Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 343 - 342. Mother-Son Bond Broken

342. Severance of the Maternal Bond

"Despicable woman!" Princess Zhenning glared at Noble Consort Liu, who lay on the ground, her face filled with cold resentment and disgust. Shen Yang’s words had completely shattered Princess Zhenning’s last sliver of hope for her mother. When Princess Zhenning was drugged and left in the Cold Palace, which ultimately ruined her complexion, she had harbored incessant hatred towards Noble Consort Liu for the past two years. But embedded in that hatred was a shred of expectation and an undeniable filial affection for her mother. If Noble Consort Liu had sincerely apologized to her tonight, even if she had shown a hint of remorse or regret, Princess Zhenning would not have stabbed her with the golden hairpin.

However, at this moment, Princess Zhenning’s eyes held only pure disgust and hatred; the bond between mother and daughter was henceforth truly and irrevocably severed.

Upon hearing Shen Yang’s words, Mo Wuyou no longer hesitated. With a swift movement, she pulled out the golden hairpin, causing blood to gush like a fountain. Mo Wuyou grimly took Shen Yang’s divine healing medicine and poured it over the wound, then tore a strip of white fabric from Noble Consort Liu’s hem and began to bandage it.

Princess Zhenning, however, had not struck a fatal blow. If one disregarded her future inability to bear children, Noble Consort Liu would only have died from excessive blood loss, had she perished. Now, with Shen Yang’s divine hemostatic medicine, her life was no longer at risk. After bandaging the wound, Mo Wuyou produced a small porcelain bottle and made Noble Consort Liu drink its contents. Before long, color visibly returned to her originally pale face.

"Such a fine thing, isn’t it a waste to use on her? Did I give this to you to squander like this?" Shen Yang grumbled, fixing Mo Wuyou with a frosty glare.

Mo Wuyou looked up at him and smiled sweetly. "Master, Uncle Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding surely have more questions for her. In her condition just now, how could she possibly answer anything?"

Shen Yang huffed. "You are clever indeed."

Mo Xiuyao watched as color returned to Noble Consort Liu’s face. He nonchalantly nodded and said, "Now that she is alright... Xiaoyun, do you have any comments?"

Mo Xiaoyun, with his hands by his sides, replied calmly, "Everything is at Uncle Prince Ding’s discretion. This person no longer has any relation to my Royal Sister and me."

"No relation, you say?!" Princess Zhenning suddenly interjected. She turned her head, staring fiercely at Noble Consort Liu’s beautiful face, and gritted her teeth. "She still owes me a face."

Hearing this, the color drained from Noble Consort Liu’s face. She glared at Princess Zhenning and barked, "What do you want to do?"

Princess Zhenning stared back at her, enunciating each word through clenched teeth, "You ruined my face. Shouldn’t you compensate me for it?"

Noble Consort Liu sneered. "I gave birth to you. Never mind ruining your face; even if I wanted your life, you should bear it."

Mo Xiaoyun stepped beside Princess Zhenning, took her hand, and, looking at Noble Consort Liu, said, "I have already said it: we have nothing more to do with you."

Noble Consort Liu scoffed disdainfully. The bond between a mother and her children isn’t something that can be severed just by saying so. In her view, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning would always be her children. She could ignore them, but they could never disrespect her. Struggling to her feet, she moved to a chair at the side. Although she had been treated and bandaged, such a deep wound would take time to heal, even with extraordinary medicine. The severe pain twisted her expression, and her gaze towards Princess Zhenning seethed with venom.

Princess Zhenning, however, was unaffected by her gaze. When one completely despairs of another, an unusual coldness emerges.

Noble Consort Liu was also unmoved by the reactions of Princess Zhenning and Mo Xiaoyun. If she had any consideration for these two children before, the agonizing struggle of the past two years had wiped out even that insignificant bit of emotion. Ever since Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had appeared, Noble Consort Liu’s attention had mostly shifted to them. However, she no longer felt her previous single-minded infatuation for Mo Xiuyao. Instead, her feelings were now filled with deep hatred. At this point, she even hated Mo Xiuyao more than Ye Li. But she knew she could not act impulsively again. She was well aware of Mo Xiuyao’s heartlessness.

"Prince Ding, what do you mean by ordering these two to assassinate me? Are you intending to create conflict with Beirong?" Noble Consort Liu lifted her chin, looking defiantly at Mo Xiuyao. She was now the prospective Princess Consort of Beirong; her status was no lower than that of Mo Xiuyao or Ye Li. She had no need to be courteous to them anymore.

Ye Li was silent, glancing at Mo Xiuyao seated beside her. Was this the legendary transformation of love into hate?

"What do you mean?" Princess Zhenning stepped forward. "What does this have to do with Prince Ding’s Mansion? So what if I wanted to kill you? At worst, I would forfeit my life to you!"

"Royal Sister!" Mo Xiaoyun glanced deeply at Noble Consort Liu, then said to Princess Zhenning, "Let’s hear what Uncle Prince Ding has to say."

Mo Xiuyao tilted his head, gazing at Princess Zhenning and Mo Xiaoyun, and chuckled lightly. "Zhenning, although your imperial father has passed away, and Great Chu now has little to do with you, as long as I acknowledge you as a princess, you remain one. Are you planning to exchange your life for hers? Did I raise you all this time just for this? Who will compensate me for the loss?"

Princess Zhenning was stunned. She was not savvy with complicated intrigues, but she knew her impulsiveness would not solve the problem. She lowered her head and murmured, "Uncle Prince Ding, it was my fault."

Only then did Mo Xiuyao nod with satisfaction. He wasn’t raising a princess and a prince as mere playthings; if their lives were lost over Noble Consort Liu, all his efforts would have been wasted. So, Princess Zhenning and Mo Xiaoyun not only had to live but live well. He turned to look at Noble Consort Liu and asked gently, "Do I really want to create conflict with Beirong? What do you think? Do you want to go back and ask Yelv Ye if he’s willing to go to war with me over you?"

"You!" Noble Consort Liu was furious; Mo Xiuyao’s casual questioning was clearly meant to mock her.

"What about me?" Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, smiling.

"My Lord, the Crown Prince of Beirong and the Seventh Prince have arrived," Zhuo Jing reported from outside the door.

"Oh? The little Prince Changxing’s Mansion is quite lively tonight. Let them in." Shortly after, Zhuo Jing led Yelv Hong, Princess Ronghua, and Yelv Ye in. They all froze at the sight of the blood on the ground and Noble Consort Liu’s disheveled appearance.

Princess Ronghua smiled and said, "Princess Consort Ding, what happened here?"

Ye Li replied indifferently, "It’s nothing. Miss Qing Yina suddenly barged into Prince Changxing’s Mansion, intending to harm Prince Changxing and the princess. The princess, in her panic, wounded Miss Qing Yina."

"Ye Li! You’re talking nonsense!" Noble Consort Liu roared, but the subsequent pain from her wound made her grit her teeth and break out in a cold sweat.

Yelv Ye walked over to support the swaying Noble Consort Liu in her chair and asked, "What happened?"

Noble Consort Liu bit her lip and said with a sense of grievance, "My Lord, Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding ordered that girl to hurt me."

Upon hearing her words, the three other women present, Princess Zhenning aside, visibly rolled their eyes. Noble Consort Liu was in her mid-thirties; was it really appropriate for her to act so coyly?

Yelv Ye also seemed unimpressed by Noble Consort Liu’s display of frailty. His voice lowered as he asked, "What are you doing here?"

Ye Li replied with a faint smile, "Is Miss Qing Yina trying to suggest that this Princess Consort ordered someone to kidnap you and bring you here?"

Noble Consort Liu fell silent. Although she had indeed come to Prince Changxing’s Mansion on her own, she couldn’t disclose the reason in front of so many people. Ye Li looked calmly at Yelv Ye and said, "Prince Yelv, just now Miss Qing Yina unjustly accused this Princess Consort and the Prince of ordering Princess Zhenning to assassinate her. Now, this Princess Consort would like to say that she barged into Prince Changxing’s Mansion without cause, intending to harm the prince and princess, and is trying to frame me."

Yelv Ye frowned. Although the scene before him made him more inclined to believe Noble Consort Liu’s words, Ye Li’s statement left him speechless. At the same time, Yelv Ye was also displeased that Noble Consort Liu had come to Prince Changxing’s Mansion without permission.

Yelv Hong, sitting to the side, observed Ye Li’s confrontation with Yelv Ye with a calm and serene expression. He frowned slightly and said, "Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding, as hosts, would never be so rude to their guests. Moreover, to suggest they commanded Princess Zhenning to assassinate Miss Qing Yina is rather far-fetched. On the other hand, Seventh Brother, wasn’t Miss Qing Yina always with you? How did she end up in Prince Changxing’s Mansion?"

Indeed, the accusation that Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had orchestrated an assassination attempt by Princess Zhenning was illogical. However, Yelv Hong directly ignored the fact that Princess Zhenning herself had attacked Noble Consort Liu, clearly shifting all blame onto Noble Consort Liu.

Yelv Ye furrowed his brows. "What Brother Wang says makes sense. Today’s incident is probably just a misunderstanding."

Princess Ronghua covered her mouth and chuckled. "Seventh Brother is right. Qing Yina’s resemblance to the late Noble Consort Liu might have naturally led to some misunderstandings. Just a few days ago, Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning even paid us a visit. Could it be that Prince Changxing and the princess still..."

Mo Xiaoyun bowed respectfully to Princess Ronghua and said, "Aunt Ronghua, you are correct. My Royal Sister and I were impulsive before. Everything is clear now. My sister and I have no connection with Miss Qing Yina; we mistook her for someone else." After saying this, Mo Xiaoyun took a step back, subtly gripping Princess Zhenning’s hand tightly. Princess Zhenning lowered her eyes to conceal the hatred within them and, without saying more, tacitly accepted Mo Xiaoyun’s words.

Yelv Hong smiled. "It’s good that it’s a misunderstanding. Then, about tonight’s events..."

Mo Xiaoyun said, "Tonight was also a misunderstanding. Miss Qing Yina arrived unexpectedly, and some conflict arose from our words. My Royal Sister mistakenly thought Miss Qing Yina intended to harm us and thus stabbed her. I hope Prince Yelv can forgive us. If there is any punishment, I, Xiaoyun, am willing to bear it all."

Since Mo Xiaoyun had spoken, Yelv Ye couldn’t very well bully a child of only thirteen or fourteen. He had to leave it at that. Noble Consort Liu had suffered the hairpin stab for nothing. Yelv Ye, his face grim, bid farewell to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, then helped Noble Consort Liu to leave.

"Wait a moment," Shen Yang, who had been watching the drama unfold, suddenly spoke up.

Although Yelv Ye wasn’t familiar with Shen Yang, he knew Shen Yang held a special status in Prince Ding’s Mansion. He turned back, patiently waiting for him to speak. Shen Yang took a prescription that Mo Wuyou had written and handed it over. "As the saying goes, a doctor’s heart is like that of a parent. Since she is a patient, I cannot ignore her. This lady has had far too many miscarriages, and her recent injury was in a rather unfortunate spot. Take this prescription back for her. While it cannot guarantee future pregnancies, it will be beneficial for her health."

At these words, the atmosphere in the hall grew awkward. Ye Li and the others already knew about this. However, seeing Shen Yang so earnestly inform Yelv Ye, even Ye Li couldn’t prevent her lips from twitching slightly. Yelv Ye’s face turned terrifyingly dark. While the common people of Beirong might not particularly care about such issues in women, their royal nobles were no less fussy about these matters than the people of the Central Plains. Even if Yelv Ye and Noble Consort Liu were not romantically involved, having this announced publicly was still deeply embarrassing.

Noble Consort Liu, struck by Shen Yang’s unexpected pronouncement, turned deathly pale. She shot a resentful glare at Shen Yang and Mo Wuyou, then, looking dazed, followed Yelv Ye out.

Once Yelv Ye had departed, Yelv Hong and Princess Ronghua naturally couldn’t linger and also rose to take their leave. Seeing there was nothing left for him, Shen Yang stood up to leave with Mo Wuyou. As he passed Princess Zhenning, he paused, looked at her, and said, "You, young lady, are quite interesting. Come find me at Prince Ding’s Mansion when you have time." He then left without a backward glance.

Neither Princess Zhenning nor Mo Xiaoyun understood Shen Yang’s meaning, but Mo Wuyou did. However, Princess Zhenning’s facial scars were exceedingly severe. Even Mo Wuyou, who had great faith in her master’s medical skills, couldn’t guarantee a complete recovery. She could only say, "Zhenning, remember Master’s words. When you have time, you must come to Prince Ding’s Mansion." Only after seeing Princess Zhenning nod did Mo Wuyou give a slight bow to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao and rush out after Shen Yang.

For a moment, only Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, Mo Xiaoyun, and Princess Zhenning remained in the main hall. The previously intense, confrontational atmosphere had given way to quiet. Mo Xiuyao frowned at the young pair before him. Although only a few incidents occurred tonight, both had made Mo Xiuyao very unhappy. His gaze towards Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning turned somewhat hostile. Even if unintended, the pressure emanating from him caused beads of sweat to form on their foreheads.

Seeing the siblings struggling to bear it, Ye Li sighed softly. She took Mo Xiuyao’s hand and said gently to Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning, "You both must be tired. Rest well. And be careful not to act so recklessly in the future."

Mo Xiaoyun nodded in agreement.

Mo Xiuyao stared at Princess Zhenning and asked, "Do you still harbor hatred for her in your heart?"

Princess Zhenning clenched her teeth. "I wish I could tear her limb from limb!"

Mo Xiuyao scoffed. "By what right?"

Princess Zhenning was taken aback and looked at Mo Xiuyao in confusion. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

Mo Xiuyao said calmly, "Do you have the capability to tear her limb from limb? I fear that the next time, the one torn to pieces at her hands will be you."

Princess Zhenning gritted her teeth; in terms of skill and cunning, she was indeed inferior to Noble Consort Liu.

Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li’s hand and stood up. He coolly gazed at the pair and said, "Neither of you is to interfere with Noble Consort Liu’s affairs anymore. Similarly... you are not allowed to assist her either. If I find out that you have secretly done anything you shouldn’t have... don’t blame me for being ruthless."

A shiver ran through Mo Xiaoyun’s heart. Prince Ding’s words indicated he was planning to deal with Noble Consort Liu. Supporting Princess Zhenning, Mo Xiaoyun said respectfully, "We will heed Uncle Prince Ding’s teachings. Xiaoyun and my Royal Sister will not act rashly. She no longer has any connection to us."

"Very well." Mo Xiuyao nodded, satisfied, and led Ye Li out.

「Upon their return to the mansion.」

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao issued strict orders not to inform Mr. Qingyun about the events of the previous night. In fact, at his advanced age, Mr. Qingyun was detached from many worldly matters and very open-minded. However, out of filial piety, they did not want the old man to worry about issues they could resolve themselves.

「Early the next morning.」

Just as Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were getting up, a guard came to report, "Miss Dongfang requests an audience."

Ye Li paused, somewhat confused as to who this Miss Dongfang was.

Mo Xiuyao curled his lip disdainfully. "The one from Cangmang Mountain. Fetch Young Master Qingchen to deal with her. The Prince and Princess Consort have other matters to attend to."

After the guard acknowledged the order and left, Ye Li asked, puzzled, "What other matters do we have?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "We’re going to see my little princess. Cultivate our bond, perhaps?"

In the great hall of Prince Ding’s Mansion, a woman in white sat peacefully, sipping tea. She didn’t seem at all angered by the host’s neglect but waited calmly. An hour later, footsteps finally sounded outside. The woman in white curled her lips into a perfect smile. However, the figure that entered was not the handsome, white-clad, white-haired man she had been expecting, but another man in white robes with black hair, exuding an elegant and ethereal aura. Although Young Master Qingchen was striking, she hadn’t noticed him the previous night, as all her attention had been focused on Mo Xiuyao, who had been seated among the Xu Family sons. Nonetheless, judging by his elegant demeanor, she could guess the newcomer’s identity. She stood up and said with a faint smile, "Dongfang You pays her respects to Young Master Qingchen."

Xu Qingchen smiled lightly and nodded. "Miss Dongfang, there is no need for formalities. Please, take a seat."

Dongfang You nodded and sat down. Looking at Xu Qingchen, she asked, "Is Prince Ding present?"

Xu Qingchen smiled. "Prince Ding has some matters to attend to and is unable to receive you, Miss Dongfang. Please forgive him."

Dongfang You looked at Xu Qingchen and raised an eyebrow. "Does Young Master Qingchen harbor ill feelings towards me? I wonder where I might have caused Young Master Qingchen displeasure?"

Xu Qingchen merely smiled without speaking.

Dongfang You sighed with a hint of resignation. "I understand. Young Master Qingchen is Princess Consort Ding’s cousin. It’s no wonder you disapprove of me."

Xu Qingchen shook his head lightly. "Perhaps it is Miss Dongfang who perceives hostility from me. You are overthinking, Miss Dongfang. The relationship between Li’er and Prince Ding is their own. Whether it flourishes or falters is their affair; the Xu Family will not interfere."

Dongfang You said, "I have no intention of intruding upon the relationship between Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding."

Xu Qingchen stated, "That is Miss Dongfang’s own business."