Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 119. Refusing Marriage in the Palace

119. Refusing Marriage in the Palace

"Miss Helian, is it that no one wants to marry you?"

The atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense. Helian Huimin’s flushed face revealed her shock. Such words would be deeply embarrassing to any unmarried girl. Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao in surprise. She knew that Mo Xiuyao had a bad temper, but he never deliberately insulted a woman. Even last year, he had never said such harsh words to the brazen Princess Ling Yun of Xiling. But as a woman and a wife, Ye Li had to admit that there was a faint sweetness in her heart when Mo Xiuyao mercilessly treated Helian Huimin like this.

"Prince Ding, you’re going too far!" Yelv Ye stared at Mo Xiuyao sternly.

Mo Xiuyao looked at him and replied with a faint smile, "Where is this coming from, Prince Yelv?"

"Huimin agreed to marry into Great Chu for the sake of diplomatic relations between our two countries. Even if you don’t fancy the noble daughters of Beirong, you shouldn’t insult them! I will report this to your Emperor. I must seek justice for Huimin!" Yelv Ye said indignantly.

"Justice?" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said mockingly, "I also want to seek justice. I have personally refused the imperial decree to marry Miss Helian in the Gold Throne Hall. I have repeatedly stated that there is only one Madam of House in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. However, Prince Yelv and Miss Helian kept disturbing us by coming to our house again and again. Even in front of my beloved wife, they tried to ruin our relationship. Doesn’t Prince Yelv know the importance of the Madam of House in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion? If because of this, Ah-Li develops a misunderstanding with me, who should I turn to? If a woman from Great Chu is gently refused, she will surely back off. But you two have not only paid visits every day but also spread rumors to tarnish Ah-Li’s reputation. This makes me wonder if Miss Helian was forced upon me because she couldn’t find a husband in Beirong. In the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, there can only be one mistress. If Miss Helian insists on staying, she is more than welcome to become a lower maid who does the heavy chores. Becoming a first-class maid is not an option for Miss Helian. Even the lowest-ranking maids in Prince Ding’s Mansion are educated and have a good reputation."

"Prince Ding, you..." Helian Huimin seemed to come back to reality after the shock, but Mo Xiuyao’s response infuriated her. Tears welled up in her eyes, but she didn’t step back or cry. Instead, she turned to face Ye Li. "With Prince Ding’s deep love for you, Princess Consort Ding, don’t you have anything to say? Or will Princess Consort Ding only hide behind Prince Ding and benefit from his actions?"

Ye Li sighed lightly in her heart. This girl is indeed extraordinary. An ordinary girl, after such blunt humiliation from a man, would surely have burst into tears and fled, or at the very least, sobbed uncontrollably. But Miss Helian not only avoided being crushed but even managed to strike back. Blinking her eyes, Ye Li smiled innocently. "Miss Helian, isn’t it natural for a man to protect his woman? Whenever there is something going on, my husband always takes care of it, so I don’t need to worry a bit. My husband and I are in love with each other, and we do not want anyone else to interfere. I kindly ask Miss Helian to please step aside."

"It is common for men to have three wives and four concubines. Doesn’t Great Chu require women to be chaste and obedient as well? Aren’t you afraid of being criticized for saying such things?" Yelv Ye said.

Ye Li smiled and responded, "In Great Chu, we more importantly require women to have propriety, righteousness, integrity, and honor. We cannot accept a woman who actively pursues a man. What’s more... I just don’t like the idea of my husband having concubines. Whoever wants to criticize, feel free to do so."

Helian Huimin clearly hadn’t expected Ye Li to be so unlike most women of Great Chu and be so persistent on this issue. She gritted her teeth and said, "Princess Consort Ding, aren’t you afraid that His Majesty will blame the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion?"

"Blame?" Ye Li slightly furrowed her eyebrows. Just when people thought she was beginning to sway, she bit her lip and said, "In a moment, I will go to the palace to apologize. Miss Helian... no, anyone who wants to marry into the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion can do so. I can even give up my position as Princess Consort Ding by slitting my own throat. At that time, my husband can marry whoever he wants!" After saying that, she looked up at Mo Xiuyao and asked, "Prince, what do you think?"

Mo Xiuyao’s face, which was stern before, instantly softened. Ignoring the presence of two outsiders, he held Ye Li in his arms, smiled and said, "My dear, you mustn’t hurt yourself. If you get hurt in any way, I would feel hurt too. In that case, I will have to grind those who have hurt my beloved into pieces to vent my hatred."

Ye Li nodded in satisfaction and turned back to Helian Huimin. "Miss Helian, as you can see, even if I die, my husband will not marry you." Helian Huimin wanted to say something more, but Yelv Ye stopped her. Yelv Ye stood up and said, "In that case, I apologize for disturbing Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding today. I will take my leave."

"No need for formalities," Mo Xiuyao responded casually.

After dismissing the bothersome visitors, Ye Li turned and looked at Mo Xiuyao, saying jokingly, "Having such a beautiful woman fancy you, Prince, you’re quite fortunate."

Mo Xiuyao looked at her helplessly. "To me, only Ah-Li is considered a beauty. This one... is just trouble that appeared out of nowhere."

Ye Li frowned and said, "Why was this so-called marriage alliance not mentioned by Beirong earlier?" If two countries are to formally ally through marriage, a lot of preparations have to be made. The hustle and bustle in the Ministry of Rites over the past few months is a testament to this. Unlike Helian Huimin just coming to their doorstep claiming it to be a marriage alliance, it seems more like child’s play.

"Yelv Ye proposed the idea after the Beirong marriage envoy arrived at the Capital City. It doesn’t seem to be the King of Beirong’s idea, but a spontaneous one from Yelv Ye," Mo Xiuyao answered.

Ye Li was puzzled. "A spontaneous idea? If Yelv Ye wanted to plant a spy in Prince Ding’s Mansion, this approach would be too conspicuous."

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "Planting a spy? Yelv Ye wouldn’t dare take actions that he knows clearly are fruitless. Even if he wanted to, he wouldn’t do it so unskillfully. He just wanted to cause a scene in this grandiose manner and annoy me a bit. Besides, Helian Huimin is merely Helian Zhen’s adopted daughter. Who knows where she comes from? Either way, should anything go wrong with her, it wouldn’t cause Yelv Ye any loss."

Ye Li snorted lightly and said, "In that case, Prince, may you explain the rumors spreading around the Capital City?"

Mo Xiuyao answered, grinning, "The rumors about Ah-Li not being virtuous? I was the one who spread them."

"So it has been a long time since you have been dissatisfied with me, Prince?" Ye Li glanced at him and answered lightly.

Mo Xiuyao laughed and said, "Of course not! I am deeply in love with my dear consort’s lack of virtue."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "I guess the palace will call me in for a talk soon, right?"

"Ah-Li, feel free to go. If anything happens, blame it on me. I want everyone in the world to know that Princess Consort Ding, even if she is not virtuous and is jealous, is still my only beloved," Mo Xiuyao replied in a low voice, lightly embracing Ye Li’s slender waist.

Ye Li remained silent, leaning against Mo Xiuyao’s chest, slowly calming the tumultuous waves in her heart.

The news from the palace came swiftly, with someone arriving from the palace in the afternoon of the same day to summon Ye Li. The two people who were appreciating flowers in the garden did not find it surprising. After all, given the dramatic play of the bestowed marriage, there was no way the palace wouldn’t respond. Mo Xiuyao put down his painting brush, preparing to accompany Ye Li to the palace, but was pushed back by her. "As the Empress Dowager is summoning me into the palace, why are you coming along?"

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "Is it that without the Empress Dowager’s summons, this prince can’t enter the palace?"

Ye Li sneered. "They want to speak to me. If you insist on joining in, they might hold back and then have to look for another opportunity to speak. It would be better to let them finish in one go. This Princess Consort would like to see what they have to say!" Ye Li was extremely upset by the circumstances. She had thought she had married a husband that no one would fight over, but look at the past year... First, there was Princess Ling Yun. Then there was Noble Consort Liu, whom Mo Xiuyao abandoned outside the city walls. And now Miss Helian. Are these women too full of leisure, or has Mo Xiuyao’s face not been damaged enough?

Noticing Ye Li’s relentless questioning glances at his face, Mo Xiuyao rubbed his forehead innocently and laughed. "If that’s the case, Ah-Li, be careful with everything. Moreover, stay away from that Yelv Ye."

Ye Li blinked surprisedly, looking at Mo Xiuyao in confusion. Being stared at made Mo Xiuyao feel a bit awkward. He huffed lightly, pulled her into his arms, lowered his head and lightly bit her ruddy lips. "In any case, stay away from him."

Ye Li responded with a smile, "Is the Prince getting jealous?"

Mo Xiuyao made no attempt to conceal it, nodding. "Yes, I am. So, the Princess Consort should maintain her distance from him. Understand?"

Ye Li stepped out of his arms, covered her mouth and giggled. "Prince, eating too much vinegar is not good for the body." Before Mo Xiuyao could react, she had already turned and left quickly.

Mo Xiuyao laughed helplessly. Having such an outstanding wife means I have to constantly get jealous. If possible, he would even hope for Ah-Li to go nowhere, do nothing, and stay at home with him every day. Sadly, he knew this was impossible. This was not only due to the political situation and the status of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, which didn’t permit it. It was also because Ah-Li was someone no one could truly restrain. Watching Ye Li’s figure disappearing at the end of the corridor, the smile on Mo Xiuyao’s face slowly faded, gradually replaced by a chillingly grim expression. A marriage alliance, a bestowed marriage? Did Yelv Ye think I didn’t know what he was up to? Yelv Ye, offending this prince is not a good idea. It seems Yelv Ping’s lesson was not enough to make you remember it well. "Guard!"

"Prince."

"Reply to the messenger sent by Yelv Hong. I agree with his proposal."

"Yes, Prince."

Zhangde Palace remained as splendid as ever. However, Ye Li knew that after Prince Li’s rebellion, the Empress Dowager’s power in the palace had been suppressed by the Emperor and was no longer as strong as before. However, although the Empress Dowager favored Prince Li, she was, after all, the Emperor’s birth mother. Great Chu prioritized filial piety, so even if mother and son were estranged, the Emperor had to accord the Empress Dowager superficial respect. Upon reentering Zhangde Palace, Ye Li felt more at ease than before.

"Ye Li pays homage to the Empress Dowager and Her Highness the Empress." Ye Li gently curtsied in greeting to the Empress Dowager and the Empress as soon as she stepped into the hall.

"Princess Consort Ding, you may rise. Please take a seat," the Empress said softly.

Ye Li thanked her, walked to the front-most empty seat and sat down. She looked rather puzzled at the gathered noblewomen of the court and Helian Huimin, who was sitting calmly across from her. Ye Li had to admire her. At this moment, there was no trace of the disgrace and resentment she had shown at the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Even the look in her eyes was very calm and dignified. "What occasion is it today that everyone is here? Have I arrived late?" When one’s status reached a certain level, there was no need to be so constrained in speech. Given Ye Li’s status, unless she made a rash declaration of rebellion, no one would dare correct her even if she said something wrong.

The Empress smiled. "Not at all. I just arrived too, didn’t I? The Beirong envoy sent some Beirong specialties to Mother a few days ago. So, she thought of inviting everyone to taste them. We have been waiting for your return to meet at Zhangde Palace."

With a smile, Ye Li said, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I just went to stay for a few days with my imperial aunt." The Empress didn’t say much, but Ye Li understood her meaning. With a barely noticeable nod, the Empress turned her head to talk to the consort next to her.

The Empress Dowager chuckled lightly. "You do not typically enjoy visiting the palace, and I can only take advantage of this opportunity to invite you to join us. How is the Eldest Princess?"

"The Eldest Princess is in good health. I appreciate the concern, Your Highness," Ye Li responded with a reserved smile.

A warm gaze rested on Ye Li, and she offered a comforting smile to the worried Madam Xu. However, she couldn’t help but mock internally. They think I would concede to their demands because of my aunt’s presence, don’t they? She withdrew her gaze indifferently. Ye Li looked up at another gaze on her, very different from Madam Xu’s. It contained a complex mixture of scrutiny and resentment. Without looking, she knew it belonged to Noble Consort Liu seated next to the Empress Dowager. Over these days, not only had the Empress Dowager aged significantly, but even Noble Consort Liu had changed a lot. The previous ice-cold indifference seemed to have gained some new elements that made the serene beauty of this woman somewhat unpredictable. Ye Li nodded lightly at her, but the Noble Consort merely stared fixedly at Ye Li, causing her discomfort and a slight frown.

"Princess Consort Ding, Miss Helian will become part of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Having come from Beirong, you must take good care of her." As expected, the Empress Dowager spoke up shortly after Ye Li sat down. Her tone and demeanor were as if Prince Ding had not publicly refused the marriage proposal.

Ye Li didn’t intend to be polite. She didn’t want to keep fending off concubines for Mo Xiuyao. Putting down her teacup, Ye Li blinked and questioned, "Miss Helian? Your Highness, are you saying Miss Helian agreed to serve as a maid in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion? Rest assured, Your Highness. Prince Ding’s Mansion never oppresses its servants, and I don’t quarrel with them either."

"A maid?!" Even the experienced Empress Dowager was taken aback, puzzled.

Ye Li chuckled and looked at Helian Huimin, then wondered, "Isn’t it? The Prince clearly told Prince Yelv and Miss Helian, in my presence, that he has agreed to let Miss Helian serve as a maid. Isn’t the matter Your Highness just mentioned the same one, or did I misunderstand?"

The Empress Dowager choked on her words and sternly said, "Princess Consort Ding, you jest. Given Miss Helian’s status, how could she possibly serve as a coarse maid?"

Ye Li appeared confused. "Status? Do you mean the adoptive daughter of General Helian? I agree that her status is too notable to be wasted on menial tasks. However, that’s what our prince said, and as his wife, I cannot go against his will. I’m afraid Miss Helian may not have any ties to our King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion."

The Empress Dowager obviously realized that Ye Li was just making excuses. Frowning, she said, "Princess Consort Ding, the marriage bestowed by His Majesty in the imperial court cannot be disobeyed. Just now, His Majesty asked me to inquire about when the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion plans to hold the wedding. It would be best if it could be arranged before the emissaries of Beirong leave. What are your plans?"

Ye Li pursed her lips into a smile and responded calmly, "Reporting to the Empress Dowager, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has no plans to conduct a wedding ceremony."