Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 117. Princess Ronghua

117. Princess Ronghua

In the following days, Ye Li personally guided those she had selected daily in the valley beneath the Black Cloud Mountain Cliff. Qin Feng, who had consistently been learning at her side, benefited greatly and increasingly admired Ye Li’s capabilities. He couldn’t understand how the Princess Consort, a young woman still in her teens, knew so many things that people like them had never even heard of. Qin Feng prided himself on his intelligence, but he had to admit that mastering everything the Princess Consort taught would take him at least ten or twenty years.

Ye Li also paid close attention to the psychological state and thoughts of these soldiers selected and trained as spies. Therefore, during their training, she would intersperse adapted stories of legendary agents from her previous life. Although no specific names were mentioned, these intelligent soldiers began to understand the importance of the responsibilities they would bear. They learned that as spies, they could sometimes even determine the outcome of a war. Any lingering traces of regret or dissatisfaction they might have harbored were swept away by the novel knowledge and skills Ye Li imparted.

"Princess Consort, have you decided on your plans for this group?" Qin Feng asked Ye Li curiously as he stood by her, watching her write rapidly.

Ye Li looked up at him and said, "They can only be considered an experiment. I’m uncertain what impact they will truly have. Training a qualified spy is more challenging and time-consuming than training a hundred elite soldiers. Moreover, I’m not very familiar with this field."

Qin Feng laughed. "This subordinate cannot tell at all that the Princess Consort is unfamiliar. Everything you’ve taught these past few days has been eye-opening. Many things are things I had never even conceived of before. I truly don’t understand how the Princess Consort came up with them."

Ye Li looked at him with a hint of a smile. "Do you really want to know?"

Taken aback, Qin Feng quickly recoiled and shook his head repeatedly. "I was just joking, Your Highness." The Xu Family had produced scholars and great Confucian masters for generations; for a genius like the Princess Consort to emerge from such a family wasn’t so strange, was it? Looking at the thick piles of documents already accumulated on a nearby table, Qin Feng frowned. "Princess Consort, if you wish to train spies, why select only men and not women? After all, women are generally less likely to arouse suspicion."

Ye Li shot him an exasperated glance. "Do you think I haven’t considered that? Where would I find suitable women so easily? Women are not like men. For men, mediocrity in appearance and talent is acceptable and less likely to arouse suspicion. Women, however, must possess exceptional beauty, talent, and cunning. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even be able to get close to the enemy, let alone achieve anything else."

Qin Feng nodded. "You’re correct, Princess Consort."

Ye Li continued, "You will most likely be in charge of this department in the future, so keep an eye out for suitable candidates. Also, regarding those few, I will be returning to the Capital City in a couple of days. These are materials they still need to study; you should review them as well. After this phase of training is complete, I will arrange for someone else to instruct them in other matters. I have two enrollment spots for Lishan Academy. Once their training is finished, select two of them to send there."

Qin Feng was stunned. Lishan Academy was an institution that many nobles of Great Chu struggled to enter, let alone these soldiers from humble backgrounds within the army. Regardless of the Princess Consort’s intentions, the opportunity to study at Lishan Academy was an immense honor for them. "Thank you, Princess Consort."

Ye Li waved her hand dismissively. "There’s no need for thanks. Try to choose younger ones. Furthermore, if they cannot pass Lishan Academy’s entrance examination on their own, it will all be for naught."

Qin Feng smiled. "These few men have some education, unlike the rough soldiers in the army. Knowing of the Princess Consort’s great favor, they would strive to pass even if it cost them their lives."

Ye Li nodded with satisfaction. Just as she was about to give further instructions, a shrill voice suddenly cried out from outside the door, "Ye Li, you get out here this instant!"

Qin Feng frowned in displeasure. "Who would be so audacious as to cause a disturbance at the Eldest Princess’s villa?"

Recognizing the sharp voice, Ye Li smiled nonchalantly. "It’s taken her quite a few days to finally come and cause a scene; she’s really something. For now, everyone is likely indulging her, so let her make a fuss for a while. Just instruct them to lead her over here and ensure she doesn’t disturb Imperial Aunt’s rest."

"Is it Commandery Princess Ronghua?"

"It’s Princess Ronghua," Ye Li corrected. Although she didn’t reside in the Capital City, news of events there was delivered to her desk promptly each day. The Emperor had elevated Commandery Princess Ronghua to the rank of Princess Ronghua and decreed her marriage into the Beirong Kingdom. Princess Zhaoren’s Mansion had been in turmoil ever since. Initially, Princess Ronghua believed her mother and aunt could support her. However, upon realizing they were powerless, she began to throw tantrums, make scenes, and even go on hunger strike, which drove Princess Zhaoren to near distraction with worry, almost turning her hair white. But no matter how much Princess Ronghua protested, how could she defy the Emperor’s decree? Still, she was escorted daily by female officials sent from the palace to learn court etiquette. As Princess Ronghua was of imperial blood, the requirements for her, though not as stringent as for princesses raised within the palace, were still proper. In terms of etiquette, she wasn’t lacking and didn’t suffer much. Still, it was a mystery why she had come here to cause a disturbance today.

Hearing the commotion outside, Ye Li put down her pen and walked out. Just as she stepped outside, she saw Princess Ronghua approaching menacingly with her entourage. Upon seeing Ye Li, Princess Ronghua’s eyes filled with hatred and fury. "Ye Li, you wretch, I’ll kill you!" Upon spotting Ye Li, Princess Ronghua looked as if she had encountered a mortal enemy from several lifetimes, lunging towards Ye Li without any regard for decorum. Ye Li frowned slightly. Qin Feng, who was following her, stepped forward swiftly, blocking Princess Ronghua two paces away from Ye Li. He said in a low voice, "Princess, please conduct yourself with dignity."

The title ’Princess’ caused Princess Ronghua’s pretty face to twist with fury. She snarled, "Shut up! Does this Commandery Princess need a slave like you to criticize my actions?"

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow faintly. "My apologies, Princess. I am a subordinate of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, not your slave."

"You... you..." Princess Ronghua was accustomed to being domineering. Already consumed by anger, she was astounded that a servant of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion dared to be so disrespectful to her. She was so furious she couldn’t speak for a moment. The attendants behind her finally regained their composure and hurried forward to soothe her. Annoyed by the clamor around her, Princess Ronghua spun around and slapped one of them sharply across the face. "All of you, shut up for this Princess!"

Silence instantly fell upon the courtyard. Princess Ronghua’s attendants immediately quieted down, afraid to provoke their mistress further. Ye Li gestured to Qin Feng. "Qin Feng, you may attend to your duties."

Qin Feng frowned, his disapproval evident. "Princess Consort, this might not be wise..."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Don’t worry, Princess Ronghua won’t harm me."

Although he was wary of the seemingly crazed Princess Ronghua, Qin Feng chose to trust the Princess Consort. After all, they were at the Eldest Princess’s villa; even if Princess Ronghua truly wanted to cause trouble, it wouldn’t be easy. As for fighting, Qin Feng himself wasn’t sure he could win against the Princess Consort; ten Princess Ronghuas wouldn’t be a match for her.

After Qin Feng withdrew, Ye Li turned to Princess Ronghua with a smile. "Princess, please come inside."

Princess Ronghua was somewhat disarmed by Ye Li’s amiable attitude and stared at her suspiciously. "What scheme are you plotting?"

Ye Li smiled lightly. "You need not worry. I have no schemes against you. Why would I bother scheming against a Princess Friendship?"

"You!" Commandery Princess Ronghua’s face turned red with anger. Ye Li smiled. "Princess, let’s go inside and talk."

Eventually, Princess Ronghua obediently entered the flower hall and sat down, though her almond-shaped eyes continued to glare daggers at Ye Li. After taking a sip of tea, Ye Li asked, "Princess, why have you come to my residence to cause a scene today? Is it merely to vent your anger? If so, I won’t retaliate. You may rage, scold, or break things as you please, as long as it makes you happy. But... what is the point? Can it change the current situation? Besides, do you truly believe your political marriage to Beirong is my doing?"

Princess Ronghua was taken aback, then quickly puffed up her pretty cheeks defiantly. "Of course, it’s because of you! Who asked you to include this Commandery Princess in the selection? Dare you say you weren’t seeking personal revenge?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Personal revenge? You can believe that if you wish. However, the decree was issued by His Majesty. I merely selected the candidates I deemed most suitable. The final choice of you, Princess, was not mine."

Princess Ronghua retorted angrily, "Why didn’t you remove my name?"

Ye Li looked at her with some amusement and asked in return, "Why should I remove your name?" Was she very familiar with Princess Ronghua? Did they have a good relationship?

"This Commandery Princess does not want to be a Princess Friendship! Those Beirong barbarians are so vulgar and unsightly..."

Seeing the first traces of fear and weakness appear on Princess Ronghua’s proud face, Ye Li sighed inwardly. Who would want to be a Princess Friendship?

Princess Ronghua was stunned, speechless for a moment. Indeed, Beirong was no paradise. Which daughter from a noble, distinguished family would willingly go there as a Princess Friendship? Ye Li had no close ties with her, and there was even some animosity between them. Why should Ye Li help remove her name? Watching Princess Ronghua stubbornly bite her lip, desperately holding back tears, Ye Li gently shook her head in her heart. While she didn’t like Princess Ronghua, she didn’t particularly dislike her either. Princess Ronghua was indeed spoiled, arrogant, and looked down on others, but she was also relatively straightforward, which, at least, made her easier to deal with than those women full of schemes and calculations. "Princess, how did you manage to leave the city today? Could it be that you came all the way out of the city today just to beat me up and vent your anger?"

"Would you let me beat you?" Princess Ronghua asked.

Ye Li shook her head with a smile. The porcelain cup in her hand shattered with a crack. She stated faintly, "You are no match for me."

"You!" Princess Ronghua glared at her resentfully, feeling as though this woman was toying with her. Ye Li looked at her calmly. "The matter of the political marriage is unchangeable. Princess, instead of wasting your energy being angry with me, shouldn’t you consider what to do next?"

A flicker of sorrow and helplessness crossed Princess Ronghua’s eyes. She huffed. "What else can be done? Just wait to be escorted onto the carriage to Beirong for the marriage. When Beirong and Great Chu eventually turn on each other, I’ll either be cast into the Cold Palace or used as a sacrifice to rally the troops." Even though she was spoiled and willful, she was born into the imperial family and understood many of these political implications; it was just that she hadn’t needed to care before.

Ye Li’s eyes flickered as she placed the shattered teacup back on the table. "After you arrive in Beirong, you will become the Crown Princess of Beirong. As long as Beirong and Great Chu have not officially fallen out, no one can harm you, at least not openly. If you are sufficiently astute, you can survive well in Beirong, and perhaps, in the future, you might even have the chance to return to Great Chu."

Of course, Princess Ronghua didn’t believe it. She scoffed, "Return to Great Chu? Easier said than done. When that time comes, who will remember a mere Princess Friendship?"

Ye Li frowned in thought, then took out an exquisite jade pendant, broke it in half, and handed one piece to Princess Ronghua. "Princess, take this. If your life is ever in danger in the future, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion can save you once. This is the token."

"What do you want me to do?" Princess Ronghua was no fool. Just as Ye Li had implied, their relationship wasn’t good enough for Ye Li to help her to such an extent.

Ye Li said, "Fulfill your responsibilities as a Princess Friendship and the Crown Princess of Beirong. Do your utmost to assist the Crown Prince of Beirong."

"Me... assist the Crown Prince of Beirong? Are you joking?" Princess Ronghua had some awareness of her own limitations. She could manage as an ordinary princess consort, but assisting the Crown Prince of a nation... Was Ye Li overestimating her capabilities?

Ye Li said casually, "You don’t need to worry. Since I’ve said so, I will naturally help you. If you trust me, someone will eventually approach you with the other half of this jade token. When that time comes, you just need to trust him. Also, once you arrive in Beirong, you can discreetly leak some information to the Crown Prince of Beirong to convince him that you can be of use to him. Otherwise... you might be killed as soon as you arrive. The Crown Prince of Beirong will certainly be unhappy about marrying a Crown Princess who hails from Great Chu."

Princess Ronghua looked at Ye Li with a complex expression. Compared to Ye Li, she had been born into the imperial family and was even two or three years older, yet she had never considered so many things. Is this the difference between the Princess Consort of the Ding Kingdom and an ordinary Commandery Princess?

"If the Crown Prince of Beirong learns of my connection to the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, how will he trust me?" Princess Ronghua asked.

Ye Li smiled. "Find a way to let him know you can help him deal with Yelv Ye. When Xiuyao escorts you to Beirong, I will ask him to communicate with the Crown Prince of Beirong. Besides... what do you need the Crown Prince of Beirong’s trust for? Do you truly believe Beirong will accept a future Queen Mother from Great Chu? Although Beirong is a barbaric land, they value bloodline even more than other places. For hundreds of years, Beirong has never had a queen of foreign origin, nor has any King of Beirong possessed bloodlines other than those of Beirong nobility. Of course, if you can genuinely captivate Yelv Hong to the point where he would change everything for you, I can also alter my plans to support you."

Recalling the rumored hideous appearance of the Beirong people, Princess Ronghua frowned in disgust. Although that Yelv Ye was passably handsome, he was merely passably so. Great Chu had thousands, if not tens of thousands, of men more handsome than him. Who knew what Yelv Hong looked like? That Yelv Ping before him was as ugly as a pig. Princess Ronghua unhappily took the jade piece from Ye Li’s hand. "This is just a fair exchange. Don’t expect this Commandery Princess to thank you."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "No thanks are necessary. However, Princess, you should understand that some matters cannot be known by too many people, correct?"

"This Commandery Princess is not stupid," Princess Ronghua snorted. She certainly wasn’t stupid. She knew Ye Li was using her. But how many Princesses Friendship, especially those sent to a place like Beirong, ever had a good fate? While Ye Li was using her, she was at least providing her with the means to survive. And what had that lofty cousin of hers in the palace done? Apart from sending people to instruct her in etiquette she had long since mastered, he hadn’t offered even a single word of advice or concern. He merely treated her as a pawn to be discarded at any moment. Since that was the case, she couldn’t be blamed for helping the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. She, too, wanted to live.

Ye Li nodded. "There is still quite some time before your departure. In the coming days, it would be best for you, Princess, to visit Eldest Princess Zhaoyang and Her Highness Empress more often."

Princess Ronghua glanced at her, puzzled. Ye Li smiled. "Those two are intelligent women. If you sincerely seek their guidance, Princess, they will teach you a great deal. I am unaware of what Princess Zhaoren has taught you, Princess. However, observing over these many years, perhaps there’s no need to learn it further, is there?"

Despite Ye Li’s blatant mockery of her own mother, Princess Ronghua did not become angry. Instead, she pondered seriously for a moment before saying, "This Commandery Princess understands. This Princess will take her leave. Oh, and... if you have nothing else to do, you should return to the Capital City sooner rather than later. Be careful that your Prince of Ding Kingdom isn’t snatched away by someone else."

With that, Princess Ronghua walked out, still wearing an air of pride, leaving Ye Li alone in the flower hall, momentarily stunned, pondering whether Princess Ronghua’s words were a joke or a genuine warning about something.