Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 57. Prelude to the Palace Feast
57. Pre-Banquet Affairs
Ye Li gazed frowningly at the two men mutely competing in a drinking contest before her. Even Minister Ye, who seemed on the verge of his eyes popping out, received no attention. Old Madam Ye reluctantly attempted to intervene, and while Mo Xiuyao acknowledged her with a smile, he didn’t refuse Mo Jingli as he continued to urge him to drink. Ye Li glanced at Ah-Jin, who stood not far off. Sensing her gaze, Ah-Jin looked anxiously at Mo Xiuyao, who was silently consuming his liquor.
As Mo Jingli reached to refill his cup, a hand as fair as jade blocked his way. Mo Jingli’s face darkened. He raised an eyebrow, looking at Mo Xiuyao and demanding, "Mo Xiuyao, what is the meaning of this?" Ye Li calmly placed the cup before herself. "Has Prince Li had too much to drink? It is I, this Princess Consort, who is stopping you. Why are you asking my husband?" Mo Jingli sneered dismissively. "Since when have women interfered in men’s drinking affairs? This Prince does not stoop so low as to argue with women." Ye Li smiled coldly. "Neither would this Princess Consort bother arguing with Prince Li. It’s just that my husband and I have to visit the Xu Family this afternoon. Surely Prince Li wouldn’t want the Prince to reek of alcohol when he visits them? You must remember, not everyone is as unconstrained as Prince Li. The Xu Family, in particular, is a scholarly family that upholds propriety and righteousness. Prince Li wouldn’t want this Princess Consort and the Prince to be swept out the door by our maternal uncle, would he?"
"Mo Xiuyao, after getting married, have you developed a fear of women?" Mo Jingli, with a gloomy expression, glared at Ye Li for a long time before he sneered at Mo Xiuyao.
Mo Xiuyao was serene as he replied, a faint smile even appearing on his face, "Jingli, respecting my wife’s opinion is not a bad thing. Ah-Li is right. This afternoon we’re visiting Mr. Xu and Imperial Censor Xu. As you know, Mr. Hongyu would not hesitate to sweep us out the door." Mo Jingli became more persistent. "How come I never knew that when returning home after marriage, one must not only see the bride’s family but also her maternal uncle’s family? Enough chitchat. Mo Xiuyao, this Prince is offering you a toast. Are you going to drink it or not?"
"I won’t," Mo Xiuyao responded firmly. Sitting beside him, Ye Li clearly sensed that Mo Xiuyao’s mood was exceptionally good. Even while speaking with Mo Jingli, she could detect a hint of teasing in his tone.
"Ahem... Prince Li, since Prince Ding has other engagements, let’s not force him. We can drink together another time when everyone is free," Fu Zhao helplessly interjected to smooth things over. They had all grown up together in the Capital City and had known each other since childhood. Mo Xiuyao and Mo Jingli had never gotten along, and unexpectedly, after so many years apart, their animosity had only worsened, making things awkward for the onlookers. Looking at Mo Xiuyao, Fu Zhao couldn’t help but feel relieved. Mo Xiuyao’s temper had improved significantly, and he even listened to his Princess Consort’s counsel. If it had been their younger selves, they would have likely fought to the death or started a brawl.
"Jingli..." Ye Ying coaxed in a gentle voice, "Don’t we have an outing planned this afternoon? Let’s invite Prince Ding for a drink next time."
Mo Jingli squinted at her and hummed, saying nothing more. The rest breathed sighs of relief, and Minister Ye, rubbing his temples which were starting to ache faintly, swore in his heart never again to let his two sons-in-law drink at the same table.
After lunch, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao took their leave to visit the Xu Mansion. Before they left, Mo Xiuyao was summoned by Xu Hongyu to the study for an hour-long discussion. Ye Li, forbidden from eavesdropping, had to wait outside. In the courtyard, all the Xu brothers, except for the elusive Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingze—who was constantly busy running errands for their Second Aunt—were there to keep her company. Xu Qingyan sprawled on the table, looking at Ye Li with a grin. "Sister Li, our father isn’t going to eat our brother-in-law. You don’t need to worry about him." Ye Li shot him an exasperated glance. "Which of your eyes sees me worrying about him?" Xu Qingyan pointed to his own eyes, laughing. "Both of them did."
Xu Qingfeng, who was usually rather insensitive, seemed uncharacteristically sentimental. He sighed and remarked, "Who would have thought? In just a few short days, Li’er has become part of another family. If Prince Ding dares to mistreat you, just tell Brother Three, and I’ll definitely stand up for you." Ye Li nodded solemnly. "I’ll remember that. Don’t worry, Brother Three." Xu Qingfeng sighed again. "I’ll be leaving the capital in a few days. I’ll tell Brother Two that once he’s married, his wife should visit you frequently at Prince Ding’s Mansion."
Xu Qingyan laughed. "Brother Three, you don’t need to be so dramatic. Prince Ding’s Mansion isn’t a lion’s den. With us around, how would Prince Ding dare to bully Sister Li?"
Xu Qingbai, standing to one side, rolled his eyes and retorted, "And who was it that hid at the mere sight of Prince Ding? How could the Xu family produce such a coward? And you expect *him* to stand up for Li’er?"
Xu Qingyan’s face flushed. Remembering a certain someone’s ruthless tactics, he couldn’t help but tremble. "Fourth Brother, you can’t blame me for being timid. It’s just that, that person..." He’s too brutal! Recalling the two unfortunate bandits in the villa that night, Xu Qingyan had suffered nightmares for several nights afterward. Even now, the sight of Mo Xiuyao made him instinctively want to hide behind Xu Qingbai. Seeing Xu Qingyan’s guilty expression, even though he hadn’t finished his sentence, Ye Li could roughly guess what had happened. Perhaps that ’certain someone’ did something terrifying to scare Xu Qingyan. She had no intention of probing further. Mo Xiuyao was a renowned general forged on the battlefield from a young age; she never expected him to be some delicate, sheltered gentleman.
Upon returning to Prince Ding’s Mansion, Ye Li busied herself with taking over its numerous affairs. Sorting through the various account books alone took her two full days. She was secretly astounded by the wealth of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion; the overt and covert assets accumulated by generations of princes left her marveling. Just as she was getting a handle on things, an invitation to a palace banquet arrived. The stated reason was a farewell for the envoys from various countries, a pretext neither Mo Xiuyao nor Ye Li could reasonably refuse.
Entering the Imperial Palace once again, Ye Li was not in a good mood due to her unpleasant previous experience. The carriage from the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion did not stop at the palace gates like those of ordinary nobles but drove directly inside. Mo Xiuyao was dressed in moon-white robes embroidered with subtle silver dragon patterns, auspicious clouds, and flying eagles. His hair was secured with a white jade crown inset with sapphires. He looked gentle and elegant as he asked, "Ah-Li, are you in a bad mood?"
Ye Li leaned lazily in the carriage. "Nothing much. I just always find the Imperial Palace a bit oppressive."
Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "And yet, countless people try every means to worm their way in. Your thoughts are quite unique, Ah-Li."
She glanced at him indifferently. "Stepping on the bodies of countless people to climb to the top, or being stepped on by others to climb—is it really that fascinating?"
Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and smiled. "The process is certainly uninteresting, but most people don’t see that process. They only need to fantasize about reaching the top, standing above tens of thousands, and the thrill of that is enough to make them forget everything else." Ye Li raised an eyebrow, studying him for a long moment before asking, "Is that what you think too, Xiuyao?" Startled, Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze to his hand resting on the armrest of his wheelchair. After a long pause, he said solemnly, "I just don’t want to be one of those stepped upon by others on their way up." The carriage fell silent for a while before Ye Li’s voice quietly broke the silence. "I don’t like stepping on anyone, but I also don’t like anyone stepping on me."
"Prince, we have arrived. Her Highness the Empress has invited the Princess Consort," Ah-Jin called in a deep voice from outside the carriage as it gradually came to a stop. Ye Li mentally estimated their location. This isn’t any of the places I visited last time. Judging by the position, it should be near the Empress’s Fengde Palace. Mo Xiuyao turned to her. "I have to see His Majesty, so I can’t accompany you inside. Will you be alright on your own?"
Ye Li nodded, preparing to alight. Mo Xiuyao grabbed her hand and said softly, "Be careful. If anything happens... immediately send Qingluan to find Ah-Jin. He’ll be nearby, around Fengde Palace." Ye Li frowned. "But you..." Ah-Jin is Mo Xiuyao’s personal guard, the person he trusts most. If Ah-Jin isn’t by his side... Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "You don’t think Ah-Jin is the only person I can trust, do you? Don’t worry. Go on."
"Alright, see you later." Hearing him say so, Ye Li no longer insisted and stepped out of the carriage. People from Fengde Palace were already waiting outside. Seeing Ye Li alight, they quickly approached. "This servant greets Princess Consort Ding. This servant has been ordered by Her Highness the Empress to welcome Your Highness." Ye Li nodded. "Thank you for your trouble."
"We dare not presume. Princess Consort, please follow us."
After entering Fengde Palace, Ye Li saw that many noble ladies were already present. Fengde Palace was arranged in a noble and imposing style, not excessively luxurious, yet its fine details revealed a special elegance. Ye Li couldn’t help but feel a flicker of curiosity about this Empress, whose reputation among the common folk was not particularly prominent.
"Greetings to Your Highness the Empress. May Your Highness enjoy longevity and peace." Upon entering the grand hall, Ye Li respectfully bowed to the dignified woman seated on the dais.
"Princess Consort Ding, you may dispense with the formalities. Please, take your seat." The Empress’s voice was clear, gentle, and calm, entirely lacking the expected arrogance of the ruler of the Imperial Harem.
"Thank you, Your Highness." Ye Li rose and was led by a palace maid to a vacant seat at the front. Although Ye Li was one of the younger ladies present, and her seniority might not have been the highest, the status of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion surpassed that of all other princes, marquises, and dukes in the capital. Naturally, the Princess Consort Ding’s status was above all other titled ladies. Even though Ye Li had arrived late, the foremost seat had been reserved for her. She glanced around casually, recognizing many familiar faces: the First Madam of State Duke Hua’s Mansion with Hua Tianxiang; Eldest Princess Zhaoyang and Princess Zhaoren, beside whom sat Princess Qixia (whom she hadn’t seen in a long time) and Commandery Princess Ronghua. The beautiful Princess Consort Li, Ye Ying, was also there. Those present in Fengde Palace were clearly all connected to the imperial family in some way or held titles of nobility. Ordinary Madams of Imperial Decree were not among them.
Once seated, Ye Li turned her gaze to the Empress on the phoenix throne. The Empress, adorned in a bright yellow phoenix robe, exuded the dignified majesty of her station. As Ye Li looked over, the Empress smiled at her, causing Ye Li to pause for a moment. The Empress was not exceptionally beautiful; Hua Tianxiang, also from State Duke Hua’s Mansion, was arguably more striking. However, the Empress possessed a serene, dignified grace that neither Hua Tianxiang nor any other noblewoman present could match.
"Your Highness Empress, is this Princess Consort Ding?" a clear voice called from the opposite side, instantly drawing everyone’s attention. Ye Li followed the sound and saw a young girl in vibrant attire seated to Eldest Princess Zhaoyang’s right, clearly a person of considerable status.
The Empress smiled. "Indeed, this is Princess Consort Ding. As it happens, Princess Ling Yun has been unwell since her arrival in the Capital of Great Chu and hasn’t yet had the chance to meet her. Princess Consort Ding, this is Princess Ling Yun from the Xiling Kingdom."
Ye Li nodded. "Greetings, Princess Ling Yun."
Given Ye Li’s status, even Princess Ling Yun, a princess of a kingdom, could not easily slight her. However, the princess, who had been all smiles just moments before, seemed to ignore Ye Li’s greeting. She brazenly scrutinized Ye Li before asking, "I heard from my royal brother that you drew the Cloud Grasp Sword?" Ye Li nodded slightly and smiled. "Indeed, I have seen the Cloud Grasp Sword." Princess Ling Yun, however, was not satisfied with this answer. She stood up, tilted her chin, and declared, "This Princess doesn’t believe it. This Princess wants to duel you with swords."
"I don’t know how to use a sword," Ye Li replied calmly.
"How is that possible? If you don’t know how to use a sword, how did you draw the Cloud Grasp Sword?" Princess Ling Yun stared at her, pressing aggressively.
Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly. "Princess, drawing a sword and using one are two different matters. Who decreed that someone who cannot use a sword cannot draw one?" She truly couldn’t understand why these princesses, commandery princesses, and young ladies always insisted on forcing others to compete in this or that, completely disregarding whether the other person even knew how to do what they proposed.
"This Princess doesn’t care!" Princess Ling Yun declared. "This Princess insists on dueling you. Or are you too afraid to accept the challenge?"
Ye Li rose. "Since the Princess asks this before Her Highness the Empress and all the madams and young ladies of the capital, how could I dare not accept?"
Princess Ling Yun said with satisfaction, "In that case, where is your sword?"
"Truthfully, apart from the Cloud Grasp Sword, I have never touched any other sword in my life. The sword presented by the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince that day was the first time I had ever handled such a weapon. Therefore, I do not own a sword, nor do I even know how to properly hold one."
"PFFT—forcing someone who has never even touched a sword to compete... Your Highness Empress, by that logic, can Tianxiang challenge the Grand General to an embroidery contest tomorrow and then claim to have the best needlework in the land?" Hua Tianxiang asked in a coquettish voice, leaning against Madam Hua. Her voice wasn’t loud, yet it carried throughout the hall, causing many to stifle their laughter behind their hands. The Empress shot Hua Tianxiang a look, though a faint smile played in her eyes. "And you dare to even mention that needlework of yours?" Hua Tianxiang covered her face, laughing. "How can you say that, Aunt Empress? I just want a good reputation too! The title of ’First in the World’ sounds so grand, doesn’t it?"
Ye Li looked gratefully at Hua Tianxiang, who winked at her and leaned against Madam Hua, feigning shyness.
The Empress restrained her smile and said to Princess Ling Yun, "Princess, Princess Consort Ding is not skilled in swordplay, so let’s skip the competition."
Princess Ling Yun, her face flushed red with anger from Hua Tianxiang’s words, gritted her teeth. "She clearly drew the Cloud Grasp Sword! How could she not know swordplay? She’s deliberately making a fool of this Princess!"
"The Cloud Grasp Sword belongs to the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Princess Consort Ding can draw it however she likes. What business is it of yours whether she knows swordplay or not?" Commandery Princess Ronghua said, casting a sidelong, mocking glance at Princess Ling Yun. "Are all foreign princesses this peculiar? Always forcing others to compete in this or that? Knowing full well the other person is incapable, yet still refusing to relent. Princess, wouldn’t it be simpler to just demand Princess Consort Ding admit defeat and acknowledge your superior swordsmanship?"
"You!" At Commandery Princess Ronghua’s words, not only Princess Ling Yun but also Princess Qixia looked embarrassed. Many present couldn’t help but recall the incident at the Hundred Flowers Gala when Princess Qixia had challenged Princess Consort Ding to a dance competition. Seeing the situation about to turn ugly, the Empress quickly interjected, "Alright, that’s enough. Ronghua, mind your words in front of the two princesses." Commandery Princess Ronghua snorted and sat down beside Eldest Princess Zhaoren, saying no more. Compared to Ye Li, she detested Princess Qixia—who was just as imperious as she was and deeply favored by Princess Zhaoyang—even more. By extension, she also disliked this equally proud newcomer, Princess Ling Yun.
"Her Highness Noble Consort has arrived!"
With a slightly shrill announcement, Noble Consort Liu, dressed in a goose-yellow palace gown, stepped into the hall with a cold demeanor.
"This consort greets Your Highness, Empress." Noble Consort Liu was as cold and haughty as their last encounter, offering only a shallow curtsy to the Empress. It seemed that this favored consort had no intention of showing deference to either the Empress Dowager or the Empress. The Empress, however, appeared accustomed to Noble Consort Liu’s behavior. She simply nodded. "You may rise. Noble Consort, what brings you to Fengde Palace today?" Several noblewomen present also showed surprise. Noble Consort Liu rarely attended palace banquets. Even though many of them visited the palace almost monthly, they seldom saw her.
Noble Consort Liu responded coolly, "This consort had nothing to do, and His Majesty mentioned it was lively in Your Highness’s palace, so I came to take a look. Is Your Highness Empress not welcoming me?" The Empress’s brow furrowed slightly, but she replied magnanimously, "Since you have the interest, please, sit down." She gestured for a palace maid to prepare a seat for Noble Consort Liu. However, the Noble Consort walked directly to Ye Li and asked, "May this Noble Consort sit here?" Ye Li smiled faintly. "If Your Highness does not mind, please do."
Seeing Noble Consort Liu sit beside Ye Li, the Empress no longer bothered to have another seat prepared for her. She had always maintained a respectful distance from the Emperor’s most favored consort. Fortunately, although Noble Consort Liu was exceptionally arrogant and at times even unreasonable, she usually showed some restraint when facing the Empress. Today’s coldness and impoliteness were about as far as she went. At least, compared to her treatment of the Empress Dowager, the Empress felt a strange sense of... balance.
Noble Consort Liu, with a cold and stern face, sat next to Ye Li. The noblewomen who had originally intended to speak with the newly appointed Princess Consort Ding temporarily put aside their thoughts. Who didn’t know that Noble Consort Liu was someone who never gave face to others? If they were to approach and incur her displeasure, they would only end up embarrassing themselves.
Having no one to talk with, Ye Li had no choice but to sit and listen to others’ conversations. Fortunately, she was a patient person.
"This Noble Consort heard everything that just happened in the hall." Ye Li, who hadn’t expected Noble Consort Liu to speak to her, was slightly startled by the faint voice beside her.
"You truly are useless! Last time, you couldn’t outdance the Princess Nanzhao, and this time you can’t wield a sword against the Princess of Xiling! What *can* you do?" Noble Consort Liu’s voice was laced with dissatisfaction and disdain. Fortunately, she kept her voice extremely low; otherwise, rumors of Princess Consort Ding being berated by Noble Consort Liu at her first palace banquet would have spread throughout the capital. Listening to Noble Consort Liu’s rebukes, Ye Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. If I remember correctly, this Noble Consort Liu merely admired Mo Xiuyao; she wasn’t his mother, was she? What’s with this disdainful tone? "Your Highness," Ye Li responded, "I have no interest in dancing. Besides, the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion doesn’t require a Princess Consort with peerless dancing skills. As for swordsmanship... that hardly seems like a skill the well-bred young ladies of the capital are expected to learn."
Noble Consort Liu snorted lightly. "You forgot to mention your mediocre painting skills and that you even need others to write poetry for you. You better watch yourself. If you dare to bring shame, this Noble Consort will not spare you."
Your Highness, are you *sure* you’re not Mo Xiuyao’s mother?
"What are Noble Consort Liu and Princess Consort Ding chatting so merrily about?" Eldest Princess Zhaoren suddenly inquired from across the way.
Noble Consort Liu looked up, stared at her for a moment, then responded, "Eldest Princess Zhaoren, which of your eyes saw this Noble Consort looking happy?" Eldest Princess Zhaoren was so taken aback she couldn’t utter a word. Ye Li inwardly sighed, infinitely envious of Noble Consort Liu’s straightforward personality. Unfortunately, not everyone possessed the privilege to be so candid. If not for the Emperor’s protection and favor, someone with Noble Consort Liu’s temperament, regardless of her family background, likely wouldn’t survive long in the palace. Seeing Eldest Princess Zhaoren speechless and her face darkening with anger, Noble Consort Liu seemed to be in a rather good mood. She stared haughtily at the Eldest Princess. "Weren’t you asking what this Noble Consort and Princess Consort Ding were discussing? This Noble Consort was saying that since Princess Consort Ding is not skilled in swordsmanship, how about this Noble Consort spars with Princess Ling Yun instead?"
"Noble Consort!" The Empress frowned in disapproval.
However, Noble Consort Liu paid her no mind, fixing her cold gaze on Princess Ling Yun. "Princess, what do you think?"
Princess Ling Yun had only been in the Capital City for a short time, but she knew Noble Consort Liu was the Emperor of East Chu’s most favored consort. She would never dare to engage in a duel with her. Winning or losing was irrelevant; if she accidentally injured Noble Consort Liu, and the Emperor of East Chu decided to pursue the matter, she would be at a severe disadvantage, especially since they were currently on East Chu’s soil. "Just now, Ling Yun was merely joking with Princess Consort Ding," Princess Ling Yun said quickly. "Ling Yun is young and ignorant; how could I dare to cross swords with Your Highness, Noble Consort?"
"That’s enough, Noble Consort," the Empress said lightly, her expression unusually firm and allowing no dissent. "Princess Ling Yun was merely being childish. Besides, she was unaware that Princess Consort Ding is unskilled in swordsmanship; it was not a deliberate attempt to humiliate Great Chu." Noble Consort Liu intervening on behalf of Princess Consort Ding could be a double-edged sword, especially since many influential figures knew of the Noble Consort’s admiration for Prince Ding before she entered the palace. What I need to do is find a suitable justification for her actions.
After conversing with the Empress for a while, as it was still early for the palace banquet, the Empress invited the ladies to stroll and enjoy the Imperial Garden at their leisure. Thus, everyone expressed their thanks and departed for the Imperial Garden. As they were leaving, Noble Consort Liu was asked by the Empress to stay behind. Once they exited Fengde Palace, Hua Tianxiang immediately approached Ye Li with a smile. "Greetings, Princess Consort Ding."
Ye Li glanced at her. "Are you too idle?"
Hua Tianxiang waved her hand dismissively. "What kind of talk is that? According to etiquette, I should at least pay my respects to Princess Consort Ding. So, how did it go? Noble Consort Liu didn’t give you a hard time, did she?" Ye Li asked, puzzled, "Why would she give me a hard time?" Hua Tianxiang looked at her silently with an expression of profound pity. "Ah-Li, I’ve told you to get out more, but you never listen. You don’t know about Noble Consort Liu..." Realizing that gossiping about a Noble Consort within the palace walls wasn’t wise, Hua Tianxiang leaned close to Ye Li’s ear and whispered, "Before she entered the palace, Noble Consort Liu was deeply... infatuated with Prince Ding." Ye Li was speechless. Even Hua Tianxiang knows this. It seems it was more than just ’admiration’. She nodded. "I know. She didn’t give me a hard time."
Walking beside Ye Li, Hua Tianxiang shrugged. "Honestly, I was shocked she stood up for you. Judging by her expression, it doesn’t seem like she’s trying to curry favor with you or has any special regard for you." 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢
"Is Noble Consort Liu really good at swordplay?" Ye Li decided against telling Hua Tianxiang about Noble Consort Liu’s various instances of disdain.
Hua Tianxiang sighed, a mixture of admiration and envy in her voice. "You know, for so many years in the Capital City, they’ve held selections for the ’Top Talented Woman,’ ’Top Beauty,’ and so on. It’s all become rather cliché. But Noble Consort Liu... she’s a genuine, bona fide beauty and talent. Rumor has it that the Hundred Flowers Feast that year was the most spectacular since the founding of Great Chu. The top two ’Beauties of the Capital of Great Chu’ from Han Mingyue’s writings both participated. Just imagine the scene..." Ye Li nodded in heartfelt agreement. Even without seeing it, I can imagine the competition was absolutely brutal. "Did Noble Consort Liu win in the end?"
"No, she lost," Hua Tianxiang said regretfully. "At that time, Noble Consort Liu was only thirteen, while Su Zuidie was already sixteen. Even though Noble Consort Liu is an exquisite beauty now, at thirteen, she was just a budding beauty. So, Su Zuidie was ranked as the foremost Beauty of the Capital of Great Chu. Han Mingyue’s portrait of Noble Consort Liu (as the second ranked) was painted when she was fifteen. Of course, purely in terms of appearance, I’ve truly never seen any woman in this world surpass Su Zuidie. Noble Consort Liu’s defeat wasn’t without reason."
"Hmm. And then?"
"Then those two competed. That year’s Hundred Flowers Gala was essentially their show. Su Zuidie won first place in dance, painting, poetry, and qin. Noble Consort Liu won first in chess and calligraphy. In each case, the other took second place. Later, after Su Zuidie became engaged, she no longer participated in the Hundred Flowers Gala competitions. But in the following three years, Noble Consort Liu swept all the first prizes in dance, painting, poetry, qin—basically every competition the Hundred Flowers Gala had to offer."
Ye Li was genuinely impressed. No wonder Noble Consort Liu could look down her nose at me; she certainly had the capital to do so. Seeing Ye Li’s nonchalant expression, Hua Tianxiang said with exasperation, "I’m telling you, can’t you try a little harder? Don’t you feel any sense of crisis at all?" Ye Li sighed. "You’re overthinking things." She and a polymath like Noble Consort Liu were fundamentally on different paths, weren’t they? If she were forced to become that kind of peerless talent who excelled in everything, she’d rather go on a month-long wilderness survival exercise. Drawing terrain maps or firearm schematics? No problem. But give her a brush for painting, and her skill was only at the level of tracing embroidery patterns. Her performance at the Hundred Flowers Gala had already been an extraordinary exertion.
"Forget it." Hua Tianxiang waved her hand dismissively, glanced at Princess Ling Yun who was staring at them from not far away, and asked, "How did you manage to provoke Princess Ling Yun again?" Ye Li replied helplessly, "I’m certain this is the first time I’ve met Princess Ling Yun. I’ve only ever seen the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince from Xiling before." Hua Tianxiang was puzzled. "Then why is she glaring at you as if she wants to eat you alive?"
The Cloud Grasp Sword? That was the only connection to Princess Ling Yun she could think of.
"The Cloud Grasp Sword? That belongs to the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. What does it have to do with Princess Ling Yun?"
"Everyone knows it was sent back from Xiling. Perhaps Princess Ling Yun can’t bear to part with it," Ye Li mused. Seeing Princess Ling Yun heading their way, she suggested, "Let’s go look somewhere else."
Hua Tianxiang scoffed. "If it’s fortune, it’s not a calamity; if it’s a calamity, you can’t avoid it. Are you suggesting we start sprinting through the Imperial Garden?"
"Princess Consort Ding." While they spoke, Princess Ling Yun had already reached them. Nearby noblewomen, feigning nonchalance, were sneaking glances in their direction.
"Princess, is there anything else?"
Princess Ling Yun stated, "This Princess wishes to speak with the Princess Consort alone."
Ye Li frowned. "I’m not aware of anything we need to discuss."
Princess Ling Yun’s pretty face fell slightly. "This Princess has traveled a thousand li to be here. Is Princess Consort Ding unwilling to even accompany this Princess for a stroll in the Imperial Garden?" Ye Li reluctantly nodded. "If that’s the case, Princess, please." Princess Ling Yun snorted lightly and arrogantly strode forward. Ye Li cast a reassuring glance at a worried Hua Tianxiang, sighed, and followed. Young people these days... They really lack discipline!
Princess Ling Yun dismissed her maids. Naturally, Ye Li couldn’t very well have Qingluan and the others follow. The two walked side-by-side along a small path in the Imperial Garden. Ye Li asked, "Princess, what did you wish to speak to me about?"
Princess Ling Yun turned her head to look at her and snorted. "You are not worthy of Prince Ding."
A faint smile touched Ye Li’s lips. "You flatter me, Princess. Isn’t it said that one should marry high? Doesn’t this just prove I’ve married into a good family and found a good husband?" Princess Ling Yun replied contemptuously, "Don’t put on an act. This Princess has investigated you thoroughly. An obscure daughter from a mere Minister’s household, a woman who was even rejected by Prince Li. You only gained some renown in the Capital of Great Chu because the Emperor appointed you to Prince Ding. So what if you obtained the title of ’Capital City’s Number One Talented Woman’? You are still unworthy of Prince Ding."
"Oh, is that so?" Ye Li asked, her expression unchanged. "Even if I am unworthy of Prince Ding, what concern is that of yours, Princess?"
Princess Ling Yun raised an eyebrow, a smug smile playing on her lips. "You’ll soon find out what it has to do with this Princess. Prince Ding is mine! Ye Li, if you have any sense, you’ll obediently make yourself scarce." Ye Li frowned, studying Princess Ling Yun intently for a long moment before asking, "Princess, may I ask you a question?"
"Speak."
"Princess, does Xiuyao even know who you are?" Ye Li asked. "To my knowledge, Xiuyao hasn’t left his residence for at least seven years. So, conservatively estimating, even if you had met, it would have been when you were seven or eight years old. Do you truly believe Xiuyao remembers who you are? Or perhaps... he doesn’t know you at all?"
"So what? This Princess is the noblest princess of Great Ling! Am I in any way inferior to you?" Princess Ling Yun retorted, glaring at her angrily.
Ye Li looked at her with curiosity. "If the Princess truly wished to marry Prince Ding, shouldn’t you have come to contend with me *before* our wedding? Why appear only after we are already married? You should know, Prince Ding’s Mansion has no precedent for taking two principal wives simultaneously, nor for divorcing and remarrying. Or is the Princess willing to be a concubine? If not... even if I were to die and you successfully married into Prince Ding’s Mansion, you would only be a successor wife. You would still have to kowtow and offer incense at my memorial tablet on the first and fifteenth of every month."
"You... You wish! This Princess will definitely become the rightful Princess Consort Ding!" Princess Ling Yun declared in rage.
"Think whatever you like." Ye Li looked at her with pity. "But it seems to me that the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince doesn’t quite share your sentiments. Don’t you agree?"
A flicker of hatred flashed in Princess Ling Yun’s eyes. If Lei Tengfeng hadn’t confined her to the emissary residence upon their arrival in the Capital of Great Chu, claiming she was ill, and only released her after Prince Ding’s wedding, how could she have waited until now to confront Ye Li?
Watching the princess’s ever-changing expression, Ye Li continued, "Speaking of which, it’s quite rare for a princess of marriageable age to be sent on a diplomatic mission to a neighboring country... Usually, it’s for... a marriage alliance, isn’t it? I recall hearing that Xiling suffered a severe snow disaster last winter. Could it be that..." There were many things she was merely unwilling to dwell on, not that she couldn’t understand them. She wasn’t worried about Princess Ling Yun in the slightest. No matter how capable this princess was, the Emperor would never allow Mo Xiuyao to marry a Xiling princess and create trouble for himself. Let alone a Xiling princess, even a princess from Beirong or Nanzhao would have nothing to do with Mo Xiuyao. Only this young princess before me fails to grasp the situation, believing she can achieve her goal simply by forcing me to concede. I truly don’t want to belittle the intelligence of these princesses, but... are there any normal ones among the younger generation? Or are they just too naive?
"What is it about Prince Ding that you admire so much?" Ye Li asked curiously, looking at the determined princess.
Princess Ling Yun snorted. "What would you understand? Prince Ding is the most outstanding man in this world—the youngest and most formidable general, and also the most talented. This Princess naturally wants to marry the best man in the world."
"He doesn’t seem quite as ’excellent’ as you describe him now," Ye Li reminded her.
"You... you are so crass and unbearable! Every word spoken with you makes this Princess feel utterly disgusted! Prince Ding must have been blind to fall for a woman like you. I know it was the Emperor of East Chu who ordered him to marry you. How could a woman like you ever understand how truly outstanding he is?"
Listening to the girl’s self-righteous and stern declarations, Ye Li reflected. Perhaps I really should be ashamed. Compared to this princess, Yang Qianru seems so much more normal, and Ye Ying so much more lovable.
"This Princess will definitely become Princess Consort Ding!" Princess Ling Yun declared, glaring at Ye Li with conviction.
"Work hard then. I wish you success," Ye Li said calmly.
"This Princess *will* become Princess Consort Ding!" Princess Ling Yun repeated through gritted teeth, then abruptly leaped into the artificial lake beside the path.
"AAAH—HELP! THE PRINCESS HAS FALLEN INTO THE WATER!" A shrill female scream pierced the air of the Imperial Garden.
Swearing under her breath, Ye Li also jumped into the water.
Damn it, there are so many blasted lunatics these days! Mo Xiuyao, you just wait and see how you’ll pay for this!
