Originally, Ye Li had thought that after the incident at the restaurant, Noble Consort Liu would surely hate them bitterly and stay as far away as possible. So when their group left the inn early the next morning heading toward the city gates and coincidentally encountered Minister Liu’s group again, Ye Li’s irritation rose to new heights. Especially when she saw Noble Consort Liu approach them with a calm face as if nothing had happened, Ye Li was left speechless.
Princess Changle, standing beside Noble Consort Liu, secretly shrugged at Ye Li, making a mischievous expression and smiling. Ye Li’s eyes twitched slightly as she cast an inconspicuous glance at Noble Consort Liu. Princess Changle shook her head slightly and rolled her eyes skyward. Ye Li could only helplessly look up at the sky as well.
“Prince Ding, did you rest well last night?” Noble Consort Liu stopped in front of Mo Xiuyao and asked softly. Though her expression remained coolly aloof, one could hear genuine concern in her voice.
Princess Changle automatically stopped her steps, positioning herself slightly away from Noble Consort Liu, pretending to admire the scenery. Was her father as suspicious as her mother said? Then why had he never suspected that his beloved consort would make him a cuckold, even letting her out to pursue another woman’s husband?
“Nauseated,” Mo Xiuyao said coldly. His silver hair caught the morning light with a faint glow as he turned away from Noble Consort Liu’s earnest gaze and walked to Ye Li’s side. Noble Consort Liu silently watched his snow-white hair disappear, her eyes flashing with infatuation and sorrow.
Ye Li turned to look at Noble Consort Liu and smiled faintly, “Minister Liu, Noble Consort, please excuse us. Our prince isn’t usually this ill-tempered. It’s just that he was sickened yesterday at noon, and hasn’t had much appetite since last night and this morning.” Mo Xiuyao directly lifted Ye Li and placed her on horseback, then mounted behind her. With a pull of the reins, they rode out of the city first.
They left behind a group of people with varying expressions, with Noble Consort Liu and Minister Liu’s faces particularly unsightly. Noble Consort Liu needed no explanation, and though Minister Liu hadn’t been present yesterday, he knew what had happened at the restaurant. While he also felt his daughter had gone too far, he was equally displeased with Mo Xiuyao’s public discourtesy. Glancing at Noble Consort Liu, Minister Liu said in a deep voice, “Noble Consort, we should depart as well. Let’s go.” Noble Consort Liu reluctantly looked toward the city gate where Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had disappeared, but finally turned and got into her carriage.
Left behind, Feng Zhiyao and the others exchanged glances. After a while, Zhuo Jing frowned and said, “Young Master, something seems off about the Liu family.”
Xu Qingchen’s gaze swept lightly over the departing carriages, his smile like a spring breeze yet making people feel a biting chill, “Indeed, something is off. I’d heard that in his younger days, Prince Ding would ride his horse by the slanting bridge, with red sleeves beckoning from every floor. Who would have thought that now in his prime, he’s even more successful at attracting women’s affections?” Though the words were gentle and elegant, those who heard them felt a chill down their spines.
Feng Zhiyao looked at the elegant carriage and wanted to defend his superior and friend but couldn’t, so he could only remain silent. When even a Da Chu Noble Consort was so infatuated, wasn’t this indeed attracting butterflies and bees? Seeing everyone’s tacit agreement, Xu Qingchen nodded satisfactorily and returned to the original topic, “What do you find odd?”
Zhuo Jing thought for a moment and frowned, “The Emperor sending Noble Consort Liu to Nanzhao is odd in itself. Moreover… Noble Consort Liu is being far too bold. If her current words and actions were to reach the Emperor’s ears, even if he dotes on her greatly, he would surely turn on her without mercy.”
Xu Qingchen nodded, “Indeed. She acts so brazenly because she must be certain these matters won’t reach the Emperor. Therefore… there are no Emperor’s men among this Da Chu delegation.”
“How is that possible?” Feng Zhiyao said. They had all personally witnessed how severe Mo Jingqi’s paranoia was; Feng Zhiyao doubted whether there was anyone in this world Mo Jingqi truly trusted. Even if he trusted Minister Liu and doted on Noble Consort Liu, he would never fail to plant his people around them.
Xu Qingchen lowered his head in thought for a moment, then said, “Then perhaps Mo Jingqi believes he has planted his people, but in fact… those people weren’t his, to begin with. What is the Liu family… planning to do?” Feng Zhiyao shook his head – if Young Master Qingchen couldn’t figure it out, he certainly couldn’t. He pulled over a nearby horse and jumped on, saying, “Let’s think about it later. If we don’t leave now, the Prince and Princess Consort will be past Suixue Pass.”
Mo Xiuyao’s group encountered no difficulties at Suixue Pass, with Minister Liu’s group following behind as they passed through. Beyond Suixue Pass lay Nanjiang territory. Though the Nanjiang people were known for their fierce customs and use of poisons, Mo Xiuyao’s group wasn’t afraid, they didn’t want to invite trouble. They continued without stopping, heading straight for the Nanzhao capital. Mo Xiuyao’s group traveled quickly on horseback, while Noble Consort Liu’s group had carriages, so once past Suixue Pass, they left them far behind. This made the journey much more peaceful. In just a few days, they arrived at the Nanzhao royal city.
The Nanzhao royal city was as prosperous and bustling as it had been years ago, with people of various ethnicities in different attire streaming endlessly through the city gates. Perhaps because of Princess Anxi’s wedding, although many remote tribes in Nanjiang weren’t under Nanzhao’s rule, many tribal leaders would come to show respect for such an important event as Princess Anxi’s wedding, making the royal city even more lively than before. Similarly, many more guards were protecting the city both inside and out.
When Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li arrived, Princess Anxi naturally came out of the city personally to welcome them. Just as Ye Li dismounted, Princess Anxi led her people forward with a smile, saying, “Prince Ding Manor, it’s been a long time. The Princess Consort’s beauty surpasses even before.” Ye Li smiled faintly, “The Princess is too kind. Congratulations on your wedding.”
Princess Anxi’s smile dimmed slightly, but she still accepted Ye Li’s congratulations with a smile. She turned sideways to gesture at the young man beside her and said to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, “Prince Ding, Princess Consort, this is my fiancé, Pu’a.”
Ye Li looked up at the young man, who appeared to be around Princess Anxi’s age. He was tall and slender, almost as tall as Mo Xiuyao, but unlike Central Plains men, his tanned skin made him appear more robust and martial. His stern face showed a hint of stiffness and barely noticeable embarrassment. Ye Li instinctively felt this young man was simple and honest in nature. He didn’t seem like someone Princess Anxi would be interested in.
The young man nodded to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, saying something Ye Li couldn’t understand at all – it wasn’t the common Nanzhao language. However, Mo Xiuyao nodded to the young man and replied in kind. The young man was surprised that this white-robed man could speak his language, and his gaze toward Mo Xiuyao immediately became much warmer. Princess Anxi smiled at Ye Li and explained, “Pu’a is the only son of a tribal chief from the south. His tribe has been friendly with my maternal grandfather’s tribe for generations. I met him a few times when I was young, but they have their own language and writing system and are traditionally isolationist. He’s only recently learned the Nanzhao language, so you probably couldn’t understand him. He was welcoming you just now.”
As Princess Anxi spoke with Ye Li, others naturally overheard. Pu’a looked at Princess Anxi with a hint of confusion. Princess Anxi whispered something to him, and Pu’a then raised his head to smile and nod at Ye Li, saying in somewhat stiff Nanzhao language, “Welcome.” Ye Li listened to his awkward, off-tone Nanzhao speech, even more halting than her own, and it was indeed clearly newly learned. She nodded and replied in Nanzhao, “Thank you, congratulations.” The young man understood Ye Li’s words, and his expression toward everyone became even warmer. He said something to Princess Anxi in his language. Princess Anxi smiled and told Ye Li, “He says you are all my friends, and you are very good.” Ye Li couldn’t help but smile, feeling that this young man might not be so unsuitable for Princess Anxi after all.
As they finished their greetings, Xu Qingchen and the others finally caught up. Xu Qingchen smiled at Princess Anxi and said, “Princess, congratulations.”
A trace of bitter laughter flashed in Princess Anxi’s eyes as she lowered her gaze slightly and said, “Thank you, thank you for coming.” Xu Qingchen smiled and said, “I’m also very happy to attend your wedding.” Princess Anxi quickly composed herself and nodded with a smile, “It’s been several years since we last met, I’m also very happy to see you. This is my fiancé, Pu’a.”
Princess Anxi turned and introduced Xu Qingchen to Pu’a in another language.
Xu Qingchen wasn’t called Da Chu’s First Young Master for nothing. As Ye Li would say, if Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen stood together, people’s first glance would go to Mo Xiuyao, but that was solely because of his white hair. However, people’s gazes would ultimately linger longest on Xu Qingchen. Of course, this partly stemmed from Ye Li deliberately downplaying her husband’s appeal, but it at least showed that Xu Qingchen could certainly hold his standing next to Mo Xiuyao.
In terms of pure looks, Xu Qingchen might not be more handsome than Feng Zhiyao, nor possess Han Mingxi’s meticulously carved beauty. He didn’t even pay much attention to clothing and accessories. His clothes were always the most ordinary white robes without any special style, and unlike Feng Zhiyao, he didn’t constantly carry an ornate gold-painted fan. When he did carry a fan, it was just one casually painted in his study. He wore at his waist a jade pendant given by his grandfather in his youth, rarely changing it over the years. Yet whenever he stood before people, their gazes would involuntarily be drawn to him and linger. Xu Qingchen always gave people a sense of otherworldly elegance, but not the aloof superiority of an immortal. Rather, he emanated a warmth and comfort that made people involuntarily admire and feel at ease with him. Most exceptional men compared to Xu Qingchen seemed too threatening, making people unconsciously guarded and distant. Only Xu Qingchen… even Ye Li had never met another man who made people want to draw near and feel such warm tranquility. Even those who knew his methods often couldn’t help being attracted to him.
When Pu’a saw Xu Qingchen, he also froze for a moment, his eyes flashing with surprise and a complex mixture of resignation and melancholy. He nodded to Xu Qingchen and likewise said welcome. He didn’t know much of the Nanzhao language. Xu Qingchen smiled gently and greeted him in Pu’a’s tribal language. Though it was the same tribal language, Mo Xiuyao’s pronunciation was similar to Princess Anxi’s, probably the standard form learned by outsiders, while Xu Qingchen’s speech seemed particularly different, more like Pu’a’s own but with an even more pleasing sound.
Seeing the faint melancholy on the young man’s face, Ye Li couldn’t help but lean her head against Mo Xiuyao’s shoulder, not wanting to look up and face people. Brother, could you be any more of a scoundrel? It’s one thing that you’re not interested in Princess Anxi, but what’s the point of coming to discourage her fiancé now?
“A’Li, are you tired?” Mo Xiuyao asked with concern. He didn’t care who Xu Qingchen discouraged, as long as it wasn’t him.
Ye Li nodded weakly, feeling somewhat sympathetic toward the young man who stood dimmed beside Xu Qingchen. Princess Anxi looked at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao’s clasped hands, a trace of envy flashing in her eyes, and smiled, “We’ve just been standing here talking, let’s quickly enter the city. I’ve already had the guest house prepared. If we keep standing here, we might entrance all the young ladies of our Nanzhao city, and that would be troublesome.”
Princess Anxi spoke truly. Although their group wasn’t standing directly in the center of the city gate, they were nevertheless too eye-catching. From Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen to Feng Zhiyao, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and Qin Feng, any one of them could make countless young ladies’ hearts flutter. By now, many young women had already gathered at the city gate. The Nanjiang people were known for their passionate nature – if not for the royal city guards holding them back, they might have already rushed forward to declare their love.
Entering the city, Princess Anxi directly led the group to a guest house not far from both the royal palace and the princess’s manor. Having traveled a long way, Mo Xiuyao’s group naturally wouldn’t go straight to the palace to see the Nanzhao King upon entering the city. Princess Anxi personally led them to a courtyard that had been prepared in advance within the guest house and instructed the servants to attend to them well. Seeing Princess Anxi’s thoughtfulness, Ye Li felt even more embarrassed about her eldest brother’s unkindness.
Receiving Ye Li’s apologetic look, Princess Anxi smiled helplessly. She looked back at Pu’a, who was talking with Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen nearby. Both Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen were fluent in many Nanjiang tribal languages, so they had no language barrier with Pu’a. From Ye Li’s position, the three seemed to be getting along well in conversation, though the young man caught between Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen could only appear more unremarkable. Princess Anxi sighed helplessly, “Prince Ding and Qingchen are both too exceptional. Finding someone equally outstanding is nearly impossible. Pu’a and I have known each other since childhood, and he has a good heart and truly cares for me. Marrying him isn’t bad at all.”
Ye Li nodded and said, “The Princess has made the right choice.”
Just from Pu’a’s manner and expression, one could see that he valued Princess Anxi deeply. More importantly, he knew about Princess Anxi’s feelings for Xu Qingchen, but his eyes showed only a hint of melancholy and admiration when looking at Xu Qingchen, without any trace of jealousy or hatred, indicating he was a magnanimous person. As Princess Anxi was the Crown Princess of Nanzhao and future Nanzhao ruler, if Xu Qingchen were from Nanzhao and reciprocated her feelings, they would naturally be a perfect match. But although Xu Qingchen had enjoyed wandering far and wide in his youth, he would inevitably return to his own family. Princess Anxi, as Crown Princess, could never leave Nanzhao to follow Xu Qingchen back to the Xu family. Moreover, the distinguished Young Master Xu, whose talent and charm amazed the world, probably wouldn’t be comfortable spending his life in a place like Nanzhao. More importantly… though Xu Qingchen seemed warm and approachable, his nature was detached and distant from others. Unless someone truly captured his heart, in which case he would protect them in every way, he remained quite cold to those he hadn’t taken to heart. Often, while you were still basking in his spring-like warmth, he had already distanced himself thousands of miles from you. Ye Li thought that if Princess Anxi had married Mo Xiuyao, she might not have been any happier than marrying Pu’a. Perhaps those who are loved are always happier than those who love – though of course, it’s best if you can both love and be loved in return.
Princess Anxi looked at Ye Li and smiled, “Actually, I envy the Princess Consort of Prince Ding the most. Probably all women in the world envy the Princess Consort.”
Ye Li turned back to look at Mo Xiuyao, just as he turned to look at her. Their eyes met and they smiled at each other, a gentle warmth flowing between them. Ye Li turned back and smiled at Princess Anxi, “The Princess can be like me too. Pu’a will certainly be a good husband.” Looking at Princess Anxi, Ye Li took her hand and said sincerely, “Since you’ve decided, let go of the past and cherish what you have now. There’s a saying in the Central Plains: ‘Pluck the flower while it blooms, don’t wait until there are no flowers to break the branch.’ Though it might not be entirely appropriate here, it makes some sense. Pu’a cares for you, and since you’ve chosen him, you must trust him too. That being the case, why not work hard to nurture this marriage? Hearts are made of flesh – if you wait until hearts grow cold, it will be too late for regret. Before my marriage to the Prince, we had only met once or twice. You’re already much better off than we were, aren’t you?”
Princess Anxi nodded and said, “I understand your meaning. Princess Consort, thank you.”
Ye Li shook her head, glancing at the elegant and refined Young Master Qingchen, and raised an eyebrow, “As for that person, don’t take him too seriously. My aunt-in-law scolds him every day at home, and countless young ladies in Lingcheng have been ignored by him. I estimate at least half the young ladies in Lingcheng curse him daily at home.” Princess Anxi found this interesting and asked curiously, “What do they curse him with?”
Ye Li laughed, “If they’re not cursing him to never find a wife in this life, they’re probably cursing him to one day fall in love with a lady who’ll treat him with disdain. At least, if I were a lady ignored by someone like that, that’s how I’d curse him!”
Princess Anxi finally couldn’t help but laugh out loud, the previous gloom in her brow largely dispersing as she said, “Never finding a wife would be too cruel – let’s just curse him to fall in love with a lady who’ll treat him with disdain.”
Seeing the laughter in Princess Anxi’s eyes and her faint sense of letting go, Ye Li felt relieved. No matter what, being able to let go was good.