Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 59. One Arrow Decides the Outcome
59. One Arrow Decides the Outcome
The imperial garden was filled with a bustling crowd; even maids and eunuchs with little to do were peeking from afar at this rare spectacle within the palace. Emperor Mo Jing and the Empress had brought the other imperial concubines, along with the ministers and their wives, to witness the competition between Princess Consort Ding and Princess Ling Yun.
The imperial garden was abuzz with an unprecedented amount of noise. Apart from the Emperor, the Empress, the imperial concubines, and a few other royals of high status, everyone else could only stand and watch. But clearly, no one was bothered by this fact; their eyes were fixated on the two individuals in the open space with excitement. Princess Consort Ding did not request a target. So how exactly were they going to compete?
Noble Consort Liu sat with a somber expression next to the Emperor. Her chilly gaze discreetly scrutinized Ye Li, her inquisitive intent clearly revealed. Mo Jing smiled as he observed the expression on his beloved consort, whispering, "Who is my beloved consort looking at? It seems you are quite fond of Princess Consort Ding?" Noble Consort Liu frowned, coolly responding, "Your Majesty jests; this palace is merely curious." Mo Jing laughed more meaningfully. "Not many people could pique your curiosity, but I don’t think Princess Consort Ding will have much chance of winning."
Noble Consort Liu raised her eyebrows, her expression still as cold as ever. A dark spark of excitement flared in Mo Jing’s eyes as he continued, "Princess Ling Yun is the beloved daughter of the Emperor of Xiling, skilled in both literary and martial arts since childhood. In Xiling, her archery is even more famous than her swordsmanship."
"What good will it do Your Majesty if she loses?" Noble Consort Liu asked indifferently.
Mo Jing only smiled without answering and looked towards Mo Xiuyao, who was sitting calmly not too far off, a touch of darkness in his gaze.
"Your Highness..." Qingshuang was anxiously watching Ye Li, who was preparing in the middle of the field. Being with her mistress for so many years, she knew all too well that Ye Li had barely learned any archery. The most she’d done was play casually while visiting the Xu Family; how could that possibly compare with Princess Ling Yun’s rigorous practice from childhood?
"Calm yourself," replied Mo Xiuyao indifferently.
Sitting nearby, Lei Tengfeng watched Mo Xiuyao’s placid demeanor and wrinkled his brow. Could it be that Princess Consort Ding really had a trump card? However, no matter what the outcome, this event held no benefit for us from Xiling. Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help but curse inwardly, His Imperial Uncle must have become senile to have chosen Ling Yun to come to East Chu! Even the least favored princess in the Xiling imperial palace is a hundred times more sensible than this girl! He addressed Mo Xiuyao, "Your Highness, this matter has taken an unfair turn due to Princess Ling Yun’s immaturity. It is known that Princess Consort Ding is the Capital City’s Number One Talented Woman, and does not specialize in martial arts. This competition seems rather unreasonable."
Mo Xiuyao chuckled lightly. "Since it was a choice made by Ah-Li herself, whether it is fair or not is not the issue, is it?"
"But what if the Princess Consort..." Is Mo Xiuyao so certain that Princess Consort Ding will win, or does he simply not care if the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion is humiliated?
"If Ah-Li loses, I will kneel with her before Princess Ling Yun!" answered Mo Xiuyao calmly. Upon hearing this, Lei Tengfeng was taken aback, struggling to conceal his surprise. He looked towards Ye Li, who was also attired in moon-white satin, just like Prince Ding. His hand unconsciously tightened around his wine glass, his gaze deepening as his handsome brow furrowed in thought.
In the field, both Ye Li and Princess Ling Yun were examining the bows and arrows in their hands. Princess Ling Yun was smoothly checking her own bow and arrow; it was clear she was an experienced archer. On the other hand, Ye Li was slowly examining her bow and arrow, touching here and testing there, causing the surrounding spectators to feel anxious on her behalf. With her delicate frame and slow, somewhat unfamiliar actions, could Princess Consort Ding even pull back the bow, let alone shoot an arrow?
"Go on, how shall we compete?" Princess Ling Yun asked, having already prepared her bow, looking arrogantly at Ye Li.
Ye Li quickly put down her own bow and arrow, looking up at Princess Ling Yun with a smile. "One arrow each, one to determine victory or defeat!"
"Fine." Princess Ling Yun gripped her bow and arrow. "Speak, where should I aim? Shall I demonstrate my ability to shoot with great precision, or target a bird in the sky?"
On hearing Princess Ling Yun’s words, the crowd was even more electrified. This gave them a deeper understanding of the Princess’s archery skill. Being able to confidently talk about shooting with great precision clearly demonstrated that the Princess was a master archer! Hua Tianxiang, standing behind Madam Hua, tightened her grip on her sleeve, sweating profusely for Ye Li.
Ye Li leisurely prepared her bow and arrow, speaking steadily, "The bow and arrow are weapons, not meant to shoot at leaves or birds. Therefore... we will shoot at each other." She finished speaking and raised her bow, aiming the arrow steadily at Princess Ling Yun.
What?!
The crowd was shocked, watching the woman in the field holding a bow and arrow in a standard but definitely unpracticed position, pointing it at Princess Ling Yun.
"You’re... you’re crazy? What kind of joke is this?" Princess Ling Yun exclaimed in disbelief. The distance between us is less than fifty steps! As an expert archer, I can clearly see that even if Ye Li’s form is unfamiliar, she has definitely learned it. The probability of either of us missing at this distance is low. So, Ye Li doesn’t want to compete in archery; she wants to compare our bravery! Ye Li smiled and said, "Whether it’s a sword or an arrow, they are weapons. Weapons are fierce tools. Since we are competing, we naturally cannot harm others, so Princess Ling Yun and I will have to shoot an arrow at each other. Death or injury—we each bear our own responsibility!"
"No..." I don’t want to marry the Emperor as one of the many concubines in his harem for the sake of an alliance! I want to marry Prince Ding and become Princess Consort Ding! But I don’t want to die or experience the agony of being shot by an arrow.
"Princess Consort Ding! Isn’t this too severe? What if something happens..." Lei Tengfeng stood up to stop her. Ye Li glanced at him, smiling as she said, "Didn’t I mention it already? Death and injury are our own responsibility. Furthermore, His Majesty himself has agreed to this competition between me and Princess Ling Yun. Could it be that Heir Lei wants me to go back on my word in front of His Majesty, the Empress, and all the civil and military officials of Great Chu? How would the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion be able to maintain any face in the Capital City?"
Lei Tengfeng felt bitter inside. You never said you would gamble with your lives before!
"Of course, if Princess Ling Yun is afraid, she can concede at any time." Finally, Ye Li added this nonchalantly. This statement undoubtedly cut off all of Princess Ling Yun’s paths of retreat. How can I admit defeat to Ye Li in front of so many people? In a fit of anger at the implication of surrender, she blurted out, "This princess will not concede! I’ll take the gamble!"
"Very well, let’s begin." Ye Li nodded in satisfaction with a smile. For some reason, Princess Ling Yun suddenly dared not meet her gaze and shifted her eyes away in some semblance of panic.
Mo Jing was also caught off guard by this sudden change. Noble Consort Liu, watching Ye Li’s figure, showed a barely visible hint of approval in her eyes and said, "I feel that there is a good chance Princess Consort Ding will win." The Empress knew that Noble Consort Liu, although from a family of civil officials, was one of the rare women skilled in both literature and martial arts. Curious, she asked, "Noble Consort, do you think Princess Consort Ding will win?" Noble Consort Liu replied, "This Princess Ling Yun is not as brave as she appears."
"If that’s the case, then do as Princess Consort Ding suggests." Mo Jing stood up and said, "One arrow decides the victory or defeat. Any deviation or avoidance will count as a loss. Let’s begin."
Immediately, the Imperial Garden became quiet. The eunuch serving as the master of ceremonies stood at the midpoint between the two and called out in a high-pitched voice, "Princess Consort, Princess, please get ready." He quickly stepped out of the arena. "One—"
Both of them drew their bows simultaneously. What was surprising was that Princess Consort Ding, who appeared elegant and graceful, seemingly had no trouble drawing that bow.
"Two—"
Princess Ling Yun pulled the bow to its limit, her arrow aimed at the woman opposite. I’m confident that as long as I fire this arrow, it will definitely send this overconfident Princess Consort Ding to her death! As long as... I shoot this arrow! Suddenly, Princess Ling Yun’s hand, holding the arrow, trembled slightly. I can clearly see her eyes... Eyes as cold as snow... my heart almost plummets into an icy cellar! The Ye Li in my eyes seems to have changed into another person, her whole body exuding an unstoppable killing intent and the confidence of certain victory! She just calmly looks at me, as if she doesn’t take this arrow aimed at her seriously at all. As if she’s certain that my arrow can’t reach her! The more I think like this, the more my gaze is involuntarily drawn to Ye Li’s arrow tip. Oh no... even if Ye Li is a beginner, that arrow is definitely going to hit me if I don’t dodge!
Fine beads of sweat, appearing as if from nowhere, had formed on Princess Ling Yun’s forehead.
Ye Li calmly felt the sensation of the bow and arrow in her hands. Although this is still slightly awkward, and can’t match the familiarity I have with my sniper rifle from years of use, this is my first time engaging in such a shooting duel in this world. Even if I’m merely toying with a little girl, it still fills my heart with a bit of joy and delight. Looking along the arrow tip, she clearly saw the unconcealable fear in Princess Ling Yun’s eyes. A faint smile curved on the corner of her lips.
Nearly everyone held their breath, waiting for this final moment. Lei Tengfeng stared intently at Princess Ling Yun. Due to his position, he could not see Ye Li’s face, but from her body posture, he could tell that Ye Li was not very familiar with this type of bow and arrow. With Ling Yun’s ability, she should have this in the bag. Why does she seem so nervous?
Mo Xiuyao sat calmly in his wheelchair, his hands leisurely resting on the armrests. But if anyone observant enough had been present, they would have noticed he was hiding something under his right hand. His gaze also rested on Princess Ling Yun, not on her face, but rather on her arrowhead.
I will not lose... Princess Ling Yun tried her best to keep her gaze from Ye Li’s arrow, swallowing silently and continuously encouraging herself in her mind. However, her eyes were always unconsciously darting to Ye Li’s arrowhead.
"Three—!" The sharp sound rang in her ears. Ling Yun clearly saw the smile on Ye Li’s lips deepen as her hand pulled back the bowstring, ready to release her arrow. Ling Yun, having already pulled her bowstring to its full extent, reflexively let go.
"WHOOSH—" An arrow grazed Ye Li’s shoulder and landed not far behind her.
How is this possible! Princess Ling Yun was immediately stunned. What stunned her more was that Ye Li hadn’t even shot her arrow yet, while she had completely lost her opportunity. She stared blankly at Ye Li’s smiling face, clearly seeing her silently mouth, "It’s my turn..." She saw even more clearly that in the eyes of that smiling face, there was no hint of amusement, only a coldness and murderous intent sharper than an arrowhead. Ye Li forcefully pulled back, slowly drawing the bowstring to its limit, and released the arrow—
"WHOOSH—"
"No!" Ling Yun suddenly screamed, even disregarding her image and dropping to the ground, covering her head. The fletched arrow landed just a step away from her. Princess Ling Yun stared blankly at the slightly trembling arrow feathers in front of her and suddenly burst into tears.
While the crowd exchanged stunned glances, Ye Li casually put down the bow and arrow in her hand, saying to Princess Ling Yun with a beaming smile, "Princess, actually, my arms are very sore. You really didn’t need to worry that I’d shoot you."
"You... you..." Princess Ling Yun was so choked with tears that she couldn’t speak, pointing at Ye Li for a long time. Ye Li looked at her, her eyes crinkling with amusement. All the frustration from today has been released at once! Indeed, disciplining disobedient brats is the most satisfying thing.
"Good!" Mo Jing clapped his hands and laughed. "Princess Consort Ding wins this competition! Heir Lei, what do you think?"
Lei Tengfeng looked at the smiling woman not far away with a complex expression, then rose and said, "Princess Consort Ding is truly a woman who rivals men. I am wholly convinced. Of course, Princess Consort Ding is the winner. Ling Yun, kneel and apologize to Princess Consort Ding." Lei Tengfeng decisively ordered Princess Ling Yun.
Ye Li had demanded an apology at the palace banquet in front of all the civil and military officials, but if Ling Yun apologizes immediately, it will make it seem that the Princess of Xiling is someone who dares to take responsibility. And considering how pitiful Ling Yun looks crying now, people might even sympathize with her a little. By the time of the palace banquet this evening, everyone will be tactful enough not to mention this matter again. But if this is dragged out until the palace banquet, the news of Ling Yun’s defeat to Princess Consort Ding will have already spread throughout the entire palace. After everyone has had their fill of gossip, their opinion of Ling Yun will only be lower. Even if Ling Yun were to kneel and apologize then, it wouldn’t improve their impression of her much. More importantly, it would affect my later plans, Lei Tengfeng reasoned internally.
Kneel down... Princess Ling Yun turned pale. I never thought I would lose in my area of greatest pride to a weak woman from East Chu! Recalling the promise I made so impulsively, it’s too late for regrets. If I really kneel now, in front of the Emperor, Empress, consorts, ministers, and noblewomen of East Chu, and the envoys and princesses of Nanzhao... my reputation will be completely ruined! She looked to Lei Tengfeng for help but only received his warning glare.
"There’s no need to kneel. The princess only needs to apologize to me," Ye Li suddenly spoke.
Princess Ling Yun was startled. I finally understand; I have no advantage in continuing to make a scene. I’m alone and helpless in East Chu, and even Brother Wang isn’t willing to help me. I can’t compete with this Princess Consort Ding.
She gritted her teeth and gave a slight curtsy. Princess Ling Yun said, "It was Ling Yun who was ignorant and offended Princess Consort Ding. Please forgive me, Princess Consort Ding."
Ye Li nodded with a faint smile and said, "The princess is a guest; there’s no need to take it to heart." Having said that, she turned and walked towards Mo Xiuyao, paying no further attention to Princess Ling Yun. Mo Xiuyao looked down; the object under his right hand disappeared in an instant before he looked up to see Ye Li, who had come to his side. Although Ye Li’s expression was still as gentle and indifferent as usual, Mo Xiuyao was certain he saw a different glow in her eyes.
Lei Tengfeng expressed his gratitude to Ye Li with a silent bow of his clasped hands. Ye Li gave a slight nod in response before taking her seat beside Mo Xiuyao, trying her best to ignore the gazes from all directions. Crestfallen, Princess Ling Yun returned to her seat beside Lei Tengfeng, no longer in the mood to cause trouble for Ye Li.
Feeling Mo Xiuyao’s gaze on her, Ye Li looked up at him with confusion and asked, "What’s wrong?" Mo Xiuyao replied softly, "That was very dangerous. If it weren’t for Princess Ling Yun’s mental instability, any ordinary archer would have shot you directly. The best outcome would have been mutual injury." Ye Li shook her head, shrugged, and smiled. "There wouldn’t have been any danger. If it weren’t Princess Ling Yun, I wouldn’t have competed in archery with her at all." I chose archery precisely because I saw that Princess Ling Yun’s mental fortitude isn’t strong enough to face a sniper, even for a brief moment. A spoiled and willful little princess, coddled in the depths of the palace her whole life, couldn’t possibly maintain her composure against me. Of course, if Princess Ling Yun’s hand hadn’t trembled and she had shot the arrow directly at me, I had other ways to deal with it. "Besides," Ye Li added with a gentle smile, looking at Mo Xiuyao’s disapproving eyes, "you wouldn’t let anything happen to me, right?"
Mo Xiuyao paused for a moment before he nodded lightly. "You’re right." If Princess Ling Yun’s arrow hadn’t gone astray, I wouldn’t have let it hit Ah-Li.
"Princess Consort Ding, have you learned archery before?" Mo Jing asked loudly from the main seat. Rising from her seat, Ye Li replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, no. I only played around with it when my brothers taught me during visits to my maternal uncle’s family. I’ve never seriously studied it." Mo Jing laughed meaningfully. To defeat Princess Ling Yun, an expert archer with years of training, without serious study... Ye Li’s talent and intellect are undoubtedly extraordinary. Mo Jing pulled Noble Consort Liu into his arms and joked, "It seems that both Princess Consort Ding and my beloved consort are extraordinary women, skilled in both literary and martial arts." Noble Consort Liu responded indifferently, "As Your Majesty says."
After bidding farewell to the Emperor, Empress, and Noble Consort, Ye Li, uninterested in dealing with the people trying to flatter or probe her, sought a quiet spot in the imperial garden to rest with Mo Xiuyao. Most people were tactful enough not to disturb them, but there were always a few exceptions. After politely declining an invitation for a gathering from a maid sent by Ye Zhaoyi, Ye Li turned her attention to Mo Xiuyao, who had been staring at her, and joked, "What is it, my Prince?"
Casually twirling the teacup in his hand, Mo Xiuyao said, "Ah-Li, you have a great talent for martial arts. It seems you also have a good foundation."
Ye Li didn’t mind Mo Xiuyao discovering her martial arts skills. He’s a careful, seemingly gentle, but highly vigilant man; living in the same residence, it would be almost impossible for him not to find out. Besides, I don’t plan to conceal this. I need space to train myself, even to learn more powerful techniques to strengthen my abilities. Meeting Mo Xiuyao’s eyes with a harmless smile, she said, "If my Prince says it’s good, then it must truly be good."
Mo Xiuyao didn’t seem intent on prying further. He only smiled and shook his head. "If Ah-Li is interested, feel free to take some martial arts manuals from the study to look through." Seeing Ye Li’s eyes brighten at his words, Mo Xiuyao continued with a smile, "Since Ah-Li said you don’t know swordplay, I can also arrange for someone to give you some instruction."
"Really?"
"The better Ah-Li can defend herself, the more at ease I will naturally be. Why wouldn’t that be alright?" Mo Xiuyao responded with a smile.
Marrying a husband who is so well-off, considerate, understanding, and open-minded is simply too wonderful! Ye Li thought, feeling extremely lucky.
"That’s great, thank you," Ye Li exclaimed with a smile.
Mo Xiuyao shook his head lightly. "We are family. If you need anything, you can tell me directly. Why the need for thanks?" Seeing the unprecedentedly sincere smile on Ye Li’s face, I can’t help but feel that arranging for someone to teach Ah-Li swordsmanship is truly an excellent idea, Mo Xiuyao thought.
The evening palace banquet proceeded in a somewhat strange atmosphere. The moment Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao entered the main hall, all eyes instantly focused on her. Evidently, the contest in the imperial garden that afternoon had made Ye Li quite the center of attention. In just a short afternoon, not only the dignitaries present in the imperial garden but everyone attending the current banquet had heard about the events. Seeing Murong Ting, who was sitting with Qin Zheng, winking and making faces at her, and Xu Qingfeng’s undisguised admiration, Ye Li had no doubt this matter had already spread throughout the Capital City. I just wonder how it’s being told, she mused. Is it that Princess Consort Ding is skilled in both literary and martial arts, or that Princess Consort Ding is so formidable she made the exceedingly arrogant Princess of Xiling cry in fear?
Thinking of the latter possibility, Ye Li couldn’t help but lower her head and giggle to herself.
The so-called palace banquet was nothing more than fine wine, delicacies, songs, and dances. Ye Li intermittently listened to the Emperor’s polite exchanges with the envoys from various countries on the dais, or the whispered conversations of the officials beside her, while sampling some dishes she found appealing. Anyway, one can’t expect to get full at such a banquet. I can just have a late-night snack after returning to the mansion, she thought.
It wasn’t until a figure in a vibrant red dress appeared amidst the songs and dances that Ye Li looked up, somewhat surprised. Watching the dancer’s exquisite movements, she asked, "Why is Yaoji here?" Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. "She was probably specially invited to perform in the palace. Yaoji comes from a dancing organization, and her skill is considered unparalleled in the Capital City. Last year, during the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration, she was also specially invited to perform in the palace."
Ye Li raised her eyebrows and asked, "What does the Prince think about it?"
Mo Xiuyao said, "It’s naturally good; what does Ah-Li think?"
Ye Li turned her head and watched for a while, then nodded. "Indeed, it’s good." I’ve heard of Yaoji’s fame many times; she truly is an extraordinary woman in the Capital City. Hailing from a dancing organization, she captivated the Capital with her skill in zither and dance. Not yet twenty-five, she has become the owner of Qingcheng Workshop, the Capital City’s foremost brothel. She has dealings with many of the Capital’s dignitaries. It’s said that Mu Yang, the Heir of Marquis Muyang, is one of her patrons, and Third Young Master Feng is also on friendly terms with her. In an era like this, only such women can live so freely and unrestrainedly, she mused.
The dance of the Capital City’s number one courtesan was indeed breathtaking. At a glance, at least seventy percent of the men present wore expressions of desire, while many women showed looks of jealousy and resentment. Of course, there were also purely admiring gazes, but those were few. After her dance, Yaoji quickly disappeared from the hall, leaving only a lingering, enchanting fragrance. Watching the crowd with their diverse expressions, Ye Li felt even more bored. After telling Mo Xiuyao she was going out for some fresh air, she quietly left the hall with Qingluan and Qingshuang.
The night breeze outside the hall gently blew away the scent of rouge and wine carried from within. Ye Li took a deep breath. Ignoring the sounds of zithers, pipes, and bamboo flutes from the hall, the imperial palace seemed exceptionally tranquil at night. As she walked slowly along a quiet path, Ye Li’s previously somewhat agitated mood gradually calmed. Just as she was about to sit in a nearby pavilion, an unfamiliar palace maid blocked their way. "This servant pays her respects to Princess Consort Ding."
Qingluan, vigilant, stepped in front of Ye Li and asked, "Who are you?"
The palace maid curtsied and said, "This servant is a palace maid from Ye Zhaoyi’s residence. Ye Zhaoyi has invited Princess Consort Ding to Yaohua Palace for a discussion."
Ye Yue is pregnant and therefore didn’t attend the evening banquet. She had sent a maid to invite me this afternoon, but I politely refused on the spot. I naturally know what Ye Yue is thinking, but even though we are sisters, I have no intention of letting Ye Yue and the Ye Family use me. Mainly because Ye Yue’s plans and ideas are too unrealistic. If she’s careful and keeps a low profile, she might safely give birth to her child and have some security in the future. But if she entertains all sorts of fanciful notions... Even though we’ve only met a few times, I still feel that the pregnant Ye Yue isn’t as favored as the Ye Family believes, Ye Li mused.
"I’m a bit tired today. Please tell Ye Zhaoyi that if there’s anything, I will speak with her in a few days when I come to the palace to pay my respects. Let’s skip it for tonight."
The maid looked anxious. "Please forgive me, Princess Consort, but Her Highness Zhaoyi indeed has urgent matters to discuss with you."
Ye Li replied indifferently, "Even if there is an urgent matter, I’m afraid there’s not much I can do to help. By the way, Madam Wang, Ye Zhaoyi’s mother, is currently in the banquet hall. How about I send someone to fetch her for you? What do you think?"
"Princess Consort, Her Highness Zhao Yi only requested your presence for an audience!" the palace maid said, the word ’audience’ carrying a hint of coercion. Ye Li’s face turned cold. She scoffed and said icily, "This Princess Consort was not aware that a Zhaoyi requires *me* to personally go for an ’audience’ in the middle of the night!" She stressed the word ’audience’ heavily. The rank of Princess Consort Ding is extremely prestigious. Even in the palace, I only need to perform full ceremonial bows to the Empress and the Empress Dowager; a Noble Consort only receives a half-bow. To say nothing of a mere Zhaoyi! If we were to meet formally, Ye Yue should be the one performing a half-bow to me, out of respect for the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion!
"This... this servant misspoke, please forgive me, Your Highness. Ye Zhaoyi truly has an urgent matter and begs you, for the sake of your sisterly bond, to please make this trip."
Ye Li looked suspiciously at the palace maid and said casually, "Come to think of it, I’ve visited Yaohua Palace before, but you seem unfamiliar." The palace maid forced a smile. "This servant has plain features; it’s natural if Your Highness doesn’t remember me." Ye Li shook her head. "No, that’s not it. I am certain you are not among Ye Zhaoyi’s six head palace maids, nor among the eight maids serving in her inner chambers. Surely Ye Zhaoyi wouldn’t send a maid responsible for sweeping and cleaning to invite this Princess Consort?"
"I..." The palace maid’s face turned pale, and she turned to flee. Ye Li gave Qingluan a look. Qingluan stepped forward and effortlessly chopped the back of the maid’s neck, causing her to collapse softly to the ground.
"Your Highness," Qingyu frowned, looking at Ye Li for instructions.
Ye Li frowned slightly, then suddenly turned her gaze towards the bushes on the side of the road. "Who is there?"
"Princess Consort Ding." A slender figure emerged. Under the moonlight, her bewitching face possessed an added touch of serenity.
"Miss Yaoji," Ye Li said, "What are you doing here?"
Yaoji smiled faintly. "You flatter me, Princess Consort. Just Yaoji is fine."
Yaoji stepped forward, glanced at the unconscious palace maid on the ground, raised her eyebrows, and smiled. "Princess Consort Ding, this is?" Ye Li smiled. "Miss Yaoji must have overheard. It’s nothing, really. Strange things often happen in the depths of the palace." She beckoned, and a dark figure appeared like a phantom behind her. "Your Highness." Ye Li pointed at the palace maid on the ground. "Take her away. Don’t let her be found and cause a fright." The shadow efficiently lifted the maid and, with a few leaps, vanished into the night.
"I’ve long heard from Third Feng that Princess Consort Ding is decisive. Seeing you today, you truly live up to your reputation," Yaoji laughed.
"Third Young Master Feng mentioned me to you?" I don’t recall being particularly familiar with the renowned Third Young Master Feng of the Capital City, Ye Li thought.
Yaoji covered her mouth and chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "Third Feng holds Your Highness in high regard, and I have always admired his judgment. To meet Your Highness today is truly my fortune of three lifetimes."
Ye Li lowered her gaze with a modest smile. "To witness Miss Yaoji’s captivating dance was also my good fortune."
"I will keep what just happened a secret for Your Highness," Yaoji said, a playful glint in her alluring eyes. Ye Li chuckled. "Thank you. What brings Miss Yaoji here so late?" Yaoji sighed softly. "Some people and matters are too vexing. I was just looking for a place to hide. I didn’t expect to have this chance encounter with Your Highness."
Ye Li understood. Yaoji’s beauty and talent are exceptional; it’s no wonder many men are smitten. However, anyone who dares to harass her within the imperial palace must not be a simple character. "How about I have someone escort you out of the palace?" she offered.
A look of gratitude filled Yaoji’s eyes. "Then, thank you very much, Your Highness."
"It’s a small effort." After giving Qingyu some instructions, Ye Li bid farewell to Yaoji and returned to the lively banquet hall.
Upon her return, Mo Xiuyao gave her a questioning look. Ye Li shook her head, indicating she was fine. She sat down next to Mo Xiuyao and whispered a brief account of what had happened in the imperial garden. Mo Xiuyao nodded. "I will send someone to investigate later. Ah-Li should stay with me for the rest of the night." Ye Li casually nodded in agreement, then realized the atmosphere in the hall had become even stranger than when she left. The earlier songs and dances had long since stopped. Most guests were casting furtive glances towards the envoys of Xiling and Nanzhao; even her quiet re-entry had gone largely unnoticed.
Hua Tianxiang gave Ye Li a peculiar smile, subtly pointing her chin towards the Xiling Kingdom’s contingent. Ye Li looked over and saw Princess Ling Yun of Xiling crying, her eyes red and tear-streaked. Today is clearly not Princess Ling Yun’s lucky day; she’s crying again after such a short time, Ye Li thought.
"What happened?" Ye Li asked quietly.
Mo Xiuyao smiled coldly. "The Heir of Southern Garrison Prince proposed that the Xiling Kingdom form a marriage alliance with Great Chu. Before he could finish... Princess Ling Yun voiced her objection. The result... His Majesty agreed to the marriage alliance with Xiling, but Princess Ling Yun will not enter the palace."
"And then?"
"Then, Nanzhao presented a diplomatic letter from the King of Nanzhao, expressing willingness to marry Princess Qixia into Great Chu."
"..."
"His Majesty intends for Princess Qixia to enter the palace, while Princess Ling Yun is to be married to Prince Li."
