Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 229 - 228. Yaoji’s Request

228. Yaoji’s Request

Just as expected, First Madam Xu was extremely swift and eager in selecting a daughter-in-law. Within a couple of days, a letter arrived from First Madam Xu at the Xu Mansion for Ye Li, expressing that everything was prepared; they were just waiting for Xu Qingchen to return and meet the prospective bride. After receiving the heartfelt letter from First Madam Xu, Ye Li gave a helpless smile and headed to the study to find Xu Qingchen.

The front courtyard of Prince Ding’s Mansion had been designated by Ye Li as the official work area. In addition to the main hall for receiving guests and the conference hall for meetings, several study rooms of various sizes were set up for the civil officials of Prince Ding’s Mansion. As Ye Li stepped into the study, she couldn’t help but admire Xu Qingchen’s elegance. He was leisurely sipping tea while browsing through a petition. Despite dealing with tedious political affairs in the study, he appeared so elegant and otherworldly, like a refined young master composing poetry—truly deserving his reputation as the ’Number One Young Master Under Heaven.’

"Big Brother," Ye Li called softly as she entered the study.

Xu Qingchen put down the petition, rose, and smiled. "Li’er, what brings you to Big Brother’s place at this hour?"

Ye Li waved her hand dismissively and chuckled. "Big Brother, there’s no need for such ceremony with Li’er. Please, sit down, let’s talk."

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow, then casually resumed his seat, smiling as he waited for Ye Li to speak. After a moment’s thought, Ye Li asked, "Big Brother, how many days has it been since you last returned to the Xu Mansion?"

Xu Qingchen, being exceptionally quick-witted, understood Ye Li’s purpose as soon as she spoke. He asked with a smile, "Did Mother send you to persuade me to go back and meet the young lady?"

Ye Li felt a twinge of awkwardness. There was nothing inherently wrong with his words, but for some reason, hearing them from Xu Qingchen felt particularly uncomfortable. After some consideration, she handed Xu Qingchen the letter from Madam Xu and said with a gentle smile, "Although Li’er shouldn’t meddle in Big Brother’s affairs... Big Brother, you should at least give First Aunt an explanation. Even if it’s just to set her mind at ease, that would be good. It’s not like you to drag things out like this, is it? And it needlessly makes First Aunt sad."

After reading Madam Xu’s letter, Xu Qingchen’s handsome, refined face showed a hint of helplessness and guilt. Ye Li looked at him and said softly, "No matter your reasons or intentions, Big Brother, it’s best to speak frankly with First Aunt. As you know, First Aunt, First Uncle, and Grandfather are not unreasonable people. If Big Brother genuinely has other thoughts, the elders won’t truly force you to marry. And then, Big Brother, you wouldn’t have to keep avoiding First Aunt like you are now, would you?"

Xu Qingchen paused, then gave a somewhat helpless, bitter smile. "Even Li’er has noticed?"

Ye Li pursed her lips, smiling. "Isn’t it obvious? No matter how much Xiuyao likes to slack off, he knows how to prioritize and wouldn’t push everything onto you. But Big Brother, you’ve rarely returned to the Xu Mansion recently, haven’t you?"

Xu Qingchen put away the letter, sighed softly, and looked at Ye Li. "Big Brother understands. I’ll go back in a while."

Ye Li blinked, looking at Xu Qingchen with a smile. "Does Big Brother need Li’er to accompany you for moral support?"

Xu Qingchen was caught between laughter and tears.

After seeing Xu Qingchen off, Ye Li returned to her own study. Upon entering, she saw Mo Xiuyao lounging in a chair, thoroughly engrossed in a dossier. Hearing Ye Li’s footsteps, Mo Xiuyao quickly beckoned her over with a smile. "Ah-Li, come quickly, look at this..."

Curious, Ye Li approached. "What are you looking at?" She leaned closer and saw it was a file compiled by the secret guards detailing Xu Qingchen’s life. Lowering her gaze, she glanced at Mo Xiuyao and raised an eyebrow. "Are you investigating Big Brother?"

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand. "I’m doing this to help Ah-Li. Aren’t the Xu Family members worried about Xu Qingchen’s marriage? I guess Ah-Li has also been preoccupied with his affairs lately, hasn’t she?"

Ye Li nodded, reluctantly accepting his explanation. "So, what did you find out?"

Mo Xiuyao looked up at Ye Li, his expression tinged with pity.

Ye Li was taken aback. Could her big brother truly be in some kind of trouble?

"Ah-Li, you need to be strong," Mo Xiuyao said, patting Ye Li’s hand comfortingly. "I think we really need to consider marrying off your big brother."

"What do you mean?"

Mo Xiuyao held up the dossier. "This details everything Young Master Qingchen has done for the past twenty-odd years, but... there’s not a single mention of him having any particular interactions with any woman, not even a slight indication of interest."

Ye Li narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth. "So you think Big Brother is gay?"

Mo Xiuyao tossed the dossier onto the table and stretched languidly. "What else could it be? Young Master Qingchen will be thirty in a couple of years. Can you believe it? In nearly thirty years, Young Master Qingchen hasn’t even held a lady’s hand."

Ye Li struggled to remain composed. "You could say Big Brother has high standards and looks down on ordinary women."

Mo Xiuyao rolled his eyes heavenward, clearly not believing Ye Li’s attempt at self-reassurance. Annoyed, Ye Li pinched Mo Xiuyao’s flawlessly restored cheek, tugging it from side to side. "Stop trying to make Big Brother uncomfortable. Such gossip spreading would not be good for him."

Mo Xiuyao yelped in pain, pulling Ye Li’s hands away and clasping them in his own. He rubbed his tormented cheek and asked, "Does Ah-Li dislike it if he’s gay?"

Ye Li glared at him fiercely. "I don’t dislike it, but... no more nonsense! Even if Big Brother really were gay, it would only count if he said so himself!"

Mo Xiuyao nodded obediently. So, Ah-Li, you also agree that Xu Qingchen is gay? Ye Li, who had been caught up in his logic, completely forgot that while the secret guards’ dossier didn’t mention Xu Qingchen showing particular interest in any woman, it also didn’t mention him showing particular interest in any man. It was unknown how Xu Qingchen managed to convince First Madam Xu, but afterward, there seemed to be no further rumors in Licheng about Eldest Young Master Xu’s matchmaking. However, Xu Qingchen suddenly felt that every time his cousin looked at him, her expression held an inexplicable strangeness and concern.

If one were to ask what the most important event in the Northwest was this year, it was undoubtedly the metropolitan examination held in June. This was the Northwest’s first metropolitan examination to select talent in the five years since its independence, naturally garnering attention from all quarters. At the same time, it also reaffirmed the Northwest’s stance of having no further ties with Great Chu. What drew even more interest was that this examination in the Northwest was not limited to local scholars; the Northwest did not refuse scholars from Great Chu and Xiling, as long as they possessed genuine talent and learning. Although the scorching heat of June was not an ideal time for examinations, scholars from all over the Northwest, as well as some unappreciated talents from Great Chu and Xiling, traveled thousands of miles to flock to Licheng. Furthermore, as the annual Licheng Trade Fair was scheduled for half a month after the examination, merchants from various nations also traveled great distances to bring their goods, hoping for better prices. Consequently, the enthusiasm for the city seemed to blaze as fiercely as the summer sun.

After five years, today’s Licheng was incomparable to its past. In area alone, the city had more than doubled in size over the past five years. The number of merchants on its streets and the dazzling array of goods were no less impressive than those in the Capital of Great Chu. From time to time, people from the Western Regions—distinct from the Northwest populace in their attire, hair, skin, and eye color—could be seen passing by on the streets.

In Ningxiang Pavilion, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li sat opposite each other by a window, leisurely drinking tea and talking. From time to time, they would look down from the window at the bustling, prosperous streets below. Ye Li, watching all of this, felt an immense sense of gratification and contentment. This city, in its current state of prosperity and peace, was the fruit of their hard work over the past five years. Just like this land of the Northwest itself, they, along with everyone else, were safeguarding it and its people. Looking at the man opposite her, Ye Li felt her heart soften with a sweet tenderness. They were not just husband and wife; they were partners, walking side by side, relying on each other, sharing common ideals and responsibilities.

"What are you thinking about that makes you so happy, Ah-Li?" Mo Xiuyao put down his teacup, looking tenderly at his wife, whose smile was gentle and content.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Nothing much. I just find the scene before me very pleasing."

Following Ye Li’s gaze downward to the bustling street, they saw a young couple at a stall selling cosmetics; though plainly dressed, their faces brimmed with happy smiles. A family of three strolled down the street, the parents holding the hands of their young child, who pointed at a candied hawthorn vendor, eager for a treat. An elderly man, already in his sixties, walked steadily through the crowd. There were also many young scholars passing by; each person’s face seemed to radiate a unique brilliance and smile. Mo Xiuyao turned back, his voice soft yet firm. "As long as we are here, they will always live such happy lives."

Ye Li nodded and said softly, "Actually, ordinary people don’t ask for much. As long as they can live peaceful lives, with enough food to eat and warm clothes to wear, they will be deeply grateful."

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "Isn’t that so? And isn’t my Ah-Li the one most admired by the people of the Northwest now? Without Ah-Li, where would they find the good lives they have now?"

The plan for foreign trade in the Northwest was proposed by Ah-Li. The idea to cultivate and plant crops in the northern plains was also hers. This was no empty flattery; Ah-Li had done so much for the Northwest, for the Mo Family Army, and for him. Mo Xiuyao was endlessly grateful to have married such an extraordinary wife. Ye Li smiled. "The Prince is praising me too much. I merely offer suggestions and draft plans; others carry out the actual work."

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "Although many people can execute these tasks, not just anyone could have conceived of them. Therefore, Ah-Li, you deserve the foremost credit."

A servant announced from outside, "Prince, Princess Consort, Yaoji requests an audience."

"Come in," Mo Xiuyao said placidly, his brow slightly furrowed.

Yaoji pushed the door open and entered. Five years had passed, and the once dazzling First Dancer of the Capital of Great Chu had acquired a more mature allure and grace. Now, having shed her former glamour, Yaoji wore a simple dress and a jade hairpin, possessing less of the former First Dancer’s pride and more of a calm, tranquil aura.

Ye Li glanced at the green jade lotus hairpin Yaoji wore, her eyebrows arching slightly as she smiled. "It’s been a while, Yaoji. You seem to grow more beautiful."

Yaoji smiled radiantly. "Princess Consort, are you teasing me? How can I compare to the Princess Consort, who grows more remarkable by the day?"

Ye Li looked at her with a playful smile. "This jade hairpin is quite nice. It looks rather familiar to me."

Yaoji couldn’t help but feel a little self-conscious, touching the hairpin on her head. "This hairpin is quite ordinary; the style is rather common, isn’t it?"

Ye Li shook her head and chuckled. "That’s not quite right. Don’t be fooled by its appearance; though the jade quality, carving, and style aren’t top-tier, this type of green jade was brought over by merchants from the Western Regions. There are probably only three such hairpins in all of Licheng. I kept one with a hibiscus design, gave another with an orchid design to Second Young Madam Xu, and the last one... well, it was earnestly requested by someone. So it turns out..."

Meeting Ye Li’s teasing gaze, even Yaoji, who had once been so worldly, couldn’t help but blush, cursing the man who gave her the hairpin in her heart until her teeth itched. When that person initially offered her the hairpin, she naturally refused. But he had casually tossed it to her, claiming it was a gift mistakenly sent to him and useless for him to keep, telling her to throw it away if she didn’t want it. She never imagined this seemingly inconspicuous hairpin had such a history.

Ye Li saw her face growing redder and knew she shouldn’t tease her further. If I were to ruin a subordinate’s chance at love, I’d be resented for a lifetime. In the words of my past life, meddling in people’s romances gets you kicked by a horse.

"Alright, I won’t tease you anymore. Is there something you need?" Ye Li asked, her tone becoming serious.

Seeing Ye Li offer her an out, Yaoji was naturally glad to change the subject. She quickly said, "The list of examinees with questionable backgrounds is here. Should we arrest them now?"

Yaoji respectfully presented a list. Mo Xiuyao took it, examined it, then passed it to Ye Li, saying, "It seems Lei Zhenting and Mo Jingqi still think highly of us, using every opportunity to plant their people in Licheng. At least half of the candidates from Great Chu and Xiling this time are their agents."

Ye Li pondered for a moment, then said to Yaoji, "Don’t worry about them for now. We’ll deal with it after the examinations. I also want to see what kind of ’outstanding talents’ the Southern Garrison Prince and Mo Jingqi have sent us."

If a large number of these heirs were to disappear before the examination, it would easily be noticed and cause an uproar. But after the examination, it would be different. Even if some people went missing, most would simply assume they had failed the examination and left in dejection.

Yaoji assented, then hesitated before adding, "There is one more matter. Yaoji had already ordered someone to report to Lord Mo Hua, but since the Prince and Princess Consort are here, I decided to report to you first. It’s said that the Capital of Great Chu has been rather unsettled lately. This was heard from people in our tavern who overheard travelers from the Capital of Great Chu."

Mo Xiuyao’s brow furrowed. "Are there any details?"

Yaoji shook her head. "The person who said it wasn’t a high-ranking official or noble, so they probably don’t know much."

Ye Li smiled. "It seems our personnel in the Capital of Great Chu are becoming somewhat ineffective."

Mo Xiuyao was not surprised. He said nonchalantly, "Mo Jingqi’s suspicious nature is appallingly intense. Plus, after being deceived by Tan Jizhi for nearly a decade, he probably sees everyone as a potential rebel. He would eliminate anyone suspicious around him, even if it meant inflicting grievous losses upon himself."

Although Prince Ding’s Mansion still had some hidden operatives in the palace, they were hidden extremely deep and could not be easily mobilized unless it was a matter of life or death for Prince Ding’s Mansion.

"It seems everyone has grown tired of these peaceful days. Ah-Li, when you get a chance, select a suitable person to return to the Capital City to assist Leng Haoyu," Mo Xiuyao said with a cold smile.

Ye Li nodded. Yaoji, standing at the door, clenched her teeth and suddenly said, "Prince, Princess Consort, if you trust me, Yaoji is willing to go to the Capital City."

"You?" Ye Li frowned. "But your identity, and the danger of entering the capital... have you truly considered it all?"

Yaoji nodded firmly. "Yaoji has thought it through. Although I’ve been in Licheng these past few years, I’ve rarely shown my face in public, so very few people in Licheng would recognize me. Besides, the Yaoji of today is not the Yaoji of the past. If nothing else, Yaoji is confident in her ability to protect herself."

Ye Li looked at her determined and resolute expression and sighed helplessly. "You still can’t let him go?"

Yaoji forced a smile. "Perhaps this trip back will allow me to finally let go. Yaoji will absolutely not jeopardize the Prince’s and Princess Consort’s affairs. Please, Your Highnesses, grant my request."

Ye Li thought for a moment. "Return for now. I will consider it and give you a reply."

Yaoji thanked her, then turned and left, gently closing the door behind her.

"Actually, Yaoji is a good choice," Mo Xiuyao said, looking at Ye Li. "I’m just concerned she still has lingering feelings for Mu Yang."

Ye Li frowned. "I don’t believe she’s completely over Mu Yang, but I also don’t believe she would betray Prince Ding’s Mansion for his sake. Her child is still here in the Northwest. Even for her child’s sake, she would never betray Prince Ding’s Mansion. Moreover... even if she still has feelings for Mu Yang, she likely despises the people of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion now. Yaoji is a person who loves and hates with great clarity..."

Mo Xiuyao looked somewhat curious. "Since Ah-Li, you know she has lingering feelings for Mu Yang, why did you consent to her and Qin Feng?"

"What do you mean I ’consented’ to her and Qin Feng?" Ye Li retorted, looking askance. "I simply dislike interfering in my subordinates’ private lives. As long as it doesn’t affect official matters, who Qin Feng likes is his own affair. Am I, the Princess Consort, supposed to double as a matchmaker?"

Mo Xiuyao was equally uninterested in his subordinates’ personal affairs. "If that’s the case, why are you hesitant to approve Yaoji’s request to go to the Capital of Great Chu?"

Ye Li sighed softly and shook her head. "Am I being too soft-hearted?" She was not unfamiliar with undercover work and naturally understood what an undercover agent had to endure. For Yaoji, returning to the capital with her identity meant the best approach would be to try to get back to Mu Yang’s side. If that happened, regardless of the outcome—whether Yaoji was eventually killed by Mu Yang if her cover was blown, or they found themselves on opposing sides when their true roles were revealed—it would be devastating. For two people who once loved each other and shared a child, this was too cruel, and equally cruel to Yaoji herself.

"My Ah-Li has always been a kind-hearted woman," Mo Xiuyao said softly, though a smirk played on his lips when Ye Li wasn’t looking. Cruel to Mu Yang? He didn’t think so. He only remembered that when Ah-Li fell off the cliff, her life hanging in the balance, Marquis Muyang, that old scoundrel, had played a significant part. He hadn’t let Mu Yang go back then so he could return to Marquis Muyang and enjoy domestic bliss. Although the main course cannot be served yet, a little appetizer should be fine. As for Yaoji? She requested this herself. Besides, Prince Ding’s Mansion saved her life; shouldn’t she offer something in return?