Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 188. First return to Ruyang
188. Returning to Ruyang
The city of Ruyang was filled with immense joy and jubilation. The reason for this celebration was none other than the safe return of Princess Consort Ding, who had gone missing for over half a year. Not only did Princess Consort Ding return safely, but the heir, over seven months along in her womb, also remained unharmed. The entire city of Ruyang was overwhelmed with extraordinary excitement, reminiscent of a festive celebration. Everyone knew that the Princess Consort, despite being a woman, had led an army of 200,000 soldiers against the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling Town, practically decimating his entire force. Now that the Princess Consort and the heir had returned safely, wasn’t this a blessing from the heavens for His Highness Prince Ding?
In such troubled times, the common people rarely had the leisure to focus on ceremonial rituals and the teachings of sages. They offered their allegiance and support to whoever provided them with a peaceful life. Even now, as war ravaged the Great Chu, the Northwest—which had first borne the brunt of the conflict—had become a haven of peace, largely due to the efforts of Princess Consort Ding. Hence, the return of Princess Consort Ding naturally brought immense cheer and instilled greater confidence in the future of the Northwest.
Amidst this joy and revelry, the Governor’s Mansion within the city remained tranquil. Though everyone wore smiles, it was not yet the time for full celebration.
In the bedroom, Ye Li sat by the bed, gazing at the pale, unconscious man lying there. Her heart ached with a sharp, sour pain. Shen Yang carefully removed the silver needles from Mo Xiuyao’s body and stepped aside to clean his hands. Ye Li asked anxiously, "Mr. Shen, how is Xiuyao now?" She had received quite a fright that afternoon. Mo Xiuyao, who had seemed fine, had suddenly fainted, with faint signs of bleeding from his seven orifices. Shen Yang comforted her, "Rest assured, Your Highness, the Prince is temporarily out of danger."
"It’s all my fault for forgetting the date. How could the Prince..." After months in the deep mountains and those timeless days in the imperial mausoleum, Ye Li had lost track of time. She hadn’t realized today was the full moon. Shen Yang explained, "The Prince merely used a technique to block the pain. However, the agony of the full moon is not something that can be truly suppressed. The Prince forced the issue and naturally suffered some internal injuries. Fortunately, it was discovered early, so there’s no serious harm." Ye Li frowned. "I’ve seen Xiuyao during his episodes before, but this time was different. Mr. Shen, are there any other complications with Xiuyao? Please tell me the truth." Shen Yang sat opposite her. "Princess Consort, please calm yourself. Over the past few months, the Prince has indeed appeared much calmer. It’s not because the poison’s effects have weakened, but because his tolerance seems to have increased. Or, one might say... his sensation of pain appears somewhat dulled. Fortunately, as far as I can see, the Prince has no other problems at present, which can be considered a good thing. Now that the Princess Consort has returned safely, I can finally focus on researching the poison in the Prince’s body."
Many people had endured difficult months, Shen Yang included. Unlike before, he couldn’t lock himself away in a quiet place for long periods to study medicine, nor could he travel far to find precious herbs or consult with medical experts. This was because he had to constantly monitor Mo Xiuyao’s condition to prevent any accidents. Looking at Mo Xiuyao’s state, even though Shen Yang had secretly adjusted Mo Xiuyao’s nourishing diet countless times, Shen Yang was certain that if things continued this way, even if the poison was cured, the Prince wouldn’t survive more than three years. He would burn himself out. Now that the Princess Consort had returned, with her watching over the Prince, things would naturally be much easier to handle.
Ye Li nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at the man’s peaceful, sleeping face. A flicker of guilt and heartache crossed her eyes. "Thank you, Mr. Shen. You should go and rest. I will watch over the Prince here."
Shen Yang rose and cupped his hands. "The Princess Consort should also rest, given her current condition. If you need anything, please send for me."
After seeing Shen Yang off, Ye Li dismissed the attending servants. She sat quietly by the bed, looking at Mo Xiuyao’s handsome yet pallid face. Her hand lightly brushed over the long scar on his left cheek, and she sighed faintly, "Xiuyao..."
「Early in the morning」
When Ye Li woke, she found herself in a warm embrace, startling her. She looked towards the nearby daybed; she had slept there to avoid disturbing Mo Xiuyao, but now she was in his arms. As she stirred, Mo Xiuyao immediately opened his eyes. He said nothing, merely gazing quietly at Ye Li. She smiled faintly. "Are you feeling better?" A bright glint shone in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes. He nuzzled her shoulder and pulled her closer. "It hurts," he whispered. "I need to sleep more." Ye Li gently brushed the hair from his face, a bitter feeling welling up inside her. He was in so much pain; how could he possibly fall asleep? But she didn’t want to argue. She nodded and said softly, "Alright, sleep a while longer then."
"Ah-Li, sleep with me," Mo Xiuyao murmured, his eyes still closed. "Go to sleep," Ye Li replied.
However, their desire to linger lazily in bed was not to be. Before long, a commotion arose outside their courtyard. Ye Li faintly heard voices, including Han Mingxi’s. They had returned late the previous night, and because Mo Xiuyao had been unconscious then, they had only summoned Shen Yang for treatment and had seen no one else. It was understandable, then, that Han Mingxi and the others were causing a stir so early in the morning. Ye Li sighed helplessly and sat up. Before she could speak, Mo Xiuyao also sat up, his gloomy expression quite frightening. Without summoning a serving girl, the two of them leisurely got ready. By the time they opened the door, the noise outside had escalated. However, the secret guards dutifully blocked the entrance, preventing the impatient crowd from entering.
Looking at Han Mingxi, who stood at the courtyard entrance with an enraged expression, Ye Li smiled gently. "Mingxi, your voice carries even this early. What’s all the commotion about?"
Startled by Ye Li’s voice, Han Mingxi spun around. Seeing the woman in a blue dress standing at the door with a gentle smile, an ecstatic look spread across his face. "Junwei!" Forgetting everything else, Han Mingxi dashed towards Ye Li. However, though Han Mingxi was renowned for his agility, someone was faster. Mo Xiuyao, beside Ye Li, gave him no chance to approach, shielding Ye Li behind him and ruthlessly striking out with a palm at the oncoming Han Mingxi. Startled, Han Mingxi flipped in mid-air, retreating a dozen steps to avoid the blow. "Mo Xiuyao, you madman! What the hell are you doing?!"
The onlookers couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat for Han Mingxi, clearly seeing the terrifying expression on Mo Xiuyao’s face. Without a word, Mo Xiuyao surged forward, delivering several palm strikes at Han Mingxi. Han Mingxi’s martial arts were mediocre; how could he be Mo Xiuyao’s opponent? He was immediately flustered and could only dodge everywhere. Fortunately, his agility was indeed recognized as peerless in the worldly society; otherwise, the consequences of Mo Xiuyao’s forceful and ruthless palm strikes would have been dire.
"Xiuyao, what are you doing?" Ye Li sighed helplessly. Was this a case of morning crankiness? She had never known Mo Xiuyao to attack so impulsively without a word. Mo Xiuyao paused, glanced at Han Mingxi, who was perched on a tree branch, not daring to come down, and said coldly, "Han Mingxi, I’ve warned you before—be careful with your life!" A chill went down Han Mingxi’s spine. The others, standing behind Mo Xiuyao, couldn’t see it, but Han Mingxi saw it clearly: the gaze Mo Xiuyao fixed on him definitely carried genuine murderous intent. Just now, Mo Xiuyao wasn’t just venting his anger; he genuinely wanted to kill him.
"That’s enough." Ye Li walked leisurely to Mo Xiuyao’s side and took his hand, gripping it firmly. As a sniper in her previous life, she was extremely sensitive to environments and atmospheres; how could she not have sensed the killing intent in Mo Xiuyao’s words? She patted his hand reassuringly, waiting until she felt him relax slightly before speaking. She then smiled at Han Mingxi. "Mingxi, long time no see. What were you all making such a racket about so early in the morning?" Han Mingxi ruffled his hair and said apologetically, "My apologies. We heard the Princess Consort returned yesterday, but it was so late..."
Ye Li nodded apologetically. "It was the Prince and I who were late, making everyone wait." The people present finally came to their senses and bowed in unison. "Your subordinates greet Your Highnesses, the Prince and Princess Consort."
Although the Imperial Court had officially revoked Mo Xiuyao’s title, in Ruyang City, and indeed throughout the entire Northwest, people seemed to unanimously ignore the imperial decree. They still addressed Mo Xiuyao as Prince and Ye Li as Princess Consort. Mo Xiuyao had no objections. If he wasn’t a Prince, he would have the trouble of thinking of another title, and besides, he was used to being called Prince. It was also his way of telling Mo Jingqi that he, Mo Xiuyao, could be a Prince without needing anyone’s conferment. Mo Xiuyao stared gloomily at his subordinates, making their hearts pound. Ever since the Princess Consort’s incident, the Prince’s disposition had become particularly unpredictable. Although he remained wise and decisive on major affairs, he was no longer as affable as before. Seeing his expression, everyone understood the issue. The Prince and Princess Consort had reunited after a long separation; naturally, they wanted to spend more time alone together. Their making a fuss so early in the morning was disturbing the couple’s tender moments; it was no wonder the Prince wasn’t pleased. Half of them shot resentful glances at Han Mingxi, who had just climbed down from the tree, while the other half cast pleading eyes at Ye Li, standing beside Mo Xiuyao.
Ye Li pursed her lips in a smile and gently tugged Mo Xiuyao’s hand. Mo Xiuyao snorted lightly. "You are excused. Rise."
"Thank you, Your Highnesses, Prince and Princess Consort!" As if granted a great amnesty, everyone hastily stood up and expressed their gratitude.
After the formalities, those without pressing matters hurriedly took their leave. No one was a fool; the Prince clearly didn’t want to see them now, so of course, they had to be sensible and make themselves scarce. Mo Xiuyao cast a stern gaze at the remaining few and spoke in a grave tone, "What do you need?" Feng Zhiyao, leading the group, reluctantly touched his nose. They indeed had urgent matters. Stepping forward, he said, "Reporting to Your Highnesses, news of the Princess Consort’s safe return has spread. The Imperial Court will likely react soon. We must devise countermeasures swiftly. Additionally, subordinate officials report that the common people of the city, to celebrate the Princess Consort’s safe return, are preparing to hold a lantern festival to pray for blessings for the Princess Consort and the young heir. May we ask if Your Highnesses will attend?" At the mention of the court, Mo Xiuyao’s complexion darkened further. He scoffed. "Mo Jingqi won’t be that swift. Ignore it for now. If anyone is dispatched here, drive them out directly!"
Helplessly shrugging, Feng Zhiyao had nothing more to add. Qin Feng stepped forward. "Reporting to the Prince and Princess Consort, how should we deal with the two individuals we brought back yesterday?"
Hearing Tan Jizhi’s name, Ye Li immediately asked, "Have you found Doctor Lin, whom I asked you to search for yesterday?" Qin Feng nodded. "Doctor Lin was slightly injured. Tan Jizhi had his men take him away via another route, likely intending to take him back to the Capital City. He arrived in Ruyang City this morning. Would the Princess Consort like to see him now?" Ye Li thought for a moment, then shook her head. "Ensure Doctor Lin is well cared for. He has also had a hard journey; let him rest well before we meet." Qin Feng nodded, indicating he would make the arrangements. He glanced at Mo Xiuyao standing to the side and continued, "Tan Jizhi wishes to see the Prince and Princess Consort." Ye Li naturally remembered why they had spared Tan Jizhi’s life the previous day. She looked up at Mo Xiuyao, clearly seeing his displeasure. Giving Mo Xiuyao a helpless, reassuring smile, she said to Qin Feng, "Later, the Prince and I will go see him together."
His arm around Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao coolly scanned the faces of those remaining. "Finished speaking?" he asked.
Zhuo Jing and Leng Haoyu, who had been about to speak, quickly swallowed their words. The Prince’s glare was an absolute threat. Besides, their matters weren’t that urgent. Since the Prince didn’t want to listen, they might as well not say anything. They had come early that morning primarily to confirm the Princess Consort’s safe return. Those past few months had been truly unbearable; they never wanted to face the Prince in such a state again.
Watching everyone depart, Ye Li sighed softly. She wasn’t unaware of Mo Xiuyao’s desires, but having reached such a position, how could they truly cast aside all their responsibilities? Taking Mo Xiuyao’s hand, she led him back towards their small courtyard. "Let’s go back and have breakfast, then rest for a while," Ye Li said softly. "How about you play the Qin for me this afternoon?" The gloom in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes gradually dissipated, his gaze on Ye Li filled with warmth and adoration. "Alright."
Leaning on his arm, Ye Li smiled faintly. There would still be many things to deal with in the future. Having just returned, it wouldn’t hurt to indulge a little, right?
「In the afternoon」
A hint of coolness found its way beneath the towering tree in the rear courtyard of the Governor’s Mansion. Ye Li lounged on a *meirenkao*, leisurely flipping through a scroll. Mo Xiuyao sat lazily beside her, leaning against his chair and nestling his head close to her side, his eyes closed in repose. If not for Ye Li’s current pregnancy, he would probably be resting his head directly on her lap to sleep. Ye Li wasn’t bothered. One hand held the scroll, while the other rested on his back, patting it gently from time to time.
When Feng Zhiyao entered, he saw this warm and tranquil scene. Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s calm and serene sleeping face, he suddenly felt a bit regretful for coming in to disturb their peace. But he had no choice but to enter and report the urgent matter at hand. Seeing him hesitating at the doorstep, Ye Li gave a faint smile and nodded to Feng Zhiyao. "Third Feng, come and speak." Only then did Feng Zhiyao approach. He cautiously glanced at Mo Xiuyao, who was leaning against Ye Li. Mo Xiuyao merely opened his eyes, glanced at him, and then, just as Feng Zhiyao braced himself to be berated or driven out, Mo Xiuyao closed his eyes again.
"Third Feng, what’s the urgent matter?" Ye Li chuckled at Feng Zhiyao’s aghast expression, put down her scroll, picked up a nearby fan, and began to gently fan Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao nuzzled against her leg and relaxed further, seemingly very content.
Feng Zhiyao stole a glance at Mo Xiuyao, who was resting with his eyes closed, and whispered, "Princess Consort, someone from the Imperial Court has arrived." 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦
Ye Li raised an eyebrow. "Such a coincidence?" She had only returned yesterday, and Mo Jingqi’s people arrived today. This was too much of a coincidence. Feng Zhiyao nodded. "Indeed, it’s quite a coincidence. However, this subordinate has investigated, and it should not be related to the Princess Consort. The envoy also just left Feihong Pass yesterday. However, it’s likely related to the one we captured yesterday."
"Tan Jizhi?" Ye Li furrowed her brows in thought. "Tan Jizhi certainly has some nerve, hoping Mo Jingqi will rescue him. Isn’t he afraid that if his identity is exposed, Mo Jingqi would be the first to want him dead?" Feng Zhiyao chuckled. "He probably never imagined we would discover his other identity. This subordinate guesses that the reason Mo Jingqi’s people were involved is probably just him hedging his bets. After all, the Northwest is now in our hands; even if he is extremely careful, it’s indeed possible he could fall into our hands. If we didn’t know about his other identity and its connection to the Princess Consort, and had merely captured Tan Jizhi as an individual, it’s indeed possible we would have handed him over to Mo Jingqi in the end."
Ye Li nodded. "So, that means... Mo Jingqi knows what Tan Jizhi came to the Northwest to do. At least, it’s something beneficial to him."
Feng Zhiyao raised his eyebrows with a smile. "Could Tan Jizhi have told Mo Jingqi that the Imperial Mausoleum of the Great Founding Emperor of the previous dynasty is in the Northwest? Mo Jingqi wants the treasures in the mausoleum." It was said that the mysterious Imperial Mausoleum of the Great Founding Emperor of the previous dynasty was the one with the most abundant burial goods and also the most mysterious among all imperial tombs throughout history. Even Feng Zhiyao hadn’t imagined that the mausoleum, which had been missing from the very beginning, would actually be in the Northwest. Ye Li paused her fanning. "How would he explain where he learned the secret of the Imperial Mausoleum?"
"That’s a question for Tan Jizhi," Feng Zhiyao laughed.
Ye Li mulled it over. "Tell Tan Jizhi I want the Bilo flower and the antidote to the poison in the Prince’s body. Also..." She frowned slightly. "Tell Qin Feng to interrogate Su Zuidie again. She must know something important. Tan Jizhi’s identity alone isn’t enough reason for her to hold out for so long without confessing. Focus on asking... how she and Tan Jizhi actually met!"
"This subordinate obeys. Then... the envoy sent by Mo Jingqi?" Feng Zhiyao asked.
Ye Li lowered her gaze and said dismissively, "Leave it for now. We’ll deal with it when the Prince has time."
Hearing this, Feng Zhiyao’s mouth twitched as he glanced at Mo Xiuyao, who was lying on the chair sleeping peacefully. Is the Prince really that idle? A workaholic Prince was bad enough, but a suddenly lazy Prince is even worse. Remembering the petitions and dossiers already piled high in the study, though it had only been two days, Feng Zhiyao felt his vision darken. Hopefully, the Prince’s current state won’t last too long.
"This subordinate takes his leave."
