Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 54. Simple Newlywed

54. A Quiet Newlywed Life

In the morning, Ye Li sat leisurely before the bronze mirror as Qingshuang and Qingxia attended to her hair. Qingshuang skillfully twisted her jet-black hair into a lily bun. Meanwhile, Qingxia held out a jewelry box filled with pieces for Ye Li to choose from. Ye Li uneasily looked at her reflection and frowned at Qingshuang. "Can’t we opt for a simpler hairstyle?"

Qingshuang chuckled. "Miss, you should be content. Newlywed women ought to dress up well. I have already selected the simplest hairstyle. You would find the hair trends popular among the noble ladies of the Capital City unbearable. The previous styles were for unmarried girls; a married woman can no longer use them. As for the jewelry, let’s use the set that the Prince gave you earlier, since you haven’t used it before."

Ye Li nodded. Indeed, she was very fond of the set of green jade orchid ornaments. It also didn’t look too ostentatious.

Qingxia, lips pursed in a smile, retrieved the ornaments and helped Ye Li put them on, nodding approvingly. "Qingshuang truly understands the Miss..."

"Miss?" Nanny Lin and Nanny Wei entered. Nanny Lin glared at the maids and said, "From now on, you are to address her as Princess Consort. We mustn’t let people in this residence think the Princess Consort’s attendants are ignorant of etiquette."

"Yes, Nanny. We pay our respects to the Princess Consort." The four maids lined up and respectfully curtsied to Ye Li.

Nanny Wei, her heart aching, gently took Ye Li’s hand and asked softly. Both nannies knew the Prince hadn’t stayed in the bridal chamber last night. Nanny Wei couldn’t help but feel distressed for the young lady she had cared for since childhood. Ye Li smiled and reassured the two nannies. Seeing that there were no traces of reluctance on Ye Li’s face, the two nannies finally set their worries aside. They assumed it was merely because she had just arrived at the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and was not yet accustomed to it, and that the Prince had thoughtfully given her some time to adjust. However, they still subtly hinted that Ye Li should strive to become a true couple with the Prince soon, as they were, after all, bound for a lifetime together. Ye Li’s mouth twitched, but she ultimately said nothing, allowing them to continue their misunderstanding.

"The Prince is here."

Mo Xiuyao appeared at the door and asked in a soft voice, "Ah-Li, may I come in?"

Ye Li responded affirmatively. Only then did Mo Xiuyao leave Ah-Jin outside and roll his wheelchair in. He looked at Ye Li and asked, "Ah-Li, did you sleep well last night?"

Ye Li nodded and smiled. "Very well. But you don’t look so good." As soon as Mo Xiuyao entered, Nanny Lin led the maids out. Ye Li, coming to her senses, realized there was no one left to even call for tea. She could only smile helplessly at Mo Xiuyao and walk to the table to sit down. Mo Xiuyao indeed looked somewhat tired. He waved dismissively and said, "I had to attend to some guests late last night. It’s nothing."

"Shouldn’t we pay our respects to the Eldest Princess first? And Eldest Sister-in-law...?" Currently, Mo Xiuyao was the only direct bloodline in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, but that didn’t mean there were no other relatives. The deceased Prince Ding—that is, Mo Xiuyao’s elder brother, Mo Xiuwen’s—legal wife, Ms. Wen, was still alive. However, it was said that she had been observing mourning for her husband and resided in the Buddhist hall year-round; she hadn’t even appeared at yesterday’s wedding. Also, one of Mo Xiuyao’s father, Mo Liufang’s, Secondary Consorts was still living. Furthermore... Ye Li had never asked, how many concubines did Mo Xiuyao himself have?

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "We will have breakfast first. The Eldest Princess is elderly and was also tired from yesterday; she won’t be up this early. As for Eldest Sister-in-law..." Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly. "Ever since my elder brother passed away, she has been living in the Buddhist hall with some of the other Secondary Consorts. Even I rarely see her. A few days ago, she sent word that you should go see her after your bridal return visit to your family." Ye Li nodded. She, too, had heard about the former Princess Consort Ding from her third brother; a pitiful woman indeed. Princess Consort Wen did not come from a prominent aristocratic family, but rather an ordinary scholarly one. She married Mo Xiuwen at sixteen and was widowed at eighteen. Shortly after their marriage, Mo Xiuwen went off to war, and they didn’t even have a child together.

"Then... what should I do?" Ye Li asked.

Looking at her, Mo Xiuyao replied with a faint smile, "Aside from managing the household affairs and some account books, you are free to do as you please with the rest of your time. If you feel bored, you can invite your friends over to the mansion for a visit or go out for a walk. Ah-Li, this is your home from now on. You don’t need to be so restrained."

Ye Li nodded. "I understand. It’s just that it’s taking some time to adapt. So, what now?"

"Let’s have breakfast first. Then I will introduce you to the people of the mansion."

Breakfast was served in Ye Li’s courtyard. The breakfast at Prince Ding’s Mansion was quite to Ye Li’s liking. After breakfast, the Steward-in-Chief came to report, "Prince, the stewards are here, awaiting your and the Princess Consort’s summons."

Mo Xiuyao nodded and turned back to Ye Li. "This is the Steward-in-Chief of Prince Ding’s Mansion, Mo Xin. He is also Ah-Jin’s uncle. If you need anything in the future, you can instruct him directly."

The Steward-in-Chief also came forward to pay his respects. "This old servant greets the Princess Consort."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Steward-in-Chief, there’s no need for such formality. From now on, I’ll have to trouble you." It was clear Mo Xiuyao highly valued this Steward-in-Chief, who was also Ah-Jin’s biological uncle. Considering Ah-Jin was always by Mo Xiuyao’s side, never leaving him, he was definitely a most trusted confidant. To receive such courteous treatment from the Princess Consort was an honor for Chief Steward Mo. He remained composed, showing no hint of arrogance, and still replied with a respectful bow, "This old servant wouldn’t dare. If the Princess Consort has any orders in the future, please feel free to inform this old servant."

The group proceeded to the flower hall, where quite a number of people were already standing, somewhat scattered. Seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao enter, they immediately straightened up and bowed in unison. "Greetings, Your Highness. Greetings, Princess Consort."

Mo Xiuyao led Ye Li into the flower hall, indicated the main seat for her to sit, then turned back and said, "You may all rise. This is the new Princess Consort. From now on, the Princess Consort’s words are my own. Do you all understand?"

"We shall obey Your Highness’s command."

"Very well. Ah-Li, this is Nanny Sun. She is the inner household manager of the Prince’s Mansion; all internal affairs of the residence are under her charge. If there is anything you don’t understand, you may ask her." The nanny standing at the very front was indeed Nanny Sun, who had previously delivered gifts to Ye Mansion. She was also the first person Mo Xiuyao introduced to Ye Li. After a moment’s thought, Mo Xiuyao added, "Nanny Sun once served my mother consort."

"This old servant pays respects to the Princess Consort."

"You are too kind, Nanny," Ye Li nodded.

"This is the external affairs steward of the Prince’s Mansion, Yang Ling. He is responsible for all the mansion’s external dealings." Standing beside Nanny Sun was a middle-aged man of about forty. His eyes held a keen glint, revealing him at a glance to be a rather shrewd individual.

"Yang Ling pays respects to the Princess Consort."

Ye Li frowned faintly. She had no particular opinion on how others referred to themselves, but often, one’s form of self-address could indicate their attitude towards oneself. This external steward clearly lacked the respect that Chief Steward Mo and Nanny Sun had shown her. "Steward Yang, there is no need for such formality."

Subsequently, Mo Xiuyao introduced Ye Li to several stewards responsible for the various enterprises of the Prince’s Mansion, as well as a few other important managers. Ye Li also had people present introductory gifts to these stewards and rewards for the servants of the residence. The approving expressions in the eyes of Nanny Sun and Chief Steward Mo towards this new Princess Consort deepened. Although the Ye Family was not particularly distinguished, it was evident that the new Princess Consort had inherited Madam Ye’s fine qualities. Her conduct was appropriate, and her actions were fitting. Even the introductory gifts for the stewards and the rewards for the servants were meticulously and thoughtfully arranged.

"Prince, Princess Consort." Ah-Jin appeared at the doorway, glanced at the crowd in the flower hall, hesitated for a moment, but still spoke.

"Ah-Jin, what is it?" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Ah-Jin, holding a long box, said, "Someone just delivered this, saying it’s a wedding gift for the Princess Consort."

Ye Li raised her eyebrows. "Where is the person?"

"They left."

The two exchanged a glance before Mo Xiuyao said to Ah-Jin, "Bring it here."

Mo Xiuyao took the box, examined it, and opened it. Inside, there was only a painting scroll. Seeing no problem, he handed it to Ye Li. Ye Li unrolled the scroll and couldn’t help but gasp. It was a portrait of a court lady. Anyone who hadn’t seen the painting would find it hard to imagine such beauty could exist in the world. Her willow-leaf eyebrows were dark without being drawn, her cherry lips red without makeup. Her delicate and ethereal beauty was such that any words of praise would seem to tarnish it. Even on the canvas, one could feel the maiden’s eyes, clear as water, her gaze flowing like ripples. The girl in the painting wore plain clothes, held a simple zither, and smiled enchantingly amidst a profusion of flowers. Even the hundred blossoms seemed to pale in comparison. "’Bright as the morning sun rising through rosy clouds, dazzling as a lotus emerging from clear water...’ What an absolute beauty..." Ye Li sighed softly.

Her gaze shifted to the side of the portrait. Inscribed there were the words—’Capital of Great Chu’s Beauty, Zuidie.’ The signature read: Han Mingyue.

Mo Xiuyao was also taken aback. His gaze flickered over the stunning woman in the portrait before quickly returning to Ye Li. Ye Li remained silent for a moment, then looked up at Mo Xiuyao and smiled. "Han Mingyue’s ’Capital of Great Chu’s Beauty’ is said to be priceless. To send such a painting to me the day after my wedding, it makes me feel rather inadequate."

Mo Xiuyao gave a faint smile. "You are wonderful as you are."

Ye Li took one last look at the woman in the portrait, then rolled it up. "This...?" she asked, somewhat troubled. Could it be that he thought she would force him to dispose of his former fiancée’s portrait? She merely wanted to ask if he wanted it; if so, she would give it to him, that’s all.

Mo Xiuyao said, "It was sent to you, Ah-Li. You may dispose of it as you see fit."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow.

"I have little interest in calligraphy and painting. Besides, looking at a woman more beautiful than myself every day is simply demoralizing."

Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment, then said to Nanny Sun, "Find another box. Later, send this painting to Elder Su’s residence."

Nanny Sun responded respectfully, "This servant obeys." She stepped forward to take the scroll from Ye Li’s hand, then turned and handed it to a maidservant beside her to take care of. Mo Xiuyao turned his head slightly and smiled at Ye Li. "Let’s go. The Eldest Princess should be awake by now."

Ye Li nodded, rose, and took Mo Xiuyao’s hand. Together, they left, not seeing the looks of relief on the faces of Nanny Sun and Chief Steward Mo behind them.

"Who do you think sent that painting?" Ye Li asked curiously as they made their way to the courtyard where the Eldest Princess was temporarily residing.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head. "That painting was originally stored in the residence. I had intended to give it to Elder Su. However, too many things were happening back then, and by the time things settled down, the painting had vanished."

Ye Li smiled. "A painting by Han Mingyue is worth a fortune. You didn’t send anyone to look for it? Moreover... she truly is an absolute beauty. No wonder Han Mingyue dared to inscribe it ’Capital of Great Chu’s Beauty’."

Mo Xiuyao glanced up at her, pondered for a moment, then said, "If it comes to painting, my skills are not necessarily inferior to Han Mingyue’s. Perhaps, when I have time, I could paint a portrait of you?"

Ye Li paused, then couldn’t help but laugh. "Oh? Alright then, I thank you in advance."

The Eldest Princess was indeed awake. As soon as they reached the entrance, the Eldest Princess’s attendant invited them in. The Eldest Princess was sitting on a couch, sipping tea. Seeing them enter, her face immediately broke into a smile. She beckoned to Mo Xiuyao. "Xiuyao, come here, let your aunt take a look at you. And Xiuyao’s wife, come, come here quickly."

Mo Xiuyao led Ye Li forward to pay their respects. "Greetings, Royal Aunt."

The Eldest Princess pulled Ye Li down to sit beside her, examined her carefully, then nodded repeatedly in satisfaction. "Good, good, good. This is a fine daughter-in-law for the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. I like you very much. The Emperor has finally done something right for once. Xiuyao, you must treat Li’er well and live happily together. If you dare cause trouble and make Li’er angry, I won’t let you off!"

Mo Xiuyao was somewhat exasperated, smiling wryly. "Royal Aunt..."

Ye Li, finding his rare predicament amusing, covered her mouth to hide a chuckle. The Eldest Princess affectionately took Ye Li’s hand. "Li’er, you don’t know, this boy was quite mischievous when he was younger. If he wasn’t up to no good for a day, it was like the sky was falling. He nearly drove his father king to faint from anger. He’s become much more composed in recent years; it seems growing up has made him more sensible. You two, live your lives well together. If you have any grievances, don’t hesitate to come to me. I will support you."

The Eldest Princess was surprisingly easy to get along with. Perhaps due to her age and fondness for children, she bore no resemblance to the rumored ’Princess IronLady.’ Instead, she was more like a kind and amiable grandmother than even Old Madam Ye of the Ye Family. Ye Li smiled gently. "Li’er thanks Royal Aunt. Xiuyao will not bully me."

Hearing Ye Li’s form of address, the Eldest Princess’s eyes lit up, evidently even more pleased. She held Ye Li’s hand and chattered on, recounting Mo Xiuyao’s embarrassing childhood anecdotes. Mo Xiuyao sat there, the corners of his mouth twitching unusually. He could neither stop her nor leave, so he could only sit and listen as the Eldest Princess exposed his childhood, all while enduring Ye Li’s strangely teasing gaze. The Eldest Princess, clearly unconcerned with Mo Xiuyao’s or Ye Li’s feelings, even began to speak directly about Mo Xiuyao’s youthful infatuation with Su Zuodie.

Ye Li felt somewhat awkward, but seeing that Mo Xiuyao made no move to stop the Eldest Princess, she could only listen. The Eldest Princess, as if not noticing the expressions of the two young people before her, smiled, pulled Ye Li closer, and said to Mo Xiuyao, "I told you back then, that Su family girl wasn’t right for you. Now look at Li’er; you have to admit my judgment of people is far better than yours. Wouldn’t you agree?"

"Royal Aunt..." Mo Xiuyao smiled wryly. "Royal Aunt, I still need to take Ah-Li to pay respects to Father King and Mother Consort. This... perhaps you could chat privately with Ah-Li some other time?"

The Eldest Princess tilted her head in thought, then finally said, "You’re right. First, go offer tea to your father king and mother consort. Having Li’er’s name officially entered into the family-tree registration is what truly matters. I must return soon. Later, Li’er, don’t forget to come and visit me."

Ye Li smiled. "Royal Aunt, can’t you stay for a few more days?"

The Eldest Princess sighed. "When one gets old, one finds it a bit unsettling to be away from home. Once you two are past your newlywed period, you are welcome to come and stay at my place often."

Since the Eldest Princess said so, they naturally couldn’t press her to stay longer. Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li to offer incense to the ancestors of Prince Ding’s Mansion, accompanied the Eldest Princess for lunch, and then personally escorted her out of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion.

In the afternoon, Mo Xiuyao went to his study. Ye Li also had many things to attend to, so she returned to her own courtyard. Looking at the now quiet King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion after their return, Ye Li felt as if she were in a daze, like a dream. In just one day, she had moved from Ye Mansion to the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, had married and become Princess Consort Ding, and it seemed she had already completely adapted?

Since they had just married, the stewards of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion would naturally not be so tactless as to immediately burden her with a pile of trivial matters and account books. Therefore, Ye Li only needed to manage the people in her courtyard and her dowry. Returning to her courtyard, Nanny Sun was waiting there, chatting with Nanny Lin and Nanny Wei. Seeing Ye Li enter, she quickly came forward to pay her respects. "Princess Consort."

Ye Li smiled. "Nanny Sun, you were a trusted servant of my mother consort and are also trusted by the Prince. You needn’t be so formal."

Nanny Sun replied somewhat stiffly, "Thank you for your kindness, Princess Consort, but this old servant dare not overstep propriety. Following the Prince’s orders, this old servant has selected some people to attend to the Princess Consort. Please see which ones you find suitable, and they can remain by your side to serve you." Saying this, she took a list from her sleeve and presented it. On it were recorded the candidates assigned to Ye Li’s courtyard. Nanny Sun continued, "The Princess Consort should have four first-rank maids for personal attendance. In addition, there should be two maids each for managing the Princess Consort’s wardrobe and meals. Four more are needed for needlework. For the courtyard, eight second-rank maids are required, along with sixteen junior maids for rougher tasks. The second-rank maids and junior maids can be left to the two nannies by the Princess Consort’s side to manage. However, it would be best if the Princess Consort personally reviewed the maids responsible for wardrobe and meals."

As they spoke, several young women dressed as maids entered and respectfully bowed to Ye Li. "Greetings, Princess Consort."

Ye Li glanced down at the list Nanny Sun had presented. It not only detailed the names and ages of these young women but also their family backgrounds, including who their family members were, all clearly written. Moreover, they were all hereditary servants of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Ye Li nodded, handed a part of the list to Nanny Lin and Nanny Wei for them to manage the second and third-rank maids, then turned to Nanny Sun with a smile. "I naturally trust the people Nanny Sun has chosen." She casually selected a few names from the list. The chosen young women quickly stepped forward to express their thanks. Ye Li then instructed Qingshuang to distribute pouches containing silver pieces to each of them as a reward.

After dealing with the maids, Ye Li invited Nanny Sun to sit and talk. Indeed, as Mo Xiuyao had said, Nanny Sun answered all her questions without reservation. Ye Li hesitated for a good while before asking, "Nanny Sun, in the Prince’s Mansion... aside from Eldest Sister-in-law, are there any other female masters?"

Nanny Sun paused, quickly understanding Ye Li’s meaning, and smiled. "Replying to the Princess Consort, aside from the First Madam, who has two Secondary Madams attending her, there are no other female masters in the residence."

Ye Li glanced with some frustration at Nanny Sun, who was smiling rather strangely, and nodded to indicate she understood. It was a relief that Mo Xiuyao had no other concubines; it meant significantly fewer troubles for her to handle. Not thinking about those almost foreseeable future troubles, Ye Li found that her current life in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion was as perfect as she had initially imagined. The husband and wife got along harmoniously, neither interfering in the other’s private matters. There were no elders requiring daily greetings, no sisters-in-law to socialize and gossip with, not even jealous concubines. If life could continue so peacefully, she would almost be grateful for Mo Jingli’s annulment of the engagement and the Emperor’s meddlesome marriage decree.

"Prince."

Ah-Jin looked somewhat strangely at Mo Xiuyao, who was staring blankly at a book. Having been by the Prince’s side since childhood, Ah-Jin, though a bit slow-witted, could still distinguish when his master was contemplating something and when he was simply lost in thought. Mo Xiuyao’s eyes flickered, and he looked up at him. "Is something wrong?"

Ah-Jin rubbed the back of his head in annoyance. "Prince... would you like to go see the Princess Consort?"

Mo Xiuyao casually placed the book back on the table. Looking at Ah-Jin’s constrained and uneasy demeanor, he smiled faintly. "Did Chief Steward Mo ask you to inquire, or was it Nanny Sun?"

Ah-Jin’s eyes widened. Both his uncle and Nanny Sun had mentioned that he should bring up the Princess Consort more often before the Prince, to find opportunities for the Prince and Princess Consort to spend more time together. But he had no idea how to create such opportunities. So, seeing the Prince in a rare daze, since he wasn’t busy, it seemed like a good time to ask if he wanted to see the Princess Consort, right?

Seeing Ah-Jin’s bewildered expression, Mo Xiuyao shook his head and smiled. "Alright, don’t dwell on it. What is Ah-Li doing now?"

"It seems she’s organizing the things brought from Ye Mansion."

"Then I won’t go over for now. Let’s wait until she’s finished. Where are the guests from last night?"

「Let’s go see.」

In the gloomy dungeon, the flickering firelight cast the shadows of the people inside onto the walls, wavering slightly with the flames, adding an even more eerie quality to the already sinister dungeon. Feng Zhiyao, still clad in his flamboyant and luxurious red brocade, was lounging lazily on the dungeon’s sole chair, listening with satisfaction to the unending wails. Compared to the boredom of recent years, these past few busy days were immensely satisfying to him.

"Speak up! What were you doing sneaking into Prince Ding’s Mansion at night?"

In the center of the room, a man in black was bound with iron chains to a rack, his body already covered in wounds. He glared fiercely at Feng Zhiyao. "Feng Zhiyao, you are Prince Ding’s man!"

"Oh? You recognize this young master? It seems you’re from Great Chu, then?" Feng Zhiyao blinked his phoenix eyes, his interest piqued. He sat up straight, looking at the man before him. "Where are you from? The Imperial Palace? From His Majesty, or from the one in Zhangde Palace? Or perhaps you’re from one of the noble residences?"

"Hmph!" Those who serve as death commandos are generally hard-boned. Severe torture had failed to make him confess, so a few words from Feng Zhiyao were naturally unlikely to make him speak.

Feng Zhiyao narrowed his eyes in displeasure. "This young master would like to see whether your bones are harder, or my torture instruments are! Continue!"

SWISH!

The vicious, barbed whip continued to create more wounds on the man’s body. Feng Zhiyao stared at the scene before him, his eyes gloomy.

The sound of wheelchair wheels turning approached from a distance. Feng Zhiyao turned to see Mo Xiuyao coming towards him. He rose and smiled. "Not accompanying your new bride? What brings you here at this hour?"

Mo Xiuyao didn’t answer, merely raising an eyebrow at him. "Have they confessed?"

Feng Zhiyao helplessly picked up a dossier lying nearby. "Last night, we captured seven people from four groups. One from Beirong, one from Nanzhao, two were opportunistic looters, and three are still stubbornly refusing to confess. The one from Beirong planned to kidnap the bride to disgrace the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. The one from Nanzhao merely wanted to survey the area and see if there was a chance to get the Lan Yun Sword. The other two wanted to take the opportunity to steal something. As for this one... he was the first one caught, and also the most skilled. I suspect he came to assassinate someone, but the target is unknown. It shouldn’t be you." This fellow was apprehended by the hidden guards where the banquet was held, right when Mo Xiuyao was escorting the bride back to the bridal chamber. So, the intended assassination target must have been one of the guests present.

"Someone from Great Chu?" Mo Xiuyao turned to the man in black hanging there and asked.

Feng Zhiyao rubbed his chin. "He recognizes me, so he’s definitely from Great Chu." He, Third Young Master Feng, was quite famous, but his renown was limited to Great Chu, and specifically, to the Capital City area. After all, a profligate young master of the Feng Family, one who could be said to have been expelled from the family and had no inheritance rights, was unlikely to attract the interest of outsiders.

"Continue. If you truly cannot get anything out of him, then kill him," Mo Xiuyao said indifferently. "Where is Yelv Ping?"

Feng Zhiyao gestured towards an adjacent room, then ignored Mo Xiuyao, instead staring at the man in black with great interest and chuckling. The man in black felt an intuitive chill run down his spine. He knew, of course, that being captured meant there was no escape. But hearing Prince Ding casually say, ’if you can’t get anything out of him, just kill him,’ as if he were merely remarking on the fine weather, still sent an involuntary shiver down his spine. Prince Ding was definitely not the useless cripple everyone thought him to be after his injury!

Feng Zhiyao smiled charmingly at him. "Actually, for this young master, it makes no difference whether you talk or not. You’re going to die anyway, right? If you confess, this young master will give you a swift death. If you don’t, that’s fine too. It’s a good chance to test out this young master’s new toys; these last two years have been deathly boring."

A flicker of fear crossed the man’s eyes, but he still stubbornly refused to speak. Feng Zhiyao didn’t mind. He waved his hand for the men beside him to proceed, then sauntered off towards the room Mo Xiuyao had entered.

The other cell was noticeably more comfortable than the previous one. At least the entire room was clean, with no strange odors or the smell of blood. However, iron bars forged from refined iron divided the entire room in half. The Prince of Beirong, who had been so boastful yesterday, was now on the other side of these bars, gripping them and glaring angrily at Mo Xiuyao. "Mo Xiuyao, you cripple! You have some nerve, daring to have your men capture this prince!"

"Oh? I thought the Prince of Beirong was captured by my men because he trespassed into a place he shouldn’t have?" Mo Xiuyao looked at him, his smile gentle yet cold. "However, the Prince of Beirong can rest assured. Even considering the diplomatic ties between our two countries, this Prince will absolutely not harm a single hair on your head."

Meeting his cold eyes, Yelv Ping couldn’t help but shiver. He gripped the iron bars even more furiously, shaking them and yelling, "You won’t harm this prince? Then what’s the meaning of locking this prince up here? This prince will definitely report this to your Emperor! And have your head chopped off!"

Mo Xiuyao’s lips curled slightly. "There are urgent matters in Beirong. In fact, early this morning, the Beirong envoys already submitted a letter of farewell to His Majesty and had departed the capital by noon."

Yelv Ping was stunned. "How is that possible? This prince is still here! Who would dare to leave!"

"The Prince of Beirong need not worry about returning to his country. Later, this Prince will personally dispatch men to escort you back to Beirong. And deliver you... to His Highness the Crown Prince."

Hearing this, Yelv Ping’s expression instantly turned ugly. He was somewhat muddled, but not entirely foolish. The Crown Prince and his own elder brother, Yelv Ye, were not on good terms. The two have been engaged in open and covert struggles for many years. If he were to fall into the Crown Prince’s hands, then... Seventh Brother would definitely kill him!

"Mo Xiuyao, you despicable villain! My Seventh Brother will not spare you!"

Mo Xiuyao sneered, looked up at him, and said calmly, "Since Yelv Ye dared to send you to provoke this Prince, he should have been prepared for you not to return. Or perhaps, this was the King of Beirong’s intention all along? It seems he isn’t too fond of you as a son either?"

Yelv Ping seemed to recall something, and his face turned deathly pale. He glared fiercely at Mo Xiuyao. "You’re spouting nonsense! Seventh Brother would never do such a thing..." Yet, his tone clearly lacked conviction. He was dull-witted, but not completely foolish. He had been mocked since childhood; even Seventh Brother often called him stupid, and his royal father also disliked him. Could it really be...

Watching the man before him whose face alternated between shades of green and white, completely devoid of yesterday’s smug satisfaction, a dark glint flashed in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes. If he could, he would definitely have this Prince of Beirong dismembered, ground his bones to dust, and still not appease the hatred in his heart. Unfortunately, this idiot was a Prince of Beirong; he couldn’t die, for now. Just like those people outside, no matter how much he detested them, no matter how much he hated them, he had to temporarily tolerate their existence.

No longer bothering to look at the man before him, Mo Xiuyao turned and exited the cell. Feng Zhiyao was leaning against the wall, grinning at him. "Are you really planning to hand this idiot over to the Crown Prince of Beirong?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. "This fool alone isn’t enough. Within ten days, I don’t care what methods you use, make him divulge everything he knows. See if there’s anything useful, and then give it all to Yelv Hong."

"By any means necessary?"

"Correct. Any method will do. I only want answers. No matter how foolish he is, he’s still Yelv Ye’s biological younger brother. This Prince refuses to believe he knows absolutely nothing," Mo Xiuyao said gravely. "After it’s done, you know what to do."

Feng Zhiyao nodded, the smile on his face broadening. "Understood. He was already quite foolish to begin with; even if he becomes a little more foolish, it wouldn’t be an accident, would it? Letting Yelv Hong and Yelv Ye fight like dogs? I like this idea."

Mo Xiuyao nodded with satisfaction. "I’ll leave it to you."

"Your Highness, take your leave. Go and enjoy your newlywed life."

Watching Mo Xiuyao and Ah-Jin’s figures disappear at the dungeon entrance, Feng Zhiyao squinted his phoenix eyes, looking with satisfaction at the gloomy and eerie dungeon before him. The faint sounds of pleading reached his ears, and the smile on his face grew even more brilliant. What a bunch of fools. Of all people to provoke, they chose Mo Xiuyao? That fellow Mo Xiuyao hasn’t possessed a shred of kindness since he was three. And ever since that incident, his heart has become thoroughly blackened.