That evening, back in her chambers, Ye Li was still frowning as she pondered Princess Changle’s situation. Though Princess Changle seemed like a child in Ye Li’s eyes, she had truly grown up. While she would occasionally provoke Noble Consort Liu, she clearly understood what should and shouldn’t be said. That’s why she had casually made up an excuse to deflect Ye Li’s questions. Ye Li understood that despite being a princess, Changle wasn’t truly free, so she didn’t press the matter.

“What’s on your mind, A’Li?” Mo Xiuyao gently asked, placing his hands on Ye Li’s shoulders from behind. Ye Li turned to look at him and smiled faintly, “Nothing… I’m just thinking about Princess Changle’s situation.” It seemed quite irregular for the great Da Chu to send both a Noble Consort and a princess to attend a Nanzhao princess’s wedding. Of course, sending Noble Consort Liu was even more irregular than sending Princess Changle, but Ye Li was concerned about Princess Changle and had no particular thoughts about Noble Consort Liu.

Mo Xiuyao sat down beside Ye Li and poured tea for both of them while asking, “What about Changle?”

Ye Li said, “Don’t you find it strange that for Princess Anxi’s wedding, Mo Jingqi doesn’t come himself, yet sends both a Noble Consort and a princess?” While it was somewhat reasonable for a princess to serve as an envoy to another country, sending a Noble Consort alone as an envoy was particularly peculiar.

Mo Xiuyao set his teacup down on the table and looked up at Ye Li, saying, “Mo Jingqi… probably wants to arrange a political marriage.”

“Political marriage?” Ye Li was stunned, taking a moment to process this. “Who’s getting married? To whom?” Mo Xiuyao looked at her calmly without answering, and Ye Li quickly realized it herself, frowning as she said, “You mean Princess Changle?! But Nanzhao doesn’t have any princes, and they barely have any nobles worthy of Da Chu’s eldest legitimate princess for a political marriage.”

The Nanzhao King had no sons, and not even any living brothers or nephews. That’s why Princess Anxi became the Crown Princess and the next Queen of Nanzhao. So who would the princess marry? Mo Xiuyao spoke quietly, “Though Nanzhao has no princes, they still have the Nanzhao King.”

“You mean…” Ye Li fell silent, finally understanding why Princess Changle’s expression had become so dim when she heard her questions.

Though she hadn’t met the Nanzhao King during her previous visit to Nanzhao, Princess Anxi was already twenty-five or twenty-six years old. The Nanzhao King had been around twenty when Princess Anxi was born, meaning he was now approaching fifty years of age. If this was true, compared to Princess Changle, Princess Ronghua who had married the Northern Rong Crown Prince could be considered fortunate. Moreover, if the two countries truly wished to arrange a political marriage, they should first exchange diplomatic letters, have the nobles and ministers of both countries discuss the matter, then arrange the wedding, and finally have the other party send people to escort the bride – that would be the proper procedure for a political marriage. Now, directly sending people to bring Princess Changle to Nanzhao clearly showed they were simply giving Princess Changle to the Nanzhao King. This way, even if the marriage were to take place, the Nanzhao people’s respect for Princess Changle would be very limited. She really couldn’t understand what Mo Jingqi was thinking.

“Mo Jingli has secret connections with the Holy Maiden of Nanjiang and several Nanjiang tribes, and Princess Anxi has always been friendly with us because of Young Master Qingchen. Now that Da Chu faces both internal and external troubles, Mo Jingqi probably wants to ally with the Nanzhao King,” Mo Xiuyao explained calmly.

“An alliance?” Ye Li raised an eyebrow. Mo Xiuyao smiled and pulled her into his embrace, resting his chin on top of her head as he spoke softly, “This generation’s Nanzhao King has grand ambitions but little talent. Years ago, when he rashly invaded Da Chu, he was driven back by me and nearly lost his country. In contrast, Princess Anxi has shown remarkable political talent since childhood. At just fourteen, she could assist the Nanzhao King in governing Nanzhao. Without Princess Anxi, Nanzhao couldn’t have recovered so quickly after the great war. As for the Holy Maiden of Nanjiang… though she lacks political talent, her schemes and the people behind her are quite formidable. Back then, the Nanzhao King used the Holy Maiden of Nanjiang to balance and suppress Princess Anxi. In recent years, I’ve heard that the conflict between Princess Anxi and the Holy Maiden has grown increasingly intense, leaving the Nanzhao King caught in the middle, presumably in a difficult position.”

Ye Li understood – this was a power struggle between an incompetent father and his two capable daughters. She nodded and said, “I understand. The Nanzhao King is still the Nanzhao King. Even if he lacks the ability, as long as he sits on the throne, he can maintain a balance of power with Princess Anxi and Shu Manlin. Given that Princess Anxi and Shu Manlin have support behind them, the Nanzhao King wants to ally with Mo Jingqi of Da Chu. Speaking of which… shouldn’t Shu Manlin have already retired from her position as Holy Maiden to that sacred ground in Nanjiang?”

Mo Xiuyao calmly replied, “Rules are made by people.” Naturally, they could also be broken. At least now, Shu Manlin was still comfortably occupying the position of Holy Maiden of Nanjiang and had gained even more freedom and power than before.

Ye Li sighed helplessly. In the end, this was all a power game between Mo Jingqi, the Nanzhao King, and others, while the only victim was the innocent Princess Changle.

Mo Xiuyao reached out and wrapped his arms around Ye Li, drawing her into his embrace. One hand gently patted hers as he softly asked, “Has A’Li become soft-hearted?”

Ye Li sighed, “Princess Changle is still a child.” Mo Xiuyao replied, “There are no children in the royal family. She knows what she must do.” Ye Li furrowed her brows, turned to look at him, and said, “Princess Changle asked me for a dagger.” Mo Xiuyao thought for a moment and said, “Give it to her.”

Ye Li nodded and leaned back into Mo Xiuyao’s embrace. She couldn’t save Princess Changle – if it were just Princess Changle herself, they could simply have someone take her away and hide her. But the Hua family behind Princess Changle, the Da Chu royal family, the Empress, and the fates of countless others were all beyond her control. So, since she couldn’t save her… she would give her what she wanted.

“Xiuyao, in the future, I don’t want our baby to have an arranged marriage,” Ye Li said softly, resting in Mo Xiuyao’s embrace.

Mo Xiuyao gently stroked her hair, his eyes filled with warmth, “Our son won’t need to rely on marriage alliances for anything.” Hearing this, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile contentedly. Yes, their son wouldn’t need to sacrifice his marriage for any benefits. At this moment, Ye Li was incredibly grateful that Mo Jingqi had matched her with Mo Xiuyao. Not just for herself, but also for her child. “Xiuyao, I haven’t told you lately that meeting you is the happiest thing that has happened in my life.”

Mo Xiuyao looked down at her beautiful eyes, his own filled with intense emotion. He lowered his head to kiss her fragrant lips, tenderly caressing them as he said, “No, you haven’t. You should say it every day from now on.”

The next day, not only did Mo Xiuyao’s group not leave Yonglin, but Minister Liu’s group hadn’t left either. Running into each other again at the city’s finest restaurant, Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly, glancing at Noble Consort Liu who stood beside Princess Changle. With one arm linked through Mo Xiuyao’s, she smiled faintly and asked, “Are the Noble Consort and Princess out shopping as well? Why isn’t Minister Liu accompanying you?”

Noble Consort Liu silently observed the two standing side by side – Ye Li naturally holding Mo Xiuyao’s arm, while Mo Xiuyao clearly showed no sign of rejection, looking down at Ye Li with a tenderness he never showed others. Noble Consort Liu’s gaze darkened as she said flatly, “My father is unwell. Thank you for your concern, Miss Ye.”

Ye Li had naturally heard about Minister Liu fainting yesterday after being mocked. Among those in the Prince Ding Manor who were best at mocking others, besides Feng Zhiyao, there was Zhuo Jing. Feng Zhiyao used bright, obvious verbal attacks and contemptuous expressions, while Zhuo Jing, though maintaining the expressionless face he’d developed as a secret guard, was anything but expressionless inside. Not only did he hold grudges, but his occasional poisonous remarks could easily strike at people. With Minister Liu simultaneously provoking these two people, plus Mo Xiuyao, an irresponsible master who never restrained his subordinates, Minister Liu had no choice but to fake fainting to make his exit. Rather than saying he was unwell, it would be more accurate to say he was too ashamed to show his face.

“I see,” Ye Li had no interest in Minister Liu’s condition, so she simply nodded and smiled, “Then I wish Minister Liu a speedy recovery. My husband and I are about to dine, so we won’t disturb the Noble Consort and Princess. Changle… I’ve prepared the gift you asked for. Shall I have someone send it to you later?” This Noble Consort Liu was trying to make a point even with forms of address – did she think calling her “Miss Ye” would make her any less the Princess Consort of Prince Ding? Princess Changle broke into a smile and said, “Thank you, Princess Consort.”

“Since neither of you have eaten either, why don’t we dine together?” Noble Consort Liu stepped forward, staring fixedly at Mo Xiuyao.

Mo Xiuyao ignored her completely. Princess Changle’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. Though there weren’t many outsiders here at the moment, they were still in public, and her father’s beloved consort was far too improper. “Noble Consort Liu, Prince Uncle, and his Princess Consort are dining together – what business do we outsiders have interfering? If you don’t want to eat, let’s return to the inn.”

Now Princess Changle finally understood why Noble Consort Liu, who usually treated her like air, had dragged her out to eat. She had claimed she was worried the food at the inn wouldn’t suit the princess’s taste, but throughout their journey, she had never shown any concern for the princess’s meals. If it weren’t for the princess not wanting to stay cooped up in the inn feeling frustrated, who would want to go out to eat with her? How could she have an appetite looking at that face that considered itself pure and inviolable? She had dragged her out to “coincidentally” encounter Prince Ding and his Princess Consort. If they weren’t in public now but in the palace, Princess Changle would have already rebuked her sharply for her shamelessness! She had heard before that Noble Consort Liu harbored feelings for Prince Uncle, but she had never seen her be so brazen as to insist on disturbing a husband and wife’s meal.

However, Noble Consort Liu was unwilling to heed Princess Changle’s advice. Instead, she stared fixedly at Mo Xiuyao and said, “We are old acquaintances after all. Won’t you even accept an invitation to share a meal?”

Mo Xiuyao slightly furrowed his brows. Just as Noble Consort Liu thought he was finally softening, seeing a hint of a smile appear on his face, he looked up with furrowed brows and said, “This prince is not familiar with you.” The smile that had barely begun to bloom on Noble Consort Liu’s face instantly froze. Thinking about it seriously, Mo Xiuyao and Noble Consort Liu truly weren’t familiar. In his youth, he had already been betrothed and naturally wouldn’t look at other women. Even without the betrothal, he wouldn’t have been interested in the daughter of a family that was at odds with his father and brothers. After Su Zuidie left, he became a recluse due to his injuries while Noble Consort Liu had already entered the palace. After marrying Ye Li, there were no other women in his eyes at all. So indeed, he wasn’t familiar with Noble Consort Liu.

Noble Consort Liu was hurt by this declaration of unfamiliarity. Her beautiful face instantly turned deathly pale as she gritted her teeth and said, “Am I… truly so beneath your notice?”

Ye Li frowned and tugged at Mo Xiuyao’s sleeve, saying, “I’m hungry. Let’s go in and eat. Would the Noble Consort and Princess Changle like to join us?” It wasn’t that Ye Li had softened and wanted to invite them – although there weren’t many people where they were standing, it was still a restaurant with people coming and going. Noble Consort Liu might not care about her reputation, but Ye Li didn’t want to hear any rumors about her husband with other women.

Mo Xiuyao nodded slightly and led Ye Li toward the private room that had been reserved nearby. As they passed Noble Consort Liu, they heard her mutter through gritted teeth, “No need for your false kindness!” Ye Li paused her steps and turned back to look at her with a mocking smile, saying, “So are you coming or not?” Noble Consort Liu’s pale face suddenly flushed pink, and after gritting her teeth, she finally followed.

Mo Xiuyao had never been one for hospitality. This couldn’t be blamed on him – from childhood to adulthood, wherever he went, others had always eagerly entertained him. Those he would entertain himself could be counted on less than one hand. So by the time Noble Consort Liu and Princess Changle entered a few steps behind, Mo Xiuyao had already dismissed the waiter who had been waiting to take their order. Unsurprisingly, he had ordered only dishes that he and Ye Li enjoyed. However, Ye Li, being familiar with Hua Tianxiang, knew something about Princess Changle’s preferences and added several dishes that the princess liked.

When all the dishes were served, Noble Consort Liu’s expression became even more unpleasant. Ye Li watched puzzledly as Noble Consort Liu, sitting opposite them with a gloomy expression, picked at only a few vegetables. Even if the dishes weren’t entirely to her taste, surely the restaurant’s food couldn’t be that bad. While Ye Li was pondering this, Mo Xiuyao had already picked some of her favorite dishes and placed them in her bowl, saying softly, “This restaurant’s chef is fairly skilled. Try it…”

Ye Li took a bite and found it indeed quite good. Though it couldn’t compare to the dedicated chef at the Prince Ding Manor or the master chef at Ningxiang Pavilion, it was certainly much better than her cooking. Ye Li wasn’t a picky eater – if she could enjoy her simple home cooking, she could certainly appreciate this level of skill. She reached out to pick up a perfectly seasoned piece of chicken for Mo Xiuyao, saying, “Try this, it’s very good.” Mo Xiuyao’s expression immediately softened further. Though he frowned slightly at the chicken, he still lowered his head and ate the entire piece. Watching Mo Xiuyao eat seriously, Ye Li smiled faintly and occasionally picked up more dishes for him. Due to his illness during those ten years, Mo Xiuyao had eaten very plain food and didn’t like meat dishes. But while Ye Li agreed that eating more vegetables was necessary, she believed a balance of meat and vegetables was essential. So she would occasionally pick up some meat dishes for Mo Xiuyao. Fortunately, although he didn’t like eating these, he would always silently finish whatever Ye Li picked for him. Over the years, they had developed the habit of Ye Li picking dishes for him when they ate privately together. Once, when Ye Li was lost in thought while eating and forgot to pick dishes for him, she discovered that Mo Xiuyao had eaten more than half a bowl of plain rice, leaving her both amused and exasperated at his childishness.

“Uncle Prince Ding and the Princess Consort are so close,” Princess Changle watched the two of them and smiled enviously. Although she had seen many couples, including those who showed great affection in public, Princess Changle still found the scene before her beautiful and enviable. In the palace, before the Emperor could eat any dish, it had to be tested for poison countless times, and there had to be palace maids and eunuchs specifically tasked with tasting the food before he could eat with peace of mind. Under such circumstances, what consort or child would dare to pick dishes for the Emperor? At least in Changle’s memory, the Empress and Emperor had always eaten separately.

Ye Li glanced at her and said irritably, “What does a little girl like you know about being close? Your Uncle Prince Ding is very difficult to serve.”

“Miss Ye, you know His Highness doesn’t like those foods, so why do you deliberately pick them for him?” Noble Consort Liu, who had been maintaining a dark expression, suddenly spoke up. Under everyone’s gaze, she picked up some stir-fried bamboo shoots and placed them in Mo Xiuyao’s bowl, smiling faintly, “I remember His Highness likes bamboo shoots the most.” The private room immediately fell silent, the atmosphere becoming tense. Mo Xiuyao had just put down his chopsticks and was about to drink the mushroom and ginseng chicken soup Ye Li had ladled for him when he unexpectedly saw Noble Consort Liu putting food in his bowl. His expression immediately darkened, and he abandoned the half-drunk soup, raising the bowl and hurling it at Noble Consort Liu.

Noble Consort Liu wasn’t a frail woman – seeing the soup bowl flying toward her face, she immediately dodged to the side. Unfortunately, the table wasn’t very large, and they weren’t sitting far apart, so although she managed to dodge somewhat, half her shoulder was still drenched with chicken soup. The fine white porcelain bowl crashed against the wall behind Noble Consort Liu, shattering with a loud bang.

“Prince Ding, you…!” Noble Consort Liu never imagined Mo Xiuyao would treat her so directly and violently. For a moment, she stood there with a pale face, unable to speak.

Looking at Noble Consort Liu’s mortified expression, Ye Li felt not the slightest sympathy. If she hadn’t been concerned about appearing too discourteous, Ye Li would have directly scolded her: Have you no shame?!

Picking food for someone, whether in this era or her previous life, was something only very intimate or close friends would do. Ye Li really couldn’t understand what Noble Consort Liu was thinking.

“Get out!” Mo Xiuyao glared at Noble Consort Liu and said coldly.

“You…” Noble Consort Liu bit her lip in humiliation, staring at Mo Xiuyao.

Mo Xiuyao remained unmoved, his words even more concise this time: “Out!”

Being a woman, after all, treated so heartlessly by Mo Xiuyao, Noble Consort Liu finally stood up and rushed out of the private room. Mo Xiuyao looked with disgust at the bamboo shoots in his bowl and pushed it aside. Ye Li silently placed her untouched chicken soup in front of him and said softly, “Have a little more.” Only then did Mo Xiuyao pick up the chicken soup and slowly take a few sips, his tightly knitted brows gradually relaxing.

Ye Li took a fresh unused bowl from the side and served him a new bowl of rice before picking up her chopsticks to continue eating.

Princess Changle watched the two of them with a bright smile and said, “Of course, I know Uncle Prince Ding and the Princess Consort are close. Because even when the Princess Consort picks foods that Prince Uncle doesn’t like, he’ll eat them all. But if anyone else picks even his favorite dishes for him, Prince Uncle will throw the bowl. Princess Consort, am I right?”

“Such a precocious child!” Ye Li said with a suppressed smile.