Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 52. The Sword is Drawn
52. The Renowned Sword is Unsheathed
After a long talk, Xu Hong Yu left a significant number of historical records—official, secret, and unofficial—for Ye Li to read in her spare time. Then, with Xu Hongyan, he departed swiftly, much to Minister Ye’s lingering anxiety. Ye Li met her father’s complicated gaze, curtsied slightly, and leisurely returned to her Qingyi Pavilion to immerse herself in the historical books.
Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s wedding date was set for the twentieth of May, rumored to be the most auspicious day of that month. It was said that Minister Ye had not been entirely satisfied with this date, as it wasn’t specifically a top-tier auspicious day. The frequent troubles surrounding Ye Ying’s wedding had already exasperated Minister Ye to no end; if Ye Li’s matrimony encountered any issues, Ye Shan and Ye Lin might as well not marry either. However, Prince Ding’s Mansion, the Xu Family, and Ye Li herself were unconcerned about auspicious dates. Besides, if this date wasn’t chosen, the wedding would have to be postponed until at least August, as June and July were even less suitable for weddings. In the wake of Ye Li’s recent kidnapping, neither Prince Ding’s Mansion nor the Xu Family would tolerate any delay. Thus, Minister Ye’s slight dissatisfaction was naturally ignored.
As mid-May arrived, Ye Li’s previously leisurely life came to an abrupt end. The once quiet Qingyi Pavilion became bustling with people coming and going; it was extraordinarily lively. Every day, countless items were sent to Qingyi Pavilion, and innumerable account books and lists required Ye Li’s personal perusal. Even with the guidance and assistance of two experienced nannies, Ye Li was quite exhausted. When the people of the Capital City saw the Ye Family, the Xu Family, and Prince Ding’s Mansion preparing for the wedding, seemingly unaffected by the rumors, the half-believed gossip gradually subsided.
"I envy Li’er so much! The wedding at Prince Ding’s Mansion will undoubtedly be the grandest ceremony in the last decade," Murong Ting declared, sprawled inelegantly on the soft couch in Qingyi Pavilion, hugging a recently delivered roll of exquisite silk.
Ye Li, Qin Zheng, and Hua Tianxiang were organizing account books nearby, while Ye Shan and Ye Lin sat quietly, occupied with their needlework. The clamor of people moving in and out continued beyond the door. Hua Tianxiang, taking a break from the ledgers, glanced at Murong Ting and said, "Li’er didn’t invite you here to be envious, jealous, and resentful. Instead of wasting time talking nonsense, you could see if there’s anything you can help with. But... you are right about the wedding."
Qin Zheng, pen in hand, making notes in an account book, asked, "Is Madam Wang really not planning to help you with the wedding preparations at all? If word of this gets out, it won’t reflect well on her reputation."
Ye Li smiled faintly. "The Old Madam has already added a considerable amount to my dowry. Madam Wang hasn’t been feeling well these past two days. She said Fourth Sister is ill at Prince Li’s Mansion and needs her care, so she left early this morning."
Murong Ting snorted in contempt at this. "Who ever heard of a mother rushing off to care for a daughter who’s been married less than a month? But... Ye Ying can’t actually be sick, can she? We haven’t seen her come back to show off at all these days."
Hua Tianxiang raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "She’d need the capital to show off in the first place. If Prince Li treated her well, perhaps she could return and flaunt her newlywed bliss. But as it is, I hear Princess Qixia still clings to Prince Li every day. It’s a wonder Ye Ying hasn’t already become a bitter, neglected wife."
Qin Zheng shook her head, uninterested in such gossip. She was more concerned about Ye Li’s wedding. "I really don’t know what Madam Wang is thinking. Everyone has a good idea of how many betrothal gifts Prince Ding’s Mansion sent. Even if the Ye Family adds more, she won’t lose out. By making such a fuss, isn’t she just causing the Ye Family to lose face?"
Hua Tianxiang said, "You know Madam Wang’s background. Even though she’s Minister Ye’s official wife now, her status isn’t sufficient to oversee Li’er’s wedding. When the time comes, the Old Madam of the Ye Family will probably have to step in. By the way, there are no female elders in Prince Ding’s Mansion who can preside either. Ah-Li, has Prince Ding mentioned who will be in charge at his mansion?"
Ye Li nodded. "Originally, Eldest Princess Zhaoyang intended to. However, although Prince Ding calls Princess Zhaoyang ’aunt,’ they are said to be of the same generation. So, Princess Zhaoyang suggested inviting Eldest Princess Fuxi."
"Wow..." Murong Ting exclaimed, nearly jumping off the couch. Seeing everyone’s gaze fixated on her, she chuckled. "Eldest Princess Fuxi... She was the late Emperor’s aunt! Even the previous Prince Ding had to respectfully address her as ’Imperial Sister.’ I heard Eldest Princess Fuxi is seventy-five this year!"
Qin Zheng nodded. "Indeed. If it weren’t for Li’er’s wedding, I would have forgotten she was still alive. I heard she withdrew from worldly affairs over twenty years ago. It’s quite a surprise that she would emerge to preside over Prince Ding’s wedding."
Hua Tianxiang waved her hand dismissively and smiled. "It’s not that strange. My grandfather said that Prince Ding was the junior Eldest Princess Fuxi doted on the most. She even held him when he was born. It’s said that when Prince Ding was on the brink of death, it was the Eldest Princess who tirelessly cared for him day and night. In short, Prince Ding inviting the Eldest Princess to preside over the wedding truly shows his sincerity towards Ah-Li."
Murong Ting smiled. "That’s why I said Li’er’s wedding will probably be the grandest in the last ten years. I heard dignitaries from other kingdoms will also attend."
Ye Li frowned. "What does the wedding at Prince Ding’s Mansion have to do with dignitaries from other kingdoms?"
"Ah-Li, don’t underestimate the prestige of Prince Ding’s Mansion," Hua Tianxiang advised. "Established for a century, it’s no exaggeration to say it has dominated all quarters. Basically, every country bordering Great Chu has had dealings with Prince Ding’s Mansion."
Ye Li nodded. "I understand. They’re coming to gloat." The sole heir of the once-mighty Prince Ding’s Mansion, the current Prince Ding, is a disfigured cripple in a wheelchair. What could delight the nobles of other kingdoms more than this? The royalty of various nations are probably more interested in this wedding than in Great Chu having a new emperor.
A brief silence fell as the others sighed. Indeed, the envoys from various kingdoms flocking here were certainly not to congratulate Prince Ding on his marriage, but to see the state of the sole descendant of Prince Ding’s Mansion, which had been quiet for seven years, and to assess if he still posed any threat.
"Li’er..."
Ye Li waved her hand dismissively. "It’s no big deal. What can they possibly do to me in the Capital City of Great Chu? Instead of worrying about such things, you’d better help me sort through all this. Second Aunt will be looking it over tomorrow." Ye Li looked, nursing a headache, at the numerous and complicated gift lists and account books before her. Only now do I truly appreciate how wonderful Arabic numerals and double-entry bookkeeping are. But this isn’t the time to show off. Once I’m settled in Prince Ding’s Mansion, there will be plenty of time to organize things gradually.
Hua Tianxiang and Qin Zheng stared silently at the large pile of remaining account books, then lowered their heads, feeling overwhelmed. We must learn household management properly from our mothers when we get home. There’s just too much of this infernal stuff!
Ye Lin and Ye Shan, listening to their conversation from the side, felt a mixture of envy and pity for Ye Li. Knowing they couldn’t contribute much to this discussion, they kept their heads down, ears pricked, and focused on their needlework.
"Huh?" Murong Ting, who had been listlessly draped over the soft couch, suddenly leaped up and dashed towards a half-open window. She leaned out, scanning the surroundings for a long moment, then drew back, her face a mask of confusion.
Hua Tianxiang looked at her. "What’s wrong? Is there something outside the window?"
Murong Ting shook her head, glanced at Ye Li, but said nothing more.
Ye Li smiled faintly. "I thought I saw a turquoise bird fly past the window just now. Did you see it too, Murong?"
Murong Ting blinked, then said with annoyance, "Yes! I saw a beautiful bird. But by the time I got to the window, it was gone!"
Qin Zheng chuckled, covering her mouth. "Birds fly so quickly; how could it possibly wait for you?"
Hua Tianxiang shot her a sidelong glance. "Since when did you develop an interest in birds? If you really like them, ask your father to catch one for you, or just buy a pretty one. There’s no need to make such a fuss."
"It’s my business!" Murong Ting declared, tilting her chin proudly as she lay back down on the soft couch, shooting a subtle glare at Ye Li.
Ye Li pursed her lips in a knowing smile. Of course, I know what Murong Ting heard. These past few days, some strange individuals have been trying to visit the Ye Mansion without using the main entrance, but Mo Xiuyao’s secretly assigned guards have thrown them all out. Still, an intruder in broad daylight is rare.
"Miss, the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling has sent someone with a congratulatory gift for your marriage to Prince Ding," the Steward-in-Chief of Ye Mansion announced, reporting personally from outside the door.
Ye Li frowned. "The Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling? Shouldn’t gifts be sent directly to Prince Ding’s Mansion?"
The Steward-in-Chief replied respectfully, "The Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince said that this gift was specially prepared by Xiling for the future Princess Consort Ding. To demonstrate Xiling’s sincerity, it must be delivered directly into your hands, Miss."
"Where is the Heir of Southern Garrison now? Is Father in?" Ye Li asked.
"He is in the main hall, Miss. The Master just returned and is keeping him company," the Steward-in-Chief replied.
Ye Li nodded. "I understand. Please ask Father and the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince to wait a moment. I will be out shortly."
After the Steward-in-Chief departed, Murong Ting anxiously clutched Ye Li’s arm. "Ah-Li, be careful out there. I’m afraid this Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince comes with ill intentions."
Ye Li raised an eyebrow. The young ladies in the Capital City indeed don’t know much about these matters. Murong Ting, having spent her childhood accompanying General Murong on campaigns, should know more than them.
As Qingluan and the others helped Ye Li change her attire and touch up her makeup, Murong Ting stood to the side, recounting what she knew. "The Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling is the current Xiling Emperor’s biological younger brother and also a renowned general of Xiling. However, twenty years ago, he was defeated by Prince Ding’s father, the Regent Prince Mo Liufang. At that time, my father was just a junior colonel. He told me that the Southern Garrison Prince suffered a terrible defeat in that battle, even losing an arm in the chaos of the battlefield. Afterward, the Southern Garrison Prince made several attempts to assassinate the Regent Prince, but all failed when success was just within reach. You know... the Regent Prince died young. If the Southern Garrison Prince still holds a grudge..." Then this grudge could only be directed at her and Mo Xiuyao, as Mo Liufang’s son and daughter-in-law.
"So, the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince is here to cause trouble?" Qin Zheng’s pretty face paled, and she looked at Ye Li nervously. "Should we send someone to inform Prince Ding?"
Ye Li shook her head. "No need. Prince Ding should find out soon enough. Besides, the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince wouldn’t dare to make things difficult for a young lady in her chambers, would he? That would be too humiliating for Xiling Kingdom and the Southern Garrison Prince." Even if he wanted to cause trouble, it should be aimed at Mo Xiuyao. We aren’t even married yet.
Checking her reflection in the mirror and seeing that she was properly dressed, Ye Li stood up. "I’ll go take a look first. You all wait here for me."
Murong Ting quickly moved to Ye Li’s side. "I’ll go with you! Tianxiang and Zheng’er, you stay here."
Ye Li was exasperated. "Murong, I’m not going to war."
Murong Ting insisted, "I don’t care! Even if I just follow you secretly. If that Heir of Southern Garrison has any malicious plans, I can rescue you."
Malicious plans against the future Princess Consort Ding, in public, in Great Chu? Only Murong would think of that.
Hua Tianxiang waved her hand. "Fine, Li’er, take Murong with you. She just loves a spectacle."
Murong Ting, indifferent to their opinions, happily linked her arm through Ye Li’s. "Let’s go, let’s go!"
"Father."
Entering the main hall, Ye Li realized the Steward-in-Chief’s report had been rather imprecise. She had assumed it would only be her father and the guest, but Mo Jingli and Ye Ying were also present, seated as company. Murong Ting shot her a look that clearly said, Why is *he* everywhere?
Ye Li gave her a helpless smile and stepped forward to greet Minister Ye. In front of outsiders, Minister Ye was always keen to play the role of a doting father. He smiled lovingly at Ye Li. "Li’er, you’re here. And Miss Murong is with you?"
Murong Ting pursed her lips and chuckled. "I came uninvited, Uncle. Please forgive me."
Minister Ye laughed. "Not at all! I am deeply gratified that Li’er has such a good friend as Miss Murong. Li’er, Miss Murong, this is the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince of Xiling Kingdom."
Only then did the two turn their gaze to the young man seated to one side. Xiling Kingdom was to the Northwest of Great Chu, and its customs differed significantly. Interestingly, Xiling referred to itself as Great Ling and called Great Chu "East Chu," while Great Chu called them Xiling and itself Great Chu. These naming conventions alone indicated the long-standing disharmony between the two nations. The Heir of Southern Garrison Prince was tall and upright, his features sharply defined, as if carved by a knife. Ye Li clearly saw that his eyes held a faint, dark purple hue. The Xiling imperial family is said to have brown eyes; this Heir’s appearance clearly shows he is not of pure Xiling blood.
"Greetings, Your Highness." Even the usually boisterous Murong Ting displayed proper etiquette before a foreign envoy.
The Heir of Southern Garrison Prince’s gaze swept brazenly over both young women, quickly dismissing Murong Ting to focus entirely on Ye Li. After a long moment, he said, "Princess Consort Ding, Miss Murong, there is no need for such ceremony. I am Lei Tengfeng."
Lei is the Xiling imperial surname. Good, no language barrier.
Minister Ye glanced at the imposing Heir of Southern Garrison Prince, then at Ye Li, and cleared his throat. "Li’er, His Highness has come specifically to deliver a congratulatory gift to you."
Ye Li nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness. I appreciate you taking the trouble to come all this way. I hope Great Chu makes Your Highness feel at home."
Lei Tengfeng laughed heartily. "Of course! I have long admired the scenery of Great Chu and will certainly take the opportunity to tour it thoroughly. Someone, bring forth the gift this prince has prepared for Princess Consort Ding!"
With a soft clap, two men in guard attire entered, one carrying a long, narrow, carved wooden box. Seeing the length and size of the box, Ye Li had an uneasy feeling. This is probably not a conventional gift.
Lei Tengfeng gestured, and the other man, acknowledging the order, opened the wooden box. A wave of biting coldness emanated from it. Minister Ye’s expression turned grim, and he shot to his feet. "Your Highness, what is the meaning of this?"
Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow, feigning puzzlement. "This is a gift personally chosen by my father, the Prince, and my imperial uncle to show sincerity. Is there something amiss?"
Minister Ye said, "My daughter’s wedding is imminent. What do you mean by gifting a sword?" A sword is a weapon, an ill omen.
Inside the exquisitely carved wooden box lay a long sword of ancient, unadorned design. Even in its scabbard, one could feel its chilling gleam and murderous aura. This was clearly a peerless blade, tempered by countless battles.
"This is a gift my country and my father, the Prince, specially sought out to demonstrate our sincerity. Or... do all of you present truly not recognize the origin of this sword?" Lei Tengfeng casually folded his arms, a half-smile playing on his lips as he observed the assembled group.
Detecting the veiled disdain in his tone, Mo Jingli frowned, rose, and approached to examine the sword in the box. Murong Ting’s heart skipped a beat, and she hesitated for a moment, glancing at Ye Li.
"This is—Lanyun!" Mo Jingli declared in a deep voice after a long moment.
Lei Tengfeng praised, "Prince Li has good judgment. Correct, this is indeed the Lanyun Sword."
Everyone was stirred. It was not one of the most ancient legendary swords, but its fame was certainly no less than any other renowned, handed-down blade. This sword shared its name with the first Prince of Ding Kingdom, Mo Lanyun, and had been his personal weapon as he conquered the lands. It had also served as the personal sword for several subsequent generations of Princes Ding. This sword had accompanied generations of Princes of Ding Kingdom onto the battlefield, invincible and supreme. How many lives it had drunk, no one could likely say. Until seven years ago, when the previous Prince Ding, Mo Xiuwen, died of illness on the frontier, this sword had vanished. Countless people had searched for it, openly and covertly, but it was never seen again. This gift was indeed substantial and demonstrated considerable sincerity.
Lei Tengfeng clapped his hands and smiled. "Ever since we learned the Lanyun Sword was missing, my father, the Prince, spared no effort, dispatching men everywhere to search for it. Fortunately, his efforts paid off, and the sword was found a year ago in Beirong. It is only fitting to return it to its rightful owner on the occasion of Prince Ding’s wedding. What does Princess Consort Ding think?"
Minister Ye’s expression was grave. He stood and said to Lei Tengfeng, "For such a magnanimous gift, we must indeed thank Your Highness." The Lanyun Sword, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a national treasure of Great Chu. With Lei Tengfeng presenting such a gift, I don’t even dare to refuse it. Minister Ye inwardly cursed, regretting not having declined this visit from the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince.
Lei Tengfeng nodded with satisfaction, then raised an eyebrow and smiled. "To be perfectly honest, upon obtaining such a priceless treasure, this prince also considered keeping it for himself. However, this Lanyun Sword seems to possess a spirit. Despite my countless efforts, I was unable to draw it from its scabbard. Eventually, even though we found one ofthe world’s foremost master swordsmiths to draw it, alas, the sword refused to obey any command. Even Xiling’s finest swordsman could not wield it. This prince then thought that perhaps the Lanyun Sword only acknowledges those from Prince Ding’s Mansion. Hence, I wished to request Princess Consort Ding to test the sword."
Minister Ye said, displeased, "My daughter is unskilled in swordsmanship. Besides, if Your Highness wishes to test the sword, you should seek out Prince Ding."
Lei Tengfeng looked at Ye Li and chuckled. "Does Princess Consort Ding not consider herself part of Prince Ding’s Mansion? It is said that a hundred years ago, the first Princess Consort Ding used this very sword to slay sixteen enemy soldiers, saving Prince Ding’s life. The tale has been passed down as a legend ever since. This shows that the sword does not necessarily require the bloodline of Prince Ding’s Mansion; a consort worthy of Prince Ding may also wield it. What are Princess Consort Ding’s thoughts?"
Before Ye Li could speak, Mo Jingli snorted coldly. "Commandery Princess Qingyun was an exceptional woman, peerless in both literary and martial arts. It’s hardly surprising she could wield the Lanyun Sword. Is the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince attempting to deliberately embarrass Great Chu by asking Ye Li to wield the Lanyun Sword? Everyone knows Ye Li can barely perform a complete sword form."
Lei Tengfeng smiled. "This prince, however, has faith in the judgment of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Looking back through the generations, every Princess Consort Ding has been an extraordinarily brilliant and talented woman." 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
Mo Jingli retorted sarcastically, "This generation is the exception."
Murong Ting said indignantly, "Heir of Southern Garrison, you’re asking a woman who has never practiced martial arts to wield a sword that even you couldn’t draw? Does Xiling Kingdom enjoy forcing people into impossible situations?"
"Whether it’s an impossible situation or not, why not ask Princess Consort Ding herself?" Lei Tengfeng countered. "My father, the Prince, instructed that this sword must be gifted to Princess Consort Ding. Or could it be... that this prince must take it back to Xiling?"
This was an overt threat. Lei Tengfeng’s meaning was clear: if the future Princess Consort Ding could not draw the Lanyun Sword, could not command it, then he could not be blamed for taking the sword back to Xiling. If that happened, Great Chu would lose not only face but also its fundamental dignity.
"Third Sister, why not give it a try? Perhaps you can draw it," Ye Ying said softly. "The Heir of Xiling has presented such a valuable gift; wouldn’t it be impolite to our neighboring country if we were to refuse it?"
Minister Ye frowned at Ye Ying, inwardly contemplating whether Ye Li refusing to draw the sword or being unable to draw it would be more humiliating.
"Prince Ding has arrived!" a voice announced from the doorway. Mo Xiuyao appeared at the entrance, accompanied by Ah-Jin.
Everyone present secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Murong Ting discreetly winked at Ye Li.
Lei Tengfeng, who had been sitting relaxed in his chair, instantly straightened up the moment Mo Xiuyao entered. His gaze, sharp as a blade, swept over Mo Xiuyao’s calm and gentle face. He then glanced at Ye Li.
Ye Li inwardly smiled. This Heir is probably trying to assess whether the Lanyun Sword or I, his fiancée, am more important in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes, and why exactly Mo Xiuyao has come.
"Greetings, Prince Ding. I, Lei Tengfeng, have long admired you," Lei Tengfeng rose and said with a smile.
"Your Highness is too courteous. In my youth, I was fortunate enough to witness the Southern Garrison Prince’s splendor. It has been many years; I trust the Prince is as magnificent as ever?" Mo Xiuyao nodded slightly in return.
Lei Tengfeng’s eyes twitched, but he quickly smiled. "My father is in robust health. He often speaks to me of Your Highness’s exemplary conduct in those years, hoping that we juniors might emulate even a fraction of it."
Mo Xiuyao’s expression remained unchanged as he said calmly, "The Prince flatters me. Seeing Your Highness today, it is clear that the Southern Garrison Prince has a worthy successor."
Watching the two men exchange pleasantries in such a palpably tense atmosphere, Ye Li felt an inexplicable urge to laugh. Someone once said diplomacy is a rather effeminate activity.
Once the greetings were concluded, Mo Xiuyao wheeled his chair to Ye Li’s side and asked softly, "Ah-Li, you seem to be in high spirits?"
Ye Li smiled faintly. "The Heir of Southern Garrison Prince has presented a very valuable gift. Since Your Highness is here, why not admire it together?"
Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile, his gaze falling on the Lanyun Sword in the box. His eyes were calm, without the slightest ripple, as if it were merely an ordinary sword. Turning to Lei Tengfeng, he said, "His Majesty of your esteemed country and the Prince have gone to great lengths. This sword was lost for many years; I did not expect to see it again today."
Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow. "The Lanyun Sword is a treasure of Great Chu; it is only right that it be returned intact. However, I wonder if this prince might be permitted to witness the splendor of this renowned sword?"
"Ah-Jin."
Ah-Jin stepped forward, took the long sword from the Xiling guard’s hands, and carefully presented it to Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao took it with one hand and, looking up, asked Ye Li, "Ah-Li, what do you think?"
Ye Li lowered her head and gently touched the ancient scabbard. She nodded. "Although I am not versed in such matters, I can tell it is indeed a fine sword." I truly know nothing about swordsmanship. In my previous life, the most I saw were the Tai Chi swords wielded by elderly people in parks. On modern battlefields, even when cold weapons were used, swords were not practical. Short blades, daggers, and Emei piercers were far more effective for close combat.
Slowly, she gripped the hilt, not rushing to draw it. If this sword is as difficult to draw and command as Lei Tengfeng described, then there’s a high chance there’s some mechanism on the scabbard or the sword itself.
Mo Xiuyao smiled and covered Ye Li’s hand on the hilt with his own, his other hand lifting the body of the sword. Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, Ye Li keenly sensed Mo Xiuyao’s hand, which was covering hers, make a slight movement and then pull outwards—
A cold light flashed, and in that instant, the sword sang like a dragon’s roar. The entire hall seemed to freeze for a moment, but only for an instant. Ye Li soon felt a surging battle intent and an overwhelming, tsunami-like murderous aura emanating from the sword’s blade. This was a dangerous presence that only those who had truly been on a battlefield could sense.
Mo Xiuyao had released his hand at some point. Ye Li, with the sword in hand, casually swung it to the side. An ancient painting on a nearby wall split in two at the sound. What a fine sword! Ye Li marveled. To sever an ancient painting with just the sharpness of its edge—it truly could ’sever a hair that floated against its edge.’ Holding the long sword steady, Ye Li calmly met the gaze of Lei Tengfeng, who was staring intently at her from across the hall.
Before anyone could fully react, Mo Xiuyao had already taken the Lanyun Sword from Ye Li’s hand and sheathed it. Lei Tengfeng looked at the ancient painting, now hanging in two pieces on the wall. After a long moment, he slowly exhaled and remarked, "Truly a fine sword." As for whether Ye Li could actually command the sword, no one cared to pursue the matter further. She had already drawn the incredibly sharp treasure. Third Miss Ye was known for her lack of physical strength, "unable to truss a chicken." For her to even hold that sword steady was impressive enough. To demand she perform a sword dance after that—even the Heir of Southern Garrison, who had come with hostile intentions, would be too embarrassed to make such a request.
Witnessing this, Minister Ye stroked his fine beard, his face wreathed in a satisfied smile. The Ye family’s daughter has recovered a long-lost treasure for Great Chu and will bring the Lanyun Sword as part of her dowry! What immense glory this is!
Ye Li sighed inwardly. If this sword stays at the Ye Mansion, won’t our roof be trampled flat by visitors? I don’t believe Lei Tengfeng would present such a significant gift and then just let the matter drop. And yet, this is a gift one cannot refuse.
"Heir, this sword...?" Ye Li smiled faintly at the somewhat dazed Lei Tengfeng before her.
Lei Tengfeng gazed at the young woman before him, then at Mo Xiuyao seated beside her. He smiled. "This sword is, of course, a congratulatory gift for Princess Consort Ding. This prince also wishes you both a hundred years of happy union, growing old together."
Mo Xiuyao said, "In that case, we accept Your Highness’s kind wishes."
Lei Tengfeng stood up and addressed everyone. "The gift has been delivered. This prince will take his leave for now. I shall come to offer my congratulations to Your Highness again on the wedding day."
"I shall see myself out."
After the Heir of Southern Garrison Prince departed, Murong Ting stared at the Lanyun Sword in Ah-Jin’s hands, her eyes practically bulging out. She absentmindedly tugged Ye Li’s sleeve. "Ah-Li, Ah-Li... the Lanyun Sword... the real Lanyun Sword... Can I touch it?"
Ye Li looked at her envious expression with helplessness, then turned to Mo Xiuyao.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow slightly. "It’s fine. Since it was gifted to you, it will naturally be Ah-Li’s."
Ye Li looked at him. "I thought this was an ancestral treasure of Prince Ding’s Mansion." Why doesn’t it seem so important now?
Murong Ting, however, cared little for these nuances. She cheered and darted over, snatching the treasured sword from Ah-Jin’s hands and cradling it, stroking it lovingly.
Mo Xiuyao nodded. Having been passed down for so many years, it is, of course, an ancestral treasure. If it could be passed down for another thousand years, it wouldn’t be inferior to famous legendary swords like Gan Jiang or Mo Ye.
Murong Ting, caressing the sword affectionately, said, "Actually, it’s rumored that the Lanyun Sword contains the military strategies and treasures of the Princes Ding! Of course, that’s not important. What’s important is that this is the sword used by every generation of Princes Ding! To be able to touch it is truly a tremendous blessing. My father will be green with envy!"
Ye Li raised an eyebrow. So, hero-worship exists in every era. "Military strategies? Treasures? Is this sword really still intact?" Shouldn’t Xiling have dismantled it completely and inspected it inside out?
Mo Xiuyao glanced at the sword in Murong Ting’s hands, a flicker of warmth in his eyes. He said blandly, "They did indeed inspect it. The sword itself, however, suffered no damage."
"So?" Murong Ting, forgetting who stood before her, widened her eyes, waiting for Mo Xiuyao to reveal the mystery.
Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and smiled. "So, this is just a sword. It’s good that it was recovered; after all, it is an ancestral relic. If it couldn’t be recovered, we would simply find a master swordsmith and have another one forged."
"Huh? Then what about the military strategies? The treasures?" Murong Ting asked in disappointment.
Mo Xiuyao calmly looked at everyone and said, "The Lanyun Sword was forged when our ancestor was sixteen, using up all his savings at the time. Where would any treasures or military manuals come from?"
Everyone was dumbstruck. The world only remembered that the Lanyun Sword had accompanied Mo Lanyun throughout his life and was the inseparable personal sword of successive Princes Ding. They speculated that there must be some secret within it, forgetting that the Lanyun Sword was forged when Mo Lanyun was young. At that time, Mo Lanyun, who would later become renowned through the ages, was merely a wild and unrestrained young nobleman. This was a far cry from the Prince of Ding Kingdom twenty years later, who assisted his brother in conquering the lands and pacifying the four corners of the realm. Even Minister Ye, a scholar with little knowledge of the Lanyun Sword, couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
"If the Lanyun Sword were truly that important, who would carry it on their person? And how could it be lost so easily?" Mo Xiuyao then said to Ye Li, "Ah-Li, I’ll head back first. I’ll send a few more people over later, alright?"
Ye Li nodded, took the Lanyun Sword from Murong Ting’s hand, and tossed it to Ah-Jin, saying, "Ah-Jin, you should take the Lanyun Sword back to Prince Ding’s Mansion for now. It’s inconvenient to keep it here." I have no interest in constantly guarding against people trampling my roof.
Mo Xiuyao nodded. "That would be best."
Watching the Lanyun Sword disappear out the door, Murong Ting reluctantly withdrew her gaze.
Mo Jingli looked at Ye Li suspiciously. "Do you really believe the Lanyun Sword holds no secrets?"
Ye Li nodded, as if it were the most natural thing. "If I had military strategies and treasures, I wouldn’t hide them in a sword either." A sword that is frequently used, needs to be carried around, is very famous, and not exactly small, is really not a good place to hide secrets.
"You worldly people! That’s Prince Ding’s relic! A relic..." Murong Ting exclaimed, looking with disdain at the "worldly people" filling the hall.
