Watching Ye Ying’s merciless departure, though Ye Yue wanted to chase after her, her injuries left her unable to move through the pain. She could only hold her unconscious child and sob bitterly. If she hadn’t been so unwilling to accept her fate, trying to use Mo Jing Li to regain an even more noble status than before, how could she have fallen to such depths? However, no amount of regret could change her current situation.

Soon after, raging flames erupted from a courtyard in the most remote corner of the Ye mansion.

In the front courtyard, Ye Wen Hua and the Ye family matriarch, Madame Wang, were politely seeing Mo Jing Li out. Though Ye Wen Hua maintained a courteous facade, in his heart he wished Mo Jing Li would never darken their doorstep again. When Mo Jing Li returned and requested to see Ye Yue, she was unwilling to agree, but the old madame wasn’t ready to give up and insisted on allowing Prince Li one more meeting with Ye Yue. Now, seeing Mo Jing Li’s sinister expression and Madame Wang’s disappointed look, Ye Wen Hua didn’t know what to say.

“Master, terrible news! There’s a fire in the back courtyard!” A servant rushed up anxiously. Ye Wen Hua started, asking, “Where’s the fire?”

The servant replied, “It’s… it’s in the courtyard where Prince Li and his Princess just went.” This answer was strange—if they had said it was the courtyard where the Second Miss was confined, people might have needed a moment to connect it to Mo Jing Li. But saying it was the courtyard Prince Li and his Princess had just visited, and the fire starting right after Prince Li left, even a fool would realize this matter couldn’t be unrelated to Prince Li.

Everyone turned to look and indeed saw thick smoke rising from the direction of the back courtyard.

Madame Wang screamed, “Yue’er!”

Ye Wen Hua commanded sternly: “Hurry and send people to fight the fire!” After speaking, he didn’t bother with Mo Jing Li, merely giving him a hasty bow before turning to rush toward the back courtyard. Madame Wang came to her senses and followed Ye Wen Hua. Standing at the main gate, Mo Jing Li’s expression darkened as he glanced at Ye Ying beside him and said in a low voice: “Return to the embassy.” Ye Ying obediently nodded, “Yes, Your Highness.”

In an instant, the previously somewhat annoying entrance fell completely silent. The Ye family matriarch couldn’t quite process what had happened. How could it… end like this?

When news of the Ye mansion fire reached Prince Ding’s residence, Mo Xiu Yao merely smiled faintly: “Are you certain this time? That woman won’t come back from the dead again?”

Standing at the door, A Jin nodded seriously: “Your Highness can rest assured, I checked personally. It was Ye Yue herself.” Mo Xiu Yao smiled with satisfaction, “Very good. Having you handle this matter right after your return was hard work. Go back and see Uncle Mo.” A Jin nodded and left without further questions. From behind came Mo Xiu Yao’s calm voice, “No need to tell the Princess about this matter.”

A Jin paused briefly before continuing out. His Highness probably felt such a small matter needn’t trouble the Princess.

The study was quiet as Mo Xiu Yao looked at the letter on his desk, revealing a pleased smile.

At this time, Ye Li’s courtyard was quite lively, not only with Madame Xu Two, Qin Zheng, and others, but also Madame Xu One, Empress Hua, Murong Ting, and other ladies close to Ye Li. Adding to the bustle were the children Mo Xiao Bao, Leng Jun Han, Xu Zhi Rui, and the two twins who had just turned one month old.

In two days would be Master Qing Yun’s birthday celebration, and all preparations in Li City were complete. The Prince Ding household had been busy with this for many days, but now finally had a rare moment of leisure. The ladies had gathered at Ye Li’s to visit the two little ones. The two Madame Xus each held one baby, utterly enchanted by the pink, tender infants. The Xu family only had Xu Zhi Rui in this generation, so naturally, the two ladies were delighted to see the babies. Moreover, since opening their eyes, the two little ones had been exceptionally well-behaved and clever. One smiled at everyone, while the other, though quieter, was equally good-natured. They were even easier to care for than Mo Xiao Bao had been as a baby. Even Mo Xiu Yao had to admit that these two little ones combined weren’t as troublesome as Mo Xiao Bao had been alone.

“Precious darling… my little Lin’er. Such a lovely little face…” Madame Xu One was particularly fond of little Lin’er, refusing to let go once she held him. Though still a tiny child, it was already clear that little Lin’er took after the Xu family more. Having never been able to hold a grandson, Madame Xu One naturally favored this smiling little fellow especially. Madame Xu Two similarly adored little Xin’er in her arms—though she had a grandson, she had no granddaughter. Not just no granddaughter, the entire Xu family didn’t have a single daughter. Seeing this sweet and pretty little girl, Madame Xu Two’s heart was completely won over.

Ye Li watched the babies lying in the two Madame Xus’ arms, blinking their big eyes obediently, and smiled behind her hand: “If both aunts love children so much, why not urge Third Brother and Fourth Brother to marry soon?”

At these words, Hua Tian Xiang and Mo Wu You sitting nearby both blushed immediately. Mo Wu You hid behind Empress Hua with her red face, but Hua Tian Xiang had nowhere to hide and could only glare at Ye Li with a crimson face: “Li’er, you…” Qin Zheng laughed softly behind her hand: “Li’er speaks true, Tian Xiang, I’m waiting for you to join me in the Xu family.”

Murong Ting, holding her precious son, smiled: “Indeed, my Jun Han is already nearly five years old.”

“You… you’re all shameless!” Hua Tian Xiang stomped her foot in embarrassment. Madame Xu Two was quite satisfied with this future daughter-in-law, and seeing her discomfited, quickly said: “That’s enough, why are you all discussing such things in front of young ladies? I’ve discussed it with your uncle and grandfather and Madame Yang—since the old Duke died for his country, we couldn’t hold the wedding during the mourning period. We can only move it to next year. Then, Tian Xiang and Wu, You can both marry into our Xu family together—it will make a fine story.”

Though Wu You was still young, Hua Tian Xiang was not. Originally if they could marry during the mourning period it would have been good, but Xu Qing Feng was far away fighting in the capital then, so they had no choice but to wait until after the year of mourning. Madame Xu Two had only worried about finding suitable daughters-in-law, but now that the choices were settled she wasn’t so concerned. Besides, after Master Qing Yun’s birthday celebration, they would begin wedding preparations, and taking their time until next year would be about right.

Empress Hua looked lovingly at her blushing niece and daughter. Joining a family like the Xu clan was certainly a rare good match for them, and she could rest easy. Though the Hua family name was grand and their background noble, everyone knew that after Duke Hua’s death, the Hua family had declined. Even with capable descendants, it would take ten or twenty years to rise again. The Xu family had few members and didn’t place much importance on family background. Hua Tian Xiang and Mo Wu You would certainly not suffer any grievances there.

Hua Tian Xiang was fine—she and Xu Qing Feng had chosen each other, so it was a love match. Between Mo Wu You and Xu Qing Bai, however, Madame Xu One played a larger role, and Xu Qing Bai wasn’t like Xu Qing Feng who showed his feelings openly—it was indeed difficult to discern his thoughts. Mo Wu You wasn’t very old, and even if she had begun to have feelings for Xu Qing Bai, she was still confused and uncertain when the two families arranged the marriage. It wasn’t that she was unwilling, just inevitably somewhat at a loss and bewildered.

Ye Li saw Mo Wu You’s expression but didn’t point it out. Xu Qing Bai had some fondness for Wu You, otherwise with his gentle but very determined personality, he wouldn’t have gone along with Madame Xu One’s wishes. And Mo Wu You’s manner, when Xu Qing Bai was mentioned, didn’t seem displeased. In any case, they were both young and had time to work things out.

“Princess, Prince Chang Xing, and Princess Zhen Ning request an audience,” Qing Shuang came in to announce while everyone was chatting and laughing.

Everyone was startled, with Empress Hua and Mo Wu You’s expressions particularly complex. The others might only find it strange, but these two had deeper connections with Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning. Murong Ting asked curiously: “What are they doing at Prince Ding’s mansion at this time?” Since moving to Li City, Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning had lived in seclusion—apart from paying respects to Ye Li when they first arrived, they had never set foot in Prince Ding’s mansion, so Murong Ting’s curiosity was understandable.

Ye Li thought for a moment and said: “Please show them in.”

As Qing Shuang went to carry out the order, Madame Xu One asked: “If Prince Chang Xing and Princess Zhen Ning have business with you, should we withdraw?” Ye Li shook her head: “They’ll be living in Li City long-term—we can’t avoid seeing each other forever. They’re probably here about Noble Consort Liu’s matter.”

“Noble Consort Liu?!” All the ladies were shocked—in their view, Noble Consort Liu had been dead for some time.

Ye Li nodded, pondering briefly before saying: “Noble Consort Liu didn’t die—she’s here in Li City now. Prince Chang Xing and Princess Zhen Ning must have gotten the news and come to confirm with me.”

Soon after, Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning were brought in. Both looked well, seemingly living comfortably enough in Li City. But seeing the hideous scar covering half of Princess Zhen Ning’s downturned face made people sigh inwardly.

“Greetings to Princess Ding.” The two showed none of the typical Da Chu royal pride, respectfully greeting Ye Li. Ye Li smiled: “Prince Chang Xing and Princess Zhen Ning need not stand on ceremony. Please sit—have you been settling in well in Li City these days?”

Mo Xiao Yun nodded solemnly: “Thank you for your concern, Princess. My sister and I are both well.” Though polite, his words were sincere. Although in Li City they were just powerless royalty, after experiencing various hardships and suffering over the past two years, this life wasn’t so difficult to bear. Moreover, the Prince Ding household truly hadn’t mistreated them. Though young, Mo Xiao Yun saw clearly that besides Li City and Prince Ding’s household, there was nowhere else in the world for him and his sister to stand. His age and abilities were far from sufficient to build power that could protect himself and contend with the various forces in the world.

Ye Li nodded, quite satisfied with Mo Xiao Yun’s clear-headed understanding of the situation.

The two thanked Ye Li and sat in the empty chairs nearby, only then noticing the familiar faces. They were startled: “Mother… Royal Sister…” Though Noble Consort Liu and Empress Hua had never gotten along, Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning held no ill will toward Empress Hua. At most, Princess Zhen Ning had once been very jealous of Mo Wu You, but that jealousy now seemed even more meaningless. Mo Wu You had originally strongly disliked these siblings because of Noble Consort Liu, but knowing their life in Li City these past two years had been no better than her own previous experiences, and seeing Princess Zhen Ning’s scarred face along with how the siblings had conducted themselves when the capital was besieged, blood ties still counted for something. Mo Wu You’s heart softened, and she nodded: “Are you well?”

Princess Zhen Ning’s eyes reddened as she bit her lip and nodded, lowering her head with even more shame. She remembered how she had once felt schadenfreude in her heart when Mo Wu You was sent to the Southern Zhao King. Now seeing that Mo Wu You showed no disgust or mockery at her ruined appearance, nor even the pity she hated most, she felt several parts ashamed.

“Royal Sister…”

Mo Wu You smiled: “Just call me Wu You—I’m no princess anymore.”

Mo Xiao Yun nodded in understanding and addressed them: “Mother, Sister Wu You.” Calling Empress Hua ‘mother’ might seem strange, but it wasn’t inappropriate. After all, Empress Hua had been Mo Jing Qi’s principal wife, and all princes and princesses had to address her as Mother Empress. She was the legitimate mother to princes and princesses like Mo Xiao Yun. Empress Hua nodded slightly, looking at Mo Xiao Yun calmly: “These two years have been hard on you. Since you’ve endured this far, forget the past and live well with your sister.”

Mo Xiao Yun nodded: “Thank you for your guidance, Moth—Madame.”

“What brings Prince Chang Xing and Princess Zhen Ning to Prince Ding’s mansion?” Ye Li asked. Mo Xiao Yun glanced at the many ladies present but didn’t conceal anything, nodding: “Princess, my sister and I heard that there’s a woman beside the Northern Rong Seventh Prince who greatly resembles… Mother Consort. We wonder if this is true?” Ye Li saw how intently they watched her and sighed softly. She nodded: “Yes, the woman beside Ye Lu Ye is called Qing Yi Na, reportedly the Seventh Prince’s fiancée. Though I haven’t seen her true face, Princess Rong Hua says she looks identical to Noble Consort Liu. If you have questions, you can ask her at the embassy.”

Mo Xiao Yun’s expression darkened as he said gravely: “My sister and I tried visiting the embassy twice but were refused. That’s why… we came to ask the Princess to investigate…”

Ye Li considered for a moment: “Qing Yi Na is Ye Lu Prince’s guest, also our guest. It wouldn’t be appropriate for me to directly investigate her. However, you could inquire with Princess Rong Hua. She frequently entered the palace in her youth and should be more familiar with that person than I am.”

From Ye Li’s words, both siblings had confirmed Noble Consort Liu’s identity. While Mo Xiao Yun’s face darkened, Princess Zhen Ning’s hands gripping her handkerchief turned white, trembling slightly.

Ye Li looked at them and said earnestly: “Regardless of who she is, you must think thrice before acting. Don’t do anything rash. If you face any difficulties, come tell me and the Prince. Though this is Li City, Ye Lu Ye is still a Northern Rong prince commanding significant military power—his influence isn’t trivial. You mustn’t act impulsively.”

Mo Xiao Yun fell silent before nodding: “Thank you for your guidance, Princess. We understand. We won’t disturb you further—my sister and I will take our leave.” Ye Li nodded gently, looking at Princess Zhen Ning and saying softly: “Don’t stay cooped up inside all day—come out more often. The outside world isn’t as terrible as you think.” Princess Zhen Ning bit her lip, nodded, and hurriedly left with Mo Xiao Yun.

Watching the siblings depart, everyone’s mood grew somber. Hua Tian Xiang frowned: “Was Princess Zhen Ning’s face harmed by Noble Consort Liu?” She had also frequently moved about the palace before but didn’t have many impressions of Princess Zhen Ning. None of Noble Consort Liu’s three children resembled her much. As a daughter, Princess Zhen Ning wasn’t valued by her mother, and Mo Jing Qi favored Mo Wu You more, leaving her with little presence in the palace—completely unlike what one would expect of a domineering consort’s daughter. Now seeing the horrifying scar on what had been a pretty face, Hua Tian Xiang couldn’t help feeling some sympathy for her.

Ye Li shook her head: “Nobody knows exactly what happened. When we rescued her, Noble Consort Liu had already disappeared—she was the only one in the Cold Palace. If we hadn’t arrived in time to save her, everyone would probably have thought Noble Consort Liu had died inside.” Thus, regardless of the truth, from Princess Zhen Ning’s perspective, her birth mother abandoned her in a sea of fire as a substitute corpse.

Empress Hua frowned slightly: “I see Zhen Ning must hate Noble Consort Liu intensely. Will there be trouble if they confront her?”

“With Prince Chang Xing there, there shouldn’t be any problems,” Ye Li said thoughtfully.

Speaking of Noble Consort Liu, everyone couldn’t suppress their disgust. They all knew about her feelings for Mo Xiu Yao and how she had tried to force him to marry her, and now with Princess Zhen Ning’s situation, their disgust reached new heights. Murong Ting hugged Leng Jun Han and said hatefully: “That kind of woman—if I met her, I’d whip her myself.”

Mo Xiao Bao, sitting beside Ye Li and obediently eating snacks, blinked and asked: “Mother, are you talking about that white-clothed lady from the capital?” Hearing this, Ye Li looked at Mo Xiao Bao with surprise: “You still remember Noble Consort Liu?”

Mo Xiao Bao pouted unhappily: “That lady was the worst, always looking at Young Master and Mother with strange eyes. I wanted to tell Father to dig out her eyes if she kept looking, but then she died. So she’s not dead?” Ye Li’s head throbbed—what was with that excited tone? When had she ever taught him such brutal thoughts? Mo Xiao Bao wasn’t even seven years old then.

In the Northern Rong embassy, when Princess Rong Hua received word that Prince Chang Xing and Princess Zhen Ning sought an audience, a strange smile played on her lips. She immediately ordered her attendants to invite them in. Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning had come twice before but were turned away by embassy staff, not even getting through the door. This time, requesting to see Princess Rong Hua, they were quickly led inside.

Princess Rong Hua deliberately received them in the embassy’s main hall. Seeing Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning, she smiled warmly, pulling them to sit down: “When I was still in the capital, you were both children. I never expected that after so many years, you’d both be grown up.” Looking at the young man and woman before her, Princess Rong Hua felt somewhat emotional. Though she wasn’t old, seeing children she’d known grow into adults made her reflect on how quickly time passed.

“Aunt Rong Hua, are you well in Northern Rong?” Mo Xiao Yun asked.

Princess Rong Hua smiled: “The Crown Prince treats me very well—everything is fine. I’ve heard about what happened these past few years. You two have suffered.”

Mo Xiao Yun was no longer an ignorant child and smiled faintly: “My sister and I are well too. Prince Ding’s household treats us very well.”

“That’s good—Prince Ding is kindhearted. Though not as wealthy and honored as royal princes, it’s more peaceful than all that scheming. Now that you’ve finally escaped, don’t think about those things anymore. Not everyone has the fortune to jump out of that circle.” Princess Rong Hua sighed, also advising them. Mo Xiao Yun nodded: “I understand, thank you for your guidance, Aunt.”

“Aunt Rong Hua…” Princess Zhen Ning looked at Princess Rong Hua, struggling to speak. Princess Rong Hua naturally understood why they had come. She gently patted her hand and said softly: “I’ve heard about what happened to you, poor child. You’ve suffered. You want to see Qing Yi Na, don’t you?” Mo Xiao Yun hesitated before nodding. They had heard before that Princess Rong Hua had an aggressive, domineering personality, so seeing her so kind now made them somewhat uncomfortable. Being born into the royal family, none of them were pure and innocent, so they naturally harbored some suspicion toward such a friendly Princess Rong Hua.

Princess Rong Hua saw through his doubts at a glance and smiled slightly: “Silly child, who stays the same as they were in youth? I’m not certain if she is… I’ll have someone invite her over—you can see her. Just don’t act rashly.” Both siblings nodded silently.

Shortly after, Noble Consort Liu entered in white robes. Without looking around the hall, she coldly addressed Princess Rong Hua: “Why did you call me here?” These past few days, Noble Consort Liu had been in a terrible mood. Not only had she been severely reprimanded by Ye Lu Ye after encountering Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li on the street, but yesterday Mo Xiao Yun and Zhen Ning had come looking for her. Before arriving, she truly hadn’t expected these children to be in Li City. More importantly, she had no idea how to face them and didn’t want to see them at all.

Princess Rong Hua raised an eyebrow: “It’s not that I have anything to discuss—someone is here to see you.”

“Who…” Noble Consort Liu’s voice cracked as she stared in shock at the two young people watching her coldly. In two years, Mo Xiao Yun had grown much taller and seemed much more composed. Princess Zhen Ning sat beside him, her face similarly covered by a veil, but her visible eyes were as cold as ice. Noble Consort Liu’s heart trembled: “Who… who are you?!” After a while, she finally steadied herself and managed to speak.

But that moment of shock in her eyes, and that familiar bearing and presence—how could she hide from her children? Seeing Noble Consort Liu didn’t even intend to acknowledge them, pain and hatred flashed in both their eyes. As soon as she met Princess Zhen Ning’s cold gaze, Noble Consort Liu immediately looked away guiltily and turned to glare at Princess Rong Hua: “Crown Princess, what do you mean by this?”

Princess Rong Hua leisurely drank her tea, smiling faintly: “What do I mean by what? These are the orphaned children of my royal cousin the Emperor. Prince Chang Xing and Princess Zhen Ning came looking for you. Qing Yi Na, don’t you know them?”

“Of course, I don’t know them,” Noble Consort Liu said. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll return to my room.” Without even looking at Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning, she turned to leave. Princess Rong Hua set down her teacup and smiled: “Don’t go, Qing Yi Na. These children have searched so hard for their mother—their filial piety is commendable. Even if you truly don’t know them, you should at least explain clearly.”

Noble Consort Liu started, turning back to glance at them briefly: “You’ve mistaken me for someone else.”

Mo Xiao Yun and Princess Zhen Ning remained silent. Watching Noble Consort Liu turn to leave, Princess Zhen Ning gritted her teeth: “Mother Consort, do you truly not recognize us?”