Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 127: After the Assassination

127. After the Assassination

"Your Majesty is wise. Ye Li thanks you on behalf of General Zhang."

At the main gate, Ye Li, clad in white as always, exited slowly. Standing on the steps outside the gate, she looked down at the varying expressions of the dignitaries, as well as the slightly somber face of Mo Jingqi. She then slowly walked up to Mo Jingqi and curtsied slightly, "Princess Consort Ye Li of Ding Kingdom greets Your Majesty."

Mo Jingqi paused for a moment, his eyes full of complexity as he examined the white-clad woman who had just curtsied before him. His face revealed no hint of hesitation; instead, he offered a relieved smile, "It’s very good that the Princess Consort is unharmed. Now, I will be able to ease Prince Ding’s worries. Were you frightened?" Ye Li pressed her lips into a slight smile and said, "Indeed, it was a bit terrifying, but the guards at the mansion were all personally arranged by the Prince. I trust that as long as they still have breath in them, they won’t let anyone harm me."

"The Princess Consort is right. We pledge to guard the Princess Consort with our lives," Chief Steward Mo then solemnly added from the side.

"We pledge to guard the Princess Consort with our lives!" the guards outside the gate echoed in unison.

Mo Jingqi’s face darkened slightly, and he managed a somewhat stiff smile. "Prince Ding’s Mansion is truly blessed with loyal and honorable followers. Announce my decree: This evening, all guards of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion shall be rewarded with ten taels of gold each."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Thank you for your graciousness, Your Majesty. Shall we proceed inside?"

Mo Jingqi was about to step in when he noticed the faint traces of blood seeping from the main gate. As the morning wind blew, the scent of blood wafting from inside the gate grew even more intense than that outside. From this alone, one could picture the fierce battle that had unfolded inside Prince Ding’s Mansion throughout the night. Mo Jingqi stiffened for a moment, then smiled and said, "Considering that Prince Ding is not at the mansion, I, along with the other officials, will not go inside. The Princess Consort should get some rest after such a fright. Later, I will instruct the Empress to send a few imperial physicians over to examine the Princess Consort. I must take my leave now and return to the palace; the morning court session will start soon."

Ye Li nodded and said respectfully, "In that case, I wish Your Majesty a safe journey."

Mo Jingqi waved his hand, turned, and returned to the imperial dragon carriage. Not long after, escorted by palace guards and dignitaries, the carriage headed towards the palace. Ye Li stood outside the gate until the carriage disappeared around a street corner. Then Chief Steward Mo stepped forward and said, "Princess Consort..." Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Let’s return to the mansion." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

She walked back to the mansion, stepping across the blood-soaked garden corridor. Coldly watching the bodies being carried away or still lying in the courtyards, she finally returned to her study.

Xu Hongyan was still sipping tea in her study, just as when Ye Li had left; only this time, he held a poetry collection he was halfway through reading. Upon hearing Ye Li’s return, he put down the book, examined her, and asked, "Is everything alright?"

Ye Li gave a small smile and apologized, "I’ve worried you, Uncle."

Xu Hongyan shook his head, saying, "Our family can’t do much to help now. Did the mansion suffer any significant losses?" Ye Li sighed lightly. "Casualties were inevitable, but everything is generally fine. Li’er will handle it properly, rest assured, Uncle."

Xu Hongyan said softly, "Your uncle only realized tonight that you’re much more composed than your brothers. You can manage these things on your own; your uncle won’t interfere. If there’s ever a way our family can help, just send a message to the Imperial Censor’s Mansion."

Ye Li nodded and quietly replied, "Li’er understands. I apologize for worrying you, Uncle."

"Princess Consort." Before long, Feng Zhiyao and the others returned to report after managing the situation outside. Ye Li nodded for them to sit down and gently asked, "How did it go?" Feng Zhiyao, his spirits high, smiled and said, "Princess Consort, rest assured. All enemies have been captured. Although General Sun hasn’t returned yet, surely you trust the might of the Black Cloud Cavalry?"

Ye Li smiled. "I trust General Sun and the Black Cloud Cavalry’s capabilities. Now, please report on your respective situations."

Zhang Qilan declared loudly, "Reporting to the Princess Consort, all assassins outside Prince Ding’s Mansion have been captured. Those who resisted were killed!" Even a simple report from this mighty general was filled with palpable ferocity.

"Reporting to the Princess Consort, all suspicious individuals in hiding throughout the Capital City have been apprehended by the shadow guards. Thirty-six who resisted have been executed," Mo Hua reported in a low voice.

Qin Feng stood by, hands at his sides, and stated indifferently, "Every assassin who entered the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion was killed without mercy."

Mo Hua glanced up at Qin Feng, who remained silent. Feng Zhiyao then waved his folding fan and said with a smile, "It seems we’ve truly caught all those scoundrels tonight. We’ll be busy these next few days. Qin Feng, don’t you dare try to compete with me." Qin Feng didn’t even lift an eyelid, replying flatly, "This subordinate will naturally follow the Princess Consort’s orders." Feng Zhiyao pouted and looked at Ye Li expectantly. Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "If Third Feng is interested, you may accompany Qin Feng and offer them some advice. After all, their experience in these matters is still somewhat lacking." Feng Zhiyao’s eyes lit up. He cupped his hands and said with a smile, "Thank you, Princess Consort."

"This subordinate, Sun Yan, requests an audience with the Princess Consort," Sun Yan’s low voice came from outside the door.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Please come in, General Sun. We’ve been waiting for you."

Sun Yan entered, glanced at those present, and saluted Ye Li. "Thanks to the Princess Consort’s brilliant strategy, my men were stationed at all key roads leading out of the Capital. Indeed, at the fifth night watch, we encountered many suspicious individuals attempting to flee the city. We killed twenty-six on the spot and captured seven alive. Please give us your orders, Princess Consort."

Ye Li rubbed her temples. "So many people... our Prince Ding’s Mansion certainly won’t be able to hold them all. Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, make your selections now and send the useless ones to the Ministry of Criminal Justice." Qin Feng and Zhuo Jing both nodded and then walked out. Feng Zhiyao looked at everyone and asked with a smile, "Princess Consort, what are you planning to do with Mu Qingcang?"

Zhang Qilan and Sun Yan were both stunned; only Mo Hua, who had been on the battlefield, was not surprised. "Mu Qingcang?" Although they were military men, they had still heard of Mu Qingcang’s reputation as Great Chu’s foremost master. They never expected him to fall into the Princess Consort’s hands.

Xu Hongyan frowned and asked, "Mu Qingcang... is he the concubine’s son from Marquis Muyang’s Mansion?"

Chief Steward Mo chuckled. "Indeed. Although little is known about Mu Qingcang’s background, there are still a few families in the Capital City who are aware. He is the eldest son of Marquis Muyang, the elder brother of Mu Yang, the current Heir of Marquis Muyang."

Zhang Qilan and Sun Yan were taken aback once again. They only knew Mu Qingcang by his reputation as a top-notch warrior; they hadn’t been aware of this background. Nonetheless, Marquis Muyang only had Mu Yang as his sole son when he was in his thirties. Therefore, it was plausible for him to have a son as old as Mu Qingcang, though any noble family secrets involved would not be known to outsiders. After a long silence, Xu Hongyan sighed deeply and got up. "Let Li’er decide these matters herself. I am a bit tired and will return to my room to rest for a while." Ye Li nodded and quickly had someone escort Xu Hongyan to his room. Watching Xu Hongyan leave, Feng Zhiyao asked with some confusion, "What does Lord Xu mean by that?" Ye Li replied indifferently, "Nothing much. My uncle is just disappointed in some people and some matters." With her uncle’s quick mind, how could he not guess who was truly pulling the strings behind Mu Qingcang?

Feng Zhiyao shrugged it off and smiled. "Actually, I’m less interested in what the Princess Consort decides to do with Mu Qingcang than I am in finding out who captured him."

His words drew everyone’s attention in the study to Ye Li. She took a sip of her tea and, looking at the gradually brightening sky outside, said with a faint smile, "Naturally, they are also people from Prince Ding’s Mansion. As for their identity... I can’t tell you just yet, but I believe it won’t be long before the Prince himself tells you." Zhang Qilan asked excitedly, "Does the Prince also know about these people?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow in surprise and smiled. "The Prince is the master of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Is there anything concerning its personnel and affairs that he wouldn’t know?" Zhang Qilan, realizing his bluntness, laughed heartily. "Princess Consort, forgive me. What I mean is... since the Prince also knows about this contingent, could I perhaps request in the future that such a force be allocated to the Mo Family Army? With their addition, whatever we undertake would surely be accomplished much faster."

Ye Li raised her slender eyebrows, observing the excitement and elation on Zhang Qilan’s face. She hadn’t expected that Zhang Qilan, who appeared to be a straightforward and outspoken warrior, possessed such keen perception regarding soldiers’ qualities and battlefield situations. Ye Li didn’t disillusion him, simply smiling as she said, "You can discuss that with the Prince when he returns."

With Feng Zhiyao, an expert in interrogation, joining in, the questioning of the assassins progressed very quickly. Of course, this was also due to the large number of captives from diverse backgrounds. On the morning of the third day after the great turmoil in Prince Ding’s Mansion, a hefty dossier appeared on Ye Li’s desk. A casual glance inside revealed information that would astonish anyone. The participants in the assassination included factions from Great Chu, Xiling, Beirong, and Nanzhao. After reading it, Ye Li couldn’t help but want to chuckle wryly. Over the years, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion had truly become a universal target of condemnation; it seemed the whole world wished for their downfall. However, after this incident, presumably, not many would dare to target the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion again. Ye Li looked out the window, where the garden was still brimming with flowers vying in beauty under the bright sunlight. Although only two days had passed, there was no longer any sign of the previous bloodshed and terror.

"Reporting to the Princess Consort, Mu Qingcang wishes to see you," a voice reported.

Ye Li set down the dossier, raised her eyebrows in amusement, and said, "Only three days and he can’t take it anymore?"

Qin Feng frowned. "Ever since we captured Mu Qingcang, he has been somewhat dejected. We’ve been following your orders, Princess Consort, and have not tortured him. It’s his own decision to seek an audience with you; he refuses to say anything until he sees you." Ye Li waved her hand and smiled. "Using torture on someone like Mu Qingcang would be useless; it might instead fuel his resentment and defiance. Please bring him over."

Qin Feng disagreed. "Princess Consort, is it wise to bring him here to the study...?"

"Rest assured, he’s in no state to cause any commotion. Go ahead."

Shortly after, Mu Qingcang was brought into the study. In just three short days, he had transformed from the menacing, black-clad assassin of that night into a disheveled and haggard prisoner. His eyes, devoid of any vibrancy or luster as he looked at Ye Li, made her sigh inwardly. Mu Qingcang truly has aged.

"Leave us," Ye Li said to Qin Feng, who stood beside Mu Qingcang. Qin Feng’s gaze, sharp as a knife, swept over Mu Qingcang before he silently exited. The study fell silent. After a long while, Mu Qingcang finally spoke, "I never expected that the people of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion would willingly follow the orders of a girl barely in her teens." Ye Li replied indifferently, "Whether I’m in my teens or my thirties, Mr. Mu, you should acknowledge my other identity: I am the Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom. That alone is enough to make them obey my commands." Mu Qingcang shook his head. "The Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom... A Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom who can command the Black Cloud Cavalry and the Mo Family Army is indeed rare in the history of Great Chu." Ye Li smiled faintly. "Mr. Mu, you flatter me."

"What do you want to know?" Mu Qingcang asked directly.

Ye Li didn’t hold back, countering, "What does Mr. Mu want to obtain?"

Mu Qingcang looked indifferent. After a long silence, he asked, "I presume the Princess Consort is aware of my identity?"

Ye Li smiled as she looked at the man before her, who, though clearly only around forty, already bore a face etched with the vicissitudes of life. She neither confirmed nor denied his question. Mu Qingcang didn’t seem to care, asking unprompted, "Has anyone inquired with the Princess Consort about me these past few days?"

Ye Li lowered her eyes and smiled faintly. "Who, Mr. Mu, would you expect to inquire about you? After committing the audacious act of breaking into the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion at night to assassinate the Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom, do you think anyone in the Capital of Great Chu would dare associate themselves with you? Frankly, even His Majesty wouldn’t dare admit any connection with you at this time."

Mu Qingcang’s expression darkened as he looked at Ye Li. "I presume the Princess Consort already knows my true identity?"

Ye Li smiled but said nothing. Mu Qingcang looked a little more certain as he commented, "Impressive. You are indeed the Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom. I admire you." Ye Li shook her head. "No, I don’t know anything. All I wish for is that my family and the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion remain safe and sound. So, Mr. Mu, what do you want?"

Mu Qingcang’s gaze turned hollow and bewildered. He murmured, "What do I want..."

Ye Li lowered her eyes to her hands resting on the table and said softly, "Since Mr. Mu wished to see me, you must have something you want to trade. So... there must be something Mr. Mu desires."

After a long silence, Mu Qingcang looked up at Ye Li. "The Princess Consort must be quite familiar with my identity. I want to know... what do I truly mean to them?"

Looking at him with a trace of pity, Ye Li said quietly, "Mr. Mu, why bother? If you wish to extricate yourself from these matters, it’s not impossible. With your skills, once you leave the Capital of Great Chu and its affairs behind, wouldn’t you be as free as a bird?"

A flicker of gloom and sorrow crossed Mu Qingcang’s eyes. He shook his head. "If I wanted to leave, I could do it myself. Isn’t that so?"

"Have you made up your mind?" Ye Li confirmed.

Mu Qingcang nodded decisively. Ye Li nodded gently. "In that case, Mr. Mu, please show me what bargaining chips you possess."

Mu Qingcang said, "I will definitely satisfy the Princess Consort."