Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 99. Business talks at Xu Mansion

99. Negotiations at Xu Mansion

Ye Li told Mo Xiuyao about Qing Jade and Qingluan, and Mo Xiuyao immediately ordered an investigation. Regardless of who was impersonating Mo Xiuyao, the woman was certainly not Su Zuidie. Someone was clearly attempting to sow discord between them, or even between Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Xu Family. It was evident that this person was intimately familiar with the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion and Mo Xiuyao himself. Mo Xiuyao wasn’t worried about being impersonated. The subordinates of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion had always recognized orders, not individuals. Although the Prince and Princess Consort were exceptions, everyone knew Prince Ding would never arbitrarily issue commands to lower-ranking subordinates. Besides, if those shadowguards couldn’t even recognize their own Prince, they would be useless.

On the second day after returning to the Capital City, Ye Li personally visited her uncle and aunt at the Xu Family. Although most people were unaware of the events in Yonglin City, the news certainly couldn’t be hidden from the imperial court and those nobles with their own information channels. Moreover, now that Mo Xiuyao had recovered, he naturally needed to shoulder his responsibilities as the Prince of Ding Kingdom. Therefore, Ye Li, as Princess Consort Ding, no longer needed to deliberately maintain a low profile.

As soon as she stepped into Xu Mansion, Xu Qingyan rushed out like a whirlwind, grabbing Ye Li and chattering nonstop. Xu Hongyan, who followed him out, had veins throbbing on his forehead. "Qingyan!"

Xu Qingyan stiffened. After shooting Ye Li a pleading glance for help, he turned back to Xu Hongyan with a fawning smile. "Second Uncle, I was just so excited to see Sister Li back..." Xu Qingze watched coolly. Xu Qingbai shot him an annoyed look and said, "We’re all happy Li’er is back, but look at your disgraceful behavior. Thankfully, we aren’t in Yunzhou, or Grandfather and Father would surely punish you." Xu Qingyan ducked his head and made a face at his fourth brother.

Seeing her relatives, Ye Li felt a warmth in her heart and said with a smile, "Second Uncle, Second Brother, Fourth Brother, please don’t blame Fifth Brother. It’s been a long time, and Li’er is also very happy to see you."

After examining Ye Li thoroughly, Xu Hongyan finally nodded in satisfaction. "It seems you haven’t suffered while you were away. In fact, your complexion is much better than when you were in the Capital City." Madam Xu had already come forward, drawing Ye Li close and fussing over her. She lamented that Ye Li seemed to have lost weight and needed to be properly nourished. Knowing they had important matters to discuss, Madam Xu spoke with Ye Li for a few more moments before excusing herself to instruct the kitchen to prepare lunch, leaving her husband and sons to talk.

Once they entered the study and settled down, Xu Qingyan couldn’t sit still and immediately asked, his eyes wide with curiosity, "Sister Li, is it true you really went to command the forces at Yonglin?" Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Even you know about it? It seems news from Biancheng City travels remarkably fast." Xu Qingyan waved his hand. "Sister Li, you don’t understand. Some news might be a secret outside, but once it reaches the Capital City, it’s no longer a secret. Quite a few people know. Just a few days ago, some people were trying to subtly inquire about you from me. Hmph! Do they think they can bully me just because I’m young and gullible?" Xu Qingze nodded, looking at Ye Li. "Fifth Brother is right. Not many have channels that reach as far as Broken Snow Pass. But nothing stays secret for long in this Capital City."

Ye Li waved her hand dismissively. "Well, let it be. The Prince and I have discussed this. It was never a secret that Princess Consort Ding could command the Black Cloud Cavalry. When I went to Yonglin, many things on the battlefield couldn’t be concealed, so it doesn’t matter if people find out." Xu Hongyan frowned. "The Prince means..." Looking at his niece, whose refined appearance was quite similar to his younger sister, Xu Hongyan wasn’t sure if his inference was correct. After all, although historically the Princes of Ding Kingdom were not known for their fondness for women, they always held their Princess Consorts in high regard, regardless of their origins. However, the only Princess Consort to have truly controlled the military forces of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion was Commandery Princess Qingyun, a century ago. If Prince Ding felt that way about Li’er... Although pleased by the Prince’s high regard and trust in his niece, Xu Hongyan worried about the weight of this trust. Once she took control of the King of Ding Kingdom’s military power, Li’er would no longer be a simple Princess Consort. The trials and tribulations she would face then would likely be beyond his ability as an uncle to help her with.

Ye Li looked at Xu Hongyan and said solemnly, "Li’er understands your concerns, Uncle. But... from the day of my marriage, I have been bound to Prince Ding’s Mansion. If some things are unavoidable, then it’s better to face them head-on. Two people are always better than one."

Xu Hongyan couldn’t help but sigh. Though he had remained aloof from court affairs, he wasn’t blind to what His Majesty had been doing recently. Since Prince Li’s rebellion, His Majesty had been overtly promoting the Liu, Wang, and Yun families, while simultaneously suppressing court officials previously loyal to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Over the years, His Majesty had overtly or covertly placed many of his own people in the court. Now, the sudden rise of the Wang and Yun families had supplanted the original Ye Family, even showing signs of surpassing the Hua Family. Worse still, for some unknown reason, the Liu, Wang, and Yun families had secretly formed an alliance. When these three factions were separate, they weren’t particularly conspicuous, but now, in the blink of an eye, His Majesty’s men held the dominant position. To say that His Majesty’s actions were truly aimed at dealing with Prince Li, even Xu Qingyan probably wouldn’t believe it. Xu Hongyan also understood clearly: His Majesty had never truly regarded his own younger brother as a threat; his true target had always been, and would always be, Prince Ding’s Mansion.

Xu Qingze’s voice was, as always, coolly indifferent, yet his eyes held a faint warmth as he looked at Ye Li. "Li’er, if you have the capability, then taking this on is fine."

Xu Hongyan nodded helplessly, looking at Ye Li with affection. "Your Eldest Uncle mentioned in a recent letter that since you were able to appear in Yongzhou, he has likely guessed Prince Ding’s intentions. However, you must be extremely careful in the future. Apart from your third brother, our family consists entirely of scholars; I’m afraid we won’t be of much help." Xu Hongyan was not a military official, but that didn’t mean he didn’t understand military men. Military officers and civil officials were different, especially renowned generals who had commanded on battlefields; they wouldn’t care about your identity or status. If you couldn’t command their respect, they wouldn’t defer to you even if you were His Majesty’s daughter. Ye Li nodded, smiling faintly. "Don’t worry, Second Uncle. This time in Yongzhou, the Prince assigned a fairly capable colonel from under General Murong to me, as well as the Commander of the Black Cloud Cavalry who guarded Yonglin with me. They are both acquaintances, so I don’t need to worry too much. As for other matters, we can discuss them later; there’s no rush." Only then did Xu Hongyan’s brow smooth slightly, and he nodded. "The Prince is indeed very thoughtful."

Xu Qingyan chuckled. "If I had known Sister Li could lead the Mo Family Army, why would Third Brother have bothered going to the military camp himself? He could have just followed Sister Li, right?"

Xu Hongyan glared at him. "Nonsense! If Qingfeng were incompetent in the military camp, wouldn’t he just hold Li’er back? If he has ability, does it matter where he is?" Xu Qingyan winked. "I just thought that with Third Brother there, at least he’s family, and Sister Li would feel a bit more at ease." Ye Li smiled. "It’s too early to talk about such things. Right now, I have no say in matters concerning the Mo Family Army. Besides, knowing Third Brother’s temperament, if he found out he got into the Mo Family Army because of me, he would probably run off immediately and wouldn’t rest until he made a name for himself on his own merit." Thinking of his son’s personality, Xu Hongyan couldn’t help but smile, yet he seemed quite satisfied. He then said to Ye Li earnestly, "Although Prince Ding trusts you, remember that in many matters, it’s crucial to distinguish between public and private affairs. Whether it’s the imperial family or any other powerful entity, what they resent most is the excessive power of consort kin. Do you understand, Li’er?"

A warmth spread through Ye Li’s heart. She nodded and said, "Li’er understands. Thank you for your guidance, Second Uncle."

Seeing that Ye Li had taken his words to heart, Xu Hongyan nodded in approval and sighed softly. Li’er was truly different from his intelligent yet frail younger sister. Although Li’er didn’t bear the Xu surname, he still felt a sense of pride and gratification, as if she were his own daughter. He believed that Father would also be overjoyed to see such a Li’er. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Ye Li then recounted her experiences in Nanzhao and Xu Qingchen’s situation in detail. Xu Hongyan frowned disapprovingly. "Qingchen was too reckless, putting himself in such peril." Xu Qingbai, however, wasn’t worried about his Big Brother’s safety at all. He smiled and said, "Second Uncle, don’t worry. When has Big Brother ever done anything he wasn’t sure about? Didn’t Li’er also say that even if she hadn’t gone to the Southern Border, Big Brother would have had a way to escape?"

Xu Qingyan nodded repeatedly. "Fourth Brother is right! Sister Li, is that Saintess of the Southern Border very beautiful? Why did she capture Big Brother but not harm him? She didn’t even interrogate him. Could it be... she’s taken a fancy to Big Brother?" It had to be said, in a certain sense, Xu Qingyan had hit the nail on the head. Ye Li blinked, then shook her head with a hint of regret. "I haven’t met the Saintess of the Southern Border, but I imagine she’s quite attractive."

Xu Qingbai raised an eyebrow. "I, on the other hand, think Princess Anxi has feelings for Big Brother. What do you say, Second Brother?"

Xu Qingze set down his teacup and replied calmly, "Neither is possible. Big Brother only considers Princess Anxi a friend."

Hiding behind Xu Qingbai, Xu Qingyan made a face at his second brother and muttered under his breath, "So unromantic. I really don’t know how Sister Qin puts up with you." Xu Qingbai, however, turned to Ye Li curiously. "Li’er, when you lied to Princess Anxi, claiming to be Big Brother’s fiancée, what did Big Brother say?" At this, Xu Qingyan’s eyes instantly lit up, and he stared fixedly at Ye Li. Ye Li gritted her teeth in annoyance. She should have known Big Brother had tricked her! He hadn’t written to Second Uncle and the others about this at all, and now she had let the cat out of the bag. She carefully peeked at her Second Uncle and whispered, "Big Brother didn’t say anything. And... he even used me to fend off romantic interests."

Xu Hongyan shook his head helplessly and advised, "Your status is different now. While finding Big Brother’s whereabouts is important, you must also be mindful of your reputation."

"Li’er knows." Since Xu Hongyan didn’t reprimand her, Ye Li felt a wave of relief and said with a bright smile, "Oh, that’s right! I haven’t congratulated Second Brother, Fourth Brother, and Fifth Brother yet for passing the imperial examinations with honors!"

Xu Hongyan shook his head, glancing irritably at Xu Qingyan. Despite the string of misfortunes since the beginning of spring, the triennial imperial examinations had proceeded as scheduled. Ordinarily, this wouldn’t be remarkable; after all, no one would expect sons raised by the Xu Family to fail. However, for all three young masters of the Xu Family to pass with honors simultaneously was indeed enough to make people take notice. Xu Qingyan pouted aggrievedly. "I just scribbled a bit, you know. Who knew this year’s exam questions would be so easy..." Under the collective gaze of everyone in the room, Xu Qingyan finally couldn’t keep it up and guiltily lowered his head. How could he admit that after being taunted by a certain young master from a noble family, he had gotten annoyed and gone all out?

Ye Li smiled. "So this time... Second Brother was the Tanhua (third overall scorer), Fifth Brother ranked fourth, and Fourth Brother nineteenth?"

Xu Qingyan stole a glance at Xu Qingbai, his head drooping even more guiltily. He knew perfectly well that Fourth Brother’s talent was definitely above his own, and Second Brother could undoubtedly outshine that year’s Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar) and Bangyan (Second Place Scorer) by a wide margin. However, they had both deliberately held back their true abilities, while he had genuinely given his all and still only managed fourth place. Seeing Xu Qingyan’s sheepish expression, Ye Li consoled, "Second Uncle, it’s not a big deal. If Fifth Brother had actually failed, that would have been truly suspicious." Xu Hongyan frowned. "He shouldn’t have even participated in the imperial examinations this year." Speaking of this, Xu Hongyan felt a sense of helplessness. Qingyan was only fourteen, and Qingbai was merely sixteen or seventeen. As young men, especially men of the Xu Family, who wouldn’t want to achieve fame and make their mark? The Xu children, whether it was the composed Xu Qingze or the boisterous Xu Qingyan, all possessed the talent to become a Zhuangyuan. If not for their family background, their futures would naturally be smooth-sailing and limitless. Yet, being part of the Xu Family, they could only harbor their ambitions, enjoying the hollow reputation of the Xu Family but achieving nothing. This... was all a burden of the Xu Family’s immense prestige. Xu Hongyan would never forget the heavy, apologetic look in his father’s eyes when he, along with Eldest Brother, resigned from their official posts and left the capital. He too once harbored aspirations of serving the country with his knowledge, but unfortunately, the imperial family didn’t need them to have grand ambitions; they only needed him to remain in the position of Imperial Censor—seemingly esteemed but actually powerless—to display the imperial benevolence to the world.

"Since Second Brother, Fourth Brother, and Fifth Brother have all passed the imperial examinations with honors, will they be appointed to positions in the capital?" Ye Li asked. Xu Qingze and Xu Qingbai were relatively straightforward. Xu Qingze was already twenty and possessed a very steady temperament. Xu Qingbai, though younger, was undoubtedly the most adept at social maneuvering in the Xu Family. As for Xu Qingyan, not only was he young, but his temperament was still boisterous, like a child who hadn’t grown up. Xu Hongyan shook his head. "Your Second Brother and Fourth Brother will stay. I have already submitted a petition to His Majesty stating that Qingyan is still young, and my father (their grandfather) is advanced in years and needs him to return to Yunzhou to attend to him."

"Will His Majesty agree?" It seemed likely that Mo Jingqi would consider keeping Xu Qingyan far more useful than Xu Qingbai.

Xu Hongyan smiled faintly. "Fifth Brother is the youngest in the Xu Family, and filial piety is the foremost of all virtues. His Majesty cannot refuse."

Since Second Uncle seemed confident, Ye Li didn’t inquire further. She then turned her attention to the appointments of Xu Qingze and Xu Qingbai. Xu Qingze, as Tanhua, was assigned as an editor in the Hanlin Academy. Xu Qingbai, a Jinshi (successful candidate in the highest imperial examination), was assigned to the Ministry of Rites as a probationary official. Both were leisurely posts with no real authority. Compared to the Zhuangyuan, Bangyan, and other Jinshi of the same year, their ranks were the highest, but their power was the least. This was especially true for Xu Qingbai, who drew the salary of an Assistant Gentleman of the Ministry of Rites but held only a nominal, probationary title; heaven knew how many years it would take for him to secure a permanent posting. The crucial point was that the temperaments of Xu Qingze and Xu Qingbai were fundamentally unsuited to their assigned positions; it would be more fitting if they were swapped. Second Brother definitely had to remain in the capital, but it would be better if Fourth Brother could be assigned a post outside.

Although Xu Qingbai appeared young and gentle, he was, in fact, profound in thought and skilled in maneuvering—a classic wolf in sheep’s clothing. If not for the Xu Family’s circumstances, even if he came from an ordinary family, he would likely rise to a high ministerial position by the age of thirty-five or thirty-six. Truly, Xu Qingbai was the most suited among them for an official career.

Xu Hongyan shook his head. "How could His Majesty feel at ease letting him be posted elsewhere?"

Ye Li frowned. "Not necessarily. Fourth Brother is still young; His Majesty might be a bit more reassured. It’s just that... Fourth Brother might have to endure some hardship."

Xu Qingbai smiled faintly. "His Majesty would likely send me to some remote and barren place. But that’s still better than staying in the capital, idle and constrained by others." Xu Hongyan looked at Xu Qingbai, realizing he was genuinely moved by Ye Li’s suggestion. It made sense. If he had to choose, he too would prefer an external posting, even as a minor county magistrate, over being idle in the capital, listening to the incessant chatter of those civil officials. After a moment of contemplation, Xu Hongyan nodded. "Very well. His Majesty is preoccupied with many matters at the moment; he should agree to this small concession." Xu Qingbai nodded with a light smile. "Thank you, Second Uncle." Xu Hongyan waved his hand, indicating there was no need for further words.

After having lunch with her uncle and aunt, Ye Li prepared to return to the Prince’s Mansion. As she was leaving, Xu Hongyan said in a low, serious voice, "Li’er, be careful of the people in the palace from now on."

Startled, Ye Li looked at her uncle in surprise. Xu Hongyan merely waved his hand, indicating he wouldn’t say more. Ye Li could only bid her uncle and aunt farewell and turn to head back to the Prince’s Mansion.

Upon returning to the Prince’s Mansion, she found two thick stacks of calling cards and banquet invitations from various prominent families in the Capital City. After glancing through them, she replied to a few important ones. A headache began to form as she realized she might need one or several versatile assistants. Her current maids wouldn’t suffice; Qingxia and Qingshuang weren’t skilled in many areas, and while Qingluan and Qing Jade each had their strengths, they weren’t relevant to these tasks. Han Mingxi seemed like a good candidate, but he was too ostentatious and conspicuous. After mentally reviewing everyone available to her, she finally summoned Darky Two and Darky Three, handing them a pile of ledgers and documents to process. Darky Three’s face fell as he realized that from being shadowguards who merely had to secretly follow their master, they had progressed to being personal attendants to the young master, then all-around bodyguards to the Eldest Miss, then all-around bodyguards to Princess Consort Ding, and now, accountants and general managers for the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. The sheer scope of their new responsibilities made Darky Three’s heart tremble, and he felt like crying but had no tears. "Princess Consort... I don’t understand this..."

"Then go learn," Ye Li replied without looking up, her brush flying as she approved the documents in her hand.

Darky Three grimaced. "Princess Consort, we are shadowguards."

Ye Li calmly glanced at him. "I don’t need shadowguards. Qin Feng will accompany me from now on."

"He’s the Commander of the Black Cloud Cavalry!" Darky Three muttered resentfully. Even if the Princess Consort needed help with accounts, she should ask Chief Steward Mo or Nanny Sun, or even let Qin Feng do them! Why should *he* be given such ’girly’ tasks while Qin Feng took his place? Ye Li nodded with satisfaction. "Precisely because he is the Commander of the Black Cloud Cavalry, he can conveniently act as a guard while assisting me. You two... can also moonlight as my assistants."

"Assistants?" Darky Three looked bewildered; Darky Two remained impassive. What on earth was an assistant? It didn’t sound nearly as impressive as ’shadowguard’.

Ye Li smiled warmly at her two highly competent subordinates. "It means people who assist me in handling all matters."

"All matters?"

"Exactly. All matters for which I require your assistance." Darky Two and Darky Three were intelligent, loyal, and highly skilled. Darky Two was steady, Darky Three agile. Having been by her side for so long, they lacked the formality others displayed around her. Weren’t they practically born to be assistants? The thought of freeing herself from tedious chores to attend to other matters she previously had no time for considerably brightened Ye Li’s mood. "First, go to Uncle Mo. Learn everything you need to within half a month. Otherwise... Black Cloud Peak will be your home for the next three months. I’ve recently come up with quite a few new training methods." Seeing their mistress’s gentle smile and recalling the grueling month of training they had endured in the forest the previous year, both men shivered simultaneously. They turned and bolted without a word. Listening to her two subordinates fleeing at top speed, Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head.

"Princess Consort, Young Master Yun Ting and Young Master Qin Feng request an audience," Qingluan entered to report.

"Show them in." Yun Ting’s home was also near the Capital City. After leaving Yongzhou, they had parted ways; Ye Li’s group went east to Guangling, while Yun Ting headed directly north to return home. That he had now come to Prince Ding’s Mansion with Qin Feng was somewhat surprising to Ye Li. Soon, the two entered the study side by side. "Your subordinates, Yun Ting and Qin Feng, greet the Princess Consort." Ye Li smiled. "Dispense with the formalities. Yun Ting, is everything settled at home?" Yun Ting laughed heartily. "Thank you for your concern, Princess Consort. Everything at home is well." Ye Li nodded in satisfaction and turned to Qin Feng, who reported respectfully, "Princess Consort, I have prepared what you instructed. It only awaits your personal inspection." Ye Li glanced at the few remaining ledgers on her desk, then nodded. "It’s still early. Let’s go now. Yun Ting, someone will take you to the military camp later. Also, the Prince has recommended several books on military strategy. You must read all of them within three months. After three months, if you pass the assessment, you can officially become a member of the Mo Family Army. Understand?"

Yun Ting’s eyes lit up, and he declared loudly, "Yun Ting understands! I guarantee I will finish reading them within three months!"

Ye Li smiled faintly and nodded with satisfaction. Yun Ting was filled with elation; the sheer joy of soon joining the Mo Family Army made him forget to ask how many books there were, what kind of books they were, or what he would be doing in the military camp for the next three months. This oversight consequently led to him experiencing three months of a living hell.

Dressed in men’s attire, Ye Li left the Prince’s Mansion with Qin Feng, a sense of anticipation in her heart. Along the way, they encountered Darky Three, who had just received a large pile of outdated ledgers from Chief Steward Mo. He was shooting extremely resentful glares at Qin Feng, causing Qin Feng, who was still getting used to his new role at Ye Li’s side, to feel an inexplicable chill down his spine.

As they left the Capital City, Qin Feng couldn’t help but feel a surge of admiration looking at the figure beside him: a youth who, though slightly lacking in height, was nonetheless a dashing, refined, and elegant young gentleman. He finally understood why, after the Princess Consort left the Capital City, not only could various factions not find her, but even the shadowguards of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion had lost her trail. This art of disguise was far more sophisticated than the so-called disguise techniques of the worldly society. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, even if the Princess Consort stood right in front of him, he would probably only register her as someone vaguely familiar and let her pass.

Noticing Qin Feng’s astonished expression, Ye Li chuckled. "Don’t be so surprised. It’s just a bit of disguise."

Qin Feng shook his head. "Princess Consort, such a masterful disguise is not something anyone can achieve." The so-called art of disguise wasn’t merely about changing one’s appearance. True tracking experts don’t necessarily focus on faces or attire; rather, a person’s habitual movements, posture, silhouette, and other aspects can easily reveal clues. However, having walked behind the Princess Consort all this way, he hadn’t noticed any similarity between her movements in men’s clothes and when she wore women’s attire. In men’s attire, even her gait, facial expressions, and the look in her eyes completely lacked any trace of femininity; she perfectly embodied a handsome young nobleman of about fourteen or fifteen. Qin Feng didn’t understand why a highborn young lady would know such skills, but since the Prince trusted the Princess Consort, and they had personally witnessed her capabilities in Yonglin City, he would naturally follow her orders.

Qin Feng followed Ye Li on horseback to the foot of Black Cloud Peak. He had visited this place with the Prince once before, but in just a year, its appearance had changed considerably. Not far from the foot of the mountain, where it was once somewhat remote and desolate, now stood two manors. Further up, on the mountainside, a small manor had been built on the foundations of the original mountain stronghold. The common folk at the mountain’s base were busy with their farm work, making it look no different from any ordinary manor outside the Capital City.

They dismounted and bypassed the stronghold on the mountainside, arriving at the edge of a cliff on the rear mountain. Qin Feng peered down; it wasn’t very deep. "Princess Consort, shall we go down?"

Ye Li looked at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I hear the men of the Black Cloud Cavalry are all highly skilled. Since you’re not afraid of death, why don’t you jump down and take a look?"

Qin Feng looked down at the cliff below with suspicion, his brow furrowed. With his martial skills, descending from here shouldn’t be too difficult, nor life-threatening, unless there were hidden mechanisms or traps below. Heeding Ye Li’s warning, he didn’t recklessly use his lightness skill to jump. Instead, he employed a ’wall-scaling’ technique, slowly making his way down the cliff face. However, most of the usable footholds on the cliff had been deliberately smoothed away. Fortunately, he carried a dagger, which he jammed into rock crevices to prevent himself from accidentally slipping. Carefully avoiding one hazard after another, he finally ’scraped’ his way down the cliff face. At the bottom was a clear lake. Green lotus leaves and a few newly formed flower buds even floated on the water’s surface. However, the various glints of cold light visible above the water definitely existed only to mock him.

Qin Feng took a deep breath and executed his lightness skill, leaping across the lake, not daring to let his feet touch even a drop of water.

"Three steps back and to your left."

Ye Li’s voice, tinged with amusement, sounded from nearby. Just as he was about to land, Qin Feng hastily shifted three steps to his left before his feet touched the ground. He turned to see the Princess Consort standing to one side, clearly having been waiting for some time. Ye Li gave him a half-smile, picked up a pebble from the ground, and tossed it to the spot where he had originally intended to land. SWISH, SWISH—! A fierce volley of arrows suddenly shot out from all directions. Qin Feng stared blankly at the ground now densely packed with arrows, a cold sweat breaking out on his back.