Ye Li sat to the side, calmly drinking tea while watching the two men’s verbal sparring. Mo Jingli not only couldn’t compare to Mo Xiuyao in martial arts, but he couldn’t even win in a battle of words. Many people had told Ye Li about how proud and arrogant Mo Xiuyao had been in his youth, but the Mo Xiuyao she knew, especially now that he was over thirty, was mostly steady and measured. Yet now, Ye Li could truly see traces of that youthful arrogance in Mo Xiuyao’s casual, leisurely demeanor. No wonder Mo Jingli’s face had darkened with anger.

Mo Jingli took a deep breath and stared at Mo Xiuyao. “Fine, I’ll believe your words. I won’t interfere with your affairs in the capital, but you’d better not do anything unnecessary either.” Mo Xiuyao looked up disdainfully, “You think those little games you and Mo Jingqi play are attractive? I’m worried I’ll hurt my brain if I watch too much of it.”

Mo Jingli didn’t continue the verbal sparring with Mo Xiuyao, understanding he couldn’t win. Having received Mo Xiuyao’s promise, he naturally didn’t want to stay and suffer more humiliation. He stood up, glanced at Ye Li beside them, and turned to leave the courtyard.

“Ali, see how he can’t even win an argument against me. Don’t you think marrying me was the best arrangement possible? We’re truly a match made in heaven, right?”

Not caring that Mo Jingli hadn’t yet left the courtyard, Mo Xiuyao reached across the chessboard to take Ye Li’s hand, looking extremely pleased with himself. Ye Li helplessly watched as Mo Jingli stumbled at hearing someone’s shameless boasting and quickened his pace to leave. “Is winning an argument against him something to be proud of?”

Mo Xiuyao nodded proudly, “Of course it is. I must let Ali know that your husband is a hundred times better than others in every aspect. Including arguments.”

Ye Li rubbed her forehead, thought for a moment, and looked sincerely at the man across from her, “For arguments, you shouldn’t have picked Mo Jingli. He has no fighting spirit at all.”

“Then who should I pick?” Mo Xiuyao asked, squinting in the sunlight.

“Madam Wang from South Garden Street in our Li City,” Ye Li said with a smile. Mo Xiuyao looked confused – who was that?

Ye Li smiled and explained, “Madam Wang is known as Li City’s fastest mouth and first shrew. They say she once made three grown men cry with her scolding in the middle of the street. Why don’t you try challenging her when we return, Your Highness?” Mo Xiuyao froze, remaining silent for a while before raising his head with an arched eyebrow, “Would she dare argue with me?”

Ye Li was speechless – indeed, no matter how formidable Madam Wang was, she would become mute before the Prince of Ding. Seeing this, the Prince smiled smugly, “You see, Ali? Those more powerful than me can’t out-argue me, and those who can out-argue me aren’t more powerful than me. Your husband is still the most formidable one.”

Ye Li covered her face, completely defeated by someone’s shamelessness.

News of the Prince of Ding’s return to the capital naturally didn’t reach only Mo Jingli; he just acted first as the Regent living outside the palace. Within an hour of Mo Jingli’s departure, Minister Liu also came seeking an audience but was told that the Prince had taken the Princess Consort and Young Master out.

The ancestral tablets of the Prince of Ding’s household were enshrined in the Wuyue Temple outside the city. Although Mo Jingqi had ordered the Prince of Ding’s mansion sealed, he didn’t dare disturb the Wuyue Temple and the ancestral tablets of previous generations of princes. The temple was still maintained, and some common people from the capital would occasionally come to the outer hall to offer incense. So even though the Prince of Ding’s mansion had no master present, the ancestral tablets never lacked for burning incense.

Seeing the Prince’s family come to pay respects, the guards stationed there naturally didn’t dare stop them, respectfully letting them enter.

Leaving the guards outside, they took Mo Xiaobao into the innermost hall, where the Buddhist shrine housed the ancestral tablets of all previous generations of the Prince of Ding’s household. The highest position naturally held the tablet of the first Prince of Ding, Mo Lanyun. The lowest were Mo Xiuyao’s father and elder brothers, Mo Liufang and Mo Xiuwen. Without needing instruction, Mo Xiaobao respectfully stepped forward to offer incense and kowtow to the ancestors.

After paying respects to the ancestors, just as the family of three walked out of the Wuyue Temple’s main gate, they encountered a large procession approaching. Standing beside Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li raised an eyebrow and said, “At this time, someone’s specifically coming to pay respects to the Prince of Ding’s ancestors?”

Since the Prince of Ding’s household had broken with Da Chu, apart from common people, most nobles who came to pay respects did so quietly and discreetly. Such a grand display was indeed quite rare. Mo Xiuyao frowned and said calmly, “They’re from the palace. Turn them back!” The last command was naturally directed at the attending guards – everyone knew who would come from the palace at this time. If they weren’t sincerely coming to pay respects, the Prince of Ding’s household didn’t need such incense offerings.

Following orders, several guards stepped forward to block their path before the procession reached the steps.

These people were indeed from the palace and naturally were all proud and arrogant. Seeing their path suddenly blocked by two people, someone immediately stepped forward and demanded harshly, “How dare you! Do you know who is in the sedan chair? Yet you dare block the way.” The Prince of Ding’s guards were even more prideful, coldly smiling as they said, “We don’t need to know who’s inside. One must dismount and leave their sedan chair a hundred paces from Wuyue Temple. Those who dare to have their sedan chairs carried to the steps – the Prince of Ding’s household doesn’t need your respect. Please return the way you came!”

“How audacious! To be so discourteous before Noble Consort! Seize them!”

“Wait.” A cold female voice came from the elegant sedan chair. The curtain was lifted, and Noble Consort Liu, dressed in white, stepped out supported by a palace maid. The eunuch who had been showing off outside hurriedly went to welcome her, smiling sycophantically, “Please forgive us, Your Grace. These ignorant peasants blocked your way, not knowing better. This servant will have them seized at once.” Noble Consort Liu frowned and said coldly, “Step back!” The eunuch’s flattery fell flat, and he could only withdraw dejectedly. Noble Consort Liu walked slowly to the two guards and asked, “Is the Prince of Ding here?”

The guards didn’t answer directly, only saying, “Please return, Noble Consort.”

Noble Consort Liu frowned and said, “I only wish to pay respects to the previous princes of the Ding household.”

The two guards remained silent, their refusal obvious. They only needed to execute their lord’s orders, not know others’ reasons for coming. Noble Consort Liu had been precious and noble since childhood, and after being a Noble Consort for over ten years, she was used to everyone obeying her. Seeing these two’s unyielding attitude, a flash of anger crossed her face, but she still suppressed it and said, “Go inform the Prince of Ding that I have matters to discuss.”

The two guards exchanged glances and replied distantly but politely, “The Prince, Princess Consort, and Young Master have already returned to the capital. The Prince left word that if one isn’t coming to pay sincere respects, there’s no need to disturb the ancestors’ peace.” Noble Consort Liu’s expression darkened slightly, though her usual expressionless face helped hide that moment of embarrassment. She indeed hadn’t come sincerely to pay respects to the Prince of Ding’s ancestors; she had only rushed here after hearing the Prince had left the city, guessing he would bring his child to pay respects to the ancestors. She hadn’t expected Mo Xiuyao to have people stop her here, and for a moment, Noble Consort Liu found herself in an awkward position.

After a long while, Noble Consort Liu recovered and said with furrowed brows, “In that case, I shall return to the city to see the Prince of Ding.”

“Thank you, Noble Consort. Please return,” the guards bowed in thanks.

Back in her sedan chair, Noble Consort Liu’s face was dark, her ice-cold beauty seeming to freeze over. She knew Mo Xiuyao was inside but simply refused to come out to see her. Thinking of this, a trace of deep resentment flashed in her eyes. Did he hate her so much he wouldn’t even come out to see her once? Her well-maintained, jade-like fingers tightly gripped her silk handkerchief as determination flashed in her eyes. Mo Xiuyao… one day you will be mine!

With Noble Consort Liu’s sudden appearance spoiling the mood, Ye Li no longer felt like sightseeing. She certainly knew that Noble Consort Liu’s grand display of paying respects at this time was clearly for other purposes. Now Ye Li could be certain that Noble Consort Liu was the person she disliked most in this life, even more than Mo Jingqi, Mo Jingli, Lei Zhenting, or even Su Zuidie. Su Zuidie was at most narcissistic, selfish, and shameless. This Noble Consort Liu simply didn’t know what shame was. Su Zuidie believed Mo Xiuyao still loved her and thus confidently pursued him, but Noble Consort Liu clearly knew Mo Xiuyao had no feelings for her whatsoever, yet she still firmly believed only she was worthy of Mo Xiuyao, that they were meant to be together. What kind of strong – or perhaps twisted – psychological state was that?

“Ali, I’m innocent…” Seeing his beloved wife’s gloomy expression, the Prince of Ding could only carefully explain himself. Previously, he had been unhappy that Ali didn’t get jealous, feeling she didn’t love him enough. But now that Ali showed displeasure, he couldn’t help but want to carefully apologize and comfort her, hoping she would never be jealous again in this life. Too much jealousy wasn’t good for one’s health.

Ye Li turned her head and gave him a sidelong glance. “Hmm?” Mo Xiuyao quickly said, “That woman came seeking me on her own. I told her very clearly long ago that Ali is my only wife. Who knows why she can’t understand simple words?”

Ye Li smiled faintly, “Isn’t it because our Prince of Ding is so charming?” Mo Xiuyao lit up with delight, “Ali also thinks I’m charming?”

Ye Li nodded, counting seriously, “Of course. Su Zuidie, Princess Lingyun, Noble Consort Liu. Though the number isn’t too high, they’re the top beauties of Da Chu and Xi Ling, absolutely top quality. Compared to their so-called handsome men, the Prince of Ding’s charm makes them look like nothing, right?” Mo Xiuyao immediately became dejected – Ali was still angry. “Ali, I understand. From now on, if anyone dares to look at me, I’ll gouge out their eyes!”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow curiously, “Why not ruin your face instead? Wouldn’t that address the root cause?”

Mo Xiuyao firmly refused, “If your husband becomes disfigured again, it wouldn’t be pleasant for my wife to look at.”

Mo Xiaobao poked his little head out from his father’s arms, blinked, and said, “Father, feel free to ruin your face. Your son will grow up to be an earth-shattering beauty. Mother can just look at me instead.” Mo Xiuyao irritably stuffed his undermining son back into his arms, “For misusing words, go home and write ‘earth-shattering’ five hundred times.” Mo Xiaobao wiggled his little bottom in his father’s arms and mumbled, “Mother, Father is seven-five… oh…”

Returning to the city, after Prince Li’s visit to the inn and the Noble Consort’s hasty departure from the capital, everyone in the capital now knew the Prince of Ding had returned with his Princess Consort and young heir.

As soon as they entered the city gates, countless gazes were drawn to them, though people didn’t dare approach or say anything due to the relationship between the Prince of Ding’s household and the royal family. But their excited expressions were clear to see. Although the powerful figures in court focused their energy on power struggles, many common people remembered that battles were being fought hundreds of miles away.

Mo Xiaobao stood up in Mo Xiuyao’s arms, curiously looking around at the streets. Such attention wasn’t uncommon in Li City, so young Mo Xiaobao showed no signs of shyness. He seemed to enjoy the attention even more. Nestled in Mo Xiuyao’s arms, he stuck his head out and smiled brilliantly at the passersby, instantly charming countless onlookers.

“The young master is so adorable!”

“Worthy of being the Prince and Princess Consort’s child, truly as lovely as snow and ice.”

“Such courage at such a young age, truly worthy of the Prince of Ding’s lineage. The Prince of Ding’s household has a worthy successor!”

These praises naturally reached Mo Xiaobao’s ears, making him even more spirited.

Walking beside Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li looked at their excited son and raised her eyebrows at Mo Xiuyao, “Others said Your Highness was flamboyant in your youth – I never believed it, but now I do.” She pointed at Mo Xiaobao with amusement, “He’s already so showy at this age, what will he be like in a few years?”

Mo Xiaobao pouted, defending himself, “Mother, I’m doing this for Father’s face! Don’t they say ‘a tiger father has no dog sons’? Father is so mighty – if his son was like Leng Xiaodai, wouldn’t that shame Father?” Mo Xiuyao gave him an ambiguous smile and said, “When did my face become so important in your eyes?”

Mo Xiaobao giggled. Ye Li flicked his forehead, saying, “Little Junhan is much better behaved than you. Be careful your Uncle Leng doesn’t hear you say that and punish you.” Mo Xiaobao hid in his father’s arms, rubbing his flicked forehead and mumbling, “I didn’t say anything wrong. Uncle Leng wouldn’t dare punish me.” If he were as soft and silly as Leng Xiaodai, his father would surely bully him to death. Leng Xiaodai should be thankful he became Uncle Leng’s child and not the Prince of Ding’s. Rubbing his forehead and looking at the sky, Mo Xiaobao felt profound gratitude for his birth.

Seeing their son looking up at the sky with an oddly worried expression like a little old man, Ye Li asked curiously, “What are you thinking about now?” Her son always thought about strange things, sometimes making his parents both laugh and cry.

Mo Xiuyao discreetly pinched Mo Xiaobao’s bottom and smiled, “Hungry, aren’t you? Look at those vacant eyes. You didn’t eat enough at lunch…” Mo Xiaobao glared: You’re the one with vacant eyes! You’re the glutton!

Mo Xiuyao smiled: You think I don’t know you’re thinking bad thoughts about me?

A family of three – a tall, handsome man with white hair carrying a delicately beautiful boy in black, accompanied by an elegant woman in a light-colored cape. They walked slowly along the street, chatting as they went, all wearing gentle smiles. This warm and peaceful scene captivated many onlookers, and even the few acquaintances who wanted to come forward and greet them felt reluctant to disturb the moment. People quietly watched them stroll by, and the usually noisy street seemed to fall into a peaceful hush.

In a teahouse by the street, Noble Consort Liu stood quietly by an open second-floor window, dressed in white with a snow fox cape. Looking down from above at the couple approaching from afar, her tightly clenched hands left bloody marks on her nails. “What a perfect pair. And the Prince of Ding’s heir – when he grows up, his bearing will surely exceed the Prince’s by threefold,” Tan Jizhi remarked calmly behind Noble Consort Liu.

Noble Consort Liu whirled around, giving Tan Jizhi a cold look. Tan Jizhi shrugged indifferently and said no more.

Seeing him fall silent, Noble Consort Liu turned back to fix her gaze on the white-haired man. Thinking of why that head of black hair had turned white, hatred surged in her heart again. Back then… if she had known Ye Li would capture Mo Xiuyao’s heart, she would never have let Ye Li stay by his side. Unfortunately, one wrong step led to another. Back then, to gain Mo Xiuyao’s favor, she had even helped Ye Li. Thinking of this, Noble Consort Liu felt she had done the most foolish thing in the world.

“Why…” Why wouldn’t he love her? What did she lack compared to Ye Li?!

Staring from afar at the woman in cyan beside the white-haired man, though her features could be called elegant, Noble Consort Liu believed herself still far more beautiful. Regarding family background, she was the Prime Minister’s daughter – even though Ye Li had the Xu family as maternal relatives, that was only on her mother’s side. Strictly speaking, Ye Li was now just a commoner’s daughter.

Tan Jizhi watched the woman before him with a smile. When one becomes too invested and obsessed with matters of love, they become bewitched. Moreover, did Noble Consort Liu truly love Mo Xiuyao as much as she imagined? It was probably more about not being able to accept it. Think about it – how could a beautiful and proud woman who had captivated an emperor tolerate being completely ignored by a man?

“Send someone to invite the Prince and Princess Consort up for a chat,” Noble Consort Liu said coldly.

Tan Jizhi frowned, “Is this appropriate? Your Grace’s unauthorized departure from the palace isn’t good news.”

“Go!”

Tan Jizhi shrugged, “If Your Grace insists.”

Below, Ye Li had long sensed a resentful gaze fixed on her. Looking up, she saw the white-clad figure in the second-floor window not far ahead.

Noble Consort Liu, worthy of being the capital’s greatest beauty after Su Zuidie, remained beautiful as ice and snow pear blossoms despite being over thirty. Standing there for just a moment had already attracted the attention of many passersby, but she seemed not to care, just gazing distantly at the pedestrians like a beautiful white jade sculpture.

“Greetings to the Prince and Princess Consort. Noble Consort requests your presence,” a guard-like man appeared on the street and said respectfully.

A dangerous glint flashed in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes as he lowered his gaze and said casually, “Ali must be thirsty too. Let’s go have some tea.”

Ye Li smiled faintly, “Very well.”