Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 274 - 272. The Eldest Princess Visits

272. Visit from the Eldest Princess

With the release of the Edict of Confession, the entire Capital City was shaken to its core. For a time, people were incessantly coming to the inn to meet Prince Ding. It seemed as if Prince Ding’s Mansion was poised for a comeback. Of course, none of them believed that Prince Ding would lose to Prince Li, nor did they believe that Prince Ding was completely uninvolved in this power struggle. The nobles who had already aligned themselves with Prince Li’s Mansion or the Liu Family secretly regretted their choices yet felt helpless. It is easy to board a ship, but difficult to disembark. At this point, it was too late for them to change sides.

Inside the Imperial Palace, Empress Hua sat on her phoenix chair in her quarters, listening with furrowed brows to the Sixth Prince’s indignant complaints about the humiliation he endured while delivering the edict. Looking at the anger and bitterness on her child’s face, Empress Hua felt a pang of disappointment and shook her head. Consort Wise Zheng, standing to the side, shared her disappointment and finally could not resist slapping the Sixth Prince when he arrogantly declared that his father, the Emperor, would definitely punish those who wronged him.

The Sixth Prince was stunned by the sudden slap. He touched his face, speechlessly staring at Consort Wise Zheng. Empress Hua sighed and softly said, "What is the use of hitting him now?" She had been confined to her quarters for years, with all the power in the harem falling into Noble Consort Liu’s hands. His education had been greatly influenced by Noble Consort Liu’s machinations. Consort Wise Zheng, as his biological mother, might also have neglected her duties. Even she, as Empress, well...

"Mother Consort, why did you hit me?" The Sixth Prince finally regained his senses and glared at Consort Wise Zheng, questioning her. He had been wronged outside, and instead of avenging him, his mother was actually hitting him! How could Mo Ruiyun, who had always been spoiled, accept this? Seeing the incomprehension in her son’s eyes, Consort Wise Zheng couldn’t help but break into tears and fell onto a chair, sobbing uncontrollably. Mo Ruiyun pursed his lips and mumbled, "If Mother Consort won’t stand up for me, I’ll go to Father. Father likes me; he’ll definitely help me! I’ll capture that brat from Prince Ding’s Mansion and give him a good beating. I’ll make him serve me as a slave!"

"Silence!" Consort Wise Zheng turned pale with fear and grabbed Mo Ruiyun. "Prince Ding is your elder, and even his heir is a generation older than you. You should just listen and remember what they say. Don’t talk nonsense." Mo Ruiyun was defiant and said resentfully, "I am an Imperial Prince! Why should I listen to them? Father must punish them severely!" He then pushed away Consort Wise Zheng’s hand and dashed out. Seeing this, Empress Hua, who was seated on her phoenix chair, slammed the table and ordered harshly, "Stop the Sixth Prince!"

The Sixth Prince, stopped in his tracks, was threatening to kill the palace eunuchs and palace maids in his fury. The Empress stared coldly at him. "It is I who ordered you to be stopped. Do you also want to kill me?! Take him away and keep an eye on him. If he escapes, you will all be held accountable!" Mo Ruiyun still had some fear of this primary mother whom he had seldom seen. Seeing her genuinely angry, he dared not continue his tantrum and was taken obediently to the inner quarters.

Empress Hua rubbed her temples and told Consort Wise Zheng, "Stop crying. It’s not as if Prince Ding will bother with an ignorant child. You see now, is Ruiyun suitable for that position?"

Consort Wise Zheng stopped her crying, looking embarrassed. Coming from a minor family, when she saw the chance for her own son to ascend the throne and for herself to become Empress Dowager, how could she not be tempted? But looking at her naive son now, she had been in the palace for so many years and had seen enough to know better. One trip outside the palace and he had managed to offend the entirety of Prince Ding’s family, having no sense of priorities. Even if he ascended to the throne, he would likely not last long before being harmed by others.

"SOB... SOB... It’s all because of that wretch! She’s corrupted my son! SOB... SOB... Her Highness Empress, you must stand up for me..." Consort Wise Zheng was now filled with venomous hatred for Noble Consort Liu. The Emperor had favored Noble Consort Liu for years, ceding control of the entire harem to her. She, as the biological mother of an imperial son, could hardly see her son twice a year. And now, her son had been taught to be like this, utterly shattering her dream of becoming Empress Dowager. How could she not hate Noble Consort Liu?

Empress Hua waved her hand impatiently. "Enough. What use is there in saying these things now?" As for Mo Jingqi’s proposal, she had completely abandoned it. With the Sixth Prince’s behavior, what could he accomplish? She could sacrifice herself for the imperial family because she was the Empress; she was Mo Jingqi’s wife. But she would never sacrifice the entire Hua Family for the imperial family, or for Mo Jingqi. The Hua Family had done enough for Great Chu...

"I know I was wrong." Consort Wise Zheng wiped her tears, fell to her knees, and said, "I do not ask for my son to have any great accomplishments; I just want him to be safe. His ignorance is due to my failure to teach him well as his mother. I implore Her Highness Empress to intercede with Prince Ding on my behalf, asking him to spare my son."

"You may rise." The Empress sighed. "As I’ve said before, although Prince Ding may not be a magnanimous person, he wouldn’t bother with an ignorant child. If I get to see Princess Consort Ding later, I will discuss this with her. As for Ruiyun, you truly must teach him well. To criticize someone’s upbringing the moment he opens his mouth is taboo, not just in the imperial family, but even in ordinary households." 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

Consort Wise Zheng quickly expressed her gratitude and promised repeatedly that she would certainly educate the Sixth Prince properly. Only then did she bid farewell to the Empress and leave to fetch the Sixth Prince from the rear hall. Watching her depart, the Empress sighed softly. How much longer can I remain Empress? Whether Consort Wise Zheng can educate the Sixth Prince properly probably doesn’t concern me anymore either. Never mind... At least my Wuyou is living peacefully in the Northwest. That’s good enough...

The eunuch who had accompanied Mo Ruiyun to deliver the edict returned to the palace and reported Mo Xiuyao’s refusal. After a long silence, Mo Jingqi eventually waved his hand weakly, signaling his dismissal. The eunuch who delivered the edict, as if granted amnesty, quickly withdrew. As he turned to close the hall doors, he glimpsed an unprecedented ruthlessness and madness in the Emperor’s gloomy eyes. His heart trembled, and he gently closed the doors.

With the Emperor’s decree, his subordinates acted with great efficiency. The original Prince Ding’s Mansion had only been sealed. Due to Prince Ding’s Mansion’s influence in Great Chu, Mo Jingqi hadn’t dared to repurpose the estate in the short time it had been sealed. Therefore, after the mansion was reopened, it needed to be cleaned thoroughly. Two days later, Mo Xiuyao was informed that he and his wife were invited to move back into the Prince’s Mansion.

Mo Xiuyao naturally would not decline. This mansion was the ancestral estate of Prince Ding’s lineage. It had also been the residence of generations of Princes Ding for the past two hundred years. When he had initially settled in the Northwest and relinquished the mansion in the capital, Mo Xiuyao had still arranged for people to secretly maintain it. So, even after six or seven years, the entire mansion remained perfectly preserved. Once the family of three officially moved into Prince Ding’s Mansion, the number of visitors naturally increased. This confirmed that the previous imperial edict was not mere empty talk and that Prince Ding’s Mansion would indeed return to Great Chu and the Capital City.

While Mo Xiuyao refused most visitors, there were some he could not turn down. On the afternoon of their return to the Prince’s Mansion, a guard came to report that Eldest Princess Fuxi and Princess Zhaoyang sought an audience with the Prince. Princess Zhaoyang was one thing, but Eldest Princess Fuxi was someone he could not refuse. He had no choice but to invite them in.

Eldest Princess Fuxi was now eighty years old and looked much older than she had a few years prior. Although her spirits seemed good, her physical health had clearly declined. Supported by Princess Zhaoyang and a palace maid, she slowly walked in. Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, with Mo Xiaobao, stepped forward to greet them. "Eldest Princess."

Seeing Mo Xiuyao calmly standing before her, his hair entirely white, a wave of heartache and gratification passed over her wrinkled face. With some helplessness, she looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "It seems you truly despise the imperial family so much that you won’t even acknowledge me, your aunt?" Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze and finally called her, "Imperial Aunt." Only then did the Eldest Princess finally beam. Her gaze fell upon Mo Xiaobao, who stood to one side, and her eyes lit up with even greater affection. "Is this little Yuchen? He strongly resembles you from when you were little." Princess Zhaoyang laughed and said, "Aunt, I think this young heir is even more lovable than Xiuyao was as a child." The Eldest Princess nodded in agreement. "Indeed."

Mo Xiaobao was not timid. Standing by his parents’ side, he stepped forward gracefully to greet them. "Yuchen greets Great-Aunt and Aunt Zhaoyang."

"Good child... good child..." the Eldest Princess said with a smile, taking a dagger she carried with her and handing it to Mo Xiaobao. "Your great-aunt didn’t prepare any special meeting gift. Take this little thing to play with." It was an exquisitely small dagger, its hilt and sheath inlaid with various gemstones. When unsheathed, the blade was as reflective as a mirror and radiated a chill; it was clearly a treasured weapon. Mo Xiaobao looked back at his parents. Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "A gift from an elder should not be declined. Accept it."

Mo Xiaobao himself was quite fond of this little item. Hearing his father’s words, he naturally accepted it with pleasure, taking the dagger with both hands and saying in a clear, sweet voice, "Yuchen thanks Great-Aunt." His earnest and respectful expression on his lovely face delighted the Eldest Princess, who praised him repeatedly.

Princess Zhaoyang took out a jade pendant and gave it to Mo Xiaobao with a smile. "Your aunt doesn’t have a treasured blade to give you. This jade pendant looks rather nice. Yuchen, take it and play with it."

Mo Xiaobao accepted it as well, thanking Princess Zhaoyang.

The Eldest Princess and Princess Zhaoyang admired the little boy before them, who only reached Mo Xiuyao’s thigh in height. He was not only handsome, but his very bearing showed his exceptional upbringing. Thinking back to the children in the Emperor’s palace—there were quite a few imperial princes, to be sure. However, all of them combined probably couldn’t compare to this four or five-year-old child from Prince Ding’s Mansion. And looking at Princess Consort Ding, standing so gracefully and elegantly beside Mo Xiuyao, one couldn’t help but sigh. Only such a woman could give birth to and raise such an outstanding son.

"Imperial Aunt, Princess Zhaoyang, the weather is still a bit chilly. Why don’t we go inside and sit down?" Ye Li smiled softly, leading the two towards the main hall.

Having just moved back in, there were not many people in Prince Ding’s Mansion. The guards, serving maids, and servants combined totaled only around a hundred, less than a third of their former numbers. Consequently, the vast mansion seemed exceptionally quiet and desolate.

Once inside the hall and seated, the Eldest Princess lovingly pulled Mo Xiaobao closer to ask him detailed questions. Mo Xiaobao felt a certain fondness for this kind old lady, who reminded him of his great grandfather, and earnestly answered all her questions. Listening in on their conversation, Princess Zhaoyang couldn’t help but laugh. "So, the young heir was personally taught by Mr. Qingyun. No wonder you already have such a remarkable bearing despite being so young. How is Mr. Qingyun doing these days?"

Ye Li chuckled. "Although my maternal grandfather is getting old, his health is still quite good. Occasionally, he will also give lectures to the students at the academy. Chen’er has indeed benefited greatly from being raised in my grandfather’s presence."

The Eldest Princess, while smiling, sighed as she looked up at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao. "The Emperor acted foolishly back then. Is Mr. Qingyun accustomed to living in the Northwest?"

Ye Li said, "I appreciate Imperial Aunt’s concern. My grandfather traveled the world in his youth. Though the Northwest is a bit harsher than Yunzhou, it is still bearable. In recent years, my grandfather’s mind has been at ease, and his spirits seem much better than before." The Eldest Princess and Princess Zhaoyang exchanged glances and fell silent. They naturally understood Ye Li’s meaning, and Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li presumably also knew the purpose of their visit. However, being in their positions, there were many things they had to do, whether they wanted to or not.

Mo Xiuyao held a teacup, silently gazing at the tea inside, not uttering a word. Ye Li wore a smile but also had no intention of speaking further. For a time, a subtle tension and awkwardness filled the hall.

After a while, the Eldest Princess sighed and looked at Mo Xiuyao. "Xiuyao... how do you view the imperial decree that the Emperor has issued?"

Mo Xiuyao lifted his head and smiled faintly. "Imperial Aunt is an elder. Even considering the care Imperial Aunt showed me in the past, I should not lie to you. I have already said this to the Emperor as well. Prince Ding’s Mansion... and Great Chu have long since severed all ties of loyalty and obligation. The Emperor’s decree is meaningless to Prince Ding’s Mansion."

The Eldest Princess closed her eyes, her wrinkled face showing even more exhaustion and weariness. "Is it truly irreparable? After all, the imperial family and Prince Ding’s Mansion are... After all, we are still one family."

Mo Xiuyao’s smile turned cold. "The enmity from the murder of my father and brother, the resentment from the unjust deaths of tens of thousands of heroic souls in the Mo Family Army, and also Prince Ding’s Mansion governing the Northwest these past few years. Who can forget? The imperial family of Great Chu cannot forget. Prince Ding’s Mansion, the Mo Family Army, and I... also cannot forget!"

"Sigh... I know I cannot persuade you." The Eldest Princess did not insist further, only shaking her head in resignation. She had watched Mo Xiuyao be born, grow up, and experience so much. The Mo Xiuyao of today seemed as calm as the sea, unfathomably deep. But the raging tides hidden beneath that surface were no gentler than the fiery intensity of his youth. Once he chose a path, no matter how difficult, he would never turn back. But as for Great Chu’s current situation... what kind of predicament would it face without the support of Prince Ding’s Mansion? The Eldest Princess did not know. Watching the ministers and nobles quarreling fiercely in the Diligent Government Hall, the Eldest Princess, who had been known for her iron fist in her youth but was now white-haired and aged, felt waves of helplessness wash over her. They had all grown old... The Great Ancestor Emperor was a peerless genius, yet today’s Great Chu... had no worthy successor!

Since the Eldest Princess had given up persuading, Princess Zhaoyang no longer said anything more. She did not possess the Eldest Princess’s strategic mind and foresight, but she had sacrificed her whole life’s happiness for Great Chu. As an imperial princess, she had no power to object. So, when her Imperial Brother needed to forge an alliance with Nanzhao, she had to marry the Prince of Nanzhao without complaint. When Great Chu no longer needed this Nanzhao Prince Consort, she had to live out her life as a widow without regret. Now, if Great Chu were to fall due to the incompetence of his descendants, all she could do was be buried with it. The Eldest Princess understood Mo Xiuyao, as did Princess Zhaoyang. That was why she had accompanied the Eldest Princess today: merely to see Mo Xiuyao and the young heir she had never met before.

Once their respective positions were set aside, the atmosphere in the hall became much more congenial. In truth, the Eldest Princess had likely come to make a few persuasive remarks at Mo Jingqi’s behest. She had already anticipated the outcome before she even arrived. Therefore, she did not press the matter much, merely inquiring vaguely about Mo Xiuyao’s intentions before letting it drop. Taking a step back could still preserve some of their past affection.

"Since that is the case, after the Emperor... Xiuyao, you should return to the Northwest as soon as possible. This Capital City... I fear there will be no peaceful days ahead," the Eldest Princess sighed.

"Great-Aunt, will you and Aunt Zhaoyang come back to the Northwest with us?" Mo Xiaobao lifted his head to look at the Eldest Princess, his voice clear and bright.

The Eldest Princess was taken aback, then shook her head lovingly at Mo Xiaobao. "Your great-aunt can’t go to the Northwest with you, child."

"Why?" Mo Xiaobao tilted his little head in puzzlement. In his view, Licheng had his great grandfather, his uncles, and many, many good people. It was much more fun than the Capital of Great Chu. In Licheng, he could run around and play freely. But in the Capital of Great Chu, he couldn’t even go out to find Leng Xiaodai, even with people accompanying him. Uncle Second Leng said there were too many bad people in the Capital of Great Chu, so children shouldn’t play outside.

The Eldest Princess explained softly, "Because your great-aunt’s home is here."

"Oh." Mo Xiaobao nodded, half-understanding. His home with Father and Mother was in Licheng, and he wouldn’t want to live in the Capital of Great Chu all the time either. So, Great-Aunt must also be reluctant to leave her home.

Mo Xiuyao put down his teacup and looked at the Eldest Princess. "Imperial Aunt, instead of having Mo Jingqi waste time persuading me, it would be wiser for him to think seriously about future affairs. As for supporting a young emperor, it’s not that Prince Ding’s Mansion *cannot* do it, but that it *will not* do it again. Where did the calamity that befell Prince Ding’s Mansion originate? Was it not from my father supporting the late Emperor? Prince Ding’s Mansion’s illustrious merits, coupled with acting as regent for a young ruler, had already raised the imperial family’s wariness to its peak. Throughout history, how many powerful ministers have met a good end? Having reached this juncture, Prince Ding’s Mansion is resolved never to walk that path again."

The Eldest Princess gave a helpless, bitter smile. It wasn’t that Mo Jingqi still didn’t understand what was important. Rather... he simply had no other choice. In the imperial harem, apart from Noble Consort Liu’s two sons, there were hardly any presentable imperial sons. If the Crown Prince were to truly ascend the throne and the Liu Family came to power, the Eldest Princess could imagine the resulting situation without even needing to guess. The current situation truly left the Eldest Princess feeling powerless despite her concerns. She looked with some regret at Mo Xiaobao, who was leaning against her, and thought, If only one of the imperial princes possessed even seventy percent of the intelligence of the Heir of Prince Ding, then these old bones, even if they had to risk their lives, would assist that young prince in becoming a capable ruler.

Alas...