Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 35. Leisurely Life vs. Arduous Struggles

35. Leisurely Life vs. Turmoil

It was only when Ye Li arrived at the Xu Family that she realized Xu Qingchen’s statement about needing to learn many things while at the Ye Mansion wasn’t entirely to appease Granny Ye. In fact, on the second day of her stay at the Xu Family’s separate courtyard, her aunt personally invited State Duchess Hua to instruct Ye Li in household management and the intricate social customs among the royal family and high-ranking officials. Additionally, a senior nanny from the palace came to teach Ye Li court etiquette and rules. Afterwards, every afternoon, Xu Hong Yu would personally explain various strategies and tactics to Ye Li. This was followed by Xu Qingchen teaching her the appreciation of antiques and treasures, along with a detailed analysis of the influential families in the Capital City. Ye Li had always believed that having lived an extra lifetime, she should have learned a great deal. But now she understood that, in her uncles’ and cousins’ eyes, she was still far from being a truly accomplished lady of a prominent family. Thus, Ye Li found herself in a routine reminiscent of her past life’s endless examinations, striving to absorb as much of her uncles’ teachings as possible within the short span of a month.

"Miss, Miss Qin is here," Qingshuang reported, entering the pavilion. Ye Li was playing go with Xu Qingbai, while Xu Qingyan watched. During these days, not only was Ye Li receiving an almost forced-feed style of education, but Qingshuang and Qingxia, the servants who came with her, were also being rigorously trained by Nanny Lin. Despite the short period, Qingshuang had become much more composed than before.

Xu Qingyan’s eyes lit up, and he chuckled, "Oh? Is it our future second sister-in-law?"

Xu Qingbai put down his go stone and smiled at Ye Li. "Since we have a guest, let’s continue tomorrow."

Ye Li was, of course, all too happy to agree. Compared to go, she actually preferred Xiangqi (Chinese chess). In Ye Li’s view, go was a game of intuition, requiring grand-scale strategy, silent infiltration, and mutual penetration. Xiangqi, on the other hand, was much faster—a direct clash of forces, like cavalry charges and spear thrusts. Deep down, Ye Li still preferred the exhilarating, straightforward clashes reminiscent of her previous life. As Xu Qingbai put down his go stone, Ye Li looked up and smiled. "I’m not very good at go. I imagine Fourth Brother was already growing impatient, wasn’t he?"

Xu Qingbai stood up, shook his head, and smiled. "Compared to playing with Fifth, I’d much rather play with you."

Fifth Xu was the family’s foremost go enthusiast—and a complete go idiot. He played terribly but was utterly fascinated by the game. Pitifully, even the Xu Family servants disdained to play go with him. Hearing Xu Qingbai’s words, Xu Qingyan looked at Ye Li with a woeful expression. Ye Li couldn’t help the corner of her mouth twitching. She truly didn’t know if Fourth Brother was praising her or subtly teasing her.

Qin Zheng was soon invited in, and Xu Qingbai escorted Xu Qingyan out.

"Li’er, it seems you’re doing well in the Xu Family?" Qin Zheng asked with a smile, standing outside the pavilion and looking at Ye Li.

Ye Li, looking utterly drained, pulled Qin Zheng inside. "I never knew there were so many things I needed to learn."

Qin Zheng covered her lips, stifling a chuckle. "Your mother, Aunt Ye, passed away early, so naturally, you have more to learn. Besides, who among us didn’t start learning these things from a young age? Moreover, you’re not marrying into an ordinary family; it’s the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. You can’t blame Uncle Xu and the others for being so thorough."

Ye Li recalled the two hefty volumes on the Art of War still in her study, and her expression turned grim. Anyone who didn’t know better would think she was preparing for war, not marriage. However, compared to the books on feminine conduct brought by Nanny Lin and her own wet nurse, Ye Li had wisely chosen the far more practical and interesting books on the Art of War.

"Heh, let’s not talk about that. Sister Qin, have you met my second brother yet?" Ye Li asked, looking at Qin Zheng with a mischievous grin.

Qin Zheng’s pretty face flushed slightly. She glared at Ye Li before murmuring in a low voice, "Both the Eldest Young Master and the Second Young Master have gone out."

Ye Li sighed softly with a touch of regret. So, she hadn’t met them. After a moment’s thought, she leaned closer to Qin Zheng and whispered with a smile, "Don’t worry, they’ll be back eventually."

Seeing Ye Li’s knowing smile, Qin Zheng’s face turned even redder. Annoyed, she reached out to pinch her. Ye Li quickly dodged while begging for mercy, "Ahh, Sister Qin, I was wrong... I know I was wrong... Spare me!"

Qin Zheng glared at her fiercely again before saying, "You little rascal! You... when you met Prince Ding the other day, you weren’t like this at all..." Ye Li’s calm demeanor that day had left a deep impression on Qin Zheng. Comparing it to her own current, restless anxiety, she couldn’t help but feel a little disheartened and uneasy.

Ye Li scratched her nose sheepishly. How could she possibly tell the young woman before her that she was long past the age of blushing at the sight of a handsome man?

"Ahem, well... just try to be natural about it. It’s no big deal. It’s the first time for everyone, no one is better or worse off than the other," Ye Li offered, somewhat unconvincingly.

Qin Zheng gave Ye Li an exasperated roll of her eyes. She finally understood: this oddball Ye Li simply didn’t grasp the delicate and beautiful sentiments of a young lady.

Who says I don’t understand...? Ye Li silently protested.

While Ye Li was spending busy yet pleasant days at the Xu Family’s villa, the Ye Family and Prince Li’s Mansion were in utter turmoil. The incident at the Chuxiang Pavilion had spread throughout the Capital City via various channels, naturally accompanied by a myriad of public speculations and inferences. Gambling dens were even taking bets on when Prince Li would next abandon the Fourth Miss Ye. A scandalous rumor about Prince Li and Princess Qixia also mysteriously began to circulate. It told of how the Princess Nanzhao and the Prince of Great Chu had fallen in love at first sight but were separated due to their respective statuses. The Princess, unable to forget her old flame, had supposedly traveled a great distance only to find him with another woman in his arms. This heart-wrenching love tragedy was so compelling it was practically begging to be turned into a ballad sung in teahouses and taverns. Because of this, Ye Ying went to Mo Jingli in tears to complain. However, Mo Jingli was already overwhelmed and at his wit’s end, leading to the two of them parting on bad terms. Consequently, the rumors grew even more rampant.

"Your Highness, the Grand Consort requests your presence."

Mo Jingli entered his mansion with a gloomy expression. The Steward-in-Chief, who had been waiting for some time, quickly approached to report.

Mo Jingli nodded. He had been about to return to his own courtyard, but he changed direction and headed towards Grand Consort Wise Zhao’s residence.

"Mother Consort."

Grand Consort Wise Zhao was seated on a soft couch, supporting her forehead with one hand, her expression somewhat pained. Seeing Mo Jingli enter, she managed a faint smile. "Li’er, you’re here. Come, sit."

"Does Mother Consort have any instructions?" Mo Jingli asked, taking a seat below her.

The Grand Consort shook her head. "I merely wanted to ask you how things are being handled. The wedding date is approaching. If any more trouble arises, it will reflect poorly on us before the Emperor."

Mo Jingli said gravely, "Mother Consort, please rest assured. These are merely rumors; nothing will come of them."

Grand Consort Wise Zhao frowned. "Initially, I disagreed with you marrying that Ye Ying. However, seeing as she is Ye Zhaoyi’s younger sister, I tolerated it. Now she’s causing such a scandal! Will she be able to uphold the dignity of Prince Li’s Mansion in the future?"

A glint flashed in Mo Jingli’s cold eyes as he respectfully replied, "She is insensible. I will have to trouble Mother Consort to guide her well in the future."

Grand Consort Wise Zhao waved her hand dismissively, a troubled expression on her face. "Enough. Since things have come to this, this is how it must be. Go tell Ye Ying to behave herself and prepare for the wedding these days. If she is to be the Princess Consort of Prince Li’s Mansion, she must carry herself with the dignity befitting that station. And most importantly... tell her not to provoke her Third Sister!"

"Mother Consort?"

The Grand Consort sneered and looked at Mo Jingli with resignation. "Li’er, you truly misjudged this time. While I couldn’t fully gauge Third Miss Ye initially, how could that young woman genuinely be the talentless, virtueless, and unattractive lady that rumors paint her to be? Besides... even if she were truly such a ’three-lacks young lady,’ as long as she isn’t a fool, she would still be far more valuable than that Ye Ying. I’ve heard that Xu Hong Yu, the head of the Xu Family, and several of their young masters have arrived in the Capital City. By now, you should understand how much importance the Xu Family places on Ye Li."

Mo Jingli huffed coldly. "No matter how deep their roots or prestigious their lineage, the Xu Family has already withdrawn from court affairs. Moreover... that Ye Li is utterly devoid of wifely virtues and is unfit to be the Princess Consort of Prince Li’s Mansion."

The Grand Consort sighed lightly and nodded. "Very well, as long as you are clear on the matter."

Little did Mo Jingli know, these recent days were merely the beginning of his misfortunes. Even though they had withdrawn from court, the power wielded by aristocratic families that had spanned several centuries and two dynasties was not something a mere prince could withstand.