Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 292 - 290. Great Chaos is Coming
290. Great Turmoil is Coming
「Licheng」
In the spacious study where discussions took place, Young Master Qingchen, robed in white, sat in the first chair below the main one. He smiled charmingly, his demeanor as serene as a deity incarnate. But the sight sent chills down the spines of the others seated lower than him. The way Young Master Qingchen looked... it was truly unsettling.
"Young Master Qingchen, when will the Prince return? The Xiling frontier has been reinforcing its troops for over a month..." The others gazed at the questioner as if looking at a fool. Didn’t they notice that Young Master Qingchen was irritated because the Prince refused to return? Yet they had to bring it up! That being said, they too wondered when the Prince would finally return. The situation at the Xiling frontier looked ripe for battle, yet the Prince was nowhere to be seen. It wasn’t as if they couldn’t fight without the Prince, but without him to command, they felt a distinct lack of confidence.
Xu Qingchen turned his head, a faint smile playing on his lips, his eyebrows slightly raised. "When he’s had enough fun... the Prince will naturally return."
"But what about Xiling..."
"Haven’t we also increased our troops? Xiling is merely testing the waters. Even if they intend to fight... by the time the real battle begins, the Prince should be back." If Mo Xiuyao only returned after the fighting truly erupted, I’d have him thrown directly onto the battlefield! Of course, Li’er must remain to guard Licheng.
The crowd fell silent. Young Master Qingchen excelled at everything. He handled political affairs with greater efficiency than the Prince, primarily because he never deliberately idled as the Prince often did. Moreover, whenever subordinates were unclear about something, a few casual words from him would bring instant enlightenment. The only drawback was his exceptionally handsome appearance and his transcendent, deity-like temperament. When he offered a gentle, refined smile, most people would swallow their intended words, unable to voice any objection. And when his smile carried a hint of coldness—which usually happened when it concerned His Highness Prince Ding—everyone would feel a chill as piercing as a winter wind.
"Young Master Qingchen, the Prince and Princess Consort have returned!" a guard at the door announced loudly.
A bright smile bloomed on Xu Qingchen’s handsome face, as if spring had returned to the earth and flowers were blossoming in an instant. Yet, most of those present couldn’t help but shiver. When Young Master Qingchen smiled like that, it usually meant someone was in for a hard time.
"Good, very good." Xu Qingchen nodded with a smile, rising from his seat. He glanced at everyone present and said, "Gentlemen, let us go together to welcome His Highness the Prince."
Prince Ding, having enjoyed a considerable period of leisure in the Capital of Great Chu, had just returned to the Northwest. He hadn’t even had a chance to catch his breath when he was courteously summoned to the study by his most trusted military strategist and brother-in-law to discuss urgent matters. Ye Li initially felt quite guilty that Xu Qingchen had shouldered all the responsibilities during their absence and intended to go along to help. However, Eldest Young Master Xu’s anger seemed directed solely at Prince Ding. He gracefully declined Ye Li’s offer of assistance, gently advising his younger cousin to rest well after her long journey. As for everything else... the Prince would handle it.
Ye Li sensed that when her elder brother said the Prince would handle everything, he was actually grinding his teeth. Of course, her brother would never do something so unrefined. Nevertheless, Ye Li decided to follow her elder brother’s advice and rest. After all, she still had a few guests to settle.
In a previously vacant guesthouse deep within Prince Ding’s Mansion, someone was already waiting. As Ye Li, leading the Empress and Hua Tianxiang, reached the courtyard gate, a figure rushed out from inside. "Princess Consort Ding! Princess Consort Ding... My mother... has my mother arrived?" Princess Changle, whom they hadn’t seen in a long time, dashed out wearing a light purple, orchid-embroidered dress. Spotting the Empress beside Ye Li, she froze at the entrance.
"Changle..." The Empress gazed at her daughter, whom she hadn’t seen in nearly a year. Changle had grown taller, and her complexion was much better than when she was in the palace. Although Ye Li had recounted details of her daughter’s life in the Northwest during their journey, seeing her in person now, the Empress couldn’t help her eyes from welling up.
"Mother... Mom... Mother!" Princess Changle blinked, finally coming to her senses. With a joyful cry, she threw herself into the Empress’s arms. The fifteen-year-old girl was only slightly shorter than her mother, but in front of the Empress, she was all smiles and playful affection, like a child of seven or eight.
Hua Tianxiang stood to one side, smiling as she watched Princess Changle. "Changle, you only have eyes for your mother. Have you forgotten your Sister Tianxiang already?"
Princess Changle finally looked up at Hua Tianxiang, who was gazing at her with a smile, and called out a little sheepishly, "Sister Tianxiang."
"Sister Wuyou, me too, me too..." Mo Xiaobao, not wanting to be overlooked, stretched out his small hand to catch Princess Changle’s attention. Princess Changle had always been fond of Mo Xiaobao. She bent down with a smile, pinched his little cheek, and said, "So it’s Little Bao. Did you enjoy the Capital of Great Chu? Is this your new friend?" Leng Junhan stood beside Mo Xiaobao, blinking his large, watery eyes at the beautiful older sister before him. Princess Changle was immediately captivated by the adorable, tender-looking little child. Mo Xiaobao was mischievous, and his pranks sometimes even fooled Princess Changle herself. In comparison, this soft, adorable little darling was clearly more likely to win the affection of the ladies. Throughout the journey, both the Empress and Hua Tianxiang had preferred to hold and cuddle Leng Junhan, which made Mo Xiaobao feel a pang of disappointment.
"It wasn’t very fun... But I brought a gift for Sister Wuyou. This is Leng Xiaodai, my new friend," Mo Xiaobao said, a hint of disappointment in his voice.
"Oh? You only brought a gift for Sister Wuyou? What about the rest of us?" A clear, laughing voice came from the doorway. The two Madams Xu appeared with Qin Zheng, who was leading a small boy by the hand. They looked at Mo Xiaobao, all smiles.
Mo Xiaobao immediately cheered and bounded into First Madam Xu’s arms. "Great Aunt, Second Aunt, Second Auntie, Little Bao missed you! I brought gifts for you too! And little brother Zhirui has a gift as well." Four-year-old Xu Zhirui gave a haughty little hmph and snuggled into his mother’s embrace. "I don’t want your gift." How dare you sneak off to the Capital of Great Chu without taking me!
Mo Xiaobao’s eyes darted around, and he said with a sly grin, "If you don’t want it, fine. I heard General Lv’s youngest son is having a birthday soon. In a few days, I’ll have it sent to him! It just so happens I forgot to prepare a birthday gift for him." Though clever for his age, Xu Zhirui was still a sweet, innocent child, fundamentally different from Mo Xiaobao, who was as cunning as a fox despite his innocent appearance. Hearing this, Xu Zhirui’s eyes immediately welled up. "Mother..."
Qin Zheng patted her son gently and consoled him. "Your cousin is just teasing you."
"Yes, yes, I was just joking! How could I give something meant for you to someone else? I’ll have it brought to you shortly, alright?" Catching his mother’s warning glance, Mo Xiaobao had no choice but to personally coax the little one. Watching the two children, less than two years apart, one earnestly consoling and the other being consoled while cradled by adults, everyone couldn’t help but chuckle, covering their smiles.
"Alright, let’s all go inside to talk. What’s the sense in keeping everyone at the doorway? We’ve had the courtyard tidied up these past few days. Come in and see if you like it," Second Madam Xu said, ushering them into the courtyard.
The Empress looked at Ye Li with some concern. "Princess Consort, is it truly alright for us to stay at Prince Ding’s Mansion?" Their identities were, after all, different. If they were discovered living in Licheng, they could perhaps offer an explanation. However, if it were found they were staying at Prince Ding’s Mansion, it would inevitably tarnish the mansion’s reputation. Ye Li patted her arm reassuringly. "Please, rest assured and make yourselves at home. Not just the two of you; Wuyou will also be moving back to the Prince’s Mansion to live soon. I’m afraid Licheng won’t be very peaceful in the days to come. It’s safer here at Prince Ding’s Mansion, at least."
Princess Changle nodded. "Mother, Sister Tianxiang, the Princess Consort is right. In a couple of days, my two masters will also move back to the mansion. Lately, many outsiders have come to the city; even my two masters’ clinic has had several groups of suspicious visitors." Hearing this, the Empress and Hua Tianxiang finally agreed.
The group entered the parlor, where the furnishings were all new and arranged in the style of the Capital of Great Chu. It was evident that great care had been taken with the decor. Once everyone was seated and the maids had served tea and withdrawn, Ye Li said, "Please make yourselves comfortable in Prince Ding’s Mansion. If you need anything at all, just send word to the Steward-in-Chief. Consider this your own home." Second Madam Xu also smiled. "Li’er is right. When you have free time, feel free to visit us or go out for a walk."
First Madam Xu was not well acquainted with the Empress, but Second Madam Xu knew her. Seeing her again now, Second Madam Xu showed no sign of discomfort, as if these were truly just old acquaintances Ye Li had brought back from the Capital of Great Chu. However, her gaze brightened when it fell on Hua Tianxiang, who was chatting with Qin Zheng nearby. She then looked at Ye Li with a probing expression.
Ye Li couldn’t help but smile inwardly and gave a subtle nod. Of course, she understood Second Madam Xu’s thoughts. For years, both her aunts had worried themselves sick over the marriages of their sons (Ye Li’s cousins). Unfortunately, the Northwest was not as prosperous as the Capital of Great Chu, nor did it have as many prominent noble families, making it difficult to find suitable young ladies from good families. To make matters worse, those cousins of hers seemed entirely uninterested in marriage. Although her second cousin had married and had a child, her third cousin was now the eldest unmarried one among them. Compared to his fourth and fifth brothers, who were in their early twenties, the third cousin’s situation was naturally more pressing. Now, chancing upon Hua Tianxiang, it was as if Second Madam Xu had seen a ray of hope. Hua Tianxiang had been one of the most sought-after young ladies in the capital. Yet, after so many years, although Hua Tianxiang still wore her hair in a maiden’s style, Second Madam Xu couldn’t be sure if she was married or betrothed.
Receiving Ye Li’s affirmation, Second Madam Xu’s gaze upon Hua Tianxiang grew even more eager. Stared at so intensely, Hua Tianxiang turned to look at them, slightly baffled. The Empress, however, immediately understood Second Madam Xu’s intentions. She smiled faintly but said nothing more. The Xu family was indeed an excellent family. Tianxiang had suffered much over the years; if a good match could be made, it would be wonderful and a stroke of good fortune for her.
After settling Hua Tianxiang and the Empress, Ye Li thought for a moment and then headed towards the study.
Inside the study, Mo Xiuyao was engrossed in a thick pile of petitions, his brushstrokes flowing like moving clouds and flowing water, yet his expression was fouler than if he’d stepped in dung. Not far away sat Feng Zhiyao, whom Mo Xiuyao had dragged in to share his misery. Feng Zhiyao’s face was ashen. He stole a glance at Mo Xiuyao behind the desk, then at Xu Qingchen, who was leisurely flipping through a travelogue by the window, before burying his face in the documents again. He dared not offend either of these two; it was best to keep his head down and work diligently.
Xu Qingchen looked up from his book and smiled as Ye Li entered. "Li’er, why aren’t you resting? What brings you here at this hour?"
Ye Li came in carrying freshly brewed tea and some snacks. Noting Mo Xiuyao’s livid face and Xu Qingchen’s composed smile, she said with a laugh, "I brought some tea and snacks. You’ve worked hard these days, Elder Brother. Are you very busy?" Xu Qingchen picked up a cup of tea Ye Li had poured, sighed helplessly, and said, "Truly, a daughter married is like water splashed out..."
Helpless, Ye Li poured tea for Mo Xiuyao and Feng Zhiyao. Mo Xiuyao took a sip, finally letting out a breath of relief, and complained, "Ah-Li, your elder brother is tormenting me! I haven’t had a single sip of water since I returned. And he insists I finish reading all of this today!"
Ye Li glanced at the stack of petitions, taller than Mo Xiuyao’s head, and could only offer him a sympathetic look.
Xu Qingchen casually brushed non-existent dust from his sleeves and sneered, "Am I tormenting you, Your Highness? Or are you the one tormenting us, your loyal workhorses? These pertain to all the military, governmental, and civilian affairs of the Northwest, including financial revenues and analyses of border war reports, from the entire time Your Highness was absent. So many of us have toiled over these for one or two months; it’s hardly a great imposition to ask Your Highness to spend half a day reviewing them. Is that too much?"
Who would dare ask you to be a workhorse? They must be insane! Mo Xiuyao fumed silently. He would never admit to making Xu Qingchen his workhorse; he merely knew how to utilize talent effectively. You could have clearly explained these damned things in a few simple words! Did I really have to find the answers in these towering petitions and scrolls? Even if it was necessary, was it necessary to not even give me a sip of water? The attendant in the study is ill and has taken leave—was such a ludicrous excuse really conjured up by you, Young Master Qingchen?
"Can they really not wait until tomorrow?" Mo Xiuyao asked, without much hope.
Xu Qingchen replied with a warm smile, "Of course, they can. After all, from tomorrow onward, all these matters will be for you to handle, Your Highness. However... I recall there are other matters requiring your attention tomorrow as well. Are you planning to postpone them until the day after? Among these are urgent military intelligence concerning Xiling and Beirong. Can they... truly wait?"
Of course not! Mo Xiuyao gnashed his teeth in resentment. Agreeing to let Xu Qingchen manage the Northwest’s affairs had been a terrible mistake. How could he ever have thought his brother-in-law would be easier to deal with than Mr. Hongyu? How could he have imagined that his younger brother-in-law could be ordered around for a few more years? Mr. Hongyu, at least, would never have been as vicious as this seemingly celestial man before him!
Nearby, Feng Zhiyao looked at Mo Xiuyao with sympathy. Your Highness, having such a brother-in-law must be retribution for all the years you’ve exploited us honest folk, mustn’t it?
"Third Young Master Feng, I hear you caused quite an earth-shattering incident in the Capital City?" Having finished with Mo Xiuyao, Xu Qingchen turned with a smile to Feng Zhiyao, who was slumped listlessly over the table.
Feng Zhiyao stiffened, forcing a strained smile. If he had been alone, he wouldn’t think he had done anything wrong. But this time, his actions had implicated the Feng family and could even potentially involve Prince Ding’s Mansion. Xu Qingchen looked at Feng Zhiyao and said calmly, "Well done."
Feng Zhiyao, who had expected a reprimand from Young Master Qingchen, nearly dropped his jaw. He had personally witnessed Young Master Qingchen’s treatment of the Prince; naturally, he hadn’t dared to hope that the currently incensed Young Master Qingchen would let him off easily. Mo Xiuyao was even more disgruntled. "What part of that was ’well done’?"
Xu Qingchen stated placidly, "The outcome was good." Not only did it make the new Emperor of Great Chu lose the Feng family’s support, further destabilizing the imperial court, but he also brought back Feng Huaiting, who is capable of independently managing commercial affairs. That result is indeed quite good.
Mo Xiuyao seethed. Wasn’t this ’good result’ due to my efforts? Could Third Feng have achieved such a thing on his own? Why am I the one getting scolded for everything, while Feng Zhiyao, the actual troublemaker, gets praised? Where’s the fairness in that? Where’s the justice?
"Ah-Li, your elder brother is bullying me!" Mo Xiuyao whined, wrapping his arms around Ye Li’s waist.
Ye Li patted his shoulder sympathetically. If Elder Brother wants to bully you, I can’t help it. I don’t dare to oppose him either.
Xu Qingchen glanced back at the certain someone clinging to Ye Li for comfort. "Your Highness, if you still intend to have supper, it would be best not to delay further. These documents on the desk are all awaiting Your Highness’s instructions."
Mo Xiuyao reluctantly released Ye Li and picked up a scroll, starting to read. Xu Qingchen, finding fault with me at every turn like this... are you sure you’re not secretly in love with my dear wife?
A moment of quiet settled in the study. Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s pitiful gaze, Ye Li’s heart softened, and she sat down to help him go through the towering stack of petitions.
"Huh? What on earth is Lei Zhenting trying to do?" Feng Zhiyao, to one side, waved the petition in his hand. "In just one month, he has deployed hundreds of thousands of additional troops to the border. As a result, Xiling’s forces there now exceed six hundred thousand. He isn’t actually planning to make a move against us, is he?"
Mo Xiuyao tilted his head, stroking his chin. "That seems unlikely. Lei Zhenting isn’t an impulsive man. Besides, if he wanted to attack the Northwest, he should have done so when Ah-Li and I were away, not waited until now."
Feng Zhiyao was puzzled. "Then what is he planning? Just provoking us for sport because he’s bored?"
Ye Li pondered for a moment. "If he doesn’t intend to move against us, then he must intend to move against someone else. Military matters are of grave importance to a state. Lei Zhenting wouldn’t recklessly mobilize hundreds of thousands of soldiers just to provoke us for sport. However... I initially thought he would attack Nanzhao, but surprisingly, he recalled his forces."
Xu Qingchen sounded somewhat regretful, yet also somewhat relieved. "This time, I indeed miscalculated. The Southern Border is secure in its remote corner. Moreover, its frontier with Xiling is perilous and difficult to traverse, so for the most part, Nanzhao cannot pose an effective threat to Xiling. Similarly, Xiling would expend considerable effort to conquer Nanzhao. Given Lei Zhenting’s apprehension towards us, it’s highly probable he would temporarily abandon plans for Nanzhao."
Mo Xiuyao turned to the map hanging on the wall. "He still intends to attack Great Chu."
Feng Zhiyao chuckled. "That’s quite possible. Compared to our relatively barren Northwest, Great Chu’s Jiangnan region and its capital are the truly prosperous lands. The new Emperor of Great Chu has just ascended the throne and is at war with the Northern Territory, while Beirong also lurks in the north, watching covetously. It would be strange if he didn’t want a piece of the pie. So... these hundreds of thousands of troops on the border are to guard against us aiding Great Chu? He certainly holds the Mo Family Army in high regard. I fear the actual forces he deploys to attack Great Chu won’t be much larger than this number, will they?"
Xu Qingchen looked calmly at Mo Xiuyao. "What are Your Highness’s intentions?"
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, looking quizzically at the white-robed man seated serenely before him. Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Once Xiling attacks Great Chu, Beirong on the northern frontier will undoubtedly seize the opportunity to follow suit and plunder. Is Your Highness planning to lend aid, or will you turn a blind eye?"
Mo Xiuyao arched an eyebrow. "And what if I lend aid? What if I turn a blind eye?"
"Lending aid would mean Your Highness acknowledges Emperor Mo Jingqi’s dying decree. The Mo Family Army would remain the guardians of Great Chu, Prince Ding’s Mansion its loyal subject, and the Northwest its territory. Turning a blind eye would mean that while no one would dare provoke the Northwest for the time being, once Great Chu is annexed, Xiling and Beirong would encircle the Northwest. At that point..." Xu Qingchen’s voice was calm, without the slightest ripple, as if he were discussing tomorrow’s breakfast rather than matters of grave consequence for the fate of the Northwest and the Mo Family Army.
Mo Xiuyao propped his head on his hand, studying Xu Qingchen for a long moment before turning to Ye Li with a slight smile. He parted his lips. "This Prince chooses neither."
Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow. Mo Xiuyao gave a cold smirk. The brush in his hand flew out with a WHOOSH, embedding itself in the map on the wall. The brush pierced a full two inches into the wall, its tip landing precisely on the map—on the location of Xiling’s capital, Lucheng City. Then, they heard Mo Xiuyao declare coolly, "This Prince chooses... to attack Xiling!"
Feng Zhiyao’s eyes widened as he stared intently at the brush quivering on the map, embedded deep within the wall, as if that small wolf-hair brush were a sharp sword that had truly pierced the capital of Xiling.
"Invade... Xiling?! Is Your Highness serious?" Feng Zhiyao’s voice trembled, clearly with excitement.
"Does this Prince look like he is joking?" Mo Xiuyao chuckled. Feng Zhiyao’s eyes shone even brighter. The Mo Family Army, after lying dormant for so many years, was finally about to display its might. This elite army of Great Chu, the most formidable in the land, was originally established with the ultimate goal of unifying all under Heaven. However, due to various and unceasing reasons, this ambition had never been realized. Nearly two hundred years had passed, and the Mo Family Army’s edge and glory had almost been worn away. Now, had their time finally come?
"In that case..." Xu Qingchen smiled faintly, his voice clear and serene. "Is Your Highness ready?"
"If this Prince weren’t ready, wouldn’t the three hundred thousand troops Young Master Qingchen deployed to the border have been for naught?" Mo Xiuyao laughed heartily.
Xu Qingchen, unfazed by Mo Xiuyao revealing his arrangements, simply smiled. "Since it is so, I wish Your Highness a resounding victory."
In the seemingly calm and ordinary study, a conversation that appeared to be mere idle talk decided the future course of the world. Ye Li sat to one side, a gentle smile on her face. The world... great turmoil is imminent. As his wife, she would always stand by his side. As Princess Consort Ding, she would personally participate in this contest for supremacy.
