Although Ye Ying had some familial relationship with Ye Li, Ye Li didn’t arrange for Mo Jingli’s group to stay in Prince Ding’s mansion, but instead arranged for them to stay in a separate courtyard specially allocated in Ruyang City. This place was specifically prepared to receive dignitaries or envoys from various countries. Though the Mo family army didn’t have particularly good relations with any country, war wasn’t something that could be started on a whim, and people couldn’t completely avoid interaction, could they? While this courtyard wasn’t as grand or separate as the various national embassies in the capital, it was still quite decent and large enough that even if people from Da Chu, Northern Rong, and Xiling all came, there would be no worry about accommodation.
Before Mo Jingli’s group could be settled, Steward Mo came to report again: “Your Highness, Your Grace, the Garrison South Prince of Xiling has arrived with his heir, the Crown Prince of Northern Rong has arrived with his princess and the Seventh Prince, and the Crown Princess of Nanzhao has also arrived!”
Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li exchanged glances – this time all four countries had arrived together, and they had all sent extremely important representatives. They had certainly given Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao faces, though this might also include intentions to probe Da Chu and the Mo family army. A cold light flashed in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes as he smiled, taking Ye Li’s hand, “It seems today we truly have distinguished guests filling our home. Ah Li, let’s go welcome them.” Ye Li smiled faintly and nodded, following Mo Xiuyao out.
Outside Prince Ding’s mansion’s main gate was a scene of bustling crowds. Whether by coincidence or design, the dignitaries from three countries had all arrived at Prince Ding’s gate at the same time, causing the entrance to be surrounded by their carriages, attendants, and guards. However, with the imposing Black Cloud Cavalry serving as guards outside the mansion, these people naturally couldn’t get any closer to the mansion. The mansion’s main gates opened from within, and Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li emerged hand in hand. In the sunlight, his snow-white hair gleamed with an icy luster, causing those who had just descended from their carriages to freeze in surprise. They were all among the most powerful in their respective countries and had naturally received news of Mo Xiuyao’s white hair long ago. But like Mo Jingli, seeing the white-haired man in person still couldn’t hide their surprise. What puzzled people was how the Prince had been fine when the Princess fell off the cliff and went missing, yet after the Princess returned, the Prince’s hair had turned white overnight.
“My apologies for the late welcome to our distinguished guests who have come from afar,” Mo Xiuyao said with a faint smile after sweeping his gaze over everyone.
“Not at all, we’re quite familiar with Prince Ding, there’s no need for such formality. This must be Princess Ding. Meeting you today truly lives up to your reputation.” A tall, striking young man in Northern Rong royal attire, with the characteristic rugged handsomeness of the Northern Rong people, cut an impressive figure. Standing beside him were Northern Rong’s Seventh Prince Yelü Ye and Princess Ronghua, now the Crown Princess of Northern Rong, whom they hadn’t seen for a long time.
Princess Ronghua nodded slightly to Ye Li with a faint smile. Her beautiful face had lost its former capital-bred delicacy and pale, elaborate makeup, replaced by a healthier, ruddier complexion – it seemed Princess Ronghua had been doing well in Northern Rong this past year. The man speaking was naturally Northern Rong’s Crown Prince Yelü Hong. Ye Li smiled faintly, “Crown Prince’s praise is too kind, I dare not accept such flattery. Since you’ve all come from afar, please enter the mansion for some tea before retiring to the guest residence to rest.”
Yelü Hong looked at Ye Li with some surprise and smiled, “Thank you, Princess.”
Princess Anxi stepped forward with a hearty laugh, “Princess Ding, it’s been a long time, how have you been?” Faced with Princess Anxi’s cheerful smile, Ye Li felt somewhat embarrassed – she had deceived Princess Anxi more than once while in Nanzhao, yet Princess Anxi could still speak to her so warmly now, surely owing much to Xu Qingchen’s influence. She nodded and smiled, “Sister Princess, I hope you’ve been well. As it happens, Big Brother is also in Ruyang, you could catch up with him.” As everyone knew, Prince Ding’s wife had no elder brothers, so who else could she call Big Brother? Ye Li wasn’t afraid to tell everyone about Xu Qingchen being in the northwest, as she had never intended to have the Xu family members hide. Since it would have to be revealed eventually, she might as well announce it openly now. Sure enough, hearing news of Xu Qingchen, Princess Anxi’s smile grew even more delighted as she said, “Then I thank you, Sister Princess.”
“Princess Ding, how have you been?” From Xiling’s side, Lei Tengfeng stepped forward to greet her. Speaking of which, although all countries had some reservations about the Mo family army, the most awkward situation was with Xiling – last year the two armies had fought a battle where Xiling lost several hundred thousand troops in the northwest. Of course, the incident of the Princess falling off a cliff on the Mo family army’s side was even more serious. So, even though both sides temporarily set aside their grudges to maintain appearances, there was still some discomfort in their hearts. Mo Xiuyao stepped forward with one hand around Ye Li’s slender waist, facing Lei Tengfeng with a smile, “Thank you for your concern, Young Master. Ah Li is blessed with great fortune and is doing very well.” Lei Tengfeng was quite helpless – it wasn’t him who had caused Princess Ding to fall off the cliff, right? But since it was his father, there wasn’t much difference. He gave a dry laugh and said, “The Princess indeed has the great fortune to turn misfortune into blessing.”
Ye Li gently patted Mo Xiuyao’s hand and smiled at everyone, “It’s discourteous of Prince Ding’s mansion to keep you all speaking at the gate, please come in.” Mo Xiuyao gave a light snort, glancing at the Garrison South Prince who stood to one side studying Ye Li, before stepping aside to invite everyone in. From behind came the Garrison South Prince’s calm voice, “After a year apart, Prince Ding’s martial arts seem even more profound. I wonder if you might spare some time for a friendly exchange?” Where others couldn’t see, Mo Xiuyao’s face split into a fierce grin as he turned slightly to say, “I’m at your service anytime.”
“Princess Ding, it’s been a long time, how have you been?” As if provoking Mo Xiuyao wasn’t enough, the Garrison South Prince turned his gaze to Ye Li, smiling as he asked. Ye Li nodded faintly, “Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am well. How is Your Highness’s wound… not serious, I hope?” Sensing Mo Xiuyao’s hand tightening around her waist, Ye Li could only inwardly curse why she hadn’t used more force back then to take his life directly.
The Garrison South Prince seemed to also recall the wound Ye Li had given him, smiling somewhat regretfully, “The Princess’s gift is truly unforgettable for me.”
Ye Li’s eyes darkened as she said calmly, “Is that so? I also find it hard to forget how I unfortunately missed my target that time.”
The Garrison South Prince smiled, “Then I must thank the Princess for showing mercy.”
After finally settling the group of guests, when Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li returned to the study, only Xu Qingchen remained. Seeing them enter, he looked up with a smile, “You’re back?” Ye Li smiled, “Big Brother is still busy? Not going to see your good friend?” Xu Qingchen raised his eyebrows, “Anxi is here?” Ye Li nodded, “It seems Nanzhao couldn’t send any other envoy of significance besides Princess Anxi now. Won’t you go see her? Princess Anxi looked quite disappointed when she left earlier.” Xu Qingchen glanced at her calmly, saying, “I’ll pay my respects to Princess Anxi in due time, why rush?” Ye Li was helpless – her Big Brother’s immortal-like demeanor, seemingly untouchable by mortal concerns, was truly frustrating. A butterfly among flowers, untouched by a single petal? No, he wouldn’t even enter the flower garden, just maintaining that perfect distance – neither too far nor too close, neither too heavy nor too light. Making people feel he was very close and gentle, seemingly within reach, yet when truly approached, he seemed as distant as the ninth heaven, visible but unreachable. Even her aunt secretly worried whether Big Brother might one day see through the mortal world and leave to pursue immortality. It wasn’t that Ye Li particularly wanted to match her Big Brother with Princess Anxi, but over the years, Princess Anxi seemed to be the only woman who could get close to Big Brother.
“Xiling’s Garrison South Prince and his heir, Northern Rong’s Crown Prince, and Seventh Prince, Nanzhao’s Crown Princess, and Da Chu’s Prince Li…” After hearing Ye Li mention who had come this time, Xu Qingchen thoughtfully said, “Even for the so-called Imperial Seal, the representatives seem too significant.” These people were almost all the most important figures in their respective countries, and the Garrison South Prince was even more important than Xiling’s emperor. Having all these people gather in Ruyang if it was just for the Imperial Seal, it seemed like making too much of a small matter. Ye Li smiled, “Big Brother, like Xiuyao, doesn’t place much importance on the Imperial Seal, but others might not think the same way.” It was said that whoever obtained the Imperial Seal would obtain the world. Ye Li felt that this had always been a contrary statement – it should be that whoever obtained the world could obtain the seal. Whether it was the ancient First Emperor or the more recent founding emperor of the previous dynasty, who hadn’t obtained the Imperial Seal only after nearly securing the empire? If you had nothing else and the Imperial Seal fell from the sky into your arms, you’d still only be cannon fodder for others.
“Ah Li speaks correctly. Having the Imperial Seal gives one the so-called Mandate of Heaven. Moreover, it’s said that in the previous dynasty’s emperor’s treasure, there are also military strategy manuals and treasures left from the founding of the dynasty,” Mo Xiuyao said with a calm smile. In those people’s eyes, what was most valuable probably wasn’t the treasure, but the founder’s military strategies. After all, who at that time dared to compare with the Mo family army in terms of military strategy? Originally there was the so-called War God of Xiling, the Garrison South Prince, but since the Garrison South Prince was defeated single-handedly by Princess Ding, the Mo family army had become seen as the Garrison South Prince’s nemesis in the eyes of Xiling’s soldiers. The Garrison South Prince had been undefeated in his life, yet was repeatedly defeated by the Mo family army. Losing to Mo Liufang was still acceptable, given the Prince Ding mansion’s heritage and Mo Liufang being a rare genius, but losing again to Princess Ding was inexcusable. When even a teenage girl from a scholarly family could defeat the battle-hardened Garrison South Prince, what else could it be but a natural nemesis?
Speaking of the Imperial Seal matter, Ye Li frowned and asked, “Will Tan Jizhi come to the northwest this time?”
Mo Xiuyao nodded, “Shu Manlin is still in Ruyang. Unless Tan Jizhi doesn’t want her anymore, he will come.”
“Shu Manlin?” Xu Qingchen raised his eyebrows and smiled – he hadn’t known when the Holy Maiden of the Southern Frontier had come to the northwest. Ye Li smiled, “I forgot to tell Big Brother. Speaking of which, Big Brother and the Holy Maiden are old acquaintances. She even mentioned Big Brother to me before. Would you like to meet her sometime?” Xu Qingchen helplessly reached out to ruffle Ye Li’s hair, ignoring Mo Xiuyao’s displeased look, and smiled, “No need. I’m sure she wouldn’t want others to know she’s here either.” The Holy Maiden of the Southern Frontier wasn’t supposed to leave the Nanzhao royal city. If the Southern Frontier people found out, Shu Manlin’s position as Holy Maiden would be finished.
In Ruyang City, people rushing in from all directions to join the celebrations transformed this previously unremarkable northwestern city into a bustling hub of activity. Street vendors from other regions appeared, selling various goods from the interior, Xiling, Northern Rong, and Nanzhao to passing pedestrians. All the inns, restaurants, and teahouses in the city were filled. Those entering the city daily weren’t just court envoys, but also traveling merchants, jianghu warriors, and even wandering travelers. The entire Ruyang City displayed unprecedented prosperity and liveliness.
Ningxiang Pavilion was a newly opened entertainment house in Ruyang City, but in less than two months, it had risen to become the northwest’s premier establishment. However, Ningxiang Pavilion was completely different from ordinary brothels – its ladies only performed arts and didn’t sell their bodies. It was more of a restaurant than an entertainment house. Here, one could find not only the most beautiful women but also the finest wines and most delicious dishes. Guests could ask the ladies to perform songs and dances, but couldn’t request them as drinking companions, let alone any other services. Therefore, Ningxiang Pavilion welcomed both male and female guests.
Yet people naturally possess a peculiar nature – the more something is forbidden, the more desirable it becomes. After all, between enjoying music, wine, and beautiful company at a brothel versus drinking tea and wine at Ningxiang Pavilion, the latter was considered more refined. Moreover, Ningxiang Pavilion’s beauties were genuinely beautiful, without the heavy makeup and affected mannerisms of brothel girls. The lovely women wore light makeup and identical uniforms as they… carried trays in Ningxiang Pavilion. As for those performing music, chess, calligraphy, poetry, song, and dance – they were the most beautiful among beauties. Not only in this beauty-scarce northwestern region but even scholars and poets from the beauty-rich Jiangnan region would become enchanted here.
Ye Li sat in a private room on Ningxiang Pavilion’s second floor, leaning against the window to look outside. It was already night, but the entire Ruyang City was brilliantly lit, as bright as day. Right across from Ningxiang Pavilion stood a high platform where some kind of martial challenge seemed to be taking place. The crowds below surged even more vibrantly than during daytime.
“It’s so late, why has the Princess come out?” Yaoji, wearing a red silk dress, had recovered seven or eight parts of her original stunning beauty. Though not quite matching her former stunning allure, she seemed to have gained a gentler charm. Opening the door and leaning against it, she asked with a smile. Ye Li smiled lightly, “I came out for a look, having nothing else to do. You’ve managed Ningxiang Pavilion well.” Yaoji pursed her lips and said, “Yes, it’s not bad. Thanks to the Princess’s kindness, otherwise it would have been a shame for so many beauties to fall into the dust.”
Ye Li gave her a meaningful look and said, “Who says beautiful women must run brothels? The Tianyi Pavilion already has plenty of brothels, no need to open another. Besides, Ningxiang Pavilion probably earns no less than your Chengcheng House?”
Yaoji nodded and smiled, “The Princess speaks truly.” Even Yaoji, who had once managed the capital’s premier brothel, was astounded by Ningxiang Pavilion’s high prices. Yet surprisingly, business had been excellent these days, earning full bowls of gold and silver in less than half a month. So, there was truth in the saying: people are born based!
“Remember, if anyone wants companionship, let them go to those brothels outside. Ningxiang Pavilion only provides the finest wine, best food, most pleasing music, most beautiful dances, and most spectacular artistic performances – nothing else!” Ye Li instructed while watching the scene below. Yaoji nodded, “I understand. Speaking of which… Prince Li, Northern Rong’s Seventh Prince, and Xiling’s Garrison South Prince’s heir all visited Ningxiang Pavilion today.”
Ye Li smiled, “With Ningxiang Pavilion rising so quickly, it would be strange if they didn’t come. Just treat them as usual.”
Yaoji covered her mouth and smiled, “Now I believe the Princess when she says Ningxiang Pavilion exists to make money. But this bustle will only last for now, after these people leave…” Ye Li smiled, “Don’t worry, many who have come won’t leave, and more will come later. This is where Ningxiang Pavilion needs to work hard, telling those wealthy people about the benefits of settling and doing business in Ruyang…”
“I understand.” Yaoji walked to the window, curiously following Ye Li’s gaze outside, “What is the Princess looking at?”
Ye Li pointed to the platform not far across the street and asked, “What’s happening there?” Yaoji smiled, “It’s a martial arts challenge platform. These days, not only merchants but also noble sons and jianghu warriors have come to Ruyang in large numbers. That platform has been there for two days now, but the champion seems to be from Northern Rong. The prize is a jewel-encrusted blade sharp enough to split a hair. Fifty taels of silver per challenge. The champion has earned quite a bit these two days.” Compared to a jewel-encrusted blade, fifty taels of silver wasn’t much. But if no one could win, the champion was essentially earning money without any cost, and fifty taels was enough for an ordinary family to live on for two or three years.
Ye Li was curious, “What kind of challenge is so difficult?”
Yaoji said, “Archery.”
“Archery?” Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise – it seemed this Northern Rong champion was quite confident in his archery skills. But what place was Ruyang now? It was where the Mo family army was stationed, with half of their elite Black Cloud Cavalry stationed outside the city. And every member of the Black Cloud Cavalry could be called a one-in-a-hundred master archer. Yaoji looked outside and suddenly smiled, “Princess, aren’t those young officers from your Mo family army?” Ye Li looked out and indeed saw several young officers who had pushed to the front of the crowd. It was Yun Ting and Chen Yun, the young officer who had once crossed hands with Ye Li in the Mo family army camp – it seemed their relationship had improved. Ye Li stood up smiling, “Let’s go over and see what’s so extraordinary about this Northern Rong master archer.”
Yaoji smiled, “In that case, I’ll join in the excitement too. After you, Princess.”