Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 94. Visitors from Xiling

94. A Visitor from Xiling

「Prince Li’s Military Camp Outside Yonglin City」

"Damn it! How could Mo Xiuyao appear here at this moment!" In the large tent, Mo Jingli’s face was grim and distorted, making the air in the approaching June feel as if a severe winter chill had reached deep into the bones. No one dared to speak, not just because of Prince Li’s anger, but also because of the shock caused by Prince Ding’s sudden appearance on the battlefield. If there was something more frightening than Prince Ding’s appearance, it was Prince Ding appearing in perfect health. When they saw the silvery figure galloping as if airborne, almost everyone felt a pang of despair and regret rise in their hearts. Could they withstand Prince Ding? He had been known as the God of War since his youth and was hailed for having wit greater than his ancestors. More people began to have second thoughts, regretting their rash decision to join Prince Li’s rebellion. Yes, loyalty to the dragon could bring wealth, power, and limitless privileges, but the cost of failure also made them shudder.

The usually calm military advisor was also deathly pale. According to their plan, Mo Xiuyao would never appear in Yongzhou this quickly. No, Mo Xiuyao couldn’t possibly appear in Yongzhou at all. However, now... While a Prince Ding with crippled legs was daunting enough, an agile and healthy Prince Ding was even more terrifying. "Your Highness, have there been any messages from the Capital City? Prince Ding..."

Mo Jingli snorted coldly, "Mo Xiuyao had already left the Capital City before we started the rebellion. And Ye Li! It’s actually her!" The mere thought that Ye Li was the one who had blocked his path with the Black Cloud Cavalry these past days made Mo Jingli wish he could seize her and flay her alive.

The military advisor said, "It was previously rumored that Princess Consort Ding had disappeared; now it seems she must have gone to Nanzhao. There were reports from Nanzhao that Young Master Qingchen was missing... Perhaps Princess Consort Ding went to Nanzhao for Young Master Qingchen." The more he spoke, the colder the military advisor’s heart grew. Prince Ding, Princess Consort Ding, Murong Shen, and the possibly appearing Young Master Qingchen. The lineup of opponents blocking their path almost made him lose all hope of breaching Yonglin. "Your Highness, this subordinate believes our best course of action now is to immediately abandon Yongzhou and march east. We must seize all regions south of the Yunlan River before the imperial reinforcements arrive."

Mo Jingli said solemnly, "Mo Xiuyao has already reached Yonglin. Do you think he would let us retreat?"

The military advisor stroked his beard and said, "Based on Your Highness’s understanding of Prince Ding and his temperament, do you think he would have let us off so easily today?"

Mo Jingli pondered for a while, shaking his head. "In his youth, Mo Xiuyao was known as ’Fierce Wind’. He has always been swift and decisive in his military campaigns. Given his former temperament, he wouldn’t have rested today until the enemy had suffered significant losses."

The military advisor nodded with a smile. "In that case, why do you think Prince Ding didn’t press his advantage today?"

Mo Jingli’s eyes flashed, his voice rising slightly. "His forces are insufficient!"

The military advisor clapped his hands and laughed. "Correct. The terrain of Yonglin and the swiftness of the Black Cloud Cavalry’s advance made it impossible for us to gauge the true number of his forces. But Prince Ding wouldn’t be unaware of our military strength. His decision not to press his advantage can only mean that our army outnumbers his by at least two to one, or even more."

Mo Jingli nodded. "Correct. How could my Brother Emperor easily allow him to mobilize an army of over a hundred thousand men? Besides, with an army that large, he couldn’t have arrived so quickly. If that’s the case, why don’t we..."

"Absolutely not!" The military advisor hurriedly interrupted his impending words, urging, "Your Highness, think thrice. Prince Ding’s forces may indeed be insufficient, but there is no suitable terrain near Yonglin for a large-scale engagement. As long as he firmly defends Yonglin, we absolutely won’t be able to take it from him within ten days to half a month. After ten days to half a month... even if the imperial army is slow, they should have arrived. If we want to turn back and march east then, it will be too late." Saying ten days to half a month was being generous. With Prince Ding and twenty thousand Black Cloud Cavalry defending the city, let alone ten days or half a month, it was uncertain if we could breach it in two or three months, as long as they didn’t lack provisions or weapons. Remember, the archery of the Black Cloud Cavalry is feared even by the Beirong iron cavalry. An attacking army would likely find it difficult to even approach Yonglin City.

"This..." Mo Jingli’s face showed a myriad of expressions: bitterness, anger, and even an imperceptible fear. This fear might not have been due to Mo Xiuyao himself but, like all soldiers of Great Chu, stemmed from an inherent awe for the Mo Family Army and the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion.

"Your Highness, as long as we occupy all the areas south of the Yunlan River and secure the Yunlan River, Yongzhou is merely a tiny, insignificant place. With Nanzhao as a distraction, the imperial court will be powerless to act. Now that Prince Ding has suddenly regained his ability to walk, the one in the Capital City is probably panicking right now. In this case, he certainly wouldn’t use Prince Ding to deal with us. As long as Prince Ding and the Mo Family Army don’t intervene, half the territory of Great Chu will be within Your Highness’s grasp. As for other matters, we can plan for them gradually in the future." The military advisor urged earnestly. Yongzhou was clearly a lost cause. Since that was the case, it was better to seize all of Jiangnan before the imperial army arrived, rather than ending up with nothing for all their efforts. Looking at the indecisive Prince Li before him, the military advisor felt a trace of bitterness in his heart. Prince Li is always hesitant and indecisive when faced with issues. He might be suited to be a wealthy, idle prince in his own fiefdom, but he was far too lacking to conquer the world.

Just as Mo Jingli hesitated, a soldier outside the tent reported, "Your Highness, an emissary from Xiling requests an audience."

"Xiling?" Mo Jingli frowned. "What are they here for? Let him in!"

Soon, a middle-aged man with a refined and amiable appearance was escorted in. "I am He Wuyuan from the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion in Xiling. Greetings, Your Highness Prince Li."

"He Yingli?" Mo Jingli squinted slightly. The military advisor standing beside him visibly stirred. "The ’Wise One’ of the Three Heroes under the Southern Garrison Prince, Mr. Yingli?"

The middle-aged man gave a light smile. "The very same."

Mo Jingli stared at him. "Mr. He is the Southern Garrison Prince’s right-hand man. What brings you here so suddenly?"

He Wuyuan smiled. "On behalf of my Prince and the Young Heir, I am here to propose an alliance with Your Highness, Prince Li."

"An alliance?" The military advisor was puzzled.

He Wuyuan chuckled. "We heard that Prince Li has risen in revolt in Jiangnan. My Prince and the Young Heir greatly admire Your Highness’s ambition. Furthermore, Your Highness should be aware that the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion of Xiling and East Chu’s King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion share a blood feud. Therefore, my Prince has ordered me to offer my humble services to Your Highness. When Your Highness achieves ultimate success, the Heir of the Southern Garrison Prince will personally come to Lingzhou to congratulate you on your enthronement."

Mo Jingli looked at him and asked, "What do your Prince and Young Heir want?" He had long understood the principle of give and take.

He Wuyuan smiled. "Xiling asks for no price from Your Highness, only one thing... Prince Ding and the Mo Family Army. Prince Ding’s legs have recovered, as Your Highness must have seen today? Mo Xiuyao was ambitious since childhood; when he was only fourteen or fifteen, he drove Nanzhao to the brink of annihilation. Having lain low for several years, his resurgence now will be like a tiger unleashed—his momentum will likely be unstoppable by anyone in this era. My lord is concerned for Xiling’s safety and thus wishes to ally with Your Highness to resist the power of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Please, Your Highness, consider this carefully."

Mo Jingli was somewhat displeased. Although He Wuyuan spoke of allying with him against Mo Xiuyao, his words were nonetheless full of high praise for Mo Xiuyao. He said coolly, "Mo Xiuyao has been idle at home for almost ten years. Furthermore, being precocious does not necessarily promise a bright future. Mr. He, you exaggerate somewhat."

He Wuyuan was not offended and chuckled. "Whether I exaggerate or not, it is a fact that the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion has consistently produced renowned generals of true merit, and Mo Xiuyao himself has never known defeat in his entire life."

"Does Mr. He happen to have a strategy to deal with Mo Xiuyao?" Mo Jingli raised an eyebrow, taunting.

He Wuyuan smiled. "Although I dare not claim I can surpass Prince Ding, I can indeed help Your Highness Prince Li secure Jiangnan."

"Oh?" Mo Jingli’s gaze flickered slightly, his eyes assessing He Wuyuan more carefully.

He Wuyuan was unfazed and smiled calmly. "Your Highness may rest assured. Prince Ding certainly doesn’t have much time to stay in Yongzhou. As long as he is drawn away, even if the imperial court were to send hundreds of thousands or even a million troops, they will not be able to stop Your Highness from reigning supreme."

Mo Jingli was silent for a moment, then said, "Mr. He, please retire and rest first. I need to think things over carefully."

He Wuyuan was not in a rush. He nodded and smiled. "In that case, Your Highness, please deliberate carefully. I shall take my leave first."

"This humble servant, Feng Zhiyao, requests an audience with the Princess Consort."

Feng Zhiyao stepped into the simple and tranquil courtyard, and seeing the woman sitting under the shade of a tree reading a book, he couldn’t help but feel a headache coming on. A quarter of an hour ago, while he was organizing defenses on the city tower, he received a message from one of the Princess Consort’s attendants, informing him that the Princess Consort wished to see him. He knew then that trouble was brewing. Unfortunately, he didn’t dare refuse the Princess Consort’s summons.

"Third Young Master Feng, no need for formalities." Ye Li put down her book and turned with a smile. "Am I disturbing you, Third Young Master Feng?"

Feng Zhiyao returned a wry smile. "Not at all, Princess Consort. Your summons could hardly be a disturbance for Third Feng."

Ye Li lifted her head, took a serious look at Feng Zhiyao, and said with a smile, "Third Young Master Feng, you seem almost like a completely different person compared to when you were in the Capital City. If I had met you under normal circumstances, I might have thought I’d mistaken you for someone else."

All Feng Zhiyao could do was force a smile; he had a hunch that the more polite the Princess Consort was to him now, the more troublesome the questions she was going to ask would be. Ye Li, seeing his forced smile, lowered her gaze slightly. "Third Young Master Feng, please sit and speak."

Feng Zhiyao thanked her. "Princess Consort, please just call me Third Feng. I am unworthy of the title ’Young Master.’"

Ye Li waved her hand with a smile. "I know you and the Prince have known each other since childhood. Privately, you address each other as brothers, so there’s no need for such distance."

Feng Zhiyao had no choice but to sit down. Facing Ye Li directly made him feel even greater pressure. He forced a smile and asked, "Princess Consort, may I ask why you summoned me?"

Ye Li looked straight at him and said seriously, "I am not one for beating around the bush. Young Master Feng, what is the true state of the Prince’s health?"

Feng Zhiyao was startled, then quickly forced a laugh. "The Prince’s health? Isn’t the Prince’s health perfectly fine? After all these years, the Prince’s health has finally been restored. The Princess Consort should be happy."

Ye Li watched him calmly. Her gaze was clear and bright, yet without a trace of naivety or innocence. Feng Zhiyao cursed inwardly but forced himself not to look away, meeting her gaze steadily. After a long moment, Ye Li broke into a smile. "Do you know, Young Master Feng? A genuine smile can normally only be maintained for a very short period. Anything longer... is usually a forced smile."

Feng Zhiyao blinked, finally relaxing the uneasy smile that had slightly stiffened on his face. "The Princess Consort’s insight... is truly unique." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"Then... Young Master Feng, are you willing to tell me the truth?" Ye Li asked with a smile.

Feng Zhiyao gave a bitter smile. "Why does the Princess Consort not ask the Prince directly?"

With a soft sigh, Ye Li responded, "If he doesn’t want to tell me, how could I possibly get it out of him?"

Feng Zhiyao said, "Maybe the Prince’s silence means that his health has indeed fully recovered."

Ye Li looked at him and smiled. "Young Master Feng, even if I can’t discern whether he’s lying or not, at least one thing is clear. A man who has been crippled for eight long years and, moreover, afflicted by a potent poison, could not possibly recover to such an extent in such a short time, no matter what miraculous medicine is used. Even if Mr. Shen had found an antidote and cured the Prince’s legs, he absolutely could not have recovered to this degree within half a year." Anything that defies common sense is extraordinary. If such a miraculous medicine truly existed, why would Mo Xiuyao have had to wait all those years?

Feng Zhiyao looked at her, troubled. Ye Li met his gaze unflinchingly. After half a moment, Feng Zhiyao conceded defeat with a sigh. After contemplating for a moment, he said, "Even if I don’t tell you, you will find out sooner or later. The Prince used the spider brake."

Ye Li was taken aback. She remembered what Shen Yang had said: the fire poison produced after consuming the spider brake would cause both cold and fire to exist within Mo Xiuyao’s body. Even with the Fire Lotus, the frost poison in his body could no longer be dispelled. "Why didn’t anyone stop him!"

Feng Zhiyao lowered his head helplessly. "Who could stop a decision made by the Prince?"

Ye Li’s expression darkened. "Why on earth did he have to..." Her voice trailed off suddenly. She trailed off, slumping somewhat dejectedly onto the stool. When Feng Zhiyao left the Capital City, news of Mo Jingli’s rebellion hadn’t reached there yet. He... was it because of me...?

"Princess Consort..." Seeing Ye Li’s pale face, Feng Zhiyao quickly understood the crucial point and offered a difficult consolation, "Actually... even if the news of Prince Li’s rebellion had arrived two days later, the Prince would still have... The Prince simply doesn’t have time to wait for the Fire Lotus two years from now."

Ye Li nodded somewhat dazedly. "Has Mr. Shen arrived in Yongzhou?"

Feng Zhiyao nodded. "Mr. Shen insisted on coming, but he cannot travel long distances quickly. It will take a few more days for him to arrive."

Ye Li closed her eyes for a moment and then nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Young Master Feng."

Feng Zhiyao furrowed his brows with worry. "Princess Consort..."

Ye Li waved her hand. "I’m fine. You can go take care of your business, Young Master Feng."

Feng Zhiyao looked at her, then had no choice but to take his leave. Sitting under the tree, Ye Li sat under the tree, lost in thought, her mind in turmoil. If I hadn’t come to the Southern Border... No, if I hadn’t sent back that damned secret letter, Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t have rushed to the Southern Border because of it. Perhaps, as Feng Zhiyao said, they didn’t have time to wait for the Fire Lotus that would bloom two years later. Maybe in the end, Mo Xiuyao would have taken the spider brake anyway. But... now Mo Xiuyao was still... because of me...

"Darky Three."

"Princess Consort?" Darky Three appeared behind her, his gaze somewhat worried as he looked at the Princess Consort’s slightly frail back beneath the tree.

"Where is Darky Four right now?"

"Darky Four just left for Xiling. The Princess Consort had ordered him to investigate Han Mingyue’s affairs in Xiling. He should have just crossed the Xiling border by now."

Ye Li nodded. "Get someone to send him a message. Forget about Han Mingyue for now. Try to keep an eye on the Sickly Scholar. If he makes another attempt to obtain the Bilo flower, seize it at all costs."

Darky Three hesitated. "The Bilo flower is within the Southern Border. Perhaps this subordinate could lead a team to search for it?"

Ye Li shook her head. "Nanzhao is not small, and none of us have seen what the Bilo flower looks like. That fellow Liang should be in the hands of Tianyi Pavilion now... No, wait... Liang should also be in Xiling now. But he’s not in the Sickly Scholar’s hands. Send word to Han Mingxi. It’s time he fulfilled the promise he made me."

"Yes." Darky Three nodded and disappeared swiftly from behind her.

After Darky Three left, Ye Li sat for a while longer before getting up to return to the courtyard where she and Mo Xiuyao were temporarily staying. Returning to her room, she didn’t see Mo Xiuyao. After some thought, Ye Li headed towards the study in the front courtyard but was blocked at the entrance by two hidden guards. "Princess Consort, the Prince has given orders that no one is to be admitted right now. Please stop here."

Ye Li glanced sideways at the two hidden guards, who bowed their heads, not daring to look at her. "What did you say?"

"The Prince said he will see no one at present... and that... includes the Princess Consort."

Ye Li took a calm step back. "I know you are acting under orders, and I have no intention of making things difficult for you. However... I am going in now."

The two hidden guards exchanged a glance and both stepped forward, blocking the doorway. "Please, Princess Consort, do not make things difficult for your subordinates."

Ye Li replied, "If I defeat you to pass, then you wouldn’t be considered to have disobeyed orders, would you?"

"This..." The two hidden guards looked warily at the woman before them. They had long since witnessed the Princess Consort’s abilities. Without injuring her, they truly had no confidence they could stop her. "Princess Consort, I’m afraid that won’t do..." One of the hidden guards at the door raised his hand, and several figures dropped down from the walls, trees, and rooftops.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, a cold smile playing on her lips as she commanded, "Darky Three, Darky Four, take them down!"

"Yes!" Two low assents were heard, and two figures flashed into the courtyard from left and right like lightning. In but a moment, the several hidden guards were subdued. Noticing the anger and resentment in their eyes, Darky Three patted one of them consolingly on the shoulder. "Brother, don’t feel bad. Hidden guards also have different levels of skill, you know." Everyone starts from the same point, so we understood these hidden guards well, but the other hidden guards didn’t understand us. Those few months of suffering weren’t for nothing; aren’t the results evident now? It’s not that they are too weak, but that we have completely transcended the realm of ordinary hidden guards. If the situation didn’t forbid it, I, Darky Three, would truly like to throw my head back and laugh heartily!

Ye Li turned back to look at the two hidden guards still blocking the door and smiled faintly. "Do I need to handle this myself?"

The two hidden guards sighed and stepped aside, clearing the path. "Please, Princess Consort."

They were temporarily residing in a wealthy merchant’s mansion within Yonglin City. The original owner had fled to Jiangbei long before Yonglin City was besieged—the wealthy always tend to fear death more than ordinary folk. The study in the front courtyard was very spacious, even equipped with an adjoining bedroom for rest. Therefore, Ye Li hadn’t thought much of it when Mo Xiuyao rested in the study the previous night. After all, there were indeed many matters requiring his attention upon their arrival in Yonglin. However, it was only after speaking with Feng Zhiyao that Ye Li suddenly realized she hadn’t seen Mo Xiuyao at all since they returned to Yonglin the previous night until this afternoon. She had eaten breakfast and lunch alone. If Mo Xiuyao was truly that busy, it made no sense for Feng Zhiyao to be idly strolling on the city tower. Moreover, back in the Capital City, Mo Xiuyao had shown not the slightest compunction when roping her in to help with this and that.

Stepping into the study, she found it empty, as expected. Ye Li quickly walked towards the bedroom behind the study. Before she even reached the door, she heard something crash to the floor inside and quickly rushed in.

As soon as she entered, the scene before her made her heart tremble. The man who, just yesterday on the battlefield, had been so valiant and invincible, now lay collapsed on the floor in a wretched state. The quilt on the bed had been torn to shreds, scattered across the bed and floor. A flower stand near the bed was overturned, with pieces of porcelain scattered beside it. Mo Xiuyao had his eyes closed, his clothes soaked through as if he had been immersed in water. His ten fingers were already stained with blood.

"Ah-Li, get out..." Hearing the sound of footsteps, Mo Xiuyao didn’t lift his head and said in a low voice.

Ye Li’s footsteps faltered for a moment, but she neither stopped nor turned away. Instead, she hurried to his side and helped him up. "Are you feeling better?"

Mo Xiuyao nodded tiredly, allowing Ye Li to help him back onto the bed to lie down. With a wry smile, he said, "Ah-Li, it seems you’re always catching me in my most embarrassing moments..."

Ye Li said calmly, "You brought this on yourself. We...we are husband and wife, not strangers. It’s impossible to only ever see each other’s most perfect side, isn’t it?"

Mo Xiuyao closed his eyes and chuckled faintly. "It should be said that you’ve never seen me at my most perfect." His most perfect self had ceased to exist long before he met her.

Ye Li reached out and took his hand, which was still spasming from the intense pain, and said with a gentle smile, "How can that be? Weren’t you just fine yesterday?" Looking down at the dried blood on his fingertips and the mottled wounds on his palm, she asked softly, "When did it start?"

Mo Xiuyao, whose pain seemed to have gradually subsided, was surprisingly forthcoming. After a moment, he replied, "When the sky was about to brighten..."

Ye Li’s hand stilled; she felt a sharp pang in her chest. It was now late in the wei period. A full seven or eight hours?

"Now that the pain has eased, get some sleep."

This time Mo Xiuyao didn’t respond. His shallow, even breathing indicated he had fallen into a deep sleep. Even in his slumber, his brows remained slightly furrowed, occasionally showing a pained expression. Ye Li got up, intending to get a fresh set of bedding to cover him, only to find her hand firmly held by Mo Xiuyao, unable to move. With no other choice, she sat back down, frowning as she looked at his still sweat-dampened clothes, hoping he wouldn’t catch a cold because of it. But she couldn’t bear to wake him now. Just looking at the heavy dark circles under his eyes, she knew he definitely hadn’t rested properly for a long time.

It wasn’t until dusk, as the sun sank in the west, that Mo Xiuyao finally stirred from his deep slumber. Although he had only slept for less than four hours, he felt much better than before. Mo Xiuyao couldn’t help but let out a soft sigh of relief. He had finally passed through it this time.

"Are you awake?" Ye Li’s voice came from outside. Mo Xiuyao looked up and saw Ye Li walk in carrying a tray. Setting down the tray on the table, she then looked up at him and said, "Since you’re awake, go bathe first, and then we’ll have dinner."

Mo Xiuyao was slightly taken aback. "Ah-Li, why are you..." The scenes from before he fell asleep replayed in his mind. Amidst the drowsiness and the pain that refused to stop for even a moment, Ye Li’s calm voice had clearly penetrated his consciousness, miraculously soothing his mind, which had been on the verge of collapse. Then, listening to that calm voice, he had slowly drifted off to sleep. Seeing him staring at her without speaking, Ye Li walked over and asked with some concern, "What’s wrong? Are you still uncomfortable somewhere? Shall I send for a physician?"

Mo Xiuyao pulled her hand. "It’s nothing, I just slept too long and am still a bit groggy. We can’t call an outside physician now."

Ye Li didn’t expose his poorly disguised lie. Mo Xiuyao probably wasn’t even truly unconscious when he slept. "Then bathe first. I’ve prepared everything," she replied.

Mo Xiuyao looked down at himself and realized he indeed desperately needed to bathe and tidy himself up.

Mo Xiuyao quickly washed up and came out, a light steam still clinging to him. Ye Li quickly rose and went forward. Seeing the thin inner robe he wore, she turned to get a cloak and draped it over him.

Mo Xiuyao smiled helplessly at her. "Ah-Li, I’m not so frail as to be unable to withstand a breeze."

Ye Li nodded seriously. "Yes, you’re right. Compared to you, ’frail’ is far too mild a description. Sit down and eat." She placed a bowl of fragrant, delicious-looking porridge into his hands and watched him eat.

Mo Xiuyao had no choice but to lower his head and take a taste. Not only did it smell fragrant, but it was also delicious. It warmed his stomach, which had been empty since the previous night, and his appetite, diminished by excessive fatigue and pain, improved considerably. "This doesn’t seem like their cooking," he remarked. The master of this mansion had long since disappeared, so naturally, there were no servants either. Living here, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li couldn’t use outsiders of unknown backgrounds, so their daily necessities were handled by the hidden guards. Although the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion’s hidden guards were well-trained, the food they made was merely edible.

Ye Li, propping her chin, watched him eat. "I made it. Is it not good?"

Mo Xiuyao’s hand paused for a moment. He shook his head and smiled faintly. "No, it’s delicious."

Ye Li nodded, satisfied. Her culinary skills weren’t exceptional, but preparing simple home-style dishes and porridge was not beyond her. This chicken porridge had simmered for a full two hours. She had tasted it herself, and the flavor was indeed quite acceptable.

"Ah-Li, is there something you want to say to me?" Mo Xiuyao asked, putting down his bowl as he noticed Ye Li staring at him intently.

As Ye Li took the bowl, refilled it, and handed it back to him, she said, "I personally have always believed that it’s inadvisable for one person to endure everything alone, nor is it the proper way for a husband and wife to interact. What do you think, Prince?"

Mo Xiuyao took the bowl she handed him with a helpless sigh. "You knew... Ah-Li, this isn’t because of you... You know, the poison in my body is currently incurable; sooner or later, it would have come to this."

"Whether it was because of me or not, things have already reached this point, haven’t they? What I’m saying is... Prince, you locked yourself in the room alone. Weren’t you afraid you wouldn’t be able to bear it and might... kill yourself?" Ye Li asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I won’t," Mo Xiuyao said. "I won’t die. The spider brake won’t take my life. Mr. Shen also said that it would only cause me some pain."

Just some pain... Ye Li felt an urge to pry open his head and see what on earth was inside it.

"Ah-Li, you know this is already the best case scenario. If Mr. Shen hadn’t been able to bring back the spider brake..." Then I would have been too late to reinforce Yonglin. Broken Snow Pass would have fallen, and the Nanzhao forces would have invaded. Ah-Li...

"I will stay with you from now on," Ye Li said calmly.

"...Alright."