Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 317 - 315. Xiling Emperor Moves the Capital

315. The Xiling Emperor Relocates the Capital

Upon hearing Xu Qingchen’s words, Marquis South and his son were also stunned. Even though Prince Ding’s Mansion and Great Chu had been estranged for many years, a hidden force still existed within Great Chu. This force remained undisclosed even as wars raged across the land. This truly made the two men admire the profound resources of Prince Ding’s Mansion. However, as both knew their limits, they refrained from asking for details Xu Qingchen had not offered.

Marquis South glanced at the banners fluttering some distance away outside the pass and asked, "How does Young Master Qingchen plan to deal with the Beirong and Xiling armies outside the pass?"

Xu Qingchen replied indifferently, "Beirong is intent on capturing the territory of Great Chu and won’t clash with us head-on. As for Xiling, they’re merely making a show of strength and cheering from behind the Beirong soldiers. In that case... we’ll take care of both these forces."

Marquis South looked at Xu Qingchen and asked, "Does Young Master Qingchen possess such confidence?"

Xu Qingchen offered a slight smile. "Military expeditions are Marquis South’s expertise. How can you ask if I have confidence? Truthfully, while I can devise strategies, military affairs and troop deployment are not my strong suits."

Marquis South smiled. "Young Master is too modest." Based on Xu Qingchen’s recent plans alone, he couldn’t be considered entirely ignorant of military matters. However, compared to his literary flair and ability to govern, this aspect was less prominent.

"It’s not modesty. This battle will require great effort from Marquis South and General Lv," Xu Qingchen replied seriously.

Realizing he was being entrusted with Feihong Pass and the Mo Family Army, Marquis South felt a surge of enthusiasm. He stated solemnly, "Please rest assured, Young Master Qingchen. I will not be negligent in the slightest."

"That’s excellent," Xu Qingchen nodded with a smile. "Let the Beirong see if the Mo Family Army, after years without battle, is truly inferior to them."

This unassuming comment stirred a heroic spirit within Marquis South. Though he had fought numerous battles in his earlier life, he had never imagined leading the Mo Family Army against two formidable foes like Beirong and Xiling.

「That day, a large crowd gathered outside the Xiling Imperial Palace, the atmosphere tense.」

Soldiers of the Mo Family Army, dressed in black, had replaced the original Xiling defenders and stood atop the city walls. This symbolized that, from this day forward, the Xiling Imperial City completely belonged to the Mo Family Army. Outside the city gates, bright yellow banners embroidered with dragons fluttered in the wind. Rows of various carriages lined the official road outside the Imperial City, awaiting departure. Today was the day the Xiling Emperor officially embarked on his journey from the Imperial City to Ancheng City. Many nobles and court officials were also leaving with him.

However, not many ordinary people chose to leave with the Xiling Emperor. For common citizens, loyalty to the emperor and country were distant concerns. Moreover, the Xiling Imperial City had been willingly surrendered by the Emperor, not forcibly captured by the Mo Family Army. Consequently, few commoners were willing to depart with him. The Mo Family Army had always enjoyed a good reputation. Rather than follow the Xiling Emperor, abandon their ancestral homes for an unknown future, they preferred to live peacefully under the rule of Prince Ding’s Mansion.

Therefore, among the dense crowd outside the city, those who came to see the emperor off or merely watch the spectacle significantly outnumbered those planning to leave. This inevitably made the Xiling Emperor feel somewhat desolate. But the world was filled with common people, and the Xiling Emperor had never regarded them as particularly significant.

"Prince Ding, the Princess Consort is here."

The Xiling Emperor was leaving, so Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li naturally had to see him off. Fortunately, after several days of recuperation, Ye Li had significantly improved, though Xu Qingbai still lay bedridden.

Mo Xiuyao had one arm around Ye Li’s waist, holding her protectively, completely unconcerned by the surrounding gazes. However, Ye Li was surprised to notice that the expressions of many officials and nobles, who usually greeted them respectfully, were now filled with extreme fear. On closer inspection, she realized their fearful gazes were not directed at her but at the man beside her. She looked up at Mo Xiuyao in confusion.

Due to Ye Li’s pregnancy, Mo Xiuyao also had an inkling that Ye Li disliked his propensity for large-scale killing. Or perhaps, Mo Xiuyao himself was reluctant to let Ye Li know this side of his nature. In the days since Ye Li had awakened, no one had told her what had transpired while she was unconscious. Naturally, Ye Li did not understand the reason for these people’s fear.

"Your Majesty, I wish you a safe journey," Mo Xiuyao said with a clear laugh, offering a rare cupped-fist salute to the Xiling Emperor.

The Xiling Emperor was taken aback, feeling somewhat flattered. He hurriedly returned the courtesy, "I thank Prince Ding for his auspicious words, and I also congratulate Prince Ding and the Princess Consort on the joyous news of expecting a child."

Ye Li nodded with a faint smile. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Please take care."

Although having to maintain a pleasant demeanor towards the one who had seized a vast portion of his land and his imperial city was incredibly frustrating, he would soon be leaving this place and completely escaping Mo Xiuyao, this god of slaughter. This thought made the Xiling Emperor’s smile a little more genuine. He chuckled, "Thank you, Princess Consort. I shall take my leave now."

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "No need to see us off."

The Xiling Emperor’s dragon palanquin was parked not far away on the central official road, surrounded by his original palace guards, eunuchs, and palace maids. Behind it were the carriages of the imperial concubines, princesses, and members of the imperial clan. After the Xiling Emperor was helped into his palanquin, the others followed, boarding their respective carriages and preparing to depart.

As soon as the dragon palanquin began to move, Mo Xiuyao waved to the crowd that had come to see them off. "Alright, everyone can disperse now." Supporting Ye Li, he turned to return to the city. The people behind them were silent. Prince, you could at least make the act convincing! Never mind watching him depart into the distance, but don’t turn around so hastily when the Xiling Emperor’s palanquin has barely moved a step!

However, the commanders of the Mo Family Army had no objections. As for the former Xiling nobles, they had no desire to display respect for their old master in front of the new one. After a moment of silence, they all dispersed.

"Princess Consort Ding... I seek an audience with Princess Consort Ding..." Just as Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were about to enter the city, a sharp cry came from behind. Ye Li turned and saw an anxious Madam Bai rushing towards her. Unfortunately, since the recent assassination attempt, all the guards around Ye Li had been replaced by Qilin. Although Ye Li was somewhat reluctant, she knew this incident must have frightened many people, so she didn’t voice any objection, considering it a way to reassure those who cared about her.

The moment Madam Bai called out for Princess Consort Ding, she was stopped by the guards of Prince Ding’s Mansion, still more than ten steps away from Ye Li. Seeing Ye Li about to be helped into the city by Mo Xiuyao, Madam Bai, unwilling to give up, cried out, "Princess Consort... I have something I must discuss with you..."

The onlookers were silent. They certainly knew about the Bai Family’s situation; Prince Ding had killed the Bai family’s daughter that very day. Many were speculating when Prince Ding’s Mansion planned to make a move against the Bai Family.

Ye Li frowned slightly, thought for a moment, and then said, "Please take Madam Bai to the guesthouse." A guard behind her acknowledged the order, swiftly led Madam Bai away, and disappeared from the crowd.

The Xiling Emperor departed, leaving behind an empty palace. The Xiling Imperial Palace was smaller than the imperial palace of Great Chu and the old palace of the previous dynasty in the south of Great Chu. However, despite its size, it was still an imperial palace. Mo Xiuyao clearly had no intention of relocating to Xiling, so the disposal of this palace became an issue. Historically, old palaces of former dynasties were either reused by the new dynasty, maintained as imperial traveling lodges, or left to fall into ruin over time. But none of these options suited the style of Prince Ding’s Mansion. In the end, Mo Xiuyao decided that the front half of the palace, after removing items exclusive to the emperor, would serve as the future highest administrative governmental office in Xiling Imperial City. The latter half, the harem, would be temporarily sealed, with its fate to be decided later.

As they would soon be leaving Xiling, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had no intention of moving into the palace merely to experience living there. After bidding farewell to the Xiling Emperor, they returned to the guesthouse where they were temporarily staying. The first thing they did upon returning was to visit Xu Qingbai, who was still recuperating.

Although Xu Qingbai’s injuries weren’t critical, they were still severe. After several days of healing, he could only sit up in bed, propped against a high stack of pillows, to talk with them. When Ye Li entered, First Madam Xu was feeding Xu Qingbai medicine, which made him visibly uncomfortable. He was a grown man, and his hands weren’t injured; being fed by his mother felt rather awkward. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao enter, his eyes lit up as if he had seen his saviors. First Madam Xu, knowing exactly what he was thinking, snorted unhappily. "No matter who comes, you finish your medicine first!"

Helpless, Xu Qingbai said, "Mother, just give me the bowl. I can drink it myself." He would much rather gulp it down than have it fed to him spoonful by spoonful. That medicinal soup always tastes awful!

First Madam Xu looked at him with a half-smile. "So, you admit the medicine is bitter now? Then why don’t you focus on recuperating properly? Did you think I didn’t know you were reading those case files last night?"

This made Ye Li feel rather guilty. If they weren’t in such a hurry to leave Xiling, Fourth Brother wouldn’t have to deal with these matters while still injured.

Finally, First Madam Xu, having had her fill of watching her son’s handsome face contort like a bitter melon, handed him the medicine bowl. Xu Qingbai quickly took it and gulped down more than half, grimacing and frowning deeply. First Madam Xu exasperatedly stuffed a candied fruit into his mouth, then took the empty bowl and left.

Being seen in such a predicament by his cousin and her husband, the usually adept and smooth Fourth Young Master Xu felt somewhat embarrassed. He smiled at them and asked, "Has the Xiling Emperor left?"

Ye Li nodded, sat down by the bed, and carefully examined Xu Qingbai’s complexion. It was indeed better than yesterday’s. "He just left," she said. "Fourth Brother, why are you rushing to look at those documents? Your wounds haven’t healed; you should rest properly. Besides, Xiuyao and Third Feng are here, aren’t they?"

Xu Qingbai smiled. "Lying in bed for so many days doing nothing is quite boring. I was just browsing." Glancing at Mo Xiuyao, who had sat down on a nearby chair, Xu Qingbai asked, "When are you planning to return? Great Chu is currently in turmoil, which makes it a prime time for us to annex Xiling. However, Xiling is vast. Although the Xiling Imperial City fell easily this time, there was an element of luck involved. To truly conquer all of Xiling would likely take three to five years. By then, if Beirong’s Northern Territory and Lei Zhenting have established a firm foothold in Great Chu, our gains wouldn’t outweigh the losses. After all, no matter how large Xiling is, it cannot compare to the fertile and bountiful lands of Great Chu."

Mo Xiuyao answered solemnly, "In half a month. Ah-Li is pregnant, and we need to travel more slowly, so we cannot stay long."

Xu Qingbai nodded, calculating for a moment. "Half a month should be sufficient. I should be able to get out of bed by then."

Mo Xiuyao said, "I’ve already sent a message to Shen Yang. He should be able to arrive before we leave."

Xu Qingbai was stunned, then shook his head and said with a smile, "There’s no need for that. Mr. Shen still has to take care of Li’er."

Ye Li pressed him down gently and frowned. "What do you mean, no need? I’m just pregnant, not sick or injured. Childbirth requires a midwife, not a physician. Besides, could Licheng possibly be short of physicians? If you don’t recuperate properly and some old ailment acts up, First Madam Xu will be terribly distressed." Xu Qingbai wanted to protest further, but Ye Li glared at him and stated firmly, "No objections! Mr. Shen himself mentioned he’s grown tired of being cooped up in Licheng all these years. A chance to travel would do him good. Besides, Xiling has only recently come under our control. As the saying goes, ’a strong dragon cannot crush a local snake.’ Having a highly skilled physician with us here will give us all more peace of mind."

Knowing he couldn’t win the argument against Ye Li, Xu Qingbai acquiesced with a resigned smile.

Mo Xiuyao continued, "Also, 300,000 troops will remain here in Xiling, under the command of Zhang Qilan. Zhang Qilan is straightforward but not obstinate. With one of you handling civil matters and the other military, I don’t foresee any problems. What do you think?"

Naturally, Xu Qingbai had no objections. Although the Mo Family Army had now seized a vast territory in Xiling, he didn’t assume that everything would be peaceful. Zhang Qilan was a veteran general of the Mo Family Army with rich experience in leading troops. Having him stay behind with 300,000 soldiers naturally reassured Xu Qingbai greatly.

Remembering First Madam Xu, Ye Li asked anxiously, "Will First Madam Xu be returning with us?"

With a bitter smile, Xu Qingbai shook his head. "Mother knows I’m staying in Xiling. She likely plans to live here for a while." In fact, First Madam Xu’s original words were: "I can’t control your eldest brother anymore. Your younger brother is still younger than you. I won’t return to the Xu Family until I see you married and with children!" Now, First Madam Xu had lowered her standards for a daughter-in-law from someone from a scholarly family in Great Chu to simply someone from a respectable family with a good disposition.

Seeing Xu Qingbai’s resigned expression, Ye Li could imagine what First Madam Xu must have said. After pondering for a moment, she agreed with a smile. "If that’s the case, then First Madam Xu must be worried about Fourth Brother. Letting her stay in Xiling for a while is fine. When First Madam Xu misses us, we can send someone to bring her back."

Mo Xiuyao had no objections. "That’s excellent. In half a month, Ah-Li and I will return to Licheng. I’ll entrust everything here to you."

Xu Qingbai hesitated, then voiced his concern. "I don’t have much experience in these matters. I fear..."

Mo Xiuyao frowned in thought and understood Xu Qingbai’s concern. Xu Qingbai, only twenty-four or twenty-five, was to govern a territory equivalent to one-third of the original Xiling. He was, in effect, a chief official among chief officials governing a vast territory. It was foreseeable that he might initially struggle to command respect. Mo Xiuyao believed in Xu Qingbai’s abilities, but abilities needed time to be demonstrated. After they left the Imperial City, Xu Qingbai’s days would likely not be easy. Previously, he had only considered Xu Qingbai’s capabilities and the fact that Prince Ding’s Mansion was short-handed, overlooking his age.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly and said with a smile, "I have an idea, but I wonder what Fourth Brother thinks of it?"

Xu Qingbai looked at Ye Li with a smile. "Li’er always has good ideas. Tell me, Fourth Brother is listening."

Ye Li said, "Fourth Brother, perhaps you could try to invite Mr. Xiuting from Biancheng City to come here. Mr. Xiuting has disciples all over Xiling. If he could come out of seclusion to assist you, Fourth Brother, your affairs in Xiling would likely proceed much more smoothly." Although Mr. Xiuting had already expressed his allegiance to Prince Ding’s Mansion, scholars, especially those of great accomplishment, often had their eccentricities. If Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao asked him to come, he would certainly come. However, he might inevitably harbor some reservations or look down on Xu Qingbai, which would be detrimental to Xu Qingbai’s work.

As a scion of the Xu Family, Xu Qingbai naturally knew of the eminent scholars and great Confucian masters in the world. Moreover, Mr. Xiuting was a figure highly esteemed by his own grandfather, father, and uncles. After considering for a moment, he nodded and smiled. "Li’er, you never disappoint. Fourth Brother knows what to do."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "It is we who are troubling you, Fourth Brother. In that case, Li’er won’t disturb your rest any longer. Please focus on your recovery these days, Fourth Brother."

Mo Xiuyao helped Ye Li up, and they turned to leave. As he was leaving, he added, "Later, I’ll have Feng Huaiting come over. He can help you deal with the wealthy merchants in Xiling."

Xu Qingbai was taken aback, then said with a gentle smile, "Thank you, Your Highness."

Watching them depart, Xu Qingbai thought for a moment, then called for someone to bring him a brush and ink. He first wrote a sincerely worded invitation to be sent to Biancheng City. He pondered whether he would have time to visit Biancheng City personally, but alas, with his current injuries and the impending departure of Mo Xiuyao and the others, he simply wouldn’t have the leisure.

Once they were out of Xu Qingbai’s courtyard, Ye Li turned to Mo Xiuyao and smiled. "Xiuyao, thank you."

Mo Xiuyao paused, looking at Ye Li with a gentle gaze. "Thank me for what?"

Ye Li replied, "Thank you for everything you’ve done for my Fourth Brother." Whether it was summoning Shen Yang to Xiling or sending Feng Huaiting, these were definitely not part of Mo Xiuyao’s original plans. Feng Huaiting, in particular, was currently busy in the Northwest, consolidating the properties of Prince Ding’s Mansion and managing business affairs.

Mo Xiuyao lowered his head, rested his forehead against Ye Li’s, nuzzled her gently, and whispered, "Xu Qingbai is your Fourth Brother, isn’t he? And he saved you, and he saved our child. It’s only right for me to treat him well."

Ye Li smiled. "You’ve always treated them well, I know." Although Mo Xiuyao always relentlessly exploited her eldest brother, that was limited to him alone. He had always treated her other cousins quite well. Just like this time, Mo Xiuyao had already planned for Xu Qingbai to stay in Xiling even before attacking it, which could be considered paving the way for Xu Qingbai’s future. Xu Qingbai was still too young and, having always been away, had hardly participated in the core affairs of Prince Ding’s Mansion. But if he could handle the affairs of Xiling properly, his future prospects would be no less than any of the core confidants in Prince Ding’s Mansion.

"If Ah-Li likes them, naturally I must treat them well," Mo Xiuyao smiled, lowering his head to gently bite her pink, cherry-like lips.

Ye Li glared at him helplessly. "Then, can you also be a little nicer to my eldest brother?" I really don’t want to be cannon fodder caught between you two.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. "This... Ah-Li, how could you bear to put your husband in such a difficult position? It makes me so sad."

Ye Li rolled her eyes. "How is this difficult? Do you absolutely have to be at odds with my eldest brother?"

"Well... it’s his fault for being so unlikable. Look... he can’t even find a wife now. Isn’t that proof?" Mo Xiuyao nuzzled her subtly fragrant hair and said lazily.

...So, you’re jealous that my eldest brother is more handsome than you?

"Prince, Princess Consort..." Just as the couple were about to return to their room after leaving Xu Qingbai’s courtyard, Ye Li remembered Madam Bai, who had been brought back and was waiting for an audience. So Mo Xiuyao had no choice but to accompany Ye Li, full of resentment, to meet the person. Upon entering the reception hall, Madam Bai, who had intended to step forward and greet them, instantly stiffened. Her face turned deathly pale as she watched Mo Xiuyao help Ye Li in, forgetting even to pay her respects.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow but paid little mind to Madam Bai’s discourtesy. She smiled faintly and said, "Madam Bai, you wished to see me. Is there something you wanted to say?"

"I... I..." Madam Bai looked at Mo Xiuyao, her limbs rigid as if frozen. It was as if the countless tragic screams from that day, and her daughter’s miserable cries as she was dragged away, echoed in her ears. Her face grew even paler, and she began to tremble uncontrollably, looking as if she might collapse at any moment.

"Madam Bai?" Ye Li asked, her brows furrowed. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Startled, Madam Bai managed to regain some composure. She quickly said, "I... I’m fine. Thank you for your concern, Princess Consort... I’m fine..."

Ye Li remained silent, observing her. Madam Bai’s appearance clearly suggested otherwise.

"Madam Bai, you came to see me. Is there something you wish to say?"

Madam Bai’s face was deathly pale. She inwardly lamented her misfortune. With Prince Ding right there, never mind pleading her case, she couldn’t even manage to utter normal greetings!

Seeing this, Ye Li turned to look at Mo Xiuyao. His expression, however, was calm, almost gentle. He was clearly in a good mood, so he shouldn’t have scared her like that.

"Xiuyao?" After some thought, Ye Li decided it was best to deal with Madam Bai quickly. "It seems Madam Bai has something she wishes to say to me privately. Why don’t you go back first?"

Mo Xiuyao, one arm around Ye Li, said, "Of course not. If there’s something to say, then say it. Since she’s not speaking, it’s clear she has nothing to say. Isn’t that right, Ma-dam Bai?"

Madam Bai shivered and quickly nodded. "Prince Ding is right. I was momentarily confused and disturbed the Princess Consort. I... I will take my leave now!" Without waiting for Ye Li to respond, she stumbled and fled the room.

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao in confusion. "What was that all about?"

Mo Xiuyao shrugged. "Who knows?"