Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 196: Leaving Early

195. Leaving Early

"What is the matter with Prince Virtue? He looks unwell. My apologies if I have been neglectful in any way." Seated at the head of the table, Mo Xiuyao looked tenderly at Ye Li with a goblet in his other hand. He wore a gentle smile as he looked at Prince Virtue, who seemed pale. Prince Virtue choked. Ever since he arrived at Ruyang City, there wasn’t a single moment he didn’t feel slighted. Although tonight’s welcome banquet seemed lively and vibrant, anyone with eyes could see that the welcoming part was incidental. The true intention was to celebrate Princess Consort Ding’s return and the upcoming birth of the heir.

Prince Virtue replied coldly, "How would I dare complain about you, Prince Ding?"

Mo Xiuyao let out a hearty laugh as if he didn’t understand Prince Virtue’s insinuation. "If that’s the case, then all is well. You must be tired from your journey, Prince Virtue. Why not relax and enjoy the night?" Nearby, Mo Jingyu, noticing Prince Virtue’s changing expression, quickly reached out to hold him back. He whispered, "Imperial Uncle, let’s discuss this later. Don’t incur the wrath of the many." Then, laughing loudly, he said, "Imperial Uncle, Prince Ding was just saying you’ve had a hard journey. Please allow this nephew to offer you a toast." Mo Xiuyao glanced briefly at the two, each with a different expression, smiled indifferently, and turned to converse with the generals and officials below. Mo Jingyu struggled to restrain the furious Prince Virtue, whispering with a pained expression, "Imperial Uncle, please calm down. We are in their territory now..." Prince Virtue interrupted, "And what of it? Do you think he dares to kill me?"

He might. Mo Jingyu thought to himself. He whispered to Prince Virtue, "Imperial Uncle, remember, the Northwest is Prince Ding’s territory. If anything were to happen, no one could hold him accountable. Do you remember what happened with Princess Consort Ding? He had no qualms about executing 7,000 men. And what could His Majesty do to him? At most, issue a few decrees criticizing his cruelty and indiscriminate killing. But what use were they? Would His Majesty dare to wage war against him? In the Northwest, a few decrees are worth less than scrap paper."

Prince Virtue, having served the deeply suspicious Emperor Mo Jingqi for so many years while still retaining his favor, was certainly no fool. However, as the eldest living prince of the previous emperor’s generation, a man even His Majesty usually addressed as "Imperial Uncle," he subconsciously expected Mo Xiuyao to show him some deference. Coupled with his natural pride and concern for face, Mo Xiuyao’s cold shoulder made him particularly agitated. Now, hearing Mo Jingyu’s counsel and seeing the harmonious scene on the city tower—the civil and military officials of Ruyang City clearly hung on Mo Xiuyao’s every word, paying no heed to them, the Emperor’s imperial envoys—a cool breeze from the city wall made Prince Virtue shudder. The chill cleared his mind considerably, and a cold sweat broke out on his back.

Having lived a pampered and peaceful life for over a decade, he had long forgotten the brutal struggles for succession when the late Emperor had not yet ascended the throne. He had inevitably grown arrogant. Now, struck by a sudden realization, he began to reflect on his actions in recent years. He even started to suspect that Mo Jingqi had sent him to the Northwest intending to use Mo Xiuyao’s hand to eliminate him. Mo Jingyu, unaware of these thoughts, was simply relieved to see him calm down, though his face remained grim. He then picked up his wine cup and began to enjoy the music and dancing.

Sitting above, Ye Li naturally saw the interaction between Prince Virtue and Prince Yu. Watching Prince Virtue drinking sullenly by himself, she couldn’t hear what Prince Yu had said but could tell he was trying to placate Prince Virtue. In her mind, she labeled Prince Yu as quite scheming.

"Ah-Li, what are you looking at?" Mo Xiuyao whispered, smiling down at Ye Li. Ye Li shook her head and smiled, "Nothing much. You did it on purpose, didn’t you?" You deliberately slighted Prince Virtue like that. If Prince Yu hadn’t intervened, Prince Virtue would have likely erupted by now. Mo Xiuyao scoffed lightly, poured a glass of fresh fruit juice, and offered it to her lips. "Prince Virtue has become more and more difficult as he’s aged. If we don’t take him down a peg, he’ll stick his nose so high in the air it’ll touch the sky. I’ve never liked being looked down upon."

Ye Li took a light sip of the fruit juice. The cool watermelon juice, with its faint sweetness, was very much to her taste. Mo Xiuyao said softly, "It’s a bit cold because it’s chilled, but Mr. Shen said a little won’t hurt. Are you tired? If you are, let’s go back first." Ye Li shook her head. "I can go back by myself in a bit. Why don’t you leave first?" Mo Xiuyao leaned down and chuckled. "Why would we need to stay for the entirety of this kind of banquet? They’re probably eager for us to leave so they can truly enjoy themselves." Hearing this, Ye Li glanced at the crowd below. The civil officials were behaving, and even the military officers sat properly, drinking and enjoying the entertainment. Ye Li knew what these military men were like; they were never reserved when it came to drinking. Indeed, it seemed their presence was making everyone feel constrained.

With Mo Xiuyao’s support, Ye Li rose. The crowd below paused and looked up respectfully. Mo Xiuyao smiled, "You’re all too restrained with us here. Let me offer another toast to everyone. After this, please, enjoy yourselves freely." With that, he raised his cup to the crowd below, tilted his head back, and drained it in one go. Standing beside Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li also raised her cup and said with a gentle smile, "I too offer a toast to everyone. Please, feel free."

The crowd thanked them in unison, especially the generals who had previously fought alongside Ye Li; they were particularly excited. From a distance, Ye Li could see Yun Ting’s young, handsome face flushed red as he loudly expressed his thanks.

Waving his hand to let everyone be at ease, Mo Xiuyao then escorted Ye Li away. The banquet continued, sounding even livelier now.

Once they descended from the city tower, Mo Xiuyao dismissed the accompanying guards and serving maids, and strolled with Ye Li along the street. The streets on either side were brilliantly lit, and commoners were out in groups, enjoying the festivities. Zhang Yu, the newly appointed governor, had evidently been very thorough. Not only were there colored lanterns for people to admire, but various performances also captivated the onlookers. If not for Mo Xiuyao’s striking white hair, it’s likely no one in the joyful crowd would have noticed them. The townspeople who did see them were first surprised, then came forward to bow. Mo Xiuyao quickly gestured for them not to cause a stir, then led Ye Li to a less crowded spot. He looked down at his white hair with a helpless expression, "It seems I’m still too conspicuous. I can’t even take a simple walk with you on the street."

Ye Li smiled. "That just shows how much the people adore you. The townspeople rarely see you, so naturally, they’re curious at first. They’ll get used to it over time." If people bowed every time they went out, they might as well never leave home. In the Capital City, high officials and nobles were everywhere; if the commoners bowed to everyone they saw, they’d never finish. Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and smiled. "Since we can’t enjoy the lantern festival, let’s walk back slowly." Prince Ding’s Mansion wasn’t too far from there. Hand in hand, they chose quieter streets and walked slowly. Tonight, most of the city’s inhabitants had gathered at the lantern festival, making the other streets seem particularly deserted and tranquil. Under the moonlight, they walked side by side. Ye Li asked softly, "Prince Virtue and Prince Yu, what are your plans for them?"

Mo Xiuyao laughed dismissively. "Those two can’t stir up much trouble. Let’s see what they have to say tomorrow. Does Mo Jingqi take everyone in the world for fools? Sending people now to persuade me to return to court... Heh... Mo Jingqi must know that ever since I executed those seven thousand soldiers and occupied Ruyang, there’s been no turning back. If I remain in the Northwest, the imperial court can still maintain a delicate balance. But if I were to truly return, what awaits me and the Mo Family Army are endless petitions of impeachment and a path to ruin. Unfortunately for him... I have no desire to die right now. If Mo Jingqi were smart, he wouldn’t provoke me again. In my eyes, Mo Jingqi’s schemes don’t even qualify as amateurish. If he thinks the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has defended Great Chu for generations for a so-called ’Hero of Loyal and Brave’ reputation, then he is gravely mistaken."

"Then... what about Lord Su?" Ye Li asked quietly. Mo Xiuyao’s respect for Su Zhe was undoubtedly genuine. Teacher-student bonds, like those of heaven, earth, sovereign, and parent, were not to be taken lightly. Even when Mo Xiuyao was betrayed by Su Zuidie under such dire circumstances, Ye Li was certain it was out of consideration for Su Zhe that Mo Xiuyao hadn’t acted more severely. Moreover, Su Zhe’s only son and grandson had died for Prince Ding’s Mansion. With such a debt, Su Zhe was likely no less than family in Mo Xiuyao’s heart.

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Elder Su has no remaining ties in the Capital City. If he wishes to stay in the Northwest, I will naturally provide for him in his old age. If he still cannot let go of the imperial court, I will arrange for people to look after him secretly."

Ye Li frowned and sighed softly. "You know that’s not what I’m talking about. Su Zuidie is Elder Su’s only living relative. Mo Jingqi probably sent a man in his seventies on such a long journey precisely because of this, right? These past few days... half the assassins who broke into the mansion were Mo Jingqi’s men. It seems that unlike Tan Jizhi, Mo Jingqi doesn’t wish for Su Zuidie’s death." A hint of crimson flashed in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes. He said lightly, "Su Zuidie must die. Elder Su will not plead for her." Su Zhe was an upright man who most despised treachery and betrayal. Su Zuidie fled the Capital City without Su Zhe’s knowledge. Given Su Zhe’s integrity, once he learned the truth, he would definitely disown Su Zuidie as his granddaughter. Ye Li took his hand and said gently, "Lord Su has been your mentor since childhood. I won’t be soft on Su Zuidie, but we shouldn’t break Elder Su’s heart because of this. Even if Elder Su has disowned Su Zuidie, she is still his biological granddaughter and his only remaining kin in this world. It wouldn’t be good if he harbored resentment."

"Then we just won’t let Elder Su know," Mo Xiuyao said flatly. "In any case, it’s been a stalemate for so long, and Qin Feng still hasn’t made any progress. There’s no need to ask further. That so-called secret can’t be known only by her. Have Qin Feng finish her."

"Nonsense," Ye Li said softly. "She dies right after Elder Su arrives? What would the old man think? Alright..." She soothingly embraced Mo Xiuyao, brushing the white hair from his ear, and said softly, "Lord Su is not only your esteemed teacher but also a leading figure among the upright officials in court, with countless students and former subordinates. Both sentiment and reason dictate that we should give him face." Mo Xiuyao said coldly, "So we just spare her?" He tightened his arms around her, closing his eyes to suppress the killing intent welling within him. He truly didn’t want these people to live... Su Zuidie, Lei Zhenting, Marquis Muyang, and Mo Jingqi. Just seeing them, or even thinking of them, brought back vivid images of Ah-Li falling from the cliff. He even felt that everything now was like a dream, and when he woke, he would still be in that moment of having lost Ah-Li.

Sensing the cold, desolate aura emanating from Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li looked up to see a hint of despair in his dazed expression. Her heart ached. She quickly took his hands and pressed them to her heart, saying softly, "Alright, it’s my fault. I was overthinking. If you don’t like it, I’ll have Qin Feng kill Su Zuidie." Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his embrace, inhaling deeply her familiar, calming fragrance. His dark mood instantly improved. He loved it when Ah-Li deferred to him. Nuzzling lightly in Ye Li’s hair, Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly, "I know Ah-Li means well. The matter of Su Zuidie isn’t urgent anyway." He knew, of course, that Ah-Li had said this for his sake. The King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion had always made enemies on all sides. Now, with their relationship with the imperial court implicitly ruptured, it could be said that anyone in power would consider them an enemy. In such circumstances, the more support he had, the better it would be for the Mo Family Army in the future. And ever since Mr. Qingyun retired from the imperial court, the so-called ’upright officials’ faction in the court, though not holding much real power, could be said to be headed by Su Zhe. These people controlled the avenues of public discourse and opinion throughout the land. If he and Su Zhe became enemies, likely more than half the scholars in the realm would view him unfavorably.

A sharp glint flashed in Ye Li’s eyes. She said softly, "Leave the matter of Su Zuidie and Lord Elder Su to me. I’ll make sure you never see her again." Ye Li realized she had clearly misjudged Su Zuidie’s effect on Mo Xiuyao. It wasn’t that she suspected Mo Xiuyao still had feelings for Su Zuidie; rather, Su Zuidie evidently triggered terrible memories for Mo Xiuyao, severely affecting his state of mind. That being the case, she couldn’t let Su Zuidie live any longer. Whatever the reason! As for Elder Su... if he was truly as Mo Xiuyao described, perhaps there was a solution.

"Your Highness, Princess Consort," Zhuo Jing and Lin Han, who had clearly been waiting for some time, greeted them as Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li returned to Prince Ding’s Mansion and sat down.

Mo Xiuyao turned to them, one hand still resting on Ye Li’s waist, and asked, "How are things at the mansion?" Zhuo Jing reported, "As Your Highness predicted, the guards Prince Virtue brought, along with those who have arrived in Ruyang from various places these past two days, attacked the Governor’s Mansion earlier." The enemy had chosen their time well. Tonight, the entire city was celebrating, and the eastern part of the city was especially boisterous. The significant commotion at the Governor’s Mansion had gone unnoticed for a long time.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Oh? Attacked the Governor’s Mansion?" Lin Han said, "Because Your Highness and the Princess Consort suddenly moved to a new residence, the enemy clearly wasn’t aware. That’s why they stormed the Governor’s Mansion, intending to rescue Su Zuidie." Because the move was done without any fanfare—essentially, Your Highness and the Princess Consort just took your personal luggage and moved—neither the guards who accompanied Prince Virtue (and were stopped outside the city) nor those who had long been lurking within the city discovered it. Needless to say, Su Zuidie had already been secretly moved to another location a day before.

"Rescue? Not to silence her?" Ye Li asked, raising an eyebrow. 𝒻𝑟𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝑛𝘰𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝘤𝘰𝘮

Zhuo Jing said, "This subordinate is certain the enemy did not intend to silence Su Zuidie. This time, they dispatched extremely skilled martial artists. After breaking into the dungeon, they had at least three opportunities to kill the decoy in the cell. However, they were solely focused on getting the person out and made no attempt to kill."

"Interesting." Ye Li lowered her eyes in thought. Mo Jingqi’s men wanting to rescue Su Zuidie? That didn’t make sense from any angle. If Su Zuidie knew some secret she shouldn’t, Mo Jingqi should want her silenced. The cost of such a rescue seemed far too high. Mo Xiuyao took her hand and smiled. "Ah-Li, don’t trouble yourself so. The more he does, the more mistakes he’ll make. Sooner or later, we’ll find out why. Were any taken alive?" Zhuo Jing nodded and smiled. "Reporting to Your Highness, we had a great haul this time. The leader turned out to be the Deputy Commander of the Imperial Army in the Capital of Great Chu, along with several well-known masters from the worldly society. All have been apprehended."

Mo Xiuyao nodded with satisfaction. After enduring those nuisances causing trouble every few days, they had finally caught some bigger fish. He ordered in a deep voice, "There’s no need to interrogate them; Mo Jingqi wouldn’t have told them anything. Send the head of that Deputy Commander back to Mo Jingqi in the Capital City. As for those masters from the worldly society, they can be thoroughly questioned." People from the worldly society generally disliked being constrained by the court. Even assassins killed for money and rarely obeyed orders from the imperial court. For Mo Jingqi to mobilize so many renowned masters from the worldly society at once, there had to be a reason.

"Yes, sir."

"Speaking of the Imperial Guard Commander and masters... where are Leng Qingyu and Mu Qingcang now?" Ye Li asked.

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Leng Qingyu has returned to the Capital City. Although he is arrogant and a bit inflexible, compared to those old foxes in the court, he’s still a decent fellow. For Second Leng’s sake, I had to let him live. As for Mu Qingcang... he’s in Ruyang. Does Ah-Li want to see him?" Mu Qingcang was no ordinary person; not only was he the illegitimate son of Marquis Muyang, but he was also one of the top five martial artists in the world. Mo Xiuyao naturally wouldn’t let him out of sight. If someone exploited a loophole, it would cause a lot of trouble. Ye Li thought for a moment and said, "I do have some things I’d like him to do. However, Mu Qingcang is difficult to control. Let’s wait and discuss it later."

Mo Xiuyao didn’t mind. He nodded and was about to say something when a guard outside announced, "Reporting to Your Highness, Lord Su Zhe requests an audience."

Mo Xiuyao was taken aback. Only then did he remember that Su Zhe, due to his advanced age, couldn’t endure the long journey and was exhausted. Thus, he hadn’t attended the welcome banquet tonight and was resting in the mansion. He sat up, glanced at Ye Li, and said in a serious tone, "Quickly invite Elder Su in."