Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 334 - 333. Princess Ronghua’s Choice

333. Princess Ronghua’s Choice

Gazing at the woman dressed in white, her flowing robe brushing against her veil-covered face, the amusement in Ye Li’s eyes deepened. However, a careful observer would detect a hint of frost within that amusement. With a barely perceptible smile, she glanced at the woman beside Yelv Ye and chuckled softly. "Speaking of which, this Princess Consort finds the Seventh Princess Concubine rather familiar. What do you think, Princess Consort?"

Princess Ronghua covered her mouth with a slight smile, her gaze sweeping over the woman opposite them. "Isn’t that so?" she chuckled. "I was quite startled the first time I saw her. I thought..."

"Imperial Sister-in-law!" Yelv Ye’s expression darkened, and he curtly interrupted Princess Ronghua. Princess Ronghua did not press the issue. Some matters were understood once implied; there was no need to state them aloud. Hearing the exchange between Ye Li and Princess Ronghua, Mo Xiuyao finally turned his gaze to the woman beside Yelv Ye, his brow furrowing slightly. Ye Li reached out and took his hand, a faint smile on her lips. "Don’t you also find the Seventh Princess Concubine somewhat familiar, my Prince?"

Mo Xiuyao glanced at the woman briefly before stating indifferently, "I have no impression of her."

Although his answer contradicted the sentiments of both Ye Li and Princess Ronghua, Ye Li’s smile only widened. After all, no woman appreciated her husband remembering another woman’s appearance, even if it was due to dislike. Mo Xiuyao could see that Ye Li seemed to be in excellent spirits, and the frown lines on his forehead gradually smoothed out.

Seated below, Qing Yina’s complexion changed drastically at Mo Xiuyao’s few words. If not for her veil, everyone present would likely have been terrified by her contorted expression. A venomous, frantic light flashed in her downcast eyes.

Strained as their relations with Beirong were, guests from Prince Ding’s Mansion still had to be treated decently. After exchanging a few polite sentences with Yelv Hong and Yelv Ye, Ye Li rose. She led Princess Ronghua and Qing Yina to a more private location for a chat. After all, the topics men discussed might bore the two ladies. Moreover, given Ye Li and Princess Ronghua’s relationship, it was natural for them to converse privately. However, being followed by the prospective Seventh Imperial Consort, who exuded a cold and distant aura, was rather unsettling. Princess Ronghua clearly had little fondness for her future sister-in-law.

"Qing Yina, Princess Consort Ding and I have some matters to discuss. Would you mind giving us some privacy?" Princess Ronghua, still possessing a trace of the imperiousness and flamboyance from her days in the Capital of Great Chu, nonchalantly dismissed the woman she disliked.

Qing Yina shot her a cold look. Though her eyes betrayed displeasure, she clearly had no intention of genuinely clashing with Princess Ronghua. Ye Li smiled gently. "It has indeed been many years since I last saw Her Highness. The gardens of Prince Ding’s Mansion are passably scenic. Perhaps the young lady could take a stroll there for a while? Please forgive any lack of courtesy on our part." With that, she summoned Qingshuang and Ah-Jin, who had recently returned. "Accompany our guest for a walk in the gardens."

Qingshuang, having grown astute and perceptive over the years, immediately understood Ye Li’s meaning. She smiled. "As you command. This way, please, young lady." Ah-Jin, despite being in her twenties, remained as taciturn as ever. She merely gave Qing Yina a fleeting glance and stood silently behind Qingshuang. Qing Yina’s gaze swept over Ye Li, but ultimately, she said nothing and turned to leave.

Once the unwelcome presence was gone, Princess Ronghua finally let out a relaxed smile. "She’s finally gone. Like a ghost, her presence is quite unsettling."

As the two strolled through the garden, Ye Li asked softly, "Is that really..."

Princess Ronghua nodded. "Indeed. When I first met her, I thought I had mistaken her for someone else who merely bore a resemblance. But looking at her expression, her attitude... how many women in this world are as detestable as she is?" As she spoke, she pursed her lips in disgust, conveniently forgetting that her own arrogance in the Capital of Great Chu had been no less pronounced than that woman’s haughtiness. "I just didn’t expect her to escape, and then somehow latch onto Yelv Ye." The "she" referred to, naturally, was Noble Consort Liu, who had escaped the imperial palace years ago and whose whereabouts had since been unknown. Ye Li, too, was surprised that Noble Consort Liu would become the betrothed of Beirong’s Seventh Prince.

Initially, Princess Ronghua had no strong feelings, positive or negative, towards Noble Consort Liu. However, despite her resentment towards Mo Jingqi for marrying her off to Beirong, she was still a member of the Great Chu imperial family, Mo Jingqi’s cousin. Seeing Noble Consort Liu fake her death after Mo Jingqi’s demise, escape, and then attach herself to Yelv Ye—her own husband’s political rival—Princess Ronghua couldn’t possibly view her favorably.

"Don’t be fooled by her arrogant demeanor; her ability to entice men is truly remarkable. Not only is Yelv Ye utterly devoted to her, but even the King of Beirong holds her in high esteem." Mentioning this, Princess Ronghua seethed with anger. Yelv Hong and Yelv Ye were the two sons most valued by the King of Beirong. If the King favored Qing Yina, he would naturally look more favorably upon Yelv Ye, which would be detrimental to Yelv Hong.

Ye Li smiled faintly, looking at Princess Ronghua’s flushed, angry face. "It seems Your Highness and the Crown Prince of Beirong have been getting along very well these past few years?"

Princess Ronghua blushed and shot Ye Li an irritated look. "You’re teasing me now! Everyone knows that Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding are the celestial couple envied by all under heaven."

Ye Li grinned. "You can tease me too. Mo Xiuyao and I do have a wonderful relationship. Are you envious?"

Princess Ronghua, choked with vexation, retorted, "The Crown Prince and I also have a very good relationship!"

Ye Li maintained a calm expression, her smile gentle as she regarded Princess Ronghua. Princess Ronghua’s smile gradually faded, and she looked at Ye Li seriously. "You don’t need to worry. I will not go back on the promise I made to you and Prince Ding."

Ye Li said softly, "As far as I know, Your Highness and the Crown Prince of Beirong already have two children. Can you truly handle it? If there are any difficulties, I hope you will speak up now, rather than causing trouble later. I believe Your Highness understands my meaning."

If there were any difficulties, it was best to discuss them now. Should Princess Ronghua renege on her promise later and cause Prince Ding’s Mansion any losses, they would show no mercy.

Princess Ronghua took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Princess Consort Ding, please rest assured. I am a princess of Great Chu, even if Great Chu has now... Moreover, although I have a great affection for the Crown Prince... if he ascends the throne in the future, my children can absolutely not become his heirs." It was true that the people of the Central Plains looked down on the ’barbarians’ of the frontier. However, those frontier tribes often held the people of the Central Plains in even lower regard. The Beirong imperial family’s exclusion of foreign bloodlines was almost pathological. Her children, no matter how outstanding, would never ascend to the Beirong throne. For this reason, even though Yelv Hong treated her well, he had also married several secondary consorts. He even favored the children born to Beirong women more. As a member of an imperial family, Princess Ronghua was well aware that ’as charm fades, love diminishes’; history also taught that ’affection is severed even before beauty fades.’ When Yelv Hong’s feelings for her eventually waned, Prince Ding’s Mansion would be the greatest refuge for her and her children.

Ye Li calmly observed Princess Ronghua for a long moment before finally nodding. "I trust you, Your Highness. In fact, you needn’t worry for now. Prince Ding’s Mansion and Crown Prince Yelv do not have conflicting stances. Currently, Prince Ding’s Mansion has no interest in the grasslands beyond the frontier. We only wish to drive back the Beirong army entrenched in the north. I believe Your Highness is aware of what Yelv Ye and his troops have done there."

Princess Ronghua nodded emphatically. She was a princess of Great Chu, married to Beirong in a political alliance; the fall of Great Chu offered her no benefits. Ever since Mo Jingli had led the Great Chu court south, her position in Beirong had become somewhat precarious. That was precisely why she had accompanied Yelv Hong to Licheng. As long as Prince Ding’s Mansion acknowledged her existence, its growing strength would mean greater security for her. "The Crown Prince," she said, "has suggested to the King of Beirong multiple times that the troops be withdrawn. However, seeing the Seventh Prince advancing so rapidly, the King of Beirong did not agree with the Crown Prince’s suggestion."

Ye Li smiled. "Although the Beirong army is currently blocked by the Mo Family Army and cannot advance further, Yelv Ye has, after all, conquered a large swath of territory for Beirong. In that case, the Crown Prince’s position is likely somewhat unstable, isn’t it?"

Princess Ronghua looked at Ye Li, nodding in astonishment. "Princess Consort Ding, you are correct. This is also why the Crown Prince was initially reluctant to let the Seventh Prince lead the troops. In the army, the Seventh Prince has always held the upper hand. If he is allowed to accumulate such military achievements, the number of his supporters will likely increase. When that time comes, the Crown Prince..."

Ye Li said softly, "The Mo Family Army can provide some assistance to the Crown Prince of Beirong."

"Then... what do Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding want the Crown Prince to do?" Princess Ronghua asked. Pies didn’t just fall from the sky for no reason. To gain something, one always had to give something in return.

Ye Li smiled. "Well... Prince Ding will naturally discuss that with the Crown Prince of Beirong. Your Highness simply needs to urge the Crown Prince of Beirong to make a decision sooner when the time is right. Knowing too much might arouse the Crown Prince’s suspicions."

Princess Ronghua pondered for a moment and had to admit that Ye Li’s reasoning was sound. She nodded, agreeing to what Ye Li had said.

After arranging for escorts to see the Crown Prince of Beirong and his party back to the post house to settle in, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao returned to their room hand in hand.

"How did Noble Consort Liu encounter Yelv Ye?" Ye Li leaned against Mo Xiuyao’s shoulder, pondering the question curiously. Mo Xiuyao was lounging lazily on the soft couch, a scroll in one hand, which he perused intermittently. His other hand idly toyed with a lock of Ye Li’s hair. "When Mo Jingqi passed away, Beirong sent Yelv Ye to attend the rites," he said casually. "It wouldn’t be surprising if he saved Noble Consort Liu then."

"But don’t you find it strange that Yelv Ye is so infatuated with Noble Consort Liu? Yelv Ye’s cunning and abilities are not inferior to Yelv Hong’s. For him to be so taken with a runaway imperial consort of Great Chu... it just feels odd." This was what Ye Li couldn’t comprehend. If anyone were to be infatuated, the seemingly more refined Yelv Hong falling for Noble Consort Liu would be more believable than Yelv Ye doing so.

Mo Xiuyao set down his scroll and pondered for a moment. "Noble Consort Liu most likely holds some bargaining chip that Yelv Ye values. Didn’t you notice how smoothly Yelv Ye’s previous invasions progressed?" Beirong had always been a primary defensive concern for Great Chu. Yet, Yelv Ye’s advance had been surprisingly smoother than even Ren Qining’s in the Northern Territory. This in itself was astonishing. However, at the time, Great Chu was facing enemies on three fronts and suffering continuous defeats, so no one had delved too deeply into such questions.

"Could it be that Noble Consort Liu..." Committed treason and collaborated with the enemy.

"Very possible," Mo Xiuyao said calmly. "The Liu Family holds significant positions in the court. Although they haven’t produced any notable military commanders through the generations, Mo Jingqi valued literary pursuits over martial prowess. Consequently, the Liu Family would be privy to quite a few military secrets."

Though his expression remained unchanged, Ye Li detected the killing intent in Mo Xiuyao’s voice. She frowned. "If that is true, what do you plan to do?"

Mo Xiuyao stated, "If that’s the case, she won’t be leaving Licheng. Before that... where are Mo Xiaoyun and Zhenning staying?" Mo Xiaoyun was, after all, a prince of Great Chu. Although he and Zhenning had personally fled the Capital of Chu, it was no longer suitable for them to reside there. Naturally, they needed to move to Licheng, the main base of Prince Ding’s Mansion.

Ye Li replied, "They’ve been settled in a mansion in the city, not far from Xu Mansion and General Lv’s residence."

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. "Very good. Have someone relay the news to Mo Xiaoyun and Zhenning. Since their biological mother has arrived, we can’t keep them in the dark."

Recalling Princess Zhenning’s disfigured face, Ye Li sighed inwardly. When Mo Xiaoyun and Zhenning first arrived in Licheng, Ye Li had met them. Because Ye Li had played a part in saving Princess Zhenning’s life, both siblings treated her with considerable respect. Ye Li clearly saw the hatred in Princess Zhenning’s heart whenever Noble Consort Liu was mentioned.

"I understand. What are your thoughts on the Crown Prince of Beirong?"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze. "Compared to Yelv Ye, Yelv Hong’s ambition is much smaller. This is partly due to his calm temperament, which sets him apart from many Beirong people; he sees things more clearly than Yelv Ye. If he’s astute, he will naturally approach us for discussions."

Ye Li nodded and let out a soft sigh. Dealing with these princes and their schemes was, in some ways, more exhausting than being on the battlefield.

Mo Xiuyao looked down at Ye Li and asked softly, "Is Ah-Li tired?"

Shaking her head, Ye Li smiled faintly. "I just find these matters too complex. I’d rather be on the battlefield where things are straightforward."

Mo Xiuyao said softly, "If Ah-Li dislikes it, you can leave it to Xu Qingchen and me. There’s no need to force yourself."

Ye Li shook her head again, leaning against Mo Xiuyao to rest her eyes.

"Prince, Princess Consort, Lin Han requests an audience," Lin Han’s voice came from outside the door.

Mo Xiuyao looked up and said calmly, "Come in."

Lin Han stepped through the doorway. He glanced briefly at the Prince and Princess Consort seated closely together, then quickly lowered his gaze. "Reporting to Your Highnesses," he said seriously, "Princess Consort Li went to the Ye Mansion just now."

Ye Li sat up, shooting an annoyed look at Mo Xiuyao, who had been comfortably leaning against her. "Is there a problem?"

Lin Han, keeping his eyes averted, replied, "Our hidden guards at the Ye Mansion have discovered someone they believe Your Highnesses should be informed about."

"Oh? Who is it?" Ye Li asked, genuinely curious as to who could attract the attention of the hidden guards, given the Ye Family’s current diminished state.

Lin Han replied, "Ye Yue."

"What?" Ye Li was taken aback. Even Mo Xiuyao looked up, his expression turning grim. With a serious look at Lin Han, Ye Li said calmly, "Explain in detail."

Lin Han reported, "After Princess Consort Li arrived at the Ye Mansion, she spoke with members of the Ye Family. Later, Ms. Wang of Ye Family took her to her room to speak privately. Princess Consort Li and Ms. Wang had a disagreement and began to argue. It was then that our hidden guards in the mansion noticed a maid in Ms. Wang’s room acting strangely. A sketch sent back shows that the maid bears a strong resemblance to Ye Yue, who was believed to have died in the imperial palace fire."

"Ye Wenhua has some nerve," Mo Xiuyao’s voice had an ominous edge, sending a chill down Lin Han’s spine. The fire in the imperial palace years ago, which had led to Ye Li’s prolonged disappearance, had left a deep mark on Mo Xiuyao. Even he hadn’t imagined Ye Wenhua would dare to harbor Ye Yue.

Ye Li frowned slightly. "Perhaps he didn’t know." It wasn’t that she believed Ye Wenhua harbored any deep paternal affection for her; rather, Ye Wenhua didn’t seem the type to take such a significant risk for a daughter.

Mo Xiuyao scoffed. "Didn’t know? Ye Yue is in Ms. Wang of Ye Family’s room. Even if he wasn’t aware initially, wouldn’t he have become suspicious after all this time?" Therefore, even if Ye Wenhua wasn’t the primary instigator, he must have at least turned a blind eye, condoning it.

Ye Li nodded and sighed. "I understand. I’ll make a personal trip to the Ye Mansion later." If it truly was Ye Yue, who had helped her fake her death and escape? And why was she hiding in the Ye Mansion? Surely, she didn’t intend to live incognito for the rest of her life. If so, she wouldn’t have come to Licheng. Licheng, right under the nose of Prince Ding’s Mansion, was hardly a suitable place for anonymity.

"Prince, Princess Consort, someone from Princess Consort Li’s retinue seeks an audience," a voice reported from outside.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly. "Let her in."

Soon, an inconspicuous young maidservant was ushered in. Upon seeing Ye Li, she immediately fell to her knees. "Princess Consort Ding, please, you must save our Princess Consort!"

"What happened?" Ye Li frowned, a flicker of concern in her heart. She hadn’t invested so much effort in guiding and cultivating Ye Ying only to see her fail here.

The young maidservant sobbed. "Our Princess Consort visited Old Madam Ye, Lord Ye, and Madam Ye at the Ye Mansion. She left in a rage, saying she was coming to Prince Ding’s Mansion. But just as she was about to leave, Prince Li forcibly took her back to the post house. I... I’m just a menial maidservant in Prince Li’s Mansion, so I don’t attract much attention. That’s how I managed to sneak out to deliver this message for our Princess Consort."

While the little maidservant was still speaking, a hidden guard from Prince Ding’s Mansion arrived to report that Princess Consort Li had been taken back to the post house by Prince Li and placed under confinement.

Although it was difficult to place informants close to Mo Jingli himself, Prince Ding’s Mansion had many eyes and ears in the post house. Naturally, such news couldn’t be concealed from them. The hidden guard quickly recounted the events, which matched the young maidservant’s story perfectly.

Ye Li pondered for a moment. "So, Ye Ying learned about Ye Yue’s presence and wanted to come to Prince Ding’s Mansion to inform us, which is why Mo Jingli put her under house arrest? But that doesn’t seem right... Why would Ye Ying betray her own sister for our sake?"

Mo Xiuyao replied, "Naturally, it’s because Ye Yue’s existence now conflicts with Ye Ying’s interests. Ye Yue was Mo Jingqi’s favored Noble Consort, and we’re still uncertain whether she was truly loyal to Mo Jingqi or to the Empress Dowager. For Mo Jingli, Ye Yue is not without her uses."

Upon hearing this, Ye Li had a flash of understanding. After a moment’s thought, she instructed the hidden guard, "Go back and tell Princess Consort Li to keep making a fuss with Prince Li. The more of a scene she creates, the less Prince Li will suspect her. Also, tell her to think carefully: even if that person truly is Ye Yue, as long as Ye Ying herself remains steadfast, her position won’t be threatened."

The hidden guard nodded silently and departed.

Ye Li also stood up and looked at Mo Xiuyao. "It seems I really must pay a visit to the Ye Mansion."

Mo Xiuyao took her arm. "If you go now, Mo Jingli will become suspicious. The Ye Mansion is being watched; we can’t risk any disturbances. Go tomorrow."

「Inside the post house.」

Ye Ying waved her hand, dismissing the maidservant who had suddenly appeared in her room. She slowly wiped the tearstains from her face and sat up. "Someone!"

Shortly after, a guard appeared at the doorway. "Princess Consort, Prince Li has ordered that you are not to leave at will."

Ye Ying said coldly, "This Princess Consort has no intention of going out. Go and request Prince Li to come here. Tell him I have something to report to him."

The guard hesitated. However, seeing Ye Ying’s unusually cold expression, he eventually nodded and went to inform Mo Jingli. Watching the guard depart, Ye Ying closed the door. Her once-gentle eyes now gleamed with resentment. Her lips, pale and trembling, whispered, "Second Sister... Second Sister... why didn’t you just die?!"

Recalling the shock of seeing her supposedly dead Second Sister at the Ye Mansion earlier that day, Ye Ying’s expression couldn’t help but darken. What was even more unexpected was the request their mother and grandmother had made. Her Second Sister... her *dear* Second Sister! Third Sister was right... Gradually calming the rage in her heart, Ye Ying forced a smile onto her face. Slowly, the reflection in the bronze mirror showed a smile that became more natural, yet tinged with a hint of grievance and gentleness. Third Sister was right. As long as she held her ground, no one could ever usurp her position. At least... neither Princess Qixia nor Ye Yue could!

A short while later, Mo Jingli pushed open the door and walked in, his expression displeased. "What else do you want?"

Tears streaming down her face, Ye Ying rushed into Mo Jingli’s arms, sobbing piteously. Mo Jingli frowned, coldly observing the woman crying so heartbrokenly in his embrace. Clutching his robes, Ye Ying sobbed, "My Prince, my Prince, please don’t treat Ying’er like this. Ying’er knows she was wrong."

Mo Jingli pushed her away with a scoff. "You know you’re wrong? What were you trying to do, sneaking off to Prince Ding’s Mansion? Were you planning to tell Mo Xiuyao what happened at the Ye Mansion?"

Ye Ying shook her head vehemently. "My Prince, you’ve wronged me! Ying’er is not familiar with Prince Ding. I just... *sob*... How could you and Second Sister do this to Ying’er? Even Mother and Grandmother are helping Second Sister! I feel so aggrieved... Third Sister said that if I felt wronged, I could talk to her. All of you are bullying me! What’s wrong with wanting to cry to Third Sister? You are so heartless, my Prince... Ying’er has been with you for so many years, our child’s whereabouts are still unknown, and yet you... you’re so eager to... *sob*..."

Hearing Ye Li’s name, Mo Jingli paused for a moment. "What’s the difference between telling Ye Li and telling Mo Xiuyao?"

Ye Ying cried out, "The shameful things you’re all doing—why can’t I speak of them?!"

Mo Jingli frowned. He studied Ye Ying for a long moment before finally saying, "What nonsense are you spouting? Ye Yue is still useful; it’s not what you think."

Ye Ying asked skeptically, "Is that true? Does my Prince truly not intend to take Second Sister into the mansion as a consort?"

Mo Jingli replied coldly, "This Prince isn’t so desperate as to choose a woman who’s past her prime. Ye Yue is useful to me. You are not to cause any trouble."

Seemingly convinced by Mo Jingli’s words, Ye Ying wiped her tears and looked at him with a pitiful expression. "I understand now; Ying’er was wrong. But this can’t be entirely blamed on Ying’er. If people find out about Second Sister and you, my Prince... how could I continue to live in Prince Li’s Mansion with any dignity?"

Seeing her delicate and gentle demeanor, with teardrops clinging to her lashes and an expression of mingled grievance and worry, Mo Jingli’s expression softened considerably. After all, he had once harbored genuine feelings for Ye Ying. He nodded. "It’s good that you understand. This matter must not be disclosed to anyone. In the future, you may visit Prince Ding’s Mansion more often. For the next two days, just rest here at the post house."

Ye Ying nodded obediently. "I understand."