Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 234 - 233. The fiance of Princess Anxi
233. The Fiancé of Princess Anxi
Originally, Ye Li thought that after the incident at the restaurant, Noble Consort Liu would hate them to the core and stay as far away as possible. Therefore, when their party left the inn early the next morning to head out of the city, and they unexpectedly ran into Prime Minister Liu and his entourage again, Ye Li’s frustration truly reached a new height. Particularly when she saw Noble Consort Liu approach them with a calm face as if nothing had happened, Ye Li was left speechless.
Princess Changle, who was with Noble Consort Liu, subtly shrugged her shoulders at Ye Li and, pulling a funny face, gave Ye Li a smile. Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly and glanced covertly at Noble Consort Liu. Princess Changle shook her head slightly and rolled her eyes at the sky. Ye Li had no choice but to do the same.
"Prince Ding, did you sleep well last night?" Noble Consort Liu asked Mo Xiuyao softly as she walked up to him. Even though her expression was still cool and indifferent, one could hear the genuine concern in her voice.
Princess Changle automatically stopped and distanced herself a bit from Noble Consort Liu, pretending to enjoy the view. Was her Imperial Father really as suspicious as her Imperial Mother said? Then why hadn’t her Imperial Father ever suspected that his beloved consort might be unfaithful to him, even allowing her to cling to a married man?
"Nauseated," Mo Xiuyao replied coldly, the silver strands of his hair gleaming faintly under the morning light. Turning around, he left Noble Consort Liu, who was still gazing at him with genuine concern, and walked to Ye Li’s side. Noble Consort Liu stood there silently, watching his white, snow-like hair as his figure resolutely receded, a mix of infatuation and sorrow in her eyes.
Ye Li turned to Noble Consort Liu, smiled lightly, and said, "Prime Minister Liu, Noble Consort, please forgive us. Our Prince is not usually so ill-tempered. He’s just been feeling queasy since yesterday noon and didn’t have much of an appetite last night or this morning. That’s why he’s acting this way." Mo Xiuyao directly scooped Ye Li up and placed her on her horse, then mounted his own, sitting behind her. He tugged the reins and led the way out of the city.
Left behind, a variety of expressions crossed the faces of the crowd, especially those of Noble Consort Liu and Prime Minister Liu, whose faces were particularly grim. This went without saying for Noble Consort Liu. Although Prime Minister Liu hadn’t been present at the restaurant yesterday, he was aware of what had happened. He, too, felt that his daughter had gone too far, but he was also displeased with Mo Xiuyao for being so merciless in public. Glancing at Noble Consort Liu, Prime Minister Liu said gravely, "Her Highness Noble Consort, we should also set off. Let’s go." Noble Consort Liu cast one last reluctant look towards the city gate, where Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s figures had already disappeared, before finally turning and boarding her carriage.
Left as the last ones, Feng Zhiyao and the others looked at each other. After a while, Zhuo Jing furrowed his brows and said, "Eldest Young Master Xu, something seems off about the Liu Family."
Xu Qingchen glanced faintly at the carriages that had already started moving. The smile on his lips was as gentle as a spring breeze, yet it made people feel a spring chill. "Indeed, something seems off. I have long heard that in his younger days, Prince Ding on his horse by a slanting bridge drew the admiration of all the ladies. Who would have thought that now, in his prime, he would be even more attractive to women?" His words were gentle and elegant, seemingly casual, yet they sent a chill down the spines of those who heard them.
Feng Zhiyao watched the elegant and exquisite carriage, wanting to speak up for his boss and close friend, but he found he couldn’t. He had to remain silent. Even Great Chu’s Noble Consort is so infatuated; isn’t he just attracting unwanted attention? Seeing that everyone had tacitly agreed, Xu Qingchen finally nodded in satisfaction and changed the topic. "What do you think is wrong?" Zhuo Jing pondered, then frowned and said, "It was already odd for the Emperor to send Noble Consort Liu to Nanzhao. Moreover... Noble Consort Liu is being a bit too bold. If her current words and deeds were to reach the Emperor’s ears, I’m afraid that no matter how much the Emperor pampers her, he would turn ruthless."
Xu Qingchen nodded. "Indeed. She is so bold and reckless because she is certain that these matters won’t reach the Emperor. So... there’s no one loyal to the Emperor among the envoys sent by Great Chu this time."
"How is that possible?" Feng Zhiyao said. They had all witnessed Mo Jingqi’s suspicious nature firsthand. Feng Zhiyao doubted whether there was anyone in the world Mo Jingqi could truly trust. Even if he trusted Prime Minister Liu and doted on Noble Consort Liu, he would definitely plant spies around them. Xu Qingchen lowered his head and pondered for a moment. "Then perhaps Mo Jingqi thought he had planted spies, but in reality... those people were never his. What does the Liu Family... want to do?" Feng Zhiyao shook his head; if Young Master Qingchen couldn’t figure it out, he certainly couldn’t either. He pulled over the horse beside him, leaped on, and said, "Let’s think about it later. If we don’t get going, the Prince and Princess Consort will have already crossed Broken Snow Pass."
Mo Xiuyao’s party encountered no trouble at Broken Snow Pass and exited it, with Prime Minister Liu’s party following sometime after. Beyond Broken Snow Pass lay the lands of the Southern Border. The people of the Southern Border were known for their fierce nature and skill in handling poisonous creatures. Although Mo Xiuyao’s group wasn’t afraid, they didn’t want to invite trouble. They continued their journey without stopping, riding their horses hard straight towards the Nanzhao Capital. Mo Xiuyao’s party were all on fast horses, while Noble Consort Liu’s party traveled with carriages, so they were left far behind as soon as they cleared Broken Snow Pass. Thus, the journey became much quieter. Within a few days, the group arrived before the Nanzhao Royal City.
The Nanzhao Royal City was still as bustling and noisy as it had been many years ago. Just at the city gate, one could see a constant stream of people from various ethnic groups, dressed in diverse attire. Possibly due to Princess Anxi’s grand wedding, Nanzhao Royal City was even more lively than before. Many tribal leaders, even from remote tribes not under Nanzhao’s direct rule, had come to show respect by attending such an important event. Similarly, the number of guards patrolling inside and outside the royal city had also increased significantly. Upon Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li’s arrival, Princess Anxi naturally came out of the city to greet them. As soon as Ye Li dismounted, Princess Anxi had already led her people forward, smiling. "Princess Consort Ding, it has been a long time. Your elegance surpasses what it once was." Ye Li smiled faintly. "Princess, you flatter me. Congratulations on your marriage."
The smile on Princess Anxi’s face dimmed slightly, but she still accepted Ye Li’s congratulations with a smile. She glanced at the young man beside her and said to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, "Prince Ding, Princess Consort Ding, this is my fiancé, Pu’a."
Ye Li looked up at the young man. He was about the same age as Princess Anxi, tall and slender, almost as tall as Mo Xiuyao. Unlike the men of the Central Plains, his wheat-colored skin made him appear even more robust and valiant. His stern face held a hint of stiffness and an almost imperceptible awkwardness. Ye Li instinctively felt that this young man was simple and honest. He really didn’t seem like the type of person Princess Anxi would fall for.
The young man nodded at Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li and said a few words in a language Ye Li completely failed to understand; it didn’t sound like the common Nanzhao tongue. Mo Xiuyao, however, nodded back at the young man and replied with a few words. The young man was clearly surprised that the white-robed man before him could speak his language, and his gaze towards Mo Xiuyao immediately warmed considerably. Princess Anxi smiled at Ye Li. "Pu’a is the only son of a tribal chief from the south. Their tribe and my maternal grandfather’s tribe have been friends for generations. I met him a few times when I was a child. His tribe has its own language and script and has always been somewhat xenophobic. His Nanzhao common tongue is also newly learned, so you might not understand him well. He was welcoming you just now."
When Princess Anxi spoke to Ye Li, the others naturally heard as well. Pu’a glanced at Princess Anxi, a flicker of incomprehension on his face. Princess Anxi whispered a few words to him, and Pu’a then looked up, nodded at Ye Li with a smile, and said in somewhat stiff Nanzhao, "Welcome." Ye Li listened to his stiff, off-key Nanzhao, spoken even more awkwardly than her own attempts; it was frustrating to hear and clearly newly learned. She nodded and responded in Nanzhao, "Thank you. Congratulations." The young man evidently understood Ye Li’s words, and his expression towards everyone softened further. He mumbled a few words to Princess Anxi. Princess Anxi smiled at Ye Li and said, "He says you are all my friends, and that you are very kind." Ye Li couldn’t help but smile, thinking that perhaps this young man wasn’t such an unsuitable match for Princess Anxi after all.
After they finished their greetings, Xu Qingchen and the others, who had been following behind, caught up. Xu Qingchen smiled at Princess Anxi. "Princess, congratulations."
A bitter smile touched Princess Anxi’s eyes, and she lowered her gaze slightly. "Thank you. Thank you for coming." Xu Qingchen smiled. "I am also very happy to be able to attend your wedding." Princess Anxi quickly composed herself, nodded, and smiled. "It’s been several years since we last met. I’m very happy to see you. This is my fiancé, Pu’a."
Princess Anxi turned her head and introduced Xu Qingchen to Pu’a in another language.
Xu Qingchen, known as the First Young Master of Great Chu, certainly lived up to his reputation. In Ye Li’s words, if Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen stood together, the first person everyone would notice would undoubtedly be Mo Xiuyao—but that was solely due to Mo Xiuyao’s shock of white hair. However, the person on whom their gaze ultimately lingered longest would definitely be Xu Qingchen. Of course, Ye Li was often deliberately downplaying her husband, but this at least showed that Xu Qingchen, when standing with Mo Xiuyao, was by no means inferior.
In fact, judging by looks alone, Xu Qingchen might not be more dashing than Feng Zhiyao, nor did he possess the meticulously sculpted handsome features of Han Mingxi. He wasn’t even very particular about his clothes and accessories. His clothes were usually the most ordinary white garments, in common styles and colors. He also didn’t favor carrying an ornate, gold-patterned folding fan at all times like Feng Zhiyao. The fan he occasionally held was merely one he had casually painted in his study. At his waist hung a jade pendant gifted by his grandfather in his youth, which he hadn’t seemed to change for many years. Yet, as soon as he stood before people, their eyes would involuntarily drift to him, reluctant to look away. Xu Qingchen always exuded an air of refined detachment from worldly affairs, an ethereal elegance that wasn’t the aloofness of an immortal. Instead, it was a quality that made people feel genuine admiration and a sense of warmth and comfort. Most outstanding men in the world seemed too threatening compared to Xu Qingchen, often causing people to instinctively be on guard and keep their distance. Only Xu Qingchen... Even Ye Li, who was aware of Xu Qingchen’s methods, had never encountered a man like him, one who exuded an aura of warmth and tranquility that made people want to draw near. Even those who knew his capabilities often found themselves irresistibly drawn to him.
When Pu’a saw Xu Qingchen, he too was taken aback. A flash of surprise crossed his eyes, along with a more complex mix of realization and dejection. He nodded at Xu Qingchen and also said, "Welcome." His Nanzhao was indeed limited. Xu Qingchen smiled gently and greeted him in Pu’a’s tribal language. Though it was the same tribal language, Mo Xiuyao’s and Princess Anxi’s pronunciation was similar, the standard way an outsider might learn it. But when spoken by Xu Qingchen, it sounded distinctly different, more like Pu’a’s own speech, yet his voice was even more melodious.
Seeing the faint dejection on the young man’s face, Ye Li couldn’t help but rest her head on Mo Xiuyao’s shoulder, not wanting to lift her head to face anyone. Elder brother, could you be any more of a scoundrel? It was bad enough that you didn’t fancy Princess Anxi. What’s the point of undermining her fiancé now?
"Ah-Li, are you tired?" Mo Xiuyao asked with concern. He didn’t care who Xu Qingchen might be undermining, as long as it wasn’t him.
Ye Li nodded weakly, feeling some sympathy for the young man who seemed dim and lackluster standing beside Xu Qingchen. Princess Anxi looked at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s clasped hands, a trace of envy in her eyes. She laughed and said, "We’ve been so engrossed in talking here, let’s hurry into the city. I’ve already arranged for the guesthouse. If we stand here any longer, we might end up captivating all the young ladies in Nanzhao City, and that would be troublesome."
Princess Anxi was not exaggerating. Although their group wasn’t standing right in the middle of the city gate, they were, unfortunately, far too eye-catching. From Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen to Feng Zhiyao, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Qin Feng, any one of them, if singled out, would be enough to make a large group of young women swoon. By now, many young ladies had already gathered at the city gate. The people of the Southern Border were known for their passion; if not for the royal city guards holding them back, they might have already rushed forward to declare their affections.
Upon entering the city, Princess Anxi led the group directly to a guesthouse not far from the royal palace and the Princess Mansion. Mo Xiuyao and his party were weary from the long journey, so naturally, they wouldn’t go to the palace to meet the King of Nanzhao immediately upon entering the city. Princess Anxi personally ushered them into a courtyard within the guesthouse that had been prepared in advance and instructed the guesthouse servants to attend to them well. Seeing Princess Anxi take such pains, Ye Li felt even more embarrassed about her elder brother’s lack of consideration.
Sensing Ye Li’s apologetic feelings, Princess Anxi gave a helpless smile. She glanced back at Pu’a, who was not far away, talking with Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen. Both Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen were proficient in many Southern Border tribal languages, so there was no language barrier when they spoke with Pu’a. From Ye Li’s vantage point, the three seemed to be conversing quite congenially. However, the young man positioned between Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen couldn’t help but appear even more inconspicuous. Princess Anxi sighed helplessly. "Both Prince Ding and Qingchen are too exceptional. It’s incredibly difficult, almost impossible, to find someone as outstanding as them. Pu’a and I have known each other since childhood. He has a good heart and is devoted to me. There’s nothing wrong with marrying him."
Ye Li nodded. "Your Highness has made the right choice."
From Pu’a’s behavior and expression, it was evident that he held Princess Anxi in very high regard. More importantly, he was clearly aware of Princess Anxi’s feelings for Xu Qingchen, yet his eyes showed only a trace of dejection and admiration when looking at Xu Qingchen, without any hint of jealousy or resentment. This showed he was a broad-minded person. Princess Anxi was the Eldest Princess of Nanzhao, the future queen. If Xu Qingchen himself were a Nanzhao native and also cherished her, they would naturally be a perfect match. However, although Xu Qingchen loved to wander the world in his youth, he would ultimately return to his Xu Family. As the Eldest Princess, Princess Anxi could not possibly leave Nanzhao to accompany Xu Qingchen back to the Xu Family. Moreover, Eldest Young Master Xu, whose literary talent and graceful bearing amazed the world, would probably not be comfortable spending his entire life in a place like Nanzhao. More importantly... Xu Qingchen, who seemed warm, kind, and approachable, was actually indifferent and distant by nature. He would naturally protect those he held dear in countless ways, but he was very cold to those he didn’t care about. Often, while you were still basking in his spring-breeze-like warmth, he was already a thousand miles away from you in spirit. Ye Li thought that if Princess Anxi were to truly marry Xu Qingchen, she might not be any happier than being married to Pu’a. Those who are loved are always happier than those who love, I suppose. Of course, it would be even better if one could both be loved and happen to love that person in return.
Princess Anxi looked at Ye Li, pursed her lips into a smile, and said, "Actually, I am most envious of Princess Consort Ding. I imagine all the women in the world envy Princess Consort Ding."
Ye Li turned to look at Mo Xiuyao, and at that exact moment, he also looked back at her. Their eyes met, and they couldn’t help but smile at each other, a gentle, warm affection flowing between them. Ye Li turned back to Princess Anxi and said with a smile, "Your Highness can be like me. Pu’a will definitely be a good husband." Looking at Princess Anxi, Ye Li reached out, took her hand, and said sincerely, "Since you’ve decided, let go of the past and seize the present. There’s a saying in the Central Plains: ’Gather flowers when they bloom, lest you find but empty branches when they’re gone.’ Though it might not be perfectly applicable here, there’s some truth to it. Pu’a is devoted to you, Princess, and since you chose him, you must believe in him. That being the case, why not properly cultivate this marriage? Hearts are made of flesh; if you wait until a heart grows cold, it will be too late for regrets. The Prince and I had only met once or twice before we married. You two are certainly much better off than we were, aren’t you?"
Princess Anxi nodded. "I understand your meaning, Princess Consort Ding. Thank you."
Ye Li shook her head, glanced at the dashing and elegant Young Master Qingchen nearby, and raised an eyebrow. "As for that person, don’t take him too seriously. My eldest maternal aunt scolds him at home every day. Who knows how many girls in Licheng have been ignored by him. I estimate that at least half the girls in Licheng are at home cursing him daily." Princess Anxi listened with amusement and asked curiously, "What do they curse him with?"
Ye Li laughed. "It’s either cursing him to never find a wife in his lifetime, or perhaps cursing that someday he’ll fall for a girl who will then treat him with disdain. Anyway, if I were a girl and someone ignored me like that, that’s how I’d curse him!"
Princess Anxi finally couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Much of the original gloom and sadness in her expression dissipated. She smiled and said, "Never finding a wife in his lifetime is too miserable. Let’s just curse him that the girl he falls for will treat him with disdain."
Seeing the smile and faint relief in Princess Anxi’s eyes, Ye Li felt a sense of peace. In any case, it was good that she had let go.
