Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 311 - 309. The Loyalty of Xiling’s Prominent Family
309. The Loyalty of the Xiling Aristocracy
Killing a few people was by no means as hassle-free as dispatching a few chickens. At least, those involved quickly realized that the individuals they had sent over had not achieved the desired effect. Consequently, the head of the Bai Family personally paid a visit first thing the next morning.
The Bai Family was once considered the foremost aristocratic family in the Xiling Imperial City. Their standing in Xiling was comparable to the original Xu Family in Great Chu. However, whereas the Xu Family traditionally disdained involvement in political affairs, focusing instead on scholarly pursuits, the Bai Family was the complete opposite. Since the founding of Xiling, successive generations of the Bai Family had held high office. Moreover, many women from the Bai Family had been consorts to successive Xiling emperors. The Bai Family had produced several empresses and more than a dozen noble consorts over the generations, a lineage truly worthy of being called an imperial consort clan. However, ever since Regent Prince Lei Zhenting assumed power, the Bai Family’s influence had waned. Although the current Empress was a Bai woman, and even Noble Consort Su Zuidie—once the recipient of the Emperor’s seemingly undivided affection—had entered the palace using the Bai family name, a critical issue persisted: the Empress was childless. Furthermore, neither the Southern Garrison Prince’s late Princess Consort nor the current Consort of the Heir bore the Bai surname. This had led to a significant, though subtle, decline in the Bai Family’s power.
Lei Zhenting was a man whose cunning and schemes far surpassed those of the weak Xiling Emperor. So, even though he utilized the Bai Family, he did not strip them of their power merely because they were an imperial consort clan. However, he was determined not to let the Bai Family’s prestige surpass its former glory. Consequently, in recent years, let alone positions in the palace or the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, very few daughters of the Bai Family even married into the imperial clan. Over time, how could the Bai Family not see that the Southern Garrison Prince intended to suppress them? A family like the Bai Family naturally wouldn’t place much importance on so-called loyalty to the monarch or patriotism. For them, the continuation of the family and the accumulation of wealth and power were paramount. So, as soon as the Mo Family Army approached the city, they had already begun planning their next moves. And the Xu Family of Great Chu... was undoubtedly the model they sought to emulate.
The Xu Family had merely married a maternal granddaughter to Prince Ding, yet now, the Xu Family’s influence in Prince Ding’s Mansion was unrivaled. The Bai Family didn’t dream of replacing Princess Consort Ding. However, if Prince Ding were to take a fancy to one of the Bai women, the Bai Family’s status in the Xiling Imperial City would become vastly different from that of other Xiling aristocratic families. Therefore, among the eight men and women who were sent as servants, there were also two young mistresses from the Bai Family’s concubine branches and one young master from a concubine branch. However, after these individuals entered the posthouse, no further news of them was heard. Since the Mo Family Army was on a military campaign, they hadn’t brought any maids or servants. Apart from those who personally served Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, and others, most of the menial labor in the posthouse was still done by Xiling locals. While these Xiling aristocratic families might not be capable of much else, gathering some news was certainly possible. The posthouse wasn’t large, yet there was no trace of those people, indicating their chances of survival were slim. How could Family Head Bai not be worried?
"Family Head Bai, the Prince invites you." After being left to drink tea in the outer hall for a full hour, Family Head Bai felt somewhat anxious and displeased, but his expression betrayed nothing. Upon seeing Lin Han, who had come to deliver the message, he displayed none of the arrogance typical of the head of an aristocratic family. He politely nodded and smiled, "Thank you, young master. Please lead the way."
Mo Xiuyao received Family Head Bai in the small courtyard of the posthouse, as before. The posthouse was not large to begin with, and the inner courtyard housed Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s private quarters. Ye Li had been in low spirits these past few days, so Mo Xiuyao naturally forbade any outsiders from disturbing her; official matters were generally handled in the study in the outer courtyard. When Lin Han led Family Head Bai into the garden, Mo Xiuyao was seated under a tree, meticulously carving something in his hands. Family Head Bai stole a glance and saw it was an almost finished hairpin. Although he couldn’t immediately discern the pattern, observing Mo Xiuyao’s careful carving and polishing, he knew it must be very important. Moreover, judging by the jade material... That jade! Family Head Bai couldn’t help but gasp internally. It was a piece of superb white Warm-jade, a rare find even within the entire Xiling Kingdom. The Imperial City currently possessed only one such piece, which Family Head Bai himself had once coveted greatly, but it had ultimately been purchased by the Sun Family. More importantly, this precious jade, which he had yearned to have a master carver sculpt into a peerless treasure, had now become an inconspicuous hairpin in Prince Ding’s hand. For a moment, Family Head Bai couldn’t help but feel a pang of deep regret and heartbreak.
Mo Xiuyao paid no attention to the man standing not far in front of him. Holding a carving knife in one hand and the jade hairpin in the other, he frowned with some dissatisfaction. It’s been too long since I last did this; I’m a bit rusty...
"Bai Yuncheng of the Xiling Bai Family pays his respects to His Highness Prince Ding." If I don’t speak up, Family Head Bai understood, I’ll likely stand here for two to four hours without Prince Ding paying me any mind. Although he felt slightly uneasy, recalling how the stewards in his mansion had analyzed the prospects of Prince Ding’s Mansion was reassuring.
Meticulously placing the jade hairpin and carving knife back into a sandalwood box beside him, Mo Xiuyao finally looked up at Bai Yuncheng, nodding. "So it’s Family Head Bai. A pleasure. Please, have a seat." Bai Yuncheng’s mouth twitched. He glanced around and could only say, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I’ll just stand." As far as he could see, there were no chairs, not even a stone stool. Mo Xiuyao himself was sitting casually on a rock by the ornamental rockery and clearly had no intention of specially preparing a chair for anyone.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, unconcerned. "As long as Family Head Bai is comfortable."
Comfortable? How could I be comfortable sitting on the ground? Bai Yuncheng felt like coughing up blood. I am, after all, an elderly patriarch of an aristocratic family. How could I possibly sit casually on the ground?
"Does Family Head Bai have some matter to discuss by coming here?" Mo Xiuyao asked, somewhat nonchalantly. Bai Yuncheng responded respectfully, "Your Highness and the Princess Consort are newly arrived in the Imperial City. As a local, I wish to extend some hospitality. I hope Your Highness and the Princess Consort will grant us the honor." Mo Xiuyao shook his head, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "It’s not that I don’t wish to give Family Head Bai face, but the Princess Consort has been somewhat unwell these past few days. I’m afraid we’ll have to decline Family Head Bai’s kind invitation."
Bai Yuncheng’s heart leaped with joy. Excellent! Her absence is for the best. His mention of the Princess Consort had been merely a matter of courtesy. The Bai Family intended to send someone into Prince Ding’s Mansion, but they certainly didn’t want to offend Princess Consort Ding.
"Then, I wonder if the Prince..." Bai Yuncheng inquired tentatively.
Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "The Princess Consort is unwell. I am worried and have no desire to go out."
With that, Bai Yuncheng could only offer a polite smile. Prince Ding had refused so clearly and directly; saying anything more would be counterproductive. After a moment’s thought, Bai Yuncheng quickly switched to a topic he hoped would interest Prince Ding. "In a little over a month, the Emperor will be relocating the capital to Ancheng City. I wonder if Your Highness Prince Ding has any plans to move... to relocate temporarily to the Imperial City?"
Although Bai Yuncheng had never been to the Northwest, he had some understanding of Licheng. For those accustomed to the Imperial City, Licheng was indeed somewhat lacking in grandeur. It wasn’t that Licheng wasn’t prosperous; in fact, after years of administration by Prince Ding’s Mansion, Licheng’s prosperity already rivaled that of the Capital of Great Chu and the Xiling Imperial City. To achieve such results in just a few years spoke volumes of Prince Ding’s methods and capabilities. However, the most important place in Licheng, Prince Ding’s Mansion itself, was no match for the imperial palaces of Great Chu or Xiling. For many years, it had remained merely a mansion, albeit more spacious and majestic than others. Therefore, in Bai Yuncheng’s view, it was almost a foregone conclusion that Mo Xiuyao would move the political center of Prince Ding’s Mansion to the Xiling Imperial City.
Mo Xiuyao shook his head, his expression calm. "The Xiling Imperial City is not suitable to serve as a royal capital." The Xiling Imperial City was indeed grand and imposing, but it was too far from the Central Plains. Any monarch with ambitions to contend for the Central Plains would never choose this place as their capital. After all, the ideal of most ambitious leaders raised in the culture of the Central Plains is to unify the Central Plains, not to dominate the Western Regions. The reason Xiling’s founding ancestors chose this location was largely due to the overwhelming power of Great Chu at the time.
Bai Yuncheng was no fool. He understood Mo Xiuyao’s meaning after only a moment’s reflection. So his ambitions lie with the Central Plains! His heart jolted, and his gaze towards Mo Xiuyao held even more reverence. Many had debated whether Mo Xiuyao’s sudden attack on Xiling was a coincidence or a premeditated move. This was all premeditated! Looking at the young, white-robed, white-haired king before him, Bai Yuncheng suddenly felt certain that this entire affair was Mo Xiuyao’s long-standing plan. This conviction rekindled the spark of determination in Bai Yuncheng’s eyes and strengthened his resolve.
"Your Highness’s ambitions are far-reaching; I am deeply impressed. My Bai Family is willing to offer our humble services. We hope Your Highness will not forsake us," Bai Yuncheng said respectfully. 𝒇𝓻𝓮𝓮𝙬𝙚𝒃𝒏𝓸𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝓬𝓸𝒎
Mo Xiuyao looked up, calmly observing the middle-aged man before him. Bai Yuncheng, however, felt an almost palpable pressure bearing down on him. Had he not been consistently cautious, he feared he might have collapsed to his knees on the spot. He had never experienced such an intense aura, not even when facing the Southern Garrison Prince. Bai Yuncheng maintained his respectful demeanor, though a thin sheen of sweat had formed on his forehead. After a long moment, he heard Mo Xiuyao say calmly, "Family Head Bai, there is no need for such excessive politeness. I will be returning to Licheng in a few days. In the future, I will require your considerable assistance with matters here."
Bai Yuncheng was overjoyed and quickly responded, "Thank you, Your Highness! The Bai Family will certainly not disappoint you."
Mo Xiuyao nodded. Just as he was about to say something more, Zhuo Jing entered and reported, "Your Highness, Family Head Sun requests an audience."
Upon hearing this, Bai Yuncheng’s heart sank. The Sun Family! This is not good. Originally, with the Bai Family in court and the Sun Family in the private sector, one in politics and the other in commerce, they generally did not interfere with each other, and there were no deep-seated grudges between them. However, during the Southern Garrison Prince’s reign, the Sun Family, while not staunch loyalists of the orthodox royal line, held no fondness for him either. The Southern Garrison Prince had, on several occasions during his expeditions, extorted considerable sums of gold and silver from the Sun Family, all facilitated through the Bai Family. By the time the Bai Family realized that the Southern Garrison Prince was trying to sow discord among the aristocratic families, the enmity was already deeply rooted. During these years of incessant conflict between the Sun and Bai Families, the Southern Garrison Prince had not picked sides. Instead, he allowed their rivalry to rage, even occasionally supporting the weaker party, causing the feud between the two families to deepen until neither side had any inclination to resolve it.
Having just pledged allegiance to Prince Ding’s Mansion, Bai Yuncheng naturally did not want the Sun Family to outshine him. Unfortunately, he had no say in the matter now. He wouldn’t refuse to see the Sun Family, if only for the sake of that exquisite Warm-jade, he thought.
As expected, upon hearing Zhuo Jing’s report, Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Show him in."
Before long, the Family Head of the Sun Family strode in. Unlike Bai Yuncheng, who was over fifty, the Sun Family Head was quite different, most notably because she was a woman. The Sun Family Head was not yet thirty. Her features were not strikingly beautiful but were dignified, and her brow held a crisp, valiant air rarely seen in ordinary women. She was clearly a woman of strong character; it was no wonder she dared to publicly embarrass Princess Ling Yun. She was the widow of the previous Sun Family Head. Her late husband had been sickly since childhood, so after Madam Sun married into the family, she managed most of its affairs. Three years prior, when the Sun Family Head passed away from illness, Madam Sun, then a widow with only one daughter, had, as a mere woman, suppressed the collateral family branches that coveted the Sun Family’s wealth. She assumed the position of Family Head of the Sun Family, intending for her only daughter to eventually come of age and marry a man who would carry on the Sun family line. Although Xiling imposed fewer restrictions on women than Great Chu, Madam Sun’s ability to, as a widow, establish a firm foothold in the Imperial City, surrounded by powerful rivals, demonstrated her considerable skill and insight.
"I, Sun of the Yu clan, known as Hui, greet Prince Ding," she stated. She did not address herself with the deferential terms common among women, like ’your servant’ or ’this humble one.’ Instead, she used ’I’ with a poise and forthrightness more typical of a man, creating an immediate impression of a spirited and magnanimous character.
Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "I have long heard that Family Head Sun is a woman of exceptional capability, no less than any man. Seeing you today, your reputation is indeed well-deserved. Madam Sun, please take a seat."
Madam Sun thanked him with a smile and, unperturbed, sat down on a rock not far across from Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao then turned to Lin Han, who stood behind him. "Go and see if the Princess Consort is free. Didn’t Ah-Li mention just the other day that she wished to meet Madam Sun?" Madam Sun quickly interjected, "I wouldn’t dare impose. It should be I who pays respects to the Princess Consort."
Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively. "Ah-Li doesn’t mind such formalities." Besides, the posthouse was not as spacious as their original mansion. Neither Ye Li nor Mo Xiuyao wished for outsiders to set foot in their private quarters within the inner courtyard, especially in these temporary lodgings.
Lin Han departed to carry out the order. Mo Xiuyao then smiled faintly. "Family Head Bai and Madam Sun must be old acquaintances, I presume?"
With his keen observation, even without prior knowledge, he couldn’t have failed to notice the tension between the two. However, neither Madam Sun nor Bai Yuncheng dared to show it in his presence. As individuals in positions of power, both understood Prince Ding’s perspective. As a superior, he wouldn’t spend significant time mediating conflicts among subordinates, nor would he abandon one family in favor of another simply due to their discord. As long as their feud did not hinder the affairs of Prince Ding’s Mansion, Prince Ding had no intention of interfering. However, they also could not allow their conflict to annoy him.
Madam Sun smiled faintly. "Prince Ding is correct. Both the Sun and Bai Families have resided in the Imperial City for a long time, so we are naturally old acquaintances. It is my honor to meet Family Head Bai here today."
Bai Yuncheng forced a smile. "Madam Sun is too modest. Madam Sun, you are always so busy. It has been a long time, yet your elegance remains unchanged." A cold glint flashed in Madam Sun’s eyes, but she maintained her smile. "Family Head Bai is too kind." As a widow, I must always be careful. What I detest most is when others comment on my appearance. she thought. Firstly, as a widow, I cannot dress too ostentatiously. Secondly, if someone remarks on my ’radiant complexion’ and dwells on it, they might suspect me of not upholding a widow’s virtue.
"The Princess Consort has arrived," a guard at the entrance announced.
Hearing the voice, Mo Xiuyao immediately rose and went to greet her, leaving Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun. Both looked over with curiosity, eager to see what this world-renowned Princess Consort Ding, for whom Prince Ding held such deep affection, truly looked like. Ye Li was dressed today in a simple gown of pale cyan with subtle dark embroidery, her hair loosely gathered in a bun. A tassel hairpin was set at an angle, and the jade beads dangling by her cheek swayed gently as she moved, lending her an air of delicate frailty. As she drew closer, they noticed her pale complexion and the faint shadows under her eyes. It seemed Prince Ding’s earlier remark about her being unwell was not merely an excuse. However, the renowned Princess Consort Ding was not famous for her beauty, but for her intellect and martial prowess. Neither of them had seen her when she entered the city that day, so for a moment, they found it hard to believe. How could the famously skilled warrior, Princess Consort Ding, be such a delicate young woman?
"Ah-Li, are you still not feeling well?" Mo Xiuyao asked, his voice laced with concern as he gently drew her into his embrace, carefully supporting her waist. Seeing Ye Li looking even more fatigued than the previous day, his heart ached with worry. "I’ll have Zhuo Jing bring a physician from outside the city to examine you." Ye Li offered a faint smile. "It’s nothing. I just didn’t sleep well last night."
"So, it seems Ah-Li truly doesn’t sleep well without me taking care of you?" Mo Xiuyao said, a hint of smugness in his tone. Regardless of Ye Li’s thoughts, he stated firmly, "Tonight, I should stay and look after Ah-Li. Otherwise, you might not sleep well again. There’s no one to attend to you now; how can I rest easy leaving you alone?"
Ye Li shot Mo Xiuyao a helpless glance, then looked towards Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun. Neither Bai Yuncheng nor Madam Sun misinterpreted the situation. She must be ill and worried about passing it to Prince Ding, so they are sleeping in separate rooms, they assumed. And Prince Ding is so attentive, willing to act like a servant for her! How astonishing! Bai Yuncheng was concerned, while Madam Sun felt a touch of envy.
"Greetings, Princess Consort," they both said, rising in unison.
Ye Li nodded and smiled gently. "Family Head Bai, Madam Sun, please, there’s no need for such ceremony."
After they had thanked her, Ye Li said, "I’ve had some tea and refreshments prepared just ahead. Perhaps you would both care to join us for a short while?" Neither of them would refuse such an invitation and respectfully gestured for Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li to proceed first.
It was just around a bend, where a stone table was indeed already set with tea and pastries. Once the host and guests were seated, Madam Sun looked at Ye Li and asked with concern, "Princess Consort, you look a little pale. Are you feeling unwell?"
Bai Yuncheng, naturally, would not let Madam Sun take all the credit for showing concern. He followed with a smile, "My mansion has several skilled physicians. Perhaps I could send them over to attend to the Princess Consort?"
Ye Li smiled faintly. "Thank you both for your thoughtfulness. It’s likely just fatigue from arriving in the Xiling Imperial City and not resting well. It’s nothing serious." This isn’t just a polite excuse. Her health had always been excellent, aside from some minor strain during her pregnancy with Mo Xiaobao and childbirth. Thanks to Shen Yang and Doctor Lin’s attentive care over the years, she had long since fully recovered. Lately, she had been feeling inexplicably vexed, but her body truly had no other discomfort. Medicines are, to some extent, toxins, Ye Li had always believed. If I’m not ill, there’s no need to see a physician.
Madam Sun said, "Licheng and the Imperial City are quite distant, and their climates differ considerably. It’s understandable if the Princess Consort is not yet accustomed to it. My household is quite knowledgeable about nourishing dietary therapies. When I return, I will have someone send over the recipes. The Princess Consort might like to try them." Since Madam Sun put it that way, Ye Li didn’t refuse and simply thanked her with a smile. Bai Yuncheng also chimed in with a smile, "The chefs in my mansion are very skilled in East Chu cuisine. The Princess Consort might not be accustomed to Xiling food. When I return, I will send them over to be at the Princess Consort’s disposal."
"I am not so delicate. How could I trouble Family Head Bai?" Ye Li said.
Bai Yuncheng smiled. "It is their good fortune to be able to serve the Princess Consort."
Ye Li was not ignorant of such matters. Since she had accepted the Sun Family’s gesture of goodwill, she could not then slight the Bai Family. The art of maintaining balance was never something one could trifle with based on personal preference. No longer declining, she nodded. "Then I thank Family Head Bai." Bai Yuncheng quickly replied that it was no trouble at all.
Mo Xiuyao held his teacup in one hand, while his other hand, under the table, gently took Ye Li’s. He frowned slightly at the coolness of her touch. Ah-Li’s health has always been good. This slightly cold constitution isn’t a good sign; she really does need some nourishment. This thought made his expression towards Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun soften somewhat.
The four of them chatted casually while drinking tea, observing all the courtesies between host and guests, if one were to overlook the veiled contention between Bai Yuncheng and Madam Sun. In truth, it was less a hidden power struggle and more a one-sided antagonism from Bai Yuncheng towards Madam Sun, to which Madam Sun seemed rather indifferent.
Madam Sun saw things very clearly. No matter how assiduous Bai Yuncheng is now, the Bai Family is bound to offend Princess Consort Ding sooner or later. This was predetermined by the very nature of the Bai Family. Since the founding of Xiling, the Bai Family had been a clan of imperial consorts. To put it bluntly, they rose through petticoat influence. Throughout its generations, the Bai Family had hardly produced any figures of truly astonishing talent and brilliance, yet their history boasted several Prime Ministers and numerous high-ranking officials. This was all entirely reliant on the status their daughters held in the imperial harem. So, although the Bai Family had always been a prominent clan in Xiling, families with real substance and heritage secretly looked down on them.
And now, although the Bai Family had pledged allegiance to Prince Ding’s Mansion, none of them, including Family Head Bai Yuncheng, possessed great ability or genius; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been so easily suppressed by the Southern Garrison Prince for so many years. Even producing a reigning Empress hadn’t allowed them to turn their situation around. If the Bai Family still wishes to attain a lofty position in Prince Ding’s Mansion and restore their former glory, they can only continue down their old path. And that will undoubtedly offend Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Xu Family. Therefore, why should I engage in a life-or-death struggle with Bai Yuncheng now, merely to make Prince Ding and the Princess Consort think I’m belligerent? Madam Sun thought.
However, Bai Yuncheng did not see it that way. For a mere woman, a widow at that, like Madam Sun to overshadow me in front of Prince Ding is simply intolerable! he fumed internally. Moreover, the enmity between the Sun and Bai Families was irreconcilable. If the Sun Family gains favor, they will surely seek revenge for all these years of grievances. That being the case, it’s better for my Bai Family to strike first and gain the upper hand!
