Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 107. Hesitating when a decision is needed

107. Indecision

"Such a skillful Princess Consort." After dealing with the last assassin, Yelv Ye turned back to Ye Li and praised her. The assassin had been too close to Yaoji, and his position relative to Princess Consort Ding had also been disadvantageous. The fact that the jade pendant Princess Consort Ding threw could precisely knock away the hidden weapon without injuring Yaoji was certainly not just luck. Eyesight, technique, and strength were all indispensable. However, Ye Li had no time to dwell on Yelv Ye’s compliment. Just moments before, with no other suitable projectile at hand, she had snatched a jade pendant from Mo Xiuyao and hurled it. Only now, after Yaoji was safe, did she have a moment to worry about Mo Xiuyao’s pendant. After all, anything he carried with him was unlikely to be ordinary. She started towards where the jade pendant had fallen, but Mo Xiuyao stopped her, raising an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

Ye Li said apologetically, "I was going to check on that jade pendant. That... it’s not broken, is it?" 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Mo Xiuyao smiled, looking at her with amusement. "And what if it is?"

Ye Li furrowed her brows in distress. If it were merely valuable, that would be one thing. But if it had some special use or sentimental significance, that would be a real problem. Seeing Ye Li looking at him so pitifully, Mo Xiuyao’s mood brightened even further. Pulling Ye Li into his arms, he put on a pained expression. "Although it wasn’t anything particularly important, it *was* my favorite jade pendant. My dear, what do you think we should do?"

Ye Li looked up at him. "I’ll compensate you with a new one?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded magnanimously. "Alright, it’s settled then. It has to be one you personally choose."

Seeing how pleased he looked, Ye Li felt a deeper pang of guilt. She silently chided herself, wondering if she had been too neglectful of him. Since their marriage, Mo Xiuyao had personally overseen all her needs, from food and clothing to daily necessities. But she... Ye Li felt a wave of shame as she recalled that she had only given him a set of clothes for his birthday last year, and only then because her attendants had reminded her. Thinking of this, Ye Li felt even more strongly that she hadn’t been treating Mo Xiuyao well enough. She nodded earnestly. "Alright, I’ll personally choose one."

"My dear is truly wonderful," Mo Xiuyao smiled with satisfaction.

Despite Mo Xiuyao saying he didn’t mind, Ye Li still went over and carefully collected the fragments of shattered jade into her purse. While their interaction was tender and warm, a chilling and tense atmosphere emanated from the other side, so much so that even Yelv Ye, the self-appointed spectator, couldn’t help but step further away. Yaoji’s face was deathly pale, devoid of the enchanting allure she had displayed on stage. The early summer night breeze made her shiver, and she hugged her arms tightly. The vibrant, cloud-patterned gown she wore only served to accentuate her pallor and frailty. Mu Yang silently regarded the woman before him, a complex mix of emotions flashing in his eyes. He sighed and said in a low voice, "Let’s go. I’ll escort you back."

Yaoji took a step back, her voice cold. "There’s no need to trouble the Heir. Yaoji knows the way."

"Yaoji!" Mu Yang called out, his voice tinged with displeasure. "Have you made enough of a scene? Throwing an embroidered ball in a place like this... Do you want to ruin yourself?"

Yaoji lifted her head, a bitter smile forced onto her pale face. "So, the Heir means to say that if I threw the embroidered ball at the Qingcheng Workshop, it would be fine? Because this place is filled with ordinary commoners, while the Qingcheng Workshop is frequented by nobles and wealthy merchants. At least that wouldn’t tarnish the name of the Capital City’s foremost dancer, is that it?"

Mu Yang’s eyes flashed with vexation, and he whispered, "You know that’s not what I meant."

Yaoji was highly respected in the Capital City. This was not only because she had the backing of the Heir of Marquis Muyang and Third Young Master Feng, nor solely due to her exceptional dancing skills. More importantly, it was because she never entertained guests privately, maintaining an impeccable reputation. If Yaoji had truly gone through with her actions today, then starting from tomorrow, the city’s covetous nobles and profligates would likely besiege the Qingcheng Workshop. At that point, no one would be able to help her. After all, neither Marquis Muyang’s Mansion nor the Feng Family could afford to antagonize all the nobility of the Capital City for the sake of a courtesan.

Yaoji glanced at Ye Li, who was standing to one side, a flicker of sorrow and envy in her eyes. She slowly stepped forward and curtsied slightly to Mu Yang. "For these past few years, Yaoji is deeply grateful for the Heir’s care. However... please return, Heir. There’s no need for us to meet again."

"Yaoji!"

But Yaoji did not look at him again. She nodded at Ye Li, then turned and walked step by step towards the end of the street. Ye Li frowned and subtly signaled her hidden guards to follow and ensure Yaoji returned safely to the Qingcheng Workshop. Although it was past curfew, it was still somewhat dangerous for a woman to walk alone in the Capital City at night. As Mu Yang frowned and was about to chase after her, Ye Li called out, "Heir, please wait."

Mu Yang turned back, looking at Ye Li in confusion. Ye Li asked gravely, "What do you intend to do if you catch up to her?"

Mu Yang frowned. "Naturally, I’ll escort her back."

Ye Li said, "And what then, after you escort her back? I’ve met Miss Yaoji a couple of times myself. How about I have someone do it in my stead? Or... does the Heir not trust this Princess Consort?"

Mu Yang looked at Ye Li hesitantly. "But..."

"If the Heir cannot give Miss Yaoji the future she desires, it’s better to make a clean break. Although severing a limb is painful, I believe with Miss Yaoji’s inherent pride, she will surely overcome it. If you continue to waver like this, you might end up hurting the hearts of two women." Ye Li said calmly, her gaze fixed on Mu Yang, intentionally emphasizing the words ’two women.’ She was reminding him that he had responsibilities not only to Yaoji but also to Miss Sun, his betrothed.

Mu Yang jolted, glaring at Ye Li angrily. "You don’t understand anything!"

Ye Li fell silent. Indeed, she didn’t understand. She knew nothing of the history between Yaoji and Mu Yang, nor the details of his relationship with Miss Sun. Given Yaoji’s status, if the Marquis’s family was willing, or if Yaoji herself consented, becoming a concubine in the Marquis Muyang’s Mansion should have been possible. But judging by the current turmoil—whether it was Yaoji’s own reluctance, Marquis Muyang’s disapproval, or objections from the Sun Family—it was clearly not feasible. That being the case, Mu Yang’s current indecisiveness was certainly not a good thing.

"Let’s go back," Ye Li said to Mo Xiuyao, looking up after a moment of silence.

Mo Xiuyao nodded, glanced at Mu Yang, and said coolly, "Given the relationship between Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and the Sun Family, Marquis Muyang would never accept Yaoji." Without waiting for Mu Yang’s reaction, Mo Xiuyao nodded to Yelv Ye and pulled Ye Li towards Prince Ding’s Mansion.

It seemed Mo Xiuyao’s words had made Mu Yang’s expression even uglier. He stood rooted to the spot for a long while before finally turning and walking off in the opposite direction.

Yelv Ye, now left alone, watched the departing couple, an interested arch to his brow. An interesting woman. It seems Mo Xiuyao truly harbors deep feelings for Princess Consort Ding... He had seen that jade pendant clearly. It was the one the Great Ancestor Emperor bestowed upon Mo Lanyun, the founding Prince of Ding Kingdom, at the establishment of Great Chu. It could be said to symbolize the very identity of the Prince of Ding Kingdom. However, as the prestige of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion grew with each passing day, a jade pendant was no longer needed to represent status, and it gradually became a mere decorative piece. Nevertheless, for Prince Ding’s Mansion, this jade still held a significance that no ordinary precious gem could match.

Mo Xiuyao, oh Mo Xiuyao... Is it really wise to expose such an obvious weakness in front of others? Or... do you simply not take me, this Prince, seriously at all?!

A slender crescent moon, delicate as an eyebrow, hung in the night sky, casting a dim, cool glow upon the tranquil streets. Walking hand in hand, Mo Xiuyao smiled softly and asked, "Still worried, Ah-Li?"

Ye Li paused, looking at him in confusion.

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Aren’t you worried about Yaoji?"

Ye Li sighed helplessly. "Yaoji is such an exceptional woman. It’s a pity about her background; otherwise, her path wouldn’t be so arduous."

Mo Xiuyao looked down at her. "Do you want to help her, Ah-Li? If you were to speak on her behalf, perhaps Marquis Muyang’s Mansion would accept her."

Ye Li shook her head. "Setting aside whether Yaoji herself would be willing, if I, as Princess Consort Ding, were to force Marquis Muyang’s Mansion to accept someone they are unwilling to, even if Yaoji did enter the Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, she wouldn’t have a good life there. Besides... Miss Sun is Mu Yang’s legitimate fiancée, isn’t she? She has done nothing wrong. Why should she be forced to accept... a rival? If Mu Yang truly loves Yaoji above all else, he will naturally handle everything. If not... well, in this world, one can’t always have it both ways. I still stand by what I said: one should let go of what must be let go, and sever what must be severed."

Mo Xiuyao sighed softly. "Ah-Li, you are quite resolute. If you were to intercede, both Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and the Sun Family would surely defer to you."

Ye Li gave him a cool sidelong glance. "If someone came before me, asking me to accept a woman as the Prince’s concubine for *her* sake, I would send her flying with a slap. Is the Prince so concerned about this issue because you have similar worries? Don’t worry... I’m very understanding. As long as the Prince tells me himself, it will be fine." Looking at Mo Xiuyao with a smile that was not quite a smile, Ye Li’s expression was exceedingly amiable.

Mo Xiuyao touched his nose helplessly. "This Prince will never have such worries in this lifetime. Ah-Li, you can rest assured."

Ye Li snorted lightly, offering no comment on his assurance.

As soon as they returned to Prince Ding’s Mansion, Mo Xiuyao was summoned to discuss matters. Evidently, the people of Prince Ding’s Mansion had already received news of Yelv Ye’s appearance in the Capital City. Just as Ye Li turned to go back to her room, Qin Feng appeared before her, his expression somewhat odd.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking at him with a smile. "What is it? Has training been too lax lately? Why aren’t you back resting?"

Qin Feng hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Princess Consort, that Miss Yaoji..."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, a look of realization dawning on her face. "Oh, so you were the one who escorted Yaoji back? Commander Qin, you certainly have a lot of free time. It seems I should mention to Darky Three that your training could definitely be pushed further ahead. So, what happened to Yaoji?"

Qin Feng’s face fell. He glanced at Ye Li and said, "She fainted on the roadside before we even reached the Qingcheng Workshop."

"So?" Ye Li looked at him, smiling, her eyes clearly teasing.

Qin Feng could only brace himself and say, "There’s no ’so’... Your subordinate escorted her back. I merely came to report to the Princess Consort."

Ye Li sighed softly and looked at Qin Feng. "You think she’s very pitiful, don’t you?"

Qin Feng remained silent.

Ye Li said gravely, "I also think she is pitiful. But many things cannot be done simply because we feel sympathy. Because perhaps, our so-called acts of kindness and compassion might cause someone else to become just as pitiful."

Qin Feng understood and nodded. "Your subordinate was wrong. Please forgive me, Princess Consort."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled lightly. "The moon rises, so radiant; such a beautiful person, so charming. So graceful and elegant; does your heart ache in silence?"

Qin Feng froze, then swiftly turned and bolted. "Your subordinate takes his leave!"

Watching Qin Feng flee as if for his life, Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle softly. Then, recalling the image of Yaoji’s stiff, upright back as she departed, she could only let out a soft sigh.

Having promised Mo Xiuyao to personally select a jade pendant for him, and also remembering that his birthday was approaching, Ye Li took several maids and went out the next day. She visited a few shops she frequented but found no suitable jade pendants or raw jade. Ye Li wasn’t in a hurry. Truly top-quality jade was something one might encounter by chance but could not actively seek out. The good jades she saw were either already carved into forms that didn’t appeal to her, or their quality was unsatisfactory. If she were to simply pick something from the Prince’s Mansion’s treasury, it would lack sincerity. Walking along the street, Ye Li pondered the rather vexing problem.

"Princess Consort Ding, what a coincidence we meet again!" Just as she stepped out of a jade shop, a hearty voice sounded from behind her.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Turning, she saw the man standing not far off, arms crossed casually, and nodded. "Prince Yelv. Has the Prince not yet gone to the palace for an audience with His Majesty?"

Yelv Ye chuckled nonchalantly. "In any case, the procession to welcome the bride won’t reach the Capital City for several more days. This humble prince will take these few days as an opportunity for some private leisure and won’t trouble His Majesty of your esteemed country for now."

Ye Li nodded and said lightly, "In that case, I shall not disturb the Prince’s leisure."

Coincidence? In the vast Capital City, after just meeting last night, to run into him here this morning – such a coincidence indeed!

Yelv Ye seemed completely oblivious to Ye Li’s detached manner, saying with a laugh, "Speaking of which, this is this humble prince’s first visit to the Capital of Great Chu, and I am quite unfamiliar with it. I wonder if the Princess Consort could do me the honor of being a local guide and show this humble prince around?"

Ye Li pursed her lips into a faint smile, her beautiful face a mask of apology. "I am truly sorry. I rarely go out myself, so I might be even less familiar with the Capital of Great Chu than the Prince is. I fear I cannot act as a guide for the Prince. Speaking of which, yesterday the Prince mentioned visiting Prince Ding’s Mansion. My Prince specifically waited at home this morning in anticipation of your esteemed visit. It seems now he will be disappointed."

The corner of Yelv Ye’s mouth twitched. He chuckled, "Princess Consort, please forgive me. It is indeed because this humble prince has not yet had an audience with His Majesty of your esteemed country that I feel it would be inappropriate to pay a private visit to the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, lest it cause trouble for the Prince and Princess Consort. Wouldn’t you agree, Princess Consort?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "The Prince is very considerate. This Princess Consort still has some matters to attend to, so I shall take my leave first."

Watching Ye Li turn and leave without the slightest hesitation, Yelv Ye’s eyes narrowed slightly, a smile playing on his lips as he said, "A few days ago, I came into possession of an exquisite piece of jadeite. I wonder if the Princess Consort might be interested?"

Hearing his words, Ye Li did not turn back; even her footsteps did not falter for a moment.

Yelv Ye’s brow quirked, and he continued, "Doesn’t the Princess Consort want to know what kind of jade pendant it was that you shattered yesterday?"

Ye Li slowly turned back. Just as a smug smile appeared on Yelv Ye’s face, she said coolly, "Since the Prince said nothing about it, it means he doesn’t mind. Whatever kind of jade pendant it was, it’s already broken. If this Princess Consort wished to know, I would naturally ask the Prince myself. Why should I learn of it from an outsider? Prince Yelv, wouldn’t you agree?"

The smile on Yelv Ye’s face gradually faded. He gazed thoughtfully at the departing figure of the woman before him. No wonder Mo Xiuyao favors her. Truly interesting. Princess Consort Ding, we will meet again.