Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 210 - 209. Goodbye Sisters

209. Sisters Meet Again

There were still a few days left until the full moon banquet of the Heir of Prince Ding, but Ruyang City was already bustling with anticipation. The war in the Northwest the previous year had driven many wealthy Northwest merchants to seek refuge inside the border of the pass. As a result, the entire Northwest’s commerce had stalled, even regressed. This time, with the birth of Mo Xiaobao, Prince Ding’s Mansion announced a grand celebration for the young heir. The continuous influx of people into the Northwest, drawn by rumors of the royal treasure and the jade seal of the previous dynasty, seemed to be slowly bringing prosperity back to Ruyang City. Previously, Xinyang, the largest city in the Northwest, had been reduced to ashes. Now, with Prince Ding’s Mansion situated in Ruyang, the city appeared to be gradually becoming the Northwest’s foremost urban center. The townsfolk, in anticipation of guests from all corners, had meticulously prepared their establishments, hoping to profit from the festivities.

Within Prince Ding’s Mansion, the addition of several members from the Xu Family had brought considerable relief to both Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. Apart from Mr. Qingyun, who was advanced in age and lived a tranquil life, occasionally visiting Su Zhe as he recuperated in the Mansion, the others from the Xu Family proved immensely helpful. This included Xu Hong Yu, Xu Hongyan, and the five Xu sons, even the youngest, Xu Qingyan, who assisted Xu Qingbai with minor tasks. Xu Hong Yu and Xu Qingchen were extraordinary talents, and with their arrival, Mo Xiuyao promptly delegated the majority of the Northwest’s affairs to them, allowing himself a more carefree and comfortable life.

"Li’er, did you write this?" In the spacious study, several tables had been joined to form a large desk, upon which various documents and files were neatly arranged. Several people sat around it, handling their papers while occasionally conversing. Although each had their own study, they generally preferred to conduct official business in the main study; it felt less solitary, and they could consult others if undecided. Xu Qingchen, holding a document detailing a plan for the Northwest’s commerce, looked up and asked.

Ye Li lifted her head from a petition, looking at Xu Qingchen with a somewhat blank expression, unsure what he was referring to. Mo Xiuyao, seated beside her, glanced over and said, "The plan for the development of the Northwest’s commerce."

"Ah... I wrote it," Ye Li recalled and said, a little embarrassed, "Actually, I only have a rough idea. I’m not very familiar with these matters. Didn’t we decide to let Han Mingxi and Second Leng handle it?"

Mo Xiuyao explained, "Second Leng has returned inside the border of the pass. Han Mingxi alone cannot manage the Northwest as well as affairs with Nanzhao and Beirong, so it was put on hold."

Hearing this, the others also looked up at Xu Qingchen. Xu Qingchen handed the document to Xu Hong Yu. After it had circulated among them, Xu Hong Yu nodded in approval. "Li’er’s idea is indeed innovative. We can give it a try; it might work."

The Xu Family, despite being a scholarly family, were not hidebound by tradition and understood the significance of commerce to a city, or even a country. The Northwest was not as wealthy as the Central Plains and Jiangnan; even its food production was poor compared to those regions. If they did not find an alternative path, the Mo Family Army might eventually dwindle due to the Northwest’s poverty. Initially, they had been surprised to see Ye Li handling the Northwest’s political and military affairs alongside Mo Xiuyao daily. However, seeing the Mo Family Army’s officers treat it as normal greatly gratified them. Li’er was talented and capable. Most importantly, Prince Ding trusted her and gave her the space to showcase her abilities. This greatly improved the Xu Family’s impression of Mo Xiuyao.

The document was passed among them, with Xu Qingbai showing the most interest. He had initially been dispatched to the Southwest region, ready to make his mark, but was then recalled to the Capital City. Now, seeing this plan, he was reminded of the ambition he had felt upon first arriving in the Southwest. "Li’er," he asked, "how did you come up with this?"

With all eyes on her, Ye Li had no choice but to set down the petition she was holding. She instructed Zhuo Jing to fetch a map and hang it on a nearby wall, then had someone bring freshly brewed tea. After careful consideration and organizing her thoughts, she said, "The Northwest comprises less than one-sixth of Great Chu’s territory, and its population is less than ten percent of Great Chu’s total. Although Hongzhou is called the granary of the Northwest, it still falls short compared to the fertile Central Plains, Jiangnan, or even the Southwest, which is known as the ’land of plenty.’ In peacetime, this wouldn’t matter much; we would only need to import a small amount of grain to support the people and soldiers of the Northwest. The worst-case scenario, however, is that we might simultaneously face armies from Great Chu, Beirong, and Xiling, potentially exceeding three million soldiers. Even without a war, if these three powers were to jointly blockade the Northwest’s food supply and economy, the Northwest would only grow poorer. Consequently, the Mo Family Army would become weaker, and its demise would be only a matter of time."

Everyone fell silent. What Ye Li had said was the truth; everyone present was aware of it, but no one had ever laid out these figures so clearly before them. Because they were so clear, the facts seemed all the more shocking.

Feng Zhiyao frowned. "What if we take the initiative and attack? Expand the Northwest’s territory?"

Xu Hong Yu pondered, "That’s not impossible, but... Xiling’s land is itself barren; they source most of their grain from Great Chu, Nanzhao, and various western states. Beirong is a vast expanse of grasslands and deserts, and its people primarily rely on cattle and sheep for sustenance. As for Great Chu... we cannot touch it for the time being. Once the Mo Family Army moves against Great Chu, it would likely provoke Xiling, Beirong, and Nanzhao to attack us simultaneously. Truthfully, given the valor of the Mo Family Army, what General Feng suggests isn’t entirely unfeasible, but the losses would undoubtedly be immense. I believe Li’er’s intention is a more gradual approach."

Ye Li nodded. "Correct. If we were to devastate the Northwest, we would be the ones left to pick up the pieces. Unless we can conquer either Xiling or Beirong within half a year, their counterattack would be more than the Mo Family Army could bear." The Mo Family Army was unlike any other army. It appeared extraordinarily powerful but was, in fact, fraught with peril. When vying for supremacy, or for any other ambition, those lacking sufficient strength are often ignored, while those who are powerful enough can form alliances through strategic maneuvering. The Mo Family Army, however, had been positioned as everyone’s adversary from the outset. Neither Xiling nor Beirong would cooperate with them; if given the choice, they would prefer to eliminate the Mo Family Army at any cost first.

Xu Qingyan leaned forward, craning his neck to see the document in Xu Qingbai’s hand, and asked, "Sister Li’er has already considered all this, so she must have a solution, right?"

Ye Li laughed helplessly. "How could these problems be solved in an instant? However, I have sent people to survey the entire Northwest. Besides Hongzhou, there are vast plains in Ganzhou, in the middle reaches of the Minjiang River. Both the soil and water quality there are excellent. But Ganzhou borders Beirong, so it’s sparsely populated, and large tracts of fertile land lie uncultivated."

Xu Qingbai said thoughtfully, "So Li’er’s idea is to relocate people to Ganzhou to cultivate the land? That would require a large contingent of troops stationed at the border to prevent raids from Beirong."

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "That’s not a problem. The Mo Family Army still has hundreds of thousands of troops idle for now. Besides, the Mo Family Army is bound to expand in the future, so we won’t lack troops for garrison duty."

Ye Li also nodded. "If the populace is uneasy, the Mo Family Army can begin cultivating the land first, or work alongside them."

"The Mo Family Army cultivating land alongside the common people?" Everyone frowned, somewhat hesitant.

Xu Qingchen’s eyebrows rose slightly as he smiled. "Li’er’s idea is very good. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers aren’t immediately needed for battle, so they might as well be used for farming. This way, the Mo Family Army will have its own harvest, which can also reduce the tax burden on the people."

Xu Qingbai nodded and, with uncharacteristic impatience, asked, "Then Li’er, what do you mean by this ’commercial hub’ you mentioned?"

Ye Li pressed her temples, gathering her thoughts before speaking. "In this world, there are not only Great Chu, Beirong, Xiling, and Nanzhao, but also countless smaller countries to the west of Xiling, and perhaps even large nations we are unaware of. Most people don’t know of them simply because of the vast distances involved. Our Northwest is currently surrounded by various powers. If we can sell goods from East Chu, Beirong, and Nanzhao via Xiling to countries further west, and bring back goods from those western lands to sell to Great Chu or Beirong... We could even encourage merchants from those distant lands to come here... Given time, Ruyang, and indeed the entire Northwest, will undoubtedly become a vital hub for economic and cultural exchange between East and West..."

Xu Qingbai, being astute, understood instantly. He laughed. "When are you planning to start, Li’er? Count me in."

"Me too!" Xu Qingyan, who always followed his Fourth Brother’s lead, quickly raised his hand in agreement.

Ye Li smiled. "Some people have already been dispatched for the agricultural aspect. As for commerce... Fourth Brother, if you lack experience, you can ask Han Mingxi and Leng Haoyu for advice." Thinking of the overworked Han Mingxi and Leng Haoyu made Ye Li’s head throb. Then she thought of a certain individual currently wasting his life somewhere and couldn’t help but regret having dealt with Su Zuidie so quickly. Otherwise, what a fine, unpaid laborer she would have gained.

"Reporting to Your Highnesses, Prince Li and Princess Consort Li from the Capital of Great Chu have arrived," a guard announced from the doorway.

Prince Li? Mo Jingli? Ye Li was startled. She hadn’t expected him to come to Ruyang, much less with Ye Ying. It had been almost two years since Ye Li last saw Ye Ying. She had been imprisoned by Mo Jingqi. Now that Mo Jingli was back in the Capital City with significant military power, seemingly ready to challenge Mo Jingqi, Ye Ying, as Princess Consort Li, had naturally regained her freedom.

Mo Xiuyao stood up, a smile playing on his lips. "Mo Jingli, is it? In that case... Ah-Li, let’s go and welcome Prince Li and Princess Consort Li. It’s been a while since I last saw Mo Jingli; I’m curious to see how much he has progressed."

Ye Li naturally had no objections and rose to follow Mo Xiuyao. Only Xu Qingbai, his questions still unanswered, looked somewhat unfulfilled.

Their "welcome" consisted merely of Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li waiting at the main hall’s entrance as Chief Steward Mo ushered the guests in. Mo Jingli evidently hadn’t expected much of a reception from Mo Xiuyao anyway, so his expression remained fairly normal as he approached the entrance of Prince Ding’s Mansion’s main hall and saw the couple standing there. Mo Xiuyao, dressed in a light purple brocade robe, his snow-white hair tied back loosely, seemed even colder and more imposing than before. Ye Li, in contrast, wore a pale cyan gown with an embroidered silver peony motif. Her smile was as gentle as ever, yet her bearing held an added touch of nobility and allure. Seeing the woman in cyan standing gracefully beside Mo Xiuyao, Mo Jingli’s eyes flickered, an unidentifiable emotion stirring within him.

"Prince Li and Princess Consort Li, we are honored by your visit," Ye Li greeted them with a light smile, noticing Mo Xiuyao had no intention of speaking.

After nearly two years, Ye Ying seemed quite different from the once-renowned Fourth Miss of the Ye Family in the Capital of Great Chu. Her former demeanor of delicate frailty was replaced by an air of melancholy and listlessness. Her eyes, once as clear as autumn waters, had sharpened, significantly diminishing her soft temperament. Her silent presence beside Mo Jingli, however, made her appear more like a proper Princess Consort. Yet, Ye Li didn’t miss the flash of jealousy and resentment in Ye Ying’s eyes as they met hers. Secretly amused, Ye Li thought to herself, Ye Ying might have indeed suffered a lot in these past two years, but what did she have to be jealous of her for? Was it her leading troops into battle, facing life and death on the field? Or her falling from a cliff, nearly losing both her life and her child’s?

Mo Jingli glanced at the two standing shoulder-to-shoulder before him and said lightly, "It’s been a long time. I trust you’ve been well?"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise. Had Mo Jingli actually learned some civility? It seemed he had indeed learned a few things over the past year. He nodded lightly and replied with a hint of a smile, "Thank you for your concern."

Mo Jingli’s expression stiffened, suddenly looking as if he had swallowed a fly. Who was concerned about him?

Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiuyao with a smile, then said to Mo Jingli, "Please, come in."

Once they were seated in the hall, Ye Li noticed Mo Jingli had brought someone else with him: a long-unseen acquaintance—Princess Qixia. Dressed as a maidservant and keeping her head lowered, Ye Li had initially mistaken her for an ordinary attendant. It wasn’t until Princess Qixia followed them into the main hall that Ye Li realized something was amiss. No wonder Ye Ying looked so displeased. Mo Jingli had taken Princess Qixia with him when he left the Capital of Great Chu, and now he had brought her all the way to the Northwest. Clearly, his feelings for Princess Qixia were far from ordinary.

After they had settled, Ye Li hesitated for a moment before looking at Princess Qixia and saying, "This is..."

Before Mo Jingli could respond, Ye Ying interjected in a dismissive tone, "Just a maidservant. Why would Third Sister concern herself with her?"

At this, Mo Jingli’s expression darkened, and Princess Qixia also looked displeased. Given Princess Qixia’s status, she could easily have been made a Consort Ping. However, due to the fiasco at the wedding, Princess Qixia had been forced to fake her death to resolve the matter. Ye Li had assumed Mo Jingli would have found a way to give Princess Qixia a proper status by now, but it seemed her position was still undefined. Seeing Mo Jingli remain silent, Ye Li didn’t dwell on it and signaled for tea to be served.

"Prince Ding, your current appearance is quite a shock," Mo Jingli remarked. Although he had heard about Prince Ding’s white hair, seeing it in person was still rather startling. He glanced at Ye Li, seated beside Mo Xiuyao, inwardly assessing that her importance to Mo Xiuyao was even greater than he had previously assumed.

Mo Xiuyao, unconcerned, casually brushed a strand of hair from his chest. He smiled. "Flowers bloom and wither; birth, old age, sickness, and death are all part of the natural order. Why dwell on such matters? I hear Prince Li has been thriving in Jiangnan this past year?"

Mo Jingli’s lips curled. "Prince Ding, you flatter me. How could it compare to Prince Ding, reigning supreme in the Northwest and living at ease?" The two men began to spar verbally. In the past, Mo Jingli might not have possessed the courage or confidence to contend with Mo Xiuyao. But things were different now. While Mo Xiuyao held the Northwest, he himself held sway over Jiangnan. Compared to the barren Northwest, the abundant resources of Jiangnan certainly gave him an advantage.

Ye Li turned to Ye Ying with a smile. "Fourth Sister, have you been well this past year?"

Ye Ying looked at Ye Li with a complex expression and sneered, "Third Sister, surely you’re not unaware that I was imprisoned by His Majesty? How well could a prisoner be?" The implication was clear: she blamed Ye Li for not rescuing her when she knew Mo Jingqi had imprisoned her. However, Ye Li didn’t care. There was no deep sisterly affection between them. If it had been a simple matter, she might have helped. But at the time, Ye Ying was a hostage used by Mo Jingqi to control Mo Jingli, guarded by many soldiers. Why would Ye Li have gone to such lengths and sacrificed her own subordinates? Faced with Ye Ying’s implied accusation, Ye Li remained composed and offered a comforting remark, "Now that you and Prince Li are reunited, and you have the Heir of Prince Li, your days of hardship should finally be over."

At these words, Ye Ying’s face darkened, her expression growing even more unpleasant. Ye Li paused, then quickly understood. Mo Jingli likely had no intention of designating Ye Ying’s son as the Heir. After all, Mo Jingli was still young; he could have more children whenever he wished. Ye Ying, on the other hand, now had no backing whatsoever, aside from Ye Li herself—her half-sister with whom she had a poor, even adversarial, relationship. She couldn’t even compare to the daughters of minor officials. Naturally, Mo Jingli wouldn’t consider making Ye Ying’s child his Heir. He was probably already planning to choose a new principal consort from a family with a strong background.

These were matters Ye Li couldn’t meddle in. So, she deftly changed the subject and began discussing other things with Ye Ying. Ye Ying listened silently for a long time before suddenly asking, "Third Sister, why did you persuade Father to retire and return to his hometown?!"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Was this an interrogation?

Parting her lips in a faint smile, Ye Li’s smile was rather cold as she replied, "Our father is growing old, and he had reached the pinnacle of his career in the imperial court. What’s wrong with him retiring when he was at the peak of his career?"

Ye Ying bit her lip, glaring at Ye Li resentfully. No one could understand how she had felt upon her release from prison, only to find that her parents and relatives were no longer in the Capital City. Prince Li no longer treated her with the same care and affection as before; he was cold and indifferent, not even sparing a glance for her child. If Father were still in his position, still Minister Ye, would things be like this?

Ye Li understood Ye Ying’s frustration and resentment perfectly, a cold sneer forming inwardly. If Minister Ye hadn’t retired and returned to his hometown, Mo Jingqi would likely have had him killed long ago; he certainly wouldn’t have survived to see Ye Ying’s release. She had initially thought Ye Ying might have matured after her ordeals over the past year, but it seemed she was still as naive and ignorant as ever!