In the following days, Ye Li personally went to the valley below Black Cloud Mountain cliff every day to instruct the people she had selected. Qin Feng, who had been learning alongside her, benefited immensely and grew increasingly impressed by Ye Li’s abilities. He couldn’t understand how Wang Fei, merely a young woman in her teens, could know so many things that none of them had even heard of before. Though Qin Feng prided himself on his intelligence, he had to admit that to master everything the Wang Fei was teaching would take him at least ten to twenty years.
For these soldiers specially selected to be trained as spies, Ye Li paid equal attention to their psychological state and thought processes. While teaching, she would deliberately include modified stories of legendary special agents from her previous life. Though she didn’t provide specific names, these stories helped the intelligent soldiers understand the importance of their future missions and that being a spy… an intelligence agent wasn’t as dishonorable as they might have thought. Sometimes it could even determine the outcome of an entire war. Any slight regret or dissatisfaction they might have initially harbored was buried beneath the various novel knowledge and skills Ye Li brought them.
“Wang Fei, have you made plans for this batch of people?” Following Ye Li and watching her write rapidly, Qin Feng asked curiously.
Ye Li looked up at him and said, “They’re just an experiment. I’m not certain what kind of results they’ll achieve. Training one qualified spy is more difficult than training a hundred elite soldiers and requires much more time. Besides, I’m not very familiar with this field.”
Qin Feng smiled, “This subordinate can’t see any sign of Wang Fei being unfamiliar. These past few days, listening to Wang Fei’s teachings has been eye-opening. Many concepts were things I had never even considered before. I truly don’t understand how Wang Fei thought of them.”
Ye Li gave him a meaningful smile and asked, “Do you want to know?”
Qin Feng started, involuntarily shrinking his neck while shaking his head repeatedly, “This subordinate was just joking.” The Xu family had been scholars for generations, producing famous scholars throughout the ages, so what was strange about producing a genius like Wang Fei? Looking at the thick pile of documents on the table, Qin Feng frowned and said, “Wang Fei, if you want to train spies, why only select men and not women? After all, women would be less likely to arouse suspicion.”
Ye Li gave him an exasperated look and said, “You think I haven’t considered that? Where can we find suitable women so easily? Women are different from men. For men, it doesn’t matter if their looks and talents are mediocre – it makes them less suspicious. But women, absolutely need outstanding talent, beauty, and social skills. Otherwise, they wouldn’t even be able to get close to the enemy, let alone anything else.”
Qin Feng nodded, “Wang Fei speaks truly.”
Ye Li continued, “You’ll probably be in charge of this area in the future. Keep an eye out for suitable candidates. As for those few, I’ll be returning to the capital in a couple of days. These are all the things they still need to learn – take a look yourself. When they finish these, I’ll arrange for others to instruct them in different subjects. I have two admission slots for the Lishan Academy. After their training is complete, choose two to send there.”
Qin Feng was startled – Lishan Academy was a place many noble families of Da Chu couldn’t even get their children into. These soldiers were from humble backgrounds in the army… whatever Wang Fei’s plans were, being able to study at Lishan Academy was an enormous favor to them. “Thank you, Wang Fei.”
Ye Li waved her hand, “No need for thanks. Try to choose younger ones. Also, it’s useless if they can’t pass the academy’s entrance examination themselves.”
Qin Feng smiled, “These few all have some education in their backgrounds, different from the rough soldiers in the army. Knowing of Wang Fei’s great kindness, they would study to death to pass the exam.”
Ye Li nodded in satisfaction and was about to give some other instructions when a sharp cry came from outside, “Ye Li, get out here for this Princess!”
Qin Feng frowned in displeasure, “Who dares to cause trouble at the Great Princess’s villa?”
Hearing that sharp voice, Ye Li knew immediately who had come. She smiled faintly and said, “It’s taken her quite a few days to come make trouble. Though now everyone probably indulges her, let her make a scene if she wants. Give orders to guide her here without disturbing Imperial Aunt’s rest.”
“Is it Princess Ronghua?”
“It’s Princess Ronghua,” Ye Li corrected. Though she didn’t live in the capital, reports of capital affairs were delivered to her desk daily. The Emperor had elevated Ronghua from County Princess to Princess for a political marriage with Northern Rong. These days, Princess Zhaoren’s mansion had been in complete chaos. Princess Ronghua had initially thought her mother and aunt could support her, but after discovering her mother was powerless, she began throwing tantrums and even went on a hunger strike, causing Princess Zhaoren’s hair to nearly turn white with worry. But no matter how much Princess Ronghua acted up, how could she defy the Emperor’s decree? She was still forced to learn palace etiquette daily under the supervision of palace ladies-in-waiting. Being of royal blood herself, though the requirements weren’t as strict as for palace princesses, Princess Ronghua was already quite proper in terms of etiquette and hadn’t suffered much. It was unclear why she had come here to make trouble today.
Hearing the commotion outside, Ye Li put down her brush and walked out. As soon as she stepped out, she saw Princess Ronghua approaching with her entourage. Upon seeing Ye Li emerge, the Princess’s eyes filled with hatred and fury, “Ye Li, you worthless woman, I’ll kill you!” Seeing Ye Li, Princess Ronghua lunged at her as if facing a mortal enemy from several lifetimes. Ye Li frowned slightly as Qin Feng stepped forward to block Princess Ronghua two steps away from Ye Li, saying calmly, “Princess, please show restraint.”
The title “Princess” instantly twisted Princess Ronghua’s pretty face with rage. She berated him, “Shut up! Since when does a mere servant dare to lecture this County Princess?”
Qin Feng raised an eyebrow coolly and said, “My apologies, Princess, but I am a subordinate of Prince Dingguo’s mansion, not your servant.”
“You… you…” Princess Ronghua, used to being overbearing, was already burning with anger and hadn’t expected servants from Prince Dingguo’s mansion to dare be so disrespectful to her. She was so angry she couldn’t speak for a long while. The servants behind her finally came to their senses and hurried forward to pacify her. Princess Ronghua, irritated by the clamoring voices around her, turned and gave one of her people a harsh slap, shouting, “All of you shut up for this Princess!” The courtyard immediately fell silent, as Princess Ronghua’s people quickly fell quiet, not daring to anger their master further.
Ye Li waved to Qin Feng, “Qin Feng, you may go attend to your duties.”
Qin Feng frowned in disapproval, “Wang Fei, this doesn’t seem appropriate…”
Ye Li smiled faintly, “Don’t worry, Princess Ronghua won’t do anything to me.” Though he was concerned about the seemingly crazy Princess Ronghua, Qin Feng chose to trust Wang Fei. After all, this was the Great Princess’s villa – even if Princess Ronghua wanted to do something, it wouldn’t be easy. As for physical confrontation, Qin Feng himself wasn’t confident he could beat the Wang Fei – ten Princess Ronghuas wouldn’t be enough for the Wang Fei to handle.
After Qin Feng withdrew, Ye Li turned back to Princess Ronghua with a smile, “Princess, please come inside.”
Princess Ronghua was thrown off balance by her friendly attitude and stared at her warily, “What tricks are you planning?”
Ye Li smiled faintly, “You need not worry, I won’t use any tricks on you. Why would I bother using tricks on a princess being sent for a political marriage?”
“You!” Princess Ronghua’s face reddened with anger. Ye Li smiled, “Princess, shall we sit down inside to talk?”
Eventually, Princess Ronghua obediently entered the flower hall and sat down, though her almond eyes still glared daggers at Ye Li. After taking a sip of tea, Ye Li asked, “Why has the Princess come to make trouble today? Just to vent your anger? If so, I won’t fight back – you can shout if you want to shout, break things if you want to break things, whatever makes you happy. But… what’s the point? Can it change the current situation? Moreover, does the Princess think your political marriage to Northern Rong is because of me?”
Princess Ronghua was stunned, but quickly puffed up her pretty face righteously and said, “Of course it’s because of you! Who asked you to add this County Princess to the list? Do you dare say you weren’t seeking private revenge?”
Ye Li raised an eyebrow, “Private revenge? You can think that if you wish, but the order came from the Emperor – I merely selected who I thought were the most suitable candidates. In the end, it wasn’t me who chose you, Princess.”
Princess Ronghua raged, “Why didn’t you cross my name off?”
Ye Li looked at her with slight amusement and asked in return, “Why should I have crossed your name off?” Were they close? Did they have a good relationship?
“This County Princess doesn’t want to go for a political marriage. Those Northern Rong barbarians are so crude, so ugly…”
Seeing the fear and vulnerability finally showing through Princess Ronghua’s proud face, Ye Li sighed inwardly, “Who would want to go for political marriage?”
Princess Ronghua was stunned into silence. Indeed, Northern Rong wasn’t a good place – which daughter from a noble family would willingly go there for political marriage? Ye Li had no friendship with her and even some friction between them, so why should she help by crossing off her name?
Looking at Princess Ronghua biting her lip stubbornly to hold back tears, Ye Li shook her head slightly. Though she didn’t like Princess Ronghua, she didn’t particularly dislike her either. Princess Ronghua was indeed spoiled and arrogant, but she was also straightforward – at least better to deal with than those women whose hearts and minds were full of schemes and calculations. “How did the Princess come out of the city today? Surely not just to beat me up to vent your anger?”
“Would you let me beat you?” Princess Ronghua asked.
Ye Li shook her head with a smile, the porcelain cup in her hand shattering as she said calmly, “You couldn’t beat me.”
“You!” Princess Ronghua glared at her angrily, feeling this woman was making a fool of her. Ye Li looked at her calmly and said, “The political marriage cannot be changed. Instead of wasting time being angry with me, wouldn’t it be better for the Princess to think about what to do in the future?”
A flash of sorrow and helplessness crossed Princess Ronghua’s eyes as she snorted softly, “What else is there to do? Just wait to be forced onto the marriage carriage to Northern Rong. When Northern Rong and Da Chu eventually turn against each other, I’ll either be thrown into the cold palace or used as a sacrifice.” Despite her spoiled and willful nature, she was born into the royal family and understood many of these power dynamics – she just hadn’t needed to think about them before.
Ye Li’s eyes flickered as she placed the broken teacup back on the table and said, “Once you go to Northern Rong, you’ll be their Crown Princess. As long as Northern Rong and Da Chu haven’t officially broken ties, no one will dare to harm you openly. If the Princess is clever enough and manages to survive well in Northern Rong, there might even be a chance to return to Da Chu someday.”
Princess Ronghua naturally didn’t believe this and snorted coldly, “Return to Da Chu? You make it sound so easy. When that time comes, who will remember a mere political marriage princess?”
Ye Li frowned in thought, then took out an exquisite jade pendant, split it in half, and handed one piece to Princess Ronghua, “Princess, take this. If your life is ever in danger in the future, Prince Dingguo’s mansion can save you once. This is the token.”
“What do you want me to do?” Princess Ronghua wasn’t a fool – as Ye Li had said, they weren’t close enough for Ye Li to help her without reason.
Ye Li said, “Take up the responsibility of being both a political marriage princess and Northern Rong’s Crown Princess. Do your best to assist the Crown Prince of Northern Rong.”
“Me… assist the Northern Rong Crown Prince? Are you joking?” Princess Ronghua had some self-awareness about her abilities. She could manage to be an ordinary princess consort, but assisting a nation’s crown prince… wasn’t Ye Li overestimating her?
Ye Li said calmly, “Don’t worry, since I’ve said this, I’ll naturally help you. If you trust me, when someone comes to you with the other half of the jade pendant in the future, you can trust them completely. Also, when you arrive in Northern Rong, you can strategically reveal some information to the Crown Prince to make him believe you can help him. Otherwise… you might be killed as soon as you arrive. The Northern Rong Crown Prince definitely won’t be happy about taking a Crown Princess from Da Chu.”
Princess Ronghua looked at Ye Li with complex emotions. Though she was born into the royal family and even two or three years older than Ye Li, she had never thought about so many things. Was this the difference between the Prince Dingguo’s Wang Fei and an ordinary princess?
“If the Northern Rong Crown Prince knows I have connections with Prince Dingguo’s mansion, how would he trust me?” Princess Ronghua asked.
Ye Li smiled, “Find a way to let him know you can help him deal with Yelü Ye. When Xiuyao sends you to Northern Rong, I’ll ask him to communicate with their Crown Prince. Besides… what do you need the Northern Rong Crown Prince’s trust for? Do you think Northern Rong would accept a future empress from Da Chu? Though Northern Rong is considered barbaric, they value bloodlines more than other places. In hundreds of years, they’ve never had a foreign queen, and no Northern Rong king has had blood from outside their noble families. Of course, if you can truly attract Yelü Hong to change everything for you, I can also change my plans to support you.”
Thinking of the reportedly hideous Northern Rong people, Princess Ronghua wrinkled her nose in disgust. Although that Yelü Ye looked decent, he was just decent. Da Chu had thousands of more handsome men if not tens of thousands – who knew what Yelü Hong looked like? That previous Yelü Ping had looked as ugly as a pig.
Princess Ronghua took the jade pendant from Ye Li’s hand ungraciously, “This is just a fair trade, don’t expect this County Princess to thank you.”
Ye Li smiled slightly, “No need for thanks, but the Princess should know some things shouldn’t be known by too many people, right?”
“This County Princess isn’t stupid,” Princess Ronghua snorted coldly. She certainly wasn’t stupid – she knew Ye Li was using her, but historically, how many political marriage princesses had good fates, especially in a place like Northern Rong? Ye Li was using her but at least provided help for her survival. What had that high and mighty cousin in the palace done? Besides sending people to teach her etiquette she’d already learned, not even a word of advice. She was just treated like a disposable pawn. Since that was the case, they couldn’t blame her for helping Prince Dingguo’s mansion – she wanted to survive too.
Ye Li nodded, “There’s still plenty of time before departure. Princess would do well to spend these days visiting Princess Imperial Zhaoyang and the Empress.”
Princess Ronghua looked at her uncomprehendingly. Ye Li smiled, “They’re both clever people. If the Princess sincerely seeks their guidance, they’ll teach you many things. I don’t know what Princess Zhaoren has taught you, but after so many years, perhaps there’s no need to learn more from her?”
Princess Ronghua didn’t get angry at Ye Li’s blatant mockery of her mother. Instead, she thought seriously for a moment and said, “This County Princess understands. This Princess is leaving. Oh, by the way… if you have nothing else to do, you’d better return to the capital soon. Be careful your Prince Dingguo doesn’t get stolen away.”
With that, Princess Ronghua left with her usual proud bearing, leaving Ye Li alone in the flower hall, wondering whether those words were a joke or meant something specific.