Mo Li

Ye Li awoke from the darkness, her temples throbbing with pain. She couldn’t help but smile bitterly—she had been careless. Even though she knew Mo Jingqi was wary of the Ding Royal Palace, she had been certain he wouldn’t dare lay a hand on the Princess of the State within the palace walls. Yet she hadn’t anticipated Ye Yue’s betrayal.

Ye Li didn’t open her eyes or rise immediately. Instead, she lay quietly for a while, ensuring no one was nearby before slowly lifting her eyelids.

The situation seemed far better than she had expected. At least she wasn’t locked in some pitch-black dungeon but rather in a well-furnished room. The chamber was decorated in the style favored by noble young ladies of the capital, adorned with elegant and lavish furnishings. Even the windows were draped with the delicate smoke gauze so beloved by highborn maidens.

Sitting up, Ye Li leaned against the bedpost with a helpless smile. Her body felt weak and limp—clearly, Ye Yue had administered some potent poison. No wonder they had left her in this unguarded room without a single sentry. They must have been confident that, in her current state, she wouldn’t even have the strength to walk to the door.

With a creak, the door beyond the screen was pushed open, and a young woman in green entered, carrying a tray. Spotting Ye Li sitting by the bed, she beamed. "Miss, you’re finally awake!"

Ye Li frowned slightly. "Where is this? How long have I been asleep?"

The green-clad girl set the tray down on a nearby table and smiled. "You’ve been here for over two days, Miss. You must be hungry after not eating for so long. Xiaoyun has prepared some congee—would you like some?"

Ye Li watched calmly as the girl deftly ladled a bowl of fragrant rice porridge and brought it to her. Raising a hand weakly, Ye Li arched a brow. "How am I supposed to eat like this?" The only reason she could sit up at all was because she was propped against the bedpost. Even lifting her arm took tremendous effort—how could she possibly hold a bowl and feed herself?

Xiaoyun gave an apologetic smile. "Xiaoyun forgot. Let me feed you, Miss."

Lowering her gaze, Ye Li murmured, "Then I’ll trouble you."

"Xiaoyun is just a servant, Miss. There’s no need for such courtesy." The girl’s smile was sweet and serene as she settled beside the bed, carefully spooning the porridge for Ye Li.

Being treated like an invalid was irritating, but Ye Li wasn’t one to punish herself needlessly. Starving for two days out of pride would only be self-inflicted suffering. As for this girl who claimed to be a mere servant—if she really was just an ordinary maid, then Ye Li was a fool.

After the meal, Ye Li’s strength still hadn’t returned. Xiaoyun called in another maid to clear the dishes but remained in the room herself, bustling about aimlessly.

Ye Li watched her pretend to be busy and finally said flatly, "If you have nothing to do, you might as well sit down. All that pacing is making me dizzy."

Xiaoyun showed no embarrassment at being called out. Instead, she giggled. "Our young master was worried you’d be bored alone, so he asked Xiaoyun to keep you company."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "How thoughtful of him.""Please thank him for me." Xiaoyun nodded, playfully blinking her eyes as she said, "Hearing you say that will surely make the young master very happy."

Ye Li smiled faintly without speaking, quietly leaning against the headboard as she listened to Xiaoyun ramble on about trivial matters without interrupting or asking too many questions. This maid named Xiaoyun was undoubtedly well-trained—it wouldn’t be easy to extract any useful information from her, and trying might only make her wary. Since Ye Li was still too weak to act, she didn’t bother wasting the effort.

After obediently staying in her room for two days, the hidden wariness and caution in Xiaoyun’s gaze toward Ye Li finally began to fade. After breakfast in the morning, Ye Li asked casually, "I’d like to go out for a walk—would that be all right? Lying around for two days has made me feel stiff."

Xiaoyun hesitated for a moment before agreeing, summoning two young maids to help Ye Li stroll around the garden.

After two days, Ye Li finally stepped out of her room. She took a deep breath of fresh air, and her previously gloomy mood instantly improved. Leaning on the two maids as they walked through the small garden, Ye Li subtly observed the courtyard. It wasn’t very large. Noticing the tender buds just beginning to sprout on the treetops peeking over the walls, she smiled faintly. "Help me sit in the garden for a while. Is your young master not here now?" Ye Li pointed to the stone table and chairs ahead. The two maids, clearly instructed beforehand, obediently followed her directions and helped her sit at the stone table but refused to answer her question. Ye Li didn’t mind, instead leaning against the table in good spirits as she admired the flowers and plants in the garden.

It was early spring, and the spectacle of blooming flowers had yet to arrive. The north was colder than the south, so many plants had only just begun to sprout. Ye Li seemed curious as she gazed at a cluster of unremarkable yellow flowers blooming in the flowerbed nearest to her. She bent down, about to reach out and pick one, when a cool, delicate hand caught hers. Ye Li looked up at Xiaoyun, who had suddenly appeared before her, and raised an eyebrow in question.

Xiaoyun smiled. "Miss, these little flowers may look pretty, but they’re poisonous. It’s best not to touch them."

Frowning, Ye Li studied the small buds and said, "I see this is the only flower blooming in the entire garden. Though unremarkable, it looks quite delicate—I hadn’t expected it to be poisonous."

Xiaoyun replied with a hint of pride, "Sometimes, the most unassuming flowers are the most toxic. Compared to those bright, eye-catching ones that make people wary at first glance, these inconspicuous flowers are the real treasures." Ye Li shook her head with a smile. "Poisonous plants can hardly be called treasures. If you like flowers, Miss Xiaoyun, my residence has a few rare orchids—this is the season they bloom. I could give you one." A strange glint flashed in Xiaoyun’s eyes as she smiled at Ye Li. "Xiaoyun forgot—someone of your noble status naturally wouldn’t care for such plain things. But the plants in this courtyard are all somewhat dangerous. If you’d like, tomorrow I’ll have them replaced with flowers more to your taste."

Ye Li chuckled and shook her head again. "That won’t be necessary. Exotic flowers have their own unique beauty, while ordinary ones have their own charm. Besides, I don’t plan to stay here long, so there’s no need to trouble yourself with rearranging the garden."Xiaoyun smiled and said, "The young master instructed us to take good care of you, miss. Please let me know whatever you like. If he finds out you're not comfortable, I'll be in big trouble."

Ye Li's beautiful eyes flickered as she smiled faintly, "Though I haven't met your young master yet, I still want to thank him. In that case... I originally planned to see peach blossoms with my... husband this year, but now it seems impossible. Could you bring me a few branches when the peach blossoms bloom?"

Xiaoyun clearly didn't expect such a simple request. She smiled generously, "Of course! I promise you'll see the earliest peach blossoms this year. Is there anything else you'd like me to bring back?"

Seeing Xiaoyun agree to her request, Ye Li's smile seemed more sincere. "If possible, could you also bring me some cosmetics? I'd like the best from the capital's finest shop, preferably jasmine-scented."

"Jasmine?" Xiaoyun was momentarily surprised. Ye Li smiled apologetically, "It's quite ordinary, but I really like the scent. Sorry for the trouble."

Xiaoyun shook her head, "No trouble at all. I'll make sure to get whatever you want."

Ye Li smiled, "Then I'll leave it to you."

Watching Xiaoyun leave, Ye Li leaned leisurely against the stone table, breathing in the fresh air. Her smiling gaze rested on the still sparse flowers in the garden, her eyes shining with quiet delight.

In the study of Ding Royal Palace,

Mo Xiuyao looked calmly at the documents spread before him and asked Feng Zhiyao, who stood nearby, "Any news from the palace?"

Feng Zhiyao replied seriously, "Our people have checked Yaohua Palace. It was newly built during the late emperor's reign and has no secret passages. However, the lotus pond there wasn't artificially dug—it connects to the palace waterways. The shadow guards suspect the princess was taken through the water... and likely before the fire at Yaohua Palace started."

"Anything else?"

"The bodies of Ye Zhaoyi and the sixth prince—though badly burned, our shadow guards confirmed the female corpse isn't Ye Zhaoyi. As for the sixth prince... if Ye Zhaoyi is alive, he probably is too."

Mo Xiuyao gave a cold laugh. "Excellent. Two people supposedly dead in the palace, five missing including Ye Zhaoyi and the sixth prince. And my shadow guards knew nothing."

Feng Zhiyao sighed inwardly. Ever since the princess disappeared, the king's aura had grown increasingly terrifying. Though his words carried no visible anger, they chilled listeners to the bone. No wonder others had pushed him in here to face this.

"What about movements in the capital?"

"Mo Jingqi has people searching everywhere in secret—it seems he doesn't know the princess's whereabouts either. Mo Jingli hasn't done anything; he returned directly to his residence after leaving the palace that day and has been going about his usual business. No unusual activity from others either, and no suspicious comings or goings in or around the capital. Ye Li has vanished without a trace."

Feng Zhiyao felt helpless. Who could have imagined someone would dare set fire to a palace building and kidnap the Princess of the State? Everything happened too suddenly—by the time they sought clues, all useful traces had disappeared.If Ye Yue isn't dead yet, she must still be in the palace. I want to see her within three days. Hiding an adult in the palace might not be difficult, but hiding a completely helpless infant isn't so easy, Mo Xiuyao said in a deep voice.

Understood. Feng Zhiyao accepted the order respectfully, then hesitated before adding, There's one more thing... The shadow guards assigned to the princess consort—An Yi, An Er, An San, and An Si—have all gone missing.

Mo Xiuyao was taken aback. Missing?

Feng Zhiyao nodded. It happened over the past two days. After the princess consort disappeared, they reported to the shadow guard commander to receive punishment. Since the princess consort hasn't been found yet, the matter was temporarily set aside. But this morning, it was discovered that all four of them had vanished. Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze in thought for a moment before saying, Leave them be for now.

Yes.

A secluded courtyard on the outskirts of Chu Capital

Ye Li sat idly by the flowerbed, staring blankly at the newly planted peach tree. The two maids who accompanied her daily—likely mute—stood at a distance, waiting for her instructions. Poking at the buds on the peach tree, Ye Li pursed her lips and began plucking at the nearby plants. She had been staying here for five days now. As Xiaoyun had said, everything was taken care of meticulously—except for the fact that Xiaoyun persistently drugged her meals. However, the need to dose every meal suggested the drug's effects didn't last long. Xiaoyun, who was well-versed in pharmacology, clearly didn't know that some people had astonishing drug resistance. Or perhaps she did, but she didn't think Ye Li would be one of them. Though Ye Li's current body hadn't undergone specialized poison resistance training like before, she had still done some targeted conditioning since childhood, knowing she would one day join the prince's household.

Xiaoyun and her mysterious master evidently had no intention of truly harming her, so the drug they used was harmless to the body—which also meant its effects were weaker and shorter-lasting. Still, it was enough for ordinary people. Now, Ye Li had at least half an hour of free movement between doses, but she wasn't in a hurry to escape. Even though she usually only saw Xiaoyun and a few silent maids, she could still keenly sense that many eyes were watching her from the shadows. With her body just recovering from the drug's effects, escaping would be difficult.

"Miss, I heard you didn't eat much today. Was the food not to your liking?" Xiaoyun appeared in the garden, her eye twitching slightly at the sight of Ye Li pulling up weeds. "Miss, that—"

Ye Li looked up and waved the weeds at her. "You mean these? They'll hinder the peach tree's growth if left here. I'm just clearing them out. It's not like I have anything better to do. Did you need something, Xiaoyun?"

Xiaoyun glanced at the discarded weeds with a pained expression and forced a smile. "If Miss doesn't like them, I can have someone tidy them up. There's no need for you to do it yourself. I've prepared some pastries—would you like to try them?"

Ye Li shook her head and sighed softly. "This place is truly dull. With nothing to do all day, how could I have an appetite? Could you inform your master that I've overstayed my welcome and should take my leave?"Xiaoyun smiled subtly and said, "The young master is not in the residence at the moment, and I wouldn’t dare neglect his guest without his permission, no matter how bold I might be. So, if you wish to leave, I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until the young master returns."

"I understand," Ye Li replied indifferently. "I haven’t had much of an appetite these past few days, so there’s no need to bring me any snacks. You may go about your business, Xiaoyun."

Xiaoyun studied Ye Li for a moment, as if assessing the truth behind her words, before finally nodding. "Very well. If you feel hungry later, just let someone know, and we’ll bring you food. As soon as the young master returns, I’ll inform him to see you." With a slight bow, Xiaoyun turned and left. Ye Li watched her retreating figure, a cold glint flashing in her eyes as she resumed pulling weeds with even greater speed.

By the time Ye Li had nearly cleared half the flowerbed of weeds, Xiaoyun finally returned, her forced smile now completely gone, and invited Ye Li to meet her master. Without hesitation, Ye Li tossed aside the weeds in her hand, dusted off her palms, and allowed two maids to assist her as she followed Xiaoyun. She was led to an empty room not far from her own. Upon entering, she saw a tall figure seated behind a translucent screen. The two maids helped her into a chair before respectfully withdrawing. Xiaoyun shot Ye Li a resentful glance before also taking her leave, making sure to close the door behind her. Ye Li couldn’t help but laugh. She had guessed Xiaoyun wouldn’t be able to tolerate her much longer—after all, given another two days, she would have uprooted every last precious weed in the courtyard.

"What’s so amusing?" came a deep, masculine voice from behind the screen.

Leaning back in her chair, Ye Li grinned at the faintly visible silhouette. "I’m in a good mood, so I feel like laughing."

"A good mood? Aren’t you worried at all? Don’t you want to know why you’re here? Aren’t you afraid I might kill you?"

Ye Li replied lazily, "If you wanted to kill me, you would have done so already. Why waste both our time? As for why I’m here… Well, considering you managed to spirit me out of the palace without anyone noticing, you must be quite capable." The man seemed pleased and chuckled softly. "Taking you from the palace was nothing. It’s been seven days, and you’re right under the nose of the capital. Yet neither your useless husband nor that lofty figure in the palace has found even a trace of you." Ye Li shrugged. "Fine, I’ll admit you have some skills. And you even got Ye Yue to help you ambush me. I suppose my defeat isn’t entirely unjustified."

The man snorted. "Women of the Ye family—whether they appear clever or foolish—all love to overestimate themselves. Getting her help required no effort at all. Ye Li, when do you think the Ding Royal Palace will announce your death?"

"Unless they see my corpse, the Ding Royal Palace won’t declare me dead," Ye Li retorted.

"Arrogant woman! Do you really think Mo Xiuyao values you so highly?" The man’s voice carried a hint of anger.

Unfazed, Ye Li’s laughter held a teasing note. "Whether Mo Xiuyao values me or not seems irrelevant to you. Aren’t you going to come out and show yourself? Or… have you been disfigured? Mo Jingli."The person behind the screen seemed startled, and the room fell into silence for a long moment before erupting into unrestrained laughter. The figure behind the screen sat up, laughing heartily, "Ye Li, it seems this prince has indeed underestimated you all along." The man who stepped out from behind the screen was tall and imposing, his handsome face exuding an air of aloofness even as he smiled—none other than Mo Jingli.

Ye Li sat up calmly, regarding Mo Jingli with a composed expression. "Haven't most people in the capital also underestimated Your Highness all this time?"

Mo Jingli sneered. "You don’t seem surprised at all. It appears you’re not one of those 'most people.'" Ye Li frowned slightly in resignation. "Clearly, I was among them. Otherwise, I would never have provoked Your Highness before. Perhaps... I wouldn’t be in this situation now."

Mo Jingli snorted coldly, leaning in close to loom over her. "Do you regret it now? This prince warned you—opposing me would bring no good outcome. Mo Xiuyao can’t save you."

"Did Your Highness ever give me a choice?" Ye Li arched an eyebrow. "In your mind, breaking off our engagement and ruining my reputation was perfectly justified, while I seeking a better match was an affront to your dignity? Li Wang Dianxia... just who do you think you are?"

"Hmph!" Mo Jingli flicked his sleeve and stepped back, his gaze dark and domineering. "Ye Li, you’ve always been adept at provoking this prince!"

Ye Li sighed, raising her limp hand slightly. "Your Highness has played the mysterious card long enough. Won’t you finally tell me why you’ve brought me here?"

Mo Jingli ignored her question, countering instead, "When did you realize this prince’s identity?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Well... there aren’t many in the capital who hold a grudge against me, and even fewer bold enough to kidnap someone from the palace. As for those willing and capable of taking such a risk—after careful consideration, it seems Your Highness is the only candidate."

Far from the irritable temper he usually displayed, Mo Jingli seemed almost amused by her words. He moved to sit leisurely nearby, watching her. "Why would you think this prince would take such a risk?"

Ye Li replied calmly, "If the Princess of the State were harmed in the palace, whether the emperor was responsible or not, the blame would fall on him. Even if the Ding Royal Palace doesn’t retaliate, the court officials and commoners would surely view the emperor in a different light. Isn’t that so?"

Mo Jingli’s mood brightened, his brow lifting in satisfaction. "Indeed. My imperial brother has lost face and credibility this time. Did you think this prince was unaware that Mo Xiuyao wanted me and the emperor to fight while he reaped the benefits? I’ll force him to make the first move instead. With the Princess of the State missing in the palace, do you think he’ll remain idle? Just look—these past few days, he’s given my imperial brother no shortage of trouble."

"Your Highness seems quite pleased with yourself."

"And why shouldn’t I be?" Mo Jingli smirked at her. "Does Mo Xiuyao think I’ll forever be the fool he toyed with as a child? Even if he now suspects it wasn’t the emperor’s doing, what can he do? For the sake of Prince Ding’s reputation and dignity, he’ll have no choice but to trouble my imperial brother on my behalf."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "And if he discovers it was you?"

"Do you think this prince would give him that opportunity?"

I suspect he’s already begun to doubt you, Ye Li thought silently to herself."You don't seem the least bit curious about how I plan to deal with you?" Mo Jingli examined Ye Li with a frown.

Ye Li raised her eyes to look at him. "Using me to threaten Mo Xiuyao? I think... I'm probably not that important."

Mo Jingli studied her and nodded. "To be honest, I also have some doubts about your value in Mo Xiuyao's heart. So, for now, I don't intend to use you in any trade with him. And... I've suddenly thought of a much more interesting approach."

"All ears," Ye Li replied with little interest.

Ye Li's indifferent reaction did nothing to dampen Mo Jingli's high spirits. His gaze swept over her with satisfaction before he narrowed his eyes and said, "I still remember clearly what happened last time at the Lake of Beautiful Women. To be honest, I was only joking at the time, but now... I suddenly think it's a rather good idea. What do you think would happen if one day the whole world knew that Mo Xiuyao's wife had become my woman?" As if envisioning a delightful future, Mo Jingli laughed triumphantly.

"By then, you'd be a dead fool at Mo Xiuyao's hands..."

Ye Li had no doubt that Mo Xiuyao possessed the capability to cleanse any humiliation inflicted upon him with the blood of his enemies. If a man could endure such dire circumstances in his physical condition, remain unbroken after facing such despair, and still maneuver schemes in the shadows, then he would undoubtedly accomplish anything he set his mind to. Such a man was also the most terrifying of enemies.

"Ye Li, don't you think this is a splendid idea?" Mo Jingli's eyes held a trace of amusement as he looked at her, as if observing a kitten trapped in a cage. "To be honest, I somewhat regret handing you over to Mo Xiuyao. But this is all your fault. If you hadn’t deliberately pretended to be mediocre and deceived me, why would I have discarded you for that ignorant fool Ye Ying? Isn’t this perfect now? Everything can return to how it was—you’ll still belong to me." Whispering these words, Mo Jingli slowly leaned closer to Ye Li, his towering frame making her seem all the more fragile.

"Your Highness, I wouldn’t advise you to do this," Ye Li said softly, her voice clear and pleasant.

Mo Jingli chuckled lowly. "I don’t need your advice. All you need to do is obey obediently. Ye Li, though you’ve always displeased me, I am magnanimous enough not to hold it against you."

Ye Li’s smile turned cold. She raised her hand and slowly placed it on Mo Jingli’s shoulder, her lips curving into a faint smile as she exhaled softly. "Is that so? Then... I suppose Your Highness won’t blame me if I do this?"

Her cool fingers rested against Mo Jingli’s neck, the gesture appearing as though she were embracing him from her seat. Yet this seemingly tender moment carried an inexplicable undercurrent of lethality. Mo Jingli felt with absolute clarity the sharp edge pressing dangerously against his throat—a single slight movement could slit it open.

Ye Li smiled. "I advise Your Highness not to make any sudden moves. I’ve spent quite some time plucking flowers and herbs in the garden. If I accidentally nicked Your Highness’s noble neck, I wonder if that Miss Xiaoyun would arrive in time to administer the antidote?"

"Ye Li!" Mo Jingli growled through clenched teeth.

Ye Li arched a brow at him and waved her free hand before his eyes. Her well-manicured nails were long and hard, tinted with faint henna dye. But along their edges lurked an ominous blue hue.

"Ye Li, even if you harm me, you won’t escape," Mo Jingli said, suppressing his fury with forced calm.

Ye Li sighed helplessly. "As if you’d let me go even if I didn’t harm you."

"Ye Li, release me now, and I’ll let this go!" Mo Jingli warned in a low, threatening voice.The slender fingers pressing against his neck exerted a slight downward pressure, successfully silencing Mo Jingli. Ye Li frowned and said, "Your Highness, I'm truly tired of your constant presumptuousness. I hope this will be our last interaction."

"Don't even think about it!" Mo Jingli sneered.

"Don't be foolish. With someone else, perhaps we could gamble on who's quicker. But I don't think you'd take that bet with me—because... you've never wanted to die, have you? You still need to live to achieve your royal ambitions, don't you?" Ye Li smiled.

Mo Jingli took a deep breath, suppressing his anger. "What do you want?"

"Nothing much." Ye Li smiled faintly and snapped her fingers with her free hand. "An Yi, An Er, An San, An Si."

"Your subordinates greet the Princess Consort."

The door was pushed open as a figure swiftly slipped inside and closed it again. Another figure silently descended from the ceiling, landing lightly on the floor. From behind, they flanked Mo Jingli on either side. "An Yi, An San, at your service, Princess Consort."

Ye Li nodded in satisfaction. "Where are the other two?"

An San replied, "An Er and An Si are outside."

"When did you find me?" Ye Li asked.

"Yesterday afternoon."

An Yi coughed lightly and asked, "Princess Consort, could you... perhaps release Prince Li first?" An San looked up at the ceiling—he hadn't seen the Princess Consort and Prince Li standing so intimately close.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Your Highness?"

Mo Jingli snorted coldly. "Let go."

Ye Li released him indifferently. With two swords now pointed at his back, Mo Jingli would know better than to act rashly—unless he'd gone mad. The moment her fingers left his neck, Mo Jingli immediately stepped back, putting distance between himself and An Yi and An San. "How did you get in here?"

"By walking in," An San answered earnestly.

Mo Jingli narrowed his eyes, reassessing the abilities of these two shadow guards in his mind. He knew a little about the shadow guards of the Ding Royal Palace—they were indeed formidable. But this courtyard was heavily guarded. For just four people to infiltrate it undetected...

"Princess Consort, what now...?" An Yi glanced at his unreliable comrade before stepping forward to seek instructions.

Ye Li stood up, stretching slightly. "Inform An Er and An Si—we're leaving. Oh, and Your Highness, would you kindly escort us out?"

"Xiaoyun's medicine had no effect on you?" Mo Jingli stared at her. Ye Li shook her head. "It worked, but the effects wore off." She wouldn't tell him that she had improvised an antidote using some weeds from the garden—though not a perfect counter, most Tendon Weakening Powders weren't too different in composition.

"Just now..."

Ye Li smiled cheerfully, watching Mo Jingli with amusement. "If you had made any reckless moves earlier, I would have dislocated both your arms. As for this..." She gestured to her fingers. "Don't worry, there's no poison. Do you think I'd risk accidentally cutting myself?"

Mo Jingli fell silent for a long moment before finally gritting his teeth. "This time, I admit defeat!"

"Your Highness needn't dwell on gains and losses. I didn't win either. Now, shall we go?"

"Hmph!"