Mo Li

The incident at Black Cloud Peak was relayed by An San and An Si to their partners An Yi and An Er with Ye Li's permission. Ye Li hadn't mentioned whether this matter could be told to Mo Xiuyao. However, after considering the professional ethics issue raised by the Princess, the four shadow guards decided to uphold their professional integrity. After all, being abandoned by their master would be the greatest disgrace for a shadow guard. From the moment they became the Princess of the State's shadow guards, their first and only loyalty was to her, not the prince. Ye Li was quite satisfied with these ethically professional shadow guards. After all, finding such highly skilled, capable, and trustworthy individuals wasn't easy, and she didn't want to waste time searching for new guards.

Ye Li maintained a satisfactory routine of visiting Black Cloud Peak about twice a month, always in disguise. Both the manor below the peak and the people on the mountain addressed her as Young Master Chu, Chu Junwei. Sometimes she took An Yi and An Er, other times An San and An Si. All four showed an unusually high interest in the peculiar martial arts training ground under construction, occasionally even fighting among themselves for the chance to accompany Ye Li. Of course, Mo Xiuyao was aware of Ye Li's frequent outings, but he never inquired about her destinations. Ye Li appreciated his tolerance and occasionally remembered to bring him some fine pastries when shopping with Hua Tianxiang and others. However, their relationship seemed to have grown more distant amid Ye Li's busy schedule. Sometimes, when she caught the disapproving glances of Mama Wei and Mama Lin, she felt a faint, inexplicable guilt, but such feelings were quickly set aside. She was busy—genuinely busy.

Not only did she have to manage affairs within the prince's residence, but she also had to oversee her dowry. The shops included in her dowry continued to operate as lackluster as they appeared on the surface, but secretly, Ye Li withdrew nearly all the liquid assets from her dowry, including the silver sent by Han Mingyue, to purchase additional properties. These included two residences and three shops in other regions under the name Chu Junwei, as well as two shops in the capital. All these were arranged by Xu Qingze, who, despite his confusion about her intentions, carried out her requests without question. Within half a month, the deeds for the properties and shops were delivered to her. To outsiders, Ye Li seemed the perfect Princess of the State, methodically handling the residence's affairs and occasionally attending various gatherings among the capital's nobility. Unbeknownst to them, she was also secretly compiling and analyzing various pieces of information, searching for useful clues. Thus, she coldly observed the power struggles between the emperor and the Empress Dowager, the political machinations among court officials, and the hidden scandals among the nobility, gaining a deeper understanding of the capital's interpersonal entanglements and the court's political landscape.

"Princess! Princess! The prince has fainted…"

Ye Li was sitting in the accounting room, lost in thought over the ledgers, when Qing Xia rushed in frantically, shouting.Ye Li was startled and immediately stood up, asking, "What happened?" Qing Xia, who was usually composed, was clearly frightened as well, her voice trembling with tears, "Just now, His Highness returned to his room... and asked where the princess had gone. We told him you were in the accounts room, but before he could say anything else, he suddenly coughed up a lot of blood... and then, then he fainted." Ye Li's heart clenched. She threw down her brush and hurried out, asking as she walked, "Has a doctor been called?" Qing Xia replied, "A Jin... A Jin and Qingluan have gone. Qingyu knows a bit of medicine and is staying with Qingshuang to care for His Highness..." Before Qing Xia could finish, Ye Li's figure had already vanished swiftly around the corridor's corner.

Returning to the courtyard, all the maids were visibly terrified, forgetting even to greet Ye Li as she passed. Entering the room and stepping around the screen, Ye Li saw Mo Xiuyao lying on the bed, his face as pale as paper, his lips still stained with dark red blood.

"Princess," Qingyu, who had been checking Mo Xiuyao's pulse, stood up and whispered.

"How is he?"

Qingyu looked worried. "His Highness once suffered a very severe injury. It seems he never properly recovered, so his body is actually quite weak. The sudden blood loss is due to overexertion, but... he coughed up so much blood that it's likely very harmful to him..." Following Qingyu's gaze, Ye Li saw a large pool of not-yet-dried blood near the bed, its sheer volume striking fear into her. "Is he... alright now?"

Qingyu shook her head. "I specialize in medicine and poisons, but I'm at a loss regarding His Highness's condition. However, he should be fine for now."

Taking a deep breath, Ye Li nodded. "I understand. Go check if the doctor has arrived, and ask Head Steward Mo to come here."

Qingyu and Qingshuang left as instructed. Ye Li sat by the bed, silently watching the unconscious man. She had always heard others say that Prince Ding was disabled and gravely ill. But from the first time she saw Mo Xiuyao, he had always appeared healthy—even when she caught a cold for two days as autumn deepened, she hadn't heard him cough once. So Ye Li had long dismissed the notion of his illness as mere rumor. Over the past few months, they had seen each other almost daily, yet it was only now that Ye Li noticed how much thinner and more haggard Mo Xiuyao had become compared to before. The faint dark circles under his closed eyelids were clearly visible.

Lost in thought, Ye Li suddenly felt the unconscious man stir slightly. She looked up just as Mo Xiuyao slowly opened his eyes. Their gazes met, and for a moment, Ye Li found herself at a loss for words.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "A Li, what's wrong?"

After a long pause, Ye Li finally spoke, "You just coughed up blood."

Mo Xiuyao froze, then smiled. "I've been a bit tired these past few days. It's nothing serious."

"Nothing serious?!" Ye Li felt a surge of anger rise from her chest to her head. If coughing up blood wasn't serious, then what was? "Do you think you have an endless supply of blood to waste like this?" Mo Xiuyao seemed oddly pleased by her anger, his eyes brightening with warmth. "It really isn't serious. I'm used to it. It's always like this as winter approaches. As long as I rest properly, it won't be a problem. A Li, trust me."Believe you and I’m a pig! Ye Li shot him an annoyed glance while also being shocked by his words. Used to it? How could anyone get used to that kind of scrutiny that makes one vomit blood? You should rest first. We’ll talk after the physician arrives.

Before long, A Jin and Qingluan rushed in, dragging a physician between them—the same elderly doctor from the Temple of No Moon last time. Seeing Mo Xiuyao awake on the bed, the old physician shook off Qingluan and A Jin’s hands and said leisurely, “I already told you there’d be no issue. You youngsters are just too impatient.” Ye Li stood up and made room for the physician to take Mo Xiuyao’s pulse. The old doctor stepped forward, checked the pulse, frowned, and stroked his beard. Ye Li asked, “How is he, Doctor?”

The old physician shook his head. “He’s fine, but His Highness should still be careful. Just because nothing happened this time doesn’t mean it won’t next time.”

Ye Li frowned. “If I recall correctly, last time you said His Highness was in excellent health.” The old doctor raised his gray-white eyebrows. “I wasn’t wrong. His Highness was indeed in good health then, but now it’s clearly much worse.” Ye Li stared at him speechlessly. Was there anyone whose health fluctuated between robust and frail every other season? The old physician continued, “His Highness’s constitution cannot endure cold. Once winter arrives, he must take extra care. However… it shouldn’t be this severe yet. This time… how long has it been since His Highness took his medicine? How long since he rested?”

Under Ye Li’s glare, Mo Xiuyao smiled wryly. “Your medicine… seems to have lost its effect.” He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a small medicine bottle, speaking calmly.

The old physician frowned deeply, took the bottle, and examined it as he said, “Impossible. This prescription was prepared less than two months ago. How could it have lost potency?” Ye Li interjected, “Doctor, I believe His Highness means your medicine no longer works for his condition.”

The old man’s expression darkened. He took Mo Xiuyao’s wrist again, this time taking much longer. After a while, he finally let go and said with a frown, “I’ll prescribe a new formula for His Highness to use for now. There shouldn’t be any immediate danger. I need to return and study the prescription further.” Ye Li knew this couldn’t be rushed and nodded. “Then we’ll trouble you, Doctor.” The old physician nodded and looked at Ye Li. “Let me say this again—His Highness must not overexert himself. The colder it gets, the more cautious he must be. If he had simply rested and recuperated these past few years without pushing himself, his condition wouldn’t have deteriorated to this extent.” Ye Li nodded solemnly. “I understand. You needn’t worry, Doctor.”

After sending someone to fetch the medicine with the old physician, Ye Li settled Mo Xiuyao and was about to leave when a hand caught her from behind. She turned to see the man on the bed gazing at her calmly. Her eyes fell on his pale, thin hand, and her heart clenched involuntarily. “What’s wrong? Are you still unwell somewhere?” Mo Xiuyao shook his head and smiled faintly. “Is A Li very busy?”

“Not… not particularly. There are some matters in the study to attend to, but nothing urgent.” She was simply accustomed to finishing her tasks promptly."Then... could A Li stay with me for a while?" Mo Xiuyao asked softly, his gaze still gentle and without any hint of coercion. Yet, Ye Li found herself unable to refuse. Silently, she sat back down by the bed. Seeing the deepened amusement in the eyes of the man lying there, she glanced at the dark red stains on the floor that hadn’t been cleaned yet and asked worriedly, "Don’t you want to rest for a bit?"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head lightly. "I’m a little cold. Can’t sleep."

Ye Li recalled that people who had lost a lot of blood often felt extremely cold—perhaps those who had coughed up blood felt the same way. Without thinking, she reached out to adjust his blanket and asked, "Do you need a brazier?"

It was only the beginning of winter, and while it wasn’t too cold yet, many households had already started using braziers. Wealthy and noble families typically stocked up on high-quality silver charcoal. Since Ye Li herself was in good health and hadn’t used a brazier since Xu Shi passed away, she hadn’t paid much attention to whether their room had one. After all, Mo Xiuyao was an internal energy master far more skilled than she was.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head helplessly. "I can’t stand the smell of charcoal smoke. Even the specially made silver charcoal claims to be smokeless and odorless, but... A Li, do you understand now? In winter, I truly am useless." As he spoke, a trace of bitterness and sorrow flickered in his eyes.

Ye Li stood up, fetched another quilt from the cabinet, and draped it over Mo Xiuyao before frowning and asking, "What kind of injury did you suffer back then? How could it be so strange?"

Ordinary leg injuries—even amputations—might cause occasional phantom pain, but Mo Xiuyao’s inability to tolerate cold and his weakened state in winter couldn’t be related to his legs. And his sensitivity to smoke and dust suggested a problem with his respiratory system or lungs.

Mo Xiuyao replied, "I don’t even know exactly what injuries I suffered. By the time I woke up, over a month had already passed, and my body was already like this." His expression was calm, as if he were merely stating facts. But Ye Li had seen this kind of expression many times before—on severely wounded comrades who had calmed down after bouts of extreme madness. Yet this composed demeanor was even more heartbreaking than their previous rage.

She didn’t know what expression Mo Xiuyao had worn when he first woke up to find himself in this state, but his current tranquility still pained her deeply.

"Alright, then, as the physician instructed—Your Highness, you should rest more these days. I’ve heard you’ve been spending an average of seven hours a day in the study recently?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow.

Mo Xiuyao paused, then sighed softly. "A Li... I’ll be careful. But... now isn’t the time for rest. The political situation in the court has grown increasingly strange these past six months. Though the Ding Royal Palace appears to stand apart from the court, the slightest misstep could plunge us into an abyss. And as Prince Ding, I have no choice but to shoulder certain responsibilities."Ye Li cast him a dangerous glance and said coolly, "What can you do that I cannot? Even if that were the case, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. Forgive my bluntness, Your Highness Prince Ding. Even if you exhaust all efforts and take ninety-nine steps, dying at the final step still counts as failure. So before you take those ninety-nine steps, you'd better consider whether you'll live to take the hundredth." Mo Xiuyao remained silent for a long moment before looking at Ye Li with a smile. "A Li is right. Then... I'll have to trouble you from now on."

"I thought I was the Princess of the State," Ye Li said calmly.

Mo Xiuyao replied softly, "Of course, you will always be my princess."

Thus, Ye Li became even busier, handling not only the internal affairs of the princely residence but also its external matters. With Mo Xiuyao's guidance, she adapted quickly. Her decisive and efficient style gradually won the respect of the stewards both inside and outside the residence. Elder retainers like Head Steward Mo and Granny Sun regarded her with increasing admiration and reverence. To prevent Mo Xiuyao from growing bored while bedridden, Ye Li moved most of her work from the study to their chamber, except when meeting with stewards. This way, she could chat with him while handling affairs and consult him whenever questions arose.

Mo Xiuyao was astonished to discover that his princess was like an endless book—he could never guess how much she knew or the limits of her abilities. Had anyone else like her appeared by his side, he would have felt threatened and resorted to various means to test or even eliminate them. But facing this woman who could write swiftly with a brush while still engaging him in conversation with a smile, he only felt a faint flame ignite in his icy heart. Though small, it brought an inexplicable warmth and comfort to someone who usually felt trapped in a frozen wasteland come winter. He wanted only to indulge her in whatever she wished to do, quietly watching her occasional faint smiles. He knew that one day, she would dazzle the world with her brilliance. A pearl would not remain buried forever—sooner or later, she would soar to the heavens. And by then... he might no longer be here.

"Your Highness, Princess," Qingyu entered to announce, "Head Steward Mo says Physician He has brought the medicine."

Ye Li glanced at the sleeping Mo Xiuyao and nodded to Qingyu, whispering, "Ask Physician He to wait in the parlor for a moment." Though it had only been a few days, Ye Li had noticed that the colder weather worsened Mo Xiuyao's condition. The medicine seemed unable to control his illness, and even after two days of rest, his energy had not improved.

Entering the parlor, Physician He and Head Steward Mo hurried to greet her. Ye Li waved her hand. "No need for formalities, Physician, Steward Mo. Please sit and speak."After Ye Li took her seat, the two men expressed their thanks and sat down on either side. Physician He took out a prescription and handed it to Ye Li, saying, "This is the adjusted prescription I've prepared over the past few days. Please review it, Princess Consort."

Ye Li took the prescription and glanced at it, noticing that most of the ingredients were not for treating illness or injuries but rather for counteracting poison. "Physician He, what is the meaning of this? If I recall correctly, excessive use of this medicine can lead to addiction," Ye Li asked gravely as she set the prescription down. The last item listed was opium, and Ye Li knew exactly what it was—and the consequences of its use.

"I didn’t expect the Princess Consort to be so well-versed in pharmacology. You are correct—opium is an excellent painkiller, but prolonged use does indeed lead to addiction. That’s why I’ve been hesitant about including it," Physician He replied with a solemn expression.

Ye Li nodded, accepting his explanation. "Does His Highness require such a strong painkiller?"

"Absolutely. The previous prescription lost its effectiveness because it could no longer suppress the pain caused by the toxins in His Highness’s body. Without a potent painkiller, his condition will deteriorate further—his spirit will weaken, and his body will decline. He might not even last until the antidote is found… Moreover, his current state cannot endure severe pain, as it could trigger the recurrence of old injuries," Physician He said wearily, his aged face lined with exhaustion. Clearly, the past few days had taken their toll on him.

Upon hearing about Mo Xiuyao’s condition, Head Steward Mo’s expression darkened. "Princess Consort, this…"

Ye Li shook her head. "Opium is out of the question. The dosage you’ve prescribed is too high—within a month, he would become addicted. And addiction would only harm his body further."

Physician He gave a helpless, bitter smile. He hadn’t wanted to prescribe such a large dose either, but a weaker one would have no effect. "Unless one has personally experienced it, no ordinary person can comprehend the agony His Highness endures when the poison flares up."

"Why was he unaffected during the summer?" Ye Li asked.

Physician He shook his head. "He wasn’t unaffected—it was just more bearable. The poison in His Highness’s body is a type of Cold Poison. In the summer, the warm weather, combined with the medicine I prepared to suppress the Cold Poison, allowed him to function normally as long as he took it regularly. But once the weather turns cold, the Cold Poison becomes far more aggressive. His blood vessels seem to freeze, and in the worst cases during the first two years, he would fall into prolonged unconsciousness. These past few years, we’ve managed to control it, but this year…"

"So it’s a matter of the weather…" Ye Li murmured thoughtfully before nodding. "I understand. Please reconsider the prescription, Physician. Also, what about the antidote for the Cold Poison?"

Physician He shook his head again. "There is no known antidote at present. His Highness was afflicted with this Cold Poison when he was ambushed by the Northern Rong at the border. At the time, we sought the help of the renowned physician Shen Yang. The poison originates from a frozen peak where Northern Rong and Western Liang meet—a place of extreme cold. It is said to be a type of icy fluid found in a frigid pool at the summit. The pool is so cold that neither man nor beast can survive falling into it. However, within that pool grows a flower called the Blazing Fire Lotus. Only its seeds can counteract the Cold Poison in His Highness’s body."Before Physician He could finish speaking, Head Steward Mo interjected, "But the Blazing Fire Lotus only blooms once every ten years and bears fruit every fifteen years. Since six years ago, the Black Cloud Cavalry has stationed people at the mountain's base to wait. Unfortunately... we'll have to wait at least two more years for the lotus seeds to mature." Head Steward Mo didn't mention that even if they obtained the seeds then, the Black Cloud Cavalry would have to pay a devastating price to cross either Northern Rong or Western Liang to return to Great Chu. But no matter the cost, the Black Cloud Cavalry would definitely secure the Blazing Fire Lotus and ensure its safe delivery to Great Chu—even if it meant sacrificing every last one of them.

"Is there no other method from that renowned physician Shen?" Ye Li frowned. Even during her time secluded in the inner chambers, she had heard of the famed physician Shen Yang—a master healer so skilled that not even the emperor could easily summon him.

Physician He replied, "A year ago, Physician Shen heard of a medicinal herb called Phoenix Tail from the island nation in the Eastern Sea, said to have miraculous effects against Cold Poison. He set sail with his men early this year. At the earliest, he won't return until the end of the twelfth month."

Ye Li nodded. "I understand. Thank you for your efforts, Physician He."

Physician He rose to take his leave, while Head Steward Mo remained in the hall. Seeing Ye Li's delicate brows tightly knit, her mood clearly heavy, he ventured, "My lady..."

Ye Li looked up at Head Steward Mo's stern yet unconcealably worried face and sighed, "Head Steward Mo, you've worked hard all these years."

Head Steward Mo shook his head in dismay, "What kind of talk is this, Your Highness? This old servant only regrets that I cannot take His Highness's place in suffering this pain. Back then, His Highness was..." Seeing the once high-spirited young master reduced to this state, how could Head Steward Mo not feel heartbroken? But now, he was even more concerned about this young princess consort. Over the past six months, her conduct had exceeded everyone's expectations. The people of Ding Royal Palace had also come to sincerely admire their new mistress. The princess consort of Ding Royal Palace did not need to be peerlessly beautiful, exceptionally talented, or even socially adept—she only needed to be strong enough. But even the strongest woman might not be able to endure the current situation. That was why King Ding had always concealed his physical condition, and why the servants never mentioned it in front of the princess consort.

Ye Li stood up and smiled faintly, "Head Steward Mo, don't worry too much. As long as he's alive, there will always be a way. Later, could you find me some people skilled in architecture? I have a use for them."

Head Steward Mo watched Ye Li's retreating figure, and his dim eyes couldn't help but brighten slightly. This princess consort... might truly be different.

"This old servant understands."

When Ye Li returned to the room, Mo Xiuyao was already awake. The moment she entered, she clearly saw the trembling and spasms in his left hand, which was clenched tightly outside the quilt. But the moment he noticed Ye Li, it relaxed, and he calmly withdrew it under the covers. Ye Li knew—he was enduring the pain. A trace of doubt crept into her heart about her earlier decision to instruct Physician He to stop the pain-relieving medicine. But seeing Mo Xiuyao's gentle yet resolute gaze, she suppressed her hesitation. Mo Xiuyao would never want to become someone who had to rely on medicine to survive.

"A Li, you're back."

Ye Li sat by the bed. "If it hurts, you can cry out."

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Would crying out make the pain go away? Don't worry, it's just a little pain. It's just... lying in bed all day without being able to get up is a bit frustrating."

"I won't laugh at you," Ye Li said.

Mo Xiuyao gazed at her quietly for a long time before finally asking in a low voice, "A Li... can I hold you?" Ye Li was taken aback, then leaned down and wrapped her arms around him, quilt and all, chuckling, "You can't catch a chill right now, so this will have to do."

Mo Xiuyao let out a soft laugh, quieting after a while before murmuring, "Actually... the pain is bearable. But that feeling of coldness... it's like falling into a frozen pond, knowing you'll never climb out. After a while, you get used to the pain, but that icy feeling... you never do. Sometimes... I even think the pain doesn't matter. What I fear most is that one day, I won't even feel the pain anymore—only that coldness. If that happens... A Li, I truly don't know if I can hold on."That won’t happen. Ye Li hugged him gently and whispered, “Didn’t Physician Shen go to the East Sea to search for Phoenix Tail Grass? In another two years, the Blazing Fire Lotus will bear seeds. By then, the Cold Poison will be cured, and everything will get better. You’ve endured this long—what’s another two years?”

Mo Xiuyao nodded. “Of course, I’ll wait. A Li, if I don’t die, you’ll never be able to leave me. Aren’t you afraid?”

“Before I married you, I didn’t hope for your early death so I could inherit your fortune,” Ye Li replied coolly.

“I absolutely won’t die, A Li.” Mo Xiuyao reached out an arm to wrap around Ye Li’s slender waist. Ye Li stiffened, then expressionlessly pulled his hand away and tucked it back under the blanket. “If you can’t handle the cold, don’t make things worse.”

Had she just made some kind of promise? But she hadn’t actually said anything… Ye Li silently pondered this.

As winter arrived, the Ding Royal Palace declined all banquet invitations and gatherings, including those from the palace. The reason was the same as always—Prince Ding had fallen seriously ill again. The hearts of those who had grown restless after seeing the prince active during the summer gradually settled. After palace physicians came and went several times, all helpless, the palace sent a steady stream of tonics and medicinal herbs to the Ding Royal Palace, and no one else came to disturb them. The estate seemed to return to the same quiet and subdued state as the past two years.

Of course, not all visitors were turned away. Feng Zhiyao was one of the exceptions.

“Third Master Feng, the princess and the prince request your presence in the side hall.”

Feng Zhiyao, who had been waiting in the study, raised an eyebrow in confusion. “Is A Yao sick again? But isn’t he living with the princess? Why move to the side hall?”

A faint smile appeared on Head Steward Mo’s solemn face. “Thank you for your concern, Third Master Feng. His Highness has been doing well these past few days. He and the princess moved to the side hall a few days ago.”

Feng Zhiyao’s expression twisted with envy. “Must be nice having such a big estate—live in the main hall when you feel like it, switch to the side hall when you’re bored. If you get tired of both, you can just rotate between courtyards.”

Head Steward Mo, long accustomed to Feng Zhiyao’s temperament, wasn’t offended and replied mildly, “If Third Master Feng finds his residence too small, you may speak to His Highness. The estate still owns two other properties in the capital that you may reside in.”

Feng Zhiyao rolled his eyes. “No thanks. Bigger houses mean more people and more trouble—too much hassle.”

“Third Master Feng should consider settling down,” Head Steward Mo remarked as he followed behind him.

“I know, your prince married a wonderful princess. But I’m not done playing yet,” Feng Zhiyao waved his hand dismissively, indicating that marriage was a topic for another day. Even his own father hadn’t nagged him about this—why were the elders in the estate so invested? Unfortunately, he wasn’t interested.

The side hall where Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao resided was a separate building in the southern wing of their main courtyard. Nestled within the inner garden of the estate, it was only slightly smaller than the main hall, missing just two side rooms, and appeared even more tranquil and elegant.

The moment Feng Zhiyao stepped into the hall, he let out a surprised sound. A wave of warmth greeted him, making the entire hall as comfortable as a spring day in March or April. Feng Zhiyao was well aware of Mo Xiuyao’s condition and knew that in Prince Ding’s Estate, no charcoal was burned in winter wherever Mo Xiuyao might be present. But here…

Head Steward Mo followed behind him. “Third Master Feng, His Highness and the princess are waiting for you in the small study.”

Feng Zhiyao couldn’t help but turn back and ask, “Just how many studies does this estate have?”Head Steward Mo replied earnestly, "There is one library and study each in the outer and inner courtyards. Additionally, His Highness and Her Highness each have their own study in the main residence. This study in the side hall was just temporarily set up."

"I detest studies, and I especially loathe discussing matters in them," Feng Zhiyao said.

"Then... should this subordinate go invite Her Highness and His Highness out?"

"...Never mind. I wouldn't dare have them come out personally to see me." Feng Zhiyao waved his hand and swaggered away, fanning himself.