Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 287 - 285. Evicting, Father-Son Relationship
285. Expelling Guests, Father-Son Relationships
Noble Consort Liu’s face suddenly contorted into an unprecedentedly distorted and ugly expression. Even though she had no idea what the so-called Qingfeng Pavilion was, it did not stop her from understanding the implications of Ye Li’s words. She dared to compare me to those shameless women! How dare she?!
"Ye Li! You lowly—"
Before Noble Consort Liu could finish speaking, with a loud BANG, the figure in white, already stained with blood, was sent flying. She crashed directly out of the hall and onto the bluestone path in the garden outside. This blow was delivered with no mercy whatsoever, and Noble Consort Liu hit the ground with a heavy thud. The guards waiting outside kept their eyes lowered, feigning ignorance, but couldn’t help wincing internally. Did we just hear the sound of bones breaking?
As soon as she hit the ground, Noble Consort Liu spewed a mouthful of blood. Her usually cold eyes widened as she stared at the man in white strolling out from inside, as if she had never known him before.
Mo Xiuyao walked up to her, looking down at the wretched woman on the ground. Not a shred of pity or emotion was present in his eyes.
"Who gave you the audacity to insult her?" Mo Xiuyao’s icy words made Noble Consort Liu tremble all over in pain.
"Mo Xiuyao... you’re so ruthless!" Noble Consort Liu managed to sit up, supporting herself with one hand, while the other hung limply at her side. It was clear that the impact from the fall had broken the arm she’d landed on. Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly. Looking at the hate-filled eyes of the woman before him, he found it utterly ridiculous. "Did you think that because you helped me once or twice back then, I would be exceptionally lenient with you? Even allow you to humiliate my wife? Prince Ding’s Mansion owes you nothing. True, you helped me in the past, Noble Consort Liu, but Prince Ding’s Mansion repaid you in kind. It was merely a matter of mutual benefit. To bring it up now is simply laughable."
"That woman... is she so important to you? For her... you would even give up the vast northern territories that are within your grasp?" Noble Consort Liu asked, struggling.
Mo Xiuyao scoffed. "Isn’t what Ah-Li said clear enough? Besides... for her, never mind things that aren’t yet mine, I would willingly give up the entire world."
"You?!" Noble Consort Liu stared at the man in white in disbelieving horror. Mo Xiuyao hummed lightly, seemingly weary of the dishevelled, bloodstained woman before him. He waved his hand and ordered the nearby guards, "Throw her out!"
"Yes, Your Highness." The guards on standby dared not delay, promptly moving to drag Noble Consort Liu outside. Severely injured and restrained by the guards, she was unable to move and could only glare back at Mo Xiuyao, cursing, "Mo Xiuyao, you will regret this!" Mo Xiuyao merely smiled coldly, ignoring her. Noble Consort Liu was dragged out of Prince Ding’s Mansion and unceremoniously tossed out. She landed heavily on the ground below the steps of Prince Ding’s Mansion, letting out a muffled groan as she clearly sustained further injury. The attendants who had accompanied her rushed forward to help her up, but their clumsy efforts only caused her more excruciating pain. She couldn’t help but scream, "Get away from me!"
Everyone was taken aback, completely baffled as to how Noble Consort Liu had ended up so grievously injured after a visit to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Fortunately, Prince Ding’s Mansion was located in the district of the Capital of Great Chu where imperial relatives and nobility resided, so there were few pedestrians on the streets at this time. Otherwise, the imperial family’s dignity would have been utterly lost.
After a struggle, Noble Consort Liu finally managed to get to her feet, only to freeze. Not far away, at a street corner, a twelve or thirteen-year-old youth in brocade attire was silently watching her, his expression as placid as still water.
"Your Highness, it’s Prince Qin," a palace maid softly reminded her.
"My son..." Noble Consort Liu murmured.
Prince Qin silently observed Noble Consort Liu for a moment before turning and disappearing around the street corner. Noble Consort Liu stared blankly at the empty street, a sense of inexplicable unease quietly spreading through her heart.
「Inside Prince Ding’s Mansion.」
Feng Huaiting and the Empress were startled at the sight of Feng Zhiyao, but neither of them voiced any questions. Noticing the somewhat awkward atmosphere, Ye Li took it upon herself to ask, "Third Feng, are your injuries serious?"
Feng Zhiyao looked at Ye Li with something akin to gratitude and smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Princess Consort. It’s just a minor superficial wound, nothing serious."
Nearby, both Feng Huaiting and the Empress secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
Mo Xiuyao sat to one side, casually tapping the armrest of his chair with his fingers. He looked at Feng Zhiyao with a half-smile. "Third Feng, is there anything you wish to say?"
Feng Zhiyao’s face fell, and he said with a dejected expression, "I will accept any punishment Your Highness deems fit."
"Good." Mo Xiuyao clapped his hands and chuckled. "Since you accept the punishment, then... how about you go to Qin Feng to receive it? I don’t want to see you for the next few months."
Feng Zhiyao’s eyes widened in surprise; he was momentarily unable to understand what the Prince was scheming. Go to Qin Feng to receive punishment? Qin Feng doesn’t have that function, does he? More importantly, is Mo Xiuyao really willing to go several months without enslaving me?
The surprise on Feng Zhiyao’s face, however, led the other two, who were unaware of the situation, to believe that Mo Xiuyao’s punishment was extremely severe, and their expressions turned grim. After a long pause, Feng Zhiyao finally accepted Mo Xiuyao’s order with some apprehension. "Your subordinate obeys." No matter how Mo Xiuyao wants to torment me, I can’t escape it anyway, so I might as well face it calmly.
"Prince..." Two voices spoke up simultaneously. Feng Huaiting and the Empress couldn’t help but glance at each other. In the end, Feng Huaiting spoke. "Prince, this entire incident arose because of this old man’s failings. I implore Your Highness to show leniency on my account."
Feng Zhiyao looked with surprise at Feng Huaiting, whose face was solemn and his brows slightly furrowed. He clearly hadn’t expected Feng Huaiting to plead for him.
Mo Xiuyao replied indifferently, "Old Master Feng, you exaggerate. The incident was caused by Third Feng; how could Old Master Feng be blamed? Besides, I have always been clear about rewards and punishments. If Third Feng caused such a huge mess and isn’t punished, how can I maintain discipline among others?" Feng Huaiting, being a leader himself, naturally understood the importance of distinguishing rewards and punishments. But Mo Xiuyao’s casually added next words made his heart sink. "Rest assured... I will spare his life."
"Prince... Isn’t this a bit too severe?" Clearly, Mo Xiuyao and Feng Huaiting had drastically different interpretations. Mo Xiuyao never intended to take Feng Zhiyao’s life, so by "spare his life," he meant just that. Feng Huaiting, however, understood it as Mo Xiuyao intending to leave Feng Zhiyao barely alive, with just a breath remaining.
Taking a deep breath, Feng Huaiting said gravely, "Prince, regardless of anything else, Feng Zhiyao is my son. Now that he has erred, it should be I, his father, who punishes him."
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow in surprise, looking at Feng Huaiting. "I recall the Feng Family has already expelled Third Feng from the household."
"His name has not been struck off the family-tree registration," Feng Huaiting asserted firmly. "As long as Feng Zhiyao’s name remains on the family-tree registration, he will forever be a descendant of the Feng Family."
Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "That still won’t do. Feng Zhiyao is already a grown man, long capable of taking responsibility for his own actions. Moreover, this matter is an official concern, not a private family affair. Naturally, it must be handled by me. Third Feng, do you have anything to say?"
Feng Zhiyao had been stunned speechless when Feng Huaiting interceded for him; what could he possibly say now? He merely shook his head in a daze. Mo Xiuyao, in a good mood, turned back to Feng Huaiting. "You see, Third Feng himself has no objections."
Feng Huaiting gritted his teeth. "It is my fault for failing to discipline my son. I am willing to receive the punishment in his stead. I implore Your Highness to grant this."
Mo Xiuyao stared fixedly at Feng Huaiting and said lightly, "Old Master Feng, have you thought this through? The punishments in Prince Ding’s Mansion have always been severe. Never mind an old and frail man like yourself; even young men who have undergone special training cannot endure many of them. And taking punishment for another means it’s doubled."
Feng Huaiting said resolutely, "An untaught son is the father’s failing. This is what I deserve. Please, Your Highness, grant this."
The smile on Mo Xiuyao’s face grew even more pleased. "Third Feng, what do you say?"
Feng Zhiyao finally snapped out of his daze, frowning as he said coldly, "A man answers for his own deeds. Who asked him to take the punishment for me? This young master has nothing to do with him!"
Mo Xiuyao looked at Feng Huaiting with a troubled expression. "Old Master Feng, you see..." Ye Li discreetly tugged on his sleeve, signaling him to stop before he went too far. Feng Huaiting glanced at Feng Zhiyao, then said to Mo Xiuyao, "As long as he still bears the surname Feng, it’s not his place to decide. Please grant this, Prince."
"Alright!" Mo Xiuyao turned, giving Ye Li a reassuring smile. "Men! Take Old Master Feng away to receive his punishment."
"Prince!" Feng Zhiyao practically jumped in anger. He knew, of course, that Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t actually torture *him* to death. However, just because *he* could endure the potential punishments without serious harm didn’t mean his father, an old man nearly sixty, could withstand them.
The guards outside had already entered and were escorting Feng Huaiting away. Feng Zhiyao made to chase after them, but a swift force swept past him. He felt a numbness in the back of his knees and collapsed to the ground, able only to watch helplessly as Feng Huaiting was led away.
"Where do you think you’re going? I haven’t settled accounts with you yet," Mo Xiuyao said, smiling pleasantly at Feng Zhiyao, who was kneeling on one leg.
With a pained expression, Feng Zhiyao said, "Prince, that old man is nearly sixty. You aren’t really planning to have him killed, are you?"
Mo Xiuyao glanced at him and said, "If I were to kill him, wouldn’t that be exactly what you want? Don’t you hate him to death?"
Feng Zhiyao gritted his teeth. "He’s my father!" Even if I’m furious about the old man’s favoritism, I could never truly want him dead!
"I seem to recall someone telling me just moments ago that he had nothing to do with him. How has he suddenly become ’father’ again?"
"Prince..." Feng Zhiyao was so anxious he felt like crying. I just hope the men downstairs aren’t too quick about it. Considering how swiftly Noble Consort Liu met her fate, if they delay even a little, the punishment might already be over! "Prince, I was wrong! What do you really want? Isn’t it enough that I’ll work myself to death for you?"
Mo Xiuyao said disdainfully, "You were supposed to work yourself to death for me from the beginning."
"Then what else do you want?"
"For your father to accompany us to the Northwest."
"No prob— huh?" Feng Zhiyao was dumbfounded. Since when did Mo Xiuyao take an interest in my father?
"You disagree?" Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes dangerously.
"Agree! Agree!" Feng Zhiyao nodded repeatedly. "But... I’m afraid my father won’t agree." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂
Mo Xiuyao casually clapped his hands and chuckled. "That’s not my concern. Ah, you can tell him that if he disagrees, I’ll have you killed. Off you go..." Waving his hand, Mo Xiuyao dismissively sent Feng Zhiyao away. Seeing Ye Li and the Empress beside them, covering their mouths to stifle their laughter, Feng Zhiyao finally realized he had been played.
Dejectedly, head hanging, Feng Zhiyao went out to find his father. Mo Xiuyao’s clearly delighted voice followed him. "After you’re done with your father, remember to go to the study and clear the backlog of official business from these past few days. You said it yourself: work yourself to death..."
Feng Zhiyao’s legs nearly gave out. I’m such an idiot...
Watching Feng Zhiyao leave with a smile, Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao helplessly. "Why must you tease him like this?"
Mo Xiuyao scoffed. "Tease him? I’m not teasing him. If he isn’t so busy these next few months that his feet don’t touch the ground, then I’ll have wronged him!"
Ye Li shook her head and asked, "Do you think Feng Zhiyao can persuade Old Master Feng?"
To tell the truth, a business genius like Feng Huaiting was indeed what they needed right now. Neither Han Mingxi nor Leng Haoyu truly excelled in this area. Leng Haoyu could manage the businesses under Prince Ding’s Mansion without issue, but he would be stretched thin if he had to bear the economic burden of the entire Northwest, let alone a larger region. Besides, Leng Haoyu came from a military family; acting as an obscure merchant for Prince Ding’s Mansion all these years had been rather unfair to him. When Mo Xiuyao sent him to Zijing Pass this time, I understood that Mo Xiuyao was likely already looking for a replacement for him. Still, I was a bit surprised that he had set his sights on Feng Huaiting.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "Not unless he no longer cares about Feng Zhiyao’s life."
Ye Li shook her head, her tone pessimistic. "He may be Feng Zhiyao’s father, but on the other hand, he has two legitimate sons and the entire Feng Family. Feng Zhiyao alone probably isn’t enough leverage."
Mo Xiuyao said, "That depends on whether Feng Huaiting is a true businessman. A businessman without sufficient foresight is inadequate. If that’s the case, then there’s no point in using him."
The Empress looked at the two of them and chuckled softly. "The Prince takes such great pains for his subordinates; he is truly a rare and wise ruler. The Feng Family will certainly not be at a disadvantage if they follow you in the future."
Mo Xiuyao looked at her. "Then what about the Hua Family?"
The Empress paused and shook her head helplessly. "The Hua Family... I cannot decide for them." I know my father well enough. Even if Great Chu were truly on the verge of collapse, he would not take a single step away from it. Having fought for this country their entire lives, these members of the older generation actually regard Great Chu as more important than their own lives. Trying to persuade them to leave is simply an impossible task.
Mo Xiuyao, who clearly understood State Duke Hua well, nodded. "This prince will not force the Hua Family to make a decision."
"Thank you, Xiuyao," the Empress said with a faint smile.
Mo Xiuyao returned a faint smile.
「At Prince Li’s Mansion.」
Mo Jingli, who had just gained control of almost the entire Feng Family, was in high spirits. He sat in his study, examining the account books the Feng Family had just delivered, a cold smile playing on his lips. So what if Mo Jingqi’s unexpected masterstroke ruined all my plans at the last minute? I’m still alive, and Mo Jingqi is dead. Only the living can see the final outcome; only the living can control everything. Mo Jingqi hoped Mo Xiuyao would clean up his mess, but unfortunately for him, Mo Xiuyao has no interest in such things. Besides, with my current strength, even if I were to clash head-on with Mo Xiuyao, I wouldn’t necessarily be outmatched. However, thinking of the still deadlocked situation at Zijing Pass, Mo Jingli scoffed inwardly. It’s not yet time to provoke Mo Xiuyao.
"Prince, Noble Consort Liu has arrived," announced the steward from outside the door.
Mo Jingli frowned in displeasure. "What is she here for?" Although I’m no longer afraid of idle gossip, Noble Consort Liu is, after all, my imperial brother’s widow. With the late Emperor’s body barely cold, what would it look like for her to come running to the Regent Prince’s Mansion? Besides, I’ve never particularly liked Noble Consort Liu, so I’m naturally unhappy about her unannounced visit.
"Noble Consort Liu appears to be gravely injured and insists on seeing Your Highness," the steward reported cautiously.
Mo Jingli scoffed. "She must have gone to Prince Ding’s Mansion looking for trouble." He stood up, irritated, and ordered, "Take her to the flower hall. I will be there shortly."
When Mo Jingli stepped into the flower hall and saw Noble Consort Liu’s wretched state, he couldn’t help but be startled. Her white silk dress was streaked with bloody welts, clearly from a whip. In some places, the fabric was even torn. There were also uncleaned bloodstains on her pale face, and her right hand hung at an unnatural angle. "What happened?" Mo Jingli asked, his voice heavy with displeasure. If word gets out that Noble Consort Liu came to my mansion looking like this, it will undoubtedly cause another scandal.
Noble Consort Liu looked up at him and sneered. "What else could it be? Don’t you already know? Mo Xiuyao did this."
Mo Jingli observed Noble Consort Liu closely, realizing she seemed somewhat different. Previously, whenever Mo Xiuyao was mentioned, her eyes would invariably fill with unconcealed obsession and adoration. Now, however, they held a biting hatred, evident even in her gritted teeth. Although a trace of that old infatuation inevitably lingered deep within her eyes, I believe that right now, Noble Consort Liu’s hatred for Mo Xiuyao definitely outweighs her love.
Mo Jingli sat down opposite her and said indifferently, "I warned you before not to provoke Mo Xiuyao. You should understand by now, shouldn’t you? Apart from Ye Li, has Mo Xiuyao ever shown affection for any other woman? Even Su Zuidie... didn’t she also die at Mo Xiuyao’s hands?"
"Don’t you dare compare that woman to me!" Noble Consort Liu spat with disgust.
Mo Jingli pursed his lips. And you think you’re any better than Su Zuidie? Too lazy to bother with her delusions, he asked impatiently, "Why have you come running to my mansion at a time like this instead of going to the Liu Family?"
Noble Consort Liu lowered her gaze and said coolly, "The Liu Family? Heh... Earlier, my father informed me he intends to betroth my young niece to Prince Li. Prince Li is indeed fortunate. My niece is in the prime of her youth and is considered one of the foremost beauties in the Capital City."
Mo Jingli frowned, quickly grasping the implication of Noble Consort Liu’s words and the Liu Family’s intentions. Staring at Noble Consort Liu, he asked, "What are you planning?"
Noble Consort Liu smiled. "I know you desire the Liu Family’s support but do not wish to be constrained by them. I can help you obtain the Liu Family’s complete backing... without needing a marriage alliance."
"What’s the condition?" Mo Jingli asked bluntly. Obviously, Noble Consort Liu wouldn’t help him for no reason.
Noble Consort Liu laughed. "Prince Li is indeed straightforward. The condition is... I want you to help me kill Ye Li!"
Mo Jingli was taken aback, then lowered his eyes. "Kill Ye Li? Am I insane? Who could possibly bear the kind of retaliation killing Ye Li would provoke from Mo Xiuyao?" Back when Ye Li fell from the cliff, Mo Xiuyao decisively severed ties with Great Chu, seized a vast swathe of Great Chu’s Northwest territories, and nearly plunged the world into chaos. After all these years, I’ve naturally managed to find out some details about that incident. After Ye Li’s fall, Mo Xiuyao’s health deteriorated significantly for a time; otherwise, he probably would have truly dared to wage war against Great Chu. Not to mention, they now have a child together; their bond must be even deeper than before.
Noble Consort Liu scoffed. "With Prince Li’s current strength, do you still need to fear Prince Ding’s Mansion? Once you have the Liu Family’s power backing you, at least half the imperial court will support you. Then you can legitimately ascend the throne..."
"Foolish woman," Mo Jingli said bluntly. The Mo Family Army might not have seemed so formidable originally, but the current situation between the various nations, while seemingly calm, is actually a tinderbox ready to ignite. Great Chu is already facing attacks from the Northern Territory. If the Mo Family Army were to intervene now, Great Chu would be fighting enemies on two fronts, and Beirong would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to profit. Right now, more than ever, Great Chu cannot afford to offend Mo Xiuyao.
"You really won’t agree?" Noble Consort Liu queried, narrowing her eyes. "What about your son then?"
A murderous glint flashed in Mo Jingli’s eyes but was quickly suppressed. "Name another condition. Killing Ye Li is out of the question. Setting aside other factors, Ye Li herself is a top-tier expert, and she’s always accompanied by hidden guards and a Qilin. If killing her were so easy, would you need to come to me?"
Noble Consort Liu gritted her teeth, then after a moment of contemplation, said, "Kill Ye Li’s son!"
"Why?" Mo Jingli asked, furrowing his brows.
"I want her to wish she were dead!" Noble Consort Liu’s beautiful face twisted into a ghastly mask. "I want her to lose the person most important to her! I want her to live day and night in the agony of a heart being torn out, never to find peace for all eternity!"
Silence descended upon the hall for a moment before Mo Jingli said, "I refuse."
"You!" Noble Consort Liu glared furiously at Mo Jingli.
Mo Jingli sneered. "Don’t think that trick will work every time. To this day, I haven’t so much as glimpsed my son. I’ve told you before... if you dare deceive me, I will make you wish you were dead!"
Noble Consort Liu trembled slightly. The pain she had been desperately trying to ignore surged back, and she couldn’t help but moan.
Her face pale, Noble Consort Liu rose to her feet. "Since you don’t believe me, there’s nothing more to discuss. I shall take my leave."
Mo Jingli stared at her. "I don’t care what you plan to do, but do not touch Ye Li."
Noble Consort Liu raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised. She turned back and studied Mo Jingli for a long moment. "Don’t hurt Ye Li? It seems Prince Li didn’t refuse me because he fears Prince Ding, but rather... because you genuinely care about that woman, Ye Li? How rare... Does Prince Li actually still long for a woman he himself discarded? Or is it that... men are just that contemptible, always finding what they can’t have the most desirable?!"
Mo Jingli chuckled coldly. "That’s none of your concern. It’s still better than shamelessly throwing yourself at someone who won’t even spare you a glance."
"You... Hmph!" Noble Consort Liu gritted her teeth, flicked her sleeve, and stormed out. As she departed with an air of arrogance, countless schemes and calculations whirled in her mind, unaware that true misfortune was lying in wait for her.
