Looking at the white-robed woman with her flowing veil, the smile in Ye Li’s eyes deepened, but if one looked carefully, there was a hint of ice in that smile. Looking at the person beside Yelü Ye with an ambiguous expression, Ye Li smiled lightly, “Speaking of which, I find the Seventh Princess Consort quite familiar. Crown Princess, what do you think?”

Princess Rong Hua covered her mouth with a smile, casting a meaningful glance at the woman across from her, “Indeed, when I first met her, I was quite startled. I thought…”

“Royal Sister-in-law!” Yelü Ye’s face darkened as he cut off Princess Rong Hua’s words abruptly. Princess Rong Hua didn’t mind his interruption – some things only needed to be hinted at for everyone to understand, there was no need to state them directly. Hearing Ye Li and Princess Rong Hua’s words, Mo Xiu Yao finally turned his gaze to the woman beside Yelü Ye, slightly furrowing his brows. Ye Li took his hand and smiled lightly, “Does Your Highness also find the Seventh Princess Consort familiar?”

Mo Xiu Yao gave her a brief look and said plainly, “No impression at all.”

Though his answer contradicted Ye Li and Princess Rong Hua’s implications, Ye Li’s smile only grew more pleased. After all, no woman likes her husband remembering another woman’s appearance, even if it’s out of disgust. Mo Xiu Yao could see that Ye Li’s mood seemed excellent, and his previously furrowed brows gradually smoothed.

Sitting below, Qing Yi Na’s complexion changed at Mo Xiu Yao’s brief words. If not for her veil, everyone present would have been shocked by her twisted expression. Her half-lowered eyes flickered with frenzied, venomous light.

Though relations with Northern Rong were strained, as guests of Prince Ding’s manor, they still needed to be properly hosted. After exchanging pleasantries with Yelü Hong and Yelü Ye, Ye Li rose to take Princess Rong Hua and Qing Yi Na elsewhere to talk. After all, it would be dull for the ladies to listen to men’s discussions, and given Ye Li and Princess Rong Hua’s relationship, it was natural for them to chat privately. However, having the silent, unapproachable future Seventh Princess Consort following behind made things somewhat uncomfortable. Princess Rong Hua had no fondness for this future sister-in-law.

“Qing Yi Na, I have some things to discuss with Princess Consort Ding. Would you mind giving us some privacy?” Princess Rong Hua still retained that trace of domineering boldness from her days in the Chu capital, dismissing someone she disliked without concern.

Qing Yi Na gave her a cold look, and though there was displeasure in her eyes, she didn’t want to conflict with Princess Rong Hua. Ye Li smiled lightly, “Since it’s been many years since I’ve seen the Princess, and our garden is barely presentable, perhaps the young lady would like to take a walk there first? Please forgive any discourtesy.” She then called over Qing Shuang and Ah Jin, who had recently returned, “Accompany our guest in the garden.”

Over the years, Qing Shuang had become quite astute and immediately understood Ye Li’s meaning, smiling as she said, “As you command. This way, please, young lady.” Though already in her twenties, Ah Jin remained as silent as ever, merely giving Qing Yi Na a bland look while standing silently behind Qing Shuang. Qing Yi Na’s gaze swept over Ye Li, but ultimately she said nothing and turned to leave.

Having gotten rid of the unwanted presence, Princess Rong Hua finally showed a relaxed smile, “Finally she’s gone, following around like a ghost, making people uncomfortable just looking at her.”

As they strolled through the garden, Ye Li asked softly, “Is that…” Princess Rong Hua nodded, “Indeed it is. When I first met her, I thought I might have been mistaken, that it was just someone who looked similar. But looking at her expression, her attitude – how many women in this world are as detestable as her?” She wrinkled her nose in disgust, completely forgetting that her arrogance in the Chu capital had once rivaled that woman’s haughtiness. “I just never expected she would escape, much less somehow seduce Yelü Ye.” This ‘she’ naturally referred to Noble Consort Liu, who had disappeared after fleeing the palace, and Ye Li truly hadn’t expected her to become the Northern Rong Seventh Prince’s future consort.

Princess Rong Hua originally had no particular feelings about Noble Consort Liu, but even though she resented Mo Jing Qi for marrying her to Northern Rong, she was still part of the Da Chu royal family, Mo Jing Qi’s cousin. Seeing Noble Consort Liu fake her death and escape after Mo Jing Qi’s death, only to attach herself to Yelü Ye, her husband’s political rival, how could Princess Rong Hua look upon her favorably?

“Despite her arrogant appearance, she truly has a talent for seducing men. Not only is Yelü Ye completely devoted to her, but even the Northern Rong King greatly admires her.” Princess Rong Hua was angry about this matter. Yelü Hong and Yelü Ye were the Northern Rong King’s most valued sons, and his fondness for Qing Yi Na naturally meant he favored Yelü Ye more, which was disadvantageous to Yelü Hong.

Ye Li smiled gently, looking at her angry little face, “It seems the Princess’s relationship with the Northern Rong Crown Prince has become quite good over the years?”

Princess Rong Hua blushed, glaring at Ye Li resentfully, “Now you’re teasing me. Everyone knows Prince Ding and Princess Consort are the world’s most envied immortal couple.” Ye Li smiled sweetly, “You can tease me too. My relationship with Mo Xiu Yao is indeed good, are you envious?” Princess Rong Hua felt frustrated by her words, declaring forcefully, “My relationship with the Crown Prince is very good too!”

Ye Li maintained a calm expression, smiling faintly at Princess Rong Hua. The smile on Princess Rong Hua’s face gradually faded as she looked seriously at Ye Li, “You don’t need to worry. I won’t go back on what I promised you and Prince Ding.”

Ye Li said softly, “From what I know, the Princess has two children with the Northern Rong Crown Prince. Can the Princess do this? If there are any difficulties, I hope the Princess will raise them now, rather than causing problems later. I trust the Princess understands my meaning.” If there were any difficulties, they could discuss them now, but if Princess Rong Hua were to change her mind later and cause losses for Prince Ding’s manor, they wouldn’t be so courteous.

Princess Rong Hua took a deep breath and said solemnly, “Please rest assured, Princess Consort. I am a princess of Da Chu, even though now Da Chu has… And although my relationship with the Crown Prince is excellent, if he becomes king in the future, my children could never become his heirs.” While the Central Plains people looked down on frontier tribes, those frontier peoples didn’t necessarily think highly of Central Plains people either – in fact, it was even more severe. The Northern Rong royal family’s rejection of foreign bloodlines was almost pathological; no matter how excellent her children might be, they could never ascend to the Northern Rong throne. So even though Yelü Hong treated her well, he had also taken many consorts and favored the children born to Northern Rong women more. Being in the royal family, Princess Rong Hua clearly understood the saying “as beauty fades, so does love” and knew well the ancient wisdom that “favor ends before beauty fades.” When Yelü Hong’s feelings for her eventually cooled, Prince Ding’s manor would be the greatest support for her and her children.

Ye Li calmly observed Princess Rong Hua for a long while before finally nodding, “I believe you, Princess. You need not worry now. Prince Ding’s manor and Crown Prince Yelü are not in opposition. Currently, Prince Ding’s manor has no interest in the outer grasslands; we only want to drive the Northern Rong army to occupy the north bank. The Princess must be aware of what Yelü Ye’s army has done in the north.”

Princess Rong Hua nodded heavily. As a Da Chu princess married into Northern Rong, Da Chu’s fall brought her no benefits. Since Mo Jing Li had led the Da Chu court south, her position in Northern Rong had become precarious. This was why she had come to Li City with Yelü Hong – as long as Prince Ding’s manor acknowledged her existence, the stronger Prince Ding’s manor became, the safer she would be. “The Crown Prince has brought up withdrawing troops to the Northern Rong King several times, but seeing the Seventh Prince’s unstoppable advance, the King hasn’t agreed with the Crown Prince’s suggestion.” Ye Li smiled slightly, “Although the Mo family army has now blocked the Northern Rong army’s advance, Yelü Ye has still conquered vast territories for Northern Rong. In this situation, I fear the Crown Prince’s position has become somewhat unstable?”

Princess Rong Hua looked at Ye Li and nodded in amazement, “Princess Consort speaks truly. This is why the Crown Prince initially opposed letting the Seventh Prince lead the army. In military matters, the Seventh Prince has always had the upper hand. If he gains such military achievements, I fear his supporters will only grow more numerous. Then the Crown Prince…”

Ye Li said softly, “The Mo family army can provide some assistance to the Northern Rong Crown Prince.”

“Then… what do the Prince and Princess Consort want the Crown Prince to do?” Princess Rong Hua asked. Heaven doesn’t drop meat pies without reason – to gain something, one must always give something in return.

Ye Li smiled, “As for that… His Highness will naturally discuss it with the Northern Rong Crown Prince. The Princess need only push the Crown Prince to make his decision at the appropriate time. Knowing too much might make the Crown Prince suspicious.”

Princess Rong Hua pondered this, having to admit that Ye Li’s words made sense, and nodded in agreement.

After sending the Northern Rong Crown Prince’s party back to their embassy to settle in, Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao finally returned to their chambers hand in hand.

“How did Noble Consort Liu end up meeting Yelü Ye?” Ye Li wondered aloud, leaning in Mo Xiu Yao’s embrace. Mo Xiu Yao lounged lazily on the couch, holding a book that he was reading intermittently while playing with Ye Li’s hair with his other hand, and said casually, “When Mo Jing Qi died, Northern Rong sent Yelü Ye. It wouldn’t be strange if he rescued Noble Consort Liu then.”

“But isn’t it strange that Yelü Ye would be so infatuated with Noble Consort Liu? Yelü Ye’s cunning and ability are no less than Yelü Hong’s. Being so obsessed with a fugitive consort from Da Chu seems peculiar.” This was truly something Ye Li couldn’t understand. If one were to speak of infatuation, it would seem more believable for the seemingly more cultured Yelü Hong to be infatuated with Noble Consort Liu than Yelü Ye.

Mo Xiu Yao put down his book and frowned in thought before saying, “Noble Consort Liu may have something that Yelü Ye values. Don’t you think Yelü Ye’s previous advances were too smooth?” Northern Rong had always been a major concern for Da Chu’s defenses, but Yelü Ye’s advance had been even more successful than Ren Qi Ning’s on the northern border. This alone was somewhat surprising. However, with Da Chu facing enemies on three fronts and crumbling, no one had carefully considered these matters at the time.

“Could Noble Consort Liu have…” Betrayed the country.

“Very likely,” Mo Xiu Yao said calmly. “The Liu family were important court officials, and though they hadn’t produced any military talents throughout their generations, Mo Jing Qi favored scholars over warriors, and the Liu family knew many military secrets.” Though his expression hadn’t changed, Ye Li could hear the killing intent in Mo Xiu Yao’s voice. She frowned and asked, “If that’s true, what do you plan to do?”

Mo Xiu Yao said, “If so, she won’t be leaving Li City. Before that… where are Mo Xiao Yun and Zhen Ning staying?” As a prince of Da Chu, though Mo Xiao Yun had personally left the Chu capital, it wasn’t appropriate for him to continue living there. Naturally, he would need to move to Li City, Prince Ding’s stronghold. Ye Li said, “They’re settled in a manor in the city, not far from the Xu manor and General Lü’s residence.” Mo Xiu Yao nodded and smiled, “Very good. Let’s have someone pass the news to Mo Xiao Yun and Zhen Ning. Since their birth mother has arrived, we can’t keep them in the dark.”

Thinking of Princess Zhen Ning’s disfigured face, Ye Li sighed inwardly. When they first arrived in Li City, Ye Li met both children and since she had essentially saved Princess Zhen Ning’s life, both Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning showed her great respect. Ye Li could see the hatred in Princess Zhen Ning’s heart when Noble Consort Liu was mentioned.

“I understand. What do you think about the Northern Rong Crown Prince?”

Mo Xiu Yao lowered his eyes, “Compared to Yelü Ye, Yelü Hong’s ambitions are much smaller. But this also relates to his steady temperament that differs from typical Northern Rong people – he sees things more clearly than Yelü Ye. If he’s sensible, he’ll naturally come to talk with us.” Ye Li nodded, letting out a soft sigh. These days of dealing with princes and kings had been even more exhausting than being on the battlefield.

Mo Xiu Yao looked down at Ye Li and asked softly, “Is A-Li tired?”

Shaking her head, Ye Li smiled faintly, “I just feel these matters are too complicated. It was more straightforward on the battlefield.” Mo Xiu Yao said gently, “If A-Li doesn’t like it, you can leave it to me and Xu Qing Chen to handle. Don’t force yourself.” Ye Li shook her head, leaning against Mo Xiu Yao and closing her eyes to rest.

“Your Highness, My Lady, Lin Han requests an audience,” Lin Han’s voice came from outside.

Mo Xiu Yao looked up and said calmly, “Enter.”

Lin Han stepped into the room, glanced at the prince and princess consort leaning against each other, then lowered his eyes and said seriously, “My Lady, Prince Li’s consort just went to the Ye manor.” Ye Li sat up, giving an annoyed Mo Xiu Yao who was nuzzling against her a glare, and asked, “Is there a problem?” Lin Han kept his gaze straight ahead and said, “The hidden guards discovered someone in the Ye family that they thought should be reported to Your Highnesses.”

“Oh? Who?” Ye Li asked curiously, unable to imagine who could warrant the hidden guards’ attention in the now-declining Ye family.

Lin Han said, “Ye Yue.”

“What?” Ye Li was stunned, and even Mo Xiu Yao raised his head, his expression darkening. Ye Li looked at Lin Han with a grave expression and said quietly, “Tell me everything.”

Lin Han explained, “After Prince Li’s consort returned to the Ye manor, she conversed with the family members, then was taken by Lady Ye to speak privately in her chambers. When Prince Li’s consort and Lady Ye argued, the hidden guards in the manor discovered that one of Lady Ye’s maids was suspicious. The sketches sent back show the maid bears a seven-tenths resemblance to Ye Yue, who was supposedly killed in the palace fire years ago.”

“Ye Wen Hua has such audacity,” Mo Xiu Yao’s voice had a chilling quality that made even Lin Han shudder. The palace fire years ago had caused Ye Li to disappear for a long time. That incident left a deep impact on Mo Xiu Yao. Even he hadn’t expected Ye Wen Hua would dare harbor Ye Yue.

Ye Li frowned slightly, “Perhaps he doesn’t know.” This wasn’t because Ye Li believed Ye Wen Hua had deep fatherly feelings for her, but rather because he didn’t seem like someone who would risk so much for a daughter.

Mo Xiu Yao gave a cold laugh, “Doesn’t know? Ye Yue is in Lady Ye’s chambers. Even if he didn’t know beforehand, how could he not have suspicions after such a long time?” So, even if Ye Wen Hua wasn’t the mastermind, he must have turned a blind eye to it. Ye Li nodded and sighed, “I understand. I’ll go to the Ye manor myself later.” If it was Ye Yue, who had helped her fake her death and escape? And why was she hiding in the Ye manor? She couldn’t possibly just want to live in obscurity for the rest of her life – if that were the case, she wouldn’t have come to Li City. Li City, right under Prince Ding’s nose, was hardly a good place to hide.

“Your Highness, My Lady, someone from Prince Li’s consort’s household requests an audience,” came an announcement from outside.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly, “Let her in.”

Soon, an unremarkable little maid was brought in. Seeing Ye Li, the maid immediately threw herself to the ground, “Princess Consort, please save our Lady!”

“What happened?” Ye Li frowned, feeling somewhat worried. She hadn’t invested effort in cultivating Ye Ying just to lose her here. The little maid sobbed, “Our Lady went to the Ye manor to pay respects to the Old Madam and Master and Madam Ye, then left angrily, saying she was coming to Prince Ding’s manor. But just after leaving, she was taken back to the embassy by His Highness. I… I’m just a menial maid who doesn’t draw attention, so I managed to sneak out to bring word for our Lady.”

As the maid was speaking, another of Prince Ding’s hidden guards arrived to report that Ye Ying had been confined by Prince Li at the embassy.

While it was difficult to place people close to Mo Jing Li’s person, Prince Ding’s manor had many people in the embassy. These matters naturally couldn’t be hidden from Prince Ding’s manor. The guard quickly relayed the situation, which matched the little maid’s account exactly. Ye Li pondered for a moment, “Ye Ying learned about Ye Yue and wanted to come to Prince Ding’s manor to tell us, so Mo Jing Li confined her. But that doesn’t make sense… why would Ye Ying betray her elder sister for our sake?”

Mo Xiu Yao said, “Naturally because Ye Yue’s interests conflict with hers. Ye Yue was Mo Jing Qi’s favored consort, and we’re still not certain whether she was loyal to Mo Jing Qi or the Empress Dowager. She could be useful to Mo Jing Li as well.”

Hearing this, Ye Li suddenly understood. After thinking, she told the guard, “Go back and tell Prince Li’s consort to make a big scene with Prince Li. The more dramatic she is, the less he’ll suspect her. Also, tell her to think carefully – even if that is Ye Yue, as long as she stays steady, her position won’t be threatened.” The guard nodded silently and withdrew.

Ye Li stood up and looked at Mo Xiu Yao, “It seems I really must visit the Ye manor.”

Mo Xiu Yao held her back, “Going now would make Mo Jing Li suspicious. The Ye manor is being watched, nothing untoward will happen. Go tomorrow.”

At the embassy, Ye Ying waved away the maid who had suddenly appeared in her room, slowly wiped away her tear stains, and sat up, “Someone come!” Soon, a guard appeared at the door, “My Lady, His Highness has ordered that you not leave freely.”

Ye Ying said coldly, “I’m not trying to leave. Go ask His Highness to come here. Tell him I have something to report.”

The guard hesitated but, seeing Ye Ying’s rare cold expression finally nodded and went to inform Mo Jing Li. Watching the guard leave, Ye Ying closed the door again, her usually gentle gaze revealing a resentful light. Her lips, pale from biting them, trembled slightly, “Second Sister… Second Sister… why didn’t you just die?!”

Thinking of suddenly seeing her supposedly dead second sister at the Ye manor today, Ye Ying’s expression became unbearably ugly. What was even more unimaginable was that her mother and grandmother would make such a request. And her second sister… what a fine second sister indeed! The third Sister was right… Ye Ying slowly calmed her anger, forcing a somewhat strained smile onto her face. Gradually, the smile of the person in the bronze mirror on the table became more natural, carrying a hint of grievance and gentleness. Third Sister was right – as long as she stayed steady, no one could surpass her position, at least… neither Princess Qi Xia nor Ye Yue could!

Soon, Mo Jing Li pushed open the door and entered, saying unpleasantly, “What else do you want?”

Ye Ying threw herself into Mo Jing Li’s arms with tears, starting to sob. Mo Jing Li frowned, coldly watching the woman crying so heartbrokenly in his arms. Ye Ying clutched his robes with one hand while crying, “Your Highness, Your Highness, don’t treat Ying’er like this, Ying’er knows she was wrong.”

Mo Jing Li pushed her away and sneered, “Know you were wrong? What were you trying to see running to Prince Ding’s manor? Wanting to tell Mo Xiu Yao about what happened at the Ye manor?”

Ye Ying shook her head repeatedly, “Your Highness wrongly accuses me. I’m not close to Prince Ding at all. I just… wuu wuu, Your Highness and Second Sister doing this, where does that leave Ying’er? Even though Mother and Grandfather are helping Second Sister, Ying’er’s heart is grieving… Third Sister said if I had any grievances I could talk to her. Everyone bullies me, what’s wrong with wanting to cry to Third Sister? Your Highness, you’re so cruel… Ying’er has followed you for so many years, our child is still missing, and you… you can’t wait to… wuu wuu…”

Hearing Ye Li’s name, Mo Jing Li paused slightly, “How is telling Ye Li any different from telling Mo Xiu Yao?”

Ye Ying cried out loudly, “Why can’t I tell anyone about such shameful things you’re doing?!”

Mo Jing Li frowned, studying Ye Ying for a long time before finally saying, “What nonsense are you talking about? Ye Yue is still useful, it’s not what you’re thinking.”

Ye Ying didn’t believe him, “Really? Your Highness truly hasn’t planned to bring Second Sister into the household?”

Mo Jing Li said coldly, “This king isn’t desperate enough to want a middle-aged woman. I have use for Ye Yue, don’t cause trouble.” Seeming to finally believe Mo Jing Li’s words, Ye Ying wiped her tears and looked at him pitifully, “I understand, Ying’er was wrong. But you can’t blame this entirely on Ying’er. If people found out about Second Sister and Your Highness… how could I show my face in Prince Li’s manor?”

Looking at her delicate appearance, tears clinging to her eyelashes, appearing both wronged and worried, Mo Jing Li’s expression softened considerably. After all, he had once had genuine feelings for Ye Ying. He nodded, “It’s good that you understand. Don’t tell anyone about this matter. You can visit Prince Ding’s manor more often in the future, but for now, rest at the embassy for a few days.”

Ye Ying nodded obediently, “I understand.”