Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 55. The Women of the Ding Kingdom’s King Mansion
55. Womenfolk of Prince Ding’s Mansion
"Your Highness, the Secondary Grand Consort is here," said a maid as she entered the study where Ye Li was busy organizing the account books brought from the Ye Mansion. When Ye Li looked up and saw the maid standing at the door, she was momentarily taken aback. Before she could speak, Qingshuang asked, "Jingwen, how did you end up here?" The maid was none other than Jingwen, who had been dispatched to the sewing room when she was at the Ye Mansion. The maids at the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion all wore simple white clothes with plain sashes. Yet, this plain and elegant dress somehow accentuated her charm and grace.
With a somewhat worried look, Jingwen looked at Ye Li and whispered, "The nanny in charge said that the embroidery done by Jingwen was not up to the Princess Consort’s standards. Since there are four first-class embroiderers in the sewing room now, they let Jingwen serve outside." Although she was glad to leave the sewing room, the way her embroidery was harshly dismissed as worthless made her feel a flash of shame. Ye Li sighed inwardly. It seemed this maid hadn’t learned to be wise, even though she had been in the embroidery room for over a month. Did she really think that just because she was pretty, she wouldn’t have any problems?
"Alright, you can go now. Please escort the Secondary Grand Consort in," Ye Li waved her hand dismissively.
"Yes, Your Highness," Jingwen bowed and respectfully retreated.
Qingshuang complained discontentedly, "Why would Nanny Lin and Nanny Wei have her come to serve the mistress? She doesn’t seem like someone who will behave herself." Qingluan and Qingyu, who had joined later, were not familiar with Jingwen, who had always been in the embroidery room. They only thought she was overly enchanting. Upon hearing what Qingshuang said, they turned to look at her. Somewhat regretfully, Qingshuang stomped her foot and said, "I should have mentioned this to Nanny Lin." Qingxia gave a light laugh, "Qingshuang, Nanny Lin is an older servant who served the Lady in the past. Do you think she cannot see what kind of person Jingwen is? Moreover, Jingwen is now merely a second-class maid serving outside. She is not even equivalent to Yun’er or Cui’er, and given that she is unfamiliar with the customs of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, she could hardly cause any trouble."
Putting down her book, Ye Li laughed and said, "Qingshuang, you need to learn more from Qingxia. Don’t be flustered about everything."
Sticking out her tongue, Qingshuang replied, "Yes, I will obey Your Highness’s command."
The moment Ye Li stepped into the hall exclusively for entertaining female guests, she was taken aback. There, on the main seat, sat a middle-aged woman in her fifties. Wearing a magnificent Yun Brocade dress and adorned with a golden diadem studded with jade and precious stones, she exuded an imposing air of nobility. Had Ye Li not known her identity beforehand, she might have mistaken her for the Princess Consort of the old Prince Ding instead of a Secondary Consort. At the moment, the Secondary Grand Consort was resting with her eyes closed, leaning against the chair. Two maids stood behind her; one was massaging her shoulders while the other was gently waving a folding fan. Ye Li could not help but feel amused. It was not even June yet, and considering the weather in the Capital of Great Chu, it was hardly hot. Was she not scared of catching a cold from the drafts?
"Your Highness," Everyone rose to their feet and saluted as soon as they saw Ye Li arriving.
"You may leave. I have kept the Secondary Grand Consort waiting for too long." Ye Li waved her hand to dismiss her people, furrowed her brows, and walked over to the other side to sit down. Not until then did Secondary Grand Consort Yang slowly open her eyes, looking at Ye Li with a face full of scrutiny. Ye Li’s lips formed a smile, allowing her to scrutinize her. She then turned her gaze onto a girl in white sitting at the end of the room who seemed rather timid. As soon as the girl met Ye Li’s gaze, she immediately withdrew with a look of panic, avoiding her.
"What brings Secondary Grand Consort here?" Ye Li retracted her gaze, directing her attention to Secondary Grand Consort Yang.
Secondary Grand Consort Yang narrowed her eyes in discontent, her face, already showing signs of age, turned even more stern. She snorted lightly and said, "The Princess Consort is too arrogant. She doesn’t even know to pay her respects to her elders after her marriage. I, the Grand Consort, have to come here to pay my respects to the Princess Consort." Ye Li understood — so, she came to stir up trouble. Somewhat troubled, Ye Li furrowed her eyebrows and looked at the Secondary Grand Consort with a light smile, "I suppose it was my rudeness. However, when I asked the Prince yesterday, he only mentioned paying a visit to my sister-in-law after our return. He did not mention anyone else in the Prince’s Mansion who might require a personal visit from me."
The expression on Secondary Grand Consort Yang’s face stiffened. After a while, she recovered and said to Ye Li with a tone full of resentment, "The Prince has not been in good spirits these past years and there might be some oversights. As the Princess Consort, you didn’t even remind him. That’s one thing, but to be so disrespectful!"
Reminder? Even Mo Xiuyao did not mention you — It was quite evident that he did not want to see you. Do you think I have nothing better to do than to remind him about you?
Before marrying, Ye Li had thoroughly studied the identities of the members of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. For instance, the status of Secondary Grand Consort Yang in front of her was rather unique. Not only was she the only Secondary Consort of the late Prince Mo Liufang, but she also was the biological aunt of Mo Xiuyao and Mo Xiuwen, and the younger sister of the previous Princess Consort Ding. Despite possessing such a status, she was not respected by the people of the Ding Kingdom. Whether it was the time when Mo Liufang was alive or later when it was Mo Xiuwen, and even the current Mo Xiuyao, they basically treated her like air. Secondary Grand Consort Yang, not yet fifty, was of a similar age to Eldest Princess Zhaoyang. However, looking at these two widows side by side, people could easily misjudge her age to be a decade older.
But that did not make Ye Li feel sympathy for her. Everything was caused by her own actions. Secondary Grand Consort Yang married into the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion right after the previous Princess Consort Ding gave birth to Mo Xiuwen. The health of the Princess Consort Ding declined significantly after giving birth, and her formerly loving relationship with the Prince also became somewhat cold. She gave birth to Mo Xiuyao seven years later and died shortly afterwards. Compared to Mo Xiuyao’s blatant disregard for Secondary Grand Consort Yang, Mo Xiuwen, who is reputed for his genteel persona, showed nothing but disdain towards her. Therefore, Ye Li had a strong suspicion that Secondary Grand Consort Yang must have used some unconventional methods to marry into the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and that was what directly led to the rupture of intimacy between Mo Liufang and the Princess Consort. Putting all this aside, even if Mo Xiuyao was going to take concubines in the future, Ye Li would never accept Ye Shan or Ye Lin. Sharing one husband with others was hard enough for her to accept. To share one husband with her own sisters was simply a direct challenge to her limit of forbearance.
"I... I truly don’t know if it’s necessary to pay respects to a Secondary Consort." With downcast eyes, Ye Li calmly replied.
"You! How dare you!" Secondary Grand Consort Yang, with a flushed face, pointed at Ye Li but was unable to say a word. The identity of a Secondary Consort was a lifelong pain for her. When she married into the Prince’s Mansion, she was only a Secondary Consort; because she was the daughter of a concubine, she never had too many expectations. After her sister passed away, she thought she had a chance to become the Princess Consort as the late Prince only had her as his Secondary Consort. However, he never even glanced at her till the end. Ever since Mo Liufang’s death, she knew that she would never have a chance to ascend higher, and even in death, she could not be buried next to Mo Liufang as a Secondary Consort.
"Secondary Grand Consort should be well aware of the household rules of the mansion, so who is actually being presumptuous?" Ye Li lifted her head and stared at her. In the eyes of the outside world, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion abides by the rules of the Prince, and within the mansion, the authority is held by the Princess Consort. Regardless of anyone’s status, even if it is a veritable Grand Consort, they shouldn’t make the Princess Consort uncomfortable. So, after Mo Xiuwen’s demise, the servants of the mansion no longer addressed Princess Consort Wen as the Princess Consort, but as the First Madam, indicating her status as the elder sister-in-law of the Prince and the Princess Consort, not the Princess Consort of the Ding Kingdom.
After suppressing the aggressive look of Secondary Grand Consort Yang, Ye Li’s face also relaxed a bit. She smiled faintly and asked, "Why has Secondary Grand Consort Yang come here so early? Is there something you would like to tell me?"
Recovered from her shock caused by Ye Li’s sudden change of temperament, the Secondary Grand Consort turned furious. The lady in white sitting next to her gently voiced her unease, "Auntie..."
The Secondary Grand Consort glanced at the white-clothed girl and actually managed to suppress her anger. Turning her head towards Ye Li, she said, "This is my niece from my maternal family, Qianru."
The girl in white stood up and bowed slightly to Ye Li, softly saying, "Qianru greets you, Cousin Sister-in-law."
Ye Li frowned. The daughter of the Yang Family was the Secondary Grand Consort’s niece, so she would be Mo Xiuyao’s cousin. Ye Li was quite unfamiliar with this cousin. Mainly because the Yang Family wasn’t part of the high society. In fact, except for the first Prince Ding, Mo Lanyun, who married a Commandery Princess from a previous dynasty, the family background of several generations of Prince Ding’s consorts was not prominent. This was due to the men of the Mo Family not needing to maintain connections through marriage, but also probably to avoid being regarded with jealousy by the imperial family. As far as she knew, Princess Consort Yang’s maternal family did not have a direct brother, and the only concubine’s son had died a few years ago. Therefore, Yang Qianru must be the orphan of the Yang Family’s concubine’s son. "Cousin sister doesn’t need to be so formal, take a seat. I presume the Prince must have forgotten and didn’t mention cousin sister to me, so we didn’t have time to prepare a gift for our meeting. Please do not take offense." As she spoke, Ye Li took off a jade bracelet from her wrist and put it into Yang Qianru’s hand. Turning her head and smiling, she asked the Secondary Grand Consort next to her, "Does cousin sister live with the Secondary Grand Consort?"
The Secondary Grand Consort glanced at Ye Li, nodded, and said, "Qianru is still young and does not have other relatives, so I brought her to live with me. She is not a young lady of the Prince’s Mansion. It doesn’t matter if she lives in the same yard with me." 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺
Without intending to intervene or arrange accommodations, Ye Li nodded and smiled, "As long as cousin sister and the Secondary Grand Consort do not feel wronged. If there’s anything you need, just let me know. Don’t be shy." The Secondary Grand Consort’s eyes flickered. "Exactly, the reason why I brought her to meet you is for this. Qianru is almost seventeen now, so should start considering marriage. The Prince is hardly around, and I am old and have no insight. You are Qianru’s sister-in-law, so please look out for her. Also, she looks too plain for a young lady. She needs to add more to her wardrobe."
The Secondary Grand Consort continued speaking for herself, while Yang Qianru flushed and lowered her head, not daring to look up at anyone. Ye Li comfortably leaned back in her chair hearing the demands from the Secondary Grand Consort. At the beginning, it seemed like there was room for discussion, but towards the end, it was clearly a command. As Ye Li looked at Yang Qianru dressed in snowy white, she couldn’t help but frown, "Has the mansion been skimping on cousin sister’s expenses?" Even if Mo Xiuyao held the Secondary Grand Consort in contempt, he wouldn’t be so petty as to skimp on a girl’s expenses. Looking at Yang Qianru in her plain white dress, and even her hair decorated simply with a white ribbon, people who didn’t know her might think she was in mourning. The serving girls in the mansion with slightly higher status dress much more appropriately than her.
Yang Qianru suddenly raised her head, eyes full of tears and panic, she quickly said, "No... the Prince’s Mansion did not ill-treat Qianru. Sister-in-law, please don’t misunderstand cousin brother... It’s Qianru... Qianru who is at fault..." Ye Li couldn’t help but put a hand to her forehead. What on earth was all this about? She rubbed her temples and said to Qingluan beside her, "Go see if Nanny Sun is free, please ask her to come over."
Nanny Sun arrived very quickly. Clearly, Qingluan gave her a brief description of the situation, so she brought along Manager Wang from the accounts office and Nanny Zhang, who was in charge of expenditures.
"Greetings to the Princess Consort and the Secondary Grand Consort." The three greeted in unison.
Ye Li nodded and said, "Nanny, please rise."
Nanny Sun stood up and said, "I thank Your Highness. I have been informed that the Princess Consort wishes to talk about the expenses of the Secondary Grand Consort’s yard. Without waiting for further instruction, I took the liberty of calling Manager Wang and Nanny Zhang, who is in charge of the expenses. I beg the Princess Consort’s pardon." Ye Li smiled, "Nanny need not worry, I am new here as the Princess Consort and I am not familiar with these matters. Since the Secondary Grand Consort raised her concerns about Miss Yang’s expenditures, I thought it appropriate to ask you. In that case, Nanny Zhang, how are Miss Yang’s expenses handled? If she has been wronged and others find out, it would not reflect well on our Prince’s Mansion." Nanny Zhang quickly stepped forward, her face looked somewhat off-color, "Your Highness, Miss Yang’s allowance has always been according to the standard for a young lady of a collateral line within the Prince’s Mansion. Although we haven’t had any such young ladies for a few generations, we have maintained those traditions. We would never dare to deprive Miss Yang of her due."
"Then, what’s the monthly expenditure of Miss Yang? If the existing rule is not sufficient, an appropriate adjustment can be made. Or we could directly allot some from the portion of the mansion belonging to me and the Prince." suggested Ye Li.
After giving a glance to Yang Qianru, who was seated by the side, Nanny Zhang said, "Miss Yang gets thirty taels for her monthly expenditure. The rouge and powder that she uses daily are additionally bought by the Mansion. She gets four sets of clothes for each of the four seasons, as well as two sets of headwear and jewelry for the beginning of winter and summer. On holidays, not a penny is deducted from the money gifted to her. We have served in the Prince’s Mansion for generations and we would never dare to treat Miss Yang poorly."
The steward from the accounting room also chimed in, "Your Highness, everyone in the Mansion received rewards on the occasion of Your Highness and His Highness’s grand wedding. First Madam received an extra 500 taels, Secondary Grand Consort an extra 200 taels, and Miss Yang also received an extra 100 taels. The staff in the Mansion were also rewarded. I did not dare delay the matter and have brought the record as proof." As soon as these words were out, everyone’s eyes fell on Yang Qianru. Her white clothes and frail appearance, as if a gust of wind could knock her down, made her look as though she was indeed being mistreated. Nanny Sun’s stern face showed a flicker of discontent. It was the Prince’s Mansion that raised you, how dare you blame it for your hardships? What did it mean to wear white at the Prince and Princess Consort’s wedding?
The maidservants who came with Ye Li from the Ye Mansion were also unhappy with this delicate Miss Yang. Their own mistress was already attractive enough; this Miss Yang seemed even weaker. Moreover, the treatment that the Prince’s Mansion gave Miss Yang was not much different from that of the legitimate daughter of the Ye Family. The lady of the Ye Family also used to get thirty taels monthly, but she did not have a reputation or presence in the Capital City like that of Miss Yang. It was evident that this Miss Yang didn’t engage in social interactions, which implies that she didn’t have many expenses. However, since she is complaining and crying poor just after Princess Consort Ding’s marriage, it seemed rather excessive.
Ye Li frowned and looked at the Secondary Grand Consort. It wasn’t that she was stingy, but since she had just arrived in the Prince’s Mansion, she could not possibly neglect the rules set by the former generations and elevate Yang Qianru’s treatment. Even if the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion was wealthy, it could not casually spend without any regard. There won’t be order without rules. Moreover, the Prince’s Mansion’s treatment of Yang Qianru was indeed considerate. Unfortunately, the Secondary Grand Consort did not seem to hold the same view. Seeing Ye Li hesitant, she could not help but angrily say, "What is the meaning of this, Your Highness? Qianru is, after all, the Prince’s cousin. Is it not allowed for her to spend a few more taels? If people from outside learn that our King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion is treating an orphaned girl with such parsimony, the Prince won’t look good." In short, the Secondary Grand Consort was determined to frame Mo Xiuyao for being stingy.
"Then how much does the Secondary Grand Consort think is reasonable?"
The Secondary Grand Consort, with frowned brows and an unsatisfied face, said, "At least eighty taels are necessary in a month. And the jewelry, only two sets? How could that be enough? Qianru has not been able to go out and meet people all these years. Even her marriage has been delayed. When she starts going outside more frequently in the future, four more sets should be sent from the Fenghua Pavilion." Seeing the Secondary Grand Consort’s face looking like this was perfectly reasonable, Ye Li couldn’t help but roll her eyes internally. When did she agree that Yang Qianru would be accompanying her? That all these years Yang Qianru hasn’t been very social could also be blamed on the Prince’s Mansion was ridiculous. If she were not in Prince Ding’s Mansion, given the Yang Family’s status, she might not even match up with the illegitimate daughters of Prince Ding’s Mansion.
"The Secondary Grand Consort should speak with caution. The Princess Consort is the Madam of House of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. When she goes out, she would not likely be accompanied by an unmarried maiden. Even if so, it should be the young ladies of the Prince’s Mansion or the legitimate younger sisters from the Princess Consort’s maternal family," Nanny Sun advised sternly. Ye Li affirmed silently that she had made a good point. She did not want to take a fragile, sentimental girl along with her to meet matchmaking prospects. As Nanny Sun was giving her advice, Yang Qianru blushed out of embarrassment. She let out a low whimper and clutched at her heart, on the verge of tears. Without waiting for the Secondary Grand Consort to lose her temper, Ye Li frowned and said to the three people, "Now that things are cleared, Manager Wang and Nanny Zhang can return. Additionally, each month, ten more taels shall be given to Miss Yang from my portion. She is our guest after all; we can’t mistreat her."
"Yes, we will surely abide by your command." Manager Wang and Nanny Zhang responded and took their leave.
Ye Li went on to say, "Secondary Grand Consort and Miss Yang, you should return as well. As for Miss Yang’s marriage, I will discuss it with the Prince and get back to you with an answer."
The Secondary Grand Consort wore a resentful expression, but observing Ye Li’s face, which clearly signaled the end of the visit, she dared not go against Ye Li’s wishes. Left with no choice, she left indignantly, a slightly aggrieved Yang Qianru in tow.
Once the two were gone, Ye Li instructed Nanny Sun, "Nanny Sun, add an extra ten taels to Manager Wang and Nanny Zhang’s salaries this month. The money can come directly from me."
Nanny Sun agreed, then commented to Ye Li, "Actually, Princess Consort, there’s no need to pay heed to the Secondary Grand Consort and Miss Yang. Our Prince’s Mansion hasn’t treated Miss Yang unfairly, and we haven’t touched a single penny of the inheritance left to her by the Yang family." Ye Li replied with a defeated expression, "Did you see what she was wearing today? What if others were to see her in such attire? What would they think?" With a dismissive snort, Nanny Sun added, "You’re unaware, Princess Consort, that Miss Yang is quite peculiar. She seems to have an extreme preference for white. We initially sent her clothes in the colors young girls typically favored. But Miss Yang deemed those ’tacky’. She insists on wearing only white, choosing to wear old clothes rather than accept ones without a hint of white. Many good pieces of clothing have been squandered because of her. The Mansion has no choice but to select and send over clothes in white to accommodate her. For the grand wedding between you and the Prince, Nanny Zhang even specially had a peach-pink and a pale purple outfit made and sent over as gifts. But alas..."
Tacky? Really? Ye Li recalled another person who favored plain-colored attire.
"There will be more and more guests at the Mansion in the future. We can’t let her appear in public like this." After all, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion had basically not interacted with outsiders before. Now that Mo Xiuyao was married and had appeared in public, they certainly couldn’t continue to refuse all guests. Ye Li continued, "I’ll ask the Prince if we should replace all the plain-colored clothes." After a pause, Ye Li added with a faint smile. Nanny Sun, taken aback, soon understood what was said, "Are you suggesting...?"
"I didn’t say anything. I just don’t particularly like white clothes," Ye Li answered with a chuckle.
"Princess Consort, the Prince requests you."
As Mo Xiuyao didn’t have any maidservants serving him, the announcement was conveyed through one of his guards. Ye Li stood and asked, "Where is the Prince?" The guard replied, "The Prince is awaiting you at the Water Pavilion."
"Understood. You can go."
The King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion was arguably the largest mansion in the Capital City. This was related to the Ding Kingdom’s status within the Great Chu. Though extensions over a hundred years had not expanded the mansion’s area, its scenic surroundings were the best in the city. Located at the southwest corner of the mansion was a natural lake, occupying one-sixth of the property’s area. A wooden walkway led from the lakeshore to a Water Pavilion in the center, large enough to accommodate three rooms. Covered with green lotus leaves, the lake presented a tranquil and picturesque view. One instantly felt a refreshing coolness on entering, a desirable spot to escape the summer heat.
Ye Li gestured for her maids to stop and continued alone down the lakeside walkway towards the Lake Heart Pavilion. As expected, she found Mo Xiuyao sitting by the open window, lost in thought. Hearing her footsteps, Mo Xiuyao came to and greeted her with a smile, "Ah-Li." Ye Li walked in, asking, "What are you thinking?" Mo Xiuyao shook his head and smiled, "I’ve been busy with trivial matters these past few days and haven’t had time to ask how you’ve been settling in."
Shrugging, Ye Li found a seat across him and laughingly remarked, "I adapt easily. The people in the Mansion are nice, and I’m not feeling out of place." Noticing Mo Xiuyao’s puzzled expression, Ye Li blinked and laughed, "Could it be that you’re the one having trouble adjusting?" Mo Xiuyao surprisingly nodded and softly laughed, "Indeed, I’m somewhat struggling. It feels as though...for many years, this Prince’s Mansion was just me."
"Hmm...Do you need me to give you some space?" Feeling apologetic, Ye Li hadn’t suspected that her presence would cause Mo Xiuyao discomfort. Mo Xiuyao laughed, shaking his head, "How could it be? Ah-Li, aren’t we husband and wife?"
"So?"
"I feel we need to spend more time together," Mo Xiuyao reasoned.
Ye Li understood. Some people might avoid things they are not accustomed to, while others confront them. Mo Xiuyao clearly belonged to the latter group. They were a couple who, before marriage, clearly lacked emotional attachment. Post-marriage, there was indeed a need to cultivate feelings. "Do you have any suggestions?" Ye Li asked. Mo Xiuyao responded, "If you have time, you can keep me company, for a chat, maybe read something. Or, if you don’t mind making public appearances, I can accompany you on casual outings."
Go out? Ye Li was slightly tempted. It appeared she had forgotten a key benefit of matrimony - it was much easier to step out than before.
"Sure." Ye Li nodded her agreement to Mo Xiuyao’s suggestions.
Noticing her instant acceptance, Mo Xiuyao was slightly amazed. A faint smile emerged on his lips, "I remember promising to paint a portrait for you, Ah-Li. Care to see how this one turned out?" Full of astonishment, Ye Li approached, "You’ve finished it already?"
A scroll with an open painting was placed on Mo Xiuyao’s table. It depicted a woman in a red dress holding a sword, standing tall. Ye Li immediately recognized the attire and the ornaments in the picture as her own from her wedding day. The red dress was not the elaborate and heavy bridal gown embroidered with phoenixes and peonies she wore on the wedding day. Instead, it was a simple and lightweight dress with golden cloud patterns on the edges and a golden belt around her waist. The peony on her forehead was replaced by a bright red flame. The woman, sword in hand, seemed poised as if to dance, her expression bright and dignified, yet with an added touch of proud, sharp intensity.
"Is this me?" Ye Li stared at the woman in the painting, murmuring softly. While the woman bore the features Ye Li was familiar with, something about her felt strangely unfamiliar. However, it was this unfamiliar sensation that oddly felt truly familiar to Ye Li. For some reason, Ye Li found the woman in the painting extraordinarily beautiful, hundreds of times more beautiful than what she saw in the mirror.
Mo Xiuyao chuckled, "It is said that there was once a beautiful woman who danced with a sword, captivating those around her. Ah-Li, you embody the spirit of Commandery Princess Qingyun."
"I didn’t..." Ye Li shook her head. She had never performed a sword dance in front of others. More accurately, she didn’t know how to perform a sword dance at all. Ye Li stared raptly at the woman in the painting holding a lustrous Lanyun Sword.
Mo Xiuyao smiled slightly, "I think this is the real Ah-Li."
Ye Li remained silent, her eyes reluctant to stray from the woman’s face in the painting. Indeed, she had once seen such an expression on another familiar face. The reckless abandon of navigating through a hail of bullets, and the stern pride of barehandedly killing enemies amidst blood and gore. That was a completely different life from the one she was living now. Ever since she accepted reality, she had been striving to conform to the standard of a woman of this era and thought she had gradually forgotten the reckless woman who laughed in the midst of dirt and sweat. But... if she really had forgotten, if she really had accepted her current life, why did she now have such hidden skills?
"The day when Ah-Li held the Lanyun Sword... I felt that Ah-Li was more beautiful than at other times I’ve seen her," Mo Xiuyao said, almost as if sighing. The image of Ye Li pulling out the Lanyun Sword appeared in front of his eyes. Though it was only for a fleeting moment, her awe-inspiring aura, entirely unlike that of any other woman, and her carefree heroism in wielding the sword, flashed into his mind. In that instant, Mo Xiuyao thought he saw a distinguished general who had fought numerous battles.
"Can...could you give me this painting?" Ye Li hesitated before asking.
Mo Xiuyao laughed, "This was intended as a gift for you." Since he casually brought up the topic of painting for her yesterday, Mo Xiuyao knew Ah-Li had merely taken it as a joke. However, he was unable to forget the vision of Ye Li’s radiant beauty on their wedding night and the moment she had pulled out the sword in the hall of the Ye Mansion. Therefore, despite being busy with numerous trivial matters in the mansion for the past two days, he painted this picture overnight. "But, there’s no inscription yet. What do you think would be an appropriate inscription?" he asked.
Ye Li shook her head, hesitating for a moment before saying, "No need. It’s not going to be displayed for others to appreciate." She loved the painting so much; what if an inscription ruined it?
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, then nodded. "Alright, no inscription, but there should be an artist’s signature." He took a brush from the brush holder on the table and instructed, "Grind the ink for me."
Ye Li was curious about Mo Xiuyao’s calligraphy. From an artistic perspective, his painting certainly lived up to his claim that it was no worse than Han Mingyue’s. But how good was his calligraphy?
Mo Xiuyao looked at her and smiled, "Ah-Li, your calligraphy is unique. Mine might disappoint you."
Ye Li watched with a smile as he dipped the brush in ink, raised it, and wrote a line on the side of the painting: "From Prince Ding Xiuyao to his wife, Ah-Li." Mo Xiuyao’s characters were upright and elegant, possessing an imposing aura yet without being overly sharp or aggressive. Ye Li was very satisfied and carefully moved the painting aside to dry so she could put it away. Glancing at the four characters "to his wife, Ah-Li" on the painting, she suddenly felt an inexplicably odd sensation. She looked up at Mo Xiuyao and saw he was gazing at her. If she just looked away, wouldn’t that make her seem guilty? Ye Li had no choice but to widen her eyes and look back. Mo Xiuyao gave a faint smile and was the first to look away.
The atmosphere became so awkward that Ye Li wanted to slip away, but the painting on the table made her reluctant to leave. Besides, leaving like this would mean she admitted defeat, wouldn’t it? She had just promised to spend more time with him. Her mind raced, and Ye Li quickly changed the topic, "Oh right, I wanted to discuss something with you. Would you replace all your white clothing?" Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s confused look, she asked, "Or do you specifically prefer wearing white clothing?"
Mo Xiuyao shook his head, "I have no preference for any particular color. It’s only a habit." He wondered, "What made you think of this?" Knowing Ye Li as well as he did, he knew she would definitely not have any interest in interfering with the color of his clothes.
Ye Li smiled and told him about the incident in the courtyard earlier. Mo Xiuyao looked at her speechlessly, "So, you think she only wears white clothing because I do?"
Ye Li nodded, "That’s what I think."
"But I don’t wear white clothing every day." Although his clothes were mostly plain-colored, he did have other colors.
"But it’s obvious that every time you appeared in front of her, you happened to be wearing white," Ye Li shrugged nonchalantly.
"Heh heh... Ah-Li, are you jealous?" Mo Xiuyao stared at her for a moment before laughing softly.
Jealous?!
Ye Li’s face darkened. She sprang to her feet without a word, "Sorry, we’re all out of vinegar here!" and even forgetting about the painting, she spun around and walked briskly out.
"Prince?"
A short while later, Ah-Jin appeared at the doorway, looking at Mo Xiuyao. Nanny Sun was right; the Prince really didn’t know how to get along with the Princess Consort. He had managed to upset her in just a short time.
Mo Xiuyao just smiled faintly, "Later, have this painting delivered to the Princess Consort."
