On the stage, Yao Ji held a colorful embroidered ball, smiling as she gazed at the crowd below. The men in the audience stared excitedly at the small ball – catching it meant spending a night with the capital’s premier dancing courtesan, an incredible opportunity for these common folk who normally couldn’t even dream of seeing Yao Ji in person. Yao Ji’s gaze fell on Ye Li, raising her eyebrows with an alluring smile. Ye Li frowned, feeling a sense of foreboding. Before she could fully process her concerns, Yao Ji raised the embroidered ball and threw it forcefully in her direction. The crowd gasped – those far away could only curse in frustration, while those nearby focused intently on the flying ball, raising their hands high to catch this stroke of heaven-sent luck.

From the moment Yao Ji raised her hand, Ye Li had understood her intended target. Yao Ji wasn’t aiming for her but for Mo Xiu Yao standing behind her. After releasing the ball, Yao Ji raised her delicate eyebrows at Ye Li again, silently mouthing words. Though soundless, this posed no challenge for Ye Li, who was skilled at reading lips. The message was: “Will he catch it?” Ye Li cursed inwardly, turning to pull Mo Xiu Yao away. Normally, with their martial skills, avoiding a small embroidered ball would be trivial. But now they were surrounded by people on all sides, making it difficult to even move a foot, let alone dodge. Mo Xiu Yao looked down at Ye Li clutching his robes and chuckled softly. With a wave of his hand, he struck the approaching ball, sending it flying in another direction.

As the ball’s trajectory changed, the crowd surged toward its new path. Mo Xiu Yao held Ye Li close, protecting her from the crushing crowd while asking with amusement, “Were you worried just now, A-Li?” Ye Li snorted softly and looked up at the stage. Seeing her ball deflected, Yao Ji showed no disappointment. Instead, she smiled even more enchantingly at Ye Li, silently mouthing: “Congratulations.” Ye Li nodded slightly, accepting the blessing.

The colorful embroidered ball was fought over in the crowd, often snatched away or knocked from someone’s grasp before they could secure it. The intensity of the struggle was breathtaking. But even with a small ball and many contestants, the fight couldn’t continue endlessly. Just as a towering brute was about to grab the ball, taking advantage of his height, a graceful figure leaped across people’s shoulders, kicking away the giant’s hand while simultaneously sending the ball back toward the woman on stage.

Amidst the disappointed cries of the crowd, a swift shadow darted onto the stage, catching the ball before it could reach Yao Ji. On stage, a young man in brown brocade robes stood casually beside Yao Ji. His handsome face had sharp features, carrying a rugged boldness uncommon among Chu men, yet the gleam in his half-smiling eyes revealed he was no simple warrior who relied on brute strength alone. The man casually played with the ball in his hand, smiling at the man who had fallen back into the crowd, “If Young Master had no interest in Miss Yao Ji, you could have simply watched from the side. Kicking her ball back was quite discourteous. They say Great Chu is a land of poetry and propriety, but Young Master’s actions were rather… inappropriate toward a lady.”

The man in the crowd, Mu Yang, the heir of the Marquis of Muyang, flew onto the stage with a dark expression and wordlessly struck out at the brown-robed man. The latter was prepared, easily dodging aside. The two began trading blows on stage while the crowd cheered below. Since they couldn’t win the beauty’s favor, at least they could enjoy the spectacle. Common folk, having little, rarely developed too many attachments.

Ye Li leaned against Mo Xiu Yao, curiously observing the man fighting Mu Yang. Just from his appearance, it was clear he wasn’t from Great Chu. “Is he… from Northern Rong?” Ye Li’s impression of the Northern Rong people wasn’t good. The last time, during last year’s wedding, the Thirteenth Prince of Northern Rong had left her with a particularly bad impression. This time, this one seemed to enjoy coming to such places. Mo Xiu Yao smiled, “We received word that Northern Rong’s marriage delegation arrived in Great Chu early, but I didn’t expect him to reach the capital so quickly.” Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking back at him, “You know him?”

“Yelü Ye, the Seventh Prince of Northern Rong,” Mo Xiu Yao said gravely. “Mu Yang likely isn’t his match.”

Ye Li nodded slightly – she could tell after just a few moves. While Mu Yang’s martial arts were indeed impressive, they couldn’t compare to Yelü Ye’s skills, clearly honed on the battlefield. This wasn’t Mu Yang’s fault – though Great Chu valued martial prowess, they also emphasized scholarly pursuits. Noble families generally preferred their children to pursue official careers rather than military ones. After all, the battlefield was unpredictable, and one could lose their life at any moment. For someone as young as Mu Yang to achieve such martial skill while also being scholarly was already remarkable. Northern Rong was completely different from Great Chu – though influenced by Central Plains culture, they remained a martial society where strength commanded respect. As one of the Northern Rong King’s most outstanding sons, Yelü Ye had naturally been fighting for his life on battlefields since his teens.

After just over a hundred exchanges, Mu Yang began to falter. Yelü Ye, clearly enjoying himself, grew more aggressive, forcing Mu Yang to retreat step by step. Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiu Yao with furrowed brows – she didn’t want him to intervene, as that would inevitably cause a stir regardless of the outcome, but neither of them could stand by and watch Mu Yang be injured by Yelü Ye. Yao Ji, who had been somewhat dazed, finally came to her senses when she saw Mu Yang about to lose. She cried out in exasperation, “Who asked you to interfere? What business was it of yours when I threw my ball!”

Yelü Ye laughed loudly, “Miss Yao Ji speaks truly. Young Master Mu, since you kicked the ball back, what exactly are you trying to accomplish now?”

Mu Yang glanced at Yao Ji but remained silent, struggling to defend against Yelü Ye’s relentless attacks. Even those in the crowd who knew nothing of martial arts could see he was having difficulty. Yelü Ye snorted coldly, seemingly losing patience as he laughed, “Since Young Master has nothing to say, stop interfering with my chance to enjoy the lady’s company. Be gone!” With a shout, Yelü Ye struck Mu Yang’s chest with overwhelming force, clearly capable of splitting mountains. Yao Ji, standing nearby, couldn’t help but cry out in horror, “No!” The stage wasn’t large, and Yao Ji was close to them. Seeing Mu Yang in danger, she screamed and threw herself forward with all her might. Having practiced martial arts since childhood, she was as agile as any trained fighter, and in her desperate lunge, she managed to insert herself between Mu Yang and Yelü Ye. Yelü Ye’s palm was about to strike Yao Ji.

The spectators below couldn’t bear to watch, closing their eyes. Earlier, these two had shattered objects on stage during their fight – if this palm strike landed on Yao Ji, such a delicate beauty would surely perish instantly.

“Whoosh!” A flash of light streaked past. Yelü Ye glimpsed the gleam and hastily withdrew his palm force, rapidly retreating several steps before steadying himself. Yao Ji, pale-faced, had fallen into Mu Yang’s arms. She had closed her eyes awaiting death but realized the palm strike hadn’t landed. Opening her eyes, she met Mu Yang’s gaze, filled with worry and anger. Considering their current position, her heart sank and she pushed away from Mu Yang.

Yelü Ye stood with his hands behind his back, turning to look at the pearl hairpin embedded in a nearby pillar. Though it was just an ordinary pearl and silver hairpin, it had penetrated deep into the wood, leaving only the pearl flower visible outside – evidence of the thrower’s profound skill. Had he not withdrawn his palm force in time, Yelü Ye believed this hairpin would have pierced his wrist. Looking toward the source of the hidden weapon, he saw a young couple dressed in simple but elegant clothes. The woman was beautiful and graceful, her bearing showing an uncommon nobility and dignity, unlike typical Chu ladies. The man wore a mask, his moon-white robes making him appear as refined as the bright moon itself. Raising his eyebrows, Yelü Ye smiled, “This gentleman already has a beauty in his arms – surely you’re not interested in Miss Yao Ji as well?”

Mo Xiu Yao smiled faintly, “Prince Yelü jests. My wife is kind-hearted and can’t stand bloodshed. It’s fine if the prince gets carried away and uses excessive force in excitement, but it would be unfortunate to frighten my wife.” Hearing this, Mu Yang turned back in surprise, seeing Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li in the crowd. He paused, then nodded without revealing their identities. Yelü Ye, surprised at having his identity exposed, narrowed his eyes as he studied Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li. After a while, he smiled, “So it’s… I never expected to meet Your Highness and Your Highness’s wife here. What an honor.” Mo Xiu Yao replied calmly, “This prince also didn’t expect to meet Prince Yelü in such a place.”

Yelü Ye smiled without speaking, avoiding Mo Xiu Yao’s implicit questioning about his unauthorized entry into the Chu capital. Pointing at Yao Ji, he smiled, “Since Your Highness has no intention of competing for Miss Yao Ji, does this mean she still belongs to me?”

“Never!” Mu Yang said darkly, stepping in front of Yao Ji to shield her. Yelü Ye sneered disdainfully, looking at Mu Yang with a half-smile, “Why doesn’t Young Master Mu ask Miss Yao Ji’s opinion? Perhaps she would prefer someone stronger?” Yao Ji silently stepped out from behind Mu Yang and, under his shocked gaze, walked to Yelü Ye’s side. “Yao Ji! You…”

Yao Ji smiled faintly, though her expression was bitter. She said softly, “Today’s rules were set by me, so naturally I must follow them. Thank you for coming, Young Master. Consider it the completion of our years of friendship. Please leave.”

Mu Yang stared at her stunning face, unable to speak for a long while. Yao Ji’s smile gradually became stiff until she finally turned away, refusing to continue their confrontation. By now it was late, nearly curfew time, and the crowd below, seeing no more entertainment, dispersed in disappointment. On stage, Yelü Ye smiled at Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao below, “Your Highness, Your Highness’s wife, since we’ve had the fortune to meet today, why not find a place to share some wine and talk?”

Mo Xiu Yao walked over with Ye Li, smiling faintly, “Prince Yelü has a beauty in his arms – you still have time to reminisce with this prince?”

A sharp glint flashed in Yelü Ye’s eyes as he smiled, “My useless brother inadvertently offended Your Highness last year. Fortunately, Your Highness was magnanimous enough to let him return safely to Northern Rong. I’ve been wanting to personally thank Your Highness.” Mo Xiu Yao nodded graciously, “You are a guest here. This prince is not so petty – Prince Yelü need not keep such a small matter in mind.” Mo Xiu Yao felt no guilt about making the already foolish Yelü Ping even more foolish; in fact, he felt that letting him return alive proved his years of self-cultivation had indeed improved him. Yelü Ye’s heart clenched, wishing he could strike Mo Xiu Yao dead. If Mo Xiu Yao had simply killed Yelü Ping outright, he might not have been so angry. But instead, he had sent Yelü Ping to his mortal enemy, the Crown Prince, and even let the word of it reach him. Worried that Yelü Ping might reveal secrets to the Crown Prince, he had gone to great lengths to retrieve him, only to find an empty shell who knew nothing. Of course, he was certain that before addling Yelü Ping’s mind, Mo Xiu Yao had thoroughly extracted everything he knew. Father was right – leaving even half a person from Prince Ding’s household alive would be disastrous.

“Is this the Princess Consort of Prince Ding? I am Yelü Ye, Seventh Prince of Northern Rong. Greetings, Your Highness.” Knowing he couldn’t out-talk Mo Xiu Yao, Yelü Ye didn’t force the issue. He smoothly changed targets and smiled at Ye Li.

Ye Li stood beside Mo Xiu Yao, smiling gently, “Greetings, Prince Yelü.”

Yelü Ye looked at Ye Li somewhat brazenly, “On the way to the capital, I heard the Princess Consort was a remarkable woman who could match any man. I thought… but it turns out she’s such a gentle beauty. Prince Ding is truly fortunate.” A dark look flashed through Mo Xiu Yao’s eyes, killing intent appearing and vanishing in an instant. He smiled at Yelü Ye, “Prince Yelü is too kind. This isn’t the place for conversation – would Prince Yelü care to visit our humble residence?” He glanced below – it was now less than a quarter-hour until curfew, and the streets were empty. The festively decorated stage now looked strange and eerie with only them remaining.

Yelü Ye smiled impassively, “It’s an honor to be invited by Prince Ding, but it’s already late. It would be improper to visit Prince Ding’s residence at this hour. Another day, I will certainly pay my respects to Your Highness and the Princess Consort.” At this hour, Yelü Ye believed anyone in their right mind would decline a visit to Prince Ding’s residence. Seeing his refusal, Mo Xiu Yao didn’t insist, “In that case, A-Li and I will take our leave. Prince Yelü and Young Master Mu…”

Yelü Ye smiled, “I should return to my inn as well. As for Miss Yao Ji, it was all in jest – I hope Miss Yao Ji and Young Master Mu won’t take offense.” Seemingly surprised by his easy withdrawal, Mu Yang was stunned. Yao Ji also looked at Yelü Ye in astonishment. Yelü Ye appeared unconcerned, waving his hand, “I saw Young Master Mu’s impressive skills and got carried away. I hope everyone will forgive my rudeness.”

Since he had said as much, Mu Yang naturally wouldn’t press the issue. He nodded, “Prince Yelü’s skills are superior. I am humbled.”

As Yelü Ye raised his eyebrows to respond, a cold glint flashed from the street corner as several black-clad figures rushed toward them. Yelü Ye tilted his head to avoid an incoming blade, casually striking away the assassin with his palm while turning to smile at Mo Xiu Yao, “Your Highness, I didn’t realize the capital’s nights were so dangerous.” Mo Xiu Yao held Ye Li with one arm while gripping an assassin’s wrist with his other hand. With a gentle squeeze, the sound of breaking bones carried clearly through the night. “Perhaps it’s because of visitors from afar? I recall the capital’s nights used to be quite peaceful.” Yelü Ye laughed heartily without arguing.

On the other side, Mu Yang defended against the attackers while protecting Yao Ji. Though she was reluctant to let Mu Yang touch her, Yao Ji knew this wasn’t the time to be willful. She could only remain still in his embrace, her expression showing more sorrow than fear at encountering assassins.

The assassins realized all three men were skilled fighters, but Mo Xiu Yao and Mu Yang were each protecting a woman, leaving only Yelü Ye unencumbered to fight freely. The assassins exchanged glances and turned to focus their attack on Mo Xiu Yao and Mu Yang – if they could deal with these two, the remaining one would be easy to handle. Seeing this, Yelü Ye raised his eyebrows. Noting that Mo Xiu Yao was handling things easily, he turned and rushed toward the group fighting Mu Yang.

Ye Li was somewhat helplessly held in Mo Xiu Yao’s embrace. Though she knew he could easily handle these assassins, being protected like this in such a situation made her uncomfortable. But Mo Xiu Yao’s arm around her waist told her he had no intention of letting go, so Ye Li could only sigh resignedly and carefully watch the surrounding assassins just in case.

She wondered who these assassins were – they seemed rather incompetent. Having nothing else to do and unable to help, Ye Li thought idly. Since marrying into Prince Ding’s household, she had certainly encountered her share of assassins. These seemed quite mediocre to her eyes. Watching the three men dispatch the assassins with barely any effort, Ye Li frowned slightly. This seemed less like an assassination attempt and more like a performance for someone’s benefit. With these three present, plus Prince Ding’s hidden guards and whatever escort Yelü Ye surely had while traveling, none of these assassins stood a chance against even one of the three men.

“Look out!” As Yelü Ye took down the last assassin, Yao Ji immediately pushed Mu Yang away and retreated to a distance. Mu Yang stared at Yao Ji’s retreating figure, managing only a bitter smile before turning to thank Yelü Ye. Behind him, a remaining assassin seized the chance to shoot a hidden weapon at Yao Ji. Ye Li cried out in alarm, grabbing the jade pendant at Mo Xiu Yao’s waist and throwing it. With a clear ring, the hidden weapon was deflected, while the jade pendant fell and shattered into pieces on the ground.