you say that?" Ye Li replied, "Isn't it obvious? Just look at Yang Qianru. Falling for someone who doesn't love you back—or someone incapable of love at all—what else could it be but a debt from a past life? It's a tragedy from the very beginning."

"Then... what kind of person would A Li fall in love with?" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Ye Li continued her embroidery absentmindedly as she answered, "Love? I don't know. Probably won't fall for anyone. No matter how earth-shattering a romance is, it'll eventually turn into familial affection over time. If that's the case, why not just live a peaceful life from the start? Who can keep up sweet nothings and moonlit strolls forever? In the end, it all comes down to the daily grind."

"Is it because A Li has never loved anyone before?" Mo Xiuyao asked quietly.

The needle in Ye Li's hand paused briefly before resuming. "Maybe." Of course, she had been in relationships before, but she had never experienced anything she would call soul-consuming love.

"If A Li fell in love with someone, would you live and die with them?"

Ye Li turned her head curiously to glance at the man, who was unusually relaxed, leaning back in his wheelchair. She chuckled, "Your Highness, are you trying to say that if you fell in love with someone, you'd live and die with them?"

"Perhaps."

"I probably wouldn't. Why drag someone down with me when I'm about to die?" Ye Li thought pragmatically. "Even if it's just ordinary affection, that's no way to treat someone. Is that a lover or an enemy?"

Bathed in sunlight, Mo Xiuyao seemed to be seriously considering her words before murmuring softly after a long pause, "You're right. If I died, I'd still want her to live well." With that, he ignored Ye Li and picked up his unfinished book to continue reading. Ye Li was somewhat surprised—she had always thought of the composed, indifferent Mo Xiuyao as somewhat cold, but here he was, unexpectedly tender. Puzzled, she shrugged and turned back to her embroidery. After a while, Mo Xiuyao's words inexplicably resurfaced in her mind: If I died, I'd still want her to live well.

"Her?!" Ye Li startled, nearly pricking her finger with the needle. Mo Xiuyao has someone he likes?!

Ye Li was in a bad mood—a very bad mood—though she herself didn't quite understand why. She just felt inexplicably irritable, a rare occurrence in her decades of life. Even when she broke up with her first boyfriend or before her first combat mission, she hadn't felt this awful. So after venting her frustration at the Martial Arts Training Ground with no improvement, she decisively decided to go out for a change of scenery.

Coincidentally, Hua Tianxiang had sent her an invitation to admire the early summer lotus blossoms together, so Ye Li accepted without hesitation.The capital of Chu, being in the north, had few places where one could admire lotus flowers. Thus, it was inevitable that during the sixth and seventh lunar months, the few spots where lotuses bloomed would be crowded with visitors. Even in early summer, when the lotuses had yet to fully blossom, the young ladies of the capital had already begun flocking in groups to admire them. When Mo Xiuyao heard that Ye Li intended to go out to view the lotuses and showed no sign of inviting him along, he didn’t say much—only informing her that the Ding Royal Palace had its own pleasure boat and that she could invite her friends to join her. Ye Li, who had been displeased with Mo Xiuyao these past few days, conveniently forgot to ask if he wanted to come along. She left quite cheerfully with her maids in tow. A Jin silently watched his master: The prince clearly wanted to accompany the princess—why didn’t he just say so?

On the Ding Royal Palace’s pleasure boat, Ye Li leaned lazily against the window, lost in thought. Hua Tianxiang, meanwhile, admired the boat’s furnishings with evident appreciation, her face full of envy. "As expected of the Ding Royal Palace’s boat—the decor is truly extraordinary. But tell me, A Li, was this boat arranged specifically for you by Prince Ding? The Ding Royal Palace hasn’t had anyone go out in years—this boat doesn’t seem like it’s from before."

Ye Li smiled lazily at her. "Your family’s boats can’t be much worse than this one. Why the fuss?"

Hua Tianxiang shot her an exasperated look. "What do you know? My family has so many people—it’s crowded and noisy. You’re lucky, having a whole boat to yourself in peace. Ah… though if Prince Ding were here too, that would be—no, no, it’s better he isn’t. If he were, I’d be too embarrassed to freeload on your boat." Ye Li glanced at the various pleasure boats floating not far away on the lake and asked, puzzled, "With so many boats on the lake, are people here to see the lotuses or the boats themselves?"

Hua Tianxiang giggled. "Both the flowers and the people. With the lotuses just blooming and the weather so nice these days, of course there are crowds. Don’t you know how many talented scholars and beauties have found love on this very Lake of Beautiful Women over the years?"

"Lake of Beautiful Women?" Ye Li glanced at the vast lake. Having seen West Lake, Tai Lake, and Qiandao Lake, this small body of water didn’t seem to have much to do with "beautiful women."

Hua Tianxiang shook her head helplessly. "You really have no sense of romance, do you? Do you know why Zheng’er didn’t come with us today?"

"Do enlighten me."

"Because she’s with Second Master Xu today!" Hua Tianxiang huffed, then gave Ye Li a sidelong glance. "Honestly, I’m a little surprised you came alone today. I thought you’d be out with Prince Ding. I was actually planning to go find Murong to hang out with." Ye Li shot her a glare. "And who was it that invited me out in the first place?"

"I was just worried you wouldn’t realize and wanted to remind you! Who told you to hide at home all year and never go out?" Hua Tianxiang grumbled, then glanced around at the boat’s obviously newly decorated interior and added guiltily, "Just remember—Prince Ding’s birthday is in a few days. You should definitely invite him out to see the lotuses then. I bet this boat was prepared specifically for him to enjoy the flowers with you. He’s probably thinking of how to discreetly kill me right now."

Ye Li blinked, then laughed at Hua Tianxiang’s exaggerated worry. "You’re overthinking it."

"Tianxiang! A Li!"The weather was splendid today, with laughter and songs echoing both on the lake and along its shores. Yet, the only one making such a boisterous commotion was none other than Murong Ting. As Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang stepped out of the cabin, they saw Murong Ting standing on another painted boat, waving and jumping excitedly in their direction. Beside her was a handsome young man who seemed to be saying something to her, though Murong Ting wore an expression of obvious impatience, clearly unwilling to engage with him. Hua Tianxiang, following behind Ye Li, chuckled softly and said, "That's the second young master of the Leng family, Leng Haoyu."

"Murong's fiancé?" Ye Li asked.

"Exactly. Ting'er has disliked him since childhood, but he's always been fond of clinging to her. Later, when she followed her father to the borderlands, who would have thought that upon her return, he'd still enjoy provoking her on purpose?" Hua Tianxiang's tone was laced with amusement, indicating she didn’t have a particularly bad impression of Leng Haoyu. On the other boat, the two had already begun exchanging blows, as Murong Ting attempted to use her Light Body Skill to leap over to their side, while Leng Haoyu clearly refused to let her. Their tussle on the deck had escalated into a full-blown fight, with Murong Ting’s temper flaring up.

Aside from them, many other boats had gathered nearby, drawn by the commotion. Quite a few people recognized Murong Ting and Leng Haoyu, joining in the cheers and applause.

Hua Tianxiang laughed, "How long do you think Leng Haoyu will last this time?"

After watching for a while, Ye Li replied, "Murong is no match for Leng Haoyu. Though he appears to be stumbling and unsteady, his footing is far more stable than Murong Ting's. His handsome face wears a playful, roguish expression, but the look in his eyes when he gazes at Murong Ting is utterly serious. Do you think he’s letting her win?"

Ye Li smiled. "General Murong dotes on his daughter as if she were his life. Do you really think he’d marry her off to a good-for-nothing rogue?"

"Hmm..." Hua Tianxiang pondered, realizing she had never seriously considered the question.

Having had enough of the spectacle, Ye Li said with a laugh, "Let’s have the boat row away. We won’t play with Murong today."

Hua Tianxiang grabbed her arm. "Absolutely not. Believe me, if we provoke Ting'er enough, she’d jump into the water even if we row away."

Ye Li thought about Murong Ting’s temperament and conceded the possibility. Smiling, she called out to the other boat, "Second Young Master Leng, Murong, would you care to join us for a chat?"

Murong Ting stopped fighting and turned to shout, "A Li, I’m your friend! Why are you inviting him along?"

Hua Tianxiang teased, "Well, are you coming or not? If not, we’re rowing away."

Murong Ting glared fiercely at Leng Haoyu, shook off his grip, stomped hard on his foot, and then leaped into the air. With a few light touches on the water’s surface, she landed gracefully on Ye Li’s boat. Leng Haoyu gave a wry smile, cupped his hands toward Ye Li, and said, "Thank you, Princess Consort." He then followed suit, leaving his own boat to join them on Ye Li’s. Ye Li instructed the boatman to row away before turning to invite the two inside.

Once the four were seated, Qingluan and others brought fresh tea and snacks before withdrawing. Murong Ting sat beside Ye Li, nibbling on pastries while shooting occasional glares at Leng Haoyu, who trailed after her. Pretending not to notice the daggers she was sending his way, Leng Haoyu smiled at Ye Li and said, "The weather is lovely today. Why isn’t His Highness accompanying you on this outing?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile, "Second Young Master Leng, are you acquainted with our prince?"Leng Haoyu paused slightly with the teacup in his hand and smiled, "I'm merely a good-for-nothing young master. How would I have the chance to be familiar with His Highness the Prince?"

Murong Ting snorted derisively, mocking him, "At least you know you're a good-for-nothing."

"Ting'er..." Leng Haoyu looked at her with grievance, "What's so bad about being a good-for-nothing? I get to eat and play, and I can accompany you every day. My elder brother takes care of family matters—how wonderful is that?"

"Pah!" Murong Ting nearly jumped up in anger, "This young lady detests useless playboys the most. You—you stay away from me from now on. Otherwise, I'll beat you up every time I see you!"

"You can also beat me up every time you see me now..." Leng Haoyu muttered under his breath, though his voice was just loud enough for everyone in the cabin to hear. Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang couldn't help but cover their lips to stifle their laughter, while Murong Ting's face turned crimson with anger, wishing she could stab this bastard who had embarrassed her. Leng Haoyu appeared utterly terrified of Murong Ting, continuously begging for mercy. However, the faint, indulgent amusement in his eyes betrayed that he was merely teasing her. Watching Murong Ting still hopping mad, Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang exchanged knowing smiles. When it came to matters of the heart, those involved were always blind while bystanders saw clearly. As Murong Ting's friends, they naturally wished her future happiness, but the choice was ultimately hers to make.

"Your Highness, Prince Li's ship is ahead," Qing Xia announced as she entered.

Hearing this, Hua Tianxiang frowned. "Li'er, why do we keep running into Prince Li?"

Ye Li chuckled. "Who told you not to pick a better day? Or perhaps the capital really isn't that big."

Murong Ting pouted. "I think it's more like enemies are bound to meet."

Before Ye Li could respond, Qingluan also entered, her face displeased. "Your Highness, Prince Li and Princess Li request an audience."

"Invite them in," Ye Li sighed.

Soon, Mo Jingli entered with Ye Li, but the woman accompanying him made Ye Li frown. The woman beside Prince Li, though dressed differently in a pale yellow gown with slight modifications to her appearance and a veil covering her face, was unmistakable to Ye Li. Anyone who saw her would recognize her as Nanzhao's Qixia Princess. It had only been a few days—was Mo Jingli trying to provoke his emperor brother? The palace hadn't even announced the princess's death yet.

"Greetings to Prince Li and Princess Li," Hua Tianxiang and the others rose to bow.

Mo Jingli glanced around the cabin, his gaze finally shifting from Ye Li to Leng Haoyu. "Leng Haoyu?" he said sternly.

Leng Haoyu grinned. "Your Highness actually knows me? What an honor."

Mo Jingli, well aware of Leng Haoyu's reputation, glanced at Murong Ting beside him and relaxed slightly with a cold hum. Turning to Ye Li, he asked, "Why isn't Mo Xiuyao accompanying you?"

"What concern is that of yours, Prince Li?" Ye Li, already irritated, retorted without hesitation at his blunt tone.

As expected, Mo Jingli's face darkened instantly. "Ungrateful woman!" he snapped. Ye Li rolled her eyes internally, too tired to engage with him.

Leng Haoyu, intrigued, studied the Qixia Princess behind Mo Jingli and asked with a playful smile, "Your Highness, who might this lovely lady be—" A sharp pinch from Murong Ting turned his suave grin into a comical grimace.

Mo Jingli glared at him coldly. "Did your elder brother never teach you not to ask unnecessary questions?"

Leng Haoyu shrugged nonchalantly. "My brother is far too busy to bother with such lessons."

Ye Li rubbed her temples and said calmly, "Prince Li, Fourth Sister, please sit down."Murong Ting snorted lightly and said, "I don't want to sit with certain people. A Li, Tianxiang and I will go out first to take a look." With that, she shot Mo Jingli a sidelong glance and pulled Hua Tianxiang up to leave. Her demeanor practically screamed, "This young lady refuses to sit with you." Hua Tianxiang threw Ye Li an apologetic look but allowed herself to be dragged away—she didn’t want to stay with Prince Li either. Leng Haoyu watched Murong Ting leave, then glanced hesitantly between Ye Li and Mo Jingli. Ye Li smiled and said, "Young Master Leng, you'd better keep an eye on Murong. Don’t let her run off with Tianxiang." Leng Haoyu nodded and finally left. Soon after, Qingluan and the others entered with tea and snacks, but instead of leaving, they took up positions in the corners of the cabin, standing respectfully as if awaiting their mistress’s orders. Understanding their intentions, Ye Li chuckled inwardly but said nothing.

"You all, leave. This prince has something to say to her," Mo Jingli commanded.

Ye Ying bit her lip and silently rose to leave, while Qixia Princess shot Ye Li a hostile glare before following Ye Ying out. However, Qingluan and the others weren’t so obedient. They remained in their corners, eyes downcast as if they hadn’t heard Mo Jingli’s order. Mo Jingli’s voice turned icy. "This prince told you to leave. Are you deaf?" Qingshuang replied crisply, "Your Highness, we heard you. But our prince ordered us to protect the princess consort’s safety, so we must obey his command." A cold glint flashed in Mo Jingli’s eyes as he stared at Qingshuang. "Are you implying this prince would harm her?"

Qingshuang said, "This servant wouldn’t dare presume. We’re merely taking precautions. We beg Your Highness’s understanding."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Prince Li, it seems there’s nothing between us that requires secrecy. These are all people I trust. If you have something to say, speak plainly." Mo Jingli fell silent, his gaze fixed unwaveringly on Ye Li, who met his stare without flinching. After a long pause, Mo Jingli finally spat out coldly, "Ye Li, you deceived me!"

Ye Li blinked. Deceived him? Where did that come from? Or had Mo Jingli discovered some other deception?

"Your Highness, what do you mean by that? Baseless slander against this princess is hardly a good habit," Ye Li said coolly.

Mo Jingli sneered. "You deliberately acted so useless just to force me to break off the engagement first, didn’t you? You’d already hooked up with Mo Xiuyao, hadn’t you?"

Ye Li calmly gripped her teacup, resisting the urge to fling its contents into the man’s face. "Your Highness, I’ve told you before—excessive delusions are an illness. Seek treatment early. Your despicable character doesn’t mean others share your lack of virtue." She hadn’t been thrilled about the marriage, but to claim she’d been involved with Mo Xiuyao beforehand? Their relationship was still as pure as spring water. Mo Jingli’s face darkened, but instead of flying into his usual rage, he studied her for a long moment before breaking into a malicious grin.

Ye Li watched him expressionlessly, her guard up.

Then Mo Jingli leaned in, his voice low and mocking. "Ye Li, you and Mo Xiuyao still haven’t consummated the marriage, have you? Could it be… that Mo Xiuyao is truly crippled and incapable? If so, this prince might be willing to—"

Thud! Before Mo Jingli could finish his words, a fist struck his nose bridge with brutal precision. Two streams of blood immediately trickled down. Stunned, Mo Jingli widened his eyes in shock, but before he could react, Ye Li had already risen and slammed his head onto the table.

Damn you, Ye Li! The pain on his forehead finally snapped Mo Jingli out of his daze from being attacked by her again. "This prince won’t let you get away with this!" Ye Li shot a glance to stop Qingluan, who was about to intervene, a cold smirk playing on her lips. As Mo Jingli lunged at her, she flipped backward to evade him. By the time he charged again, she had already reached another window.

Failing twice to catch her and recalling the two attacks he had suffered, Mo Jingli realized Ye Li was no delicate woman. This time, he used his martial skills, determined to seize the woman who had humiliated him. But Ye Li suddenly ducked, and before Mo Jingli could adjust his stance, a sharp pain shot through his armpit—sending him crashing headfirst into the cabin’s window—

"Quick, someone! Prince Li has fallen into the water!"