“Ye Li, I challenge you!”

As these words rang out, the great hall fell into complete silence. After a long moment, Feng Zhiyao’s laughter finally broke through. It started as a suppressed chuckle before evolving into uncontrollable laughter. Princess Lingyun flushed with anger and glared at Feng Zhiyao. “What are you laughing at?!”

Feng Zhiyao wiped tears from his eyes, waving his hand with a smile. “Nothing just felt like laughing.” He then turned to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, silently mouthing a few words. Ye Li, skilled in lip reading, clearly saw that Feng Zhiyao had said “Male beauty causing trouble.” Though Mo Xiuyao couldn’t read what Feng Zhiyao said, he could guess from his expression and shot him a dangerous glance before ignoring him.

Princess Lingyun had spoken impulsively, but having said it, she became bolder. Lifting her chin toward Ye Li, she asked, “Well? Do you dare?”

Ye Li felt somewhat helpless. She smiled at Princess Lingyun and asked, “Princess, why should I accept your challenge?” Years ago, she had accepted challenges for Mo Xiuyao’s sake and the dignity of both Prince Ding’s mansion and her position as his wife. But now, Ye Li couldn’t think of any reason to accept Princess Lingyun’s challenge. From what she could see, Princess Lingyun was already married – surely she couldn’t still be pining after Mo Xiuyao? As for the dignity of Prince Ding’s mansion, it no longer needed to be proven by having its princess defeat a princess from an already conquered nation.

“You don’t dare?!” Princess Lingyun looked at Ye Li with contempt.

Ye Li smiled. “I don’t need to.” She didn’t need to accept Princess Lingyun’s challenge. No one in this world dared say she wasn’t worthy of Mo Xiuyao or unfit to be Prince Ding’s wife.

Hearing this, Princess Lingyun’s expression grew even uglier. Ye Li was right – she didn’t need to accept her challenge. To put it more bluntly, given Princess Lingyun’s current reputation and status, she had no right to challenge Prince Ding’s wife.

Seeing the awkward atmosphere, the Emperor of Xiling quickly spoke up: “Lingyun has been spoiled by me since childhood and doesn’t know her place. Please forgive her, Princess Consort.”

Princess Lingyun opened her mouth to say more. The Emperor of Xiling shot her a fierce glare and thundered, “Don’t you know where you are? Get out!”

Mo Xiuyao held Ye Li’s hand as they stood up, smiling at the Emperor of Xiling: “Since we’ve reached an agreement, Your Majesty, we’ll return to our lodgings to rest. Ah Li has been quite tired these past few days.” The Emperor of Xiling hastily smiled, “Why don’t Prince Ding and his Princess Consort stay in the palace? I’ve already had people prepare a palace hall for Prince Ding’s party.” Mo Xiuyao waved his hand with a smile, “That won’t be necessary. I’m not particular about accommodations. We’ll take our leave now.”

“But… I’ve prepared a welcoming feast for Prince Ding and the Princess Consort…”

Ye Li smiled gently, “Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty, but I am indeed quite tired. We’ll have to decline your gracious offer today.”

With both Prince Ding and his wife declining, the Emperor of Xiling couldn’t insist. He could only have someone escort them out. As Mo Xiuyao led Ye Li past Princess Lingyun, he paused briefly before continuing toward the exit. Once Mo Xiuyao’s party had left the main hall, the Emperor of Xiling sighed in relief before turning an unhappy gaze toward Princess Lingyun, frowning, “Lingyun, you–?!”

Princess Lingyun’s face had turned deathly pale, and suddenly she coughed up a mouthful of blood. The Emperor of Xiling was startled and quickly ordered people to support Princess Lingyun, asking, “What happened?” Though this daughter had just embarrassed him, she was still his flesh and blood. Seeing her suddenly spitting blood made him quite concerned.

The Imperial Physician arrived quickly and checked Princess Lingyun’s pulse, saying with confusion, “How did the Princess suddenly sustain internal injuries?” Others were equally puzzled – after all, though Princess Lingyun had said she wanted to challenge Prince Ding’s wife, they hadn’t fought. No one in the hall had even touched Princess Lingyun. How could she have suddenly sustained internal injuries?

“Prince Ding!” Princess Lingyun wiped the blood from her lips, gritting her teeth in a low voice.

These days, undercurrents ran deep throughout the Xiling Imperial City. Though the inn where Prince Ding’s household stayed was quieter due to the Mo family soldiers guarding outside, various people still came daily with different reasons to seek an audience or even just to observe. Although the Xiling Imperial family and court still nominally ruled the Imperial City, everyone knew that it now belonged to Prince Ding’s household. Those with quick minds who hadn’t planned to follow the Emperor of Xiling south to Ancheng naturally couldn’t help but try to curry favor with Prince Ding’s household to secure their future.

In the inn, the September weather in Xiling Imperial City already carried hints of early winter’s desolation. Fortunately, Xiling mansions traditionally had few plants, so it didn’t appear particularly bleak. By the rock garden in the courtyard, Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingbo sat opposite each other playing chess. Ye Li sat beside Mo Xiuyao watching the game, and even the usually restless Feng Zhiyao and Xu Qingfeng sat to the side observing. Neither Mo Xiuyao nor Xu Qingbo played an aggressive style, and their casual back-and-forth created quite a leisurely atmosphere. Feng Zhiyao grew bored watching and turned to look at Ye Li sitting beside Mo Xiuyao, saying with a smile, “Princess Consort, have you heard about the strange incident in the Imperial City these past few days?”

Ye Li looked up at him, somewhat puzzled.

Feng Zhiyao smiled, “I heard yesterday was Xiling’s Autumn Moon gathering. It’s probably some kind of festival where the city’s noble ladies and gentlewomen gather – didn’t they send you an invitation?” Feng Zhiyao was rather surprised; by all rights, those Xiling Imperial City nobles shouldn’t be so lacking in judgment, especially those who hadn’t planned to follow the Emperor south.

Ye Li thought for a moment and said, “I did receive several invitations, but I declined them. Did something happen?”

“It’s good you declined. I heard Princess Lingyun went to attend the Autumn Moon gathering but was blocked at the door and not allowed to enter.” Feng Zhiyao’s smile was full of schadenfreude – who told Princess Lingyun to not only look mean-spirited but also carry herself with her nose in the air? Wasn’t she just asking to be hated? The Third Young Master Feng had never been one with a generous heart.

“Blocked at the door? Why?” Ye Li raised an eyebrow, growing interested. No matter how arrogant and willful Princess Lingyun might be, she was still a princess of Xiling and had reason for her pride. Most nobles wouldn’t usually oppose her directly, let alone deliberately shame her like this.

Feng Zhiyao smiled, “Somehow, the news of Princess Lingyun challenging Prince Ding’s wife in the palace has spread throughout the city. And you know, the nobles of Xiling are also well aware of Princess Lingyun’s past affairs in Da Chu. It’s all being gossiped about again. As it happens, this year’s Autumn Moon gathering was hosted by the Sun family, wealthy merchants of Xiling City. The Sun family rose rapidly after the Murong family’s downfall, and they could now be called the Imperial City’s wealthiest family. They’re originally former Xiling officials who left their posts for commerce, and they’ve never gotten along well with Princess Lingyun. Now that the Imperial City has changed hands, why would they still respect Princess Lingyun?”

“The Sun family?” Xu Qingbo, still playing chess, looked up to ask.

Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow and smiled, “Oh? Does the Fourth Young Master have an impression of them?” Xu Qingbo nodded, “Not long after I arrived in Xiling, the Sun family head sent people with gifts. These past few days, hasn’t the Sun family been sending quite a few gifts to the inn?”

Mo Xiuyao lowered his head to continue contemplating his next move, while Ye Li and Feng Zhiyao looked toward Zhuo Jing, who stood nearby. These matters were all handled by Zhuo Jing and Lin Han. Zhuo Jing thought for a moment and said, “These past few days, the Sun family head has indeed sent quite a few gifts. Additionally, Young Master Zhang of the Sun family personally came seeking an audience once. However, since the Prince and Princess Consort said not to receive anyone, I declined.”

Ye Li asked with some confusion, “Fourth Brother, is there something wrong with the Sun family?”

Xu Qingbo shook his head, “Not really, I just think the Sun family head has keen insight. When I first came to Xiling, they were the only ones in the entire Imperial City to approach me for connection.” Feng Zhiyao dismissed this, saying flatly, “Perhaps he wanted to curry favor with both sides. Merchants… they never like putting all their eggs in one basket.” Xu Qingbo shook his head, “With the Sun family’s current wealth and status, they can’t afford to make casual moves. If you hadn’t come so quickly, the Sun family might have been in trouble after a few more days. Even now… do you think the Emperor of Xiling is willing to leave all of the Sun family’s wealth to Prince Ding’s household?”

Ye Li pondered for a moment before saying, “So… the Sun family head should be coming to seek another audience soon. Yesterday’s incident was just the Sun family’s way of showing their stance to Prince Ding’s household?” Xu Qingbo placed a chess piece with a click and smiled, “You could say that.”

“What does His Highness think about this?” Feng Zhiyao smiled at Mo Xiuyao. These past few days, they’d received no small number of gifts, including gold, silver, jewels, and rare antiquities – such treasures weren’t even considered rare anymore. But what was rather awkward was the number of beautiful women being offered. Among these beauties were not only famous courtesans and dancers but also sisters and daughters of Xiling’s nobles and wealthy merchants. Although everyone knew Prince Ding’s deep and true love for his Princess Consort, some people couldn’t help but harbor hope and try their luck. Thus, for the first time in his life, His Highness Prince Ding found himself banished from the bedroom to sleep in the study by his wife. Observing from the side, even Feng Zhiyao had to admit: That his Highness was quite wronged.

Mo Xiuyao glanced coldly at Feng Zhiyao, casually dropping his chess piece and saying indifferently, “Didn’t I say these trivial matters could be left to Qingbo to handle?” As he spoke, he cast an inconspicuous glance at Ye Li sitting beside him. Qingbo was Ah Li’s cousin, so of course he would know how to handle things without upsetting her. Actually, regarding those eager gift-givers, especially those blind enough to offer beauties, Mo Xiuyao’s thought was to simply kill them all. But not only would his subordinates object to such an idea, but even Ah Li wouldn’t agree.

Seeing that Mo Xiuyao had lost interest in chess, Xu Qingbo also set down his pieces with a smile. He gave a meaningful look at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao – he certainly knew about the Prince being banished to sleep in the study for two days. He was quite surprised as well; over these years, this couple had always been loving and harmonious without even the slightest quarrel. Given Mo Xiuyao’s status, it was impossible that there hadn’t been beautiful women trying to tempt him. But Li’er had never shown jealousy before. This time… could it be that Mo Xiuyao had some thoughts? Xu Qingbo’s refined eyes flickered slightly as he asked with a smile, “Your Highness takes it too seriously. How could I dare to handle such important matters on my own? Third Young Master Feng, seeing you so pleased, could it be that truly some world-class beauty was sent this time?”

Feng Zhiyao’s mouth twitched slightly – what did he mean by “seeing you so pleased”? It made him sound like some kind of lecherous demon. However, the pleasure of watching Mo Xiuyao’s predicament instantly overcame the slight displeasure in his heart. He smiled, “Well, Fourth Young Master, you won’t believe it, but there was. The other day, the Marquis of Changning from Xiling sent a pair of exceptional beauties. Though they might not be considered kingdom-topping beauties, they’re certainly rarely seen as gorgeous women. More importantly, they’re twins who look exactly alike. Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and I looked for half a day and couldn’t tell them apart.”

Zhuo Jing, standing to the side, rubbed his nose, secretly grumbling: Third Young Master Feng, you were the one who looked for half a day, and you were the one who couldn’t tell them apart. Why drag in us innocent bystanders? They had received specialized training and guidance from the Princess Consort – how could they possibly fail to distinguish a pair of twins?

Mo Xiuyao listened to Feng Zhiyao enthusiastically introducing the beauties sent over these past days to Xu Qingbo and Xu Qingfeng, then looked at Ye Li beside him who wore almost the same smile as Xu Qingbo, and felt his heart grow cold. He didn’t understand why Ah Li had suddenly become angry, but he knew it wasn’t simply because of those women who weren’t even worth mentioning. In all these years, Ah Li had never been angry with him, and even when she occasionally was, it seemed more like a joke. But this time, Mo Xiuyao truly felt that Ah Li was genuinely unhappy, but… why exactly?

Looking at the faint smile on Ye Li’s lips, Mo Xiuyao felt increasingly troubled and agitated.

Turning his gaze coldly toward the excited Feng Zhiyao, Mo Xiuyao said, “Third Young Master Feng, since you speak of it with such joy…” Feng Zhiyao blinked, looking bewildered at Mo Xiuyao who was coldly smiling at him. Then he heard Mo Xiuyao’s cool voice, “Those twin sisters sent by Marquis Changning, I’ll bestow them to you. Though Changning’s blood ties are distant, he is still of Xiling’s royal family, so we should give him some face. Those twin beauties, you must… treat them well.” Mo Xiuyao spoke those last four words particularly deeply, making Feng Zhiyao’s heart skip a beat as if a bucket of cold water had suddenly sobered up his somewhat excited head.

Joy breeds sorrow, and the ancients weren’t wrong about how watching one’s superior’s drama isn’t fun, Feng Zhiyao thought glumly to himself.

Having given away those two, Mo Xiuyao also thought about how to arrange the others. Since Ah Li didn’t like him killing people arbitrarily, keeping them in the inn would make her unhappy. Mo Xiuyao stroked his chin with satisfaction and said to Feng Zhiyao, “Issue the order to reward those women to the commanders according to their military merits.”

Beside them, Xu Qingfeng and Qin Feng’s expressions changed slightly. Xu Qingfeng hurriedly said, “That… Your Highness, I must decline.” He was about to marry Tianxiang when he returned – how could he bring a woman back? Even if Tianxiang didn’t get angry with him, her parents would break his legs. Qin Feng coughed lightly and followed, “This subordinate also thanks Your Highness for the kind intention.”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, looking at Qin Feng, “It’s understandable for Qingfeng to decline, but Qin Feng, do you not want any? You’re over thirty now, shouldn’t you be married with children? I remember there’s a legitimate daughter from a scholarly family among them, shall I have Feng San give her to you?” Qin Feng shook his head repeatedly, saying with a bitter face, “Thank you, Your Highness, but I must decline.” Indeed, watching the Prince’s drama wasn’t fun.

“Qingbo?” Mo Xiuyao smiled at Xu Qingbo. Xu Qingbo smiled steadily, “Thank you for Your Highness’s kindness, but the Xu family rules state that before marriage, and after marriage until forty without sons, one cannot take concubines.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded and smiled, “I know this, but taking two back as maids wouldn’t be bad either.”

“I wander about all year long, I’m afraid I would wrong these fine ladies,” Xu Qingbo replied, his smile unchanged.

After dismissing all his subordinates who were unwilling to accept the gift of beauty, Mo Xiuyao turned back to Ye Li, raising his hand to lift her small face as he asked softly, “Ah Li, are you still angry?” Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao with a calm smile, “What are you saying, Your Highness? When was I angry?” Mo Xiuyao pulled her into his embrace, burying his face in her fragrant hair as he said sullenly, “Ah Li, please don’t be angry… if you’re unhappy… I’ll go kill all those women!” When he said “kill,” Mo Xiuyao’s tone unconsciously carried a hint of murderous intent.

Ye Li’s heart trembled slightly, and she sighed helplessly, “Don’t be foolish. We’ve just taken the Imperial City of Xiling, if we want to stabilize things quickly, we can’t be too hostile with the local nobility. Killing them all would be even worse than sending them back immediately.” Ye Li herself didn’t understand exactly why she was unhappy. She certainly knew Mo Xiuyao’s feelings for her, and she believed he was wholeheartedly devoted to her. But seeing so many people sending beauties, seeing so many beautiful women casting admiring glances at Mo Xiuyao, the displeasure in her heart became almost impossible to conceal.

Perhaps she had never before realized how many women’s gazes and affections her husband might attract. Although there had been people like Su Zuidie Noble Consort Liu and even Princess Lingyun before, Ye Li had never felt these people could bring any harm to her relationship with Mo Xiuyao. Perhaps as Mo Xiuyao’s future status became higher and higher, it was destined that more and more women would be attracted to him, and more and more people would continuously send various kinds of beautiful women. Moreover, if one day Mo Xiuyao ruled the world… the ministers would not tolerate having only her in the rear palace. Perhaps this had nothing to do with these things that still seemed far away, she just inexplicably felt irritated and weary of the current situation.

“If you don’t like them, what’s wrong with killing them?” Mo Xiuyao said sullenly, raising his head and stroking Ye Li’s beautiful face. His gaze was deep and resolute, “If these so-called nobles make Ah Li unhappy, what’s wrong with driving them all away? Here, in Prince Ding’s mansion, who dares to criticize me? Ah, Li, don’t be angry with me, I feel miserable…”

Ye Li let out a soft sigh, leaning into Mo Xiuyao’s embrace and saying softly, “I’m not angry about this. Actually…” Sighing somewhat irritably, Ye Li said, “I don’t know why either, I just feel somewhat troubled.” Ye Li also felt very disturbed by these emotions she couldn’t control. In both her past and present life, she rarely had moments where she couldn’t control her emotions. Mo Xiuyao raised his hand to feel Ye Li’s forehead, asking with concern, “Are you feeling unwell somewhere? Shall we have a doctor come take a look?”

Ye Li shook her head, “I’m fine, it’s nothing… perhaps it will pass in a few days.”

“Are you all right?” Mo Xiuyao asked worriedly, but seeing Ye Li’s complexion was normal, she indeed didn’t seem unwell.

“I’m fine.”

“Then… can your husband return to our chamber tonight?” Mo Xiuyao asked.

Ye Li looked at him for a long while before standing up and shaking her head, “My mood is still not good, so… please trouble Your Highness to sleep in the study for two more days.” Watching Ye Li’s figure as she walked away, a hint of warmth and helplessness appeared in Mo Xiuyao’s usually calm eyes.

“Your Highness.” In the now quiet garden where only Mo Xiuyao remained, the warmth in his eyes gradually faded, replaced by several degrees of coldness and killing intent. Qin Feng appeared silently behind Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao lowered his eyes and asked, “Has the Princess Consort been unwell these past two days? Or has something been bothering her?”

Qin Feng lowered his head to think, then shook it, “No, the Princess Consort’s daily routine has been normal, and she hasn’t encountered any unpleasant matters.” Although it was rather unusual for the Princess Consort to banish the Prince to sleep in the study this time, Qin Feng didn’t think it was a big deal. What couple doesn’t have quarrels? Though he had never been married, he had heard married veterans in the army talk about such things. For men, occasionally sleeping in the study or kneeling on an abacus was perfectly normal.

“Go then, protect the Princess Consort well. She hasn’t been in good spirits these past few days…” Mo Xiuyao ordered.

“Yes, this subordinate obeys.”

“Your Highness, the Bai family just sent some things over,” Lin Han came to report.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow – if it were ordinary things, there would be no need to specifically come report to him. Lin Han said, “The Bai family sent many generous gifts, including… four beautiful women and four… male servants.” When mentioning the male servants, even Lin Han’s face twisted slightly. The Bai family truly lived up to their reputation as a prestigious family of Xiling; they thought more thoroughly than others. Probably having heard that Prince Ding wasn’t interested in beautiful women, they tried a different approach by sending four handsome youths under the guise of servants.

“The Bai family?” Mo Xiuyao’s voice was ice-cold.

Lin Han nodded, “Yes, the Bai family’s head steward personally delivered them. He also left an invitation asking Your Highness and the Princess Consort to honor them with your presence at a banquet.”

“Kill them!” A flash of bloodlust passed through Mo Xiuyao’s eyes and disappeared instantly. He slowly added, “Don’t tell the Princess Consort.”