Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 232 - 231. Goodbye Princess Changle

231. Princess Changle

As expected, Xu Qingchen was indeed waiting for them in Yonglin.

When the group arrived in Yonglin Town, Young Master Qingchen, embodying an air of serene leisure like a clear moon in a gentle breeze, was enjoying tea in the best teahouse in Yonglin City. Seeing them enter, Xu Qingchen grinned. "I’ve been waiting for you all for half a day. I’ve already booked an inn for us. How about resting in Yonglin for a day before we go through the pass?"

Ye Li smiled. "Elder Brother has planned thoughtfully. Xiuyao and I were thinking the same."

Everyone took their seats. Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "It seems not everyone had their fill of excitement on the journey?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Zhiyao immediately aired his grievances. "Absolutely! You wouldn’t know, Young Master Qingchen, but we’ve been traveling and waiting the whole way. Yet, even after we crossed the Yunlan River, those cowards didn’t dare to chase us. All the anticipation this Young Master harbored was for naught!" These past few years have been too peaceful. In the Northwest, even bandit subjugation missions were highly sought after, to the point that there are no bandits left in the region now. It’s truly... My hands are itching for some action. "Mo Jingqi really made things dull. If he had issued an explicit decree to intercept and kill us, would those generals dare to disobey? This Young Master also wants to experience the thrill of breaking out from an encirclement of tens of thousands of soldiers. Look at it now, his subordinates are just slacking off... If Mo Jingqi finds out we crossed Broken Snow Pass without losing a single soldier, wouldn’t he die of anger?!"

Xu Qingchen shook his head and laughed. "Third Feng, you’re overthinking. Mo Jingqi would never issue such a public decree. Once he did, it would be tantamount to formally declaring war on the Mo Family Army. I’m afraid before they even had a chance to kill us, the Mo Family Army would already be stationed at Feihong Pass. If, by some chance, they threw everything they had at us and actually managed to kill the Prince, that would be one thing. But what if the Prince made it back to the Northwest..." The wrath of Prince Ding and nearly a million soldiers of the Mo Family Army was not something just anyone could withstand. Hearing Xu Qingchen’s analysis, Third Feng could only lament Mo Jingqi’s timidity.

"Reporting to Your Highness, the envoy from Great Chu downstairs is requesting an audience," a guard came up to report.

"The Great Chu envoy?" Feng Zhiyao looked somewhat surprised. Glancing at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, he asked, "In this situation, an envoy from Great Chu still dares to seek an audience with the Prince?"

Xu Qingchen smiled calmly. "Third Feng, why don’t you guess who the Great Chu envoy is?"

Feng Zhiyao looked at him. "Could it be that Young Master Qingchen has already met him?"

Xu Qingchen shook his head. "I haven’t met him, but I can make an educated guess. Nanzhao sent out diplomatic invitations to the rulers and nobles of various states for Princess Anxi’s wedding. Great Chu wouldn’t send a low-ranking envoy. However... given Mo Jingqi’s personality, he definitely wouldn’t come himself." Mo Jingqi had always been extremely conscious of his status and vigilant about his own safety. He had never traveled more than a hundred miles outside the Capital City in his entire life. Usually, unless absolutely necessary, he would remain within the heavily guarded imperial palace, never stepping out.

"Mo Jingqi has long known about Prince Li’s dealings with the Southern Border. So, this time, he definitely won’t let Prince Li get the upper hand. In the entire Capital City, the only people Mo Jingqi can trust and who are presentable enough for such a task belong to the Liu Family," Xu Qingchen said with a faint smile, though a chill touched his eyes. When Mo Jingqi had suddenly decided to move against the Xu Family, the Liu Family’s instigation had undoubtedly played a part.

Mo Xiuyao frowned. "Liu Chunfeng?"

Feng Zhiyao blinked. "Who is Liu Chunfeng?"

Zhuo Jing chuckled softly. "Third Young Master Feng, Liu Chunfeng is the Prime Minister, Noble Consort Liu’s father." It was no wonder Feng Zhiyao didn’t know. Although Noble Consort Liu was about the same age as Mo Xiuyao and the others, Liu Chunfeng himself was only about two years younger than State Duke Hua. By the time Feng Zhiyao had taken notice of him, he was already Prime Minister Liu, so naturally, he wouldn’t remember his given name.

Xu Qingchen nodded. "Correct. I surmise the envoy from Great Chu is indeed Liu Chunfeng."

Ye Li frowned slightly, turning to look at Mo Xiuyao beside her. "Could it be that the Prince has some sort of relationship with this Prime Minister Liu?"

Mo Xiuyao sneered. "The Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Liu Family have always been at odds. What kind of relationship could there be?" Years ago, when Mo Liufang was still young, the head of the Liu Family wasn’t the current Prime Minister but the already deceased Old Master Liu. Old Master Liu had only ascended to the position of Prime Minister when he was over sixty, yet he had Regent Prince Mo Liufang, a young man barely in his twenties, above him. How could the inherently petty Old Master Liu stomach that? He had caused Mo Liufang no small amount of trouble in those years. Consequently, the relationship between Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Liu Family had never been amicable. This was also why, back then, Noble Consort Liu was infatuated with Mo Xiuyao, yet not only did Mo Xiuyao show no interest in her, but even the Liu Family disapproved of the match, unhesitatingly sending her into the palace instead.

"Let him come up. This Prince would also like to see what matter he deems so important as to request an audience with me," Mo Xiuyao instructed coolly.

Not long after, a man was led up to their floor in the teahouse. It was indeed Prime Minister Liu, his hair and beard white with age. Though elderly, Liu Chunfeng appeared to be in good physical and mental shape, his somewhat cloudy eyes still glinting with astuteness. However, the people standing beside him made everyone pause: two women. The elder one, dressed in snow-white robes, her stunningly beautiful face holding a faint air of indifference, was none other than Noble Consort Liu. Although Noble Consort Liu was now over thirty, time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her; she looked much the same as she had five or six years ago. Standing beside Noble Consort Liu was a girl of about thirteen or fourteen. The girl wore an embroidered silk robe of goose-yellow adorned with pink and white hibiscus flowers. Her features, already beginning to blossom, hinted at an extraordinary, captivating beauty. One could imagine that in another two years, her looks would be in no way inferior to Noble Consort Liu’s. Moreover, her clear and lively eyes revealed an innocence and cleverness Noble Consort Liu utterly lacked.

Seeing Ye Li, the young girl’s face lit up. She stepped forward and called softly, "Princess Consort Ding..."

Ye Li was slightly taken aback. Looking at the face that bore a resemblance to both Empress Hua and Hua Tianxiang, a thought struck her. Princess Changle...

Seeing Ye Li recognize her, Princess Changle nodded happily and started to walk towards Ye Li. Behind her, Noble Consort Liu coughed lightly and said coolly, "Princess, as a princess of the realm, you should mind your etiquette. Do not behave improperly and cause His Majesty to lose face."

Princess Changle stopped and looked back at Noble Consort Liu, smiling brightly. "Thank you for the reminder, Her Highness Noble Consort. But wasn’t it Her Highness Noble Consort who suggested we come upstairs just now? I merely wished to catch up with Princess Consort Ding. I wonder who Her Highness Noble Consort came upstairs to catch up with?"

Noble Consort Liu’s expression changed, and she stared fixedly at Princess Changle. Princess Changle, unafraid, met her gaze directly. After a long moment, Noble Consort Liu said, "Naturally, I also wished to catch up with Princess Consort Ding."

Ye Li stood up and smiled faintly. "It’s rare to meet old acquaintances in this small border town. Since both Her Highness and the Princess wish to catch up with me, perhaps we should find another place to talk? To avoid... tarnishing Her Highness’s reputation."

Princess Changle cheerfully took Ye Li’s hand and smiled. "Princess Consort Ding, it’s been so long! I thought we’d never see each other again. Let’s go talk somewhere else." With that, she started pulling Ye Li towards an adjacent private room. Xu Qingchen had booked the entire upper floor of the teahouse, so there was no worry of them accidentally intruding into someone else’s room. After taking a couple of steps with Ye Li, Princess Changle looked back at Noble Consort Liu, who was still standing in the same spot. Her bright eyes crinkled into a smile. "Noble Consort Liu, aren’t you coming? It matters little if my reputation suffers slightly; an emperor’s daughter never worries about marriage prospects. But as for Noble Consort Liu... *giggle*... I wonder if Father Emperor would be pleased to hear that a pear blossom was spotted leaning over the wall?"

"What nonsense are you spouting!" Noble Consort Liu blushed, and after a quick glance at the silver-haired man in purple whose back was to her, she hurriedly followed.

Behind them, Feng Zhiyao finally snapped back to reality. Pointing in the direction Princess Changle had disappeared, he stammered, "That... that girl is Princess Changle?"

Mo Xiuyao glanced at him, then lowered his eyes and sipped his tea. "Do you have an objection?"

Feng Zhiyao was awkwardly silent. He could hardly object. Though he’d only met Princess Changle once or twice, he still remembered the innocent and adorable little princess doted upon and protected by Sister Hua. He had even been jealous of this little princess because she had received all of that person’s affection and care. But now... was this what they meant by ’a girl changes dramatically by the age of eighteen’? Could that innocent and adorable little princess really utter such biting sarcasm?

Xu Qingchen lowered his gaze and said quietly, "Princess Changle must be having a difficult time in the palace these days."

Feng Zhiyao was silent, his expression gradually darkening. Ever since the Empress pleaded for the Xu Family a few years ago, the Emperor stripped her of her power over the imperial harem. Although everything else remained the same—no one dared to disrespect her due to the influence and prestige she had built over the years in the palace—there was a fundamental difference between an empress with actual authority and one who had been reduced to a figurehead.

Prime Minister Liu stood to one side, his face alternating between shades of green and white. These people had made no move to invite him to sit, and even worse, they were discussing his daughter’s mistreatment of Princess Changle in the harem right in front of him. Prime Minister Liu’s beard quivered with anger, and he couldn’t help but interject, "Third Young Master Feng, your words are too harsh! When has my daughter ever mistreated Princess Changle?"

Feng Zhiyao, Zhuo Jing, and Lin Han, who had been in lively discussion, immediately fell silent. Zhuo Jing’s expression shifted, and he once again looked a picture of cold indifference. He glanced sideways at Prime Minister Liu and said, "Prime Minister Liu, don’t you know it’s rude to interrupt others’ conversations?"

Prime Minister Liu was so furious he could only point at Zhuo Jing, sputtering "You... you..." for a long moment before he could speak. Finally catching his breath, he said angrily, "Leaving a guest standing aside like this, is this the hospitality of Prince Ding’s Mansion?"

"Welcomed guests are guests. As for those who invite themselves..." Lin Han looked at Prime Minister Liu with utmost sincerity, his expression clearly conveying that they hadn’t invited him up.

Feng Zhiyao, propping his chin on one hand, said nonchalantly, "And another thing, Prime Minister Liu. This Young Master not only suspects the Liu Family of lacking manners, but perhaps the entire imperial family of Great Chu lacks them too, no? When you came upstairs just now, how was the order? Prime Minister Liu walked in front, and Princess Changle was last."

"What’s wrong with that?" Prime Minister Liu retorted irritably.

Feng Zhiyao sneered. "Prime Minister Liu, Noble Consort Liu is of the first rank, Princess Changle is also of the first rank, and you, the Prime Minister... are also of the first rank. However, there are differences between first ranks, are there not? No matter how high Noble Consort Liu’s rank, she is still a concubine. Princess Changle is the Empress’s legitimate daughter. Tell me, would your family allow a concubine to walk ahead of the legitimate daughter? Let alone the concubine’s father?"

"Feng Zhiyao! You... you..." Prime Minister Liu finally began to tremble with rage, his finger pointing at Feng Zhiyao shaking uncontrollably. He couldn’t say Feng Zhiyao was wrong, because under normal circumstances, he, as Prime Minister, would have to pay respects to Princess Changle. As for the situation between Noble Consort Liu and Princess Changle, he couldn’t claim that imperial household rules differed from those of ordinary families. Although in the palace, Princess Changle was required to perform a junior’s half-salute to Noble Consort Liu, in the eyes of the realm’s scholars, Princess Changle, as the Empress’s legitimate daughter and Eldest Princess, was inherently more noble than Noble Consort Liu. The Eldest Princess performing this courtesy to the Noble Consort was out of respect and politeness towards her Father Emperor, not an obligation.

"Prince Ding, is this how you manage your subordinates?" Prime Minister Liu, incandescent with rage, blurted out, directing his attack at Mo Xiuyao.

Mo Xiuyao turned his head, his sharp eyebrows arching slightly, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Since when do you have any say in how this Prince manages his subordinates?"

Prime Minister Liu finally understood that he couldn’t gain any advantage against the people of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Not only were Feng Zhiyao, Zhuo Jing, and the others sharp-tongued, but Xu Qingchen, who hadn’t spoken a word, was also sitting there. Xu Qingchen was the formidable figure who, at the mere age of seventeen, had debated a renowned contemporary monk until the monk coughed up blood. And so, Prime Minister Liu’s eyes rolled back, and he promptly collapsed.

Feng Zhiyao blinked his eyes. "He’s down for the count already?" Why is it that all of Mo Jingqi’s people they’d encountered recently were so utterly weak, whether in scholarly debate or martial contest?

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "It’s not that he couldn’t take it. This is simply the best way to make an exit." This demonstrated that Prime Minister Liu knew when to yield. If he had persisted, Feng Zhiyao and the others would likely have goaded him into fainting for real. Ultimately, they couldn’t just leave a man in his seventies or eighties lying on the floor. Xu Qingchen signaled the guards at the top of the stairs to allow Prime Minister Liu’s attendants to come up and take him to a physician.

Meanwhile, in the adjacent private room, the atmosphere was entirely different. Princess Changle held Ye Li’s hand, chattering away incessantly, her still somewhat childish, beautiful face radiating innocence and sincerity. Ye Li watched Princess Changle with a warm smile, her eyes full of affection. Years had passed since they last met, and the girl who was once a little child had blossomed into a graceful young maiden. Only Noble Consort Liu sat at a distance from the two, her expression indifferent and somewhat preoccupied, clearly having no real intention of catching up with Ye Li.

While Noble Consort Liu ignored Ye Li, Ye Li also had no intention of acknowledging the Noble Consort. When they first met a few years ago, Ye Li had harbored some fondness for Noble Consort Liu. After all, it wasn’t easy to find a woman with such a unique personality within the depths of the imperial palace. However, after witnessing Noble Consort Liu’s obsessive pursuit of Mo Xiuyao and her targeting of Ye Li, both openly and secretly, Ye Li’s fondness for her had completely vanished. After all, no matter how passionately Noble Consort Liu loved Mo Xiuyao, she, Ye Li, was Mo Xiuyao’s officially wedded wife. Ye Li didn’t mind Noble Consort Liu’s affection for Mo Xiuyao, but when that affection led to looking down on his legitimate wife with all sorts of ridicule, sarcasm, disdain, and threats, it was crossing the line. Especially now, whenever Ye Li saw Noble Consort Liu’s cold and noble demeanor, she was easily reminded of the way the Noble Consort had pitifully begged Mo Xiuyao in the peach blossom grove in the imperial palace, and an wave of irritation would wash over her.

"Princess Consort Ding, I heard you have an adorable little son?" Princess Changle asked Ye Li, tugging at her hand curiously.

Ye Li nodded with a smile. "Yes, he’s already five years old this year."

Princess Changle sighed. "A son born to Princess Consort Ding and Uncle Prince Ding must be adorable and clever. Why didn’t you bring your little brother to the Southern Border, Princess Consort?"

Seeing her disappointed little face, Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle. She reached out, playfully tapped the princess’s small nose, and smiled. "There are so many little princes in the palace. Hasn’t the Princess seen enough of them?"

Princess Changle huffed softly, her small lips pouting slightly. "Mother Empress hasn’t borne me any younger brothers; Changle has no younger brothers."

"Alright, alright, no younger brothers. Then how about our Little Bao calls you ’Elder Sister Princess’ in the future?" Ye Li couldn’t help but smile.

Princess Changle’s eyes lit up. She blinked and smiled. "Really? Then... should I give my little brother a meeting gift? Hmm... I can’t go to the Northwest now. Princess Consort, can you take it back to my little brother for me? That way, he’ll like me when he meets Changle." Saying this, she looked down at herself and, without hesitation, pulled an exquisite jade bell from her wrist and pressed it into Ye Li’s hand.

Ye Li held the jade bell, somewhat surprised. It was crafted from the finest white jade, exquisitely carved with a design of a dragon and phoenix bringing auspiciousness. The dragon and phoenix intertwined to form a small sphere. Through the openwork carving, a round jade bead could be seen nestled inside. Although it was just a delicate jade bell, the unparalleled craftsmanship and the superb quality of the jade clearly indicated its immense value.

Princess Changle’s generosity was such that even Noble Consort Liu couldn’t help but glance over, frowning as she said, "Princess, that jade bell was a gift to you from the Empress Dowager." 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Princess Changle’s small face clouded over with displeasure. "What the Empress Dowager bestowed upon me is mine. Who I choose to give it to is none of Noble Consort Liu’s concern!"

Ye Li reached out and took Princess Changle’s hand, smiling. "Alright, on Chen’er’s behalf, I thank the Princess for her gift. Speaking of which, I should give the Princess a return gift for Chen’er, but I don’t really have anything suitable with me right now."

Princess Changle’s eyes sparkled. She blinked at Ye Li. "Princess Consort, can I... can I choose the gift myself?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. "What does the Princess desire?"

Princess Changle stood up and whispered a few words in Ye Li’s ear. Ye Li frowned slightly, looking puzzled. "What do you... need that for?"

Princess Changle pursed her lips, fiddling with a small braid on her chest as she smiled. "For fun! Other people won’t give it to me, but I know the Princess Consort definitely has some. I just want one, Princess Consort, pretty please?"

Ye Li thought for a moment. "I’ll look for it when I get back. If I have one, I’ll give it to you."

Princess Changle beamed, her eyes curving into crescents. "I knew Princess Consort Ding was the best!"

Ye Li reached out and gently ruffled Princess Changle’s hair, asking softly, "By the way, for Princess Anxi’s wedding, why would your Father Emperor send you along?"

At these words, the clarity in Princess Changle’s eyes dimmed slightly.