Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 208: At the beginning of 207, Xiao Bao was named in Northwest.

Chapter 208: At the beginning of 207, Xiao Bao was named in Northwest.

207. Arrival in the Northwest, Xiaobao Is Named

Although Mo Jingqi strongly suppressed the bloodbath at the Xu Mansion by prohibiting officials from discussing it, how could such a matter be truly covered up? The news that the Emperor had sent assassins to murder the entire Xu Family and set their mansion on fire quickly spread throughout Capital City. Within days, it was on the verge of spreading throughout the Great Chu. At the same time, Mr. Qingyun announced at Lishan Academy that due to the Emperor’s baseless slaughter of the Xu Family’s descendants, the Xu Clan would move to the Northwest to take refuge. Lishan Academy would also relocate and continue its operations in the Northwest. Students unable to make the journey could transfer to other academies in Great Chu, while those willing to continue their studies at Lishan Academy were welcome to join them in the Northwest. By the time the imperial court dispatched people to Yunzhou, the entire Xu Family in Yunzhou had already departed, leaving only an empty academy atop Lishan. Upon receiving this news, Mo Jingqi was so furious that he ordered Lishan Academy burned to the ground and proclaimed to the world that the Xu Family had conspired with Prince Ding in rebellion. He ordered the various prefectures in the Northwest to intercept and apprehend members of the Xu Family. However, the Xu Family, protected by covert guards specially dispatched by Mo Xiuyao, avoided entering major cities. Local governmental offices, intimidated by the power of Prince Ding, dared not trouble the Xu Family. Thus, the Xu Family peacefully passed through Feihong Pass and proceeded to Ruyang City without incident.

At the gates of Ruyang City, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao stood hand in hand, their faces lighting up with joy as they saw the approaching caravan. "They’ve arrived..." Ye Li murmured. Although they had received news from their covert guards long ago, they couldn’t rest easy until they saw the people arrive safely in Ruyang City. Now, seeing the silhouette of the caravan, Ye Li felt the anxiety of the past few days suddenly lift. Mo Xiuyao looked at her smile and said, "I told you everything would be fine, but you insisted on worrying so much that you nearly scared Third Feng and Qin Feng. If our subordinates were to see Princess Consort Ding—who remains composed even if Mount Tai were to crumble before her—looking so worried and fearful, I can’t imagine how many would be alarmed." Ye Li smiled shyly. Given that this concerned the entire Xu Family, how could she not worry?

Before the carriages reached the city gate, Ye Li let go of Mo Xiuyao’s hand and went forward to greet them. Seeing her approach, the covert guard leading the first carriage immediately halted it and announced to those inside, "The Prince and Princess Consort have come to receive Mr. Qingyun."

The door of the first carriage opened, and Xu Hong Yu was the first to emerge. Together with the covert guard driving the carriage, they helped an elderly man in simple green robes, his hair and beard entirely white, out of the carriage.

Ye Li stood before the carriage, looking at the familiar yet somewhat unfamiliar old man. Her eyes reddened, and tears fell unconsciously. The old man before her had lean and refined features and a detached and transcendent air. Though his hair was entirely white, he showed no signs of aged frailty or despondency. Instead, his eyes were bright and full of spirit. Seeing Ye Li standing before the carriage, a hint of fond remembrance and affection touched the old man’s face, making him appear all the more benevolent and possessing an ethereal quality, like an immortal descended to the mortal realm.

"Ah-Li..." Mo Xiuyao came forward. Seeing Ye Li staring blankly at Mr. Qingyun, tears streaming down her face, his heart ached slightly, and he smiled helplessly. "Mr. Qingyun has arrived. Why are you crying?"

Only then did Ye Li realize she was weeping. Her maternal grandfather had returned to Yunzhou even before her mother passed away. The intervening years, compounded by the recovery of her past life’s memories, made it feel as though she hadn’t seen him for an eternity. Now, upon seeing him so suddenly, memories of her childhood—of her grandfather holding her on his lap and reading to her—flooded her mind, and tears flowed uncontrollably. "Grandfather... Li’er pays respects to Grandfather!" As Ye Li knelt, Mo Xiuyao, without hesitation, lifted his robes and knelt beside her. Mr. Qingyun hurriedly stepped forward to help them up, saying, "Your Highness, you mustn’t." Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Mr. Qingyun is Ah-Li’s maternal grandfather; it is only right to show respect." Mr. Qingyun looked at Mo Xiuyao, who, though much younger, had hair even whiter than his own seventy years had produced, and couldn’t help but sigh. He smiled at Ye Li and said, "Good child, after so many years, Grandfather almost thought he would never see you again. It is a blessing that we, grandfather and granddaughter, can meet again in this life. Why are you crying?"

Ye Li quickly wiped her tears away and smiled, "Li’er lost her composure. Grandfather, Uncles, and Aunts are all here. Now that our family is reunited, how can we cry? You’ve all endured much on the journey. Let’s return to the city and rest." From the following carriages, Xu Qingchen, supporting First Madam Xu, and Qin Zheng, supporting Second Madam Xu, also alighted, followed by Xu Hongyan and Xu Qingbai. Seeing this, they couldn’t help but smile. Before they could speak, a cheer erupted from the city gate, and Xu Qingyan burst out like a whirlwind, his voice preceding him, "Grandfather! Father! Mother! You’re finally here! I’ve missed you all terribly!"

"Humph!" Seeing his ecstatic youngest son, Xu Hong Yu let out a soft snort. Xu Qingyan immediately deflated and scurried pitifully to Xu Qingbai’s side, whispering, "Fourth Brother." Xu Qingbai wordlessly patted his head. Xu Qingyan glanced at his father, who was still staring at him, and ducked further behind Xu Qingbai. Seeing his son’s antics, Xu Hong Yu grew more irritated, his eyes narrowing as he was about to scold him. Mr. Qingyun watched his grandson, who behaved like a mouse before a cat in his father’s presence, and said with a smile, "Enough. We can discuss things later." Xu Hong Yu would naturally not disobey his father’s wishes and respectfully nodded. "Yes, Father."

Ye Li then went to pay her respects to the two Madams Xu, "Li’er greets First Aunt, Second Aunt." She then greeted Xu Qingchen and the others with a smile, "Eldest Brother, Third Brother, Sister Zheng’er." She was especially happy to see Qin Zheng. She turned to acknowledge Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingze, who had hurried over. First Madam Xu then pulled Ye Li close, looking her up and down, and laughed heartily, "When we left the capital, Li’er, you were just a little girl. Now, you have a child of your own. So many years have passed in a blink..." Ye Li smiled faintly. "It has indeed been many years. Both Aunts must be weary from the journey. Let’s return to the city so you can rest."

Knowing that Mr. Qingyun valued tranquility, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had not arranged for a large contingent to welcome them. Instead, they, along with Xu Qingfeng and others, personally greeted them at the city gate. Upon returning to Prince Ding’s Mansion, Chief Steward Mo and the household staff welcomed them. Courtyards had been prepared, complete with toiletries, so everyone could freshen up and rest before a banquet planned for that evening. The banquet would welcome the Xu family and include the officials and military officers of Ruyang City.

Xu Qingbai looked at Ye Li with a smile. "Cousin Li’er, there’s no rush for these formalities. We’re all eager to meet our little nephew, you know?"

Ye Li smiled and turned to instruct Qingluan, "Go and ask the wet nurse to bring the baby over."

Smiling, Qingluan departed. Ye Li personally helped Mr. Qingyun to the seat of honor and then served him tea. Once everyone else was seated, Xu Qingze and his brothers once again paid their respects to their grandfather and their respective parents. Mr. Qingyun’s gaze softened with affection as he looked at the smiling faces of his sons and grandchildren. Although they had left Yunzhou, the Xu family’s home for generations, it was a joyous occasion to be reunited as a family. Looking at Xu Qingfeng, he said, "Feng’er, I haven’t seen you in years, but you look even more energetic." Compared to his four brothers, Xu Qingfeng was something of an anomaly in the Xu family. Not that he couldn’t study, but he disliked the classical scholarly pursuits. While the Xu family didn’t disparage their descendants for such inclinations, Xu Qingfeng had always felt somewhat constrained. Now, however, Xu Qingfeng appeared sharp and full of vigor, his talents clearly visible. Mr. Qingyun was very gratified to see his grandson like this.

Xu Qingfeng laughed. "Grandfather is right. Thanks to my cousin Li’er, I’ve learned a great deal in her army." Everyone looked at Ye Li in surprise. Ye Li quickly waved her hand and laughed. "This is all due to Third Brother’s own abilities. I didn’t help much." This was true; once Ye Li had placed Xu Qingfeng in the Qilin, she hadn’t interfered further. This was not only to grant Qin Feng absolute trust and authority but also for Xu Qingfeng’s own good. In a place like the Qilin, relying on connections would have been detrimental; it was better not to go at all than to die an unknown death due to inadequacy. Fortunately, Xu Qingfeng was a tenacious person. Compared to the others, who were elites from the Mo Family Army, Xu Qingfeng, hailing from an ordinary military camp, was not at an advantage. Yet, he gritted his teeth and persevered without complaint, even earning Qin Feng’s considerable praise.

"We heard that Li’er repelled hundreds of thousands of Xiling’s troops; we were quite startled! It seems our Xu family is truly going to produce a female general," Second Madam Xu, being more familiar with Ye Li, teased her without reservation. Ye Li shook her head and smiled helplessly. "Second Aunt, you’re teasing me too. How could I be considered a general?"

"Ah-Li is indeed not a general," Mo Xiuyao said, looking at Ye Li with a gentle smile. "But Ah-Li is more formidable than any general."

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into laughter.

"The young heir is here..." Nanny Lin entered, carrying the little baby, who, quite rarely, was awake. Ye Li stood up and took the baby, her heart filled with affection for his plump, tender little face, which had grown even more endearing. She turned and carried him to Mr. Qingyun, smiling. "Grandfather, look at the little one." Mr. Qingyun, who already had five grandsons, was no stranger to holding babies. He took the child, examined him carefully, then looked at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. "This child resembles Li’er more." Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile. But inwardly, he didn’t quite agree. Everyone who saw Mo Xiaobao and was close to Mo Xiuyao said he resembled Mo Xiuyao; those close to Ye Li said he resembled Ye Li. But Mo Xiuyao couldn’t care less who this little imp looked like. Ye Li shot Mo Xiuyao a knowing glance, understanding his thoughts, but didn’t expose him.

With Mr. Qingyun holding the baby, the others didn’t dare try to take him for a closer look. However, their eyes couldn’t help but dart towards him. Even Xu Hong Yu, who usually sat ramrod straight and unmoving, leaned over to see the baby in Mr. Qingyun’s arms. How could Mr. Qingyun not feel so many pairs of eyes burning into him? Smiling, he passed the baby to the nearby Xu Hong Yu. "Take a look. The child is quite handsome."

Once the baby was in Xu Hong Yu’s hands, the others felt less constrained. Xu Qingyan immediately pulled Xu Qingbai over for a look. Although he had seen the baby before, Mo Xiaobao grew cuter by the day, his appearance changing constantly, so one could never see enough of him. Xu Qingchen also rose and walked behind his father to see the baby in his arms. Finally, First Madam Xu spoke up, "So many of you are crowding the child; how can he be comfortable? My husband isn’t skilled at holding babies; let me take him." The baby was then passed from Xu Hong Yu to First Madam Xu, and Second Madam Xu and Qin Zheng gathered around to look.

Mo Xiaobao was passed from one person to another, yet he didn’t cry at all, which led First Madam Xu to exclaim in wonder, "This child is so well-behaved. Back then, even Qingze, who was the quietest of our children, wasn’t this compliant as a baby."

Nearby, Mo Xiuyao’s lip twitched, and he shot a disdainful look at the little red bundle in First Madam Xu’s arms. Well-behaved? And who was that little imp who cried incessantly every night, demanding Ah-Li hold him?

Xu Hong Yu smiled and asked, "What’s the child’s name?"

Xu Qingyan rushed to answer, "Mo Xiaobao!" 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

Xu Hong Yu was stunned, his mouth twitching slightly. What kind of name is that?

Ye Li pursed her lips to hide a smile and said, "We haven’t had time to give him a formal name yet. We were waiting for Grandfather to arrive and bestow one upon him. We’ve just been using that as a nickname." How could she tell her grandfather and uncles that the baby’s father had a penchant for choosing names that would thoroughly embarrass their son when he grew up?

Mr. Qingyun was slightly taken aback but seemed quite pleased. He pondered for a moment and said, "In that case... Yuchen? How does Mo Yuchen sound?"

The character ’Yu’ signifies command and leadership. The character ’Chen’ refers to the imperial palace, and by extension, the Emperor. Everyone present was well-read; such a name left them all momentarily stunned.

Xu Qingbai frowned slightly, hesitated, then asked, "Grandfather, this name... isn’t it..."

Mr. Qingyun smiled faintly. "It’s just a name. I feel this child is suited to it, that’s all."

Mo Xiuyao smiled lightly and nodded. "Mr. Qingyun is right; it’s just a name. My son can surely bear a good name, can’t he?"

The others remained silent. Is this merely about a name? Even an emperor’s son wouldn’t dare to use such a name. Xu Qingbai looked at his composed grandfather with some confusion. His grandfather was a renowned contemporary Confucian scholar; he couldn’t possibly be unaware of this name’s connotations, nor of what was considered taboo. Since his own father, eldest brother, and Prince Ding hadn’t objected, they must all be aware of the implications. Thus, he too smiled and said, "It seems I was overthinking things."

Seeing that no one else had objections, First Madam Xu looked lovingly at the baby in her arms and smiled. "Little treasure, from now on, your name will be Mo Yuchen. Little Yuchen..."

Mo Xiuyao glanced at the baby. "Madam Xu, there’s no need to be so formal. Just call him Mo Xiaobao." Mo Xiuyao was sparing no effort to sabotage his son’s grand name, determined to cement this nickname before Mo Xiaobao could even speak.

First Madam Xu paused, then looked at the wide-eyed baby in her arms and smiled. "Xiaobao... Hmm, indeed a little treasure."

Nearby, Ye Li covered her face in mock despair. Xiaobao, Mommy has let you down...

「」

Once the women and the baby had retired to rest, the main hall finally quieted down. Mr. Qingyun looked at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, who were seated side by side, a flicker of gratification in his eyes. He asked, "Prince, have you truly made up your mind?"

Everyone was taken aback and turned to look at Mo Xiuyao. A corner of Mo Xiuyao’s lips twitched into a cold smile. "What choice do I still need to make? Didn’t the imperial family already make one for Prince Ding’s Mansion more than a decade ago?"

Those present fell silent. Power easily intoxicates. The oath of brotherhood between the Great Ancestor Emperor and the Prince of Ding Kingdom, Mo Lanyun—pledging that their descendants would forever be as brothers, sharing the land of Great Chu—might not have been insincere at the time. Yet, only a few generations later, the two families had reached a life-or-death struggle. The tactics and actions of the imperial family were indeed chilling. Xu Hong Yu looked at Mo Xiuyao and asked, "Prince, do you have any plans now?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Naturally, I have plans, but they must be pursued patiently."

Xu Hong Yu nodded. "It is excellent that Your Highness can maintain composure." What’s most concerning about Prince Ding’s current situation is the fear that he might lose his composure. Having just learned of the blood feud involving his father and elder brother, and the senseless sacrifice of so many Mo Family Army soldiers, few could remain calm. However, the Northwest is, after all, somewhat remote and barren compared to the Central Plains and Jiangnan. If Prince Ding were too impatient and reckless, and if Mo Jingqi decided on a mutually destructive path, the outcome would only be mutual ruin, allowing a third party to benefit. Mo Xiuyao understood Xu Hong Yu’s meaning and smiled calmly. "After all these years, what is there that I cannot wait for? Mr. Hong Yu, please rest assured. In the future, I will have to rely on both you and Mr. Hongyan for many matters in the Northwest." His words already implied an intention to entrust them with significant responsibilities.

Xu Hong Yu nodded slightly. "It is our duty."

Ye Li spoke up. "I have prepared a mansion not far from Prince Ding’s Mansion for my two Uncles. Due to time constraints, many things are still not properly arranged, so for the next few days, I must trouble my Uncles and Cousins to stay temporarily in Prince Ding’s Mansion." Initially, Ye Li had considered having everyone live in Prince Ding’s Mansion, as it was certainly large enough. However, her two uncles were elders, each with their own families. And several of her cousins, aside from the fifth youngest, were approaching marriageable age. While staying in Prince Ding’s Mansion wouldn’t inconvenience her uncles, aunts, and cousins, she worried it might make them feel ill at ease.

Xu Hong Yu nodded. "Li’er, you’ve been very thoughtful."

Ye Li smiled, looking expectantly at Mr. Qingyun. "Grandfather, would you please stay here in Prince Ding’s Mansion? That way, if the Prince or I have any questions, we can consult you at any time."

"Nonsense." Mr. Qingyun glanced at her and chided softly. "Where is the logic in a maternal grandfather residing long-term in his granddaughter’s home? If outsiders heard, they would think your uncles were being unfilial. Besides, the residence you’ve arranged is surely not far from Prince Ding’s Mansion. If you miss your grandfather, you can simply visit more often. Moreover... Grandfather is accustomed to the countryside and not very used to overly bustling places."

Ye Li, of course, knew Mr. Qingyun wouldn’t agree, but she wasn’t disheartened and smiled. "Li’er was being mischievous. Grandfather, Uncles, please don’t be upset. There is a villa on a mountain five li outside the city. The scenery there is quite pleasant. The Prince had someone purchase it a few days ago. Please consider it a token of filial piety from the Prince and me to you, Grandfather. Grandfather, you mustn’t refuse."

Mr. Qingyun’s expression softened, and he smiled faintly. "Grandfather knows you are a filial child. I won’t refuse. It’s also a good opportunity to re-establish the academy there." Thinking of Lishan Academy, now reduced to ashes, Mr. Qingyun couldn’t help but feel a pang of sorrow. Although all the ancient texts had been brought along, Lishan Academy itself was an ancient institution, steeped in special significance.

Ye Li nodded. "Grandfather, rest assured, Lishan Academy will definitely be re-established. And it will be even better than before."

Mr. Qingyun nodded. "You are right, child."