That morning, Prince Ding’s household and the Xu family members gathered in Master Qingyun’s courtyard with their two newborn babies who were just over a month old, chatting and laughing together. After the birthday celebration, Mo Xiu Yao returned from the border. Master Qingyun, unable to bear the bustle of Li City and concerned about his students’ studies at Lishan Academy, was preparing to leave the city and return to the academy. Unable to convince him otherwise, everyone came to accompany Master Qingyun for breakfast before seeing him off.
Master Qingyun was particularly fond of the two newborn babies. Looking at little Lin’er sleeping soundly in his arms, he asked, “Have formal names been chosen for the two children?” Ye Li smiled and replied, “Weren’t we waiting for Grandfather to give them good names?”
Master Qingyun shook his head, “What kind of parents are you, having all three children named by others while being lazy yourselves?”
Ye Li laughed, “How can Grandfather be considered an outsider? Having Grandfather name them is their blessing.” Even in the Xu family, only the two uncles and elder brother had names chosen by Grandfather. Mo Xiaobao, lying beside Master Qingyun’s leg, nodded repeatedly, “Mother is right, Grandfather gives beautiful names.” Although Mo Xiaobao was given a rather plain nickname by his father, fortunately, his formal name was quite impressive. Mo Yu Chen was certainly more magnificent than his father’s name, so Grandfather’s naming skills deserved high praise.
Mo Xiu Yao felt somewhat wronged. Although he knew having Master Qingyun choose names was an honor many couldn’t obtain even if they begged,… weren’t the names he chose good enough? Well… perhaps he was a bit slow in naming his daughter, and as for his son… why did boys need such elegant names? Having capability was most important.
Glancing at Mo Xiu Yao’s wronged expression, Ye Li maintained a straight face. Just thinking about the pile of papers in the study filled with potential names for their daughter gave her a headache. Mo Xiu Yao truly had no talent for naming.
Master Qingyun lowered his head in thought and said, “Since Yu Chen has the character ‘Yu’, how about giving Lin’er the character ‘Feng’?”
Xu Hong Yu nodded and smiled, “Yu Feng? Father has chosen well. Your Highness, Li’er, what do you think?” Mo Xiu Yao had no objections to his son’s name, and Ye Li also nodded with a smile, “Any name bestowed by Grandfather is naturally excellent.” Though a single character ‘Feng’ might seem simple and less imposing than Yu Chen, surely Grandfather hoped that little Lin’er would grow up to have a free-spirited personality like the wind. After all, regardless of Prince Ding’s future, Mo Xiaobao would likely inherit the title if nothing unexpected occurred. Grandfather certainly didn’t wish for tragedy between brothers to befall them.
“In that case, little Lin’er’s formal name will be Yu Feng. What shall we call our little princess?” Qin Zheng asked with a smile.
Master Qingyun contemplated briefly before suggesting, “How about Yu Ya?”
“Yu Ya? Using the same ‘Yu’ character as Yu Chen and Yu Feng?” Xu Qing Chen inquired.
Master Qingyun shook his head, “No, that ‘Yu’ character would be too stern and forceful for a girl. This is the ‘Yu’ from ‘Zhong Ling Yu Xiu’ (naturally refined and elegant).”
Mo Xiu Yao carefully considered it and found nothing to criticize. He had thought of countless names since before his daughter’s birth, and while some might have been better, he could never settle on one. Master Qingyun’s choice was both pleasing to the ear and meaningful, not diminishing his adorable princess. Nodding, Mo Xiu Yao gently pinched his sleeping princess’s cheek in Ye Li’s arms and smiled, “Good, from now on, my little princess shall be called Yu Ya.”
While others had struggled for a long without deciding on names, Master Qingyun had chosen them in mere moments. Ye Li also felt relieved, as she might not have chosen better names than Grandfather, and as for Mo Xiu Yao – while the daughter’s names were manageable, her son’s names were completely hopeless. Having resolved everything at once with both babies receiving good names was certainly for the best.
“This month has been busy, we couldn’t even hold their full-month celebrations… We can’t slight them like this for their first birthday next year,” Master Qingyun said regretfully, looking at his two great-grandchildren. Though at his age he didn’t care much for formalities, missing the babies’ full-month celebrations due to his birthday made him somewhat remorseful. He would rather have foregone his birthday celebration than shortchange the children.
Ye Li gently patted the swaddled little Yu Ya while smiling, “Don’t worry, Grandfather. We’re counting on you to personally choose items for their first birthday grab ceremony next year. Besides, too many people came this time, and holding such grand celebrations for newborns wouldn’t have been appropriate – they’re too young for such commotion, so we all took the easy way out.”
While commoners believed that children of lighter fortune couldn’t bear too much blessing, this certainly didn’t apply to Prince Ding’s heir and princess. Ye Li said this partly to comfort Master Qingyun and partly because it was true. If they had held another full-month celebration, it would undoubtedly have thrust the newborn twins into the spotlight. It was better to forgo it altogether.
At this point, Master Qingyun recalled something and asked, “I heard the Cangmang Mountain heir has appeared?”
Though everyone had deliberately kept troubling matters from Master Qingyun, it wasn’t possible to completely prevent news from reaching him, so it wasn’t surprising that he had heard some talk these past few days. At the mention of this, Madam Xu’s face showed anger as she said, “Father, you don’t know, that Miss Dong Fang is really… our Xu family absolutely cannot accept such a woman.” Their last meeting had truly infuriated Madam Xu. She had gone to meet Dong Fang You full of hope and joy, but the result was like being doused with ice water, leaving her heart cold and chest tight. In her decades of marriage to the Xu family, Madam Xu was famous for her good temper. Yet even she was so angry that she called Qing Chen before her and gave him a severe scolding, though of course the most wronged was Young Master Qing Chen who had suffered this misfortune through no fault of his own.
Master Qingyun raised an interesting eyebrow, “Oh? Miss Dong Fang wants to marry into the Xu family?”
Xu Qing Yan immediately volunteered to tell Master Qingyun about Miss Dong Fang’s various attempts to pursue Young Master Qing Chen. The Fifth Young Master Xu spoke with such eloquence that he vividly portrayed Miss Dong Fang’s “infatuation” with Qing Chen, completely forgetting to notice his eldest brother’s slightly cold smile.
Fifth Young Master Xu’s telling was interesting, and Master Qingyun listened with amusement. Finally, he commented, “This young lady seems quite intriguing. Qing Chen, what do you say?”
“Grandfather…” Xu Qing Chen called somewhat helplessly, “Your grandson has no intention of marriage.”
Master Qingyun stroked his snow-white beard and smiled, “You’re not young anymore, you should think about it. However, this young lady from Cangmang Mountain should be dismissed.”
“Grandfather, have you met people from Qingyun Mountain?” Xu Qing Yan asked curiously. Though Master Qingyun was young when Cangmang Mountain’s previous heir descended the mountain, he had achieved fame extremely early and was already renowned throughout the world then, so he might have met Cangmang Mountain’s heir. Master Qingyun smiled and shook his head, “The last person to descend from Cangmang Mountain became the Marquis of Zhennan’s principal wife, the previous Western Ling Empress Dowager. However, I have met several other people from Cangmang Mountain.”
“Were there other people from Cangmang Mountain moving about in the world?” Xu Qing Yan asked in surprise.
Xu Qing Chen said, “Given Cangmang Mountain’s vast influence, they couldn’t have gone decades without anyone managing affairs. Naturally, people were operating in secret, just much more discreetly than the historical heirs’ grand appearances.”
Master Qingyun nodded, “Indeed, these people had no fame in the world, even passing unnoticed. Some lived and died like ordinary common folk, doing nothing remarkable their whole lives. But among them were many talented individuals who willingly remained anonymous. This shows Cangmang Mountain’s extraordinary methods of controlling their subordinates.”
“But that Dong Fang You…” Fifth Young Master was puzzled. Though Dong Fang You might be more learned than him, when it came to cunning, he really couldn’t see anything special about her. Master Qingyun shook his head, “This Miss Dong Fang indeed doesn’t seem much like Cangmang Mountain’s heir, but the more this is so… the more formidable the people sent to assist her in secret must be.”
Mo Xiu Yao smiled, “Formidable indeed. Cangmang Mountain’s master Dong Fang Hui has personally arrived in Li City. She’ll likely come calling before long.”
“Dong Fang Hui?” Xu Hong Yu frowned slightly as he spoke.
Ye Li nodded, “Yes, Elder Uncle, you’ve heard this name?” Xu Hong Yu was silent for a moment before saying flatly, “I did know someone called Dong Fang Hui.” Ye Li couldn’t help glancing at Mo Xiu Yao beside her, just as he happened to look over. They remained wordlessly silent – from Uncle’s tone, it didn’t seem like an ordinary acquaintance. If it was what they suspected, this would be quite a dramatic development.
If they both noticed this, naturally others had too. Yet no one pressed for details, and Madam Xu, Qin Zheng, and the others who typically only concerned themselves with household matters were even less likely to inquire. After breakfast, when Xu Qing Feng and Xu Qing Ze went to see Master Qingyun out of the city, everyone else relocated to the study to talk. Originally Xu Qing Yan was supposed to escort Master Qingyun too, but for some reason, his eyes darted about and he claimed he had business and would go visit Grandfather tomorrow instead, then shamelessly followed the others into the study.
“Father, what’s your relationship with that Dong Fang Hui?” Fifth Young Master was the first to lose patience. The other three secretly sighed in relief – if Qing Yan hadn’t asked first, even Young Master Qing Chen would have felt awkward asking Father such a personal question. Xu Hong Yu started, gave Xu Qing Yan an annoyed look, and said with a laugh, “What are you brats imagining? We just knew each other when we were young.” Seeing the expressions of the other three they had the same thoughts as Qing Yan. Master Hong Yu was immediately exasperated and gave Qing Yan’s forehead an irritated smack.
It wasn’t that they were being narcissistic, assuming every woman would have feelings for Xu Hong Yu. Rather, though Master Hong Yu was now in his fifties, he still maintained a lean and handsome appearance, refined and extraordinary. Just looking at the appearances of the three Xu brothers, one can imagine how dashing Master Hong Yu must have been in his youth. Though the Xu brothers’ marriages had been troublesome these years, it wasn’t because their conditions weren’t good. Quite the opposite – it was because they were too outstanding and truly worthy young ladies of good families were extremely rare.
Qing Yan didn’t mind being scolded by his father. Compared to this minor reprimand, he was more worried about the sudden appearance of one of the father’s old flames, or worse, the emergence of a concubine. Never mind what Mother would think, or how they as brothers would feel – Grandfather would break Father’s legs first.
“So, Cangmang Mountain’s people descend to the mortal world quite arbitrarily?” Xu Qing Chen raised an eyebrow and asked.
Xu Hong Yu said calmly, “They claim it’s once every sixty years publicly, but how could it be that strict? If someone wasn’t born in that sixty-year cycle, wouldn’t they never get to descend the mountain? Even the wisest frog in a well remains ignorant of the wider world. They just don’t make such a grand show of it. I met Dong Fang Hui about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years ago. She was only sixteen or seventeen then, having just descended the mountain for training.”
“What’s Elder Uncle’s opinion of this Dong Fang Hui?” Ye Li asked.
Xu Hong Yu thought for a moment before saying, “Back then she was still young, perhaps somewhat naive. But her methods, determination, and decisiveness were impeccable. At least… far beyond what that Miss Dong Fang You could compare to. After so many years, I can’t say for certain how she’s changed. However… we shouldn’t underestimate her.” Xu Qing Chen nodded, “Thank you for the warning, Father. I understand.”
Sure enough, just after noon, Butler Mo came to report that the master of Cangmang Mountain had come to visit, specifically stating she was here to see the Xu family’s eldest young master, Xu Qing Chen. From this subtle emphasis, one could sense Cangmang Mountain’s slight displeasure with the eldest young master. Xu Qing Chen, who had originally planned to defer the matter to Mo Xiu Yao, now had to go to the front hall to meet the guest.
Mo Xiu Yao held Ye Li’s hand as they walked into the main hall together, where they saw a middle-aged woman standing with her hands behind her back, appreciating the paintings. She hadn’t sat down, so naturally Dong Fang You, who stood beside her, didn’t dare sit either. Several young men and women stood in attendance nearby, and before Mo Xiu Yao even entered, he could sense that though these people looked young, they were all exceptional martial artists. In comparison, Dong Fang Hui’s martial arts were the weakest. Yet even so, these young men and women stood respectfully with lowered heads, not even glancing up when Mo Xiu Yao’s group entered. They held great respect, even fear, for Dong Fang Hui.
Hearing footsteps, Dong Fang Hui turned toward the door and smiled faintly, “Prince Ding, Princess Ding. A pleasure to meet you.”
Ye Li smiled lightly and nodded, “Madam Dong Fang of Cangmang Mountain, the pleasure is ours. Please be seated. Has the Prince Ding Manor been remiss in its hospitality?”
Dong Fang Hui smiled, “The Princess is too kind. Please forgive my sudden intrusion.”
Mo Xiu Yao led Ye Li to sit in the host’s position, and only then did Dong Fang Hui take the first seat on the right side below them. Xu Qing Chen strolled over to sit across from her. Dong Fang Hui looked at Xu Qing Chen sitting opposite her, a slight ripple passing through her eyes, before raising her head to smile at Ye Li, “You’er is young and ignorant, acting willfully. She has caused much trouble for the Prince Ding Manor these past days. I ask the Prince and Princess for their understanding.”
Ye Li smiled, glancing at Dong Fang You who stood behind Dong Fang Hui, “Madam Dong Fang is too modest. Miss Dong Fang is our guest – it is we who have been remiss in our hospitality. I hope Madam won’t take offense.”
Dong Fang Hui frowned slightly, her gaze toward Ye Li gaining some appreciation. Looking at the well-behaved Dong Fang You beside her, she felt a touch of regret. If only You’er had Princess Ding’s subtle wisdom, how different things might have been.
After studying Xu Qing Chen for a while, Dong Fang Hui finally asked, “Might this be the Xu family’s eldest young master, Young Master Qing Chen?”
Xu Qing Chen nodded and cupped his hands with a smile, “Indeed it is, greetings to Madam Dong Fang.”
Dong Fang Hui nodded and sighed lightly, “Young Master Qing Chen’s bearing truly lives up to his reputation as the kingdom’s finest young gentleman. Master Hong Yu must be deeply gratified to have such a son.”
“Madam is too kind,” Xu Qing Chen maintained his unperturbed smile, which made Dong Fang Hui even more pleased. If initially, she was only trying to save face for Cangmang Mountain and clean up after Dong Fang You, now she genuinely felt that having Xu Qing Chen as a son-in-law would be quite excellent. She had no children of her own and had raised Dong Fang You from childhood, likely investing more care than many biological parents. Naturally, she hoped her disciple would have a good marriage, but Dong Fang You understood nothing of human relations – she would likely have a difficult life no matter whom she married. Even with Cangmang Mountain’s backing, there was no guarantee her husband would truly cherish her. If she were merely enshrined in a household, that life would be no better than living as a widow. But the Xu family was different – if Dong Fang You married into the Xu family, their family traditions would ensure she wouldn’t be mistreated. Unfortunately, Dong Fang Hui didn’t know that Dong Fang You had already thoroughly offended the Xu family’s madam, Young Master Qing Chen’s mother.
Seeing this situation, Ye Li sighed inwardly. What was Dong Fang Hui doing, looking at her elder brother with such a prospective mother-in-law’s gaze?
After a moment of silence in the hall, Ye Li asked, “May I ask what brings Madam to grace us with her presence?”
Dong Fang Hui smiled faintly, “I haven’t descended the mountain for several decades. As it happened, my unworthy disciple ran down the mountain, so I had to come to find her and take the opportunity to look around. You’er was spoiled by me since childhood – if she has caused any offense, I hope you’ll forgive her.” Ye Li smiled lightly, “Not at all, Miss Dong Fang is accomplished in both appearance and talent – Madam is fortunate.”
Seeing Ye Li’s manner, Dong Fang Hui realized that getting the Xu family to agree to marry Dong Fang You would not be easy. After pondering for a moment, Dong Fang Hui sighed softly, “Princess, this matter is truly You’er’s fault for causing trouble. These years, Cangmang Mountain’s population has dwindled, and I originally had no plans to let You’er descend the mountain. Though Cangmang Mountain may be somewhat lonely, it’s still far better than being caught up in today’s chaotic world. Who knew this child would run down the mountain when none of us knew? But now things have come to this, and You’er is after all a young woman. I don’t expect her to bring glory to Cangmang Mountain’s name – I only hope she can marry peacefully, be a good wife and mother, and live a content life. That would be enough.”
One had to admit that as a master and the leader of Cangmang Mountain, Dong Fang Hui’s concern for her disciple was quite touching. However, the problem was that fulfilling her wishes would require the Xu family and Xu Qing Chen to bear the consequences. Whether for the Xu family’s sake, her elder brother’s, or Prince Ding Manor’s plans, Ye Li could only remain silent. Looking at Dong Fang You, Ye Li smiled, “Miss Dong Fang is blessed to have such a good master as yourself. Miss Dong Fang is beautiful as a flower and accomplished in both civil and martial arts. Moreover, she comes from a prestigious background. If Madam wishes to find her a husband, wouldn’t outstanding men from all over come seeking her hand?”
Dong Fang Hui’s smile faded slightly as she looked at Ye Li and asked, “Then… what about the Xu family’s eldest young master?”
Ye Li paused before responding composedly, “Elder Brother’s marriage naturally falls under Grandfather’s and Elder Uncle and Aunt’s authority. Though I am the Princess, I am still their junior – how could I presume to make such decisions?”
Dong Fang Hui understood – Ye Li’s response at least made one thing clear: Prince Ding Manor absolutely would not use Xu Qing Chen’s marriage for Cangmang Mountain’s influence. Moreover, this implied a message: Prince Ding Manor was unwilling to form a marriage alliance with Cangmang Mountain. This made Dong Fang Hui regard Mo Xiu Yao with increased respect. After all, in this world, those who could resist such temptation and push away powerful potential allies were probably limited to Mo Xiu Yao alone.
Dong Fang Hui frowned, “Does the Princess mean this matter should be discussed directly with Master Hong Yu and his wife?”
Ye Li smiled gracefully, “Children’s marriages naturally should be discussed with their parents.” It wasn’t that Ye Li wanted to push the trouble onto Xu Hong Yu and Madam Xu, but she truly had no right to refuse on Xu Qing Chen’s behalf. Even if she refused now for Xu Qing Chen, Dong Fang Hui would likely still bring up Xu Hong Yu and Madam Xu. After all, there was no precedent anywhere for a cousin to make marriage decisions for her cousin’s brother.
Dong Fang Hui appeared somewhat helpless as she looked at Xu Qing Chen and asked, “What does Young Master Qing Chen say? Though You’er has acted improperly, she is still a young woman. I too am a woman, so I naturally understand the difficulties women face.”
Xu Qing Chen raised his eyebrows – Dong Fang Hui was reminding him that after these recent events, Dong Fang You’s reputation was already ruined. If he didn’t marry her, it would seem irresponsible.
Xu Qing Chen glanced sideways at the composed Mo Xiu Yao and said calmly, “Madam’s words are too serious. Originally… Miss Dong Fang said she wanted to marry Prince Ding Manor. This was heard by nobles from various countries who were present. As Madam knows, our Xu family’s tradition has never demanded that women be stunning beauties or outstanding talents. We only ask for an unblemished reputation and virtuous character. Moreover, with Miss Dong Fang’s character and talents, why worry about not having outstanding men competing to marry her?”
Though Xu Qing Chen spoke very politely and courteously, to Dong Fang Hui’s ears it was quite harsh. Xu Qing Chen’s meaning was that since Dong Fang You came from Cangmang Mountain, she didn’t need to worry about her reputation at all. Never mind just having some rumors spread about her – even if something more serious had happened, she wouldn’t lack for willing suitors. But the Xu family was different. A Xu family bride didn’t need ability or backing, only an unblemished reputation and virtuous character. Unfortunately, Dong Fang You had neither.
Even with Dong Fang Hui’s excellent temperament, she was quietly pained by Mo Xiu Yao’s series of cutting remarks. She also realized that this seemingly refined and elegant young master had a very poor impression of Cangmang Mountain, even harboring some hostility. Compared to the Prince’s indifference and the Princess’s polite refusal, this Young Master Qing Chen truly disliked Cangmang Mountain. However, Dong Fang Hui couldn’t be certain whether Xu Qing Chen’s attitude toward Cangmang Mountain was due to Dong Fang You’s recent persistent pursuit. But given the Xu family’s character, even if they were displeased with Dong Fang You’s pursuit, they wouldn’t show such open dislike and hostility.
Frowning, Dong Fang Hui silently felt she might have been a bit too hasty.