“Worthless woman!” Princess Zhen Ning stared at Noble Consort Liu lying on the ground, her expression filled with icy resentment and disgust. Shen Yang’s words had completely shattered Princess Zhen Ning’s last shred of hope for her mother. When Princess Zhen Ning had been drugged unconscious in the Cold Palace, leading to her disfigurement, she had spent these two years hating Noble Consort Liu constantly, but within that hatred remained a thread of hope for her mother and an unbreakable filial attachment. If Noble Consort Liu had sincerely apologized to her tonight, shown even a hint of remorse or regret, Princess Zhen Ning’s golden hairpin would never have pierced her body.

But now, Princess Zhen Ning’s eyes held only pure disgust and hatred – the mother-daughter bond truly severed from this moment forward.

After hearing Shen Yang’s words, Mo Wu You no longer hesitated. With quick movements, he pulled out the golden hairpin, causing blood to gush forth. He grimly applied the healing medicine Master Shen had refined, then tore a strip of white cloth from Noble Consort Liu’s hem to bandage the wound.

Princess Zhen Ning hadn’t struck Noble Consort Liu’s vital points. Setting aside her future inability to bear children, even if Noble Consort Liu died, it would only be from blood loss. Now with Master Shen’s blood-stopping medicine, her life was naturally no longer in danger. After bandaging the wound, Mo Wu You took out a small porcelain bottle and made Noble Consort Liu drink from it. Moments later, her pale complexion began to regain color at a visible rate.

“Using such precious medicine on her – isn’t that a waste? Did I give you these things for you to squander like this?” Shen Yang stared at Mo Wu You in displeasure. Mo Wu You looked up at Shen Yang with a sweet smile, “Master, Uncle Prince, and Princess Consort surely have questions to ask – how could she answer in her previous state?” Shen Yang gave a light snort, “You’re clever indeed.”

Mo Xiu Yao narrowed his eyes watching Noble Consort Liu’s condition improve, then nodded indifferently, “Since there’s no danger… Xiao Yun, what are your thoughts?” Mo Xiao Yun lowered his hands and said flatly, “I defer to Uncle Prince’s judgment. This person has no further connection to my Imperial Sister and me.”

“No further connection?!” Princess Zhen Ning suddenly spoke up, turning to glare fiercely at Noble Consort Liu’s beautiful face, gritting her teeth, “She still owes me a face.”

Hearing this, Noble Consort Liu’s expression changed as she glared at Princess Zhen Ning in anger, “What do you want?” Princess Zhen Ning looked at her, enunciating each word through clenched teeth, “You destroyed my face – shouldn’t you compensate me?” Noble Consort Liu gave a cold laugh, “You were born from me – never mind destroying your face, even if I took your life, you should accept it.”

Mo Xiao Yun walked to Princess Zhen Ning’s side, holding her hand while looking at Noble Consort Liu, “I already said, we have no further connection with you.”

Noble Consort Liu gave a disdainful snort – how could the bond between mother and child be severed just by saying so? In Noble Consort Liu’s view, Mo Xiao Yun and Zhen Ning would always be her children – she could treat them with contempt, but they could never be disrespectful to her. She struggled to stand and sat in a chair nearby. Though the wound had been treated and bandaged, even the most miraculous medicine couldn’t heal it instantly. The intense pain twisted her expression, and her gaze toward Princess Zhen Ning seemed poisoned.

Princess Zhen Ning no longer cared about her gaze – when one person becomes completely disillusioned with another, they become extraordinarily indifferent.

Noble Consort Liu didn’t care about Princess Zhen Ning and Mo Xiao Yun’s reactions. If she had ever had even the slightest care for these two children before, these past two years of painful struggle had completely erased that negligible sentiment. Since Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li’s appearance here, most of Noble Consort Liu’s attention had focused on them. However, she no longer held her former unchanging infatuation for Mo Xiu Yao – instead, it had been replaced with bone-deep hatred. Noble Consort Liu now hated Mo Xiu Yao even more than Ye Li. But she knew she couldn’t be rash anymore. She was deeply familiar with Mo Xiu Yao’s ruthlessness toward her.

“Your Highness, what do you mean by instructing these two to assassinate me? Do you perhaps wish to antagonize Northern Rong?” Noble Consort Liu raised her chin, staring proudly at Mo Xiu Yao. She was now the future consort of Northern Rong – her status no lower than Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li’s. She needn’t be polite with them anymore.

Ye Li was speechless, silently glancing at Mo Xiu Yao beside her. This must be what they called love turned to hatred.

“What do you mean?” Princess Zhen Ning stepped forward, “What does this have to do with the Prince’s mansion? This Princess simply wanted to kill you – so what? At worst, this Princess will pay with her life!”

“Imperial Sister!” Mo Xiao Yun gave Noble Consort Liu a deep look before saying to Princess Zhen Ning, “Let’s see what Uncle Prince says.” Mo Xiu Yao tilted his head to look at Princess Zhen Ning and Mo Xiao Yun, saying with a faint smile, “Zhen Ning, though your father emperor is dead and Great Chu may have little to do with you now, as long as this Prince acknowledges you as a princess, you remain a princess. Trading your life for hers? Is this why this Prince has spent so much effort raising you? Who will compensate this Prince for the loss?”

Princess Zhen Ning froze – though she wasn’t skilled at such political maneuvering, she knew her impulsiveness couldn’t solve the problem. She lowered her head, “Uncle Prince, it was Zhen Ning’s fault.”

Only then did Mo Xiu Yao nod in satisfaction. He wasn’t raising this princess and prince for nothing – if they lost their lives over someone like Noble Consort Liu, wouldn’t all his effort be wasted? So not only could Princess Zhen Ning and Mo Xiao Yun not die, but they had to live well. Turning to look at Noble Consort Liu, Mo Xiu Yao asked gently, “This Prince wants to antagonize Northern Rong? What will you do? Why don’t you go ask Ye Lu Ye if he’s willing to go to war with this Prince over you?”

“You!” Noble Consort Liu was furious – Mo Xiu Yao’s casual question was mocking her.

“Me what?” Mo Xiu Yao raised his eyebrows with a smile.

“Your Highness, the Northern Rong Crown Prince and Seventh Prince have arrived,” Zhuo Jing announced from outside.

“Oh? Prince Chang Xing’s small mansion is quite lively tonight. Show them in.” Shortly after, Zhuo Jing led Crown Prince Ye Lu Hong, Princess Rong Hua, and Ye Lu Ye. Seeing the blood on the ground and Noble Consort Liu’s disheveled state, everyone was startled. Princess Rong Hua spoke with a smile, “Princess Consort, what happened here?”

Ye Li said calmly, “Nothing much. Miss Qing Yi Na suddenly broke into Prince Chang Xing’s mansion with ill intent toward the Prince and Princess. The Princess wounded Miss Qing Yi Na in her panic.”

“Ye Li! You’re lying!” Noble Consort Liu shouted, but the pain from her wound made her clench her teeth, breaking into a cold sweat. Ye Lu Ye went over to support Noble Consort Liu, who seemed about to collapse in her chair, asking, “What happened?” Noble Consort Liu bit her lip, saying pitifully, “Your Highness, the Prince and Princess Consort instructed that girl to wound me.” The three women present, except for Princess Zhen Ning, all rolled their eyes heavenward. Noble Consort Liu was already thirty-four or thirty-five – was such coquettish behavior appropriate?

Ye Lu Ye had no sympathy for Noble Consort Liu’s fragility either, asking in a deep voice, “Why are you here?”

Ye Li smiled faintly, “Miss Qing Yi Na surely isn’t suggesting this Princess had someone kidnap you here?”

Noble Consort Liu was at a loss for words – she had indeed come to Prince Chang Xing’s mansion of her own accord, but she couldn’t reveal her reasons in front of so many people. Ye Li looked at Ye Lu Ye with a composed expression, “Prince Ye Lu, just now Miss Qing Yi Na groundlessly accused this Princess and the Prince of instructing Princess Zhen Ning to assassinate her. Now this Princess would rather say she broke into Prince Chang Xing’s mansion intending to harm the Princess and Prince, slandering this Princess Consort.”

Ye Lu Ye frowned. Though in his heart he was more inclined to believe Noble Consort Liu’s version of events, Ye Li’s words left him with no response. At the same time, he was equally displeased about Noble Consort Liu coming to Prince Chang Xing’s mansion on her own. Crown Prince Ye Lu Hong, sitting to the side, watched Ye Li challenge Ye Lu Ye with a very calm and composed expression. He merely frowned slightly and said, “As hosts, the Prince and Princess Consort would certainly not be so discourteous to guests. Moreover, the suggestion that they instructed Princess Zhen Ning to assassinate Qing Yi Na makes little sense. Rather, Seventh Brother, wasn’t Qing Yi Na supposed to be with you? How did she end up at Prince Chang Xing’s mansion?” While it was indeed unreasonable both emotionally and logically for Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao to have instructed Princess Zhen Ning to assassinate someone, Ye Lu Hong notably ignored the fact that Princess Zhen Ning had stabbed Noble Consort Liu herself, clearly pushing all blame onto Noble Consort Liu.

Ye Lu Ye frowned and said, “Elder Brother speaks truly – tonight’s events must be a misunderstanding.”

Princess Rong Hua covered her mouth and smiled, “Seventh Brother is correct. Qing Yi Na bears such a resemblance to the late Noble Consort Liu, some misunderstandings are inevitable. Just the other day, Prince Chang Xing and Princess Zhen Ning came to visit. Could it be that the Prince and Princess still…” Mo Xiao Yun bowed respectfully to Princess Rong Hua, “Aunt Rong Hua’s admonishment is correct – my Imperial Sister and I were rash before. The situation is now clear – our siblings have no connection to Miss Qing Yi Na. We mistook her for someone else.” After speaking, Mo Xiao Yun stepped back, secretly gripping Princess Zhen Ning’s hand tightly. Princess Zhen Ning lowered her eyes to hide the hatred within them, ultimately saying nothing and tacitly accepting Mo Xiao Yun’s words.

Crown Prince Ye Lu Hong smiled, “If it’s a misunderstanding, that’s good. Then tonight’s events…”

Mo Xiao Yun said, “Tonight was also a misunderstanding. Miss Qing Yi Na arrived suddenly, and we had some conflict in our conversation. My Imperial Sister thought Miss Qing Yi Na meant us harm and thus wounded her. I ask Prince Ye Lu’s forgiveness. If punishment is needed, Xiao Yun will bear full responsibility.”

Given such words, Ye Lu Ye naturally couldn’t bully a thirteen or fourteen-year-old child. He had to let the matter drop – Noble Consort Liu had taken that hairpin strike for nothing. Ye Lu Ye darkened his face and bid farewell to Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li, supporting Noble Consort Liu as they made to leave.

“Wait a moment,” Shen Yang, who had been watching from the side, suddenly spoke up.

Though Ye Lu Ye wasn’t familiar with Shen Yang, he knew the man held a very special position in the Prince’s mansion. He turned back, patiently waiting for him to speak. Shen Yang took a prescription that Mo Wu You had written and handed it over, saying, “As the saying goes, a doctor sees patients as their children. Since she’s a patient, this old man can’t ignore it. This young lady has miscarried too many times, and just now was wounded in a rather unfortunate location. Take this prescription back for her use. Though it can’t guarantee future pregnancies, it will be good for her health.”

At these words, everyone in the great hall’s expressions turned strange. Though Ye Li and the others had already known this, seeing Shen Yang seriously tell Ye Lu Ye these things still made Ye Li’s smile freeze slightly. Ye Lu Ye’s face turned frighteningly dark – even though the Northern Rong people didn’t particularly care about such matters with women, that only applied to common folk. The royal family and nobles were just as particular about these things as the Central Plains people, if not more so. Even if there was nothing between Ye Lu Ye and Noble Consort Liu, having such things said in front of so many people was still extremely face-losing.

Noble Consort Liu was particularly struck pale by Shen Yang’s sudden revelation. She shot a hateful glare at Shen Yang and Mo Wu You before following Ye Lu Ye out in a daze.

With Ye Lu Ye gone, Crown Prince Ye Lu Hong and Princess Rong Hua naturally couldn’t stay long either and also rose to take their leave. Seeing his part was done, Shen Yang stood up to leave with Mo Wu You. Passing by Princess Zhen Ning, he stopped to look at her and said, “You’re an interesting girl. Come find me at the Prince’s mansion later.” Then he left without looking back. Princess Zhen Ning and Mo Xiao Yun didn’t understand Shen Yang’s meaning, but Mo Wu You did. However, Princess Zhen Ning’s injuries were too severe – even Mo Wu You, who had complete confidence in his master’s medical skills, dared not guarantee a full recovery. He could only say, “Zhen Ning, remember Master’s words. Make sure to come to the Prince’s mansion when you have time.” Seeing Princess Zhen Ning nod, he bowed slightly to Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao before hurrying after his master.

Suddenly, only Mo Xiu Yao and the other three remained in the hall. The previously tense atmosphere immediately settled into silence. Mo Xiu Yao frowned as he looked at the young pair before him. Though tonight’s events weren’t many, both incidents had left him quite displeased. His gaze toward Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning carried some ill will. Even without intentionally releasing it, this powerful person’s pressure made fine beads of sweat appear on Princess Zhen Ning and Mo Xiao Yun’s foreheads.

Seeing the siblings trying to maintain their composure, Ye Li sighed softly and raised her hand to hold Mo Xiu Yao’s, saying gently to the two, “You must be tired as well. Rest well. Don’t act so rashly in the future.”

Mo Xiao Yun nodded in agreement. Mo Xiu Yao stared at Princess Zhen Ning and asked, “You still harbor hatred for her?”

Princess Zhen Ning gritted her teeth, “I hate that I can’t tear her into ten thousand pieces!”

Mo Xiu Yao gave a cold laugh, asking, “By what means?” Princess Zhen Ning started, looking at Mo Xiu Yao in confusion. Mo Xiu Yao said flatly, “Do you have the ability to tear her into ten thousand pieces? Most likely next time you fall into her hands, you’ll be the one torn to pieces.” Princess Zhen Ning bit her lip – in terms of ability and methods, she indeed couldn’t match Noble Consort Liu. Mo Xiu Yao stood up, holding Ye Li’s hand, and looked at the two indifferently, “You two are not to interfere with Noble Consort Liu’s matters anymore, and likewise… you’re not to help her either. If this Prince discovers you’ve done anything you shouldn’t in secret… don’t blame this Prince for being ruthless.”

Mo Xiao Yun’s heart jumped – the Prince’s words meant he planned to deal with Noble Consort Liu. Supporting Princess Zhen Ning, Mo Xiao Yun said respectfully, “We heed Uncle Prince’s teachings. Xiao Yun and Imperial Sister won’t act rashly. She has no connection to us anymore.”

“Very good.” Mo Xiu Yao nodded in satisfaction, holding Ye Li’s hand as they walked out.

Returning to the mansion, both Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao issued strict orders not to inform Master Qing Yun about last night’s events. Though Master Qing Yun at his advanced age had long since ceased to worry about many worldly matters and was quite open-minded, their filial piety as his juniors made them unwilling to have the elderly man worry about matters they could resolve themselves.

Early the next morning, just as Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao had risen, a guard came to report, “Miss Dong Fang requests an audience.”

Ye Li was startled, somewhat unclear about who this Miss Dong Fang was. Mo Xiu Yao disdainfully curled his lip and said, “The one from Cang Mang Mountain. Go ask Master Qing Chen to handle it – this Prince and Princess Consort have matters to attend to.” The guard accepted the order and left. Ye Li asked in confusion, “What matters do we have?” Mo Xiu Yao smiled, “We’re going to see my little princess – to nurture our relationship?”

In the Prince’s mansion’s great hall, a woman in white sat quietly drinking tea. She seemed not at all angered by the hosts’ coldness, simply waiting calmly. Half an hour later, footsteps finally sounded outside. The white-robed woman’s lips curved into a perfect smile as she raised her head, but instead of seeing that handsome man with white hair and white clothes, she saw another man with black hair, dressed in white as snow, appearing refined and otherworldly. Though Master Qing Chen was eye-catching, she had focused all her attention on Mo Xiu Yao the previous night and completely missed seeing Xu Qing Chen sitting among the Xu family members. However, just seeing his elegant bearing in white robes, she could guess his identity. Standing up, she smiled faintly, “Dong Fang You greet Master Qing Chen.”

Xu Qing Chen smiled faintly, nodding, “Miss Dong Fang need not stand on ceremony, please sit.”

Dong Fang You nodded and sat, looking at Xu Qing Chen, “Is the Prince present?”

Xu Qing Chen smiled, “The Prince has some matters to attend to and cannot receive you. Please forgive us.”

Dong Fang You looked at Xu Qing Chen, raising an eyebrow, “Does Master Qing Chen bear hostility toward me? I wonder what this humble woman has done to displease Master Qing Chen?” Xu Qing Chen merely smiled without speaking. Dong Fang You sighed somewhat helplessly, “I understand – Master Qing Chen is the Princess Consort’s cousin, no wonder Master Qing Chen is dissatisfied with this humble woman.”

Xu Qing Chen shook his head slightly, “Perhaps Miss Dong Fang feels I bear hostility toward you? Miss Dong Fang thinks too much. Li’er and the Prince’s relationship is their affair – whether good or bad, it’s their business. The Xu family won’t interfere.” Dong Fang You said, “This humble woman has no intention of interfering in the relationship between the Prince and Princess Consort.”

Xu Qing Chen said, “That is Miss Dong Fang’s affair.”