After sending off Princess Anxi, Xu Qingchen turned to look at Ye Li with sincere gratitude: “Li’er, thank you.” Xu Qingchen understood why Ye Li had engaged Princess Anxi in such a lengthy conversation, as she had no close relationship with the princess and wouldn’t normally expend such effort.

Ye Li had done this hoping Princess Anxi wouldn’t remain unable to let go, or worse, have her love for Xu Qingchen turn to hatred. If she were an ordinary woman, it wouldn’t matter much. But as the Crown Princess of a nation, she wielded tremendous influence. If she truly became resentful, she could cause Xu Qingchen no small amount of trouble. Moreover, while Xu Qingchen held no romantic feelings for Princess Anxi, he truly considered her a friend. It would be regrettable if their previous friendship was affected by this.

Ye Li rolled her eyes and said with pursed lips: “No need for thanks. Brother, since you have no feelings for the lady, try to avoid leading others on. I can’t always be around to ward off your admirers.” Speaking of this, Ye Li couldn’t help but feel grateful she had long since married Mo Xiuyao, and their love was acknowledged by all. Every time she walked with Xu Qingchen, she received countless glares from young ladies who admired the eldest young master. Thinking back to when she had deceived Princess Anxi by claiming to be Xu Qingchen’s fiancée, Ye Li couldn’t help but feel fortunate it had been the princess – if it had been another woman, they might have drawn their blade on her directly.

Xu Qingchen apologetically rubbed his nose, at a loss for words. He truly hadn’t intended to lead any women on, nor was he looking down on anyone with excessive pride. He simply hadn’t felt that heart-stirring feeling.

“Li’er, I told you long ago, Brother won’t like any young lady,” Mo Xiuyao walked out from inside, wrapping an arm around Ye Li’s waist and drawing her into his embrace with a smile.

Ye Li immediately recalled Mo Xiuyao’s previous comments about Xu Qingchen’s orientation, and her face stiffened. She turned to look at Xu Qingchen, but seeing he showed no sign of denial, her heart sank further. While she held no prejudice against those who “cut the sleeve,” she wasn’t mentally prepared for her brother to be one. Moreover… how would they explain this to Uncle and Aunt?

Seeing Ye Li’s gloomy expression, Xu Qingchen assumed she was troubled by his situation and hurriedly said: “Li’er, don’t be angry. This isn’t something Brother wanted…”

Seeing Xu Qingchen’s rare worried expression, Ye Li’s heart skipped a beat. Yes, being a “cut-sleeve” wasn’t something Brother wanted, and he hadn’t spoken of it all these years, presumably not wanting others to know. Young Master Qingchen was renowned throughout the land, but if word got out that he was a “cut-sleeve”… “I understand, Brother, don’t worry. I won’t ask about it anymore.” Xu Qingchen was taken aback, touched by his sister’s understanding, but somehow felt her gaze wasn’t quite right. What was with that look of understanding, sympathy, and consolation?

“Everyone must be tired from traveling these past days. Brother, I’ll take Li’er back to rest,” Mo Xiuyao said methodically.

Feeling something was still amiss, Xu Qingchen waved the couple away while mentally reviewing their recent conversation, finally realizing where the problem lay. The elegant Young Master Qingchen’s composure finally cracked, his face turning iron-gray, nearly frightening Zhuo Jing and Lin Han who were leaving the courtyard. “Mo Xiuyao!”

What did he mean by saying he “won’t like any young lady”? That scoundrel Mo Xiuyao was implying to Li’er that he didn’t like women. Thinking back to how Li’er had been giving him strange looks these past days, Xu Qingchen finally found the reason. Recalling Mo Xiuyao’s ambiguous smirk before leaving, Young Master Qingchen couldn’t help but grit his teeth, “Mo Xiuyao, just you wait!”

Back in their temporary quarters, Ye Li asked curiously: “Which tribe is Princess Anxi’s husband from? He seems quite remarkable, and both you and Brother know their language.” Mo Xiuyao nodded: “It’s a tribe called White Wolf from the far southwest of Nanjiang. They live deep in the mountains, growing up among fierce beasts and venomous insects. Almost every man in their tribe is an exceptional hunter and archer. Like other Nanjiang people, they’re skilled at controlling venomous insects, perhaps even more so. When we were preparing to pacify Nanjiang years ago, I had people investigate them, and several in our army learned their language. I learned it during those idle years as well.”

Ye Li sat down, pouring herself tea while pondering: “Did Princess Anxi choose to marry at this time to gain the White Wolf tribe’s support?”

Mo Xiuyao nodded, sitting down across from Ye Li. They had naturally investigated Princess Anxi’s marriage before coming to Nanjiang. Mo Xiuyao said: “The current situation in Nanjiang is very unfavorable for Princess Anxi. She needs the support of other Nanjiang tribes. It was better when Brother was in the south before, but these past years Brother has been busy in the northwest. It can’t be easy for Princess Anxi to deal with her father, Shu Manlin, Tan Jizhi, and all those tribal leaders alone.”

“Then…” Ye Li’s delicate brows furrowed with worry. While their friendship with Princess Anxi suggested they should help her, from the perspective of stability between nations, a chaotic Nanjiang would be most beneficial to them.

“We should try not to get involved,” Xu Qingchen’s voice came from outside. The once again elegant and gentle Young Master Qingchen entered, only narrowing his eyes upon seeing Mo Xiuyao. Looking at Ye Li, he said: “My friendship with Princess Anxi is one matter, interfering in another country’s internal affairs is another. Before, it was just my relationship with Princess Anxi as friends, but now our every word and action represents the Northwest’s position. So, we absolutely cannot make mistakes.” Ye Li nodded, asking worriedly: “Won’t this put Brother in a difficult position?”

Xu Qingchen shook his head: “Princess Anxi knows her boundaries.”

Ye Li thought for a moment, then said: “Honestly, while Princess Anxi might have a talent for governing, she’s probably no match for those people in scheming. If we stand aside and she falls, with Nanjiang falling into Shu Manlin’s hands, that won’t benefit the Northwest either.”

Xu Qingchen was silent for a moment before saying: “I’ll talk to Princess Anxi later. We can provide some help secretly, but we can’t openly stand with any side. Nanjiang’s affairs are not our concern.” Ye Li nodded: “I understand.” Looking at Xu Qingchen’s composed and elegant demeanor, Ye Li sighed inwardly. Sometimes Brother was so rational it seemed heartless, but perhaps in Brother’s heart, while Princess Anxi was a friend, she ultimately wasn’t as important as family. After all, the Northwest was their home.

As they were guests from afar, early the next morning Ye Li’s group went to the palace to meet the Nanzhao King. Princess Anxi personally accompanied them into the palace again. After yesterday’s meeting and conversation, Pu A was much more familiar and friendly when seeing them again. The young man greeted them cheerfully in his native language. Although they had been to Nanzhao before, this was Ye Li’s first time meeting the Nanzhao King. The Nanzhao King wore robes made of unique Nanzhao brocade and embroidery, his entire person radiating splendor. On his head, he wore an elaborate crown made of gold inlaid with emeralds and pearls, his whole being so dazzlingly golden it nearly blinded the eye. The entire palace likewise displayed a magnificent style completely different from the Central Plains.

“Duke of Ding and Duchess, welcome from your long journey. Did you rest well last night?” the Nanzhao King sat on his throne and laughed heartily, though his eyes showed no welcome when looking at Mo Xiuyao. The Nanzhao King spoke the Central Plains language quite well, with only a slight Nanzhao accent – a common trait among Nanzhao people that didn’t impede understanding. Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, cupping his hands in greeting, and said: “With the Crown Princess’s wedding approaching, my wife and I congratulate Your Majesty and the Princess. We also wish Your Majesty an early arrival of royal grandchildren.”

The Nanzhao King’s face stiffened. While Mo Xiuyao’s congratulatory words weren’t problematic in themselves, the Nanzhao King wasn’t yet fifty years old. Mo Xiuyao’s wish for him to have grandchildren soon, though seemingly normal congratulations, sounded to the Nanzhao King like a mockery of his inability to produce a son.

“Even His Highness the Duke of Ding has come from afar – what great face our Crown Princess has. It truly makes me envious,” a coquettish female voice suddenly came from the side hall, breaking the subtly awkward atmosphere. Everyone turned to look as Shu Manlin emerged gracefully in the elaborate yellow robes of the Nanjiang Holy Maiden, though notably without the mask that the Holy Maiden was required to wear when receiving visitors. The other Nanzhao people in the hall seemed accustomed to this.

Mo Xiuyao’s gaze slowly swept over Shu Manlin, his brows slightly furrowed as he asked in confusion: “Your Majesty, this is…?”

The Nanzhao King laughed heartily, looking at Shu Manlin with fondness: “Duke of Ding may not know, this is our Nanzhao Holy Maiden, Shu Manlin.” Mo Xiuyao’s frown deepened as he said coolly: “I heard that the Nanjiang Holy Maiden must not exceed twenty-five years of age and never meet outsiders. Was this merely a rumor?” A flash of anger crossed Shu Manlin’s face – was Mo Xiuyao suggesting she looked older than twenty-five? Having been imprisoned by Mo Xiuyao for half a year, she was still somewhat traumatized by him and didn’t want to provoke him even with so many people present. She could only gaze pitifully at the Nanzhao King.

At least on the surface, the Nanzhao King indeed treated Shu Manlin much better than Princess Anxi, who was both princess and crown princess. Seeing Shu Manlin’s pleading look, the King immediately came to her defense: “Duke of Ding may not know, the Holy Maiden is Nanzhao’s great savior. Therefore, after discussion among the tribal chiefs, Holy Maiden Shu Manlin will serve as Nanzhao’s lifetime Holy Maiden.”

Ye Li glanced at Shu Manlin’s slightly smug expression and smiled inwardly. Whether Shu Manlin was Nanzhao’s savior or not, she didn’t know, but given her relationship with Tan Jizhi, she seemed more like Nanzhao’s harbinger of disaster. Being able to convince so many Nanzhao tribal chiefs to let Shu Manlin disregard centuries-old traditions showed their current influence in Nanjiang was not to be underestimated. No wonder Princess Anxi chose this time to marry Pu A – his tribe was also a very powerful one in Nanjiang, and with the support of Princess Anxi’s maternal grandfather’s tribe, they could barely counter Shu Manlin and Tan Jizhi.

Mo Xiuyao nodded indifferently, neither agreeing nor disagreeing. Shu Manlin’s eyes flashed with annoyance before she turned her gaze to Xu Qingchen. After a slight pause, she stepped forward with a gentle laugh: “Is this the renowned Young Master Qingchen, first among the young masters of Da Chu? What a pleasure to meet you. Shu Manlin pays her respects.” Princess Anxi watched her coldly and sneered: “You’ve met Qingchen before, why put on such an act?” This woman had kept Qingchen trapped in Nanzhao’s underground palace for many days, yet now she pretended this was their first meeting – it was nauseating! Shu Manlin looked at Princess Anxi, blinking innocently: “Princess, what do you mean? When have I ever met Young Master Qingchen? Although you… I hear Princess Anxi and Young Master Qingchen are extremely close friends.” She emphasized “extremely close” heavily, her tone filled with jealousy and resentment, yet seemingly deliberately so. Because she spoke in the Nanzhao language and purposely glanced at Pu A standing beside Princess Anxi, it seemed even more intentional.

Princess Anxi’s eyes flashed dangerously as she coldly regarded Shu Manlin: “What’s wrong with Young Master Qingchen and I being friends? As Crown Princess of Nanzhao, am I not allowed even one friend? Unlike some people who were already involved with Da Chu’s Prince Li years ago, before they had any special privileges from the Nanjiang tribes.” Being called out like this in front of everyone, even the usually uninhibited Shu Manlin couldn’t help but blush. “You-!” Princess Anxi smiled disdainfully: “What? Does the Holy Maiden wish to claim she doesn’t know Prince Li of Da Chu?” Princess Anxi wouldn’t dare ask this without evidence of Shu Manlin’s early acquaintance with Mo Jingli, leaving Shu Manlin in an awkward position whether to admit it or deny it. Denial might provoke Princess Anxi to produce evidence of her relationship with Prince Li, while admission would be worse – although she was no longer bound by such restrictions now, revealing she had known men from outside years ago would be very disadvantageous for her.

“Enough, Xier. Why speak of such things in front of guests?” the Nanzhao King suddenly spoke up, frowning at Princess Anxi, his tone carrying a note of rebuke.

Princess Anxi started, then finally lowered her head dejectedly.

Ye Li watched the flash of smugness across Shu Manlin’s face with a smile, then suddenly said with pursed lips: “Speaking of which… I seem to find this Holy Maiden somewhat familiar.” Shu Manlin looked at Ye Li in surprise, her eyes full of tension and reproach, as if blaming Ye Li for betrayal. Ye Li smiled faintly, appearing to think carefully before saying: “Perhaps I’m mistaken. Five years ago, during my son’s full-month celebration, I believe I saw a young lady who looked very similar to the Holy Maiden traveling in the Northwest with a man. Though that man wasn’t Prince Li of Da Chu. I must have been mistaken.”

Realizing she had been played by Ye Li, Shu Manlin knew she couldn’t make a scene in front of everyone despite her inner fury. She could only swallow her anger and force a smile: “It’s good that the Duchess recognizes me. I have never been to the Northwest.”

Ye Li smiled faintly: “What? I’ve never seen two people who look so alike. Please forgive my mistake, Holy Maiden.”