Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 184. Father-Son Fallout

184. Father-Son Estrangement

Qin Feng and Zhuo Jing took their orders and retreated. Han Mingyue looked at Mo Xiuyao, stunned and hesitant, but said nothing for a long moment. Mo Xiuyao rubbed his temples, tossed aside the scroll he was reading, and looked at Han Mingyue coldly. "Han Mingyue, you should know why I’ve tolerated you this long."

Han Mingyue lowered his head and chuckled bitterly. "I know. It’s certainly not because of any friendship between us."

"Indeed. You should be thankful you have a good brother... and even more thankful that Han Mingxi is a friend Ah-Li acknowledges. Don’t cause him trouble. He can’t save you every time," Mo Xiuyao replied.

Han Mingyue remained silent. He knew Han Mingxi was in Ruyang City during this time. Although the brothers hadn’t met, Han Mingyue could sense Han Mingxi secretly arranging for his care. Han Mingxi, concerned about wounding his pride, did these things discreetly, rarely letting him know. He probably even pleaded for me in advance when I secretly tried to find Qilin’s whereabouts, Han Mingyue thought, lowering his head dejectedly. "It is I, his older brother, who has let him down."

Mo Xiuyao snorted. Apart from his obsession with Su Zuidie, who had Han Mingyue ever truly done right by?

"Xiuyao... I beg you, please spare Zuidie," Han Mingyue struggled to voice his plea. Previously, even when he had to humble himself, he still had bargaining chips to use with Mo Xiuyao. But now, having lost everything, all he could do was beg...

"Leave," Mo Xiuyao said coldly.

"Xiu..." Han Mingyue started to plead again, but a fierce red light flashed in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes. A powerful force struck him head-on, and before he could utter another word, Han Mingyue was sent flying. He crashed heavily into the courtyard outside the study, and the study doors slammed shut before him. Mo Xiuyao’s strike was swift and ruthless, showing no mercy. Caught completely off guard, Han Mingyue was thrown out, crashing to the ground and spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"Brother..." A dark red hem appeared silently beside Han Mingyue. Lifting his head, he saw Han Mingxi’s handsome face etched with worry and sorrow. Leaning on Han Mingxi’s hand, Han Mingyue stood up, looking at his younger brother with shame. He hadn’t wanted his younger brother to see him in such a wretched state. "Mingxi, I’m sorry."

Han Mingxi simply shook his head in silence, then looked at Han Mingyue. "Brother, don’t waste your efforts. As long as Junwei doesn’t return, no one can save Su Zuidie." In recent days, Han Mingxi had given up trying to persuade his older brother to forget Su Zuidie. Instead, he merely pointed out the futility of his current efforts. "Prince Ding is keeping Su Zuidie alive, but it’s not because he can’t bear to part with her. It’s simply because he needs her alive. Letting Su Zuidie die so easily would be letting her off too lightly. It’s like how the Mo Family Army clearly had the power to kill Marquis Muyang on the battlefield, yet Mo Xiuyao ordered him released. Only time will tell what awaits Marquis Muyang."

"Ye Li is already dead," Han Mingyue stated through clenched teeth.

Han Mingxi’s expression darkened. He murmured, "Unless her body is found, she’s not dead. Brother, you had better pray that Junwei’s... body... isn’t found. Otherwise..." No one knew what Mo Xiuyao might do. Ever since Junwei’s incident, Mo Xiuyao had become terrifyingly unpredictable. Apart from initially killing the seven thousand soldiers searching for Junwei and expelling the Great Chu troops stationed beyond Feihong Pass, he had shown no reaction to the Princess Consort’s tragic fate. However, being close to the core of Prince Ding’s Mansion, Han Mingxi could vaguely sense that Mo Xiuyao was laying a trap. The day he finally made his move, it would undoubtedly be accompanied by endless carnage.

"If Princess Consort Ding..."

Shaking his head, Han Mingxi said indifferently, "A dragon has scales that, if touched, mean death. Brother, you’d best look out for yourself."

「Imperial Mausoleum of the Great Founding Emperor」

Inside the frigid mausoleum, Tan Jizhi’s face was even colder than his surroundings. Being tricked by his own ancestors had left him fuming, with no outlet for his rage. Ye Li wisely chose not to provoke him at this moment. The three of them exited the white jade palace. It seemed that once Ye Li opened the palace doors, all the traps within the mausoleum deactivated. Even the bridge piers that had sunk into the Shuiyin River rose back to their original positions. The trio retreated to a stone chamber on the mausoleum’s periphery to rest. After the long ordeal, Ye Li was quite tired. She walked to a stone chair in the corner without ceremony, sat down, and took out the dry rations and water she carried, beginning to eat.

Tan Jizhi sat opposite her, leaning casually against the wall on the ground. His face, once full of confident pride and arrogance, now bore an air of dejection and grim ruthlessness.

"Princess Consort Ding must be very pleased right now, mustn’t she?" Tan Jizhi asked darkly, watching Ye Li eat with composure.

Ye Li’s hand, holding a piece of dry ration, paused slightly. She offered a faint smile. "Lord Tan, with all due respect, what pleasure is there to be found in such a gloomy place?"

Tan Jizhi clearly didn’t believe her. He scoffed, "Seeing me come up empty-handed must have been quite amusing for you, Princess Consort. How could you not be pleased?"

Ye Li looked at him earnestly and stated firmly, "Lord Tan, I have never been one to take pleasure in others’ misfortune."

Hearing this, Tan Jizhi’s face contorted for a moment, but he quickly looked back at Ye Li and laughed. "Although I came up empty-handed this time, meeting Princess Consort Ding and the future Heir of Prince Ding wasn’t a complete loss. Of course, for this, I must also thank Father."

Doctor Lin remained cold-faced, ignoring him as if he hadn’t heard a word.

Ye Li smiled. "I, too, must thank my Master. If not for his rescue, I might not have lived to see you today, Lord Tan."

Tan Jizhi gave Ye Li a curious look, no longer speaking to her with sarcasm. He had spent more time by Mo Jing’s side than most people realized, so he had some understanding of Ye Li. If Mo Jing hated anyone in this world more than Mo Xiuyao, it would likely be Ye Li. In Mo Jing’s view, the originally crumbling King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and the half-dead Mo Xiuyao had spun out of control entirely due to Ye Li’s appearance. This filled Mo Jing with the rage and hatred of seeing a decade’s work ruined in an instant. Perhaps Mo Jing wished for Ye Li’s death even more than Mo Xiuyao’s. Although Tan Jizhi didn’t agree with Mo Jing’s inexplicable hatred, it didn’t prevent him from recognizing Ye Li’s importance. He certainly understood that a woman like Ye Li couldn’t be swayed by mere words. His eyes shifted slightly, and Tan Jizhi tactfully changed the subject. "After all this time, doesn’t the Princess Consort want to know how Prince Ding is faring?"

Ye Li pursed her lips, offering him a false smile. "Would Lord Tan be willing to tell me?"

Tan Jizhi chuckled. "It is my honor to speak with the Princess Consort. Speaking of which... His Highness Prince Ding is truly devoted to you. The day after you fell from the cliff, not only were those seven thousand soldiers at the foot of the mountain all beheaded, but His Highness Prince Ding also withdrew the entire Mo Family Army that was resisting Nanzhao and Xiling. Now, Great Chu is in utter chaos." Seeing Ye Li frown, Tan Jizhi continued, "And that’s not all. Prince Ding expelled all Great Chu garrisons beyond Feihong Pass. Any soldiers who resisted or disobeyed were killed. Now... everyone in the world knows His Highness Prince Ding has rebelled. Such fury, all for a lady—aren’t you deeply moved, Princess Consort?"

Ye Li’s expression remained unchanged. "Thank you for informing me, Lord Tan. As a woman, I am, of course, deeply moved by the Prince’s actions."

Tan Jizhi raised an eyebrow. "The Princess Consort is from the Xu Family of Yunzhou. The Xu Family is known for its unwavering loyalty. Does the Princess Consort have nothing else to say?"

Ye Li smiled apologetically. "Once married, a wife follows her husband. Whatever the Prince does, even if the entire world condemns him, in my eyes, he is always right."

"To have such a wife, His Highness Prince Ding is truly fortunate!" Tan Jizhi said through clenched teeth.

Ye Li smiled. "Lord Tan, you flatter me. Actually, compared to my Prince, I’m more interested in Lord Tan’s affairs."

Tan Jizhi was momentarily startled, staring warily at the plainly dressed woman with a radiant smile before him.

Ye Li waved her hand and said with a light smile, "Lord Tan, no need to be nervous. Since you’ve already revealed your identity to me, I presume you don’t mind if other things are known?"

Tan Jizhi remained silent. Indeed, his greatest secret was merely his identity. If even this was no longer a secret, then what else couldn’t be said? Lifting his head, a smile touched Tan Jizhi’s lips. Unfortunately, a face long accustomed to a gloomy cast couldn’t quite manage a suave demeanor, though it hardly mattered to anyone. Tan Jizhi raised an eyebrow and smiled. "To pique the Princess Consort’s interest is truly an honor."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Lord Tan, why be so modest? I won’t try to guess your motives for staying by Mo Jing’s side all these years. It must be for that one particular goal, correct?"

Tan Jizhi nodded slightly. "Correct." As a descendant of a previous dynasty, his reasons for lurking near the current emperor were obvious, hardly requiring any guesswork.

"Lord Tan, can you recall how many descendants of previous dynasties in history have successfully restored their rule?" Ye Li asked, putting down her dry ration and pouring a little clean water to wash her hands.

Tan Jizhi’s face darkened as he stared coldly at Ye Li. 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Ye Li said with a smile, "Lord Tan, don’t take it to heart. I am not mocking you. It’s just a question for Lord Tan to consider."

"Indeed, not many have succeeded. Does the Princess Consort have some profound insight?"

"Profound insight, I dare not claim. But isn’t restoring a dynasty... far more difficult than founding one? The previous dynasty ended nearly two hundred years ago. Which commoner would risk their life for a descendant of an imperial family that perished generations ago? And what benefits can you, Lord Tan, a descendant of that former dynasty, offer them to make them take such risks for you? You wish to restore the dynasty, but have you considered where the funds, troops, and talent will come from? Surely you don’t believe that once the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion is gone and Mo Jing of Great Chu is eliminated, the realm of Great Chu will simply fall into your hands? Although you didn’t find the treasure you hoped for this time, this imperial mausoleum itself is still worth a considerable sum."

"Thank you for the reminder, Princess Consort," Tan Jizhi said, scrutinizing Ye Li for a moment before cupping his hands in acknowledgment.

I wasn’t reminding you; I was trying to discourage you, Ye Li thought silently. But he’s right. How could a man who endured humiliation while lurking by someone like Mo Jing’s side for so many years, all for the sake of restoring his dynasty, be completely unprepared? As Ye Li pondered the information she had just gleaned from Tan Jizhi, her expression remained perfectly composed. She was adept at navigating social subtleties and knew when to stop talking. If she pressed further, Tan Jizhi might consider silencing her rather than using her to negotiate with Mo Xiuyao.

Though Ye Li didn’t wish to speak further, Tan Jizhi seemed to have taken a keen interest in her. "Speaking of which, how did a woman as intelligent as the Princess Consort end up being forced to marry Prince Ding? Or... were you and His Highness Prince Ding already secretly in love before His Majesty found out?"

"Lord Tan, you’ve been reading too many storybooks. I simply have good taste," Ye Li glanced at him and said coolly.

"Good taste?" Tan Jizhi scoffed, clearly finding her statement ridiculous. From any angle, marrying Mo Xiuyao didn’t seem like a good thing.

Ye Li pursed her lips, deciding not to explain her taste to outsiders. From the perspective of women in this era, marrying Mo Xiuyao was indeed not a good thing. But for her, Ye Li, it was the best possible choice. She wouldn’t have to contend with numerous women in the harem, nor spend her life discussing cosmetics and household gossip with secluded noblewomen, nor be confined to a tiny world for her entire life. Even if she was prepared for such a life, why not choose a better option if available? Though it was far from the peaceful and tranquil life she had originally hoped for, gains always came with sacrifices. She couldn’t expect to enjoy the freedom of her past life without fulfilling any responsibilities or obligations. Others’ opinions didn’t matter; what mattered was that she was happy with what Mo Xiuyao gave her and was willing to do everything she could for him. That was all.

Although the treasure in the imperial mausoleum was fake, its vastness was still befitting the reputation of an imperial tomb. Following the map, with only necessary rests and virtually no delays, it still took them more than a day to reach the exit.

Stepping out of the mausoleum exit, the sudden sunlight made Ye Li instinctively close her eyes. She raised a hand to shield them, allowing them to adjust before opening them again. She then saw Tan Jizhi looking at her with a smile. "Princess Consort, you truly trust me."

Ye Li responded with a faint smile, "If Lord Tan intended to harm me, he could have done so in the imperial mausoleum, couldn’t he? Rest assured, Lord Tan, I won’t try to escape. After all... my child is what’s most important."

Tan Jizhi nodded with satisfaction. "It’s good that the Princess Consort understands. Frankly, I don’t wish to resort to force against you."

Since encountering Tan Jizhi, Doctor Lin had become exceedingly quiet. Most of the time, it was Ye Li and Tan Jizhi conversing, while Doctor Lin merely listened with a cold expression as they verbally sparred and probed each other. Standing at the foot of the cliff, watching the mausoleum entrance slowly seal itself until no trace remained, Doctor Lin turned and started to walk away.

Tan Jizhi’s face darkened. Staring at Doctor Lin’s back, he called out, "Father, where do you think you’re going?"

Doctor Lin turned back, his voice cold. "You’ve already been inside the imperial mausoleum. Does it still concern you where an old man like me goes?"

Tan Jizhi looked at Doctor Lin with a complex expression, then paused before saying, "Father, I want the location of the real imperial mausoleum."

A flicker of surprise crossed Doctor Lin’s face as he stared at Tan Jizhi. "You believe this mausoleum is fake?"

Tan Jizhi stood with his hands clasped behind his back. "There was nothing inside. Isn’t it obvious?"

Doctor Lin chuckled dryly. "I told you there was no treasure in the imperial mausoleum, but you didn’t believe me. Now you’ve seen it for yourself, and you’re doubting this is the real imperial mausoleum? Are you implying that this old man has hidden the real treasure?"

Tan Jizhi remained silent, his expression seeming to confirm Doctor Lin’s words. A look of disappointment and pain crossed Doctor Lin’s face. He glared at Tan Jizhi and laughed coldly, "Fine! Fine! Even if I did hide the treasure, what will you do? Kill this old man?"

"Father!" Tan Jizhi gritted his teeth, a hint of ruthlessness in his gaze as he stared at Doctor Lin’s suddenly somewhat stooped figure. He said coldly, "Have you forgotten... you are not my biological father. And those treasures do not belong to the Tan family."

A derisive smile appeared on Doctor Lin’s face. To Ye Li, it looked more like he was crying. "Then don’t you forget that you still carry the Tan family’s surname!"

Tan Jizhi’s expression shifted rapidly, his complexion growing even uglier. "You..."

"I say, shouldn’t we leave here first? We must still be near Ruyang, right?" Ye Li suddenly interjected.

Tan Jizhi paused, swallowing the words he was about to say. He then said stiffly to Doctor Lin, "Come with me."

Just as Doctor Lin was about to object, Ye Li reached out and grasped his arm. "Master, I’m not feeling well. I’ll have to trouble you to take a look at me later."

Doctor Lin paused, gave Ye Li a deep look, and finally relented.

Having defused the explosive conflict between the adoptive father and son, Ye Li sighed quietly in her heart. She absently touched the piece of cloth tucked into her sleeve and followed Tan Jizhi, who was walking ahead.

As Tan Jizhi walked, he glanced back at Ye Li. "My men are nearby. Princess Consort, there’s no need to be alarmed. We won’t be going to Ruyang this time. So, you probably won’t be able to see His Highness Prince Ding for now."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Since I’ve fallen into Lord Tan’s hands, I will naturally defer to Lord Tan’s arrangements. However, I am a little curious, is Lord Tan planning to take me back to the Capital City?"

Tan Jizhi chuckled. "Why would the Princess Consort think that? What benefit would taking you back to the Capital City bring me?"

Ye Li lowered her gaze. "Then I am even more curious. What excuse did Lord Tan use to be away from the Capital City for so long? Mo Jing is deeply suspicious."

Tan Jizhi smiled, a hint of smugness in his expression. "Since I have His Majesty’s trust, arranging a little time away is no problem. As for where the Princess Consort is going... you’ll know when you get there."

Ye Li smiled gracefully. "In that case, I’m looking forward to it." If you’ve managed to deceive Mo Jing for so many years, let’s see if you have the ability to get out of Feihong Pass.