Upon leaving the Imperial Garden, they found Mo Jingqi had already stationed people at the exit. After such a major incident in the palace, it was impossible to simply dismiss everyone to sleep. Though the infiltrating assassins were numerous, compared to the thousand-strong palace guards, they were merely a drop in the ocean. Their ability to cause such chaos relied solely on the element of surprise, revealing that palace security wasn’t as impenetrable as imagined. No wonder the secret guards of Prince Ding’s mansion privately looked down on these imperial guards. After all, no assassin had successfully breached Prince Ding’s mansion in nearly a century.
Shaken by the assassination attempt, Mo Jingqi couldn’t sleep. He led his still-frightened officials to Longten Hall for handling state affairs. As Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao reached the entrance, they heard Mo Jingqi’s angry berating inside, clearly scolding the guards for their negligence. Ye Li raised an eyebrow, remembering that the current Imperial Guard Commander should be Leng Haoyu’s elder brother, Leng Qingyu.
Entering the hall, they indeed saw a young man bearing some resemblance to Leng Haoyu kneeling with his head bowed, respectfully listening to Mo Jingqi’s reprimands. Seeing the two enter together, Mo Jingqi finally suppressed his desire to continue scolding and thoughtfully stared at the pair, asking, “Why is the Princess Consort with Prince Ding?” Ye Li smiled gently, “Your Majesty, I was concerned for my prince’s safety and went to search for him. In the urgency of the moment, I failed to report to Your Majesty first. Please forgive me.” Mo Jingqi gave Ye Li a complex look before forcing a smile, “The deep affection between Prince Ding and his consort is truly a beautiful tale of Da Chu. It’s only natural for the Princess Consort to worry about Prince Ding – how could I blame you?” Ye Li appeared to relax with relief, smiling, “I thank Your Majesty for your understanding.”
“How is my Princess Zhenning?” Mo Jingqi turned his gaze to Mo Xiuyao.
Mo Xiuyao nodded calmly, “Princess Zhenning was frightened but unharmed.”
“That’s good.” Mo Jingqi smiled, “Zhenning is my beloved daughter. If she had been hurt, both I and my beloved consort would have been heartbroken.” Though he smiled, Ye Li saw no genuine joy in his expression.
“What does Prince Ding think of tonight’s events?” Mo Jingqi stared at Mo Xiuyao.
Mo Xiuyao frowned thoughtfully, “This subject doesn’t know, but… it seems they weren’t targeting Your Majesty.” Though most guards had been protecting the emperor, the assassins hadn’t attempted to break through to attack him. Even if they had killed all the officials upstairs, it would only anger the emperor without causing substantial damage. At most, it would require reshuffling the court officials. “However… Commander Leng, why did the Imperial Guard arrive so late?” Mo Xiuyao suddenly turned his attention to Leng Qingyu, who remained kneeling.
Leng Qingyu raised his head to glance at Mo Xiuyao, explaining gravely, “The assassins split into several groups and attacked other parts of the palace. This official was careless and fell for their diversionary tactics. I await Your Majesty’s punishment.”
“Careless?” Mo Xiuyao laughed coldly, “It seems Commander Leng has completely forgotten the purpose of the palace guards. When you learned of intruders in the palace, shouldn’t your priority have been rushing to Zhaixing Tower to protect His Majesty, regardless of whether assassins were there? For the Imperial Guard Commander to fall for such simple diversionary tactics – perhaps it’s time to replace you.” Leng Qingyu’s already cold expression grew more rigid, though he knew Prince Ding spoke the truth – tonight’s failure was indeed his responsibility, and he had no grounds to refute any criticism.
“Enough.” Mo Jingqi frowned, “Qingyu was indeed negligent tonight. Dock his salary for half a year. The palace guards need thorough restructuring – next time, I won’t be so lenient.” This pronouncement effectively meant Mo Jingqi wouldn’t truly punish Leng Qingyu. The Leng family’s wealth meant half a year’s salary was negligible. Normally, such a failure would cost someone their position if not their head. But since the emperor had already spoken and issued punishment, others couldn’t say more. Hearing Mo Jingqi’s words, Mo Xiuyao lowered his head and ceased his criticism.
Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s silence, Mo Jingqi nodded with satisfaction and asked, “Shall we leave tonight’s investigation to Prince Ding? Surely Prince Ding will give me answers quickly?”
Mo Xiuyao frowned, “Your Majesty’s pardon, but in one month I must depart for Northern Rong. With matters concerning the Northern Rong prince and affairs at the mansion, I fear I cannot divide my attention.”
Mo Jingqi paused but didn’t press further. He nodded, “I was thoughtless. Very well. I’ll have Minister Liu investigate this matter.”
Mo Xiuyao had no objection – in truth, even if he had objected, Mo Jingqi wouldn’t have listened.
In the carriage leaving the palace, Ye Li gave Mo Xiuyao a curious look, “Were you helping Leng Qingyu?”
Mo Xiuyao smiled at her, raising an eyebrow, “You noticed?”
Ye Li pursed her lips, “It was too obvious.” Everyone could see that Mo Xiuyao had deliberately targeted Leng Qingyu in the hall. However, even if Mo Xiuyao truly disliked Leng Qingyu, there was no need to kick him while he was down at that moment. Given Mo Jingqi’s personality, he would certainly protect anyone Mo Xiuyao tried to demote. If not for Mo Xiuyao’s criticism, even if Mo Jingqi trusted Leng Qingyu completely, he couldn’t have gotten away with just a half-year salary reduction. “I didn’t know your relationship with Leng Qingyu was so good. Is it for Leng Er’s sake?”
Mo Xiuyao shook his head, “Leng Er doesn’t need my consideration. Besides… even if I were saving a beggar on the street, he wouldn’t ask me to help his brother.”
Ye Li thought for a moment before looking up at him, “You want to drive a wedge between Mo Jingqi and the Leng family?”
Mo Xiuyao leaned back leisurely in the carriage, smiling, “My wife is so clever. This is just a small trick – Mo Jingqi will soon figure it out. However, Mo Jingqi is the type who, once he has even the slightest doubt, will remain wary of Leng Qingyu even if he knows better. This will make it easier for us to add fuel to the fire later if needed.” Ye Li understood – this was laying the groundwork. If Prince Ding’s mansion and Mo Jingqi remained at peace, Leng Qingyu would continue as the emperor’s trusted confidant. But if conflict became inevitable, the emperor’s closest advisors would naturally be among those Prince Ding’s mansion needed to remove. Thinking of Mo Xiuyao’s departure in just over a month, Ye Li frowned, feeling an inexplicable unease.
“What’s wrong, A-Li?” Mo Xiuyao looked down at her furrowed brows, asking gently.
Ye Li looked up at him, “What are your plans for going to Northern Rong?”
Mo Xiuyao smiled, “Don’t worry, A-Li. The Northern Rong won’t openly move against me. Though there will surely be underhanded schemes, when has Prince Ding’s mansion ever feared anyone in all these years?” Ye Li frowned, “Still, be careful.” Knowing she worried for him, Mo Xiuyao drew her into his embrace, speaking softly, “I understand. Don’t worry, A-Li, I will return safely.” Ye Li nodded deeply, unconsciously clutching Mo Xiuyao’s robes.
Early the next morning, while Ye Li was practicing martial arts in the training ground, Butler Mo hurriedly came to report that the Northern Rong prince sought an audience. Ye Li knew that one month was quite rushed – not only did they need to select suitable marriage candidates, but more importantly, they needed to teach court etiquette and protocols to the chosen bride. These things couldn’t be accomplished overnight. Since Da Chu’s founding, they had rarely sent princesses to foreign lands for political marriages. Even when they did, preparations typically took nearly a year. This time, Mo Jingqi had suddenly agreed to the Northern Rong marriage alliance, with both sides setting such loose conditions it seemed almost frivolous. Though no one took this marriage alliance seriously, they still needed to maintain appearances.
“Is His Highness here?” Ye Li asked, sheathing her sword with a backward thrust.
Butler Mo replied, “Young Master Feng Three came early this morning to see His Highness. His Highness has gone out.”
Ye Li nodded, “Please escort Prince Yelü to the main hall, and bring the registry of noble ladies in the capital that we compiled a few days ago.”
“Princess Consort, your mansion’s gates are truly difficult to enter.” Before Butler Mo could respond, Yelü Ye’s laughter carried over from afar. Outside the moon-shaped gate, Yelü Ye squinted at the Prince Ding mansion guards blocking his way, maintaining a calm expression while privately lamenting his inability to force his way in. The mansion truly deserved its reputation for thwarting countless assassins and spies. Its security was easily ten times stricter than the imperial palace. Looking at the expressionless guards before him, Yelü Ye didn’t attempt to force entry – these men would never let him pass, and he couldn’t break through their formation quickly. Besides… angering a beautiful woman would be counterproductive.
“Stand down.” Ye Li appeared behind the guards with Butler Mo, speaking softly. The guards silently obeyed and withdrew. Yelü Ye raised his eyebrows as he studied the woman before him. Unlike previous encounters, this time Ye Li wore a simple white training outfit with a jade-green sash at her waist. Her black hair was casually tied up without any ornaments, yet her natural beauty shone through, revealing extraordinary grace.
Yelü Ye smiled, “Have I disturbed the Princess Consort?”
Ye Li gave him an ambiguous smile, “If the prince truly worried about disturbing us, why attempt to force your way in?”
Yelü Ye smiled innocently, “I merely wished to admire Prince Ding’s mansion’s beautiful scenery. Who knew security would be so strict?”
Ye Li saw no need to argue with such sophistry, simply smiling faintly, “Please join me for tea in the front hall, Prince. I must excuse myself first.”
“Wait.” Yelü Ye stepped forward, but Butler Mo simultaneously moved to block his path, smiling mildly, “Please mind your manners, Prince.” Yelü Ye laughed heartily, “Was the Princess Consort practicing martial arts? I’m quite curious about Central Plains martial arts. Might I have the honor of exchanging pointers with the Princess Consort?” Butler Mo replied, “Prince Ding’s mansion has many skilled fighters. If the prince wishes to spar, I can select several to accompany you. Even this old servant could provide some entertainment.”
Yelü Ye smiled at Ye Li, “This prince naturally knows Prince Ding’s mansion has many experts. However… I wish to experience the Princess Consort’s skills personally.”
Ye Li replied coolly, “I thought we crossed hands last night. Besides… isn’t the prince’s martial arts learned from our Central Plains? If so, what is there to be curious about?”
Yelü Ye started – his martial arts indeed came from the Central Plains, but in their few meetings he had carefully avoided using Central Plains techniques. Yet apparently he hadn’t escaped her notice. “The Princess Consort has keen eyes. Last night’s brief exchange left me wanting more. Might I have the honor of a proper match today?” Ye Li lowered her eyes and turned, “If you insist, Prince Yelü, please follow me.” With that, she led the way inside. Watching her retreating figure, Yelü Ye raised an eyebrow and followed with pleasure.
Entering the training ground behind the walls left Yelü Ye somewhat disappointed – this restricted area deep in Prince Ding’s mansion looked no different from other training grounds. But on second thought, it made sense. Mo Xiuyao had been disabled for seven or eight years and had no use for a training ground. Besides, even if Prince Ding’s mansion had secrets, they wouldn’t be openly displayed in a place that could potentially be breached, though no one had ever successfully done so.
What he didn’t know was that just half a month ago, this place had looked entirely different. Ye Li had removed the simplified versions after finding better alternatives, and regular training didn’t require such equipment anyway.
Ye Li walked to the center of the training ground and turned to face Yelü Ye, saying calmly, “Please begin, Prince Yelü.”
Yelü Ye couldn’t help but frown, realizing now that this Princess Consort wasn’t as easy to handle as he’d imagined. He didn’t believe she couldn’t see through his pretense of wanting to spar, yet she deliberately played along, seriously walking to the training ground to await his move. She even maintained a host’s courtesy, appearing ready to let him have the first few moves as proper etiquette demanded. This left Yelü Ye both amused and exasperated – having to be given handicaps by a woman in combat would make him a laughingstock if word reached Northern Rong, especially to his crown prince brother. As the seventh prince of Northern Rong, noble and handsome, even their bold and forthright Northern Rong women blushed shyly before him. Yet this woman showed no reaction to his deliberate flirtations. When a woman can remain completely composed even when an extraordinary man deliberately shows interest, it means she’s truly formidable.
Walking to the training ground, Yelü Ye smiled, “Won’t the Princess Consort take up a weapon? You practice the sword, correct?”
Ye Li replied indifferently, “As the prince says, I am still learning the sword. How dare I embarrass myself with such amateur skills?”
Yelü Ye nodded, “I also found the Princess Consort quite skilled with short weapons.” More than just skilled – remembering last night’s unexpected two strikes still made his heart cold. “Please, Princess Consort.”
“Please,” Ye Li responded.