Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 114. Yelv Ye visits

114. Yelv Ye’s Visit

Upon leaving the Imperial Garden, Mo Jing had already dispatched someone to wait at the exit. Such a major incident in the palace could not, naturally, be dismissed so easily, allowing everyone to simply disperse, go home, wash up, and sleep. Although a considerable number of assassins had infiltrated the palace this time, they were but a drop in the ocean compared to the nearly one thousand Imperial Guards. The fact that they could cause such a commotion was merely due to the element of surprise. However, this incident revealed that the palace’s security was not as stringent as imagined. It was no wonder the shadow guards of Prince Ding’s Mansion privately looked down on these Imperial Guards and members of the Imperial Army with some disdain. At least, in nearly a hundred years, no assassin had ever successfully breached the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion.

Startled by the assassins, Mo Jing naturally couldn’t sleep. He led the still-shaken officials to Longteng Hall, where state affairs were managed. As Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao reached the entrance, they heard Mo Jing’s furious voice from within, clearly berating the guards for their dereliction of duty. Ye Li raised an eyebrow. She recalled that the current Commander of the Imperial Army was supposedly Leng Qingyu, Leng Haoyu’s elder brother?

Stepping into the hall, she indeed saw a young man, bearing a three-tenths resemblance to Leng Haoyu, kneeling on the ground, head bowed, respectfully listening to Mo Jing’s rebuke. Seeing the two enter, Mo Jing suppressed his urge to continue scolding. His gaze, now thoughtful, fixed on the pair who entered hand in hand. He asked, "Why is Princess Consort Ding with Prince Ding?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Your Majesty, I was concerned for my Prince’s safety, so I brought people to find him. In my haste, I didn’t have time to report to Your Majesty. Please forgive me."

Mo Jing gave Ye Li a complicated glance before managing a smile. "The deep affection between Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding is truly a celebrated tale in Great Chu. It is only natural for the Princess Consort to worry about Prince Ding. How could I blame you?"

Ye Li appeared to let out a sigh of relief and smiled, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your understanding."

"Is my Princess Zhenning alright?" Mo Jing turned his gaze to Mo Xiuyao and asked.

Mo Xiuyao nodded faintly. "Princess Zhenning was slightly frightened but unharmed."

"That’s good," Mo Jing said with a smile. "Zhenning is my beloved daughter. If she were to suffer any harm, my beloved consort and I would be heartbroken." Although he was smiling, Ye Li could not detect any genuine joy in his expression.

"What does Prince Ding think about tonight’s incident?" Mo Jing stared at Mo Xiuyao and asked.

Mo Xiuyao frowned in thought. "This servant does not know. However... it seems unlikely they were targeting Your Majesty." Although most of the guards were protecting the Emperor at the time, the assassins made no attempt to break through the guards’ cordon to assassinate the Emperor. Consider this: even if they had managed to kill all the ministers upstairs, at most it would have angered and enraged the Emperor. The actual impact wouldn’t have been that significant. It would probably just mean a reshuffling of positions in the imperial court. "However... Lord Leng, may I ask why the Imperial Army took so long to arrive?" Turning, Mo Xiuyao directed his accusation at Leng Qingyu, who was still kneeling on the ground.

Leng Qingyu looked up at Mo Xiuyao and said gravely, "At that time, the assassins divided their forces and also attacked several other locations in the palace. This subordinate was momentarily negligent and fell for their ploy to lure the tiger from the mountain. I implore Your Majesty to mete out punishment."

"Momentarily negligent?" Mo Xiuyao sneered. "It seems Lord Leng has completely forgotten the purpose of the Imperial Guards. Knowing that intruders were in the palace, regardless of whether assassins were at the Starry Pavilion at the time, shouldn’t Lord Leng’s first priority have been to proceed to the Starry Pavilion to protect His Majesty? The esteemed Commander of the Imperial Army, actually diverted by a few assassins using the ’lure the tiger from the mountain’ ploy. In my opinion, perhaps it’s time this position of Commander of the Imperial Army was filled by someone else."

Leng Qingyu’s already cold expression stiffened further. He knew Prince Ding was right; tonight’s events were indeed his failure, and he had no grounds to refute whatever Prince Ding might say.

"Enough," Mo Jing frowned. "Tonight was indeed Qingyu’s dereliction of duty. He shall be fined half a year’s salary. The palace guards also need to be thoroughly reorganized. If any such lapse occurs again, I will not be lenient."

Mo Jing’s words essentially meant Leng Qingyu was not truly being punished. The Leng Family was prominent and wealthy; they wouldn’t miss half a year’s salary. The fine was tantamount to no punishment at all. Ordinarily, if someone else had been responsible for such an incident, even if they didn’t lose their head, they would likely be stripped of their official position and title. However, since the Emperor had already spoken and decreed the punishment, others naturally couldn’t say much more. Hearing Mo Jing’s words, Mo Xiuyao also lowered his head and offered no further rebuttal.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao remain silent, Mo Jing nodded with satisfaction. "Then, shall we entrust the investigation of tonight’s events to Prince Ding? I trust Prince Ding will provide me with an explanation swiftly?"

Mo Xiuyao frowned. "Your Majesty, please forgive this servant. In a month, this servant is due to depart for Beirong. Furthermore, there are matters concerning the Prince of Beirong, as well as numerous trivial affairs within my own mansion. I fear I will have no time to spare."

Mo Jing was taken aback for a moment but didn’t press further. He nodded. "It was I who was inconsiderate. Very well. I shall assign this matter to Prime Minister Liu for investigation."

Mo Xiuyao had no objection to this. In truth, even if he had, Mo Jing wouldn’t have listened to him.

After leaving the palace, as they sat in the carriage, Ye Li looked curiously at Mo Xiuyao. "Were you helping Leng Qingyu?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled at her, raised his eyebrows, and said, "You noticed?"

Ye Li pursed her lips. "It was too obvious. Anyone could see that in the hall earlier, Mo Xiuyao was deliberately targeting Leng Qingyu. But by the same token, even if Mo Xiuyao truly found Leng Qingyu disagreeable, there was no need to add insult to injury and embarrass him at that moment. And given Mo Jing’s personality, he would definitely protect anyone Mo Xiuyao tried to disparage. If it hadn’t been for Mo Xiuyao’s deliberate challenging, Mo Jing, no matter how much he trusted Leng Qingyu, would not have let him off with merely a fine of half a year’s salary. When did you and Leng Qingyu become so close? Is it out of consideration for Second Leng?"

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Second Leng doesn’t need me to give him face. Besides... even if he were saving a beggar by the roadside, he wouldn’t ask me to help his elder brother."

Ye Li lowered her gaze in thought for a moment, then looked up at him. "Are you trying to drive a wedge between Mo Jing and the Leng Family?"

Mo Xiuyao leaned back leisurely in the carriage and chuckled. "My lady, you are truly astute. This is just a small trick. Mo Jing will figure it out when he thinks it over later. However, knowing Mo Jing’s personality, even the slightest suspicion, even if he knows better in his heart, will make him unable to resist being somewhat guarded against Leng Qingyu. This way, it will be easier for us to add fuel to the fire later on."

Ye Li understood. This was laying the groundwork in advance. If, in the future, Mo Jing and the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion coexisted peacefully, Leng Qingyu would naturally continue to serve securely as the Emperor’s confidant. However, if things reached an unavoidable crisis, Mo Jing’s trusted aides would certainly be among those the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion would need to eliminate.

Thinking about Mo Xiuyao’s impending long journey in just over a month, Ye Li couldn’t help but frown, an inexplicable sense of unease stirring in her heart.

"What’s wrong, Ah-Li?" Mo Xiuyao looked down at her deeply furrowed brows and asked gently.

Ye Li looked up at him. "What are your plans for going to Beirong?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Ah-Li, don’t worry. The Beirong people won’t confront me openly, with swords and spears. While underhanded schemes are inevitable, in all these years, who has the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion ever feared?"

Ye Li frowned. "It’s still better to be careful."

Knowing she was worried about him, Mo Xiuyao gently drew her into his embrace. "I know. Ah-Li, rest assured, I will return safely."

Ye Li nodded gravely, one hand unconsciously tightening its grip on Mo Xiuyao’s lapel.

「The next morning」

While Ye Li was still practicing martial arts in the training grounds, Chief Steward Mo hurried in to report that the Prince of Beirong sought an audience. Ye Li knew that with just over a month, the timeline was indeed rushed. It wasn’t merely about selecting a suitable candidate for the marriage alliance; more crucially, the chosen woman needed to be instructed in the etiquette and rules of the imperial family, among other things. These were not tasks that could be completed overnight. Since the founding of Great Chu, princesses had rarely been sent for marriage alliances with foreign states. Even for a genuine alliance, preparations would typically take nearly a year. This time, however, Mo Jing had suddenly agreed to the marriage with Beirong, and the terms set by both sides were so relaxed they bordered on child’s play. Although no one genuinely took this marriage alliance seriously, the superficial formalities still had to be observed.

"Is the Prince in?" Ye Li asked, sheathing her sword with a reverse flick of her wrist into the scabbard hanging at her side.

Chief Steward Mo replied, "Third Young Master Feng came to see the Prince early this morning. The Prince has gone out."

Ye Li nodded. "Please show Prince Yelv to the main hall. Also, bring the register of the Capital City’s eligible young ladies that was compiled a few days ago."

"Princess Consort, the gates of Prince Ding’s Mansion are truly difficult to enter, aren’t they?" Before Chief Steward Mo could reply, Yelv Ye’s laughter drifted over from a distance.

Outside the moon-shaped gate, Yelv Ye squinted, his expression unreadable as he faced the guards of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion blocking his path. He inwardly lamented his inability to force his way in. It truly lived up to its name, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, where so many assassins and spies had met their downfall. Its defenses were at least ten times more stringent than those of the Great Chu Imperial Palace.

Looking at the impassive guards before him, Yelv Ye made no attempt to barge through. He knew that as long as these men were unwilling to let him pass, he absolutely could not break through their encirclement in a short time. Besides... angering the beauty would be a loss that outweighed any gain.

"Stand down," Ye Li said softly, appearing behind the guards with Chief Steward Mo. The guards silently complied and retreated. Yelv Ye raised his distinctively shaped eyebrows, appraising the woman before him. Unlike their previous encounters, this time Ye Li was dressed in a simple, white martial arts attire, cinched at the waist with an emerald-green sash. Her dark hair was casually tied up, without any ornamentation. Though she wore no makeup, it only served to highlight her picturesque features and extraordinary bearing.

Yelv Ye smiled. "Have I disturbed the Princess Consort?"

Ye Li regarded him with a half-smile. "If the Prince were truly worried about causing a disturbance, why attempt to force your way in?"

Yelv Ye smiled innocently. "I merely wished to admire the beautiful scenery of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Who would have known its defenses were so formidable?"

Ye Li saw no need to refute such sophistry. With a faint smile, she said, "Prince, please proceed to the front hall for some tea. This Princess Consort must take her leave for now."

"Wait." Yelv Ye stepped forward. Chief Steward Mo, who was beside Ye Li, simultaneously moved to block Yelv Ye, saying with a faint smile, "Prince, please conduct yourself with dignity."

Yelv Ye laughed heartily. "Was the Princess Consort practicing martial arts just now? I am very curious about Central Plains martial arts. Might I have the honor of a sparring session with the Princess Consort?"

Chief Steward Mo interjected, "The King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has experts as numerous as clouds. If the Prince wishes to spar, this subordinate can select a few to exchange pointers with you. Even this old man can accompany the Prince for a brief diversion."

Yelv Ye looked at Ye Li with a smile. "This Prince naturally knows that the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion is full of experts. However... I specifically wish to experience the exceptional skills of Princess Consort Ding."

Ye Li said mildly, "I was under the impression that the Prince and I already crossed hands last night. Moreover... the Prince’s own martial skills were learned from our Central Plains, were they not? If so, what is there to be curious about?"

Yelv Ye was startled. His martial arts were indeed learned from people of the Central Plains. But in their recent meetings, he had consistently avoided using Central Plains techniques. Had he failed to conceal it from her after all? "Princess Consort, you have sharp eyes indeed. Last night’s exchange was brief and rushed, which was rather regrettable. Might I be fortunate enough to spar a round or two with the Princess Consort today?"

Ye Li lowered her gaze and turned. "In that case, Prince Yelv, please." With that, she turned and led the way in.

Watching Ye Li’s retreating figure, Yelv Ye raised an eyebrow, a pleased smile on his face as he followed.

Entering the training ground behind the enclosure wall, Yelv Ye felt a twinge of disappointment. This training field, hidden deep within the harem of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and forbidden to outsiders, looked no different from any other. However, on second thought, it seemed perfectly natural. Mo Xiuyao had been crippled for seven or eight years and had no use for a training field. Besides, even if the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion held any secrets, they wouldn’t be placed so openly in a part of the mansion that could potentially be breached by intruders—though, in all these years, no one had ever succeeded in doing so.

He didn’t know, however, that just half a month ago, this place had looked entirely different. It was only after Ye Li found better alternatives that she had these simpler installations removed from the mansion. For her daily training, she no longer needed them.

Ye Li walked into the center of the training field, turned to face Yelv Ye who had followed her, and said calmly, "Prince Yelv, please proceed."

Yelv Ye couldn’t help but frown. He was only now realizing that this Princess Consort Ding was truly not as easy to handle as he had imagined. He refused to believe Ye Li couldn’t see that he didn’t genuinely want to spar with her. Yet, she deliberately feigned ignorance, walking composedly into the training field and waiting for him to make a move. She even adopted the expression of a host welcoming a guest, seemingly intending to concede a few moves to him as a gesture of hospitality. This left Yelv Ye at a loss, unsure whether to laugh or cry. If word got back to Beirong that he had to be given an advantage by a woman in a martial arts contest, his Crown Prince elder brother would probably laugh himself to death. He was the Seventh Prince of Beirong, noble in status and remarkable in appearance; even the forthright and generous women of Beirong couldn’t help but blush and feel shy in his presence. But this woman, despite his several deliberate attempts at flirtatious teasing, had offered not the slightest reaction. If a woman could remain so composed even when an exceptionally outstanding man intentionally showed her favor, then it had to be said, she was indeed formidable.

Walking onto the training field, Yelv Ye smiled. "Princess Consort, will you not choose a weapon? Are you a swordswoman?"

Ye Li replied calmly, "The Prince himself said I am learning the sword. How could I dare display something I am still in the process of learning and make a fool of myself?"

Yelv Ye nodded. "I also think the Princess Consort is quite skilled with short weapons." Quite skilled? That was an understatement. Recalling those two unexpected thrusts from last night, a chill still ran down his spine. "Princess Consort, please."

"Please," Ye Li said.