Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 108. Breakup

108. Fallout

Only when Yelv Ye’s gaze disappeared from behind did Ye Li stop and frown. Over the past six months, she had gained a basic understanding of the situation in various countries. Yelv Ye appeared honest and generous on the surface, but he was the only prince among the sons of the King of Beirong who could compete with Crown Prince Yelv Hong. Thus, it was natural that he was ruthless.

If it wasn’t necessary, Ye Li didn’t want to provoke such people.

"Princess Consort, that man..." Qingshuang noticed that Ye Li’s face didn’t look too good and asked worriedly.

Ye Li shook her head. "It doesn’t matter." Qingluan and Qingshuang exchanged glances secretly, both seeing concern in each other’s eyes. While the Princess Consort walking ahead might not have seen it, they had both seen the look in that prince’s eyes. After thinking for a moment, Qingluan said, "That prince isn’t a good person. It’s better for you to avoid him, Princess Consort."

Ye Li chuckled. "Silly girl, some people can’t be avoided just because you wish it. Unless we do nothing at all, don’t worry. I know what I’m doing."

"I was overthinking," Qingluan laughed. She had never seen the Princess Consort uncertain about anything. The Princess Consort must already know how to deal with it. All Qingluan needed to do was protect her.

"Don’t overthink things. Let’s go and see Fenghua Pavilion," Ye Li said with a smile.

As soon as she stepped into Fenghua Pavilion, the crisp sound of breaking porcelain made Ye Li pause. The shopkeeper of Fenghua Pavilion was well-acquainted with Princess Consort Ding, and he quickly approached with an obsequious smile. "I am honored by your presence, Princess Consort. Please come inside." Ye Li nodded, moved further into the shop, and asked, "Is everything alright?"

The shopkeeper forced a smile. "Two distinguished guests had a little conflict. I apologize if they disturbed you, Princess Consort. Please, this way to a private room. A few days ago, the Prince sent someone saying he wanted some fine pearls. I had planned to send them to Prince Ding’s Mansion in a few days, but you’ve come today." As he spoke, he guided Ye Li towards one of the private rooms. Ye Li nodded indifferently. The people who frequented Fenghua Pavilion were either extremely wealthy or high-ranking officials. Any conflict between them would certainly not be a trivial matter that could be made public like petty squabbles among common folk.

Once they sat down in the private room, the shopkeeper personally presented several boxes of pearls to Ye Li. She opened them; indeed, they were all top-grade pearls. Among them was a box of pale purple pearls. There were only nineteen, but remarkably, each was as large as a pigeon’s egg, perfectly identical in size, color, and shape. When the box was opened, a pale purple luminescence bathed the entire private room in a mysterious glow. Ye Li looked surprised. "Are these luminous pearls?"

A single luminous pearl wasn’t exceptionally rare, but an entire set of nineteen, all perfectly matched in size and color, was. The shopkeeper smiled proudly. "You are correct, Princess Consort. These are indeed luminous pearls. A single one is priceless, let alone an entire box. Moreover, these are of the rarest purple hue. I trust the Princess Consort is satisfied?"

Ye Li nodded with a smile. "You have indeed gone to great lengths, Shopkeeper."

Seeing her satisfaction, the shopkeeper’s smile widened. He knew these pearls had cost him a great deal of money and effort to acquire, but such treasures were not something everyone could afford. If sold separately, their value would be greatly diminished. The King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion lacked neither money nor power. If Princess Consort Ding liked this box of luminous pearls, this single transaction would ensure he wouldn’t have to worry for at least half a year.

With this in mind, the shopkeeper eagerly took out several design sketches and presented them to Ye Li. "Please take a look, Princess Consort. These are designs our best craftsmen at Fenghua Pavilion drew specifically for this box of pearls. Are you satisfied with them?"

Ye Li examined the sketches. They were indeed exquisite jewelry designs. If made, they would undoubtedly incite the envy of all the noblewomen in the Capital City. However, Ye Li had no intention of having them made into wearable ornaments. While beauty and brilliance were universally admired, wearing luminous pearls in the dark would make the wearer a living target. Though not very practical, such items were excellent for collection or as gifts. After some thought, Ye Li told the shopkeeper, "I’ll take this box of pearls. I will have design sketches sent over later; have your craftsmen follow those. Also, make a few other jewelry pieces."

Although a little disappointed that Ye Li didn’t use his designs, the shopkeeper was still delighted when she selected additional pearl jewelry. These top-quality jewels were priceless and hard to come by, let alone sell. The Prince of Ding Kingdom was indeed very generous to the Princess Consort.

After selecting the jewelry, Ye Li was about to ask the shopkeeper if Fenghua Pavilion had any good-quality jade when the sound of breaking porcelain came from nearby. Ye Li furrowed her brow. Before she could speak, a woman’s pained cry was heard—it was clear someone had become violent. "Shopkeeper, who is making all that noise next door?" Ye Li asked.

The shopkeeper’s face was grim. He lowered his voice and replied, "Princess Consort, it’s the Heir of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and the young lady from the Sun Family, the Minister of Ministry of Rites’ household. And also... Miss Yaoji from Qingcheng Workshop. I will ask them to leave immediately."

Ye Li thought for a moment and raised a hand to stop him. She stood up and said, "I know all of them. I’ll go over and take a look."

The shopkeeper dared not say more and quickly led Ye Li towards the adjacent private room.

As soon as the door opened, everyone inside turned to look. Standing behind the shopkeeper, Ye Li peered into the room. Porcelain shards littered the floor. A delicate-looking young woman in a yellow dress was weeping in Mu Yang’s arms. Beside her sat a middle-aged noblewoman with simple makeup but an enraged expression. Yaoji, dressed in red and deathly pale, stood to one side. A fallen teacup lay in pieces at her feet. Ye Li stepped into the room, casually closing the door behind her. "What’s going on here?" she asked.

Seeing Ye Li enter, Mu Yang’s expression flickered. He gently helped the girl leaning against him sit up straighter and nodded to Ye Li. "Princess Consort."

Startled by the interruption, the middle-aged noblewoman glared angrily towards the door. However, upon seeing Ye Li, she quickly reined in her anger, stood up, and forced a smile. "This humble one, Ms. Sun, greets the Princess Consort."

Ye Li nodded slightly and said coolly, "Apologies for the intrusion, Madam." She had no particular impression of this Madam Sun, who was the daughter-in-law of Lord Sun, the Minister of Ministry of Rites. Her husband was merely a fifth-rank attendant, so naturally, they wouldn’t converse at banquets.

Ms. Sun knew that the Princess Consort saying ’apologies for the intrusion’ likely meant their commotion had indeed disturbed her. She quickly invited Ye Li to sit. "The Princess Consort jests. It is we who have disturbed you. Please forgive us, Princess Consort."

Ye Li briefly assessed Ms. Sun and Miss Sun, who was beside Mu Yang. Their appearances weren’t exceptionally striking, but their refined and graceful demeanors, characteristic of scholarly families, made them pleasant to behold. They lacked the haughtiness common in some other powerful and wealthy families. Noticing Ye Li’s scrutiny, Miss Sun blushed and quickly hid behind Mu Yang.

Ye Li smiled faintly and looked at Mu Yang. "Heir Mu, what a coincidence. Are you accompanying Miss Sun to choose jewelry? I don’t believe I’ve met Miss Sun before. Seeing you two today, you truly are a fine match. When the wedding comes, don’t forget to send an invitation to the Prince and me. We’d love to share in your joy."

Miss Sun’s face turned crimson. She darted a quick glance at Ye Li and shyly tugged at Mu Yang’s sleeve. Mu Yang’s expression, however, was somewhat somber. He glanced at Yaoji standing to the side and said softly, "The Princess Consort is too kind. It would be Marquis Muyang’s Mansion’s honor to have you and the Prince grace us with your presence."

Though his glance was subtle, it didn’t escape the notice of Madam Sun or Ye Li. Madam Sun’s face instantly darkened. She snorted. "We appreciate the Princess Consort’s kind wishes, but whether this wedding can even proceed is still debatable."

"Mother..." Miss Sun whispered in panic.

Ye Li, feigning ignorance of the tense atmosphere, smiled. "Madam Sun, what are you saying? While it may not be widely known in the Capital City, Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and the Sun Family have been friends for generations. Surely, a little friction wouldn’t damage such a long-standing relationship?"

Of course, Madam Sun knew the marriage couldn’t be so easily dismissed. She shot a disdainful look at Yaoji, who stood apart, and sighed to Ye Li, "I’m not afraid of the Princess Consort laughing at us. Though we usually keep to ourselves, we’ve heard rumors about the relationship between the Heir of Marquis Muyang and this young lady. At first, we dismissed it as youthful folly on the Heir’s part. But now, our daughter isn’t even married into the family yet, and the Heir is already clamoring to take a concubine. Princess Consort, our Sun Family isn’t unreasonable. After our daughter is married, we certainly wouldn’t forbid the Heir from taking concubines. However, this Yaoji is absolutely unacceptable! She was entangled with the Heir before marriage, and she holds the title of the top dancer in the Capital City. Setting aside whether Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and the Sun Family can bear such a disgrace, if she truly enters the household, where would my disappointing daughter stand?"

Ye Li sighed internally. Were these two fated enemies from a past life? Hadn’t she just seen them part ways last night? How did they end up here today?

"Why is Miss Yaoji here?" Ye Li asked softly.

Yaoji’s face was pale, but she stood ramrod straight. Hearing Ye Li’s words, she gave a cold laugh. "Does the Princess Consort believe Yaoji is forbidden from Fenghua Pavilion? Why doesn’t the Princess Consort ask Heir Mu and Miss Sun why they are here? Or does the Princess Consort think Yaoji deliberately came here seeking humiliation?"

Ye Li was taken aback. Looking at the suppressed fury in Yaoji’s eyes, she felt a pang of guilt. She couldn’t deny that she had indeed harbored some suspicion about Yaoji’s motives. Yaoji’s direct confrontation only proved that her encounter with Miss Sun at Fenghua Pavilion was not her doing. If Yaoji had arrived first, then this encounter was either a coincidence or deliberately orchestrated by someone else. "I apologize," Ye Li said softly.

Yaoji paused, then scoffed. "Forget it. It doesn’t matter. People like us are inherently considered inferior, aren’t we? It’s good the Princess Consort is here today, so let’s clear things up. I, Yaoji, swear I will never marry into Marquis Muyang’s Mansion as a concubine. Especially after last night... My reputation in the Capital City must be pretty much ruined by now, wouldn’t you say? Even if the Sun Family relents, Marquis Muyang definitely won’t agree, will he? Heir Mu, as for the grace of your care, Yaoji dare not say we are even. Consider it a debt Yaoji owes you in this life, to be repaid in the next, if there is one. As for this life, there are no ties between us. Madam Sun, are you satisfied?"

Hearing Yaoji’s words, Ye Li’s heart stirred. She frowned but ultimately said nothing. Mu Yang looked at the stunning woman before him, whose red dress seemed to dim against her pale complexion, his eyes filled with pain and helplessness. As the only male heir of his generation in Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, he shouldered the rise and fall of the entire estate.

Yet, he couldn’t stop himself from being drawn to this beautiful and resilient woman. He had always underestimated Yaoji’s pride and the fierce opposition from both Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and the Sun Family, leading to this difficult predicament. Today’s events were entirely unexpected. He had merely been following his mother’s orders to accompany his fiancée and future mother-in-law shopping, ostensibly to cultivate their relationship. But upon arriving at Fenghua Pavilion, they had coincidentally encountered Yaoji, who was just leaving after buying jewelry. When Madam Sun suggested they go in and chat, a sense of unease had stirred within him. However, clinging to a sliver of hope, he hadn’t objected. But Yaoji, though seemingly alluring and sentimental, possessed an unyielding temper. A few ill-chosen words had enraged Madam Sun, ultimately drawing the attention of Princess Consort Ding, who also happened to be at Fenghua Pavilion.

"Yaoji..." Watching Yaoji’s resolute expression, Mu Yang couldn’t help but step forward, intending to take her hand. But before he could move, his sleeve was tugged. "Heir Mu..." Miss Sun’s delicate face was filled with surprise and alarm. Mu Yang’s heart instantly turned cold, and he sobered. Miss Sun was already his fiancée. If anything went wrong with this marriage, given the strict rules of a family like the Sun Family, Miss Sun would likely face a bleak future—perhaps a life of solitary devotion in a nunnery, even if she didn’t choose to end her own life. The thought rooted Mu Yang to the spot, making it impossible for him to move forward.

Watching from the side, Ye Li couldn’t help but shake her head. Neither the Sun Family nor the Mu Family would ever accept Yaoji. It wasn’t because of her courtesan background, but because she was too exceptional, and because of Mu Yang’s feelings for her. Mu Yang himself wasn’t a bad person; he wasn’t even particularly promiscuous or fickle. Yet, he was incapable of resolving the current situation. If he were truly a libertine, he could marry Miss Sun and continue his debauchery outside; with his status, he could find women as beautiful as Yaoji even if she weren’t in the picture. If he were ruthless enough, he could directly call off the engagement with Miss Sun. As the sole heir to the Mu Family, even if Marquis Muyang disapproved, he would eventually have to concede.

Yaoji’s enchanting eyes were half-closed, concealing a bitter smile. She turned to Ye Li. "Princess Consort, thank you for saving my life last night. Yaoji bids you farewell." Her cold gaze swept over the other three people in the room before she added indifferently, "Yaoji is merely a woman of the floating world, not worth such a fuss. I ask Heir Mu and the others not to disturb me again in the future. Farewell."

"Miss Yaoji..." Miss Sun, standing beside Mu Yang, suddenly looked up and called out to Yaoji. When Yaoji turned back, Miss Sun glanced at Madam Sun before speaking softly, "Miss Yaoji, if... if Heir Mu truly loves you... after we are married... then please, Heir, bring Miss Yaoji into the mansion. I only hope the Heir will grant Lian’er and the Sun Family some measure of respect."

"Lian’er!" Madam Sun reprimanded her in a low, angry voice.

Mu Yang looked at the petite, gentle young woman in surprise, a flicker of joy in his eyes. He had not expected her to be the first to relent.

Yaoji let out a short huff and turned to leave.

Her dismissive attitude ignited Madam Sun’s already simmering anger. "Impudent! What kind of attitude is this?!"

Yaoji turned her head, a scornful smile playing on her lips. "I said I would absolutely not enter Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. Did Madam Sun and Miss Sun think I was playing hard to get? I, Yaoji, may be a woman of the floating world, but I am not so base. Marquis Muyang’s Mansion is a connection Yaoji cannot aspire to, nor does she wish to. Miss Sun’s generosity is something Yaoji cannot accept. So, no thank you."

"Yaoji, you..." Mu Yang frowned. He knew becoming a concubine would be beneath her, but this was the best compromise he could devise.

Yaoji looked at him coldly, a stark contrast to her usual gentle and charming demeanor. Mu Yang sighed lightly. "Yaoji, can’t you yield, just this once, for me?"

The room was silent for a long moment. Suddenly, Yaoji gave a faint laugh. "Mu... Dearest Mu, do you even know my real name?"

Mu Yang was taken aback, looking at her with confusion. Yaoji shook her head and, with a decisive wave of her sleeve, declared, "Unless you marry me properly as your principal wife, we shall not meet again in this lifetime!"

"Marry you properly?" Madam Sun stared at Yaoji, laughing mockingly. "What status do you possess to demand that the Mu Family marry you as a principal wife? Even if Heir Mu were not engaged today, you would not have such qualifications. Lian’er’s willingness to accept you is a sign of her magnanimity and your good fortune. Don’t be ignorant of your place and bring disgrace upon yourself."

Yaoji retorted proudly, "So what? If you cannot do it, Heir Mu, please leave. Or... are you going to stand with them and watch me be humiliated here?"

"Yaoji, you!" Mu Yang furrowed his brows, his face clouded with displeasure. When had Yaoji ever been so unreasonable and quarrelsome?

Yaoji seemed completely unfazed by his displeasure. She glanced disdainfully at Miss Sun, who stood to the side. "Madam Sun is right. I followed you because I wanted to marry into Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and become the Marquis’s wife! If you cannot marry me, then why do you keep coming around? You want me to bow and scrape as a concubine to this little slip of a girl, who has neither looks nor talent, and is inferior to me in every way except for her decent family background? I, Yaoji, haven’t fallen that low. There are plenty of men who desire me; surely one of them will be willing to make me his principal wife..."

"Enough!" Mu Yang’s face was ashen. He took the arm of Miss Sun, who was teary-eyed from Yaoji’s taunts, and said to Madam Sun, "Mother-in-law, let us return."

Madam Sun glanced at Yaoji, then nodded to Ye Li with a smile. "My apologies for letting the Princess Consort witness such a farce. We shall take our leave."

Ye Li nodded. "No need to see us out. Take care, Madam."

The three of them left the room. From beginning to end, Mu Yang did not look at Yaoji again. Naturally, he also didn’t notice the faint pallor around her lips, where a thin trickle of blood was slowly emerging.

Only when the sound of their footsteps faded did Yaoji’s body sway, as if she were about to collapse. Qingshuang and Qingluan, who had just entered from outside, quickly rushed forward to support her, helping her to a nearby chair. After resting for a moment, Yaoji looked up at Ye Li and laughed. "Hasn’t the Princess Consort had enough of the show?"

Ye Li shook her head and said softly, "Why must you do this? Is it worth demeaning yourself like this for Mu Yang?"

Yaoji paused, then gave a bitter laugh. "Love, its origin unknown, deepens with abandon... If I could choose, why would I...?"

Ye Li waved her hand and laughed. "I understand. ’Once having seen the best, the rest is not worthwhile,’ is that it? The pretentious moaning of refined people. If you were starving, with no regular meals and not enough clothes to cover your body, you’d realize all this talk of ’unique love’ is nonsense. Common folk struggle daily for food and shelter. Do you think they can’t live without all this romance?"

Yaoji looked at her with a peculiar gaze. "Princess Consort, you are a descendant of the Xu Family and the First Beauty, yet your way of thinking is so..."

Ye Li laughed, raising an eyebrow. "Tacky?"

Yaoji remained silent, but her expression clearly indicated her agreement. Ye Li laughed it off. "When I was young and still in the maiden’s quarters, I thought I would become Princess Consort Li. Later, when Prince Li broke off the engagement, I thought it was no big deal. At worst, I would find someone of a lower station but good character, and we would live an ordinary life. Then, I was betrothed to Prince Ding. With an imperial decree, could I risk the entire Ye Family and Xu Family by defying it?"

Yaoji was, of course, aware of the circumstances under which Ye Li had joined Prince Ding’s Mansion. At the time, she had even pitied Third Miss Ye. Who could have imagined that in just a year, Third Miss Ye would become the Princess Consort of the King of Ding, envied by all the noblewomen in the Capital City? Meanwhile, Yaoji herself had become the one to be pitied. "What were you thinking at the time, Princess Consort?"

"What else could I think? Just try to make my future better. Or were you expecting me to hang myself out of despair?" Ye Li looked at her challengingly.

Yaoji frowned, looking at Ye Li with disbelief. "Do you mean to say you never once hoped for true affection?" She knew all too well that there would be no happy ending for her and Mu Yang. But having experienced the myriad of human emotions in her life of wind and dust, she couldn’t help but desperately grasp at any sliver of warmth and sincerity. She knew Mu Yang genuinely loved her; it was just that his sincerity couldn’t make him forsake his responsibilities. So, all she could do in return was to let him marry peacefully and sever their ties.

Ye Li sighed softly. "Alright, I shouldn’t mock you. But I believe... a relationship requires effort from both sides to maintain. No matter how much one person gives, it won’t last long."

"Mu Yang loves me, I know. And I love him," Yaoji said solemnly.

Ye Li rested her chin on her hand, observing her. "Love is a matter between two people. But in your case, there are three. You love him, he loves you... What about Miss Sun? She is the most innocent one in all this."

Yaoji bit her lip, glaring at her. "Do you really think that Miss Sun is so weak and innocent?"

Ye Li waved a hand dismissively. "Whether she is weak or not is irrelevant. She is Mu Yang’s fiancée. In this world, not every woman whose engagement is broken can be as indifferent as I am. I’ve heard the Sun Family’s rules are very strict. If Mu Yang were to break off the engagement, Miss Sun would have no other path but a life of solitary religious devotion. So, even if she is putting on an act, it’s only to protect her rightful position. Besides, she hasn’t committed murder, arson, or any other heinous crime. We may not like her, but we cannot say she is wrong. If it weren’t for this affair between you and Mu Yang, she could have been a truly gentle and refined young lady, marrying smoothly, becoming an ordinary wife and the Madam of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. Do you think she would be happy to learn before her marriage that her fiancé’s heart belongs to someone else? The fact that Miss Sun hasn’t tormented you to death out of hatred already proves her disposition isn’t bad."

Hearing her words, Yaoji asked in a daze, "So... was I really in the wrong?"

Ye Li touched her nose, feeling a bit awkward. Saying it was Yaoji’s fault was something she couldn’t bring herself to utter. Yaoji and Mu Yang had known each other for at least seven or eight years, while Mu Yang’s engagement was less than two months old. Going by who came first, it naturally wasn’t Yaoji’s fault. However, she was the one who had to bear the consequences of this situation now. "Well... I suppose you could call it a cruel twist of fate. Don’t take it too much to heart, Miss Yaoji. You are beautiful and talented, and with your considerable wealth, you won’t have trouble living well. Who hasn’t encountered a scumbag or two in their youth?"

Hearing Ye Li refer to Mu Yang as a scumbag, Yaoji glared at her, clearly displeased.

Ye Li laughed. "I know he isn’t a bad person. It was just a turn of phrase."

Yaoji couldn’t help but grin. "Princess Consort, your words may not be the sweetest, but I know you are trying to console me. Thank you. But why would someone of your status go out of their way to comfort someone like me?"

"I don’t comfort people often, so if I said anything unpalatable, please don’t mind," Ye Li apologized with a smile. "As for status and such... since you’re a friend of Third Feng, and I can barely count myself as his friend too, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing, if only for Third Feng’s sake."

Yaoji stood up and smiled. "Then, many thanks, Princess Consort. I’ll take my leave."

Ye Li frowned, looking at her. "You look very pale. Would you like to rest for a bit before you go?" 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

Yaoji smiled and shook her head. "No, it’s alright. I’ve just been a little tired these past few days. I plan to leave the Capital City for a while to..." Her voice trailed off as her body suddenly went limp, and she started to fall. Qingluan, standing beside her, reacted swiftly, catching her and pulling her back. Ye Li was also startled and told Qingshuang to call Qingyu, who was outside, to come in and take a look. Moments later, Qingyu hurried in and took Yaoji’s pulse. He then looked at Ye Li with a strange expression.

Anxious, Ye Li urged, "What is it? Just say it."

Qingyu looked at the unconscious woman in red in the chair, then back at Ye Li. "It’s a slippery pulse. She’s over three months pregnant. It’s likely the fetal qi was disturbed, and that’s why..."

Disturbed the fetal qi... The words made Ye Li’s head spin; it felt as if thunder was crashing overhead. So... had she just been trying to separate a child from its father and mother? Meddling in other people’s business truly brings retribution...

Although Qingyu wasn’t a physician, adhering to the principle that healers possess a parental heart, he carefully examined Yaoji, his delicate brows knitted in a frown of disapproval. "This... she has been far too careless. Over three months pregnant and still agitating herself like this. It’s a blessing from Heaven if the child can even be saved."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps she didn’t know herself."

Qingyu rolled his eyes in disagreement. "Over three months pregnant and still doesn’t know? How foolish would one have to be? In a little while longer, her pregnancy will start to show; it’ll be impossible to hide!"

Ye Li nodded in understanding. A big belly, of course. She looked at the unconscious woman before her, feeling rather troubled. What should be done now?

Meddling, indeed...