Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 321 - 320. Returning to Licheng
320. Return to Licheng
Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li traveled at a relaxed pace, not just to protect the child in Ye Li’s womb, but also to observe the people’s livelihood in the various regions of Xiling now under the Mo Family Army’s control. Though the usual journey by swift horse would take less than two weeks, they traveled slowly, and by the time they returned to Xiling, it was already November. November marked the arrival of cold weather not only in Xiling but in the entire northern region. In Licheng, located in the Northwest, two heavy snowfalls had already occurred. Xu Hong Yu had governed the area well, and the northwestern officials had also worked diligently. Thus, even though chaos reigned elsewhere, the people of the Northwest still lived in tranquility and comfort.
They arrived back in Licheng without notifying anyone in advance. The inhabitants of Prince Ding’s Mansion only received the news when the horse-drawn carriage reached the gates. Mo Xiuyao dismissed the guards who were startled by their sudden return, then took Ye Li’s hand and strolled into the mansion. Naturally, other matters were left to Feng Zhiyao, Qingfeng, Zhuo Jing, and the others following behind them.
"Mother!" From a distance, Mo Xiaobao’s call pierced through the somewhat desolate winter garden, coming from the inner courtyard. Ye Li had just steadied herself when she saw Mo Xiaobao, dressed in a black brocade tunic embroidered with silver dragon patterns, dashing towards them. In the few months they had been apart, Mo Xiaobao seemed to have grown considerably taller.
Just as Mo Xiaobao was about to rush to Ye Li for a warm hug with his dear mother, Mo Xiuyao casually reached out and snagged him by the collar. Unable to move forward, Mo Xiaobao twisted his body, trying in vain to escape his father’s grasp. He could only pout and look at Ye Li with pleading eyes, whimpering, "Mother..."
Ye Li smiled. Mo Xiuyao brought Mo Xiaobao before him, looking down at him, and announced, "Your mother is pregnant."
Mo Xiaobao paused, blinking his round, black eyes. It took him a good while to comprehend what "pregnant" meant. He looked somewhat helplessly at Ye Li’s now slightly prominent belly and stammered, "Mother... XiaoBao... Am I going to have a younger brother or sister?" Ye Li nodded, gently patting her son’s small head. "That’s right. Does XiaoBao prefer a younger brother or a younger sister?"
Mo Xiaobao furrowed his brow in concentration for a moment before nodding seriously. "I like both younger brothers and younger sisters." He actually preferred a younger sister a little more, but a younger brother would also be good. He could teach him things, and his younger brother would surely be much smarter than Leng Xiaodai. Then they could team up against Father and win Mother back! Hmm! Didn’t Eldest Maternal Uncle say that when brothers are of one mind, their strength can cut through metal? It would be even better if his little brother didn’t fight with him for Mother. Of course, as the elder brother, he was very magnanimous; he would share a tiny bit of Mother with his little brother.
Ye Li watched Mo Xiaobao’s rapidly changing expressions with amusement, seeing him nod one moment and then giggle furtively the next. She wondered what on earth he was thinking about to become so lost in thought. Mo Xiuyao, however, watching the undisguised mischievous grin on his son’s face, had a faint, cold smirk playing on his lips. He didn’t need to guess what nonsense this little rascal was concocting in his head. He raised his hand and flicked Mo Xiaobao lightly on the forehead. Mo Xiaobao yelped, clutching his forehead with teary eyes, and glared accusingly at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao arched an eyebrow, looking at him coolly. So what if I flicked you?
WAAH... Mother, Father is bullying XiaoBao!
Being small means being bullied! Mo Xiaobao felt deeply wronged.
"Alright, let Mother see if it hurts." Seeing her son’s pitiful look, Ye Li shot Mo Xiuyao a helpless glance. She bent down to rub the spot on his forehead—where there was no visible mark at all—and said, "XiaoBao, be good. Don’t cry, okay?" Actually, Mo Xiuyao hadn’t used much force, and Mo Xiaobao hadn’t felt much pain. What hurt more was his pride. That distinct feeling of being weaker than his opponent, of being bullied with no way to fight back, once again deeply wounded Mo Xiaobao’s self-esteem.
"Brother Yuchen..." Leng Xiaodai, with his short little legs, finally caught up. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time, he paused for a moment, then smiled shyly at Ye Li. "Aunt Princess Consort..." The little child scampered behind Mo Xiaobao, grabbing a corner of his clothes and not letting go. Children always have an exceptionally keen intuition. In Licheng, whether it was Leng Junhan, not yet four, or Xu Zhirui, already almost five, all the children were quite afraid of Mo Xiuyao.
Seeing his little follower, Mo Xiaobao naturally couldn’t continue acting pitiful and damage his image. He reluctantly dropped his tearful expression and shot a resentful glance at Mo Xiuyao.
Ye Li helplessly held Mo Xiaobao’s hand with one of hers and Leng Junhan’s with the other, leading them towards the main hall. Just as they reached the entrance of the hall, Xu Hong Yu, Xu Hongyan, Xu Qingze, and others, who had just received the news and hurried over, emerged from the study. Her two maternal uncles scrutinized Ye Li, and only after seeing that she hadn’t lost weight and her complexion was good did they relax and heave a sigh of relief. Ye Li smiled faintly. "Eldest Maternal Uncle, Second Maternal Uncle, Li’er is back."
Xu Hong Yu nodded, his voice deep. "It’s good that you’re back."
Once they were seated in the main hall, Xu Hong Yu finally asked, "Did you encounter any trouble on your journey? Li’er, you are currently..." Although Ye Li’s pregnancy was concealed from the outside world, the Xu Family had received word in advance. Since giving birth to Mo Xiaobao, Ye Li had shown no signs of another pregnancy. Although Shen Yang and Doctor Lin had said everything was normal and to let nature take its course, and Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao held no particular obsession with having more children, in the eyes of outsiders, Prince Ding’s Mansion having only one child always seemed a bit insufficient. Now that Ye Li was pregnant again, although the timing wasn’t ideal, it was still good news.
"Li’er is fine. I’m sorry to have worried you, Uncles." Ye Li nodded and then recounted some matters concerning Xiling and Xu Qingbai’s injuries to reassure them. Seeing a hint of weariness on Ye Li’s face, Xu Hong Yu was about to suggest she go rest and they could catch up another day, when they heard someone paying respects outside, "Greetings, Old Master." It was Mr. Qingyun, who had also hurried over upon learning of Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s return.
Everyone quickly rose to welcome him, and Xu Qingze stepped forward to support Mr. Qingyun. Ye Li stepped forward and bowed gracefully. "Grandfather, Li’er is back." Mr. Qingyun reached out to support her, his smile loving. "You’re already with child, yet you’re still so careless. All those rules and etiquettes, dispense with them if you can. We’re family; surely we don’t need to bother with such empty formalities?"
Understanding her maternal grandfather’s affectionate concern, Ye Li straightened up accordingly and said with a smile, "Grandfather, you’re being too careful. Li’er isn’t that delicate." Mr. Qingyun assessed her complexion and nodded. "Hmm... you look quite well, but you must still take good care of yourself. Last time, when you were carrying Yuchen, it was quite perilous. It would be best if this time is peaceful and safe." Ye Li and Xu Qingze, one on each side, supported Mr. Qingyun to the seat of honor. Mr. Qingyun was not only highly respected for his virtues but also held a very senior generational position. Usually, in less formal settings, such as privately within the mansion, even Mo Xiuyao, in his capacity as a grandson-in-law, would sit in a lower seat out of deference.
"Li’er was just thinking of going to pay respects to you, Grandfather. How did you come over yourself?" Ye Li asked with a smile once they were seated. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞
Mr. Qingyun waved his hand. "My body is robust these days; a little walking does no harm. Seeing you puts my mind at ease. Sit for a little while, then you two should go back and rest. All that welcoming and settling-in can wait a few days. In any case, outsiders don’t yet know you’ve returned." This arrangement was, naturally, due to Mr. Qingyun’s concern for his granddaughter’s exertion. Once the Prince and Princess Consort returned to the city, there would be countless matters to attend to. Ye Li was already nearly five months pregnant and truly shouldn’t overexert herself like this.
Xu Hong Yu frowned. "The welcoming banquet and such will probably have to be postponed. The Prince needs to hasten to Great Chu as soon as possible."
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "Isn’t Brother Xu holding the line at the front? I heard things were going relatively smoothly. Did something happen?"
Xu Hong Yu took a letter from his sleeve. "This was sent by express mail by Leng Haoyu. Please take a look, Your Highness. Qingchen is truly not skilled in warfare; his presence at the front isn’t much help. Although Marquis South’s military prowess is undiminished, the Beirong army and the Xiling forces currently engaged in a standoff both show signs of withdrawing. However, while holding Feihong Pass is sufficient, leading troops to the Capital of Great Chu in over a month is absolutely impossible. Moreover... it’s still uncertain whether the defenders of the Capital of Great Chu can even hold out for another month and a half."
Mo Xiuyao read Leng Haoyu’s letter with interest and chuckled. "Leng Haoyu certainly hasn’t wasted his years learning business." He had indeed planned to lead his forces east after returning to the Northwest, ostensibly to rescue the Capital of Great Chu but also to take it for himself. Now, this letter from Leng Haoyu made his actions even more justifiable. But now Ah-Li was pregnant... Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly, glancing at Ye Li beside him.
Ye Li took the letter from Mo Xiuyao’s hand, scanned it, and chuckled softly. "Well said. Leng Haoyu has seized the opportunity to make a good deal this time. If the Capital of Great Chu is saved, then even Mo Jingli will have nothing to say in the future. In that case, Your Highness should rest for two days, then go to Feihong Pass and relieve Eldest Brother."
Mo Xiuyao frowned. "But Ah-Li..." he said softly.
Ye Li smiled. "I’ll be here in Licheng. Could it possibly be more dangerous than a battlefield? Besides, it’s only for four or five months."
Mo Xiuyao felt a pang of displeasure. He casually took the letter back and placed it on the table. "Fine. I’m a bit tired. I’ll rest for a few days before deciding. In any case, the Capital of Great Chu isn’t so desperate as to hinge on a day or two."
Everyone present looked at him in unison. What did he mean the Capital of Great Chu wasn’t in a rush for a day or two? The Capital of Great Chu was clearly in imminent danger; even arriving a quarter of an hour sooner would be beneficial!
Ye Li understood Mo Xiuyao’s mood. She didn’t press him, merely letting a faint smile touch her lips.
After some more idle chat, Mr. Qingyun and the others urged Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao to go back and rest. Even the two ’little buns,’ Mo Xiaobao and Leng Junhan, were led away by Mr. Qingyun to the study for lessons. Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao didn’t stand on ceremony. After bidding everyone farewell, they returned to their own courtyard. In the courtyard, servants and maids had already prepared tea, snacks, and warm water, awaiting them. The attendants around Ye Li had remained largely the same over the years. Only a few of her personal maids who had previously followed her had since married and found their own places. Only Qingshuang remained unmarried by Ye Li’s side. The two nannies had also consistently stayed with Ye Li. However, since Ye Li was often not in Licheng, they had been taking care of Mo Xiaobao.
As soon as they entered, Qingshuang, leading the other serving maids, came forward to greet them. Qingshuang, now in her early twenties, was no longer the somewhat mischievous and occasionally clueless young maid of before. Seeing Ye Li, her face lit up with a smile. "Qingshuang greets Your Highness and Your Highness the Princess Consort. Congratulations, Princess Consort, on expecting another young heir!"
Ye Li offered Qingshuang a faint smile. She had always felt a greater degree of closeness to this young maid, whom she had bought from outside and who had been with her since she was little. She smiled faintly and said, "I’ve been away so much this past year. It’s been hard on you."
Qingshuang smiled. "This is what this servant ought to do; how could it be hard? To be able to serve Your Highness the Princess Consort is a blessing this servant has cultivated over lifetimes. This servant had people prepare warm water. Please, Your Highness and Your Highness the Princess Consort, freshen up, and then have some hot porridge. The weather is quite cold."
Qingshuang spoke these words from the bottom of her heart. From an orphan girl wandering the streets, she had become one of the most trusted attendants by the side of the esteemed Princess Consort Ding. Qingshuang felt there was nothing more fortunate than her own lot. Moreover, unlike Qingyu, Qingluan, and the others, who still had parents and families, she was an orphan who had long forgotten even who her parents were. The Princess Consort had always treated her exceptionally well. Although she was a maid by Princess Consort Ding’s side, she was treated with more dignity than some young ladies from ordinary wealthy families in Licheng. Qingshuang felt that even if she served the Princess Consort for her entire life without marrying, it would be worth it. Therefore, after Qingyu, Qingluan, and even Qingxia had married one after another in recent years, Qingshuang had politely declined several matchmakers, wholeheartedly dedicating herself to serving Ye Li. She was among the first to attend Ye Li, and now she was the one who had been with Ye Li the longest.
After Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had washed up and changed their clothes, they came out. Sure enough, Qingshuang had already prepared their favorite nourishing hot porridge and served it. These past few years, as Qingshuang grew older, her conduct had become increasingly steady and considerate, unlike her former flightiness and occasional absentmindedness. Dismissing everyone, Ye Li fell into thought while eating. Mo Xiuyao looked at her, raised an eyebrow, and asked, "What are you thinking about, Ah-Li?"
Ye Li smiled. "Nothing much. It just suddenly occurred to me that Qingshuang is already past twenty." All these years, it was she who had delayed Qingshuang’s marriage.
Mo Xiuyao said, "If Ah-Li wants to arrange a marriage for her, let’s discuss it later." Generally, married maids can no longer serve closely by their mistress’s side. It wasn’t that Mo Xiuyao was particularly reluctant to part with Qingshuang, but rather that Qingshuang had served Ah-Li very attentively these past few years. Ah-Li was used to her service and found her reliable. Now that Ah-Li was pregnant and it was a time to be cautious, it wouldn’t be too late to discuss it after the child was born.
Ye Li nodded. "We must ask Qingshuang for her opinion. Qingyu and Qingluan were eventually betrothed to people from my Eldest Maternal Uncle’s household, which allowed them to reunite with their families. They came from Yunzhou to the Capital of Great Chu originally because of me. Qingxia is also doing reasonably well now. Only Qingshuang has grown up with me since childhood, so I can’t help but be more concerned about her."
Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment. "If that’s the case, let her continue to serve you after she marries. What do you think of Ah-Jin?"
"Ah-Jin?" Ye Li was taken aback. Indeed, although Ah-Jin had been with Mo Xiuyao since childhood, Ye Li truly hadn’t interacted much with him. Not long after her marriage to Mo Xiuyao, Ah-Jin had been sent out by Mo Xiuyao on assignments and was frequently away, rarely returning. And Ah-Jin, unlike the eloquent Feng Zhiyao or Leng Haoyu, was a youth so taciturn that one might easily mistake him for a mute if not careful. Thus, Ye Li was not familiar with him.
Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Ah-Jin is Uncle Mo’s nephew. However, with his disposition, he definitely wouldn’t be able to take over Uncle Mo’s position. Uncle Mo’s family and Ah-Jin’s parents died because of matters related to Prince Ding’s Mansion. These years, I’ve sent him out for training, hoping he can become independent and set Uncle Mo’s mind at ease. Although he can’t compare to the likes of Feng Zhiyao (Third Feng) or Leng Haoyu (Second Leng), it wouldn’t be an injustice to that maid."
Ye Li naturally understood. Although she wasn’t familiar with Ah-Jin, she knew what kind of person Uncle Mo was. Besides, Ah-Jin had grown up with Mo Xiuyao. And given Mo Xiuyao’s temperament, it was extremely rare for him to say so much about Qingshuang’s affairs. Frowning slightly, she said, "I’ll ask Qingshuang later. But Ah-Jin is away from the Prince’s Mansion all year round. Even if Qingshuang is willing..."
"After the child is born, the Capital of Great Chu should be secured. At that time, Ah-Li, you can come to the Capital of Great Chu to join me, bringing Ah-Jin along. I will speak to Uncle Mo about it beforehand," Mo Xiuyao said in a deep voice, gazing intently at Ye Li.
Hearing this, Ye Li’s hand, which was conveying food to her mouth, paused. In just a few more days, Mo Xiuyao would be departing for Feihong Pass again. She gently caressed her abdomen with a hint of helplessness and said with a wry smile, "This baby has truly come at an inopportune time." During five or six years of peace, no baby came, yet now, less than a year into these tumultuous times, she was pregnant.
Mo Xiuyao also looked somewhat discontented. He rested his head against her slightly protruding belly and said in a low voice, "Just as troublesome as Mo Xiaobao!"
Ye Li couldn’t help but smile. Wasn’t it true? Just like Mo Xiaobao, always choosing a lively time to come and cause a stir.
"I’m leaving soon. Won’t Ah-Li miss me even a little?" Mo Xiuyao asked, a hint of resentment in his voice. Unfortunately, Ah-Li was pregnant. Otherwise, he would definitely take Ah-Li with him to Feihong Pass, although he would much rather stay and accompany Ah-Li.
Ye Li looked at him with a smile. "If I say I’ll miss you, will Your Highness not go then?" The lives of hundreds of thousands of Mo Family Army soldiers, the lives of over a million citizens and defenders in the Capital of Great Chu, Mo Xiuyao’s years of painstaking planning and management... How could so many things be changed by a simple ’I’ll miss you’? Besides... Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao, a teasing smile on her face. "Doesn’t Your Highness think we’ve been together for too long?" Since she returned to the Northwest pregnant with Mo Xiaobao, these past few years, the longest they had been separated was those few days in Biancheng City when she left the camp alone to plot against Zhu Ling.
"Could it be that Ah-Li has started to find your husband tiresome?!" Mo Xiuyao feigned great alarm.
Ye Li smiled. "Not tiresome, no. But people say... absence makes the heart grow fonder. And they also say a brief parting makes the reunion sweeter, like that of newlyweds... An occasional separation isn’t a bad thing."
Mo Xiuyao gazed at her. "People also say a day apart feels like three autumns. We haven’t even parted yet, and I’m already starting to miss Ah-Li."
Ye Li smiled. "Then you should come back quickly. Or perhaps, after I give birth to the baby, I’ll come find you?"
Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment, then said earnestly, "I will definitely return quickly, before Ah-Li gives birth to the baby."
"Alright, I’ll wait for you," Ye Li said with a gentle smile.
Mo Xiuyao reached out, pulled her into his embrace, and whispered, "Ah-Li, I’m sorry."
Ye Li was slightly taken aback, then chuckled softly. "What is it now?"
Mo Xiuyao sighed. "You’re pregnant, and yet I can’t be by your side to accompany you."
Ye Li rolled her eyes and smiled. "What kind of thing is that to say? Isn’t this because there are important matters to attend to? It’s not like you’re just running around aimlessly with nothing to do." Getting up from Mo Xiuyao’s embrace, Ye Li looked at him seriously. "I’m pregnant, so naturally, I hope you can stay with me until the child is born. But one in your position must attend to their duties. If, for my sake, you were to abandon hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and abandon the defenders and common people in the Capital of Great Chu who are waiting for you, would that still be the Mo Xiuyao I love?"
Hearing her words, Mo Xiuyao’s eyes couldn’t help but light up. "Ah-Li..."
Ye Li looked helplessly at his delighted yet seemingly wanting-more expression. She truly wasn’t someone who often verbalized her affections, but did it have to elicit such a surprised look from him? This made Ye Li silently reflect: could it be that she really had been neglecting him in their daily lives?
"Come back early. Xiao Bao and I will both miss you," Ye Li said softly.
Mo Xiuyao was content. He refilled his bowl with porridge and ate with gusto.
After returning, Mo Xiuyao rested for only three days before preparing to depart for Feihong Pass once more. In fact, during this return trip to Licheng, apart from the core members of Prince Ding’s Mansion, most people in the city didn’t even know that Prince Ding and the Princess Consort had returned. Naturally, even fewer knew about her pregnancy.
Outside Licheng, Mo Xiuyao took only Feng Zhiyao and Yun Ting. The three of them traveled light, heading for Feihong Pass. Although Mo Xiuyao had forbidden it, Ye Li still came with Xu Qingze to see them off. Seeing Ye Li, wrapped in a thick cloak, alight from the carriage, Mo Xiuyao couldn’t help but frown. He stepped forward to adjust her cloak more tightly around her and said softly, "I told you not to see me off outside the city. The weather is so cold these days. Hurry back."
Ye Li nodded and smiled faintly. "I know. I’ll go back once you’ve left. Be careful on the battlefield." Of course, she knew that Mo Xiuyao was actually pleased she had come to see him off; he was just worried about her catching a cold. Her constitution wasn’t poor, and even though she was pregnant, the past few months hadn’t particularly troubled her.
Mo Xiuyao nodded. He gave Ye Li a reluctant look, then turned to Xu Qingze. "I’ll entrust Licheng and Ah-Li to your care."
Xu Qingze, his expression as impassive as ever, nodded in acknowledgement. Although Xu Qingze was a man of few words, he was known for being meticulous in completing tasks entrusted to him, which reassured Mo Xiuyao somewhat. Although he knew Ah-Li was much safer under the protection of the Xu Family and everyone within Prince Ding’s Mansion than following him onto the battlefield, not having her where he could see her always made him somewhat uneasy.
After one last look at Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao wasted no more time. He decisively mounted his horse and rode off into the distance.
Watching their figures disappear from view, Qingshuang said softly, "Princess Consort, it’s very cold out. Let’s return early, lest the Prince worries."
Ye Li nodded and sighed softly. "Let’s go back."
