Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 90.Yonglin Defense

90. Defense of Yonglin

In the somewhat crude hall hastily set up, Xia Shu stared solemnly at the black-clad youth sitting leisurely inspecting the room, along with four black-clad knights standing guard beside him. "Sir," he began, "if there’s anything to say, it could be said now. I’m still unacquainted with your identities and those of your companions."

Ye Li glanced at the two men and laughed, "No wonder General Murong would send you two to guard Yonglin City. Colonel Yun is brave and Colonel Xia is cautious—a rare combination indeed."

Xia Shu managed a bitter smile. "If you and your men hadn’t arrived promptly today, I am afraid Yun Ting and I would have had to apologize with our lives." His gaze stayed fixed on Ye Li; he hadn’t forgotten the young man had yet to identify himself.

Left with no choice, Ye Li reached up and unfastened the hairpin holding her hair in a bun. Her blue-black locks cascaded down around her shoulders. She smiled gently. "I am Princess Consort Ding."

Princess Consort Ding? Yun Ting and Xia Shu exchanged glances. The situation, although unexpected, somehow made sense. Other than Prince Ding, only Princess Consort Ding could command so many of the Black Cloud Cavalry. But how could the reputedly missing Princess Consort Ding suddenly appear at Broken Snow Pass, even leading the Black Cloud Cavalry to aid Yonglin City? Moreover, it was said that Princess Consort Ding was the delicate, high-born daughter of the current Grand Secretary and the granddaughter of Mr. Qingyun. Feeling even more confused, Yun Ting stood to the side, leaving everything to Xia Shu, who clearly had steadier nerves.

Xia Shu, although equally stunned, managed to gather himself before asking, "Princess Consort... why are you here?"

Ye Li chuckled. "I was not originally here but hurried over when I heard the news of the siege on Broken Snow Pass. Luckily, I made it in time. If the two of you do not trust my identity... is Miss Murong, General Murong’s daughter, still at Broken Snow Pass?"

Xia Shu’s face turned slightly red. "Your Highness, it is not that I don’t trust your identity. After all, the Black Cloud Cavalry stands as the best proof. It’s just that..."

Ye Li nodded. "I understand your concerns, Colonel Xia. Please feel at ease. Both of you, please take a seat."

With a glance at each other, Yun Ting and Xia Shu each thanked her and sat down. They had initially been delighted when the Black Cloud Cavalry arrived to help, but upon finding out that it was Princess Consort Ding leading them, they were both rather baffled about their current feelings. Everyone knew Prince Ding was incapacitated, and thus, only Princess Consort Ding could command the Black Cloud Cavalry. Regardless, believing that such a delicate, slender woman could really command such a formidable army and lead it against over a hundred thousand of Prince Li’s rebel soldiers, Yun Ting and Xia Shu were both uncertain.

"Subordinates request an audience with the Princess Consort," came Darky Two and Darky Three’s voices from outside. Taken aback, both Xia Shu and Yun Ting looked cautiously at the entrance. A few men dressed as common soldiers stepped inside; although the uniforms of Great Chu soldiers were mostly similar, Xia Shu could tell at a glance that the insignia on their clothes clearly belonged to the forces under Prince Li of Lingzhou. It was clear that these men had not been let in by the city’s defenders.

"You’ve worked hard. How did it go?" Ye Li asked.

Stepping forward, Darky Two reported, "We have followed Your Highness’s orders and executed the Governor of Yongzhou. It is regrettable that due to the many eyes watching Prince Li, we were unable to bring back his head. We beg Your Highness’s forgiveness."

Ye Li waved a hand dismissively. "No need for that, you did well. Go and rest now." The men took their leave.

Startled, Yun Ting blurted, "You... you had the Governor of Yongzhou killed?!"

"Yun Ting, no discourtesy," Xia Shu reprimanded in a low voice. Now that they could confirm that the woman in front of them was indeed Princess Consort Ding, regardless of whether she had the ability to command the Black Cloud Cavalry and the soldiers of Yonglin, she deserved their respect. Despite sharing the same surprise at her revelation, he kept his calm.

Ye Li nodded. "The Governor of Yongzhou failed to consider serving his country and instead surrendered to Prince Li’s forces. If we did not make an example of him to clarify the situation, I fear other officials might be persuaded by him and follow suit."

Xia Shu agreed, "Your Highness is right. If not for the Governor of Yongzhou defecting to Prince Li, Yonglin City wouldn’t be in such peril today."

Yun Ting looked at Xia Shu, then turned his gaze to Ye Li, asking abruptly, "Your Highness, when will the reinforcements arrive?"

Ye Li pondered for a moment before shaking her head. "I honestly do not know. I was originally in the Southern Border; it was after I heard the news about Broken Snow Pass that I rushed back day and night. But... Chief General Wu, the Generalissimo of Yongzhou, was ambushed at Yunlan River. I’m afraid no reinforcements will arrive for several days yet."

The entire area south of the Yunlan River would be fortunate to protect itself, let alone send out reinforcements. As for Jiangbei, only Yongzhou is closest to Yongzhou. Since Yongzhou’s forces were ambushed, troops from other areas are unlikely to be dispatched without orders from the imperial court. Since Yun Ting and Xia Shu commanded the defense of Yonglin City, as opposed to being ordinary soldiers, Ye Li saw no need to deceive them. If the leaders could not see the situation for what it was, then there was no point in discussing anything else.

"Damn it!" Yun Ting cursed quietly. Even with the addition of two thousand Black Cloud Cavalry, their forces still amounted to less than twenty thousand. Even if they were fearless in the face of death, he’d rather die on the battlefield right away if it meant they could hold Yonglin City.

Xia Shu took a deep breath to steady his nerves before asking, "In that case, we kindly ask Your Highness to leave Yonglin as soon as possible and return to the Capital City."

"Leave?" Ye Li questioned, raising an eyebrow.

With a bitter smile, Xia Shu continued, "To be frank, Your Highness, though Yun Ting and I have stated our commitments to General Murong, as for Yonglin... we can only do our best and hold the city for as long as we can. I have heard something about your personal grievances with Prince Li. In the event that things go wrong... therefore, we kindly ask that you leave as soon as possible."

Ye Li chuckled. "Colonel Xia, did you think I came to Yonglin just to make an appearance and then leave? Besides... If I leave, even if I were to leave the Black Cloud Cavalry behind for you, would you be able to command them?"

Xia Shu looked at Ye Li with some shame. He indeed intended to request Princess Consort Ding to leave the Black Cloud Cavalry behind to assist in defending the city. However, as she pointed out, if even emperors through the ages could not command the Black Cloud Cavalry, how could he, a mere colonel, conceivably do so?

Ye Li smirked at his dilemma. "What’s wrong? Does having me help you defend the city embarrass you?"

"This..." Xia Shu was at a loss for words, but Yun Ting blurted out, "Your Highness, the battlefield is too dangerous! Given your noble identity and as a lady, how can we let you defend the city with us? Why don’t you just ask the brothers of the Black Cloud Cavalry to stay and help us defend the city? That way, you’ll be safe as well, and we’ll stand a better chance in defending the city."

Ye Li chuckled softly, covering her mouth. "Colonel Yun, I did ride in here on a horse by myself, didn’t I? I wasn’t carried in on a sedan chair, was I?"

Yun Ting was taken aback, only then recalling that amidst such chaos, he had indeed not seen anyone specifically guarding someone else. So, this woman, who was not even as tall as his shoulder, had actually made her way through the throngs of soldiers just like all the Black Cloud Cavalry?!

Xia Shu coughed gently and bowed to Ye Li. "I have been rude. Since General Murong is at Broken Snow Pass, would it not be better for the Princess Consort to meet with General Murong before making further plans?"

Ye Li frowned in thought for a moment, then nodded. "That seems reasonable. The rebel army has suffered a series of setbacks in the past two days and has already pulled back twenty li. I don’t think Mo Jingli would attempt a reckless advance without a thorough investigation. Since I am here, it would be unseemly not to meet General Murong. Let’s head to Broken Snow Pass first."

Yun Ting volunteered enthusiastically, "I will escort the Princess Consort there!"

Xia Shu looked at Yun Ting with a knowing smile, as if he entirely understood his little scheme, and said with a tolerant grin, "I’ll stay behind and defend Yonglin."

Ye Li nodded. "Thank you for your hard work, Colonel Xia. I will leave the Black Cloud Cavalry behind to assist you in strengthening the city walls’ defense."

Xia Shu was delighted. Everyone knew that the Black Cloud Cavalry was skilled in siege warfare. And those skilled in attack must also understand where the weaknesses in defense lay. Being able to observe the Black Cloud Cavalry at close range was an honor for any soldier. Upon hearing this, Yun Ting was torn. Was it more advantageous for him for the Princess Consort to go see General Murong, or for him to stay and observe the appealing Black Cloud Cavalry? Looking at Ye Li, who had already stood up, Colonel Yun Ting clenched his fists inwardly. It was absolutely necessary to win over the Princess Consort first. If he could distinguish himself in this battle, he could afterward ask her to let him join the Black Cloud Cavalry; even as the lowest rank, he would willingly do so!

「Broken Snow Pass」

Covered in blood, Murong Shen strode into the large tent with the gait of a dragon and the stride of a tiger. Perhaps sensing the approach of Prince Li’s rebel army, the Nanzhao besiegers intensified their attacks today. In the end, Murong Shen had to personally lead men out of the city for a bout of hard fighting before they were pushed back. Having finally caught his breath, Murong Shen hurried back to his large tent without even changing his clothes to hear the battle report from Yonglin City. "General, as of this morning, Prince Li personally led 150,000 soldiers and laid siege to Yonglin City."

Murong Shen waved his hand. "Nonsense! There isn’t that much room outside Yonglin City. Where would he put 150,000 soldiers?"

A subordinate general stood up and said, "Those 150,000 soldiers are probably meant for us at Broken Snow Pass. Yesterday, those two lads, Yun Ting and Xia Shu, managed to repel Prince Li’s vanguard, even taking down the pioneer clearing the way. I am afraid those two won’t have an easy time today."

Murong Shen nodded. "Yun Ting and Xia Shu did a good job this time." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

"General, why don’t I take some men to check on the situation in Yonglin? I’m afraid those two might not be able to hold out today," a middle-aged Vice General voiced his concern.

Murong Shen shook his head gravely. "The Nanzhao army could strike at any moment, and besides, we simply cannot spare more troops to support them."

The officers fell silent. Transferring soldiers from Broken Snow Pass was akin to personally allowing the Nanzhao people into the pass. Failing to do so meant the mere twenty thousand troops in Yonglin City would sooner or later be swallowed by Prince Li’s army of over a hundred thousand, and Broken Snow Pass would inevitably fall if it were besieged from both sides. What was even more tragic... they couldn’t even break out, because they were stationed at Broken Snow Pass, guarding the gates of Great Chu. Unless all the soldiers at the pass died, not a single foreigner was to be allowed through. This was the belief that the guardians of the pass had forged with their lives and blood over hundreds of years.

"Damn it! Prince Li has actually colluded with the Nanzhao people!" The hot-tempered generals couldn’t help swearing. What could be more frustrating than fighting desperately in a bloody battle at the front, only to be stabbed in the back by your own people? A noble royal prince, the Emperor’s own brother, colluding with foreigners—what on earth was this?

"General, a battle report from Yonglin City!"

"Bring it in quickly!" The cursing in the large tent abruptly ceased, and everyone looked solemnly at the incoming messenger, fearing bad news.

"Reporting to the General, this morning Prince Li’s rebel army besieged the city for about two hours. By noon, the rebel army had been repelled. Colonel Xia asks the General to rest assured; as long as Yonglin has a single soldier left, the rebel army will not cross Yonglin City," the soldier reported loudly.

"Excellent! Those two youngsters are indeed not bad." Murong Shen was overjoyed. He had felt some trepidation when he sent Yun Ting and Xia Shu to Yonglin, as both were very young, but Broken Snow Pass simply had no one else to dispatch. He hadn’t imagined that the two of them would win consecutive victories over two days. After some thought, Murong Shen asked somewhat dubiously, "Prince Li’s army of over a hundred thousand soldiers has arrived in full. How did Yun Ting and Xia Shu manage to repel them?"

The messenger did not withhold any details. "Originally, we were having trouble holding our line, but suddenly a large number of black-clad cavalry appeared from nowhere and drove the enemy back. In addition, the Governor of Yongzhou was assassinated within Prince Li’s army."

Murong Shen was taken aback, unable to ascertain the identity of this black-clad cavalry, but the death of the Governor of Yongzhou was indeed good news. "Well killed! Go back and investigate further about that cavalry, and report back as soon as possible."

"Yes, sir!"

"Reporting to the General, Colonel Yun Ting requests an audience."

"Yun Ting? Why is he here? Let him in!" Murong Shen furrowed his brows and waved his hand, commanding.

Soon after, Yun Ting rushed in excitedly. As soon as he entered, he shouted at Murong Shen, "General, look who this is!"

Just as Murong Shen was about to chastise Yun Ting for his impetuousness, he looked up and was speechless for a long moment. Although Murong Shen was not very sociable during his time in the Capital City, and Ye Li similarly disliked going out, his beloved daughter, Murong Ting, was indeed very close friends with Ye Li. So, as a doting father, General Murong had met this renowned Princess Consort Ding a few times. Despite her current attire of black men’s clothing, her unmistakably beautiful face and her composed, serene smile left a deep impression on Murong Shen. "Princess Cons—" Murong Shen forcibly swallowed the rest of the title, only hearing Ye Li clasp her hands and say with a smile, "General Murong, it has been a while since we last met in the Capital City. I trust you have been well?"

Murong Shen, a general seasoned by half a lifetime of campaigns, quickly regained his composure. He returned the salute with a smile. "Thank you for your concern, Young Master. This general must thank you for your assistance in relieving Yonglin’s crisis." With the black-clad cavalry and the sudden appearance of Princess Consort Ding here, if Murong Shen still couldn’t guess who had relieved Yonglin’s crisis, he wouldn’t be the Murong Shen who once fought alongside Mo Liufang.

Although the generals of Broken Snow Pass present did not know who this black-clad youth accompanying Yun Ting was—the one who had saved Yonglin City—they clearly noticed that General Murong recognized him. Thus, they also relaxed their guard and curiously watched Ye Li. Murong Shen glanced at the crowd, waved his hand to dismiss them, and then invited Ye Li to sit down. Ye Li, without false modesty, thanked him and walked to one side to sit. "General, can Broken Snow Pass hold?" Ye Li knew Murong Shen’s temperament and did not wish to beat around the bush, so she asked straightforwardly.

Murong Shen looked at Ye Li intently. After a long pause, he sighed. "I will not lie to you, Princess Consort. If it weren’t for Prince Li’s army of over a hundred thousand behind us, I, Murong Shen, would guarantee that not a single Nanzhao soldier could step into Broken Snow Pass. However... once Yonglin City falls... heh, Broken Snow Pass probably won’t hold for even half a day." There is no natural barrier between Broken Snow Pass and Yonglin City. If the rebel army passes Yonglin City, it means the defenders’ rear will be exposed to attack. At that point, caught in a pincer attack, the defenders at Broken Snow Pass would be decimated without much effort from the Nanzhao forces.

Ye Li naturally understood that Murong Shen spoke the truth and furrowed her brows. "In your opinion, General, how many more days until reinforcements can arrive?"

Murong Shen’s smile was bitter. "If things were normal... reinforcements could arrive in two days at most. However, now... I’m afraid you shouldn’t expect to see even a shadow of reinforcements within ten days."

Ye Li raised her eyebrows. "So, does the General mean that Broken Snow Pass is indefensible?"

Murong Shen gritted his teeth and said, "Indefensible or not, it must be defended! As long as Murong Shen draws breath, the Nanzhao people shall not dream of stepping past Broken Snow Pass."

Ye Li fell silent for a moment, then looked up and asked, "General, how many more days do you estimate you can hold out?"

Murong Shen replied in a deep voice, "That depends on how long Yonglin can hold out. I wonder how many Black Cloud Cavalry the Princess Consort has brought this time?"

Ye Li sighed. "This was purely by chance; there are only two thousand Black Cloud Cavalry. General... If Broken Snow Pass truly becomes indefensible, could we... retreat to the Yunlan River?"

Murong Shen waved his hand firmly. "Others can retreat, but Murong Shen cannot! Since His Majesty dispatched Murong Shen to guard Broken Snow Pass, I can only live or die with Broken Snow Pass!"

Ye Li frowned. "Then, has the General considered what will happen if, after Broken Snow Pass falls, the Southern Border invaders seize the opportunity to march north? The twenty thousand defenders of Yongzhou were wiped out at the Yunlan River before achieving anything. At this moment, not only is Yongzhou in peril, but Yongzhou also has no troops to guard it."

Murong Shen chuckled, then said arrogantly, "Rest assured, Your Highness. I thought of this after receiving the news of Chief General Wu’s death. Therefore, I long ago ordered men to monitor the Henghui Bridge on the Yunlan River day and night. If reinforcements arrive first, all is well. But if Broken Snow Pass falls and reinforcements have not arrived, the men stationed there will destroy the bridge at any cost. Whether the Nanzhao people want to rebuild the bridge, cross by boat, or take a detour, their progress will be delayed by at least half a month. By then... the court’s reinforcements should have arrived. As for you, Princess Consort, thank you for your righteous assistance this time. Please leave Yongzhou as soon as possible for your safety."

Ye Li stood up and, with admiration, clasped her hands towards Murong Shen. "Since the General has made his decision, then... how about entrusting Yonglin City to me?"

"Princess Consort?" Murong Shen looked at her in surprise.

Ye Li smiled. "Since I am Princess Consort Ding, how could I leave first when Yongzhou is in crisis? Ye Li is also willing to live or die with Yonglin City, to not dishonor the name of King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Isn’t that so?"

Murong Shen was silent for a long time before finally saying, "No wonder..." No wonder the Black Cloud Cavalry would obey Princess Consort Ding’s commands; she truly is beyond compare with ordinary young ladies. Everyone thought that only Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding could command the Black Cloud Cavalry, but they didn’t know that among the past Princess Consorts Ding, only two or three had ever truly controlled the Black Cloud Cavalry. Not to mention the previous Princess Consort Ding, even Prince Ding’s own mother, the princess consort who shared such a profoundly deep relationship with the Regent Prince Mo Liufang, never gained the right to command the Black Cloud Cavalry.

Ye Li raised her eyebrows, waiting for Murong Shen to continue. Murong Shen, however, just shook his head and said no more. He looked up at Ye Li and said, "In that case, Yonglin is entrusted to you, Princess Consort. This general cannot offer you any assistance, only an additional ten thousand troops." These ten thousand men were originally intended as reinforcements for Yun Ting and Xia Shu if they truly couldn’t hold on any longer. It was also the only force he could spare.

Ye Li nodded. "Thank you, General, for your trust."

Having received Murong Shen’s military token, Ye Li wasted no more time and prepared to return to Yonglin City. Murong Shen was a seasoned veteran on the battlefield; if it weren’t for this sudden turn of events and the sheer disparity in military strength, he wouldn’t be in such a strained position. Naturally, Ye Li didn’t need to meddle in the defense of Broken Snow Pass.

Exiting the military camp, she happened to see Murong Ting approaching with a sword in hand. "Ting’er?"

"Huh?!" Murong Ting, who was rushing to find her father, heard a familiar voice and hastily stopped. She stared at the person before her—at once familiar and unfamiliar—for a long moment before regaining her composure and pointing, "You... you... you..."

"Impudence!" Murong Shen, following behind, stepped out and glared at Murong Ting. "How can you be so disrespectful to Young Master Xu?"

"Young Master Xu?!" Murong Ting shrieked.

Ye Li smiled radiantly, raising an eyebrow at Murong Ting. "I am Xu Qingliu. Greetings, Miss Murong."

Murong Ting’s pretty face turned red, and she quickly hid beside Murong Shen, shooting a reproachful glance at Ye Li. It wasn’t her fault for suddenly becoming so flustered; it was just that Ye Li’s masculine disguise was too striking. Even without makeup to alter her features, she still looked like a handsome youth, albeit with a touch of boyishness, devoid of any feminine delicacy. Murong Ting had always prided herself on her bold character and valiant demeanor, but she had to admit that even if she dressed as a man, she wouldn’t look more boyish than the person before her. Despite knowing full well that Ye Li was a woman, looking at a beautiful youth who still possessed some innocent, boyish charm addressing her, Murong Ting couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed.

Watching Murong Ting blush so uncharacteristically, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile at her. Under the sunlight, the youth appeared handsome and elegant, his black attire unable to conceal his clean, transparent, boyish air. Murong Ting could only widen her eyes further, mentally cursing, Demon!

"General, I shall take my leave first." No longer teasing Murong Ting, Ye Li turned to bid farewell to Murong Shen.

Murong Shen nodded and said gravely, "Then I shall trouble you with Yonglin City, Young Master."

"I will definitely not disappoint your trust, General," Ye Li said with a smile.

Murong Ting looked at Ye Li, her eyes darting around. "Dad, what is Ah... Young Master Xu going to Yonglin for?"

Murong Shen frowned. "Young Master Xu is going to assist Yun Ting and Xia Shu in defending the city."

Murong Ting quickly interjected, "I want to go too!"

"Don’t be ridiculous! Young Master Xu is attending to serious business. What’s the point of you tagging along to cause a commotion?"

Murong Ting stomped her foot in frustration. He used to say I couldn’t go to the battlefield because I was a girl, but isn’t he sending Ah-Li to the battlefield now? "I don’t care, I also want to help defend the city! I am your daughter, not some useless freeloader in the barracks! Ah... Young Master Xu, please take me with you, alright?" In her excitement, Murong Ting forgot Ye Li was still in men’s attire and directly pounced on her, grabbing her sleeve and shaking it, causing passing soldiers to turn and stare.

Ye Li coughed lightly, gently pulling her hand away. With a smile, she said, "Miss Murong... there should be decorum between men and women."

Only then did Murong Ting notice the strange glances from the passing soldiers. She quickly let go and made a face at Ye Li. Turning back to her father, she pleaded coquettishly, "Daddy... please let Ting’er go. I promise I won’t cause any trouble for anyone."

Murong Shen, pestered by her, had no choice but to look at Ye Li.

Ye Li lowered her head and smiled. "If the General is willing, then let Miss Murong come with me."

Murong Shen sighed. The current situation was critical; there wasn’t much difference between staying at Broken Snow Pass or going to Yonglin City. Even if she stayed at Broken Snow Pass, once the fighting truly began, he wouldn’t be able to look after her. "Fine, then I’ll have to trouble Young Master Xu with this girl. If she dares to be willful and cause trouble, Young Master Xu, you can deal with her according to military law. No need to be lenient!"

"Thank you, Dad!" Murong Ting was overjoyed, completely unconcerned by her father’s subsequent mention of military punishment. This at least showed that her father was willing to treat her as a soldier rather than an ignorant little girl, right?

Having bid farewell to Murong Shen, Ye Li’s party, after staying at Broken Snow Pass for less than an hour, began their journey back. Murong Ting, on horseback, looked enviously at the fine steed Ye Li rode and the few Black Cloud Cavalry soldiers following her. Just these few exuded such an imposing aura; if the entire Black Cloud Cavalry were present, what a magnificent sight that would be! The mere thought made her blood boil with excitement. "Ah... ah, Young Master Xu, why did you come to Broken Snow Pass? My dad really trusts you. No matter what I said, he wouldn’t let me go to the battlefield, but as soon as you arrived, he was willing to entrust the defense of Yonglin to you." Thinking of this, Murong Ting felt a little sour. Did her father really think she was useless, and that’s why he wouldn’t let her go to the battlefield?

Ye Li smiled. "I had some business in the Southern Border and just happened to encounter this."

"The Prince actually allowed you to handle matters in the Southern Border alone? The Prince is truly a good person. Unlike my dad, who just nags in my ear all day that girls, after getting married, should behave, stay at home, manage household affairs, and be virtuous and demure... I don’t want to just stay quietly at home at all," Murong Ting grumbled softly in dissatisfaction, her last sentence almost a whisper. However, everyone present had excellent hearing and naturally heard her clearly.

Yun Ting chuckled. "Miss Murong, if you say that, Young Master Leng will cry."

Murong Ting bared her teeth, snorted at Yun Ting, and spurred her horse to gallop ahead. Ye Li followed with a smile, commenting, "General Murong also dotes on you and is just worried you might be in danger."

"I know, but Dad only has me as a daughter, and I want him to be proud of me too. Besides, I’m not a child anymore; I won’t act impulsively. Dad forbade me from going to the battlefield, and no matter how anxious I was, I didn’t sneak off behind his back."

Ye Li nodded. Although Murong Ting could occasionally be a bit willful, she actually knew her limits very well and wouldn’t make people genuinely worry about her.