Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 266 - 264. Mo Xiaobao and Leng Xiaodai

265. Mo Xiaobao and Leng Xiaodai

In the inn, the innkeeper, with great effort, ushered Mo Xiuyao’s party into the guesthouse. As soon as he stepped out, he slumped to the ground, his legs so weak they couldn’t hold him. In former times, hosting Prince Ding’s family would have been the highest honor for his inn. But now... Now, just the thought of Prince Ding’s relationship with the royal family made him tremble, unsure if this was a blessing or a curse.

Seeing the two indifferent guards at the courtyard entrance, the innkeeper certainly didn’t dare to report their presence. His heart pounded. He scrambled up from the ground and, with a miserable expression, returned to the front of the inn.

Mo Xiuyao’s party appearing at the inn’s entrance had been seen by many passersby. In less than half a day, news that Prince Ding had returned to the Capital City and was staying at its most luxurious inn spread throughout the entire city, naturally reaching the various influential mansions and the Imperial Palace. As for how many people were filled with an indiscernible mix of joy and sorrow, or how many were so frightened they dropped whatever they held, outsiders could never know.

While everyone was in a state of apprehension, each with their own thoughts, Leng Haoyu was in the elegant small courtyard behind the inn, complaining to Mo Xiuyao with a pained expression, "My Prince, even if you had to return to the capital, did you need to be so high-profile? And even if you were going to be high-profile, did you need to stay at an inn? It’s so inconvenient for us to come and go."

He wasn’t like Third Feng, who was openly known to be one of Prince Ding’s men. He, Second Young Master Leng, despite his discord with his family, was still Second Young Master Leng. He was merely a merchant who, thanks to Third Feng, had a somewhat friendly relationship with Prince Ding. Additionally, Second Madam Leng and Princess Consort Ding had been close friends before their marriages. Even so, it wasn’t proper for them to come visiting as a family the moment Prince Ding returned to the capital.

So, poor Second Young Master Leng, already past thirty, had to bring his wife and daughter to act as ’gentlemen of the wall,’ scaling it to get in. Ye Li and Murong Ting sat to one side, listening to Leng Haoyu’s grievances, and couldn’t help but exchange an amused smile. Though they hadn’t met for several years, the affection between them hadn’t changed in the slightest. They sat aside, chatting softly, while watching the two small children playing nearby.

Leng Haoyu and Murong Ting’s son, Leng Junhan, was two years younger than Mo Xiaobao. Only three years old, the little boy greatly resembled Leng Haoyu, and one could already see traces of his future handsome appearance. However, compared to Mo Xiaobao’s precocious and impishly clever nature, Leng Junhan was more like a sweet, docile little dumpling. Little Leng Junhan seemed to take to Mo Xiaobao immediately, following him around without any shyness right after they met, calling out ’Big Brother, Big Brother’ in an incredibly endearing way.

However, this rapport was clearly one-sided. Mo Xiaobao, nose in the air, found this little dumpling, whom his mother had hugged the moment they met, extremely displeasing to the eye. His large, round eyes widened as he glared fiercely, but Leng Junhan interpreted his stare as a sign of affection. "Big Brother, let’s play together, Junhan!" Leng Junhan had also grown up mostly alone, without many playmates. Thus, seeing this very good-looking big brother naturally made him very happy.

Mo Xiaobao rolled his eyes. Who wants to play with a silly little fool? He’s even dumber than Xu Zhirui from Second Maternal Uncle’s family. "This young master doesn’t play with clueless little brats who don’t understand anything!"

"Mo Xiaobao!" Ye Li shot him a warning look. Mo Xiaobao feared his mother’s anger the most, so he reluctantly extended his hand for Leng Junhan to hold, saying haughtily, "Fine, this young master condescends to play with you." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Brother Xiaobao is the best for playing with Junhan!" Leng Junhan chirped happily, taking Mo Xiaobao’s hand. The words ’Brother Xiaobao’ instantly made Mo Xiaobao’s face darken. He reached out and pinched Leng Junhan’s small cheek. "This young master is named Mo Yuchen. I’ll reluctantly allow you to call me Brother Yuchen." Leng Junhan looked bewildered; a three-year-old couldn’t yet grasp whether a name sounded good or not. To him, it was clearly Brother Xiaobao. "Brother Xiaobao..."

Leng Haoyu, watching from the side, couldn’t bear to see Mo Xiaobao bully his son. He raised an eyebrow and chuckled, "Well now, Heir Xiaobao, we’re troubling you to look after our Junhan." Mo Xiaobao’s tender white cheeks suddenly flushed red. Trembling, he pointed at Leng Haoyu for a long moment, then stomped his foot, let go of Leng Junhan, and fled in tears.

Left behind, Leng Junhan felt terribly wronged. "Brother Xiaobao..."

"Don’t call me Xiaobao!" Mo Xiaobao’s furious roar echoed from a distance, but Leng Junhan, busy chasing after his ’Brother Xiaobao,’ didn’t hear it. "Brother Xiaobao, wait for me..."

Watching Leng Junhan toddle off on his short legs to chase Mo Xiaobao, Murong Ting quickly instructed the wet nurse to follow, then asked Ye Li with some concern, "Will the young heir be alright?" Ye Li, understanding her son’s nature, smiled and said, "Let him be. He’ll be fine in a little while."

Leng Haoyu waved his folding fan, asking with feigned innocence, "What’s wrong with the young heir? My calling him ’Heir Xiaobao’ shouldn’t provoke such a strong reaction, should it? He ought to be used to it in Licheng by now."

Ye Li smiled. "It’s nothing serious. He probably assumes the whole world knows his pet name is Mo Xiaobao and has gone off somewhere to mope about it." Hearing this, Murong Ting finally couldn’t help but burst out laughing. She truly couldn’t understand why Prince Ding and Ah-Li, who both seemed so proper and refined, would give their son such an amusing name and, moreover, make it known to everyone. It might be acceptable for a child from an ordinary family, but Mo Xiaobao was the heir of Prince Ding’s Mansion! Ye Li also felt quite helpless. Who could Mo Xiaobao blame but his own bad luck for having such an unprincipled father?

"The war between Great Chu and the Northern Territory, what are the Prince’s thoughts on it?" Leng Haoyu asked, looking at Mo Xiuyao with a serious expression. Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze and said flatly, "That is a matter between Great Chu and the Northern Territory. What does my view have to do with anything?"

Leng Haoyu hesitated, then asked, "Does the Prince mean that our Prince Ding’s Mansion will not intervene in this matter?"

Mo Xiuyao replied calmly, "The imperial family will not give us an opportunity to interfere. If you’re worried about your father, you should make your plans sooner rather than later. Prince Ding’s Mansion cannot offer much help. Our interference would only bring him harm."

Leng Haoyu gave a faint, bitter smile. "What plans could I make? He has never thought much of me, his unworthy son. The most I can do is try my best to preserve his life."

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Later, have Qin Feng assign a couple of men to you. The Capital of Great Chu will likely become unsafe. Once things here are concluded, you and your family should return to Licheng." Leng Haoyu’s answer satisfied Mo Xiuyao. As a superior, he naturally disliked subordinates who were ruthless enough to disregard old affections entirely. After all, though Leng Huai did not value Leng Haoyu, he was still his biological father and held no enmity towards him. But similarly, he didn’t want Leng Haoyu to ruin his plans for Leng Huai’s sake.

Leng Haoyu’s face lit up. "Many thanks, Your Highness!" Having Qin Feng assign men meant he would naturally receive the elite of elites—the Qilin. With Qilin secretly protecting his father, Leng Haoyu was confident he could bring his father back alive, even if he were defeated in battle. Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively, then frowned and asked, "How is Mo Jingqi these days? Mo Jingli managed to depose him, yet surprisingly, he hasn’t rushed to ascend the throne. This isn’t his usual style."

Leng Haoyu felt no goodwill towards Mo Jingqi, nor did he wish to offer any pity. "Mo Jingqi won’t die for a while yet. Mo Jingli probably intends to torture him. However, Mo Jingqi also holds some leverage over Mo Jingli, so in the end, Mo Jingli had to compromise and make Noble Consort Liu’s son the Crown Prince."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. Leng Haoyu smiled. "Originally, I didn’t know the details either. But some days ago, I received news that on the very first day Mo Jingli became Regent Prince, he kicked his own only son." Everyone present was astute; with Leng Haoyu’s slight hint, they naturally understood the key point. Mo Xiuyao voiced their thoughts, "The child in Prince Li’s Mansion isn’t Mo Jingli’s? His real son has been hidden away?"

Mo Xiuyao spoke slowly, and after a moment of reflection, continued, "Mo Jingli doesn’t seem the type to give up the throne for a child. The only possibility is... that was his only son. Come to think of it, for so many years, apart from Ye Ying, no other children have been born in Mo Jingli’s Mansion, nor have there been any pregnancies." Mo Jingli was not like Mo Xiuyao, who had only Ye Li as his wife. Mo Jingli’s mansion lacked none: Principal Consort, Secondary Consorts, concubines, and secondary concubines. For him to have only one child after all these years, with no other women even becoming pregnant, was indeed somewhat strange. Mo Jingqi must have had a hand in it.

Murong Ting remarked, a little lost for words, "Those two brothers are truly strange."

Though no one else spoke, they all wholeheartedly agreed with her sentiment. Weren’t they strange indeed? Two blood brothers, they had schemed and fought openly and secretly for so many years. Mo Jingqi was poisoned by Mo Jingli, bedridden with no hope of recovery, while Mo Jingli was nearly rendered heirless by Mo Jingqi. All things considered, neither had truly gained an advantage.

Speaking of the brothers Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli, Leng Haoyu said with some concern, "Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli must surely know by now that the Prince has returned to the Capital of Great Chu. Shouldn’t the Prince and Princess Consort consider moving? An inn is always somewhat unsafe." Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively, saying calmly, "It’s fine. At a time like this, neither of them will dare to make a rash move."

Just as he spoke, Zhuo Jing came in from outside to report, "Your Highness, Your Highness Consort, Prince Li is outside seeking an audience." Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and remarked faintly, "He’s quick."

Mo Xiaobao, fuming, rushed out of the small courtyard into the outer one. It was a two-courtyard compound, with guards stationed both inside and out. Although Mo Xiaobao was occasionally mischievous, he was still very sensible. He certainly knew that the Capital of Great Chu was not Licheng, where he could swagger about as he pleased. So, even in his anger, he wouldn’t actually run out of the compound, but merely huddled under a large tree in the outer courtyard, silently nursing his hurt feelings. Feeling utterly humiliated that his pet name had been broadcast to everyone, Mo Xiaobao pondered for a long time and finally decided: He would also broadcast his father’s pet name! As for what his father’s pet name was? Mo Xiaobao hadn’t considered that yet.

"Brother Xiaobao..." Leng Junhan’s voice came, drawing nearer. Clearly, little Junhan was still relentlessly searching for his new friend. Huddled under the tree, Mo Xiaobao felt his scalp tingle at that soft ’Brother Xiaobao.’ If he just looked up, he knew he’d see the guards at the entrance trying to suppress their laughter. The veins on Mo Xiaobao’s forehead throbbed. Gritting his teeth, he took a deep breath as he watched Leng Junhan wobble out from the inner courtyard, looking all around for him. Mo Xiaobao finally stood up and said coldly, "Leng Xiaodai, come here!"

When Leng Junhan turned and saw the beautiful Brother Xiaobao standing under the tree beckoning to him, a brilliant smile immediately lit up his face, and he ran towards Mo Xiaobao. Mo Xiaobao fiercely pinched both of Leng Junhan’s small cheeks and stared at him. "My name is Mo Yuchen! Did you hear clearly?! Mo! Yu! Chen! You are to call me Brother Yuchen!" Although he couldn’t understand Mo Xiaobao’s reasoning, Leng Junhan instinctively sensed that Brother Xiaobao was unhappy. "I... I’m not Leng Xiaodai..."

Mo Xiaobao rolled his eyes. "And I’m not Mo Xiaobao."

...But Aunt Princess Consort clearly called you Xiaobao, Leng Junhan thought. Mo Xiaobao glared fiercely at Leng Junhan. "Brother Yuchen! Understand? If you don’t call me that, I won’t play with you."

"Brother Yuchen..." Leng Junhan called out softly. Mo Xiaobao nodded in satisfaction, patted Leng Junhan’s little head, and said with an air of aged wisdom, "That’s a good boy. Teachable, indeed." Leng Junhan rubbed his head and giggled foolishly. Was Brother Yuchen willing to play with him now?

"Are you Mo Xiuyao’s son?" a somewhat cold voice came from not far away. Mo Xiaobao looked towards the sound and saw a middle-aged man in black robes embroidered with golden pythons standing a few steps off, staring at him. The man’s somewhat cold, strange gaze made Mo Xiaobao uncomfortable. He tilted his chin up and asked haughtily, "That’s right, it is this young master. And who are you?" Just some prince? Strutting around in court robes, afraid people won’t know his status. His own father is the most formidable prince!

Mo Jingli had no idea that young Mo Xiaobao could have so many thoughts in just one encounter. His gaze was complicated as he looked at the handsome child before him, dressed in black brocade. This child’s features were even more refined than Mo Xiuyao’s as a boy, and the arrogance between his brows was even more pronounced than Mo Xiuyao’s had been in his youth. Clearly, he was a favored son of heaven, doted on by his parents. At this thought, and then thinking of his own son whose whereabouts were unknown, Mo Jingli’s expression grew even gloomier.

Mo Xiaobao, displeased, glared at Mo Jingli. He didn’t even answer when this young master spoke to him. So rude! With a huff, Mo Xiaobao turned to leave. "Leng Xiaodai, let’s go."

"Brother... Brother Yuchen, I’m not Leng Xiaodai," Leng Junhan emphasized as he chased after him. Mo Xiaobao nodded with great magnanimity. "I remember, Leng Xiaodai."

Watching the two children walk off hand-in-hand, Mo Jingli stood with a dark expression, his thoughts unknown. Zhuo Jing came out and said, "Prince Li, Their Highnesses invite you in." Mo Jingli grunted lightly and strode inside.

Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li were playing chess in the courtyard; Leng Haoyu and Murong Ting had naturally made themselves scarce. Seeing Mo Jingli enter, Mo Xiuyao had no intention of rising to greet him. He merely glanced sideways at him and asked coolly, "Is there something you need?"

A flash of anger crossed Mo Jingli’s face. It seemed that in front of Mo Xiuyao, he was destined to always be a step below. In the past, Mo Xiuyao was the Second Young Master of Prince Ding’s Mansion, while he was a dignified Imperial Prince; yet, he was less favored, less successful, and less flamboyant than Mo Xiuyao. When they grew older, he was enfeoffed as Prince Li, but he lacked Mo Xiuyao’s military achievements and talent. And now, he had become the Regent Prince of Great Chu, but in Mo Xiuyao’s presence, he still seemed a step below! How could Mo Jingli remain calm?

"You have some nerve! How dare you return!" Mo Jingli said coldly. Mo Xiuyao casually dropped a chess piece, leaned back into his chair, and said with a faint smile, "I have returned. What do you dare to do about it?"

Mo Jingli gritted his teeth. What could he dare to do? He dared do nothing!

Now, with the Northern Territory invading the borders, and Beirong and Xiling watching like tigers eyeing their prey, even if Mo Xiuyao had returned alone, he wouldn’t dare to harm him. If anything happened to Mo Xiuyao, the Mo Family Army would undoubtedly pour out in full force to avenge him. If Beirong and Xiling then invaded together, Great Chu, besieged on multiple fronts, would be completely devoured in no time.

With a snort, and seeing Mo Xiuyao had no intention of inviting him to sit, Mo Jingli walked to an empty chair to the side and sat down himself. His eyes fixed on Mo Xiuyao, he demanded, "Returning at a time like this, what conspiracy are you plotting?"

Mo Xiuyao scoffed at his vigilance. "Conspiracy? Isn’t that your and Mo Jingqi’s forte? What’s wrong? Isn’t the poison you gave Mo Jingqi enough? If not, this prince has some more here." Mo Jingli’s eyes narrowed. "This prince doesn’t know what you’re talking about." Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "You don’t? When you bought the poison from that old woman in the Holy Land of the Southern Border, this prince and Ah-Li happened to be watching nearby. So, we conveniently took some back for Mr. Shen to research. Tell me... do you think Mr. Shen could have developed an antidote in the past six months or so?"

Mo Jingli glanced at Ye Li, who was calmly sipping tea nearby, and suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of being utterly abashed. But the implications in Mo Xiuyao’s words made him even more uneasy. "You have the antidote?"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows with some surprise. "Did this prince say that?"

"Mo Xiuyao! You..." Mo Jingli was so angry he wanted to smash the teacup in his hand right into Mo Xiuyao’s face. In recent years, as his status and power had grown, he rarely became so irritable. But it seemed that just a few casual words from Mo Xiuyao could make him feel the same way he did in his youth when he would fly into a rage. "Mo Xiuyao, what exactly do you want?"

Mo Xiuyao sipped his tea leisurely and said calmly, "Calm down. Since you’re already the Regent Prince, act like one. Don’t tarnish the title of Regent Prince." His own father was once a Regent Prince too.

Looking at Mo Jingli, who was forcefully suppressing his anger, Mo Xiuyao said, "This prince wants nothing. It’s just that I heard Mo Jingqi is dying, so I planned to come back and bid him farewell."

"You mean, as long as Mo Jingqi isn’t dead, you won’t leave for a day?" Mo Jingli gritted out. The Capital of Great Chu is already in turmoil; it really doesn’t need Prince Ding here to stir things up further. If Mo Jingqi doesn’t die for six months, does that mean he’ll stay in the Capital of Great Chu for six months?

"Ah-Li’s maternal uncle and elder brother are both geniuses at governing. The Northwest, a mere trifling area, won’t stump them. Prince Li need not worry about this prince’s affairs," Mo Xiuyao stated.

Worry about your own damn self! Mo Jingli couldn’t help but curse inwardly. What does the Northwest have to do with him? All he wanted now was to quickly drive Mo Xiuyao out of the Capital of Great Chu!

Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair, one hand propping up his forehead as he looked at him. "Don’t waste your time thinking about how to make this prince leave quickly. This prince has no hobby of coming and going. When this prince is happy with his stay, he will naturally leave. However, you can rest assured, this prince will absolutely not interfere in the struggle between you, Mo Jingqi, and the Liu Family."

Mo Jingli sneered coldly. "You think I’ll believe you?"

Mo Xiuyao spread his hands. "Besides believing me, what else can you do?"