Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 280 - 278. The Heroic Act of Third Feng

278. The Bold Act of Third Feng

Inside Prince Ding’s Mansion, upon hearing the words brought back by Ye Li, Feng Zhiyao remained silent for a long time, unable to say anything. Ye Li felt helpless about this. Standing in Feng Zhiyao’s shoes, she could naturally blame the Empress’s stubbornness for delaying Feng Zhiyao. However, this could not entirely be blamed on the Empress. She had never given Feng Zhiyao any hope, and what she was doing now was indeed the best a woman, especially a woman of her time and status as an Empress, could do. Ye Li could not demand a woman, taught to honor her loyalty to the king and uphold traditional female virtues, to meet her own standards.

"Xiuyao, about Third Feng..." Ye Li asked with a hint of worry.

Mo Xiuyao lifted his head from the scroll in his hands and said, "Don’t worry about him; he knows his limits."

Seeing Mo Xiuyao reacting this way, Ye Li shrugged the matter off and told him about her meeting with the Tenth Prince at the palace. In the end, she sighed and said, "I don’t know what Mo Jingqi was thinking when he left the posthumous edict. The boy is overly anxious and timid." Mo Xiuyao placed the scroll down, walked behind Ye Li, embraced her from behind, and softly said, "The affairs of Mo Jingli and others have nothing to do with us. Ah-Li, why worry for them?"

Ye Li chuckled lightly, shaking her head. "It’s not that I’m really worried about them, but..." But looking at that innocent child doomed to be sacrificed, she couldn’t help but feel pity. That child was only over a year older than Mo Xiaobao. Perhaps after becoming a mother, she had indeed become softer than before.

Mo Xiuyao gently said, "Even though the Capital City is currently under martial law, no one dares to stop people from Prince Ding’s Mansion. If Ah-Li feels bored, she can wander around and need not bother about those trivial matters in the palace."

Ye Li nodded. "I got it." Understanding that Mo Xiuyao didn’t want her to be troubled by those minor issues, Ye Li naturally agreed willingly. Their family was what mattered, while others, no matter how innocent or pitiable, were outsiders. She didn’t want Mo Xiuyao to worry for her sake.

"Mother! Mother..." Mo Xiaobao’s voice echoed down the long corridor as he ran in joyously. Mo Xiuyao frowned in displeasure, glancing at Mo Xiaobao, who was about to run into the room. Trailing behind Mo Xiaobao was a panting Leng Junhan.

Ye Li sighed helplessly. "Chen’er, slow down a bit. Look how tired Junhan is..."

Mo Xiaobao glanced back at the still panting but smiling Leng Junhan, grunted slightly, and settled into Ye Li’s arms. Looking at his slightly annoyed expression, Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle softly. She gently patted Mo Xiaobao and said, "Junhan is younger than you. As a big brother, you should be more considerate of him. Understand?"

"Understood," Mo Xiaobao said in a low voice. He looked up at Leng Junhan and said, "Leng Xiaodai, if you can’t keep up, just say something. I... I wouldn’t leave you behind." Leng Junhan touched his head and grinned broadly and innocently at Mo Xiaobao, which made Mo Xiaobao even more embarrassed. Having had her fill of watching her son’s embarrassed expression, Ye Li beckoned to Leng Junhan, smiling. "Junhan, come over here."

Cheering happily, Leng Junhan also rushed over to Ye Li. Delightfully, he snuggled into the crook of Ye Li’s arm. He liked Xiaobao’s mother. She was warm and smelled good, just like his own mother. Sadly, Xiaobao didn’t like him hogging his mother’s attention.

Mo Xiuyao, standing behind Ye Li, darkened his face. It was bad enough when it was just Mo Xiaobao; now with two little devils monopolizing Ah-Li, his alone time with Ah-Li was greatly reduced. Reflecting on this, Mo Xiuyao began regretting his decision to send Leng Haoyu away.

Mo Xiuyao said that Feng Zhiyao knew his limits, but he didn’t expect Feng Zhiyao to cause major trouble on that very day.

The deep night turned quiet as everyone in Prince Ding’s Mansion was already in deep slumber. The only room still lit was the study where Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li sat, examining files and occasionally engaging in casual conversations. Living in the Capital City might seem leisurely, but their positions required them to personally oversee countless matters daily. Even if immediate decisions were not necessary, it was essential to keep themselves informed to prepare against sudden changes.

"Third Feng hasn’t returned from his trip today?" Finished with the last petition in hand, Ye Li looked at the large pile in front of Mo Xiuyao, picked up one nonchalantly, and asked while flipping through it.

Mo Xiuyao said, "He must have gone somewhere to vent his anger." Feng Zhiyao, though seeming effortlessly charming with an easy-going demeanor, was in reality a man with clear-cut emotions, his happiness and anger obvious to all. Over the years, his experiences had taught him to hide his emotions in public.

Ye Li slightly furrowed her brows. "I felt that his mood wasn’t right when he left during the day."

"It would be strange if his mood was right after all these years of waiting." Truthfully, Mo Xiuyao had never approved of Feng Zhiyao’s feelings for the Empress, even when they were young. He had subtly tried to persuade him several times, but each attempt had ended with them trading blows until the world seemed to spin. As they grew older, they learned to respect each other’s feelings, making it harder to dissuade one another. Thus, the years languished until Feng Zhiyao reached his thirties. According to the customs of this world for ordinary wealthy young masters, Third Feng should have been expecting grandchildren in a couple of years.

"Those two..." Ye Li sighed. Before she could finish her sentence, she abruptly stood up from her chair. "We have an intruder!"

Before she could react, Mo Xiuyao had already swooped out of the study like a wisp of bluish smoke, leaving behind his deep voice, "Ah-Li, take care of those two kids." Ye Li watched regretfully as the white figure disappeared out the door; such was the difference between those skilled in qinggong and the ordinary.

By the time Ye Li reached the courtyard where Mo Xiaobao and Leng Junhan resided, Zhuo Jing had already arrived to guard the front door. Upon seeing Ye Li, he immediately bowed to give his respects. "Princess Consort."

Ye Li nodded. "You’ve worked hard. Are the two kids all right?" Zhuo Jing replied solemnly, "It’s my duty. The Heir and Young Master Leng are fine."

While they were talking, Mo Xiaobao impatiently rushed out of the room. "Mother, what happened?" Seeing his anticipative and sparkling eyes, Ye Li patted him gently on the forehead. "Be a good boy and stay with Zhuo Jing. Take good care of Junhan. I’m going to check on your father."

Disappointed at the missed excitement, Mo Xiaobao pouted but still obediently nodded. "Then, Mother, be careful."

Ye Li smiled wryly. "What a clever child."

After ensuring the safety of the two children, Ye Li quickly headed to the front courtyard. However, there were no signs of a fight, clearly indicating that the intruder was someone they knew. Shaking her head, Ye Li then headed to the front hall, only to be met with a sight that made her head throb in vexation.

In the hall, Feng Zhiyao was collapsed on the ground, with a pool of dark red blood beside him. The undried blood was evidently spat out just a while ago. Mo Xiuyao stood in the center of the hall, his arms crossed behind his back, a frosty expression on his face. Ye Li had no doubt that Feng Zhiyao’s state was the result of Mo Xiuyao’s actions. However, what troubled her more was a nearby chair, partially obscured by a large, black screen, with a figure huddled there. Though she couldn’t see the person’s face, Ye Li could tell from the build that it was a woman. The only woman Feng Zhiyao could possibly bring back in the dead of night was one that gave her a throbbing headache just thinking about it.

The woman slumped in the chair was obviously still unconscious. Ye Li walked over and pulled back the cloak that covered her face, revealing her beautiful and dignified appearance. Who else could this be if not the Empress she had seen just today?

"Nonsense!" Ye Li turned around and glared at Feng Zhiyao, admonishing him softly.

Feng Zhiyao seemed unconcerned and smirked at her. His typically teasing eyes were filled with deep helplessness and sorrow. Even Ye Li could not bear to say anything more. Sighing, Ye Li asked, "Did she agree to leave with you?" Feng Zhiyao didn’t respond. Ye Li knew then that he had ignored the Empress’s wishes and had abducted her by rendering her unconscious.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s growing anger, Ye Li silently walked to his side, took his hand, and guided him to sit down. Otherwise, she could not guarantee that the enraged Mo Xiuyao would not strike Feng Zhiyao.

"You are quite audacious. I never knew that Third Young Master Feng had such gall." Sitting beside Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao forcefully suppressed his anger as he coldly addressed Feng Zhiyao.

Feng Zhiyao smiled faintly. His usual carefree demeanor was gone, replaced by a faint sense of helplessness and dejection. "I am responsible for my actions and will not implicate Prince Ding’s Mansion."

CRASH! Mo Xiuyao slammed his hand onto the table next to him. The table was unharmed, but the decorations and teacups on it shattered instantly. Laughing in anger, Mo Xiuyao retorted furiously, "Very good... very good indeed! So, Third Young Master Feng, your abilities are so great that you won’t implicate Prince Ding’s Mansion, is that it? Since you’re so capable, why didn’t you just take her and break out of the Capital City?"

Feng Zhiyao remained silent. He could manage on his own, but it was impossible to take an unconscious person out of the city. Tiredly, he closed his eyes. "Xiuyao, I’m sorry. But... I don’t regret my actions." Mo Xiuyao hummed disinterestedly. "For someone who prides himself on his wit, had you not considered an escape plan before making your move? Did you impulsively break into the palace and kidnap the Empress in a fit of rage?"

Feng Zhiyao felt a little awkward; indeed, he hadn’t considered much. After sneaking into the palace to find the Empress and being unequivocally rejected by her, the more he thought about it, the more upset he became. In a fit of agitation, he stopped thinking altogether and simply returned to the palace to abduct her. What he didn’t expect was that Mo Xiuyao was angry not because he had kidnapped the Empress but because he had done so with no plan.

"So... what should we do now?" Having understood Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts, Feng Zhiyao stopped putting on a brave face. He admitted defeat in the battle of wits against Mo Xiuyao and readily accepted this fact.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips. "How about returning her unnoticed?"

"No way!" Feng Zhiyao immediately protested. He had gone to great lengths to bring her out; if he sent her back now, he couldn’t guarantee he’d have such courage again next time. Besides, he hadn’t brought her out merely because of his own feelings; it was more because he knew her days in the palace would definitely be difficult. Even if she still refused to accept him, he hoped she could at least live a more relaxed and joyful life. At least... there was still some hope, wasn’t there?

Checking the sky, Mo Xiuyao noted that dawn was about to break. He shook his head. "It’s too late. In an hour at most, someone will notice that the Empress is missing."

Ye Li frowned. "Then what shall we do? Shall we take her out of the city now?" It wasn’t the ideal time for sneaking out of the city, as the sky was just beginning to lighten, but it might be the last chance before the Empress’s disappearance was discovered and the city’s exits became even more heavily guarded.

"She cannot leave now. We all understand the Empress’s temperament; she’s not one to simply abandon her responsibilities. She will return even if we send her away now." Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "Let her stay in Prince Ding’s Mansion temporarily. Even if the Empress is missing, no one would dare search here." Fortunately, the servants and guards at Prince Ding’s Mansion were all trustworthy. Moreover, Feng Zhiyao had returned at night. Otherwise, news of the evening’s events would have spread like wildfire through the mansions of the Capital City before dawn, much like the news of Mo Jingli kicking his own son to death.

"Thank you, Your Highnesses," Feng Zhiyao expressed his joy.

Ye Li waved off his gratitude, saying, "Never mind that. Find a place to settle her in. You’ve been running around all day; take some rest while you still have the time."

Feng Zhiyao thanked them again, then, carrying the still-sleeping Empress, he left the hall. Ye Li turned to Mo Xiuyao, raising an eyebrow, "Is this what you consider restraint?" To abduct the Empress of a nation—if that was considered having restraint, then what wasn’t?

Mo Xiuyao gave a resigned smile. "This is probably the only time in his life that Feng Zhiyao has acted so recklessly."

Leaving Feng Zhiyao to take care of the Empress, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao returned to their own courtyard to rest. Less than two hours later, someone came to see them.

"Your Highnesses, State Duke Hua requests an audience."

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao exchanged looks. Mo Xiuyao stood up. "Please invite State Duke Hua to my study; I will be there shortly." Ye Li reached out, took Mo Xiuyao’s hand, and said with a faint smile, "Let’s go together." Mo Xiuyao didn’t protest, and they both changed before heading to the study.

State Duke Hua, who was waiting in the study, seemed anxious. His aged face, with its white hair and beard, seemed even more haggard, and his cloudy eyes were filled with worry. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao enter hand in hand, he hurried to stand up and greet them. "Your Highnesses."

Mo Xiuyao extended his hand to support State Duke Hua, speaking with unusual gentleness, "What brings State Duke Hua here at such an early hour? Is there a problem?"

State Duke Hua let out a sigh of despair, managing a bitter smile. "Isn’t it a big problem? Why else would I, an old man, so unceremoniously show up so early in the morning?"

They eased State Duke Hua into a seat before taking their own. Ye Li smiled lightly. "Old State Duke, please don’t say such things. You are always most welcome here. You haven’t yet told us what happened."

Having no time for formalities, State Duke Hua said in a grave voice, "Her Highness the Empress is missing."

Although they knew State Duke Hua’s visit must be related to this issue, announcing it out loud was a bit harder. After a long pause, Ye Li finally said firmly, "State Duke... Her Highness the Empress... She’s within Prince Ding’s Mansion."