Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 97. The New Head of the Han Family

97. New Master of the Han Family

When Han Mingxi entered, he looked strikingly different from his usual joking, flamboyant demeanor. His smile, which usually held a touch of cunning within its handsomeness, had completely disappeared. Now, he looked weary and gloomy, with an air of abandonment and disappointment. Ye Li could only sigh in silence. Mo Xiuyao had made the decision he deemed most appropriate, and Han Mingyue had chosen the person he found most valuable. As for Han Mingxi... from beginning to end, he was the most innocent party.

"Prince, Princess Consort," Han Mingxi said, his voice somewhat stiff.

Mo Xiuyao gave a small nod and calmly said, "Young Master Han, please sit." Han Mingxi sat down in silence. His gaze briefly swept over Ye Li before returning to Mo Xiuyao. "Did you know my elder brother’s plans all along?" he asked unceremoniously, fixing his eyes on Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Han Mingyue knows me, and I know him. Therefore... I had some idea of what decision he might make for certain people or matters. However, he probably did not expect that I would arrive this quickly." Han Mingxi remained silent. Indeed, if Mo Xiuyao hadn’t suddenly arrived in Guangling, perhaps Han Mingyue would have disappeared one day or night after making all necessary arrangements. But now, with all his plans disrupted, Han Mingyue could only resort to a surprise attack on Han Mingxi. He then hurriedly departed, leaving a heap of troubles for the little brother he had pampered since childhood.

"So, Young Master Han, what is your intention in seeing me?" Mo Xiuyao asked in a grave voice.

Staring at him, Han Mingxi asked, "What if I had no plans? What would you do, Prince?"

Mo Xiuyao looked down and said, "The secret agents planted by Tianyi Pavilion in Guangling City and within Great Chu’s boundaries will be wiped out in three days. As for the Han Family, I have no authority to deal with it. However, Young Master Han should know well what the imperial edict from Capital City would entail."

"Annihilation of nine degrees of kinship..." Han Mingxi murmured in bitterness. Elder brother, for that woman’s sake, did you disregard me and the Han Family entirely? After a long silence in the hall, Han Mingxi finally raised his head towards Mo Xiuyao and said, "The Han Family has expelled Han Mingyue from the family. From now on, Han Mingyue is no longer a member of the Guangling Han Family!" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow slightly. For those who thought Han Mingxi was useless, his decisive wisdom proved that he was unquestionably better suited to lead the Han Family than Han Mingyue. Mo Xiuyao nodded. "If that’s the case, I will write to His Majesty, stating the Han Family’s innocence." Han Mingxi looked down and said quietly, "Thank you, Prince." Despite his constant distaste for Mo Xiuyao, Han Mingxi couldn’t help but express his gratitude. Even if the Han Family severed relations with Han Mingyue, if Han Mingyue were to serve Xiling in the future, the Han Family would not escape punishment. Even if they were lucky enough to avoid it, the cost of smoothing relations would be enough to ruin the Han Family. However, with a word from the Prince of Ding Kingdom, even the Emperor would not doubt the innocence of the Han Family. The King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion had deep-seated enmities with the surrounding three countries. Even if the Emperor colluded with the enemy, Prince Ding would never do so.

"There’s another thing I’d like to ask of you, Prince, and Princess Consort."

"Young Master Han, please feel free to speak," said Mo Xiuyao. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

A resolute look flashed in Han Mingxi’s eyes as he looked at Ye Li and said, "Han Mingxi, in his capacity as the Family Head of the Han Family, wishes to follow the Prince and Princess Consort." By pledging his devotion as the Family Head, he essentially promised the entire Han Family’s support to the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion.

"What are your conditions?" asked Mo Xiuyao. Given the significant gamble that Han Mingxi was taking, it was unlikely that he had no conditions.

In a solemn voice, Han Mingxi said, "I only ask... if my elder brother falls into your hands in the future, please show mercy and spare his life." Han Mingxi was well aware that given Han Mingyue’s future identity and position, it was inevitable that he would clash with the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. He also knew, better than anyone else, that his elder brother was no match for Prince Ding. It was not just because his martial arts skills and intelligence were slightly inferior to Prince Ding, but also because... he didn’t have a supportive force like Princess Consort Ding. That woman would only cause trouble for his elder brother. Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly. "Young Master Han is indeed affectionate and righteous. Since you have such confidence in me... as you wish. Young Master Han, if there’s anything in the future, just act according to Ah-Li’s wishes." Han Mingxi looked at Mo Xiuyao somewhat surprisingly, then at Ye Li sitting next to him, and bowed his head. "This subordinate obeys. Apologies for disturbing the Prince and Princess Consort. I will take my leave."

Witnessing Han Mingxi rising to leave, Mo Xiuyao suddenly spoke after some thought, "Han Mingyue was able to let go so easily because he also knows how I act. He knew that I wouldn’t harm the foundations of the Han Family."

Han Mingxi paused momentarily before continuing on his way out of the hall without looking back.

"Why did you tell him that? And why ask him to listen to me?" Ye Li asked, looking at Mo Xiuyao with incomprehension. Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "Han Mingyue is sentimental, and so is Han Mingxi. However, while Han Mingyue places more importance on personal feelings, Han Mingxi values brotherhood more. It’s better to tell him directly now than to let him find out later that I manipulated the Han Family’s power and have him bear a grudge against me. He’s a smart man and knows what to choose. As for... Ah-Li, since you’re already involved in this conflict, no one can retreat. Ah-Li, you need enough strength to protect yourself. Even when I’m not around, others should not dare to touch you easily. Besides, Han Mingxi is proud and has some cunning. If he were to serve me without truly submitting, he might feign compliance while acting otherwise. I don’t think he will harm you. However, Ah-Li..." As if something occurred to him, Mo Xiuyao looked seriously at Ye Li. Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Mo Xiuyao spoke in a soft and gentle voice, "You mustn’t be too nice to him. Otherwise..."

"Otherwise, what?" Ye Li asked, feeling uneasy under his strange gaze.

"Otherwise, I will kill him!" Mo Xiuyao said in a low voice, but Ye Li could hear the seriousness in his words. "At least, not while I’m alive."

Ye Li’s heart trembled. She reached out and grabbed his hand, saying earnestly, "You will be alright." Mo Xiuyao gave a faint smile, not discussing the topic further. "Okay, Ah-Li. Let’s go back to our previous topic." Ye Li’s memory was certainly not poor. She raised an eyebrow at Mo Xiuyao and asked, "What kind of woman could make a man like Han Mingyue so infatuated?" Not to mention how many different types of women Han Mingyue must have met. As the master of the Mingyue Tower, every woman in the Qingfeng Mingyue Tower was a remarkable talent and beauty. So, what kind of extraordinarily beautiful woman could bewitch a man like Han Mingyue to such an extent? Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and said three words in a deep voice, "Su Zuidie."

"Su Zui... Su Zuidie?!" Ye Li was taken aback. "Su Zuidie is not dead?"

Mo Xiuyao gave a slight nod, seemingly unconcerned that his former fiancée was not dead. He seemed equally indifferent to his former good friend Han Mingyue’s infatuation with her. Within moments, countless thoughts and ideas had crossed Ye Li’s mind. It took her a while before she finally asked, "Was Su Zuidie the one who wanted Han Mingyue to abduct me last year? Is she currently in Xiling... and connected to the Xiling imperial family?" Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li apologetically and nodded.

Ye Li couldn’t help but rub her temples as she analyzed the information she knew. Su Zuidie was reported to have died from an illness three months after Mo Xiuyao was seriously injured, but now she was not only alive but potentially a part of the Xiling imperial family. Han Mingyue and Mo Xiuyao were good friends, but Han Mingyue fell in love with Su Zuidie. After Su Zuidie’s supposed death, Han Mingyue and Mo Xiuyao broke off ties, and it was obvious that Han Mingyue was the one who had wronged Mo Xiuyao. That is to say... Han Mingyue and Su Zuidie did something to betray Mo Xiuyao. But it probably wasn’t an affair; judging by Han Mingxi’s attitude towards Su Zuidie, it seemed more likely that Su Zuidie was using Han Mingyue. "Su... Miss Su’s faked death, was Han Mingyue involved in helping her?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow slightly and chuckled lightly. "Ah-Li is indeed sharp-witted."

Ye Li smiled softly. "It’s not hard to guess. For Miss Su to remain ’dead’ and deceive so many people would require considerable power. Although Lord Elder Su is highly respected, the Su Family doesn’t have much influence in Capital City. If you weren’t the one who helped Miss Su feign her death, then it must have been the Lord of Tianyi Pavilion, who had a good relationship with her and adored her. You... wouldn’t have done something so pointless, would you?" His current attitude towards Su Zuidie didn’t seem like that of someone who would let his fiancée fake her death to escape marriage. Mo Xiuyao’s expression darkened slightly, not out of anger or resentment, but simply out of unwillingness to bring up the subject. Ye Li tilted her head, pondering. Actually, rather than why Miss Su faked her death, I’m more curious about why she went to Xiling afterward. If she was simply unwilling to marry Mo Xiuyao, a seriously injured and disabled man, she could have found a desirable suitor in Great Chu with her beauty, or simply been with Han Mingyue. Setting aside certain aspects, Han Mingyue was undoubtedly one of the top choices for any woman. Given Mo Xiuyao’s attitude towards Su Zuidie and Han Mingyue over the years, even if the two of them had ended up together, Mo Xiuyao probably wouldn’t have sought revenge. A lady from a prestigious family, raised in the capital, faking her death and then traveling thousands of miles to Xiling Kingdom...

"Is it convenient to talk about Miss Su’s current identity?" Ye Li asked curiously.

"Noble Consort Qingrong of Xiling Kingdom, Bai Long."

"Noble Consort Qingrong?" Ye Li raised her eyebrows. Even with her limited general knowledge, she recalled that a Noble Consort’s title usually consisted of only one character. This meant Su Zuidie held a rather high position in Xiling Kingdom. Glancing at Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li decided not to inquire further. Knowing that between her and Su Zuidie, Mo Xiuyao would definitely stand by her side is enough. As for the Xiling Noble Consort who seems to be clinging to past feelings for Mo Xiuyao, or rather is a little unwilling to let go... it’s better for her to investigate herself. Discussing her husband’s ex-fiancée with him is clearly not a good topic.

Though Ye Li decided to drop the subject, Mo Xiuyao evidently thought otherwise. He calmly said, "The Bai Family is one of the four major surnames in Xiling Kingdom. Throughout history, most of Xiling’s Empresses and Noble Consorts have come from the Bai Family, including the current Empress of Xiling. Bai Long entered the palace seven years ago and was conferred the title of Consort Rong. She was greatly favored by the Xiling Emperor. After the Empress passed away, she was promoted to Noble Consort Qingrong. If the Empress hadn’t, on her deathbed, personally requested the Xiling Emperor to make Noble Consort Hui, also from the Bai Family, the new Empress, Bai Long would be the Empress of Xiling by now."

Ye Li was silent. In less than ten years, to go from being the fiancée of the second son of King Ding of Great Chu to a Noble Consort in Xiling Kingdom, nearly becoming the Empress of Xiling... one had to admit, Miss Su’s life path was quite legendary. Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s willingness to share everything, Ye Li hesitated for a moment before asking, "Did you find out later that she wasn’t dead, or did you know all along?" Mo Xiuyao’s lips thinned. He said, "My injuries had not yet healed when I found out. At that time, Han Mingyue was about to take her out of Capital City."

"And you didn’t do anything?" Ye Li asked curiously. Given Mo Xiuyao’s original temperament, even if he didn’t kill Han Mingyue and Su Zuidie immediately, he wouldn’t have let them leave Capital City unscathed. Or, if Mo Xiuyao truly loved Su Zuidie, he would have been even less likely to let her leave. Mo Xiuyao glanced at her. "I was in a very bad mood at the time and did intend to kill them. However... Lord Elder Su arrived shortly after. He knelt on the ground and begged me. Lord Elder Su was my first teacher, Su Zuidie’s father had saved my elder brother’s life, and her brother died in that battle trying to save me. After calming down, I let them go."

Ye Li nodded silently. If anyone ever told her again that Mo Xiuyao loved Su Zuidie to the bone, she would toss them into the water to wash their eyes. The man’s voice was as calm as if he were talking about a stranger. Still, could a beauty like Su Zuidie truly not move Mo Xiuyao? "Did you... ever like Su Zuidie?" Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li with some surprise, then smiled faintly and nodded. "Of course, I liked her." Ye Li frowned slightly, ignoring the faint discomfort in her heart. "Then why now..."

Mo Xiuyao interrupted her, "She was my fiancée. We grew up together, and she might have become my wife. Moreover, she is very beautiful, quite talented, and has a very good temperament. Why wouldn’t I like her? However... she always seemed to think I wasn’t good enough for her. After I was injured, she wanted to feign death and leave. Because of her father and brother, I let her go free. After that, we had no relationship, did we?"

Ye Li nodded. To summarize Mo Xiuyao’s words: he once thought Su Zuidie was a perfect fiancée. The men of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion were consistently devoted, and this wasn’t just about love. As long as they chose a wife, they would treat her well—this was the truth behind the so-called mutual affection rumored in Capital City. Since Su Zuidie ultimately chose to leave, she naturally had nothing more to do with Mo Xiuyao. Therefore, in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes now, Su Zuidie was just a stranger, or perhaps... even an enemy.

Guangling City itself didn’t have many affairs to handle. Han Mingxi, however, acted with great speed. That very day, news spread throughout Guangling City that Han Mingyue had been expelled from the Han Family and that the Second Young Master was now the head of the Han Family. Regarding Han Mingxi, even the people of Guangling City knew little beyond the fact that the Han Family had such a Second Young Master; they were ignorant of anything else about him. Now that the Han Family had a new head, the various wealthy merchants and officials in Guangling City naturally paid close attention. Amidst this somewhat unexpected clamor, Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li, and the others quietly left Guangling and headed towards the Capital of Great Chu.

As soon as they returned to the capital, Mo Xiuyao was summoned by the Emperor to the palace for a discussion. Ye Li didn’t bother worrying about how Mo Xiuyao would explain her previous disappearance and reappearance in Yonglin City. She was already too caught up with the people in the mansion who had rushed forward to express their concern, leaving her no room to escape. After finally placating her wet nurse and Nanny Lin, and listening to Chief Steward Mo and Nanny Sun report on the recent major and minor affairs of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, Ye Li was thinking of visiting Qingluan and Qingyu, who were still recuperating. Just then, another servant came to announce that Minister Ye and Old Madam Ye were seeking an audience.

Compared to his successes the previous spring, Minister Ye had been under a dark cloud this year. At the beginning of the year, his third daughter, Princess Consort Ding, had disappeared from the palace. Not only that, but his second daughter, a Zhaoyi, and his little grandson had perished in a fire. Less than two months had passed, and before the Ye Family could recover, his fourth son-in-law suddenly launched a rebellion. Although His Majesty had not yet vented his anger on the Ye Family for this, Minister Ye’s days were not easy. Occasionally, Minister Ye couldn’t help but wonder if the heavens were displeased with him to be tormenting him so. Therefore, upon hearing the news that Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding had both returned to the capital, Minister Ye couldn’t be bothered to put on a father’s airs and wait for Ye Li to come home to pay respects. He directly brought Old Madam Ye to their door.

When Ye Li stepped into the flower hall and saw Minister Ye and Old Madam Ye, who were clearly more aged and haggard, she raised her eyebrows in some surprise. "Father, Grandmother."

"Li’er, you’re finally back safe and sound! Grandmother was worried to death about you," Old Madam Ye said, grasping Ye Li’s hand, old tears streaming down her face. Ye Li smiled faintly. "I’ve made Grandmother worry. It is Li’er’s fault."

Minister Ye observed this daughter of his with a strange feeling; something seemed off. Although he had been reluctant to interact with this daughter since his wife’s passing, it didn’t prevent him from knowing some things about Ye Li. This third daughter of his had been quiet and taciturn since childhood, yet, like her mother, she seemed to naturally possess the dignified grace of a prominent family. But this time, upon seeing her, Minister Ye keenly sensed something new in her demeanor. Even as she sat quietly, allowing Old Madam Ye to hold her hand with a serene smile, Minister Ye clearly felt a sharpness and pressure he had never felt from her before. He couldn’t help but recall the rumors he had heard earlier about Princess Consort Ding suddenly appearing in Yongzhou and assisting the garrison commander under General Murong in defending Yonglin City. Although not many people knew this news, Minister Ye, as the father-in-law of the Emperor, Prince Li, and Prince Ding, naturally had access to certain undisclosed channels of information. The credibility of the information he received was also far more reliable than the rumors circulating outside. Looking at the gentle woman before him, a smile on her lips, Minister Ye felt a mix of emotions. He had a daughter who kept her true capabilities deeply hidden, a daughter who had concealed them even from him, her father. And yet, he had used her as a disposable pawn.