In Noble Consort Liu’s palace, although she hadn’t gone to hear the final edict, the news reached her ears with extreme speed. When the eunuch came to report, Noble Consort Liu was sitting in her palace’s small garden, gazing at a pear tree in full magnificent bloom. The slightly chilly breeze scattered white petals like snow across the ground. Despite wearing a white fox fur cloak, Noble Consort Liu couldn’t help but shiver.
“Get out!” Noble Consort Liu said coldly.
The eunuch naturally didn’t dare say anything more, scrambling away on his hands and knees. He feared his head might roll before Noble Consort Liu even had to face burial with the emperor.
After dismissing everyone around her, Noble Consort Liu tilted her head back to look at the snow-white tree before her. Pear blossoms were her favorite flowers; in her view, their snow-white purity far surpassed the beauty and nobility of peonies, peach blossoms, orchids, or plum blossoms. Originally, there had been no pear trees in the palace – “pear” sounding like “departure” was considered inauspicious. But after she entered the palace, Mo Jingqi planted several pear trees in her residence’s small garden just to please her, just to win a smile from her. And now… burial with the emperor…
She knew Mo Jingqi had always been ruthless, but she never imagined that ruthlessness would one day be turned against her. Indeed, even in death, he wanted her to accompany him.
“Your Grace… the Crown- Prince Qin and the Prime Minister requests an audience,” a palace maid reported tremblingly from outside.
Noble Consort Liu stood up, adjusting her white fox fur cloak, “Let them in.”
Soon after, the former Crown Prince Mo Xiaoyun, now demoted to Prince Qin, entered the main hall with Prime Minister Liu. Following them were the Fifth Prince, two years younger than the Crown Prince, and Princess Zhenning, who was already fourteen. Upon seeing Noble Consort Liu, the Fifth Prince, and Princess Zhenning burst into tears, “Mother… wuu… Mother…”
Noble Consort Liu had never been patient with children, and at this moment she was already terribly vexed. When she heard their crying, anger surged up in her heart, and she shouted harshly, “What are you crying for?! This consort isn’t dead yet!”
The Fifth Prince and Princess Zhenning had originally come with Prince Qin and Prime Minister Liu out of concern for their mother after hearing the edict requiring her burial with the emperor. Although Noble Consort Liu had always been cold toward the siblings, she was still their birth mother, and they had always harbored some filial affection for their incomparably beautiful mother. They hadn’t expected their first encounter to be met with such harsh rebuke. The Fifth Prince’s sobs caught in his chest, his face reddening from restricted breath. Princess Zhenning bit her lip, stubbornly refusing to make another sound.
Mo Xiaoyun was only twelve, but as Noble Consort Liu’s eldest son, he had received special cultivation from Prime Minister Liu. He was naturally much more composed than his sister and brother. As the Crown Prince, he had been the legitimate heir to the throne, but due to his father’s final edict, he was now relegated to a lower position. The fact that he could still speak calmly at this moment showed how much effort the Liu family had put into grooming him. Mo Xiaoyun frowned slightly and said, “Mother, Second Sister, and Fifth Brother are just worried about you.”
Noble Consort Liu snorted coldly, saying indifferently, “What use is worry? What problems can crying solve?”
Mo Xiaoyun fell silent. His feelings toward this mother weren’t deep either. He wasn’t like Second Sister and Fifth Brother, who simply yearned for and adored their mother. He clearly understood that in their mother’s eyes, all the siblings were unwanted, and he was merely an existing tool to be used.
“My Lady!” Prime Minister Liu frowned and said in a deep voice. Speaking of this daughter, Prime Minister Liu found her utterly headache-inducing. Ever since she first saw Mo Xiuyao as a child, her heart seemed to have been permanently attached to him. For so many years, she refused to give up. Not only was she cold toward the Emperor, but she was also indifferent to her children. If not for Mo Xiuyao, she probably wouldn’t have even considered fighting for the Crown Prince position for Prince Qin, let alone thinking about the family’s interests. It truly was karma from a previous life. Prime Minister Liu considered himself a ruthless and cold-blooded person – in his career, there were certainly no small number of people who had died unjustly by his hand. But even in his coldness, he still cared for his family and children. Yet this daughter of his, aside from Mo Xiuyao, could discard everything – family, children, husband, parents – all of it.
Toward Prime Minister Liu as her father, Noble Consort Liu still maintained some respect. Hearing her father’s disapproving tone, she frowned slightly and said indifferently, “Why has Father come?”
Prime Minister Liu anxiously said, “Why have I come? How could I not come? You’ve heard the late Emperor’s edict – aren’t you going to think of a way out? Do you want to be buried with the late Emperor?”
At the mention of Mo Jingqi, Noble Consort Liu’s lips curled in disgust. Originally, she had somewhat believed that Mo Jingqi cared for her, but now she didn’t believe it at all. That man – he was dying himself yet wanted to drag her along with him! Even if she had to die, she absolutely wouldn’t be buried in the same tomb as him. “Father need not worry, I have my plans for this matter.”
Prime Minister Liu started, “You have a way? The Emperor even ordered the Empress Dowager to be buried with him, and Prince Li raised no objections. When the time comes, Prince Li’s side will likely watch closely – you may not be able to escape safely.”
Hearing Mo Jingli’s name, Noble Consort Liu’s face darkened as she gritted her teeth, “Mo Jingli! It’s him again, ruining this consort’s plans!” Prime Minister Liu sighed helplessly, “Things have come to this point; there’s nothing we can do. In a few days, the Tenth Prince will ascend to the throne.”
“No!” Noble Consort Liu said coldly.
“Things have come to this? What other options do we have?” Prime Minister Liu frowned.
Noble Consort Liu raised her chin, saying coldly, “If they could depose the Sixth Prince, they can certainly dispose of the Tenth Prince. The Crown Prince must ascend to the throne. Once the Crown Prince is emperor… naturally the edict can be abolished, and this consort won’t need to be buried with him.”
Prime Minister Liu was both shocked and angry, glaring at Noble Consort Liu, “Preposterous! At this time, not only Prince Li, but the Grand Princess, Empress, Duke Hua, and even Prince Ding are watching the Tenth Prince. Trying to make a move would be nearly impossible. Once discovered… do you think Prince Qin would still have a chance at the throne? By then, the Liu family would only be joining in the burial, making wedding clothes for others!”
Noble Consort Liu smiled crookedly, “Father, do you think we’re the only ones who want the Tenth Prince dead? Prince Li’s thoughts won’t be fewer than ours. I’ve heard some interesting news – they say Prince Li asked about his son’s whereabouts before the Emperor died?”
Prime Minister Liu was startled. He had certainly heard Prince Li’s words at the time, but he had been more concerned with the edict in the Empress’s hands. After the edict was announced, they were all so shocked by its contents that they naturally had no time to consider this question. Noble Consort Liu smiled, “Father, do you remember the incident two months ago when Mo Jingli… kicked his son to death?”
Prime Minister Liu certainly remembered. Although Prince Li’s manor had covered it up well, the Liu family and Prince Li’s manor were political enemies. How could they not know about such a major event? Stroking his beard, Prime Minister Liu narrowed his eyes, “You mean…” Noble Consort Liu smiled, “When Ye Ying was pregnant, she was imprisoned by the Emperor. We all only knew she gave birth to a son, but no one ever saw that son. Naturally, whatever the Emperor said was so, and what he said wasn’t so wasn’t. Perhaps… that child in Prince Li’s manor wasn’t Prince Li’s son at all. The Emperor was always suspicious, and Prince Li had rebelled with the cavalry – how could the Emperor not guard against him?”
“Does my lady know where that child is?” Prime Minister Liu was overjoyed. Currently, Prince Li had no other offspring besides the son born to Ye Ying, and there hadn’t even been news of any consorts or concubines being pregnant – there had already been some rumors in the capital. If this was true, then this child’s value indeed exceeded all their expectations.
Noble Consort Liu shook her head, “I don’t know. The Emperor never told anyone the child’s whereabouts.”
Prime Minister Liu was somewhat disappointed, but then heard Noble Consort Liu laugh, “What does it matter whether we know or not? We haven’t seen that child, and neither has Prince Li. As long as Father arranges things properly…”
“My lady is right, this old man understands,” Prime Minister Liu’s thoughts turned, and he immediately understood Noble Consort Liu’s meaning, smiling in agreement.
Regardless of the undercurrents flowing through the palace, outside the palace, and above and below the court, the Prince Ding Manor remained peaceful and quiet. Until this evening, when a handsome man in red robes knocked on the tightly closed main gate of the Prince Ding Manor.
“This prince doesn’t recall inviting you to the capital, Feng Zhiyao?” In the study, Mo Xiuyao lazily looked at the travel-worn Feng Zhiyao and said indifferently. Feng Zhiyao leaned against the wall by the door, returning a tired smile. Past thirty, Feng Zhiyao’s originally frivolous handsome features had gained some steadiness and a slight sense of world-weariness. Such an appearance shouldn’t have existed on the Third Young Master Feng, who was Prince Ding’s right hand and someone not to be ignored even if not authoritative in the Northwest. At this moment, his sword-like eyebrows furrowed slightly with fatigue and worry, making it hard for others to blame him harshly. Ye Li quietly tugged at Mo Xiuyao’s clothes, suggesting he shouldn’t be too harsh on Feng Zhiyao.
Mo Xiuyao gave a dissatisfied snort and looked at Feng Zhiyao, “Speak. What’s the matter? If you’re going to say there’s nothing and you just came running from the Northwest to the Da Chu capital because you were worried, this prince will have you packaged up and thrown back immediately.”
Having grown up with him since childhood, Feng Zhiyao naturally could distinguish when he was truly angry and when he was just trying to frighten someone. After giving Ye Li a grateful smile, Feng Zhiyao sat down in a chair to the side and said, “Master Qingchen asked me to bring a message to Your Highness. There was a miscalculation – Xi Ling and Nan Zhao haven’t started fighting yet.” This was also a favor Xu Qingchen was doing for Feng Zhiyao. Originally, this kind of message wouldn’t require someone of Feng Zhiyao’s status to travel thousands of miles to deliver, and Xu Qingchen could certainly handle such matters himself. However, Feng Zhiyao’s state had seriously affected his work efficiency. Master Qingchen was incredibly intelligent and naturally understood that there must be something in the capital making him worried. So he casually assigned this task to give him a reason to return to the capital.
Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise. Xu Qingchen’s plans rarely had mistakes, but he quickly understood. Though Mo Jingqi’s death wasn’t entirely unexpected, the chaos that followed his death was unforeseen. Especially Mo Jingqi’s self-reproaching edict before death and the arrangements for Prince Ding Manor – these were unexpected developments within the unexpected. Upon receiving this news, the King of Zhennan might indeed abandon his plans to attack Nan Zhao. After all, no matter what, Nan Zhao was just a small country maintaining independence in a corner. Whether they could take it or not seemed insignificant compared to Da Chu, situated in the wealthy central plains.
“What recent changes have there been in Xi Ling?” Mo Xiuyao asked.
Feng Zhiyao said, “The King of Zhennan has secretly been moving troops closer to Da Chu’s borders. Master Qingchen deduces… as soon as news of Mo Jingqi’s death spreads, Xi Ling’s army will attack Da Chu again. Moreover, it seems Bei Rong has similar intentions.”
“What does Master Qingchen say?”
“Master Qingchen says if Your Highness has finished handling matters in the capital, please return quickly.”
“If… finished handling…” Mo Xiuyao tilted his head to look at Ye Li with a smile, “It seems Big Brother isn’t in a hurry for us to return. Then let’s stay for a while.” If they should return quickly after finishing, then naturally they didn’t need to return if things weren’t finished. For Xu Qingchen to speak this way indicated he didn’t view Lei Zhenting’s movements as threatening. Since that was the case, with Master Qingchen guarding the Northwest, why shouldn’t they see what benefits they could gain in Da Chu?
Feng Zhiyao raised his eyebrows, not minding Mo Xiuyao’s interpretation of Xu Qingchen’s words. After all, he had delivered the message word for word; how His Highness chose to interpret it wasn’t his concern.
Ye Li smiled at Feng Zhiyao, “In that case, Feng San should stay at the prince’s manor.” Though Feng Zhiyao had a family, he had moved out years ago, and when the Mo Family Army broke with Da Chu, the Feng family publicly announced his expulsion and severance of relations. Feng Zhiyao’s residence in the capital had been uninhabited for years – who didn’t know now that the Third Young Master Feng was Prince Ding’s trusted confidant?
Feng Zhiyao nodded, “Thank you, Princess Consort.”
“Your Highness… Princess Consort…” Feng Zhiyao looked between Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, finally unable to hold back. He had rushed back to the capital for this matter and couldn’t wait a moment longer. Ye Li, seeing the usually gallant and elegant Third Young Master Feng’s rare display of awkwardness and reddened face, couldn’t help but cover her mouth and smile. Looking at Feng Zhiyao seriously, she said, “You can rest assured. She is after all an empress of a nation, with the Hua family as backing. Whoever ascends the throne will only treat her with the utmost respect.”
Feng Zhiyao’s expression stiffened, and after hesitating for a moment, he said, “I want to see her once, please help me, Princess Consort.”
Ye Li turned to look at Mo Xiuyao, who raised an eyebrow and said, “Such a small matter, Ah Li can decide.”
Ye Li thought for a moment and said to Feng Zhiyao, “The palace is under strict guard now, be patient. I will have someone arrange it, but… I must first get her consent.” Ye Li certainly knew what Feng Zhiyao wanted to do, but if the Empress didn’t agree, his rash visit would only cause trouble for both parties. Ye Li couldn’t be certain whether the Empress had any feelings for Feng Zhiyao, or if such feelings were strong enough for her to abandon her responsibilities and status. Feng Zhiyao hesitated, wanting to object, but seeing Ye Li’s serious expression, he could only nod, “Thank you, Princess Consort.”
Seemingly sensing Feng Zhiyao’s reluctance, Ye Li sighed softly, “In matters of the heart, it’s hard to say who’s right or wrong. We all know you care for her, but… if she doesn’t need your concern, your current thoughts aren’t helping her but causing her trouble, do you understand?”
Feng Zhiyao remained silent. Perhaps in his heart, he fundamentally didn’t believe in the possibility that the Empress might not need his help. But… she was the Empress who served as mother to the nation, and even if she had no feelings for Mo Jingqi, it couldn’t change the fact that she was Da Chu’s Empress and future Empress Dowager. Even if Mo Jingli ascended the throne, he could only treat this sister-in-law with respect. And now, the soon-to-be-crowned Tenth Prince was only seven years old. At a time when he needed support the most, would she leave with him? Suddenly, Feng Zhiyao began to feel anxious and uneasy.
Seeing his rare expression, Ye Li sighed slightly in her heart. Love was the most wearing of all things. Someone like Feng Zhiyao was naturally unrestrained and had achieved remarkable success. He should have led a carefree and uninhibited life, but unfortunately, he was caught up in love. How many years had he been obsessed without awakening? If Han Mingyue’s obsession with Su Zuidie inspired hatred, Feng Zhiyao’s deep love for the Empress could only evoke regret and helplessness.
“Don’t think too much,” Ye Li said with a gentle laugh.
Feng Zhiyao forced a smile, “Thank you for your guidance, Princess Consort.”
“Your Highness, Princess Consort, Young Master Leng Two, and Madam Leng have arrived,” Zhuo Jing reported from outside.
Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, “What are they doing here at this time?”
Leng Haoyu’s laughter sounded from outside, “The Emperor has passed away, and many businesses have been forced to close. Your servant has nothing to do.” Many of Leng Haoyu’s businesses involved pleasure houses, taverns, gambling halls, and the like. With the Emperor’s death and the nation in mourning, these businesses naturally couldn’t operate. So Leng Haoyu, having nothing to do, brought his son and wife to visit the Prince Ding Manor.
Leading Murong Ting into the study, he immediately spotted Feng Zhiyao sitting to the side. Leng Haoyu laughed, “Oh? Isn’t this Third Young Master Feng? Haven’t seen you in a long time, and your appearance… isn’t looking too good.”
Indeed, Feng Zhiyao had rushed here without rest or grooming, coming straight to the study for business. When his spirits were high it wasn’t so noticeable, but now that he had relaxed, even his red robes seemed to have lost some of their luster. Though Leng Haoyu typically enjoyed crossing swords with Feng Zhiyao, he was tactful enough not to poke at his sore spots. Sitting down, he looked at Feng Zhiyao and said seriously, “Don’t worry, she’s fine. At this time, no one would dare treat her disrespectfully.” With the new emperor not yet enthroned and the previous emperor passed away, with the Empress Dowager and Noble Consort Liu ordered to be buried with the emperor, the Empress was in charge of the palace. At this time, anyone with eyes wouldn’t dare make things difficult for the Empress.
Feng Zhiyao nodded, smiling faintly, “Thank you.”
Leng Haoyu pursed his lips without speaking. He had no opinion about the Empress, but seeing Feng Zhiyao’s unrequited love spanning over a decade, sometimes he couldn’t help wanting to speak up for his friend. But thinking about how much time and effort he had spent pursuing his wife, he could only sigh that Feng Zhiyao was even more unfortunate than himself.