“What happened?” Ye Li hurried over and felt slightly relieved seeing both Little Mo and Leng Jun Han standing safely. She turned to ask the guards beside her. The two Qilin guards temporarily serving as secret guards looked somewhat helplessly at the disheveled woman in the distance, then at their young master. Even as insiders, they couldn’t bring themselves to claim their young master had been wronged.
Ye Li could guess what happened from the secret guards’ expressions and cast a mild glance at Little Mo. Little Mo showed no fear at all, instead giving Ye Li a sweet smile. Looking around, Ye Li saw several handsome children about seven or eight years old, and not far away, a delicate-featured woman in bright red clothes embroidered with twining lotus was awkwardly getting up from the ground. Her red clothing was stained with something of an unsettling, strange color. Beside the woman in red, an exceptionally beautiful woman in a rose-colored dress reached out to help her up but was rudely slapped away. The beautiful woman didn’t mind, just smiled faintly and stood aside.
Ye Li frowned, finally recognizing the somewhat familiar woman in red. She was the former fiancée of the Mu Yang Marquis’s heir whom she had met once years ago, now the young madam of the Mu Yang household. The once delicate and shy maiden had transformed into a married woman wearing bright red formal attire, her dignity tinged with a hint of spite.
The young madam, upon standing up, immediately tried to slap Yao Ji. Though Yao Ji had no martial arts training, her supreme dancing skills made her naturally agile. She had already stepped aside before the hand could connect.
“Young Madam!” Yao Ji stepped back, her expression changing as she spoke deeply.
The young madam’s face grew uglier after missing her slap. “You cheap woman! You dare dodge! Do you think your husband is still at home to support you in everything?”
Yao Ji looked at her calmly and said, “I don’t know if Mu Yang can support me now, but I do know we’re in the palace. If Young Madam wants to make a scene, it won’t just be you who loses face, but the entire Mu Yang household.”
The young madam choked momentarily. She certainly knew her in-laws cared most about the Mu Yang household’s reputation. No matter who was right or wrong today, if they lost face in the palace, she wouldn’t escape blame. But she was extremely unwilling to just let Yao Ji off. When Mu Yang was home, he always protected this woman and embarrassed her. Now that Mu Yang had finally gone off to war, her mother-in-law favored this woman’s son because she was childless, which meant giving the woman some face. Moreover, this woman had become much harder to deal with compared to a few years ago, and she hadn’t been able to get the better of her openly or secretly. This time she finally had a chance to make an issue of something, yet it happened in the palace and even drew the attention of Prince Ding’s wife.
She glanced hatefully at Ye Li and the three children in the distance and sneered, “What? Has Prince Ding’s wife come to support this cheap woman? I didn’t know when a mere concubine from our Mu Yang household became worthy of such attention from Prince Ding’s wife.”
Ye Li frowned slightly and looked calmly at the young madam, “Young Madam thinks too much. I only came over because I heard screaming and wanted to ensure my child wasn’t in danger.” Though she spoke thus, Ye Li inwardly sighed with regret. In just a few years, this young madam had changed so much from the somewhat calculating but still gentle and delicate maiden she once was. What Ye Li couldn’t understand was where her hatred came from.
True, Yao Ji’s return to the Mu Yang household was partly due to her suggestion, but this young madam couldn’t possibly know that. And during their one meeting years ago, Ye Li was certain she hadn’t shown any bias toward Yao Ji.
“Since Young Madam appears unharmed, I won’t intrude further. Farewell.” After speaking, Ye Li turned to Little Mo and said, “Bring Jun Han over here. Have you been causing trouble again?”
Little Mo pouted and slowly walked to Ye Li, looking up to say, “Child wasn’t making trouble, child found a new friend. Mother, the child wants to play with him.” Little Mo pointed at the child standing aside – it was Mu Lie, currently the only young master of the Mu Yang household.
Before Ye Li could speak, the young madam let out a cold laugh and said shrilly, “The young heir of Prince Ding has such special taste, eagerly wanting to play with a cheap concubine’s son? No wonder he has no manners…” She looked disgustedly at her stained clothing hem, where something unidentifiable had left a particularly eye-catching mark on her festive red formal wear. Beside her, Yao Ji pulled at her sleeve and said softly, “Young Madam, mind your words.”
The young madam glared fiercely at Yao Ji, her anger growing. The stain on her clothes was the handiwork of Prince Ding’s heir, who looked particularly well-behaved and handsome in his black brocade clothes. Originally, she had been walking in the garden with Yao Ji, taking the opportunity to make veiled insults at the mother and son. She happened to see two children, one in white and one in black, playing at the garden’s edge. Having been married to Mu Yang for so many years without bearing children, she always felt particularly envious when seeing others’ children. Of course, Yao Ji’s son Mu Lie was the exception.
Seeing the two children crouching and playing at the garden’s edge, the young madam walked over wanting to look at them. The secret guards beside Little Mo, seeing she had no ill intent and noting their young master’s gesture, didn’t stop her. Who knew that just as she crouched down, barely touching Little Mo, something would spring from Little Mo’s arms toward her? Startled, the young madam tried to dodge but tripped on something and fell. That small black, wet creature, whether cat or dog, stepped on her a few times before quickly darting away. Worse still, not only did Little Mo show no remorse for frightening someone, but he mockingly laughed and chatted happily with Mu Lie beside him. It turned out the sharp-eyed and quick-eared Little Mo had heard the young madam’s earlier jibes at Yao Ji and Mu Lie, so young master Mo Bao decided to play hero and make a friend in the process.
As they spoke, the noble ladies and young misses following Ye Li had caught up. Seeing the young madam’s disheveled state, they couldn’t help but show surprised expressions. The young madam felt both ashamed and angry being stared at by everyone. Born into a noble family and married into the Marquis’s household, she had always been pampered and respected – how could she have suffered such embarrassment? In her extreme anger, rage rushed to her head and she could no longer control her tongue. Looking provocatively at Ye Li, she said, “Isn’t it true? I merely wanted to greet Prince Ding’s heir properly, yet he made me like this – if that’s not poor upbringing, what is it?!”
Ye Li’s expression darkened. Perhaps Little Mo had done wrong, but the young madam’s words were far too harsh. Moreover, it wasn’t the Mu Yang household’s place to lecture anyone from Prince Ding’s household! The ladies and young misses present all looked at the disheveled young madam as if she were mad.
Before Ye Li could speak, Little Mo poked his head out from behind her. “Mother, it wasn’t like that, child didn’t mean to.” His large dark eyes were wet and glistening, immediately winning over the hearts of the watching ladies and young misses.
Ye Li smiled and bent down, patting her son’s head as she asked, “Then what happened? Tell Mother?”
Little Mo said pitifully, “The child saw a puppy fall into the water over there, so the child had someone fish it out. Child and Little Dai were trying to dry the puppy’s fur. This auntie suddenly tried to pat the child from behind. The child was startled and the puppy jumped out, then… Mother, child didn’t mean to dirty auntie’s clothes… but… this auntie is very angry. Mother, can we compensate her? The child has no money, can the Mother pay for the child? The child will earn money to repay Mother when grown up.”
Watching the handsome child barely reaching her knee and seriously negotiating with his mother, the ladies and young Miss Present melted completely. If they shared Ye Li’s background, they would know the word for this – moe. The group of pampered ladies and young misses were instantly captivated by this adorable, kind child who dared to admit his mistakes.
“Young Master, this was just an accident. Surely the young madam won’t mind,” someone quickly spoke up to comfort him.
“Really?” Little Mo raised his head to look at the speaking lady, his wet eyes full of worry.
“Of course it’s true. A piece of clothing isn’t worth much. Young Master needn’t take it to heart,” that lady quickly assured him, completely ignoring the actual victim still standing aside. The secret guards looked at Little Mo with eyes full of admiration. Their young master, at such a tender age, already understood the art of lying, how to avoid the main issue, and how to lie without blinking – truly… his future was limitless. Of course, if one ignored that the puppy was knocked into the water by their young master himself, if one ignored that it only fell in after the young madam entered the Imperial Garden, if one further ignored that their young master’s attempt to dry the puppy had only made it wetter and more colorful… then technically, their young master hadn’t lied.
Looking at the women full of sympathy for their young master, who sometimes even gave their lord trouble, the guards secretly shook their heads: better to save that sympathy for the puppy that had run off somewhere to bathe.
Ye Li gave her son’s head a measured pat, seemingly comforting but warning him to stop while ahead. Little Mo blinked and obediently retreated to Ye Li’s side, holding Leng Jun Han’s hand with his left and Mu Lie’s with his right, the picture of a good child.
Ye Li looked at the young madam whose face had turned green with anger, and said with a slight smile, “My son was a bit mischievous, please forgive him, Young Madam. He and young master Mu get along so well at first sight, why not let them play together for a while? What does Young Madam think?” The young madam’s face flashed with disgust as she said coldly, “Mu Lie is naturally unruly and vulgar. I fear he’ll be a bad influence on the young heir.”
Everyone fell silent. Had this woman lost her mind? Though most could guess the reason for the young madam’s behavior – after all, many knew that the Mu Yang household’s young master’s birth mother was Yao Ji, once the capital’s premier dancer. But as a sensible household mistress, leaving aside whether they could afford to offend Prince Ding’s household now, was it wise to publicly malign the household’s only male heir? After several years of marriage without bearing a son or daughter, she might well need to rely on this concubine’s son in the future.
Ye Li frowned with displeasure, “Just moments ago, Young Madam was questioning Prince Ding’s household’s upbringing. It seems it’s not that Young Madam fears the young master will be a bad influence on my son, but rather fears my son will be a bad influence on the young master.”
“Princess jests. It’s Lie’er’s fortune to receive the young heir’s favor.” Before the young madam could say more, a stern female voice came from behind the crowd. The young madam’s face paled as the crowd parted to reveal the solemn-faced Marchioness Mu Yang.
“Mother…” the young madam began unwillingly.
“Silence!” The Marchioness glared at her fiercely before turning to Ye Li with a slight courtesy, “My daughter-in-law is ignorant. Please don’t take offense, Princess.” Ye Li smiled and said, “Marchioness Mu Yang jests. It was all my son’s mischief. Please have the young madam change her clothes first.”
“Princess speaks truly.” The Marchioness nodded and said to the young madam, “Hurry and go – how can you maintain any dignity in such disarray?” The young madam’s face reddened, and she cast one resentful glare at Mu Lie before turning to leave. Yao Ji glanced at Ye Li before following.
Seeing Princess Ding’s displeased expression, others knew it wasn’t the time for conversation and took their leave to wander the Imperial Garden. The Marchioness gave Mu Lie a few brief instructions before also departing.
“Greetings to the Princess and young heir,” Mu Lie bowed properly to them both. Leng Jun Han watched this new brother with curious wide eyes.
Little Mo complained, “If he’s an heir, why add ‘young’ to it?”
Ye Li pinched his little face in exasperation, “You’re always so particular. Have you been well lately?” The last question was naturally directed at Mu Lie. When this child was chosen to return to the capital with Yao Ji, he had undergone rigorous training. Even Ye Li thought highly of this eleven-year-old who looked only seven or eight – anyone who could survive Qin Feng’s training was exceptional. So Mu Lie’s role wasn’t simply pretending to be Yao Ji and Mu Yang’s son; at crucial moments, he might be even more important than Yao Ji herself.
“Thanks to the Princess’s concern, Lie is well,” Mu Lie replied seriously, wearing his little adult expression.
Ye Li smiled and ruffled his head, “Why so serious for a child? Aren’t you afraid of frightening Mu Yang?” Mu Lie stiffened at the sudden familiarity, his serious little face reddening without his knowledge as he said earnestly, “They’ll just think I’m mature beyond my years, a natural prodigy.” Ye Li smiled gently, “I can see the Mu Yang household quite likes you.”
“Hmph!” Mu Lie pursed his lips, “They’d like any son of the Mu Yang household. I heard the Marchioness has been desperate for a grandson these past years. She kept sending women to Mu Yang’s chambers until we arrived at the mansion. But she still wants a legitimate heir, so she makes that woman take medicine every day. No wonder all that medicine has affected her mind, hmph!”
Ye Li straightened his clothes and said softly, “In a few days, the Prince and I will leave the capital. Cold Er has gone to the border, and Feng San will come with us. Then only you and Yao Ji will remain in the capital. You must be very careful, understand? If you encounter any trouble, escape first. Staying alive is more important than anything.”
A flicker passed through Mu Lie’s eyes as he said seriously, “Princess need not worry. Yao Ji isn’t foolish, and neither am I. The Mu Yang household won’t suspect anything. We’ll handle everything in the capital well and won’t let the Prince and Princess worry.” Ye Li sighed slightly with regret, “You’re still just a child…”
Mu Lie instantly bristled, “I’m not a child! I’m a Qilin!” A trainee.
“Alright, alright…” Ye Li quickly soothed him, “When you return, I’ll have Qin Feng make an exception and accept you into the Qilin. So, stay safe?”
“Thank you, Princess!” Mu Lie said joyfully. He believed his abilities weren’t inferior to others, but Commander Qin always refused to let him join the Qilin because of his age. Hmph! Wasn’t he on a mission now? One that those tall, clumsy oafs could never replace!
Just looking at Mu Lie’s expression, one could tell what he was thinking. Ye Li simply smiled faintly and shook her head.
“Fire! Fire…” A sudden commotion came from the distance. Ye Li stood up to look toward the source of the noise as two guards took positions beside Little Mo and Leng Jun Han. Mu Lie stood on the bench to look and raised his eyebrows, “That’s the direction of the Cold Palace. It’s Qiuliang Palace, where Noble Consort Liu is confined!”
“Qiuliang Palace? What a coincidence that it catches fire on the new Emperor’s enthronement day?” Ye Li mused. After thinking for a moment, she instructed those nearby, “Take the young heir to find the Prince. I’ll go take a look.”
“Princess?” the guards behind her said hesitantly.
Ye Li shook her head, “There won’t be any great danger in the palace. Protect the three children and go.”
Mu Lie protested, “Young master doesn’t need protection. Princess, I’ll protect you!” Ye Li laughed, “That won’t do – if you come with me now, people will be suspicious. Be good and go with Little Bao and Jun Han. I’ll leave these two little ones to you.” Without giving Mu Lie a chance to object, she had already leaped away.
Mu Lie maintained his serious expression, though his little ears had turned bright red. He looked somewhat awkwardly at Little Mo and muttered, “Fine, young master will condescend to protect you then.” Little Mo rolled his eyes, “Who needs your protection?” Leng Jun Han smiled sweetly and reached out to Mu Lie, “Brother, baby.”
“Cold Little Fool! Don’t you know the difference between close and distant relations?!” Little Mo raged.
“Mm… Cold Little Fool, Mo Little Bao… hehe…”
Little Mo’s face darkened. Hehe, your sister!
When Ye Li arrived at Qiuliang Palace, half the side hall was already engulfed in flames. Qiuliang Palace was truly the coldest part of the Cold Palace, long neglected and overgrown with weeds. It was almost unbelievable that such a place existed within the imperial palace. Few people came here normally, let alone today during the enthronement ceremony. Even when the fire started, those palace maids and eunuchs who saw it from afar would take considerable time to navigate the maze of palace corridors to reach here. At least when Ye Li arrived, there wasn’t a single person fighting the fire.
“Princess.” The guards had still not all remained with Little Mo; two had followed Ye Li here.
“Help… help…” A faint cry for help came from inside. Ye Li frowned – this wasn’t Noble Consort Liu’s voice. She would never mistake Noble Consort Liu’s proud, cold voice, even if she were weak.
“Help…”
Ye Li leaped into Qiuliang Palace. The two guards started in surprise and quickly moved to follow, but Ye Li’s voice came from inside, “Stay outside!” Qiuliang Palace was only a side hall, not very large. So as soon as Ye Li entered, she saw the woman lying on the ground and quickly stopped the two guards from following. The woman wore light pink clothes, and from her figure appeared to be a young lady. From the fabric quality, she wasn’t a palace maid.
Going forward to help the young lady up, Ye Li quickly headed outside. Fortunately, the young lady had tried to escape when she saw the fire but had collapsed just steps from the door for some unknown reason. If she had been deeper inside, they might not have heard her weak voice.
Quickly carrying the young lady out of Qiuliang Palace, she set her down on the stone path outside. Turning back to look, fierce flames had already engulfed the entire palace. If they had been a minute or two later, the young lady would have burned to death inside.
“Princess, Noble Consort Liu…” the guard behind her reminded.
Ye Li shook her head, “Let it be. The fire’s too intense. We’ll look after it’s out.”
Bending down to brush aside the young lady’s long hair, a delicate face was revealed, though the left side from the corner of her eye to her earlobe now bore a scorched, bloody wound. Her clothes also showed signs of burns. The guard examined her and said, “She was drugged. She probably woke up when something burning fell on her face, then struggled to crawl out.”
“This is…” Ye Li looked at the undamaged half of the young lady’s face. Though several years had passed and she had been young then, Ye Li’s excellent memory still allowed her to recognize the young lady’s identity – Noble Consort Liu and Mo Jing Qi’s daughter, Great Chu’s Second Princess.
“Princess Zhenning.”
Princess Zhenning forced her eyes open. Despite the drug’s potency, the palm-sized burn scar deeply etched into her face, and the terror and despair of her near-death experience, she managed to maintain some consciousness.
Ye Li looked down at the young woman on the ground. She had never seen a young lady of this age with such dead, emotionless eyes. After the initial relief of survival, they instantly become heavy and lifeless. Looking up at the blazing Qiuliang Palace, then back at Princess Zhenning’s slightly trembling body, Ye Li could almost guess what had happened.
“It’s alright now,” Ye Li said softly.
Princess Zhenning stared at her blankly and tried to speak but couldn’t make a sound. A clear tear slowly rolled from the corner of her eye into her jet-black hair…