Joy permeated the entire city of Ruyang, and for good reason – the Princess Consort of Prince Ding had returned safely after being missing for more than half a year. Not only had she returned unharmed, but the little heir she carried, now over seven months along, was also safe and sound in her womb. The entire city of Ruyang was as festive as if celebrating a holiday. Everyone knew how the Princess Consort, despite being a woman, had led an army of 200,000 troops against the Garrison Prince of Xiling, nearly decimating his forces. Now that both the Princess Consort and the little heir had returned safely, wasn’t this truly heaven’s blessing upon Prince Ding?

In such chaotic times, common people rarely had the leisure to concern themselves with classical rituals and teachings of sages. They simply gave their loyalty and support to whoever provided them peace and stability. At a time when the Great Chu was engulfed in warfare, the northwest, which had been the first to suffer from the conflicts, had ironically become a haven of peace. Much of this was due to the Princess Consort’s efforts. Thus, her return naturally filled people with joy and increased their confidence in the northwest’s future.

While celebration filled the streets, the Governor’s mansion in the city remained quiet. Though everyone’s faces showed joy, it was not yet time for festivities.

In the bedroom, Ye Li sat beside the bed, watching the pale-faced man who had fallen into unconsciousness. Her heart twisted with pain and sourness. Shen Yang carefully removed the silver needles from Mo Xiuyao’s body and stepped aside to clean his hands. Ye Li asked worriedly, “Master Shen, how is Xiuyao?” The afternoon’s events had truly frightened her when Mo Xiuyao, who had been fine moments before, suddenly collapsed with signs of bleeding from seven apertures.

Shen Yang looked at Ye Li reassuringly, “Princess Consort need not worry, the Prince is stable for now.”

“It’s all my fault for forgetting what day it was. How could the Prince…” Having spent several months in the deep mountains and those timeless days in the imperial tomb, Ye Li had momentarily lost track of time, not realizing today was the full moon. Shen Yang explained, “The Prince had used meridian-blocking techniques to suppress the pain. However, the monthly agony during the full moon isn’t something that can be truly contained. By forcing it, he naturally suffered some internal injuries. Fortunately, we discovered it early, so there’s no serious harm.”

Ye Li frowned, “I’ve seen Xiuyao’s attacks before, but this time was different. Master Shen, please tell me truthfully if something else is wrong with Xiuyao.” Shen Yang sat down opposite her and said, “Please remain calm, Princess Consort. The Prince has indeed seemed calmer these past few months. It’s not because the poison’s effects have weakened, but rather it seems his pain tolerance has reached another level. Or perhaps… the Prince’s pain sensitivity has become somewhat dulled. Fortunately, from what I can see, the Prince has no other issues for now, which can be considered a blessing. Now that Princess Consort has returned safely, I can focus on researching the poison affecting the Prince.”

Too many people have suffered through difficult times these past few months, including Shen Yang. He couldn’t seclude himself to study medicine as usual, nor could he travel far to seek precious herbs or consult with medical experts. He had to monitor Mo Xiuyao’s condition constantly to prevent any accidents. But seeing Mo Xiuyao’s condition, even though Shen Yang had secretly adjusted his diet and supplements countless times, he was certain that even if the poison were cured, the Prince wouldn’t live past three years at this rate – he would exhaust himself to death. Now that the Princess Consort had returned, having her watch over the Prince would make things much easier.

Ye Li nodded, looking down at the sleeping man’s peaceful face, her eyes flashing with guilt and concern. “Thank you, Master Shen. You may go rest now; I’ll watch over the Prince.”

Shen Yang stood and bowed, “Princess Consort is also in a delicate condition and should get some rest. If anything happens, just have someone call for me.”

After Shen Yang left and dismissed the attending servants, Ye Li sat quietly by the bed, watching Mo Xiuyao’s pale, handsome face. Her hand gently traced the long scar on his left cheek as she sighed softly, “Xiuyao…”

In the morning, when Ye Li awoke, she found herself in a slightly warm embrace. She was startled and looked toward the couch nearby. Not wanting to disturb Mo Xiuyao, she had slept on a soft couch in the room, but somehow when she opened her eyes, she was in Mo Xiuyao’s arms. As soon as she moved, Mo Xiuyao opened his eyes as well. He didn’t speak, just silently gazed at Ye Li. She smiled gently, “Are you feeling better?” Mo Xiuyao’s eyes held a bright light as he nuzzled against her shoulder, pulling her closer into his embrace, “It hurts. Need to sleep more.” Ye Li raised her hand to gently brush away the hair from his face, her heart bitter with understanding: How could he possibly sleep when his entire body was in pain? Yet she didn’t contradict him, just nodded and said softly, “Alright, let’s sleep a bit more.”

“Sleep with me, Ali,” Mo Xiuyao said with closed eyes. Ye Li responded, “Sleep then.”

However, others weren’t willing to let them indulge in their lazy morning. Soon, there was a commotion outside the courtyard, and Ye Li could faintly hear Han Mingshi and others’ voices. When they had returned last night, it was already dark, and because Mo Xiuyao had been unconscious, they had only summoned Shen Yang for treatment and hadn’t seen anyone else, so it was no wonder Han Mingshi and the others came making noise early in the morning. Sitting up somewhat helplessly, Ye Li hadn’t said anything when Mo Xiuyao suddenly sat up as well, though his face was so dark it was rather frightening. Without calling for serving maids, the two unhurriedly got ready. By the time they went out, things outside had become quite lively. However, the guards were doing their duty well, blocking anyone from entering no matter how anxious they were.

Looking at Han Mingshi standing at the courtyard gate with an angry expression, Ye Li smiled faintly, “Mingshi, I’ve been hearing your voice since early morning, what’s all this commotion about?”

Suddenly hearing Ye Li’s voice, Han Mingshi started and quickly turned around. Seeing the smiling woman in cyan robes standing at the door, his face lit up with wild joy, “Jun Wei!” At that moment, forgetting everything else, Han Mingshi leaped toward Ye Li. However, though Han Mingshi’s lightness skill was considered exceptional, someone was faster. Mo Xiuyao, standing beside Ye Li, gave Han Mingshi no chance to approach, blocking Ye Li behind him and mercilessly striking out a palm toward the approaching Han Mingshi. Han Mingshi was startled and had to flip in mid-air, retreating more than ten steps to avoid the strike. “Mo Xiuyao, you madman, what are you doing?!”

The others couldn’t help but secretly worry for Han Mingshi, as they could see how terrifying the man’s expression was. Mo Xiuyao said nothing, moving forward to strike several more palm attacks at Han Mingshi. With his mediocre martial arts, Han Mingshi was no match for him. He could only frantically dodge around, fortunate that his lightness skill truly lived up to its reputation as one of the best in the jianghu, or else with Mo Xiuyao’s palm force and viciousness, the consequences would have been hard to predict.

“Xiuyao, what are you doing?” Ye Li sighed helplessly. Was this morning grumpiness? She had never noticed Mo Xiuyao attacking without a word like this before. Mo Xiuyao’s body paused for a moment, raising his eyes to glance at Han Mingshi who dared not come down from the treetop, and said coldly, “Han Mingshi, this prince warned you to watch your life!” Han Mingshi’s heart jumped in shock. Others standing behind Mo Xiuyao couldn’t see, but he saw clearly. The look in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes as he stared at him had contained genuine killing intent. Just now, Mo Xiuyao wasn’t just venting his anger but truly wanted to kill him.

“Enough.” Ye Li walked leisurely to Mo Xiuyao’s side and took his hand, holding it tightly. In her previous life she had been a sniper, most sensitive to environment and atmosphere, how could she not detect the killing intent in Mo Xiuyao’s words? She patted Mo Xiuyao’s hand soothingly and feeling him relax somewhat, she looked up at Han Mingshi with a smile, “Mingshi, it’s been a long time. What’s all this commotion so early in the morning?” Han Mingshi rubbed his head and smiled bitterly, “Sorry, we heard yesterday that the Princess Consort had returned, but it was so late…”

Ye Li nodded apologetically, “The Prince and I were late, keeping everyone waiting.” Only then did the others present come to their senses, bowing in unison, “We pay our respects to the Prince and Princess Consort.”

Although the court had issued an edict stripping Mo Xiuyao of his title, in Ruyang City, throughout the entire northwest, people seemed to unanimously ignore that edict. They continued to address Mo Xiuyao as Prince and Ye Li as Princess Consort. Mo Xiuyao had no objection to this – if they didn’t use ‘Prince’ they would have to think of another form of address, which would be troublesome, and he was used to being called Prince. It also told Mo Jingqi that Mo Xiuyao didn’t need anyone’s conferment to be a prince. Mo Xiuyao stared at his subordinates with a gloomy expression, making everyone’s hearts pound. Since the Princess Consort’s incident, the Prince’s temperament had become particularly unpredictable. Though he remained as brilliant as ever in important matters, his personality was no longer as approachable as before. Seeing his expression, everyone carefully considered and understood where the problem lay. The Prince and Princess Consort had reunited after a long separation, naturally wanting to spend time alone together, and they had come early in the morning disturbing their sweet moments – how could the Prince be happy? Half of them shot reproachful glances at Han Mingshi, who had just come down from the tree, while the other half looked pleadingly at Ye Li standing beside Mo Xiuyao.

Ye Li pressed her lips into a smile, quietly tugging at Mo Xiuyao’s hand. Mo Xiuyao let out a light snort, “Dismissed. You may all rise.”

“Thank you, Prince and Princess Consort.” Everyone felt as if granted amnesty, hurriedly rising and expressing their gratitude.

After the formalities, those without urgent business quickly took their leave. None of them were fools – if the Prince didn’t want to see them, they naturally had to be sensible and make themselves scarce. Mo Xiuyao looked at the few who remained with an unfriendly expression, saying in a deep voice, “What business do you have?” Feng Zhiyao, who stood at the front, helplessly rubbed his nose – they did have matters to discuss. He stepped forward and said, “Reporting to the Prince, news of the Princess Consort’s safe return has already spread. The imperial court will likely send word soon. We need to quickly devise a response strategy. Additionally, officials report that the city’s residents wish to hold a lantern festival to pray for blessings for the Princess Consort and the little heir in celebration of their return. Would the Prince and Princess Consort be willing to attend?” At the mention of the imperial court, Mo Xiuyao’s expression grew even darker, and he snorted, “Mo Jingqi won’t move that quickly. Ignore it for now. If anyone is sent here, drive them out directly!”

Feng Zhiyao shrugged helplessly, having nothing more to say. Qin Feng stepped forward, “Reporting to the Prince and Princess Consort, how should we handle the two people brought back yesterday?”

At the mention of Tan Jizhi, Ye Li quickly asked, “Have you found any news of the Doctor Lin I asked you to look for yesterday?” Qin Feng nodded, “Doctor Lin was slightly injured and was taken along a different route by Tan Jizhi’s men, presumably intending to take him back to the capital. He arrived in Ruyang City this morning. Would the Princess Consort like to see him now?” Ye Li thought for a moment and shook her head, “Have someone take good care of Doctor Lin. He’s had a tiring journey – let him rest first before we discuss anything else.” Qin Feng nodded, indicating he would arrange everything properly. Glancing at Mo Xiuyao standing to the side, he continued, “Tan Jizhi wishes to see the Prince and Princess Consort.”

Ye Li naturally remembered why she had spared Tan Jizhi’s life yesterday. She looked up at Mo Xiuyao, clearly seeing his displeasure. She gave him a reassuring smile and told Qin Feng, “The Prince and I will see him later together.”

Mo Xiuyao kept one arm around Ye Li while his gaze swept coldly over everyone’s faces, “Finished?”

Zhuo Jing and Leng Haoyu, who still had things to say, wisely swallowed their words. The Prince’s look was threatening – since their matters weren’t desperately urgent and the Prince didn’t want to hear them, they might as well stay quiet. They had only come early this morning to confirm that the Princess Consort had truly returned safely. These past few months had been truly unbearable; they never wanted to face such a Prince again.

Watching everyone take their leave, Ye Li sighed softly. She understood Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts, but given their position, how could they truly abandon everything and care for nothing else? Taking Mo Xiuyao’s hand and walking back toward the small courtyard, Ye Li said with a gentle laugh, “Let’s have breakfast and rest a while more. This afternoon, will you play the zither for me?” The gloom in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes gradually dispersed, replaced by warmth and doting as he looked at Ye Li, “Alright.”

Holding his arm, Ye Li smiled softly. There would still be many matters to deal with in the future, but surely it wouldn’t hurt to indulge a little right after returning.

In the afternoon, a hint of coolness settled beneath the large tree in the Governor’s mansion’s back courtyard. Ye Li reclined comfortably against a lounging chair, leisurely reading through scrolls, while Mo Xiuyao sat lazily beside her, leaning against the chair with his head near her, resting with closed eyes. If not for Ye Li’s current pregnancy, he would likely have been lying with his head directly in her lap. Ye Li didn’t mind, holding the scroll with one hand while the other rested on his back, occasionally patting him gently.

When Feng Zhiyao walked in, he witnessed this intimate and peaceful scene. Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s tranquil sleeping face, he suddenly regretted disturbing their peace. But the matter at hand couldn’t wait. Ye Li noticed his hesitation at the doorway and smiled faintly, nodding to him, “Feng San, come speak.” Only then did Feng Zhiyao step forward. He cautiously glanced at Mo Xiuyao leaning against Ye Li, and just when Feng Zhiyao thought he would say something or move to drive him out, Mo Xiuyao simply closed his eyes again after a brief look.

“Feng San, what urgent matter brings you?” Seeing Feng Zhiyao’s shocked expression, Ye Li smiled sweetly as she set down her scroll and picked up a fan from beside her to gently fan Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao seemed quite pleased with this, nuzzling slightly against her leg and relaxing even more.

Feng Zhiyao glanced at Mo Xiuyao, who had his eyes closed and might or might not be asleep, and said in a low voice, “Reporting to the Princess Consort, someone has arrived from the imperial court.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, “What a coincidence?” She had only returned yesterday, and Mo Jingqi’s people arrived today – this seemed too coincidental. Feng Zhiyao nodded, “Indeed quite coincidental, but after investigating, we believe it’s unrelated to the Princess Consort’s return – they only just passed through Feihong Gate yesterday. However, it likely has something to do with the person we captured yesterday.”

“Tan Jizhi?” Ye Li frowned in thought, “Tan Jizhi is quite bold, thinking Mo Jingqi would come to save him? Isn’t he afraid that if his identity is exposed, Mo Jingqi would be the first to want him dead?” Feng Zhiyao smiled, “He probably never expected us to know his identity. We suspect his connection to Mo Jingqi’s people is merely a backup plan. After all, the northwest is in our hands now, and no matter how careful he was, there was always a chance of falling into our grasp. If we didn’t know about his other identity and his connection to the Princess Consort and had simply captured Tan Jizhi, we might indeed have handed him over to Mo Jingqi.”

Ye Li nodded, “So this means… Mo Jingqi knows what Tan Jizhi came to the northwest to do. At least, it’s something beneficial to him.”

Feng Zhiyao raised his eyebrows and smiled, “Could Tan Jizhi have told Mo Jingqi about the previous dynasty’s Imperial Tomb being in the northwest? Mo Jingqi wants the treasures within.” It was said that the mysterious Imperial Tomb of the previous dynasty’s founding emperor contained the most abundant and mysterious burial goods of all royal tombs. Even Feng Zhiyao hadn’t imagined that the tomb, missing since the beginning, would be in the northwest. Ye Li’s fanning motion stopped, “How would he explain knowing the tomb’s secrets?”

“That’s something we’ll have to ask Tan Jizhi,” Feng Zhiyao smiled.

Ye Li thought for a moment, “Tell Tan Jizhi I want the Biluo Flower and the antidote for the poison in the Prince’s body. Also…” Ye Li frowned, saying, “Tell Qin Feng to interrogate Su Zuidie again. She must know some other important matters. Tan Jizhi’s identity alone isn’t enough to make her hold out for so long without confessing. Focus particularly on… how she and Tan Jizhi came to know each other!”

“As you command. And… regarding the people sent by Mo Jingqi?” Feng Zhiyao asked.

Ye Li lowered her gaze, saying coolly, “Let them wait for now until the Prince has time.”

Hearing this, Feng Zhiyao’s mouth twitched as he looked at Mo Xiuyao sleeping peacefully in the chair. Was the Prince free? A workaholic Prince was troublesome, but a suddenly lazy Prince was even worse. Thinking of the documents and files already piled high in the study after just two days, Feng Zhiyao felt his vision darken. He could only hope the Prince’s current state wouldn’t last too long.

“I take my leave.”