Lady Sun’s casual remarks made Princess Lingyun’s face turn pale. Though Princess Lingyun was proud by nature, she wasn’t a fool. She clearly understood that the Western Ling royal family was no longer what it used to be. Not only did she have to lower her head before Ye Li, the Designated Prince’s consort, but she also couldn’t easily act out against this widow who had just sought refuge with the Designated Prince’s household. She could only snort and walk over to sit in a chair at the side with a gloomy face.
Princess Lingyun’s suppressed anger surprised everyone present. After their surprise, they understood even more clearly. Times had changed – even someone as proud as Princess Lingyun didn’t dare to be unruly before the Designated Prince’s consort. This further strengthened their resolve to align themselves with the Designated Prince’s household.
After Princess Lingyun took her seat, Lady Bai led Bai Qingning forward to pay respects to Ye Li. “This humble one, née Bai, brings my young daughter Qingning to greet the Designated Prince’s consort.”
Following behind Lady Bai, Bai Qingning gracefully curtsied, “Young Miss Qingning pays respects to the Designated Prince’s consort.” This greeting followed the proper etiquette of a young lady from Da Chu’s scholarly family without the slightest error, quite different from the Western Ling noble ladies who had come to pay respects earlier. Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly and said with a smile, “Lady Bai, Miss Bai, no need for such formality. I am also a guest here, please make yourselves comfortable.”
Lady Bai smiled and said, “How dare we? Being able to see the consort’s grace today is truly a blessing from our past three lives.”
While Lady Bai was exchanging pleasantries with Ye Li, Bai Qingning took the opportunity to observe the woman in blue sitting in the main seat. She appeared to be only a few years older than herself, but her beautiful and graceful features carried a faint yet mesmerizing radiance and dignity. This added an air of elegant nobility to her beautiful countenance, making others feel inferior in comparison. Ye Li was no ordinary person – how could she not notice Bai Qingning’s gaze upon her even while conversing with others? She couldn’t help but smile.
“Does Miss Bai have something to say?” Ye Li asked with a gentle smile.
Bai Qingning started slightly, hurriedly standing up and saying, “Qingning wouldn’t dare. It’s just that I’ve heard the consort has galloped across battlefields, with fame spreading far and wide. Qingning admires this greatly, which is why… Qingning has been improper, please forgive me.” Ye Li waved her hand and smiled, “It’s fine. What fame spreading far and wide is just others exaggerating. I merely followed the Prince outside the capital and saw a bit more of the world.”
Bai Qingning’s eyes were full of admiration and longing as she smiled and said, “The consort is being modest. If one could be as free and unfettered as the consort, that would truly make this life worthwhile.”
Lady Sun, sitting beside Ye Li, raised her eyebrows upon hearing this and held her daughter in her arms, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. The Bai family had for generations taught their daughters the ways of becoming empresses and consorts – she had never heard of them raising a legitimate daughter who yearned for freedom and independence. But seeing Lady Bai’s unperturbed expression, the smile in Lady Sun’s eyes deepened.
Ye Li lowered her head and took a sip of tea, though her smile had faded somewhat. Usually, she would quite like such a young woman, but her mood these past few days seemed to have affected even her view of people. Looking at this smiling, elegant, and cheerful young woman before her, she felt not the slightest bit of goodwill. While Ye Li wasn’t unaware of what thoughts those present harbored, she didn’t mind. Given her and Mo Xiuyao’s position, such issues were unavoidable. Everyone was acting for their interests – while she didn’t like them due to their respective positions, she didn’t feel they were particularly evil. It was just a pity… If she and Mo Xiuyao had no feelings for each other, she wouldn’t mind being a nominal wise consort of her generation, but they had already been through so much together and developed such deep feelings that she could only say sorry to these people. Mo Xiuyao belonged to her alone!
The atmosphere in the waterside pavilion grew slightly cold. Princess Lingyun, sitting to the side, let out a contemptuous snort. Having grown up in the palace, even if she was overbearing, she had more schemes than ordinary people. How could she not know what the Bai family was planning? Unfortunately, Ye Li wasn’t someone easily manipulated. Princess Lingyun, now nearly thirty and married, had long had whatever infatuation she once had worn away over time. What remained was less infatuation with Mo Xiuyao and more resentment toward Ye Li. Therefore, she understood even more clearly what kind of person Ye Li was. Back then, at just fourteen or fifteen and newly married, Ye Li had dared to show no mercy to her, a Western Ling princess. Now, having matured through many trials, how could the Designated Prince’s consort tolerate other women coveting what belonged to her? The Bai family’s schemes were destined to fail. Western Ling hadn’t even fallen yet, but these people were already rushing to seek refuge with the Designated Prince’s household – they all deserved death!
After a while, Ye Li finally spoke with a light smile, “What’s so special about that? I’ve always felt it’s not good to keep young ladies locked away in their chambers. Miss Bai, if you’re interested, I can speak with the head of the Bai family about letting you go out for some experience – that wouldn’t be bad.”
“Experience?” Bai Qingning was startled, not understanding how the conversation had suddenly turned this way. Besides, she had no real desire to go out and gain experience. She was different from the Designated Prince’s consort – though she was from Western Ling, she couldn’t even tie up a chicken, how could she endure such hardships?
Ye Li smiled and said, “Isn’t that so? I remember… my first time going out was to the Southern Frontier, when I was around fifteen or sixteen, about the same age as Miss Bai.”
Bai Qingning could barely maintain her smile, looking worriedly at Lady Bai, afraid that Ye Li would have someone throw her into the Southern Frontier. She had only read about such places in books – how could she go to such a poor and treacherous place? Lady Sun, watching the entertainment from the side, said with a smile, “The consort speaks truly. What I regret most is never having left the vicinity of Western Ling’s imperial city in this life. When Xiaofu is older, I certainly won’t restrict her so.”
Others hurriedly joined in praising the consort’s insight, though none took it seriously in their hearts. Although Western Ling wasn’t as strict with young ladies as Da Chu, their noble daughters were still raised in luxury – no one intended to send their daughters out to suffer. However, many secretly thought about how the Designated Prince’s consort could travel to and from the Southern Frontier at fifteen or sixteen, showing she was indeed extraordinary. This somewhat dampened their thoughts of sending their daughters to the Designated Prince’s household.
After sitting and chatting with Ye Li for a while and having some tea, people began to leave in groups of three or five to tour the garden. Naturally, Ye Li couldn’t avoid joining them, accompanied by Lady Sun, Lady Bai, and a few others. Walking through the garden, looking at the colorful silk flowers lining the paths, Ye Li couldn’t help but smile, “The lady has clever thoughts – no wonder the Sun family has flourished even more under your care.”
Lady Sun, holding Sun Xiaofu’s hand, smiled and said, “Western Ling is located in the Western Region with a cold climate. It can’t compare to Da Chu, let alone Crystal City. We hardly see flowers and grass throughout the four seasons – this is just making do. I must seem laughable to the consort.” Ye Li smiled faintly, and Bai Qingning, following at her side, smiled and said, “Does the consort like flowers and plants? I have many flowers and plants from Da Chu and the Western Region at home – why not send some to the consort tomorrow for her enjoyment?”
Ye Li turned to look at the calmly smiling Bai Qingning and shook her head with a smile, “Taking what others treasure is not what a noble person does. Besides, I’m not a refined person – giving me rare flowers and plants would just be wasting them.”
Bai Qingning covered her mouth and laughed, “The consort is the legitimate granddaughter of Master Qingyun – if the consort isn’t refined, then we must be utterly vulgar.”
Lady Sun gave Bai Qingning a meaningful look and smiled at Lady Bai, “My lady, your daughter truly knows how to speak. If these words were said to me, I would be dizzy with joy.” Lady Bai’s smile stiffened as she said lightly, “Lady Sun jests – how could this little girl compare to Lady Sun’s silver tongue?”
Lady Sun giggled, “I’m not joking – everyone knows that the Bai family’s daughters have never been anything but silver-tongued. How else could they gain the emperor’s favor and become consorts generation after generation?”
Lady Bai’s face turned green as she glared hatefully at Lady Sun. Lady Sun paid no attention and continued walking and chatting with Ye Li while holding her daughter’s hand.
“Consort, the Fourth Young Master requests an audience,” reported a guard who had caught up from behind.
“Fourth Brother?” Ye Li was somewhat surprised. Today’s banquet was for female guests, and men weren’t supposed to enter – even Mo Xiuyao had only escorted her to the door before leaving. But Ye Li also knew that if it weren’t important, Xu Qingbai wouldn’t come looking for her at this time. “Lady Sun, would it be convenient?”
Lady Sun thought for a moment and smiled, “The Fourth Young Master is as clear as the wind and moon – there’s nothing inconvenient about it. Why doesn’t the consort wait for him in the pavilion ahead?”
Ye Li nodded, “That’s good.”
Soon after, Xu Qingbai was hurriedly led over by the guards. “Rui’er.”
“Fourth Brother, has something happened?” Ye Li asked with concern.
Xu Qingbai glanced at the few ladies nearby, and thinking it wasn’t a secret, said directly, “My mother has come to Western Ling!”
“What?” Ye Li was stunned, not understanding what had happened. After a while, she recovered and asked, “Aunt… how did Aunt come to Western Ling?” Xu Qingbai smiled bitterly and said in a low voice, “Some time ago, my mother learned of my presence in Western Ling from somewhere. I just received a letter from my elder brother saying that mother left Crystal City half a month ago – she should arrive soon.”
Ye Li collected herself before saying, “Since Elder Brother and Uncle know, there shouldn’t be any problems with Aunt’s safety. I’ll send people to receive Aunt right away, Fourth Brother need not worry.” Xu Qingbai smiled somewhat helplessly and only revealed the truth when he saw Ye Li’s puzzled expression, “I still need to stay in Western Ling for quite some time. When that time comes, with mother… I hope you can help persuade Mother.”
Ye Li finally understood. Previously, she and Mo Xiuyao had discussed who would be responsible for Western Ling after they left, and it seems Mo Xiuyao had made his decision. Xu Qingbai had experience in governing regions, and apparently, his political achievements were quite good. These past few years he had also managed the barren northern lands well, so it was indeed appropriate to leave things to him. Ye Li also understood why her aunt had hurriedly rushed over despite the dangers – Fourth Brother staying in Western Ling wasn’t something that could be accomplished in a day or two, it might take three to five years. Fourth Brother wasn’t young anymore – if he didn’t return to Crystal City for three to five years, it would worry her aunt to death.
Covering her mouth to hide a laugh, Ye Li nodded, “Fourth Brother, I understand. I’ll explain it well to Aunt.”
Only then did Xu Qingbai relax, nodding, “Then thank you, Rui’er.” Having finished discussing the important matter, Xu Qingbai relaxed and nodded to Lady Sun, “Qingbai has disturbed you, please forgive me.” Lady Sun smiled, “Fourth Young Master is too polite. If there’s anything this humble one can help with regarding Madam Xu’s thousand-li journey, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
Xu Qingbai thought about it and realized he did need Lady Sun’s help. He didn’t stand on ceremony and smiled, “My mother might need to stay in Western Ling for quite some time, staying at the guest house wouldn’t be very suitable…”
Lady Sun understood and smiled, “It seems the Fourth Young Master will also be staying in Western Ling for many days. This will make the young ladies of Western Ling’s inner chambers… hehe, these days there are many houses in the city for sale. This humble one will keep an eye out for the Young Master.” Although many noble families wanted to seek refuge with the Designated Prince’s consort, some equally many people would follow the Western Ling emperor south, so there were many houses in the imperial city for sale.
Xu Qingbai clasped his hands and smiled, “In that case, I trouble the lady.”
Using the excuse of Madam Xu’s impending arrival, Ye Li sat for a short while longer before rising to take her leave with Xu Qingbai. Given her status, she didn’t need to attend the entire banquet – making an appearance and exchanging pleasantries with these noble ladies was sufficient to fulfill propriety. Moreover, after being in the wind for a while, she felt somewhat unwell. Lady Sun didn’t dare keep them long, rising to escort them out. At the door, Ye Li turned back and said, “My lady, please don’t see us any further, stay here.”
Lady Sun didn’t stand on ceremony, nodding and smiling, “Very well, safe journey, consort.”
“Farewell,” Ye Li nodded and turned to walk toward the carriage.
“Consort, look out!” In the sunlight, a silver flash streaked past. Ye Li reflexively dodged as an arrow whistled past her and embedded itself in the carriage beside her. The guards surrounding them immediately moved to protect Ye Li and Xu Qingbai in the middle as a group of men in various clothing but all wearing masks leaped down from various street corners and rooftops, charging straight toward Ye Li.
The Designated Prince’s manor guards met them head-on without hesitation, and both sides quickly became embroiled in combat. Protected in the middle, Ye Li could see clearly that although these men wore different colored clothing, their martial skills were considerable – well-trained. However, she couldn’t think of who in Western Ling’s imperial city besides the Western Ling emperor would have such an elite force and want to assassinate her.
“Ah?!” These attackers came so suddenly that the noble ladies who hadn’t yet gone back inside were caught in the chaos. Though they weren’t the targets, there were bound to be innocent casualties in such chaos. A maid was stabbed to death right in front of Lady Sun, who turned pale with fright but still tightly held her screaming daughter as she retreated to a corner. She shouted harshly, “Quickly capture the assassins!” This banquet gathered the city’s powerful ladies, so naturally, there were guards for protection. However, these guards were no match for the assassins, suffering heavy casualties as soon as they engaged.
A guard was struck in the face with a blade and fell toward the entrance, landing right beside Bai Qingning. However composed she might be, she was still just a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, and she couldn’t help but let out a piercing scream even louder than Sun Xiaofu’s. An assassin not far from her heard her voice and turned to throw a willow leaf dart at her. Bai Qingning’s eyes widened but her body couldn’t move at all – she could only close her eyes and wait for death.
Ding— A clear clash rang out as the willow leaf dart that should have pierced her body was knocked to the ground. Beside it lay a broken vermilion hairpin – Bai Qingning clearly remembered it was the one the Designated Prince’s consort had been wearing. She quickly looked toward Ye Li’s direction and saw that although chaos reigned all around, the area immediately surrounding Ye Li and Xu Qingbai by the carriage remained clear. Finding courage from somewhere, Bai Qingning rushed toward Ye Li’s direction. Perhaps her luck was good and it wasn’t her time to die – she managed to reach Ye Li and Xu Qingbai. “Consort…”
Seeing how frightened she was, and since she had already made it over, they couldn’t very well throw her back out. Ye Li signaled the guards to let her through. Reaching Ye Li and Xu Qingbai, Bai Qingning finally let out a breath of relief and said somewhat shakily, “Consort… these people…”
Ye Li said calmly, “Don’t be afraid, it will be over soon.”
Seeing Ye Li’s composed demeanor, Bai Qingning wanted to say something but could only close her mouth. She could only watch everything before her with eyes full of fear.
These assassins seemed fearless of death and paid little attention to those around them. They single-mindedly charged toward Ye Li’s position, determined not to give up until they achieved their goal. Though the Designated Prince’s manor had many guards, the assassins were far more numerous. The assassins knew they didn’t have much time, so their attacks grew even more desperate. Several even sacrificed themselves to tie up individual manor guards so their companions could push forward. Usually, Ye Li would praise such bravery, but in their current situation, it was extremely disadvantageous.
Finally, someone broke through the guards’ defense and lunged at Ye Li. She quickly pushed Xu Qingbai away, “Fourth Brother, quickly go!”
Xu Qingbai knew he had no martial arts skills and would only be a burden to Ye Li if he stayed. He nodded, “Rui’er, be extremely careful.” Ye Li nodded, dodging sideways to avoid the assassin’s sword. A silver flash emerged from her sleeve, followed by a streak of blood as the hand holding the sword fell limply to the ground. The pungent smell of blood made Ye Li wrinkle her brows in discomfort, but her hand showed no mercy as her dagger swiftly found the assassin’s heart, killing him instantly.
A guard pulled Xu Qingbai away to retreat, and Bai Qingning beside them quickly lunged forward, “Young Master Xu! Young Master Xu… take me with you…” The assassin whose hand Ye Li had cut off before killing him had sprayed blood all over her, and her already frightened mind could barely handle it. Seeing Xu Qingbai leaving, she quickly grabbed onto him. Xu Qingbai frowned slightly but had to pull her up. However, these assassins knew Xu Qingbai’s identity and surrounded them, forcing them back toward Ye Li. The guards, having to protect Xu Qingbai while fighting the assassins, gradually became overwhelmed, repeatedly encountering danger. Xu Qingbai said in a deep voice, “Life and death are fated – don’t worry about us. Focus on fighting the enemy.”
The guards beside him understood – if they died, Xu Qingbai who couldn’t fight would be dead anyway. So they fought more freely, focusing on the enemy, but gradually Xu Qingbai and Bai Qingning were forced back to Ye Li’s side. Ye Li swung the sword she had taken from an assassin, deflecting an assassin’s attack as she frowned and asked, “Why haven’t you left yet? Qin Feng, take Fourth Brother away first.”
Qin Feng was surrounded by several assassins; though he heard Ye Li’s order, he couldn’t break free for the moment. Xu Qingbai pulled Bai Qingning, who was still clutching his clothes, to one side, trying to maintain distance from Ye Li. He smiled bitterly and said somewhat helplessly, “Rui’er, it seems I’m going to cause you trouble.” Ye Li’s sword moved like the wind as she smiled faintly, “Fourth Brother, what nonsense are you saying? Aren’t I the one causing you trouble?” Ye Li’s swordsmanship had been personally taught by Mo Xiuyao, and though not perfect, it was quite exceptional. For a time, the assassins couldn’t do anything to her. However, gradually Ye Li’s brows furrowed as her abdomen began to ache faintly, and fine beads of sweat appeared on her temples. Usually, Ye Li’s abilities shouldn’t have been this poor, but at this point, there was no time to consider the reason.
The assassins noticed Ye Li’s movements slowing and naturally were overjoyed. Several people lunged at her together – their purpose was Ye Li’s life. If they could kill Ye Li, they could destroy half of the Designated Prince’s manor, perhaps even destroy the Designated Prince himself. Even if none of them returned alive, it would be worth it.
Ye Li steadied herself, her sword sweeping up a spray of blood. However, the increasingly painful abdomen made her body feel incredibly weak, even cold.
“Consort!” Qin Feng broke free from the assassins’ entanglement, having also noticed Ye Li’s discomfort, and quickly leaped over to support her. Ye Li grabbed his shoulder with one hand and said, “Take Fourth Brother out first!”
Qin Feng frowned and said firmly, “No, I must get the consort out first!” Though he didn’t know exactly where the consort was injured, he could see she was extremely unwell. From not far away, Bai Qingning rushed over in panic, crying, “Take me… please take me with you…” Qin Feng impatiently raised his hand to strike her, but suddenly heard the wind of an attack approaching, “Ye Li, give up your life!”
Three gleaming swords thrust directly at Ye Li. Qin Feng swung his sword to block two of the swords in front of Ye Li, but the third sword’s trajectory was diverted toward Bai Qingning. She screamed and grabbed at someone nearby, catching hold of Ye Li’s clothes. Ye Li was already feeling very unwell and could barely stand, relying entirely on Qin Feng’s support. When pulled like this, her entire body was drawn under the sword’s edge.
“Consort!”
“Rui’er!”
Ye Li struggled to raise her hand, her dagger dissipating the force of the sword strike, but she also lost Qin Feng’s support and fell onto Bai Qingning. The assassin’s first strike missed, but the second immediately followed. “Consort?!”
Qin Feng was tied up and couldn’t reach her in time to save her. He could only throw his sword at the attacker, but it was too late. The man’s sword was already thrusting toward Ye Li. Bai Qingning’s face turned pale as she quickly let go and moved aside. Just as the sword tip was about to pierce Ye Li’s body, a jade-colored figure threw himself in front of her.
With a squelching sound, warm blood splattered on Ye Li’s face. Ye Li’s eyes suddenly widened, “Fourth… Fourth Brother?”