Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 203 - 202. Comforting and Consoling

202. Consolation and Comfort

At dawn, hearing light footsteps outside, Ye Li opened her eyes. She glanced at the empty space beside her; Mo Xiuyao had not returned last night.

Qingshuang entered with a basin of water. Seeing Ye Li awake, she quickly set it down and carefully helped Ye Li sit up, whispering with a smile, "Princess Consort, you’re awake?"

Ye Li nodded and asked, "Did the Prince not return last night?"

Qingshuang nodded. "Qingyu and Elder Sister Qingluan said the Prince rested in the study last night. Shall I go and ask the Prince to come over? Nanny Wei instructed that the Princess Consort must observe her month of confinement and cannot get out of bed."

Ye Li shook her head. This era’s confinement practices are truly unbearable, she thought with some helplessness, though she had no intention of fighting against her body’s needs. Glancing at the little bundle sleeping soundly in the cradle, she couldn’t help but smile. "Why is the baby still sleeping?"

Nanny Wei entered with a bowl of congee and chuckled at Ye Li’s words. "Princess Consort, you’re young and haven’t raised children, so you naturally wouldn’t know. Newborns do nothing but eat and sleep. The little heir needs to sleep a lot to grow quickly."

Ye Li accepted the warm towel Qingshuang offered, wiped her face and hands, then rinsed her mouth with warm water. Only then did she take the bowl of congee from Nanny Wei and try a mouthful. The light, pleasant taste made Ye Li sigh softly in relief. "Have the wet nurses for the little heir been arranged?"

Nanny Wei smiled. "We’ve had four wet nurses prepared for some time now. Their backgrounds are all clear. Rest assured, Princess Consort."

Hearing this, Ye Li frowned slightly. "Four is too many. For now, one or two will suffice. Other than feeding times, bring the little heir to me."

Nanny Wei looked troubled. Although she was also the Princess Consort’s nanny and agreed that the wet nurses shouldn’t be too close to the little heir—lest he grow up closer to them than to his mother—she worried the Prince would disapprove if the Princess Consort personally cared for him.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Let’s do that. When the child is about a year old, he should be weaned. At that time, we can arrange for the wet nurses to be assigned elsewhere." I have no intention of letting a wet nurse raise my child, nor do I want a crowd of nannies and young maids surrounding him. Heaven forbid he grows up to be another Jia Baoyu.

Nanny Wei softly reminded her, "If the Princess Consort personally takes care of the little heir, the Prince might be displeased."

Ye Li chuckled. "It’s alright. Usually, the wet nurses and Nanny Lin can lend me a hand. When he’s a bit older, he won’t need so much looking after."

Only then did Nanny Wei assent. She bent down, picked up the baby who was starting to stir, and took him out to find a wet nurse for feeding.

After finishing her bowl of congee, Ye Li passed the bowl to Qingxia, who was waiting on her, and asked, "Did anything happen last night?"

Qingshuang replied, "Last night, Lord Elder Su, who is staying in the South Courtyard, seemed to have fallen ill. The Prince summoned Mr. Shen and Doctor Lin to diagnose and treat him. I heard his illness is extremely severe."

Qingxia also nodded. "After the Prince returned to the study last night, he didn’t come out at all. I heard that those who went to deliver breakfast this morning were also stopped outside."

Ye Li frowned, pondered for a moment, then said, "Qingshuang, go to the kitchen again and have a portion of breakfast sent to the Prince. Say it’s on my orders. Also, go and ask Commander Qin to come here. Tell him I have something to ask him."

Qingshuang nodded. "Yes, I’ll go at once."

"Your subordinate, Qin Feng, requests an audience with the Princess Consort." Not long after, Qin Feng was at the door.

Ye Li said softly, "Come in."

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had never been ones for excessive ceremony. Since Ye Li couldn’t go out, Qin Feng stood beside the Landscape Painting with Mist and Rain screen in the room to deliver his report. Qin Feng understood what Ye Li wished to ask. Without waiting for her to inquire further, he recounted the previous night’s events in detail. This naturally included how Su Zuidie was dealt with. Su Zuidie had struggled to hold on for over half a year, but ultimately, she had reached her end. Before dying, however, she revealed the whereabouts of the decree from the Great Ancestor Emperor. If Mo Xiuyao didn’t want that item, then for Su Zuidie, it wasn’t a lifeline but merely a worthless piece of paper. That item was still in the Capital City of Great Chu. When Su Zuidie hastily left the capital with Han Mingyue’s help back then, she had no time to retrieve what she had hidden. Besides, carrying such an item on her person would likely have been more of a death warrant.

Hearing Qin Feng’s words, Ye Li was stunned. Although she had some suspicions about these matters after the Tan Jizhi incident, hearing it confirmed was far more shocking. Moreover, it involved the lives and deaths of the former Emperor and the Regent Prince, Mo Liufang. It seems the imperial family has wanted to eliminate Prince Ding’s Mansion for a very long time, she thought.

"Does the Prince have any plans for how to handle this?" Ye Li asked.

Qin Feng shook his head. "The Prince has been in his study since last night and hasn’t issued any orders."

Ye Li nodded. This news is undoubtedly a massive blow to Mo Xiuyao; he certainly needs time to think.

Not until noon did Mo Xiuyao return, looking utterly exhausted. Seeing his bloodshot eyes, Ye Li knew he must have been awake all night. She sighed softly, not letting him speak. "Sleep for a while first," she whispered. "We can talk about anything else after you’ve woken up."

Mo Xiuyao was indeed exhausted. First, he had been enraged by Xue Chengliang’s testimony, then his nerves were taut due to Ye Li’s labor, and last night, he had been profoundly shaken by Su Zuidie’s revelations. If Mo Xiuyao hadn’t spent years cultivating his temperament and health, he probably would have cut Su Zuidie down before she finished speaking, then led his troops through the pass and straight to the Capital City. He hadn’t closed his eyes since the previous morning. So much had happened in one day; how could he not be tired?

Lying on his side on the bed, he glanced at Ye Li as she gently pulled the quilt over him. Mo Xiuyao’s eyes fluttered open and closed a few times before he finally sank into a deep sleep.

Looking down at the man sleeping fitfully, Ye Li could only sigh quietly. Leaning against the headboard, she closed her eyes and pondered the situation in the Northwest. Now that the truth of those past events was revealed, the circumstances in both Great Chu and the Northwest would undoubtedly be different once Mo Xiuyao awoke. Ye Li had no intention of stopping Mo Xiuyao from doing whatever he chose. Like the Mo Family Army, Mo Xiuyao had been suppressed for far too long. And the actions of the one in the Palace of Great Chu made it impossible to believe he was a benevolent ruler who loved his people.

"Big Brother... Father... Big Brother! Big Brother..." Mo Xiuyao mumbled in his sleep, as if trapped in a horrifying nightmare. Recalling what Qin Feng had said about Su Zuidie’s confession, Ye Li felt a chill. She gently patted the quilt covering him, whispering, "It’s not your fault, Xiuyao... Don’t be afraid... It’s not your fault..."

"Father... Big Brother..."

When Mo Xiuyao awoke, he heard Ye Li’s soft, low laughter. Opening his eyes, he saw Ye Li sitting beside him, leaning against the bed, cradling their son, who was now wrapped in a new light purple swaddling cloth, and cooing at him. A gentle, soft smile graced her beautiful face. Turning to see Mo Xiuyao awake, she couldn’t help but smile more broadly. "Are you awake? Look at our son."

Mo Xiuyao sat up and looked at the child in the swaddling cloth. The baby was gazing back at them with wide, watery eyes. His little face, red and wrinkled just yesterday, looked much better. Though not yet perfectly fair and smooth, it was a far cry from the red little monkey of the day before.

Ye Li lovingly rocked their son in her arms. This child sleeps so much! Other than for nursing, this is the first time I’ve seen him awake since he was born. "Hehe, our son can’t see clearly yet. In a few more days, he’ll get cuter and cuter."

Mo Xiuyao silently watched Ye Li teasing the child. Though he found the little fellow exceptionally irksome, he didn’t say much. He just quietly observed Ye Li, whose smile had grown even softer, radiating a maternal glow. His own initially cold and hard expression couldn’t help but soften too.

Once their son had fallen asleep again, Ye Li summoned Nanny Wei to take him out. Turning back to Mo Xiuyao’s side, she looked at his still somewhat gloomy face and said softly, "None of those things were your fault. Big Brother wouldn’t blame you."

Mo Xiuyao paused, then realized what Ye Li was referring to. He reached out and gently stroked the hair at the back of her head, his voice somewhat hoarse. "My mother consort passed away not long after I was born, and Father was busy with court affairs. Big Brother practically raised me. I had planned that once Big Brother inherited the title, I would assist him wholeheartedly. The King of Ding Kingdom title had been passed down a single line for several generations; it was only in our generation that there were two of us, Big Brother and me. We brothers naturally had to be united. Besides, with my abilities, even if I couldn’t earn a noble title, I wouldn’t have to rely on the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and live as an idle good-for-nothing my whole life."

Ye Li naturally knew this. Mo Xiuwen was only seven or eight years older than Mo Xiuyao. She could almost imagine the then seven- or eight-year-old Mo Xiuwen holding his newborn younger brother, guarding the desolate King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. It was no wonder their fraternal bond was so strong. In Mo Xiuyao’s heart, his Big Brother’s status was likely no less than that of their father, Mo Liufang. That was also why Mo Xiuyao, then only in his early teens, had gone to the battlefield—to show his father and Big Brother that even if he couldn’t inherit the title, he could still achieve his ambitions and live a carefree life.

"It’s just that I underestimated that bitch Su Zuidie back then! If it weren’t for me..." Su Zuidie had indeed mentioned the matter of succession to the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion to him. At the time, he had severely reprimanded her, ordering her never to bring it up again, and then he had dismissed it from his mind. He had thought that his bond with his Big Brother couldn’t possibly be swayed by a woman, and he never imagined Su Zuidie capable of such schemes. He never expected that this would plant the seeds of disaster for the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and his Big Brother, and that he himself would pay such a terrible price.

Ye Li sighed softly, comforting him. "Big Brother won’t blame you, Xiuyao... It’s not your fault. Since Mo Jingqi already intended to move against Prince Ding’s Mansion and Big Brother, even if Su Zuidie hadn’t had those thoughts, they might still have found other opportunities."

Holding Ye Li in his arms, Mo Xiuyao said fiercely, "Mo Jingqi! This Prince will make him wish he were dead!"

Ye Li smiled and patted his shoulder, whispering, "Whatever you decide to do, I and everyone in the Mo Family Army will support you."

After resting for a while, seeing Mo Xiuyao had calmed down considerably, Ye Li asked, "Xiuyao, do you have any plans? There’s a lot happening in the Northwest. Recently, the number of people from various factions entering the Northwest is several times higher than usual. I’m afraid the area around Hongzhou has been turned upside down by them." Unfortunately, these people don’t realize that trying to enter the Imperial Mausoleum of the Great Founding Emperor from the Northwest is pure fantasy. Unless they forcibly excavate the tomb, even someone like Tan Jizhi would have to find another way in from elsewhere. In the current Northwest, besides the Mo Family Army, who would dare to openly dig up a mausoleum? And the Mo Family Army certainly wouldn’t excavate the tomb of a Great Founding Emperor of a previous dynasty. Even though that dynasty has fallen, its Great Founding Emperor is a great hero whose legacy endures. Besides, grave robbing, no matter whose grave it is, would tarnish one’s reputation. In any case, the Imperial Mausoleum is within the Northwest, not too far from Ruyang City. Apart from Tan Jizhi and Doctor Lin, no one knows better than I what’s inside. Since those things aren’t going anywhere, I’m naturally not in a hurry.

Mo Xiuyao sneered. "Since Mo Jingqi is in such a hurry, this Prince must naturally send him a grand gift. And all those eager to get their hands on the Imperial Jade Seal... they can all receive this Prince’s grand gift as well."

Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s cold smile, Ye Li asked curiously, "What grand gift?"

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "Ah-Li, you’ll know when the time comes. By the way, for our son’s one-month celebration, should we invite Mr. Qingyun and Mr. Hongyu to the Northwest?"

Ye Li hesitated. "Grandfather and Eldest Maternal Uncle might find it very inconvenient." It’s likely that even newborn Mo Xiaobao wouldn’t believe Mo Jingqi hasn’t sent people to watch Grandfather and Eldest Maternal Uncle. Although we’ve arranged people to protect Lishan Academy, the absence of two such prominent figures, whether they leave openly or secretly, would definitely not go unnoticed. If possible, I’d naturally prefer to bring Grandfather, Eldest Maternal Uncle, and their families to the Northwest. But knowing Grandfather’s temperament, he certainly wouldn’t agree. Therefore, rashly inviting them over would only pull them into this vortex of conflict.

Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. "Some time ago, I read your proposals for governing the Northwest. Education is indeed crucial. However, the Northwest is remote and lacks the abundance of scholars found in Yunzhou; historically, it hasn’t produced many famous scholars or men of letters. If we want to establish an academy in the future, we might struggle to find good teachers. This is something we’ll need to seek Mr. Qingyun’s and Mr. Hongyu’s help with."

Ye Li’s face turned slightly red. "I was just writing down some random thoughts. If there’s anything unsuitable..."

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "How could it be unsuitable? My Ah-Li is truly a unique woman, a marvel in this world. Not only can you ride into battle and slay enemies, but you can also govern a country and bring peace to the land. Compared to my Ah-Li, those so-called Prime Ministers and Ministers in the imperial court are nothing but incompetent fools!"

Hearing Mo Xiuyao’s blunt praise, Ye Li felt even more embarrassed. When I wrote those things, I truly hadn’t thought too deeply. I just felt that the Northwest would inevitably be devastated after the war. Neither Mo Xiuyao nor I have much experience in local governance. It seemed better to consider things in advance to avoid being caught unprepared later. However, the subsequent developments were beyond my predictions. Fortunately, the damage to the Northwest wasn’t as severe as imagined, and Mo Xiuyao, with lightning speed, captured all territories beyond Feihong Pass, greatly alleviating the post-war situation throughout the entire Northwest.

Leaning against the headboard with Ye Li in his arms, Mo Xiuyao frowned in thought. "Actually, I still hope Mr. Qingyun and Mr. Hongyu can come to the Northwest, along with Lord Xu and Young Master Qingchen. There will definitely be more and more affairs to handle in the Northwest in the future. Prince Ding’s Mansion has no shortage of military commanders, but when it comes to true statesmen capable of governing regions and benefiting the world with their talents, we have practically none." Prince Ding’s Mansion rose to prominence through military merit. Although successive Princes of Ding were skilled in both civil and military matters, their subordinates were still predominantly military officers. After all, Prince Ding’s Mansion is not the imperial court; it doesn’t need so many civil officials for local governance or court participation.

Ye Li thought for a moment. "Big Brother is in the Northwest now. If we send him a letter, he’ll surely come to see his nephew once he receives it. But it won’t be so easy for Grandfather and Eldest Maternal Uncle to leave Yunzhou. Perhaps... I should go personally?"

"No!" His arm tightened around her waist, pulling Ye Li back into his embrace. Mo Xiuyao rested his chin on her shoulder, his voice firm. "I will personally write to Mr. Qingyun and discuss it with the old gentleman. You are not to go anywhere!"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. That’s a bit too tyrannical, isn’t it? Before she could speak, Mo Xiuyao nuzzled his chin against her, his previously commanding voice instantly becoming pitiful and wary. "Ah-Li, don’t go. Don’t leave me..."

WHOOSH— An arrow seemed to pierce her heart. Ye Li’s expression darkened. When did this man become so shameless?

"Ah-Li... you’re going to leave me again... How about this, wherever you go, I’ll go with you, alright? I’m scared... If anything happens to you, I’ll throw Mo Xiaobao out and let him become an orphan with no parents, wandering around, never knowing where his next meal will come from..."

Ye Li couldn’t stop herself from pinching his waist. "That’s your son! Just how deep is your grudge against him?"

Mo Xiuyao didn’t care a bit, wincing in pain but sticking to his words. Only when he saw a dangerous glint in Ye Li’s slightly narrowed eyes did he reluctantly stop and ask, "So, Ah-Li won’t leave me?"

Ye Li sighed. "No, I was just saying. You and our son are both here. Where else could I go?"

Only then was Mo Xiuyao satisfied, holding Ye Li close. If Mr. Qingyun doesn’t come, in a couple of years, I’ll secretly send Mo Xiaobao to him. Ah-Li is mine, and mine alone.

Looking at Mo Xiuyao, who was lazily holding her, Ye Li sighed inwardly, then returned to the previous topic. "So, you were saying you want to have a grand celebration for our son’s first month?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "The birth of this Prince’s heir should naturally be a grand celebration. Aren’t those people trying every trick in the book to find treasure in the Northwest? Instead of letting them sneak around in the shadows, why don’t we openly invite them? This Prince would like to see what kind of Imperial Jade Seal they can find." Even if there really is an Imperial Jade Seal, without my permission, let’s see who can take anything out of the Northwest.

Ye Li’s heart skipped a beat. "Are you thinking of..."

Mo Xiuyao smiled sinisterly. "Don’t they say, ’He who obtains the Imperial Jade Seal obtains the world’? Then let’s see who among them can snatch the seal, and who can snatch the world."

Ye Li lowered her gaze, pondering for a moment. "If the Imperial Jade Seal were to originate from Prince Ding’s Mansion, it wouldn’t be a good thing. Unless..." Remembering the bright yellow silk scroll she had taken from the Imperial Mausoleum, Ye Li’s face suddenly lit up with a smile. Looking at Mo Xiuyao, she said, "I completely forgot! I also brought a treasure map out from the Imperial Mausoleum back then."