Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 67. Early Summer Lake Tour

67. Early Summer Lake Excursion

Whether the Empress Dowager and her sons were truly engaging in a covert, fierce power struggle was not something Ye Li could concern herself with. However, when the Ye Mansion summoned her back for any reason, she usually found an excuse to return. Minister Ye was somewhat displeased with this daughter he clearly couldn’t control, but Ye Li’s status as Princess Consort Ding was undeniable, so he couldn’t say or do much, regardless of his dissatisfaction. In truth, under normal circumstances, if the Empress Dowager, along with Mo Jingli and his brother, were vying for the throne, any faction should have been trying to win Mo Xiuyao over. But firstly, Mo Xiuyao was perceived by outsiders as a cripple. Secondly, Mo Jingqi was eager to eliminate the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion as soon as possible. Consequently, life within the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion remained tranquil. Neither side entertained hopes of Mo Xiuyao aligning with them, and conversely, they also believed he wouldn’t support their rivals.

"Your Highness, Princess Consort, Miss Yang requests an audience," a maid announced.

Ye Li set down her needlework, looking up with a slight frown. "Miss Yang? You mean Yang Qianru? What brings her to the main courtyard?"

The King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion was vast—truly immense—and many areas were restricted. Consequently, even with two rather unwelcome individuals residing within, Ye Li rarely sensed the presence of Secondary Grand Consort Yang or Miss Yang under normal circumstances. Ever since Mo Xiuyao had relocated to the main courtyard, its defenses had been significantly reinforced. They couldn’t even approach the outer perimeter without permission, let alone enter the main courtyard’s gates. After being rebuffed twice and receiving a stern warning from Chief Steward Mo, dispatched by Mo Xiuyao, Secondary Grand Consort Yang had ceased all attempts to challenge the authority of the new Princess Consort Ding.

Mo Xiuyao had always treated her very well, and Ye Li, of course, could sense it. He had generously delegated power to her right after their marriage and had clearly shown his regard for her as the Princess Consort before the servants of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Otherwise, even the servants of an ordinary family, let alone those of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, wouldn’t be so easily managed by a new bride. So, having someone to back you up is very important, especially when that person is the highest authority in this mansion.

"This servant does not know, but Miss Yang has been standing outside the gate of the outer courtyard for some time now. That’s why the guard at the gate asked someone to inform Your Highness and the Princess Consort," Jing’er, the reporting maid, explained. Due to the Prince’s orders forbidding outsiders from disturbing the Princess Consort in the inner courtyard without reason, they usually asked uninvited guests to leave directly. However, Miss Yang, who had been easy to dismiss on previous occasions, was unwilling to depart so readily today. The guards couldn’t use force against Miss Yang; after all, she was a guest. They had no choice but to ask Jing’er, who was passing by, to relay the message.

"Prince, what do you think?" Ye Li turned her head to ask Mo Xiuyao, who was reclining by a half-open window, engrossed in a book.

Mo Xiuyao didn’t even spare her a glance. He flipped a page and said coolly, "If Ah-Li wishes to see her, let her in. If not, have someone send her back. Or... the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has a separate estate outside the city. She can accompany the Secondary Grand Consort there for a few years."

Tsk... Ye Li clicked her tongue. This man was truly heartless to a certain degree. Although she hadn’t seen Yang Qianru often, during their few encounters, the girl’s gaze towards him was so tender and sorrowful, brimming with affection. Yet he could utter such cold, unfeeling words. But... she liked it!

"Let her come in." Setting aside the nearly completed robe, Ye Li said with some vexation, "The Secondary Grand Consort mentioned finding a good match for Miss Yang, but I..." She had never played matchmaker before.

Mo Xiuyao stated calmly, "No need to trouble yourself. You wouldn’t be able to find one."

"What do you mean?" What did he mean, she wouldn’t be able to find one?

Mo Xiuyao elaborated, "Chief Steward Mo brought this up three years ago, but neither the Secondary Grand Consort nor Yang Qianru herself were satisfied with the proposed candidates. You’re unfamiliar with the Capital City; I doubt you could find better options than those Chief Steward Mo listed."

Ye Li couldn’t help but feel a bead of sweat. So Mo Xiuyao had also played matchmaker? But he had Chief Steward Mo handle it directly. She had been foolish to worry about whether she should attend a few more banquets herself. "Were the matches Chief Steward Mo suggested too poor?"

Mo Xiuyao looked up at her. "The individuals Chief Steward Mo listed were the best she could hope for given her circumstances. Besides, she’s already seventeen. Unmarried men of a comparable age are even scarcer now." Not everyone was like Mo Xiuyao, Mo Jingli, or Xu Qingchen, still unwed in their twenties; most people would at least be engaged by that age.

"Then what should be done?" Surely, they couldn’t just let her prospects be delayed indefinitely? Besides, it wasn’t that she was being overly suspicious, but she truly suspected that if this dragged on, it would ultimately become Mo Xiuyao’s responsibility.

"If she wishes to marry, have Chief Steward Mo send her the list. If not, then ignore it. If she’s still unmarried by eighteen, send her to Wuyue Nunnery to keep my eldest sister-in-law company."

Ye Li couldn’t help but want to shed a sympathetic tear for the lovesick Miss Yang. What did they mean by ’a cousin thrice removed’? One look at Mo Xiuyao’s behavior and you’d know.

Before long, Yang Qianru was gracefully led in, accompanied by two young maids, one of whom carried an unidentifiable box. Seeing the suddenly fervent gaze Yang Qianru directed somewhere behind her, Ye Li glanced at the unfinished robe she had set aside and felt a rather unpleasant premonition.

"Cousin, please sit," Ye Li said, nodding at Yang Qianru with a smile.

Yang Qianru quickly glanced past Ye Li, then hastily shook her head and murmured, "Thank you, Princess Consort, but... no, it’s alright. I’m fine standing."

Ye Li was speechless. What was this ’I’m fine standing’ business? As a cousin residing in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, did she need to act like a mistreated concubine? She appraised Yang Qianru’s attire: a moon-white garment with elegant orchid-trimmed edges, and a pearl tassel hairpin adorning her fresh, delicate hairstyle. Since Ye Li had mostly dealt with Mo Xiuyao’s plain-colored clothes, this young lady had finally abandoned her perpetually flowing white dresses, though she clearly still favored an elegant and noble style. "Cousin, please sit," Ye Li repeated, her voice slightly firmer.

Yang Qianru started, her expression turning fearful. Under Ye Li’s gaze, she reluctantly sat down, looking so aggrieved that Ye Li felt a knot in her chest. To voice her frustration would be unpleasant; to swallow it, even more so. She hadn’t bullied her, had she?

"Cousin, what brings you to the main courtyard at this hour?" Ye Li asked, suppressing her irritation and maintaining a pleasant demeanor.

Yang Qianru looked up, her pretty face flushing as she nervously twisted the handkerchief in her hands. "I... I..."

Ye Li smiled patiently. Yang Qianru glanced at Mo Xiuyao, then seemed to muster her courage. "I... It’s my cousin’s birthday in a few days. I... I’ve come to give him a birthday gift."

Ye Li glanced at the box held by the maid behind Yang Qianru, then shot a look at Mo Xiuyao, who appeared engrossed in his book. She smiled. "I see. How thoughtful of you, Cousin. May I take a look?"

"Well..."

"Is it inconvenient? Then please, let the Prince inspect it." She gestured for the maid to take the box to Mo Xiuyao. At Ye Li’s words, Yang Qianru’s eyes lit up, and she looked expectantly at the man reading by the window. Just as the maid approached Mo Xiuyao, a hand suddenly reached in from outside the window and snatched the box. Ah-Jin, who had appeared at the window, held the box with focused attention, opened it, and lifted out the contents to examine them. From Ye Li’s vantage point, it appeared to be a magnificent, periwinkle-colored robe. Though she only saw a corner, the embroidery was undoubtedly exquisite and meticulously done. "No poison," Ah-Jin declared.

"Ah-Jin, move. You’re blocking the light," Mo Xiuyao said indifferently.

"Oh." Ah-Jin responded, vanishing from the window with the box in his arms. From beginning to end, Mo Xiuyao didn’t even see a corner of the robe. Yang Qianru, stunned, quickly asked, "Where did he take it?"

Well... Ye Li pondered whether to tell her that Ah-Jin took anything Mo Xiuyao didn’t want, played with it, and then discarded it.

Mo Xiuyao put down his book and looked up. Meeting Yang Qianru’s hopeful, ardent gaze, he said calmly, "If there’s nothing else, return to your courtyard. Tomorrow, I’ll have Chief Steward Mo send over a list of suitable marriage candidates for you to choose from."

Yang Qianru’s delicate face instantly turned deathly pale, and crystalline tears streamed down her cheeks. "No... Cousin, I don’t want to... I don’t want to leave the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, I don’t want to marry... Don’t send me away..."

Mo Xiuyao frowned, then nodded curtly. "Very well. Tomorrow, pack your things and go to Wuyue Nunnery to keep my eldest sister-in-law company. That’s settled. Escort Miss Yang back."

The maids attending Yang Qianru were all from the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and naturally dared not disobey Mo Xiuyao. Though aware of their mistress’s reluctance, they stepped forward to support her.

"Cousin... WAHHH... Don’t send Qianru away... I’ll be good, I won’t cause trouble or make Cousin angry..." Yang Qianru sobbed, struggling against the maids’ hold, unwilling to leave.

"Take her away," Mo Xiuyao ordered, his brow furrowed.

No matter how much Yang Qianru struggled, she was no match for two maids taller than herself and was ultimately almost dragged out. Ye Li sat silently, observing Mo Xiuyao’s impassive face and listening to the faint sounds of Yang Qianru’s heart-wrenching cries. She couldn’t help but marvel at the man’s ruthlessness. An ordinary man, upon seeing a beautiful, fragile young woman weep so desperately, would feel at least a flicker of pity, even without love or affection. But Mo Xiuyao’s eyes betrayed no emotion, as if the person just removed was not a vulnerable woman but a discarded object.

"Ah-Li, what are you sighing about?" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Ye Li couldn’t help sighing again. "Whoever falls in love with you must have committed some terrible sin in a past life. Or else, they owed you a debt they failed to repay."

Mo Xiuyao’s gaze flickered, settling on Ye Li’s back. "Why do you say that?"

Ye Li replied, "Isn’t it obvious? Just look at Yang Qianru." To love someone who doesn’t love you back, or rather, someone who is incapable of love – if that isn’t a debt from a past life, what is? Born a tragedy, perhaps.

"Then... what kind of person would Ah-Li fall in love with?" Mo Xiuyao inquired.

Ye Li, continuing her needlework, answered casually, "Love? I don’t know. I probably won’t fall in love with anyone. No matter how earth-shattering a romance is, over time it turns into familial affection. Since that’s the case, why not just live a good life together from the start?" Who can sustain sweet nothings and moonlit rendezvous for a lifetime? Eventually, only the mundane necessities of life remain.

"Is that because Ah-Li has never truly loved anyone?" Mo Xiuyao asked softly.

Ye Li’s needle paused for a fraction of a second before resuming its motion. "Perhaps." Of course, she had been in relationships before, but she couldn’t claim to have experienced any love that was truly bone-deep and unforgettable.

"If Ah-Li fell in love with someone, would she live and die with him?"

Ye Li turned, looking with some surprise at the man unusually relaxed and leaning against his wheelchair. She smiled. "Your Highness, surely you’re not going to say that if you fell in love with someone, you’d want to live and die with her?"

"Perhaps."

"I probably wouldn’t. If I were dying, should I drag someone else to the grave with me?" Ye Li mused pragmatically. "Even if it’s just ordinary affection, one shouldn’t do that. Is that a lover or an enemy?"

Under the sunlight, Mo Xiuyao seemed to ponder this seriously for a long moment before saying softly, "You’re right. If I were to die, I would still want her to live well." With that, he paid Ye Li no further attention, picking up his unfinished book and resuming his reading. Ye Li was somewhat taken aback; she had always found the gentle and serene Mo Xiuyao to be somewhat dispassionate, yet he showed such warmth. Shrugging in puzzlement, she turned back to her embroidery. After a while, Mo Xiuyao’s words inexplicably resurfaced in her mind: "If I were to die, I would still want her to live well."

Her?! Ye Li was startled, nearly pricking her finger with the embroidery needle. Does Mo Xiuyao have someone he likes?!

Ye Li was in a foul mood, a truly terrible one, though she herself couldn’t quite pinpoint why. She just felt inexplicably agitated, a state rarely experienced in her decades of life. Even when she broke up with her first love, or before her first combat mission, her emotions hadn’t been this turbulent. So, after venting her frustrations in the training grounds to no avail, Ye Li decisively opted for an outing to clear her head.

It happened that Hua Tianxiang had sent an invitation to admire the early summer lotus blossoms together, so Ye Li accepted without hesitation.

The Capital of Great Chu, after all, was in the north, and places to view lotus flowers were few. Thus, it was inevitable that during June and July, these locations would be teeming with visitors. The early summer lotuses, not yet in full bloom, had already attracted throngs of young ladies and unmarried girls from the Capital City. When Mo Xiuyao heard Ye Li was going lotus-viewing and had no intention of inviting him, he said little, merely informing her that the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion had its own painted boat, and she could invite friends. Ye Li, having been annoyed with Mo Xiuyao for the past two days, conveniently forgot to ask if he wanted to join, and departed quite cheerfully with a few maids. Ah-Jin silently observed his master. His Highness clearly wanted to go with the Princess Consort, so why didn’t he just tell her?

On the painted boat of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, Ye Li leaned idly against a window, lost in thought. Hua Tianxiang surveyed the boat’s appointments with an appreciative gaze, her face full of envy. "As expected of a painted boat from the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, this décor... is truly extraordinary! But Li’er, did Prince Ding have this painted boat specially decorated for you? No one from the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has gone out for many years; this boat doesn’t look like an old one."

Ye Li looked at her lazily and smiled. "Your family’s boat is hardly inferior to this one. What’s all the fuss?"

Hua Tianxiang rolled her eyes good-naturedly. "You don’t understand. My family is so large. It’s always bustling and noisy. You have it so comfortable, a whole boat to yourself, so quiet. Ah... if Prince Ding were also on board, that would be too... no, no, it’s better he’s not here. If Prince Ding were here, I’d definitely be too embarrassed to freeload on your boat."

Ye Li gazed at the various painted boats dotting the lake nearby and asked, puzzled, "With so many boats on the lake, are people here to see the lotuses or the boats?"

Hua Tianxiang giggled. "They’re here for both the flowers and the people-watching! Since the lotuses just started blooming and the weather is perfect, of course, many people are out. You should know how many talented scholars and beautiful maidens become couples on this very Jiaren Lake each year."

"Jiaren Lake?" Ye Li glanced at the expansive lake. Having seen West Lake, Lake Tai, and Thousand Island Lake, this small Jiaren Lake didn’t seem to live up to its name, which meant ’Beauties’ Lake’.

Hua Tianxiang shook her head helplessly. "You’re really quite unromantic, aren’t you? Don’t you know why Zheng’er didn’t join us today?"

"Do tell."

"Because she’s with Second Young Master Xu today!" Hua Tianxiang said through gritted teeth, then glanced at Ye Li. "Speaking of which, I was actually a bit surprised you came alone today. I thought you’d be with Prince Ding. I was even planning to go find Murong."

Ye Li shot her an exasperated look. "And who was it that invited me out?"

"Wasn’t that me, giving you a heads-up because I feared you wouldn’t know? Who else stays cooped up at home all year round, refusing to go out?" Hua Tianxiang grumbled, then, looking at the boat’s clearly new furnishings, added with some apprehension, "You must remember, it seems the Prince’s birthday is in a few days. You absolutely have to invite him out to see the lotuses then. I’m guessing he prepared this boat specifically to admire the flowers with you. Prince Ding might even be plotting how to discreetly get rid of me right now."

Ye Li paused, then seeing Hua Tianxiang’s worried expression, couldn’t help but smile. "You’re overthinking things."

"Tianxiang, Ah-Li!"

The weather was splendid, and sounds of joy and laughter filled both the lake and its shores. But only Murong Ting would shout with such boisterous enthusiasm. As Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang emerged from the cabin, they saw Murong Ting on another painted boat, waving vigorously and jumping up and down. A handsome young man stood beside her, seemingly trying to talk to her, but Murong Ting was clearly impatient and dismissive. Hua Tianxiang, following Ye Li, chuckled softly. "That’s Second Young Master Leng Haoyu of the Leng Family."

"Murong’s fiancé?" Ye Li asked.

"Correct. Ting’er has disliked him since they were children, but he always enjoyed sticking close to her. Later, Ting’er ran off to the borderlands with her father. Unexpectedly, after she returned, he still enjoys deliberately provoking her." Hua Tianxiang’s voice held a hint of amusement; clearly, her impression of Leng Haoyu wasn’t entirely negative.

On the other painted boat, the two had already begun to scuffle. Murong Ting wanted to use her light skill to join them, but Leng Haoyu was evidently trying to stop her. As they tussled on deck, Murong Ting’s temper flared, and she started to fight in earnest.

Besides their boats, numerous other families’ painted boats were nearby. Attracted by the commotion, they drew closer. Many onlookers apparently knew Murong Ting and Leng Haoyu and began to cheer and jeer.

Hua Tianxiang smiled. "How long do you think Leng Haoyu can last this time?"

Ye Li watched for a moment before commenting, "Murong is no match for Leng Haoyu at all." Leng Haoyu appeared to be stumbling and off-balance, but his footing was far steadier than Murong Ting’s. His handsome face wore the playful smirk of a dandy, yet his gaze upon Murong Ting was utterly serious. "Are you saying he’s letting Ting’er win?"

Ye Li smiled. "General Murong dotes on his daughter. Do you really think he’d marry Ting’er off to an unaccomplished dandy?"

"Well..." Hua Tianxiang mused, having never seriously considered the matter.

Having seen enough of the spectacle, Ye Li smiled. "Let’s have them row our boat away. We won’t play with Murong today."

Hua Tianxiang grabbed her arm. "Don’t even think about it! Believe me, if you push Ting’er too far, she’d dare to jump into the water even if we rowed away."

Considering Murong Ting’s temperament, Ye Li conceded it was a definite possibility. She smiled towards the other boat. "Second Young Master Leng, Murong, would you care to join us for a chat?"

Murong Ting stopped fighting and called back, "Ah-Li, I’m your friend! Why are you inviting him too?"

Hua Tianxiang laughed. "Well, are you coming or not? If not, we’re leaving."

Murong Ting shot Leng Haoyu a fierce glare, wrenched her hand free, stomped hard on his foot, then leaped gracefully, tapping the water’s surface a few times before landing on Ye Li’s painted boat. Leng Haoyu gave a wry smile, cupped his hands towards Ye Li, and said, "Many thanks, Princess Consort." He then also rose and crossed from his boat to theirs. Ye Li instructed the boatmen to move their vessel away before turning to invite the two newcomers inside.

Once the four were seated, Qingluan and the others served fresh tea and refreshments before retreating. Murong Ting, perched beside Ye Li, nibbled on snacks while continuing to shoot daggers with her eyes at Leng Haoyu, who had followed her. Leng Haoyu pretended not to notice the glares flying his way and smiled at Ye Li. "The weather is quite fine today. Why is Prince Ding not out with the Princess Consort?"

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking at Leng Haoyu with a smile. "Is Second Young Master Leng acquainted with our Prince?"

Leng Haoyu’s teacup paused mid-air for a fraction of a second. He chuckled. "I am merely a dandy. How would I have the honor of being acquainted with His Highness?"

Murong Ting snorted derisively. "So, you do know you’re a dandy."

"Ting’er..." Leng Haoyu said, looking at her with a wronged expression. "What’s wrong with being a dandy? I have food, fun, and I can be with you every day. My older brother takes care of things at home. Isn’t it great?"

"Pah!" Murong Ting nearly jumped up. "This young lady despises useless young masters the most! You’d better stay far away from me in the future. Otherwise, I’ll beat you up every time I see you!"

"But you already beat me up every time you see me now..." Leng Haoyu muttered, just loud enough for everyone in the cabin to hear. Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang couldn’t help but cover their mouths to stifle their laughter. Murong Ting’s face flushed crimson with anger; she looked ready to stab the scoundrel who was embarrassing her. Leng Haoyu appeared terrified of Murong Ting, constantly begging for mercy. However, the faint, indulgent smile in his eyes revealed he was merely teasing her. Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang exchanged a knowing smile as they watched Murong Ting, still fuming and stamping her foot. It was true that in matters of the heart, those involved were often blind, while onlookers saw clearly. As Murong Ting’s friends, they naturally wished for her future happiness, but the choice was ultimately hers.

"Princess Consort, Prince Li’s Mansion’s boat is ahead," Qingxia reported, entering the cabin while the four were conversing.

Hua Tianxiang frowned at the news. "Li’er, how did we encounter Prince Li again?"

Ye Li smiled. "Who told you not to pick a better day? Or perhaps, the Capital City is just too small."

Murong Ting pouted. "I’d say it’s a case of ’enemies often cross paths’."

Before Ye Li could respond, Qingluan also entered, her expression displeased. "Princess Consort, Prince Li and Princess Consort Li request an audience."

"Show them in," Ye Li sighed.

Shortly after, Mo Jingli entered with Ye Ying. However, the woman accompanying Mo Jingli made Ye Li frown. Though dressed differently than usual in goose-yellow attire, her appearance slightly altered, and her face veiled, such modifications were meaningless to Ye Li. Anyone seeing her in person would recognize her as Princess Qixia of Nanzhao. It had only been a few days. Was Mo Jingli trying to provoke his Brother Emperor? The palace hadn’t even announced Princess Qixia’s death yet.

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Li, Princess Consort Li," Hua Tianxiang and the others said, rising to curtsy.

Mo Jingli’s gaze swept across the cabin’s occupants, finally moving from Ye Li to Leng Haoyu. "Leng Haoyu?" he said gravely.

Leng Haoyu chuckled. "His Highness recognizes me? I am truly honored."

Mo Jingli, of course, knew of Leng Haoyu’s reputation. He glanced at Murong Ting beside him, his expression softening slightly before he let out a light snort. He then addressed Ye Li, "Why isn’t Mo Xiuyao out with you?"

"What business is it of yours, Prince Li?" Ye Li, already simmering with irritation, retorted without hesitation to Mo Jingli’s blunt tone.

Predictably, Mo Jingli’s face darkened instantly. "You ungrateful woman!" he snapped.

Ye Li inwardly rolled her eyes, too weary to engage with him. Leng Haoyu, meanwhile, eyed Princess Qixia behind Mo Jingli with keen interest. "Your Highness, this beautiful lady is..." He was sharply pinched from behind by Murong Ting, his deliberately suave smile instantly contorting into a comical grimace.

Mo Jingli stared at him coldly. "Hasn’t your elder brother taught you not to ask what doesn’t concern you?"

Leng Haoyu shrugged nonchalantly. "My elder brother is very busy. When would he have time to teach me such things?"

Ye Li rubbed her temples. "Prince Li, Fourth Sister, please sit down and talk."

Murong Ting snorted. "I have no desire to sit with certain people. Ah-Li, Tianxiang and I will go take a look outside." With that, she shot Mo Jingli a sideways glance and pulled Hua Tianxiang up to leave, her demeanor practically screaming, ’This young lady doesn’t want to sit with you!’ Hua Tianxiang cast Ye Li an apologetic look and allowed Murong Ting to pull her out; she too had no wish to be in Prince Li’s company.

Leng Haoyu, seeing Murong Ting depart, looked hesitantly between Ye Li and Mo Jingli. Ye Li smiled. "Young Master Leng, perhaps you should go look after Murong. Don’t let her drag Tianxiang off to cause trouble." Leng Haoyu nodded and exited.

A moment later, Qingluan and a few other maids entered with refreshments. After setting them down, they did not leave but respectfully took up positions in different corners of the cabin, looking as if awaiting the Princess Consort’s orders. Ye Li chuckled inwardly, appreciating their understanding, but said nothing.

"All of you, leave. I have matters to discuss with her," Mo Jingli commanded.

Ye Ying silently bit her lip, rose, and left. Princess Qixia shot Ye Li a hostile glare before following Ye Ying out. Qingluan and the others, however, were not so obedient. They remained in their positions, eyes fixed ahead, as if they hadn’t heard Mo Jingli.

Mo Jingli’s voice turned icy. "I told you to leave. Are you deaf?"

Qingshuang’s voice, clear and resonant, replied, "Reporting to Prince Li, we heard. However, our Prince ordered us servants to protect the Princess Consort’s safety. We servants must naturally obey our Prince’s command."

A dangerous glint appeared in Mo Jingli’s eyes as he stared coldly at Qingshuang. "Are you implying I would harm her?"

Qingshuang replied, "This servant does not know. We servants are merely taking precautions. We ask for Your Highness’s gracious understanding."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Prince Li, there seems to be nothing between us that requires a private discussion. These few are all people I trust. If you have something to say, please speak freely."

Mo Jingli remained silent, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on Ye Li. She met his gaze without speaking. After a long pause, Mo Jingli said coldly, "Ye Li, you deceived me!"

Ye Li was taken aback. Deceived him? What was he talking about? Or had Mo Jingli discovered some new deception of hers?

"Your Highness, what is the basis for this accusation? Falsely accusing this Princess Consort is not a good habit," Ye Li stated calmly.

Mo Jingli snorted. "You deliberately pretended to be useless so that I would be the one to break off the engagement, didn’t you? You and Mo Xiuyao have been secretly involved for a long time, haven’t you?"

Ye Li calmly held her teacup, restraining the urge to splash its contents onto the face of the man opposite her. "Your Highness, I’ve told you before: an overactive imagination is an illness. You should seek treatment promptly. Your own despicable character does not mean everyone else is similarly lacking in integrity." She hadn’t been pleased with the engagement, true, but to say she and Mo Xiuyao had been ’secretly involved’? Their relationship was still as pure and clear as could be.

Mo Jingli’s face instantly turned thunderous. This time, however, he didn’t erupt in anger as usual. Instead, he stared at Ye Li for a long moment, then a malicious smile spread across his lips.

Ye Li watched him, her expression impassive, her internal guard up.

Mo Jingli lowered his voice and said to Ye Li with that malicious smile, "Ye Li, you and Mo Xiuyao haven’t consummated your marriage yet, have you? Could it be... Mo Xiuyao has truly become a cripple and... incapable? If that’s the case, I could reluctantly..."

BANG!

Before Mo Jingli could finish, a fist struck his nose, hard and true. Two streams of blood immediately gushed forth. Mo Jingli’s eyes widened in shock. Before he could react, Ye Li had already risen, grabbed his head, and slammed it onto the table.

"Damn you, Ye Li!" The pain in his forehead finally snapped Mo Jingli out of the shock of being attacked by Ye Li yet again. "I won’t let you get away with this!"

Ye Li gestured to Qingluan, who was about to intervene, to stand down, a cold smirk playing on her lips. Seeing Mo Jingli lunge at her, she flipped backward to dodge. By the time Mo Jingli charged again, she had already reached another window.

Failing to catch her twice, and recalling his two previous assaults, Mo Jingli now guessed Ye Li was no weak woman. This time, he used his martial skills, pouncing fiercely, determined to seize the woman who had made a fool of him. But Ye Li ducked low. A sharp pain shot through Mo Jingli’s armpit; he couldn’t adjust his momentum and crashed headfirst into the cabin window—

"Quick, someone! Prince Li has fallen into the water!"