Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 313 - 311. Assassination Attempt

311. Assassination Attempt

Princess Ling Yun’s face paled at Madam Sun’s offhand remarks. However, Princess Ling Yun, though proud by nature, was no fool. She understood that the Xiling imperial family was not what it once was. Not only did she have to defer to Ye Li, Princess Consort Ding, but she also couldn’t easily lash out at this widow who had just pledged allegiance to Prince Ding’s Mansion. With no other choice, she merely snorted coldly and moved to sit in a chair to the side, her face sullen.

Princess Ling Yun’s forbearance surprised everyone present. After their initial surprise, a sense of understanding dawned on them. Times had indeed changed; even someone as arrogant as Princess Ling Yun dared not act presumptuously before Princess Consort Ding. This realization further solidified their determination to align themselves with Prince Ding’s Mansion.

After Princess Ling Yun was seated, Madam Bai, accompanied by Bai Qingning, came forward to pay her respects to Ye Li. "This humble one, Bai, with my young daughter Qingning, greets Princess Consort Ding."

Following Madam Bai, Bai Qingning also curtsied gracefully. "This young daughter, Qingning, pays her respects to Princess Consort Ding." Her curtsy was perfectly executed, adhering to the etiquette of a young lady from a Great Chu scholarly family, quite different from the Xiling noblewomen who had approached earlier. Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly and said with a smile, "Madam Bai, Miss Bai, there’s no need for such formalities. I am merely a guest here; please make yourselves comfortable."

Madam Bai smiled. "We wouldn’t dare. To be able to witness Your Highness’s grace today is a blessing accrued over three lifetimes."

While Madam Bai and Ye Li exchanged pleasantries, Bai Qingning seized the opportunity to observe the woman in green seated at the head. She didn’t appear much older than Bai Qingning herself, yet her quiet beauty and dignified presence exuded an understated radiance and authority. This made her already lovely face appear even more elegant and noble. It was enough to make one feel inadequate in comparison. Ye Li, being as perceptive as she was, naturally noticed Bai Qingning’s gaze and responded with a gentle smile.

"Does Miss Bai have something to say?" Ye Li asked softly.

Bai Qingning, slightly taken aback, quickly rose. "Qingning wouldn’t dare. It’s just that I’ve heard of Your Highness’s valor on the battlefield and your far-reaching renown. Qingning has always admired it greatly... My apologies if I was rude. Please forgive me, Your Highness." Ye Li waved her hand dismissively. "It’s quite alright. As for fame, those are merely exaggerations. I’ve simply accompanied the Prince on trips out of the Capital City and have seen a bit more, that’s all."

Bai Qingning’s eyes filled with envy and admiration. She smiled. "Your Highness is too modest. If one could live as freely and spiritedly as Your Highness, then this life would not have been lived in vain."

Hearing this, Madam Sun, seated beside Ye Li, raised an eyebrow and pulled her own daughter into her embrace, a playful smile gracing her lips. The Bai Family had, for generations, groomed their daughters to become empresses and consorts; she had never heard of them nurturing a direct daughter who yearned for a free-spirited life. Seeing that Madam Bai didn’t seem to disapprove, the amusement in Madam Sun’s eyes deepened.

Ye Li lowered her head and sipped her tea, the smile on her face fading slightly. Normally, she would have found such a young woman quite likable, but her mood these past few days seemed to have affected her judgment of people. Looking at the smiling, elegant, and seemingly open-hearted woman before her, she felt no trace of affinity. In truth, Ye Li was not unaware of the various intentions harbored by those present, but she didn’t care. Given her and Mo Xiuyao’s position, such situations were inevitable. Everyone was merely acting in their own interests. She disliked them for the sides they were taking, but she didn’t consider their actions utterly heinous. It was just a pity... If she and Mo Xiuyao shared no deep feelings, she wouldn’t mind being a nominal Consort Wise. However, they had endured so much together and their bond was so profound that she could only offer these people her apologies. Mo Xiuyao was hers, and hers alone!

The atmosphere in the Water Pavilion grew somewhat chilly. Princess Ling Yun, sitting to one side, let out a disdainful snort. Having grown up in the palace, she was, even at her most arrogant, more cunning than most. She was well aware of the Bai Family’s intentions. It was just a pity that Ye Li was not someone easily manipulated. Now nearly thirty and married, Princess Ling Yun’s infatuation with Mo Xiuyao had long since been worn away by the years. What remained was less a longing for Mo Xiuyao and more a resentment towards Ye Li. Thus, she understood Ye Li’s character very clearly. The Ye Li who, as a newlywed of fourteen or fifteen, had dared to treat her, a Xiling princess, without mercy, would certainly not, as the now seasoned and matured Princess Consort Ding, tolerate other women coveting what was hers. The Bai Family’s schemes were doomed to fail. Xiling hadn’t even fallen yet, and these people were already scrambling to pledge allegiance to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Every single one of them deserved to die!

After a while, Ye Li was heard saying with a light laugh, "What’s so difficult about that? This Consort has always felt that keeping young women confined to the inner chambers is not a good thing. If Miss Bai is interested, I can speak to Family Head Bai. Letting Miss Bai go out to gain some experience wouldn’t be a bad idea."

"Gain experience?" Bai Qingning was startled, not understanding how the conversation had suddenly veered in this direction. Moreover, she had no real desire to venture out and gain any experience. She was nothing like the Princess Consort. Although a Xiling woman, she lacked the strength even to truss a chicken. How could she endure such hardships and exposure to the elements?

Ye Li smiled. "Indeed. This Consort remembers... the first time I ventured out, I went to the Southern Border. I was probably around fifteen or sixteen then, about the same age as Miss Bai."

The smile on Bai Qingning’s face faltered. She glanced worriedly at Madam Bai, afraid that Ye Li might actually have her sent to the Southern Border. She had only read about the Southern Border in books; how could she possibly go to such a poor and treacherous place? Madam Sun, who had been watching the drama unfold with amusement, said with a smile, "What Your Highness says is absolutely true. My greatest regret in this life is never having ventured beyond the vicinity of the Xiling Imperial City. When Xiaofu is a little older, I certainly won’t restrict her so."

Others quickly chimed in, praising Princess Consort Ding’s insightful views, though none of them took it to heart. While Xiling was not as strict with its daughters as Great Chu, their young ladies were all raised in pampered environments. No one intended to send their daughters out to suffer. However, quite a few secretly mused that Princess Consort Ding’s ability to travel to the Southern Border at fifteen or sixteen was indeed remarkable. This considerably dampened their thoughts of sending their own daughters into Prince Ding’s Mansion.

The group sat and chatted with Ye Li for a while longer, partaking in some tea before rising in groups of three or five to stroll through the gardens. Ye Li, naturally, couldn’t remain seated. Accompanied by Madam Sun, Madam Bai, and a few others, she walked through the garden. Looking at the colorful silk flowers lining both sides of the path, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. "Madam, your ingenuity is remarkable. It’s no wonder the Sun Family has flourished increasingly under your care."

Madam Sun, holding Sun Xiaofu’s hand, chuckled. "Xiling is located in the Western Region and has a cold climate. Let alone comparing it to Great Chu, it’s not even up to par with Licheng. We see very few flowers and plants throughout the year, so these are merely out of necessity. I hope Your Highness doesn’t find it laughable." Ye Li smiled faintly. Bai Qingning, walking beside her, said with a smile, "Does Your Highness enjoy flowers and plants? My humble home has many varieties from Great Chu and the Western Region. Perhaps I could send some for Your Highness to appreciate tomorrow?" Ye Li turned to look at the serenely smiling Bai Qingning and shook her head with a smile. "Taking what others cherish is not the act of a virtuous person. Besides, I’m no connoisseur; rare flowers and exotic plants would be wasted on me."

Bai Qingning covered her lips and giggled. "Your Highness is the direct maternal granddaughter of Mr. Qingyun. If even Your Highness is not a connoisseur, then wouldn’t the rest of us be considered utterly uncultured?"

Madam Sun glanced sideways at Bai Qingning, then smiled at Madam Bai. "Madam, your daughter certainly has a way with words. If she were to say such things to me, I’d be overjoyed to the point of dizziness." Madam Bai’s smile stiffened. She said coolly, "Madam Sun, you jest. She is just a young girl; how can she compare to your eloquent tongue?"

Madam Sun chuckled. "I’m not jesting. Everyone knows that the young ladies of the Bai Family have never lacked eloquence through the generations. Otherwise, how could they have consistently gained imperial favor and produced consorts generation after generation?"

Madam Bai’s face turned ashen. She shot a hateful glare at Madam Sun, who, unperturbed, continued to walk and chat merrily with Ye Li, her daughter in tow.

"Princess Consort, Fourth Young Master seeks an audience," a guard from behind reported.

"Fourth Brother?" Ye Li was somewhat surprised. Today’s banquet was for female guests; male guests were not supposed to enter. Even Mo Xiuyao had only escorted her to the entrance and left. But Ye Li knew that if it weren’t something important, Xu Qingbai wouldn’t come looking for her at this time. "Madam Sun, would it be convenient?"

Madam Sun thought for a moment, then smiled. "Fourth Young Master is upright and honorable; there’s no inconvenience. Perhaps Your Highness would like to wait for Fourth Young Master in the pavilion ahead?"

Ye Li nodded. "Very well."

Shortly after, Xu Qingbai was hurriedly led in by the guards. "Li’er."

"Fourth Brother, has something happened?" Ye Li asked with concern.

Xu Qingbai glanced at the few ladies nearby and, figuring it wasn’t a great secret, said directly, "My mother has come to Xiling!"

"What?" Ye Li was stunned, momentarily unable to understand what was happening. After a while, she recovered and asked, "Your mother... why would your mother come to Xiling?" Xu Qingbai gave a bitter smile and said in a low voice, "Some time ago, my mother somehow found out about my being in Xiling. I just received a letter from Eldest Brother; Mother left Licheng half a month ago. She should be arriving very soon."

Ye Li composed herself before replying, "Since Eldest Brother and Uncle are aware, Mother’s safety should not be an issue. I’ll have someone go to receive her immediately. Fourth Brother, you don’t need to worry." Xu Qingbai smiled somewhat helplessly. Only when he saw the confusion on Ye Li’s face did he confess, "I still need to stay in Xiling for quite some time. When Mother arrives, I’m afraid... Li’er, I’ll have to ask you to help persuade her."

Ye Li then understood. She and Mo Xiuyao had previously discussed who would take charge of Xiling after their departure, and it seemed Mo Xiuyao had made his decision. Moreover, Xu Qingbai had experience in local governance and apparently a very good track record. In recent years, he had also managed the barren lands of the Northwest very well. Entrusting Xiling to him was indeed appropriate. Ye Li also understood why her maternal aunt had rushed here despite the dangers. For Fourth Brother to remain in Xiling was not a matter that could be resolved in a day or two; it might well be three to five years. Fourth Brother was no longer young. If he didn’t return to Licheng for three to five years, it would surely worry their aunt to death.

Suppressing a chuckle, Ye Li nodded. "Fourth Brother, I understand. I will speak to Aunt properly."

Xu Qingbai finally let out a sigh of relief and nodded. "Then I must thank you, Li’er." With the main issue addressed, Xu Qingbai relaxed. He nodded towards Madam Sun. "My apologies for the intrusion, Madam. I hope you’ll forgive me." Madam Sun smiled. "Fourth Young Master is too kind. Madam Xu is traveling a great distance. If there’s anything I can help with, Fourth Young Master and Your Highness, please don’t hesitate to ask."

Xu Qingbai considered it and realized he did indeed need Madam Sun’s help. He smiled without reservation. "My mother might be staying in Xiling for a good while, and it’s not quite suitable for her to live long-term in the posthouse..."

Madam Sun understood his meaning and smiled. "It seems Fourth Young Master will also be in Xiling for quite some time. This might pique the interest of the unmarried young ladies in Xiling... Hehe, recently, quite a few residences in the city are up for sale. I will certainly keep an eye out for one or two for you, Young Master." While many influential families wished to align themselves with Princess Consort Ding, many others intended to follow the Xiling Emperor south. Consequently, many residences in the imperial city were being sold.

Xu Qingbai cupped his hands in a salute and smiled. "In that case, I shall trouble you, Madam."

Using Madam Xu’s impending arrival as an excuse, Ye Li sat for a short while longer before rising to take her leave with Xu Qingbai. Given her status, she wasn’t required to attend the banquet from beginning to end. Making an appearance and exchanging pleasantries with these noblewomen was sufficient etiquette. Moreover, after being exposed to the wind for a while, she began to feel unwell. Madam Sun dared not detain them longer and rose to see them off. At the entrance, Ye Li finally turned back. "Madam, there’s no need to see us out further. Please, go back."

Madam Sun didn’t stand on ceremony and nodded with a smile. "In that case, Your Highness, please take care."

"Farewell." Ye Li nodded, turned, and walked towards the carriage.

"Princess Consort, watch out!" A silver glint flashed under the sun. Ye Li reacted instinctively, dodging aside. An arrow whizzed past her with a SWISH and thudded into the carriage beside her. The surrounding guards immediately formed a protective circle around Ye Li and Xu Qingbai. Men in varied attire, all with their faces masked, leaped down from the corners of streets and rooftops, charging directly towards Ye Li.

The guards from Prince Ding’s Mansion met them head-on without hesitation, and the two groups quickly engaged in fierce combat. Protected by her guards, Ye Li could see clearly that although these men wore different clothes, their skills were all formidable; they were clearly well-trained. However, for the moment, she couldn’t think of anyone in the Xiling Imperial City, other than the Xiling Emperor himself, who would possess such an elite force and want to assassinate her.

"Ah?!" The sudden attack caught the noblewomen still standing at the entrance, not yet having gone inside, in the chaos. Although they weren’t the primary targets, in the midst of the fighting, they inevitably became collateral damage. A maidservant was pierced by a sword and fell right in front of Madam Sun. Madam Sun, her face pale with fright, still clutched her screaming daughter tightly and retreated to a corner, shouting sternly, "Quickly, apprehend the assassins!" This was, after all, a banquet gathering the city’s influential women, so there were naturally guards for protection. However, these guards were clearly no match for the assassins; they suffered heavy casualties as soon as they engaged.

A guard was struck squarely in the face with a blade and was sent flying towards the entrance. He landed right beside Bai Qingning. No matter how composed Bai Qingning usually was, she was still only a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl. She screamed in terror, her voice even shriller than Sun Xiaofu’s. An assassin not far from her heard her cry and, turning, flung a volley of willow-leaf darts at her. Bai Qingning’s eyes widened in terror. Her body was frozen, and she could only close her eyes and await death.

TING! With a crisp metallic sound, the willow-leaf dart that should have pierced her body was knocked to the ground. Beside it lay a hairpin, broken in two, which Bai Qingning distinctly remembered seeing on Princess Consort Ding’s head earlier. She quickly looked towards Ye Li and saw Ye Li and Xu Qingbai protected near the carriage. Although chaos reigned around them, the area immediately surrounding the two remained clear. Perhaps drawing courage from an unknown source, Bai Qingning dashed towards Ye Li. Miraculously, as if fate decreed she shouldn’t die, she managed to reach Ye Li and Xu Qingbai. "Princess Consort..."

Seeing her immense fear, and since she had already made it over, Ye Li couldn’t very well push her away. She signaled the guards to let her approach. Reaching Ye Li and Xu Qingbai, Bai Qingning finally breathed a sigh of relief, though she was still trembling. "Princess Consort... these men..."

Ye Li said calmly, "Don’t be afraid. It will all be over soon."

Seeing Ye Li’s calm and composed demeanor, Bai Qingning, who had wanted to say more, could only close her mouth, her eyes wide with terror as she stared at the unfolding scene.

These assassins seemed fearless, indifferent to those around them. They relentlessly pressed their attack towards Ye Li, appearing determined to achieve their goal at any cost. Although Prince Ding’s Mansion had many guards, the assassins were even more numerous. These assassins clearly knew their time was limited, so their attacks were even more desperate and life-risking. Several even sacrificed themselves to hold back a guard from Prince Ding’s Mansion, allowing their companions to surge forward. Under normal circumstances, Ye Li would have praised their bravery, but the current situation was extremely unfavorable for her side.

Finally, someone broke through the guards’ formation and lunged at Ye Li. Ye Li pushed Xu Qingbai away. "Fourth Brother, go quickly!"

Knowing he was unskilled in martial arts and would only be a burden to Ye Li, Xu Qingbai nodded. "Li’er, be extremely careful," he said. Ye Li nodded. She swiftly dodged an incoming sword. A silver light flashed from her sleeve; a spurt of blood followed as the hand wielding the longsword dropped lifelessly to the ground. The pungent smell of blood made Ye Li frown slightly in discomfort, but her actions showed no mercy. Her dagger swiftly pierced the assassin’s heart, killing him instantly.

A guard pulled Xu Qingbai, trying to retreat outwards. Bai Qingning, who was nearby, quickly lunged forward. "Young Master Xu! Young Master Xu... take me with you..." The blood from the assassin whose hand Ye Li had just severed and then fatally stabbed had splattered all over her. Her already terrified mind could barely cope. Seeing Xu Qingbai leaving, she quickly grabbed onto him. Xu Qingbai frowned slightly but had to pull her up. However, these assassins clearly knew Xu Qingbai’s identity. They swarmed over, forcing them back towards Ye Li. The guard had to protect Xu Qingbai while fending off assassins, gradually becoming overwhelmed and repeatedly facing dangerous situations. Xu Qingbai said in a low voice, "Life and death are fated. Don’t worry about us. Just focus on the enemy."

The guard beside him also understood that if he died, the unarmed Xu Qingbai would also perish. So, he fought with all his might, focusing on the enemy. Gradually, Xu Qingbai and Bai Qingning were forced back towards Ye Li by the assassins. Ye Li, wielding a longsword snatched from an assassin, flicked away an attacker with a single stroke. She frowned and asked, "Why haven’t you left yet? Qin Feng, take Fourth Brother away first!"

Qin Feng was surrounded by several assassins. Although he heard Ye Li’s command, he couldn’t break free immediately. Xu Qingbai, pulling Bai Qingning who was desperately clinging to his clothes, retreated to the side, trying to keep a distance from Ye Li. He gave a helpless, bitter smile. "Li’er, it seems I’m going to implicate you." Ye Li’s longsword moved like the wind. She smiled faintly. "Fourth Brother, what nonsense are you talking? Am I not the one implicating you?" Ye Li’s swordsmanship had been personally taught by Mo Xiuyao. Although not yet perfected, it was quite remarkable. For a while, the assassins couldn’t get the better of her. However, Ye Li gradually began to frown. A dull ache started in her abdomen, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her temples. Given Ye Li’s abilities, she shouldn’t have been in such a state, but she had no time to ponder the cause.

The assassins, noticing Ye Li’s movements slowing, were naturally overjoyed. Several of them lunged forward simultaneously. Their sole purpose was to take Ye Li’s life. If they could kill Ye Li, they could destroy half of Prince Ding’s Mansion, perhaps even destroy Prince Ding himself. Even if none of them made it out alive, it would be worth it.

Ye Li composed herself. Her longsword danced, creating flashes of blood. But the throbbing pain in her abdomen made her feel incredibly weak, even a little chilled.

"Princess Consort!" Qin Feng broke free from the assassins entangling him. He also noticed Ye Li’s distress and quickly leaped over, reaching out to support her. Ye Li grabbed his shoulder with one hand. "Get Fourth Brother out first!"

Qin Feng frowned and said in a low, firm voice, "No, this subordinate will escort Your Highness out first!" Although he didn’t know where the Princess Consort was injured, he could clearly see her extreme discomfort. Not far away, a terrified Bai Qingning rushed over, crying, "Take me with you... I beg you, take me with you..." Qin Feng, annoyed, raised his hand to strike her, but then he heard a fierce gust of wind whistling past his ear, followed by a shout, "Ye Li, prepare to die!"

Three gleaming longswords thrust directly at Ye Li. Qin Feng swung his sword, deflecting the two blades aimed at Ye Li. The third sword, its trajectory slightly altered, veered towards Bai Qingning. Bai Qingning shrieked and grabbed at someone beside her, coincidentally catching the hem of Ye Li’s robe. Ye Li was already in great discomfort, almost unable to stand steadily, relying entirely on Qin Feng’s support. Pulled by Bai Qingning, her entire body was sent under the sword’s edge.

"Princess Consort!"

"Li’er!"

Ye Li struggled to raise her hand. Her dagger deflected the force of this strike, but in doing so, she lost Qin Feng’s support and fell onto Bai Qingning. The assassin’s first strike missed, and he immediately followed up with a second. "Princess Consort?!"

Qin Feng, entangled by enemies, couldn’t reach her in time to help. He threw his longsword at the attacker, but it was too late. The man’s sword was already lunging at Ye Li. Bai Qingning, her face pale, quickly let go of Ye Li and scrambled aside. Just as the sword tip was about to pierce Ye Li, a jade-colored figure leaped forward, shielding her.

PSST! Warm blood splattered onto Ye Li’s face. Ye Li’s eyes flew open. "Fourth... Fourth Brother?"