Mo Li

"Father and Grandmother, have you been well lately?" Ye Li asked softly after the servants had served tea and withdrawn.

Lord Ye was momentarily taken aback, studying Ye Li's expression before replying, "We're managing, but your fourth sister..." Ye Li raised an eyebrow, "Prince Li didn't take Fourth Sister with him when he left the capital?" Lord Ye shook his head. It was fortunate Mo Jingli hadn't taken Ye Ying, otherwise the Ye family would never have escaped charges of conspiring with Prince Li in rebellion. Though Ye Ying was now under house arrest, it at least convinced the Emperor that the Ye family hadn't colluded with Prince Li. After a moment's thought, Ye Li asked, "Who did Prince Li take with him when he left the capital?" Seeing no reason to hide it, Lord Ye answered gravely, "Only that woman from the Southern Border. Even Consort Xian Zhao remained in the capital. The Empress Dowager has taken Consort Xian Zhao into the palace, but with Prince Li's rebellion, her situation isn't favorable either." At this thought, Lord Ye felt deep regret. While he had been aligned with the Empress Dowager and privately favored Prince Li, he never expected Prince Li would suddenly rebel. Had he known Prince Li would act so recklessly, he would have wholeheartedly supported the Emperor. At least then he'd still have his Zhaoyi daughter and imperial grandson. Now he had nothing.

"Fourth Sister is under house arrest by the Emperor?" Ye Li arched an eyebrow. "Why didn't Prince Li take her? She was his properly wedded wife. He couldn't have been unaware of what would befall her if left in the capital."

With a helpless sigh, Lord Ye explained, "Ying'er is two months pregnant. She couldn't possibly undertake such a journey."

A realization dawned on Ye Li as she looked calmly at Lord Ye and Ye Laofuren. "Prince Li never knew about Fourth Sister's pregnancy, did he?" No matter how heartless Mo Jingli was, he wouldn't abandon his own flesh and blood—especially when this might be his only heir. The only explanation was that he'd been kept in the dark, and Ye Ying had found an excuse to stay behind. Under her gaze, Ye Laofuren grew uneasy and said awkwardly, "That Qixia Princess is no kind soul, and Prince Li dotes on her terribly. With Ying'er's limited cunning, the child likely wouldn't have survived the journey to Lingzhou. Since Prince Li spends most of each year in the capital anyway, we thought it best for Ying'er to remain here for the birth."

Ye Li understood their motives perfectly. With Ye Zhaoyi and the young prince dead in the palace, Ye Ying's pregnancy was their only hope—keeping the child in the capital would ensure the baby's closeness to the Ye family. They hadn't anticipated Mo Jingli would launch a rebellion without even informing them. Ironically, this oversight had saved the Ye family. Of course, the Emperor's current leniency toward the Ye family likely had something to do with the Ding Royal Palace's influence. With a quiet sigh, Ye Li said to Lord Ye, "Father, the Emperor must know about Fourth Sister's pregnancy by now. The only reason he hasn't acted is probably to use her child as leverage against Prince Li."

This possibility had already occurred to Lord Ye. His urgent visit to Prince Ding's Estate wasn't truly for Ye Ying's sake. "Then what should we..."Ye Li raised her hand to stop him from speaking further and looked solemnly at Lord Ye. "Father, I don't understand the ways of officials. But what those in power fear most is disloyalty among their subordinates. Do you truly believe His Majesty has been unaware of your actions these past two years? In my view, Prince Li's cunning is no match for that of the one in the palace." Lord Ye's expression shifted slightly. "You mean..."

Ye Li lowered her head to sip her tea without responding, allowing Lord Ye to sit there with his face flickering through various emotions.

Ye Laofuren, however, could no longer remain seated. She quickly asked, "Li'er, what should we do now?" Ye Li replied calmly, "Father should swiftly submit a memorial denouncing Prince Li's crimes and plead for His Majesty's forgiveness. As for the future... the Emperor will no longer trust the Ye family, so it's best for Father to simultaneously request to be relieved of his ministerial position. From now on, we should keep a low profile and focus on properly educating Rong-di."

"This..." Both Lord Ye and Ye Laofuren were stunned, their faces showing unwillingness. After a moment's thought, Ye Laofuren cautiously said to Ye Li, "Li'er, Prince Ding has just quelled the rebellion in Yongzhou with merit. Could we ask him to..." Seeing the hopeful look on Ye Laofuren's face, Ye Li gave a cold laugh and said indifferently, "The Ding Royal Palace has quelled many rebellions with merit. If Grandmother doesn't know, does Father not understand the current situation of the Ding Royal Palace either?" Lord Ye could only sigh in frustration. Precisely because the Ding Royal Palace had merit, it was even less likely to plead for him. The more Prince Ding interceded, the more the Emperor would suppress the Ye family. Lord Ye now didn't know whether to resent this or not. Because of the Ding Royal Palace's existence, the Emperor would never employ the Ye family again. Yet at the same time, it was because of the Ding Royal Palace—because his daughter was the Princess of the State—that the Ye family had avoided complete destruction.

"Father, if you can take it up, you should be able to put it down. Fight when you should fight, but retreat when it's time to retreat. No matter how glorious fame and fortune may be, can they compare to one's life?" Ye Li said softly.

Lord Ye trembled, his face showing struggle. He looked at Ye Li and said, "If in the future I..." Ye Li interrupted him before he could finish, "Father, be cautious with your words." Lord Ye finally lowered his head in defeat, sighing deeply without another word. Ye Laofuren also understood that Ye Li had personally refused to seek Prince Ding's intercession, cutting off the Ye family's last hope. The thought of no longer being the matriarch of the Minister's residence and the Ye family's impending decline filled her with resentment. "Li'er, how can you be so heartless? No matter how many faults your father has, he is still your father. The Ye family is still your maternal home—what good will its decline do you? The Ding Royal Palace has few relatives to begin with. Do you not want support in court in the future?"

"Support?" Ye Li murmured softly, raising her eyes to look at Ye Laofuren's pained expression. "Have Father and Grandmother visited Elder Sister and Nan Hou Shizi?"

Ye Laofuren was left speechless. They had gone to the Marquis Nan's residence as soon as Prince Li's incident occurred, but the gates had been closed to visitors. They hadn't even been able to see Marquis Nan or his heir. Only a few days prior, Ye Zhen had quietly returned to the Ye residence once, and her words had made it clear that Marquis Nan's family could offer no help. After all, when it came to raising troops in rebellion, no subject would dare get involved."Last year, my eldest uncle mentioned to me that Father had always been cautious throughout his life, but in the past two years, he had become somewhat complacent. I also brought it up with Grandmother, but at the time, both she and Father likely thought I was resentful and jealous of Second Sister and Fourth Sister because I was married into Prince Ding's Estate. Now that things have come to this, even if Prince Ding could plead for Father’s sake—which he cannot—has Father considered how he would stand in court afterward? On the way back, I heard that these days, the Emperor favors Consort Yun and Wang Zhaorong, and there are even hints of appointing Consort Liu’s son as the Crown Prince. It seems he intends to promote the Yun and Wang families, while the Liu family’s influence grows daily. Father, whether it’s the Lius, the Yuns, or the Wangs, they are all prestigious families with deep roots, and more importantly... none of them get along with the Ye family. Don’t you understand the Emperor’s intentions?"

Lord Ye suddenly seemed to age ten years, his voice hoarse as he replied, "I understand... I will submit a memorial to the Emperor pleading for forgiveness."

Watching Lord Ye’s defeated and aged demeanor, Ye Li inwardly shook her head but felt little sympathy. Some people were born to value fame and fortune more than life itself, and there was no helping it.

"Prince Ding has returned."

The atmosphere in the parlor was still heavy when a maid’s voice came from outside. Before the words faded, Mo Xiuyao had already stepped into the hall. Having been summoned to the palace by Mo Jingqi immediately upon returning to the capital, he hadn’t even had time to change his clothes. He still wore a white robe, with a trace of exhaustion between his brows that few could detect.

"Greetings to Prince Ding!" Lord Ye and Ye Laofuren hurriedly rose to bow.

Mo Xiuyao nodded faintly and walked over to sit beside Ye Li. "Lord Ye, Lady Ye, have you come to see A Li?"

Lord Ye nodded awkwardly. "Indeed. A Li has been missing for several months, and both my mother and I were deeply worried. Upon hearing that Your Highness had brought her back, we rushed over to see her." Mo Xiuyao gave a faint nod, though he naturally dismissed this explanation. If they had truly been worried, they would have shown it long ago—not waited until now. Over the past couple of months, the Ye family hadn’t even sent anyone to Prince Ding's Estate to inquire, let alone search for her. Even Marquis Nan’s household had sent people to ask twice. To outsiders, the Ye family wasn’t just indifferent—they were outright heartless.

"Granny Sun said you’ve been busy handling estate affairs since your return. If you’re tired, rest first. Those trivial matters can wait a few more days," Mo Xiuyao said softly to Ye Li, ignoring Lord Ye and Ye Laofuren. Ye Li smiled and shook her head. Lord Ye could hardly miss Prince Ding’s coldness toward him and, too embarrassed to linger, rose to take his leave. As he observed the refined yet imposing man seated beside Ye Li—save for the silver mask covering half his face—there was no trace of the sickly, crippled figure he once was. If Prince Ding had truly recovered fully, the resurgence of Ding Royal Palace was inevitable. Regret gnawed at him for his shortsightedness—he had once dismissed them due to the Emperor’s disdain for King Ding and Mo Xiuyao’s health, and now it was too late to make amends.

"What urgent matter did the Emperor summon you to the palace for?" Ye Li asked after seeing Lord Ye and Ye Laofuren out.

Mo Xiuyao rubbed his temples, frowning. "The Emperor plans to send a princess to Northern Rong for a political marriage.""Marriage alliance?" Ye Li couldn't help but recall last year's farcical marriage proposal involving Western Liang's Princess Lingyun. Frowning in confusion, she asked, "Who does His Majesty intend to send for this political marriage?" All of the late emperor's daughters were already married, and the eldest among Mo Jingqi's own daughters was Princess Changle, born to the empress, who was merely eight years old this year.

Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "Naturally, they'll select someone from the capital's nobility or royal family. Duke Hua's granddaughter is also on the candidate list."

"Tianxiang?" Ye Li frowned. Northern Rong was a bitterly cold land. Everyone knew the emperor only wanted this marriage alliance now to free his hands to deal with Prince Li. Once the Prince Li matter was settled, who would remember a woman sent far away to Northern Rong? If war broke out between the two countries, the marriage alliance princess would become mere collateral damage.

Mo Xiuyao said, "You needn't worry too much. His Majesty cannot disregard Duke Hua and the empress's standing. Moreover, if there truly is to be a marriage alliance with Northern Rong, they'll most likely choose someone from the royal family. After all, the Northern Rong people aren't so easily fooled."

Ye Li nodded, then asked curiously, "Would His Majesty really need to specially summon you to the palace to discuss something like a marriage alliance with Northern Rong?"

A mocking smile appeared at the corner of Mo Xiuyao's lips as he replied, "When the princess is sent off, His Majesty wishes me to represent Great Chu as the escort, and incidentally attend the Northern Rong king's sixtieth birthday celebration in September."

For Prince Ding himself to personally escort the bride - this was an unexpectedly high status for the marriage alliance. Ye Li frowned in thought before finally looking up and asking, "His Majesty wants to remove you from Great Chu. Why?"

The Northern Rong capital was located in the far north. To reach it in time for the king's birthday in September, the bridal procession would need to depart by mid-July at the latest. Even if Mo Xiuyao rushed back immediately after the wedding, he wouldn't return to the capital until October at the earliest. That meant he would be absent from Great Chu for nearly three months. Who could predict what might happen in three months?

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "His Majesty has made many preparations over these years. It's truly difficult to guess his intentions at this moment." The thoughts of intelligent people weren't hard to discern, nor were those of fools. It was precisely those with wildly unpredictable minds that were difficult to read. Take Mo Jingli for example - even someone as astute as Mo Xiuyao or Xu Qingchen would never have imagined he would choose that moment to rebel, because anyone could see at a glance it was doomed to fail.

In truth, even if Mo Jingli had successfully allied with Southern Border to breach Snowbreak Pass, he wouldn't have gained much advantage. It would only have brought suffering to the border people. And how much did Emperor Mo Jingqi truly care about the people's hardships?

"So did you agree?" Ye Li asked.Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly, "The emperor's orders are hard to defy." Ye Li shrugged helplessly, "Understood, I'll stay in the capital." Mo Xiuyao shook his head with a smile, "No, you'll go to Yunzhou when the time comes." Ye Li looked at him puzzled, and Mo Xiuyao explained, "Prince Ding isn't the emperor, and the Ding Royal Palace isn't the imperial palace—it doesn't need someone to guard it at all times. Mo Jingqi... when pushed to the brink, he tends to resort to tactics that harm others without benefiting himself. I'd feel more at ease if you were in Yunzhou." The true core of the Ding Royal Palace wasn't the estate in the capital but the people within it. Even if the estate were razed to the ground, as long as its master remained, the Ding Royal Palace would still be the Ding Royal Palace.

Ye Li shook her head, "That makes it even more unacceptable. If I go to Yunzhou, wouldn't that put Grandfather and the others in danger? And don't tell me Mo Jingqi wouldn't dare to move against Yunzhou. If they're bold enough to target Prince Ding's Estate, why would they hesitate with the Xu family? Besides, Prince Ding's Estate has more enemies than just the one in the palace." Mo Xiuyao gazed quietly at Ye Li for a long moment before sighing, "A Li, it seems I can never give you a peaceful and tranquil life." Ye Li chuckled softly, "Peace and tranquility are possible. You could hide me away in some unknown place, but I don't like that, understand? Take this trip to the Southern Border, for example. It wasn't absolutely necessary for me to go—we could have sent someone else, or even no one at all, and Elder Brother would have been fine. Even if I couldn't appear in public for a while, I could have just secluded myself somewhere. I went because I wanted to travel, and I realized I prefer life outside." Out there, even if there were dangers, at least the lines between friend and foe were clear. Back in the capital, the thought of facing those who smiled warmly to your face while plotting behind your back made Ye Li's head ache. It wasn't that she couldn't handle it—she just didn't like it.

"I also think A Li is more... dazzling when she's outside," Mo Xiuyao murmured with a low laugh. In the capital, A Li always wore a faint smile in public, gentle and elegant, the very image of a proper noblewoman from a scholarly family. Mo Xiuyao would never tell anyone about the moment he loosed that arrow beneath the walls of Yonglin City, when he saw the woman before him clad in black robes indistinguishable from those of the Black Cloud Cavalry, her gaze cool and proud, her eyes alight with brilliance. Never before had he understood so clearly that his consort wasn't just the refined woman reading by lamplight but also this striking figure who could command the battlefield with effortless grace. Suddenly, Mo Xiuyao recalled a long-forgotten vow he had made years ago in front of his father and elder brother: "My wife shall be like Ancestor Princess Qingyun, accompanying me in conquest across the land, standing shoulder to shoulder as we behold the vast realm together." That arrow, he felt, had carried not just the shot that saved A Li—but perhaps his heart as well.Ye Li's jade-like face flushed slightly. Ever since their reunion in Yonglin City, there had been an odd tension between her and Mo Xiuyao. When occupied with matters, she didn't dwell on it much, but in quiet moments, she couldn't help feeling unsettled. She wasn't some clueless blockhead—after that kiss outside Snowbreak Pass, she naturally understood their relationship had evolved beyond mere friendship. Yet facing Mo Xiuyao, she couldn't summon the same ease and casualness she'd had in romantic relationships in her past life. This uncontrollable emotion even made her somewhat resentful toward him. Mo Xiuyao seemed to understand her feelings perfectly, never overstepping, but their private moments together had undeniably grown more intimate and tender.

"How are Qingluan and Qingyu? Can they be released now?" Ye Li asked softly, turning her head away.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "There was never any real issue. Keeping them confined was for their safety. Now that you've returned unharmed, it's fine. I'll have them released shortly."

Back in her courtyard, Qingluan and Qingyu indeed looked well, clearly unharmed over the past two months. Qing Xia and Qingshuang fussed over Ye Li incessantly, piling her with tonics and new clothes as if she'd endured unimaginable hardships. Ye Li had no choice but to let them fuss until they finally settled down, at which point she dismissed Qing Xia and Qingshuang, keeping only Qingyu and Qingluan by her side.

"We failed in our duties. Please punish us, Your Highness," the two maids knelt and said solemnly once the room quieted.

"Get up," Ye Li frowned, studying them. "Were you two treated well these past two months?" Qingyu and Qingluan wiped their tears, the latter nodding vigorously. "We were fine, only terribly worried about Your Highness... Had anything happened to you, we wouldn't have dared face the Old Master or the Young Master again, even in death." Seeing the palpable relief and joy in their expressions, Ye Li sighed softly. "What exactly were you hiding? I know His Highness' temperament. You're my people—he wouldn't have confined you without good reason. Is it something you couldn't tell him... or even me?"

The two exchanged glances, hesitation flickering in their eyes. Ye Li waited patiently, her gaze steady. Finally, Qingyu met her eyes, resolve firming. "We... truly failed. The truth is... we left Yaohua Palace before the fire. Qingluan followed to rescue me afterward. That's why the shadow guards couldn't find us after the palace burned." Ye Li nodded. "Then... where did you go?"

"I saw someone and followed them," Qingyu murmured.

"I only went after hearing Qingyu scream," Qingluan added.

Ye Li's brow furrowed. "Who did you see?"

Qingyu lowered her voice. "Su Zuidie... and... His Highness.""Su Zuidie and the Prince?" Ye Li blinked in surprise. "You're saying you saw Su Zuidie with the Prince in the palace, which is why you followed them? Are you certain it was Su Zuidie you saw?" Qingyu lowered her head in thought before replying, "This servant has seen that 'Beauties of the Capital' painting gifted to the Prince and Princess during your wedding. The woman bore at least seventy to eighty percent resemblance to the one in the portrait. There aren't many in the palace with such striking beauty. And the Prince... it was definitely the Prince, which is why this servant..."

Ye Li nodded slightly, finally understanding why these maids had refused to tell Mo Xiuyao the truth. "So you saw the Prince meeting with a woman who looked remarkably like Su Zuidie in the palace. Then when Yaohua Palace caught fire and I went missing, you deliberately concealed this information from him." Qingyu bit her lip and nodded.

After some consideration, Ye Li asked, "But have you considered... if the Prince's legs were still impaired at that time, wouldn't meeting a woman in the palace be too conspicuous? With the Prince's martial skills, he wouldn't have allowed you to get too close. If you weren't near enough, how could you be certain it was Su Zuidie and the Prince you saw?" Qingyu replied, "This servant can't swear the woman was Su Zuidie. But that man's voice was unquestionably the Prince's." Ye Li frowned. She knew Qingyu's exceptional hearing—the maid had possessed extraordinary auditory abilities since childhood, far surpassing even Qingluan who had trained in martial arts from a young age. Qingyu never forgot a voice she'd heard once, let alone Mo Xiuyao's, whom she saw practically daily.

"What about Qingluan then?"

"The servant heard Qingyu's scream. Although Qingyu knows how to use poison, she doesn't know martial arts, so I rushed over immediately. But I fainted as soon as I saw Qingyu's back."

Qingyu frowned and said, "The servant was indeed startled when I saw His Highness and was then knocked unconscious. But... it was an extremely faint sound that couldn't possibly have alerted Qingluan."

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "You've both had a hard time these past two months. Tell me, what were you thinking?"

The two couldn't help but glance at each other. Qingluan cautiously peeked at Ye Li before saying, "This servant... this servant didn't think anything..."

Qingyu said, "At the time, I suspected... that His Highness was with someone... and then I heard the princess had gone missing, so..."

Ye Li laughed, "So you suspected His Highness conspired with someone to harm me?"

Qingyu's face turned red, while Qingluan stared at her with wide eyes, looking shocked. Ye Li understood that what they said was likely true. After all, Qingluan and Qingyu had been living separately these two months with no chance to meet. The shadow guards had found them in different places. Unless they had coordinated their stories before being found, there was little chance their accounts could be fabricated. During these two months, Qingluan had been very quiet, only crying every day at first. In contrast, the usually composed Qingyu had repeatedly tried to escape and always treated the estate's staff with hostility. If Qingyu had seen Mo Xiuyao while Qingluan hadn't, it would make sense.

After some thought, Ye Li nodded and said, "I understand. Qingyu, let's not mention this matter again. I trust His Highness, understand?"

Qingyu frowned slightly, wanting to say more. Ye Li said calmly, "Sometimes what you hear isn't necessarily the truth. Have you considered that if it really were His Highness, given how meticulous he is, would he appear in the palace on the very day he knew I was going there? Moreover, the biggest flaw is that you're both still alive. You were knocked out because you discovered His Highness, but... Qingluan aside, why are you still unharmed? This is the Ding Royal Palace. If His Highness wanted to silence you, not even I as the princess could escape, let alone you two. Do you understand?" Qingyu's face paled. "Your Highness means..."

Qingluan asked in confusion, "If the other party wanted to sow discord, did they know Your Highness was unharmed in the fire?"

Ye Li nodded with a smile. "Very likely. However, if something had really happened to me and His Highness knew you were innocent, he would have released you. Qingyu, what would you have done after leaving?"

Qingyu said firmly, "I would naturally report everything to the Old Master, the Master, and the Young Master to seek justice for you, miss!"

Qingluan exclaimed, "They wanted to drive a wedge between the Ding Royal Palace and the Xu family?!"

Ye Li rested her forehead on her hand and said, "Whether they wanted to create discord between me and His Highness or between Prince Ding's Estate and the Xu family depends on whether they knew about the Yaohua Palace fire. In the end, it's the same—if my relationship with His Highness were ruined, how could the estate and the Xu family remain on good terms?"

Qingyu's face was pale as she said, "I... suspecting His Highness... did I make a mistake?" But what puzzled her most was who that person could be. She trusted her ears far more than her eyes."No matter, fortunately the prince also suspected you knew something dangerous, which is why he placed you under house arrest. No harm has been done now. As for the prince you mentioned... I'll look into what's going on later." Ye Li smiled faintly, a cold glint flashing in her eyes. Indeed, trouble had started the moment she returned to the capital. Well then, let her see if there was truly a second Su Zuidie and Mo Xiuyao in the capital.

Qingyu nodded earnestly. "This servant also wants to know who could possibly deceive my ears."

Ye Li gave a faint smile. Even what one saw with their own eyes could be deceptive, let alone what they heard. Still... she, too, wanted to know who could understand her and those around her so well.