Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 242 - 241. Prelude to the Princess’s Ascension

241. Prelude to a Princess’s Ascension

It was nearly the fourth night watch when Ye Li, who had fallen asleep in Mo Xiuyao’s arms, was finally invited by Princess Anxi to join the other guests in the palace. Although it was frustrating to discuss affairs in the palace instead of returning to their residences to rest at this late hour, no one present would decline the invitation. Everyone understood that the fight had ended, and most likely, Princess Anxi was the ultimate winner. Naturally, they all wanted to be the first to enter the palace to secure more benefits for themselves.

Mo Xiuyao initially wanted Ye Li to go back and rest, but she decided to visit the palace once more, remembering that the King of Nanzhao was still hidden somewhere inside.

In the grand hall where the King of Nanzhao had originally received them, different people were now present. Princess Anxi was still dressed in her white and blue wedding attire, but it was now stained with many dark red bloodstains. Under the lamplight, the dress exuded an eerie and ruthless aura. She stood on the elevated portion of the hall, looking down at Shu Manlin, who sat dejectedly in the middle of the hall.

"I apologize for summoning you all to the palace so late," Princess Anxi nodded at Ye Li, then apologized to everyone who had entered.

Lei Tengfeng smiled and said, "Princess, you need not be so formal. Tonight’s events were sudden. Seeing that you and your husband are safe puts my mind at ease."

Standing behind Princess Anxi, Pu’a’s young face still bore some uncleaned bloodstains. It was evident that both he and Princess Anxi had experienced a fierce battle that night.

Princess Anxi smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince."

Prime Minister Liu frowned and asked, "With such a momentous event transpiring, why has the King of Nanzhao not made an appearance?"

Princess Anxi also frowned and said, "To be honest, I haven’t seen my father since I returned to the palace. I am currently dispatching men everywhere to find him. Shu Manlin, the tokens for both the Royal City Guard and the Palace Guard are in your possession. Where is my father?"

Shu Manlin’s face was pallid as she coldly replied, "How would I know where he is?"

Princess Anxi scoffed. "The tokens are in your hand. How could you not know where Father went? And how did you obtain those tokens?"

Shu Manlin was taken aback, then quickly understood Princess Anxi’s implication. She intends to pin the King’s disappearance on me! Regarding this, Shu Manlin felt deeply wronged. She had never imagined that even after deploying all the top masters from the sacred lands of the Southern Border and the entire Royal City Guard, she would still lose to Princess Anxi. She had originally hoped to kill Princess Anxi directly; once Princess Anxi was dead, her subordinates would naturally be leaderless and vulnerable. Who knew that a group of guards with terrifying combat prowess would suddenly appear by Princess Anxi’s side? Not only did they fail to kill her, but Shu Manlin herself was caught red-handed when Princess Anxi stormed the Saintess’s Hall with her men.

"What do you mean? Naturally, the King gave me the tokens!" Shu Manlin declared sharply.

Princess Anxi, not in any hurry, smiled faintly. "Father would hand over both the Palace Guard and Royal City Guard tokens to you? Are you joking?"

Shu Manlin began to feel uneasy. Ordinarily, the King of Nanzhao would indeed not have given her such important items. This time, however, she had used some special means to bewitch the King into giving her the tokens. But no matter how much she insisted that the King had personally given her the tokens, no one would believe her. Those present were all influential figures who understood the importance of authority and military power. As the King of Nanzhao, he would not casually entrust such critical items to a Saintess. Even if someone believed her, she had now lost. If the King of Nanzhao could not appear in time to save her, the truth would become a lie. But... where on earth was the King of Nanzhao now?

Of course, Shu Manlin did not know that when she led most of the guards to besiege Princess Anxi, someone had sneaked into the palace. This person had come to rescue someone else and, in the process, had knocked out the King and hidden him before leaving. If she had known, she definitely would not have taken so many people, with the result that no one in the entire palace knew the King’s whereabouts.

Looking down from her raised position, Princess Anxi regarded the dishevelled but still defiant Shu Manlin, a flash of disgust in her eyes. She was thoroughly fed up with this woman. For years, she had somewhat understood Shu Manlin’s true identity, which was why she had initially tolerated Shu Manlin’s occasional provocations. However, Shu Manlin grew increasingly audacious. What upset Princess Anxi the most was that her father had actually handed the Royal City Guard token to Shu Manlin. Didn’t Father consider that with the power to command the entire Royal City Guard, Shu Manlin could potentially have me killed? Or perhaps... was that what Father himself wanted?

"Shu Manlin, you illicitly mobilized the Palace and Royal City Guards, attacking the Princess Mansion in an attempt to assassinate the Eldest Princess of Nanzhao. You are also culpable for Father’s disappearance. Do you admit your guilt?" Princess Anxi asked, taking a deep breath, her voice grave.

Shu Manlin gave a cold laugh. "Now that you’ve won, of course, you can say whatever you please! Anxi, stop putting on an act. It’s clear you’ve abducted the King and are framing me!"

Princess Anxi did not get angry, offering an indifferent smile. "Weren’t you perfectly clear about my whereabouts tonight? With your thousands of troops blocking every path, I had no chance to even get near the palace. And... weren’t you the one who withdrew nearly half of the palace guards? The palace guards are charged with protecting the palace and the ruler of Nanzhao. Even in wartime, they cannot be arbitrarily redeployed. Shu Manlin, do you still not admit your guilt?"

"I..." Shu Manlin knew she could not win a war of words against Princess Anxi, simply because she had been too complacent, too arrogant, and had underestimated her enemy. She had originally thought that no matter how capable Princess Anxi was, she couldn’t possibly escape the encirclement of several thousand guards and hundreds of experts. Therefore, when she did these things, she gave no thought to being circumspect or covering her tracks. Now, with this sudden failure, she had no room left to turn things around.

"Prince Li..." Helpless, Shu Manlin could only pin her hopes on those present. Among them, Mo Jingli was the one with whom she had the best relationship. However, Mo Jingli did not show the tender affection Shu Manlin had hoped for. He glanced at Shu Manlin and said coldly, "I have no authority to interfere in the affairs of Nanzhao."

Shu Manlin was stunned, apparently not expecting such coldness from Mo Jingli. "Prince Li... you... how ungrateful! Don’t forget, if it weren’t for me..."

"Guards, take her away!" Princess Anxi ordered.

Two guards from the Princess Mansion immediately stepped forward, covered Shu Manlin’s mouth, and dragged her away. Nanzhao was currently in turmoil; this was not the time to offend Prince Li. As for any deals between Shu Manlin and Prince Li, she could naturally find ways to learn about them later. After dealing with Shu Manlin, Princess Anxi once again apologized to the assembled guests before having them escorted from the palace to rest.

"Prince Ding, Princess Consort Ding, please wait a moment," Princess Anxi called out, halting Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, who were at the rear. Ye Li turned around and raised an eyebrow at her.

Princess Anxi said with a smile, "Where is Father now? Please inform me, Princess Consort."

Ye Li smiled. "He is in the bedchamber. Princess, if you send your people to search carefully, they will find him. By the way, I took someone from the Nanzhao palace. I hope the Princess will forgive me."

Princess Anxi waved her hand and laughed. "It’s a trivial matter, Princess Consort. You needn’t worry."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Thank you, Princess. We shall take our leave."

As Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao left hand in hand, Xu Qingchen was the last one out. After taking a few steps beyond the doorway, he paused and looked back at Princess Anxi.

Princess Anxi asked, "Qingchen, is there something else you wish to say?"

Xu Qingchen glanced at Pu’a, who stood behind Princess Anxi.

Princess Anxi smiled faintly. "Pu’a is one of us. Qingchen, feel free to say whatever is on your mind." After this night, it was evident that more trust and intimacy had developed between Princess Anxi and her new husband.

Xu Qingchen did not stand on ceremony. "Once you find the King of Nanzhao, what are your plans?"

"Plans?" Princess Anxi asked, puzzled.

Xu Qingchen elaborated, "After tonight’s events, the King of Nanzhao will inevitably hold a grudge against you, Princess. Haven’t you considered the future? When the King reappears, will he still try to save Shu Manlin? Or even cultivate a second or third Shu Manlin?"

Princess Anxi’s expression dimmed, and she lowered her gaze. "He is my father."

Xu Qingchen calmly replied, "I am not asking you to do anything to the King of Nanzhao."

Feeling somewhat ashamed, Princess Anxi gave Xu Qingchen a bitter smile and readily admitted, "It was I who was thinking of doing something to Father. Qingchen... I’ve truly had enough these past years... Can you help me?"

Seeing the exhausted Princess Anxi slumping onto the steps, Xu Qingchen sighed lightly. He said softly, "The King of Nanzhao has suffered a shock and is gravely ill, rendering him incapable of managing state affairs. Since you are already married, Princess Anxi, perhaps you can ascend the throne as King?"

Princess Anxi was taken aback. While she had contemplated diminishing her father’s power, she had truly never thought of becoming the ruler of Nanzhao herself while her father was still alive.

Xu Qingchen looked at her calmly and added, "You and I have known each other for many years, and we have often discussed the ways of governance..."

Princess Anxi nodded. "Indeed. My association with you, Qingchen, over these years has benefited me greatly."

Xu Qingchen said, "I have taught you the arts of governing the world and managing people, but I have never taught you the way of a monarch. Anxi, this is the last thing I will teach you. Do you know why you have been consistently suppressed by Shu Manlin all these years? It is only because you lack a single word: ruthlessness. The path of an emperor is inherently a solitary one. Political skill, strategy, and decisiveness are all indispensable. What you lack most is a ruthless heart. Since ancient times, emperors are without sentiment, and royalty is without kinship. Every act of mercy on your part will only result in your enemies making a comeback. You are hard enough on yourself, capable of enduring any suffering, but you are too benevolent towards those around you. Anxi, only when you can truly handle the relationships with those around you will you become a qualified ruler."

After speaking, Xu Qingchen did not linger and headed towards the door.

Princess Anxi abruptly asked, "Then what about Prince Ding? The world knows he dotes on his Princess Consort and greatly trusts Ms. Xu. Do you think Prince Ding is a qualified ruler, Qingchen?"

Xu Qingchen turned back to look at her, a faint, indifferent smile on his lips. "There is no ruler more suitable than Prince Ding. Another condition for being a ruler is knowing how to make choices—what to keep and what to discard. Prince Ding knows what he wants and what he needs to do, so I have never worried about him. Anxi... and as King of Nanzhao, take care."

Watching Xu Qingchen turn and leave without a shred of reluctance, Princess Anxi faced the empty hall, feeling waves of coldness wash over her heart. Unable to stop herself, she hugged her knees, lowered her head, and wept quietly. Crystalline tears fell onto her knees, quickly soaking a patch of the white fabric. Pu’a crouched beside Princess Anxi. He looked at the woman crying silently on the floor, her shoulders shaking, a hint of heartache in his eyes. Awkwardly, he patted Princess Anxi’s shoulder and said gently, "Xi’er, I’m here with you."

Princess Anxi lifted her head, staring blankly at his resolute face. She finally couldn’t resist and leaned into his embrace, her sobbing echoing throughout the vast hall.

「」

Xu Qingchen walked out of the royal palace as the sky was beginning to lighten. In the square before the palace, a few drunken commoners still lingered, not yet having returned home. A cool breeze swept by. Xu Qingchen gazed at the setting moon and let out a long breath.

A teasing voice sounded from behind, "Why do you look so sorrowful, Young Master Qingchen?"

Qingchen frowned in displeasure. Sorrowful? What sorrowful face? Collecting himself, he saw Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao standing behind him, watching. Ye Li’s face showed concern, while Mo Xiuyao’s was full of teasing and schadenfreude.

Xu Qingchen said coolly, "I thought you two would have returned to the guest house to rest by now. Aren’t you tired after this day and night?"

Ye Li said softly, "We saw Elder Brother lagging behind and were a little worried. Although things have settled down, after last night’s chaos, it feels safer to return together."

Seeing the worry in Ye Li’s eyes, Xu Qingchen felt a warmth in his heart. The words he had just spoken to Princess Anxi were not merely about guiding her on the path of a ruler or how to handle future matters. More importantly, he was telling her that their former friendship was now a thing of the past, like mist and smoke.

Even if she still held power in Nanzhao, the status of Eldest Princess and that of King of Nanzhao were vastly different. Once Princess Anxi ascended the throne, all of Nanzhao would become her inescapable responsibility. The pure friendship they once shared could no longer exist. Xu Qingchen did not have many friends, and his relationship with Princess Anxi had been more like that of a mentor and friend. Now, while gratified by Princess Anxi’s growth, he couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss for the dear friend he was about to lose.

"Very well, let’s return together," Xu Qingchen said with a faint smile. As they walked, he said to Mo Xiuyao, "We might need to delay our departure for the Northwest for a few more days."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "Why is that?"

"To attend Princess Anxi’s ascension ceremony," Xu Qingchen replied.

Mo Xiuyao’s sword-like eyebrows rose, and he couldn’t help but praise, "Young Master Qingchen, what a brilliant move. This Prince has also grown rather weary of the King of Nanzhao; replacing him with Princess Anxi isn’t a bad idea at all." He was certain that Princess Anxi had no plans to ascend the throne before they left. It must have been something Xu Qingchen said to her when he stayed behind. And only Xu Qingchen could have said such things; although anyone present could have uttered similar words, coming from them, Princess Anxi would have suspected ulterior motives. But spoken by Xu Qingchen, the effect was entirely different.

Xu Qingchen remained silent. Princess Anxi’s early ascension might be a good thing for her, but not necessarily for Nanzhao. If the King of Nanzhao remained, given Princess Anxi’s nature, she might well face a repeat of last night’s events. Although the King of Nanzhao was incompetent, he still had loyal followers and tribes. With Tan Jizhi, who was still at large, also providing support, Princess Anxi would likely be in mortal danger if they launched a counterattack. However, once Princess Anxi ascended the throne, the various tribes might not submit in the short term. Then, Nanzhao would descend into internal strife, and Xiling had long harbored intentions of annexing Nanzhao... Rather than let Xiling unite with Great Chu and Beirong to target the Northwest, it was better to first give Xiling the chance to test its blade against Nanzhao. This would also buy more preparation and buffer time for the Northwest. He closed his eyes briefly. I don’t know if Princess Anxi will hate me for this in the future. But for now... Xiling has been lying low for several years and is clearly growing restless.

"Elder Brother..." Ye Li didn’t think as deeply as Xu Qingchen; these power struggles and schemes had never been her strong suit. However, she could sense Xu Qingchen’s somber mood.

Mo Xiuyao looked at Xu Qingchen and said, "Princess Anxi was born into the imperial family. Unless she voluntarily renounces her position, she can never escape these matters. Elder Brother, you truly don’t need to blame yourself. Also, thank you." Mo Xiuyao naturally understood Xu Qingchen’s considerations and intentions, and his thanks were sincere for once.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Why thank me? It is merely what my position requires. Born into this world, we each live out our own destiny."

"Let’s go. It’s time to return and rest," Xu Qingchen said, taking the lead and walking towards the guest house, leaving Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li behind.

Ye Li watched Xu Qingchen’s retreating figure, frowning slightly. "I keep feeling that something is off about Elder Brother."

Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li’s hand, comforting her gently, "It’s nothing. After Princess Anxi ascends the throne, she will be the monarch of a nation. With Young Master Qingchen’s status, it would naturally be inappropriate for him to maintain overly close ties with her. Moreover, Princess Anxi is now a married woman, so Young Master Qingchen must avoid any cause for suspicion. Anyone would feel down after losing a close friend. Your elder brother has always been able to see the bigger picture. He’ll be fine in a few days."

Ye Li nodded and sighed. "I hope so. Elder Brother became famous at a young age; there aren’t many people he can truly connect with."

Mo Xiuyao glanced at Xu Qingchen walking alone ahead, a cunning glint in his eyes. He looked at Ye Li and said, "Ah-Li, speaking of which, didn’t you say before that we could travel and have some fun on our way back? Now we have to stay for Princess Anxi’s ascension ceremony and also need to return for your military exercise. It seems we’re running short on time."

Ye Li blinked. What is the Prince planning? Over the years, Ye Li had come to know Mo Xiuyao’s temperament well. For him to say this meant he already had a plan.

Mo Xiuyao smiled with satisfaction, lowered his head, and kissed her lightly on the lips. "Ah-Li, you know me best. Since we’ve already attended Princess Anxi’s wedding, as for the ascension ceremony..."

Ye Li understood; Mo Xiuyao had no intention of attending the ascension ceremony. "What are you thinking?"

Mo Xiuyao said, "Your elder brother’s presence at the ascension ceremony will be sufficient. Who would dare say Young Master Qingchen’s name doesn’t carry enough weight? Let’s take a leisurely journey, enjoying the sights, as we slowly make our way back to the Northwest. What do you say, Ah-Li?"

Young Master Qingchen’s fame is widespread. More importantly, he represents the Xu Family. The Xu Family stands behind Princess Consort Ding, and Princess Consort Ding is Prince Ding, in effect. Xu Qingchen attending Princess Anxi’s ascension ceremony is more than enough to show the Northwest’s stance.

Ye Li hesitated for a moment, having to admit she was tempted. These past few years in the Northwest had been ceaselessly busy, and she had never truly had the chance to leisurely enjoy sightseeing.

"Will Elder Brother agree?"

"Of course, he will. Your elder brother will definitely not feel at ease and will surely wait until after Princess Anxi’s ascension before leaving. It would be a waste of time for both of us to stay here as well."

"Well... alright then." Ultimately unable to resist the allure of the trip, Ye Li could only apologize to her elder brother in her heart.