In a hidden corner of Prince Ding’s mansion, in a dark and cold dungeon, a disheveled man sat on the prison cell floor, lost in thought. Even though it was now the sweltering end of June, there was still a chilling coldness in this underground cell. Compared to other cells, while this one was still cold, it was remarkably clean and free of frightening torture instruments. However, the stubble-faced man stared blankly into space, as if his soul had left his body.
If possible, he almost wished someone would come to torture him, to beat him severely. At least then he could feel that he was still alive, that there were still other people in this world. He knew the world hadn’t truly been reduced to just him. Beyond this cold and lonely prison cell, there must be a bustling world full of coming and going people. But none of that had anything to do with him. Confined here, he couldn’t hear even the slightest sound from outside, not even see the jailers guarding the dungeon. No one would appear before him, no one would speak to him. Even the daily delivery of food and water happened silently. He could no longer remember how long it had been since he’d seen another person or spoken a word. When first imprisoned, he would shout and curse loudly, but later he didn’t even have the strength for that. Gradually, he forgot how long he’d been confined here.
Strange footsteps suddenly sounded outside the door. The man snapped back to awareness, his eyes flashing with light. He quickly stood and rushed toward the door, but long imprisonment and daily meals that barely qualified as gruel had left his body weak. After just a few steps, he collapsed to the ground. The cell door opened from outside, and two black-clad guards entered, lifting the man from either side and carrying him out.
Prince Ding’s dungeon held few prisoners, so it was quite clean. The guards carried the man past two or three empty cells into a spacious hall, then threw him to the ground.
“Master Tan, it’s been a while. How have you been?” Mo Xiu Yao sat in the hall holding Ye Li’s hand, looking with interest at the disheveled man on the ground.
“Mo Xiu Yao…” Perhaps because he hadn’t spoken for so long, Tan Jizhi’s voice was hoarse. But his gaze at Mo Xiu Yao burned with intensity.
Mo Xiu Yao paid no mind to Tan Jizhi’s murderous glare, saying mildly, “This Prince came today to tell Master Tan some good news.”
Tan Jizhi stared coldly at Mo Xiu Yao. Of course, he didn’t believe Mo Xiu Yao would tell him anything good. Mo Xiu Yao raised his eyebrows and smiled, “Master Tan can leave now.”
“What?” Tan Jizhi was stunned, unable to process this for a moment.
“This Prince says, from today on Master Tan is free. You no longer need to stay in this dungeon. Or has Master Tan grown so fond of living here that you don’t want to leave?” Mo Xiu Yao patiently repeated.
“You… would be so… kind? To release me?” Having gone so long without speaking, Tan Jizhi’s words were somewhat disjointed, though they improved after a few sentences, “What are you plotting?”
Mo Xiu Yao nodded with satisfaction and smiled, “Not bad, your mind hasn’t broken after all this time.” Of course, he wouldn’t release him without conditions.
“Your terms?” Tan Jizhi asked. By now he felt he would agree to whatever conditions Mo Xiu Yao set. Only those who have truly lost their freedom can understand its preciousness, and he never wanted to stay in that eternally silent cell alone again.
Mo Xiu Yao smiled and said, “Ren Qining is now in Li City. Master Tan, This Prince has always been curious – between you and Ren Qining, who is truly Lin Yuan, said to be the last royal descendant of the previous dynasty? Or perhaps you both are… or neither is?” Tan Jizhi’s face paled as he said firmly, “Of course it’s me!” Mo Xiu Yao nodded inwardly with satisfaction – it seemed these two years of imprisonment hadn’t completely ground away Tan Jizhi’s ambition. But this was good – if he’d truly been ground down to nothing, Tan Jizhi would be useless.
“Is that so? Ren Qining doesn’t think so. He’s now the dignified King of the Northern Territories, and who knows, he might restore the previous dynasty’s name someday. Though This Prince thinks the chances are slim, it’s still better than your position, isn’t it?” Mo Xiu Yao smiled.
Tan Jizhi’s expression changed as he stared at Mo Xiu Yao, “You want me to help you deal with Ren Qining.”
Mo Xiu Yao smiled, “No need to be so tense. Whether you agree or not, I’ll still release you. After your release, you could even choose to help Ren Qining oppose This Prince – though who knows if Ren Qining would accept you?”
The answer was obvious – if Tan Jizhi were someone else, Ren Qining might still make use of him. But their claimed identities meant they could not coexist – there could only be one true royal descendant Lin Yuan, and they both knew one must be false. Therefore, only the survivor would be considered genuine.
After a moment of silence, Tan Jizhi finally asked, “Even if I agree, what use would I be? As you said, he’s now King of the Northern Territories. While I…” He laughed self-mockingly, “I’m a prisoner of Prince Ding’s mansion.”
Mo Xiu Yao said, “This Prince doesn’t expect you to kill Ren Qining – just cause him some trouble. As for other matters, naturally, others will handle them.”
“Aren’t you afraid I’ll go back on my word after release?” Tan Jizhi asked.
Mo Xiu Yao shrugged and said, “What if you do? Doctor Lin saved Li’er and Little Bao’s lives – out of respect for him, This Prince would feel bad about simply killing you. However… if you do something you shouldn’t… This Prince has already repaid Doctor Lin’s life-saving grace.” If Tan Jizhi did anything untoward, he naturally wouldn’t feel bad about killing him.
“My father…” At the mention of Doctor Lin, Tan Jizhi was momentarily stunned. Back then at the Imperial Tomb of the previous dynasty’s founding emperor, he had severed ties with Doctor Lin, yet unexpectedly, falling into Mo Xiu Yao’s hands, he was still alive thanks to Doctor Lin’s influence. After pondering for a while, Tan Jizhi finally nodded, “I agree.” No matter what, he couldn’t return to that cell. He suspected that if another year or half passed without Mo Xiu Yao coming, he might have killed himself.
Mo Xiu Yao nodded with satisfaction, “Very good. Li’er, I’ll leave arrangements for him to you.”
Ye Li nodded and smiled at Tan Jizhi, “After Master Tan leaves, you might want to first settle down and recover your health. Someone will naturally come find you later.”
Tan Jizhi glanced at Ye Li and nodded, “Thank you, Princess.”
Ye Li thought for a moment and said, “If Master Tan has time, you might visit Doctor Lin. He now runs a medical clinic in the city.” Tan Jizhi shook his head and said, “Better not. We no longer have any connection.”
Seeing his response, Ye Li didn’t press the matter. Doctor Lin’s life might be more peaceful without any connection to Tan Jizhi.
Having said what needed to be said, Mo Xiu Yao stood up with Ye Li, looking at Tan Jizhi, and said, “By the way, Master Tan had better not wander randomly around the city. It’s not just Ren Qining in Li City now – Mo Jingli, Imperial Consort Liu, and Lei Zhenting are all here.” While Lei Zhenting didn’t have major grudges against Tan Jizhi, Mo Jingli, and Imperial Consort Liu were different. At the very least, killing the current Tan Jizhi would be effortless for Mo Jingli. “Also, Great Chu has now moved south of the Yunlan River. Great Chu… is finished. Master Tan’s wish is somewhat fulfilled, isn’t it?”
“Great Chu has moved south? Then the capital…” Tan Jizhi was shocked.
Mo Xiu Yao said, “Both Great Chu’s capital and Xi Ling’s Imperial City now belong to This Prince.”
Tan Jizhi fell silent. In just two short years, he had missed too much. Now what he needed most was to understand the current situation and what had happened in these two years. Mo Xiu Yao no longer paid attention to Tan Jizhi, leaving the dungeon in good spirits alongside Ye Li.
In the following days, Prince Ding’s mansion seemed to quiet down. But outside the mansion, people remained busy. Someone had leaked the news that the Master of Cangmang Mountain had arrived in Li City, and within days, Mo Jingli, Ren Qining, and others had all paid visits. Even Yelv Ye and Yelv Hong, who had no real connection, joined in the excitement. They were said to have no connection because although Cangmang Mountain’s people claimed to choose rulers on heaven’s behalf, they still had their limits. The northern barbarians of Bei Rong were not within their range of choices. Among all the visitors, Mo Jingli was naturally the most enthusiastic.
In Prince Ding’s mansion, Ye Ying sat across from Ye Li, crying continuously. Ye Li didn’t try to console her, sitting quietly aside waiting for her to finish crying. After a long while, Ye Ying finally stopped, looking tearfully at Ye Li, and said, “Third Sister, I regret it so much. Why did I marry him back then? Wuwu… Back then he clearly said he would be good to me forever, but now, now…”
Ye Li raised her eyebrows and said softly, “What happened? Tell me properly, what use is crying all the time?”
Ye Ying wiped her tears somewhat resentfully and nodded, “Third Sister, you’re right. I won’t cry… it’s not worth crying over that bastard. I must have been blind back then to fall for him. No wonder… no wonder Third Sister you didn’t like him back then, Prince Ding is so good to you.” Speaking of this, Ye Ying couldn’t help feeling sour. Back in the Chu capital, who didn’t pity and sympathize with the Ye family’s third miss for losing the position of King Li’s consort, only to marry a crippled waste in a wheelchair with a ruined face? But look now – though Prince Ding had white hair, how many men in the world could match his appearance and bearing? Not to mention his devotion to Ye Li, which was the envy and jealousy of women throughout the world.
Standing behind Ye Li, Qing Shuang secretly curved her lips. If this Fourth Miss had married Prince Ding back then, she probably would have cried herself half to death. Now she came here envying and jealous of their Princess?
Ye Li paid no mind to her sour words, asking calmly, “What happened?”
Ye Ying, sobbing, told how Mo Jingli went to curry favor with Dongfang You and Dongfang Hui every day. He even discussed with his confidants that if Dongfang You was willing to marry down to him, he would strip her of her position as primary consort. The more she spoke, the more heartbroken she became, and before finishing, Ye Ying started crying again. Looking at the tearful Ye Ying before her, Ye Li could only sigh helplessly. For the first time, she somewhat doubted whether her idea of using Ye Ying as Mo Jingli’s spy was reliable. Perhaps she should have Yao Ji think of other ways. But then again, Qin Feng wasn’t young anymore. Although she didn’t know if there had been any progress in their relationship, it wasn’t good to have Yao Ji stay at Marquis Muyang’s mansion indefinitely.
“Third Sister, what should I do?” Ye Ying asked with red eyes. Ye Ying wasn’t a fool – if previously Mo Jingli might have considered that she was Prince Ding’s sister-in-law, compared to Cangmang Mountain’s tempting power, that meant little now. If Cangmang Mountain’s Dongfang You truly agreed to marry Mo Jingli, he would strip her of her position without the slightest hesitation. She wasn’t young anymore and had fallen out with her mother over Ye Yue’s matter. Besides Mo Jingli, she had no other support. Moreover, although Ye Ying was somewhat selfish and self-interested, she still couldn’t do the things Imperial Consort Liu had done.
Ye Li thought for a moment, then consoled her, “Don’t worry. Even if Mo Jingli marries Dongfang You, I can at least guarantee you won’t be demoted to a concubine.”
Ye Ying was somewhat skeptical – would a woman from a place like Cangmang Mountain be willing to be a concubine? Being Mo Xiu Yao’s concubine might be possible, because Ye Li had strong backing, and the Xu family now held an extremely important position in Prince Ding’s mansion. But she was different – alone in Jiangnan, she had no one to rely on.
Ye Li smiled faintly, “Why would I deceive you? Even though we’ve never been close, outsiders still know you’re my sister. How would it look for me if you were demoted to a concubine? If necessary, let Mo Jingli have two primary consorts of equal rank.”
“But… couldn’t we…” Ye Ying said somewhat unwillingly.
Ye Li smiled and said, “Prevent Dongfang You from marrying Mo Jingli? It’s not impossible. But do you think Mo Jingli might take out his anger on you, perhaps even kill you somewhere without our knowledge?” Ye Ying trembled – having followed Mo Jingli for so many years, she understood well how ruthless he could be. Thinking of Ye Yue’s death by fire, Ye Ying’s expression grew even worse.
It must be said that Mo Jingli had taken an unfair share of the blame for Ye Yue’s matter. At least everyone in the Ye family, young and old, including Ye Ying, believed Ye Yue’s death was Mo Jingli’s doing.
“As sisters, you have two choices. Stay in Li City and cut ties with Mo Jingli completely – you’re still a daughter of the Ye family, if you return, Father and Grandmother won’t ignore you. You can live a peaceful life from then on. Or continue following Mo Jingli back to Jiangnan – all I can do is preserve your position as primary consort. As for the future… that’s your fate.”
“I…” Ye Ying’s expression showed inner struggle, but after a while, she still shook her head and said, “No, I must go back. I can’t return to the Ye family, I am King Li’s consort. And my child…”
Ye Li’s eyes flickered as she said, “I’ll help you find your child. When there’s news, I’ll send someone to notify you.”
“Third Sister, why… why are you being so good to me?” Ye Ying wasn’t foolish, nor would she forget that her relationship with Ye Li hadn’t been good before. Ye Li might help her with small matters that required little effort, but these things required some work. Yet Ye Li helped her without hesitation, making her question Ye Li’s motives.
Ye Li didn’t plan to placate her with pleasant words, saying with a faint smile, “It’s nothing special. If Mo Jingli marries Dongfang You, it would be dangerous for Prince Ding’s mansion too. Just occasionally give me some information, that’s all. Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to do anything dangerous. I can also promise you that if you encounter danger in the future, I can ensure your safe withdrawal.”
“What if King Li doesn’t marry Dongfang You?”
“Then consider it me doing a good deed, honoring our blood ties,” Ye Li said calmly.
Ye Ying lowered her head in thought. She understood Ye Li’s words – if Mo Jingli married Dongfang You, her life would not be easy. But with Prince Ding’s mansion’s help…
“Alright, I agree.”
Ye Li nodded with satisfaction, passing her a handkerchief and saying, “Since you still want to see your child, you should stop crying whenever something happens. You should understand now that many problems can’t be solved just by crying. You can rest assured that even if Mo Jingli pursues Dongfang You, it won’t shake your position in King Li’s mansion. I will help you.”
“Thank you, Third Sister,” Ye Ying said softly, wiping her tears.
“Princess, King Li requests an audience,” Wei Lin came in to report.
Ye Li glanced at Ye Ying with a smile, saying, “Perfect timing, I also have some things to discuss with King Li. Please invite him in. Ying’er, you…”
Ye Ying bit her lip, saying defiantly, “I don’t want to see him!”
“Very well then, go sit in the painting pavilion for a while first.” What a foolish child – did she think Mo Jingli had come to console her? After having someone escort Ye Ying away, Mo Jingli soon walked in from another direction.
From afar, Mo Jingli saw the woman in blue robes sitting by the lake. Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye, and Mo Jingli suddenly realized he could still clearly remember what Ye Li looked like when he first saw her after breaking off their engagement. Although that time in Shende Hall Ye Li had made him very uncomfortable, it was also the first time he had a vague feeling that Ye Li was different from what he had originally thought. After all these years, Ye Li’s appearance hadn’t changed much from back then, though perhaps because of having several children, she had gained a different kind of elegance and gentleness.
“King Li.” Looking at Mo Jingli approaching, Ye Li nodded but didn’t rise to welcome him, “Please sit, King Li.”
Mo Jingli sat down silently, watching Qing Shuang bring tea, before asking quietly, “This maid is still with you.”
Ye Li was somewhat surprised that the prideful Mo Jingli would remember a small maid by her side. She smiled slightly and said, “Qing Shuang isn’t young anymore, she won’t be able to serve me much longer.” The marriage arrangements between Qing Shuang and A Jin were almost settled. Butler Mo was naturally satisfied, and A Jin and Qing Shuang had no objections. They were just waiting for a free moment to hold the wedding.
With seemingly nothing to say, silence fell for a moment.
Ye Li wasn’t in a hurry to speak – if Mo Jingli didn’t talk, she simply drank her tea calmly. After a while, Mo Jingli perhaps feeling somewhat uncomfortable, finally spoke, “Is Ying’er here with you?”
Ye Li didn’t deny it, nodding, “She just came to chat with me for a while and went to rest. Has King Li come to find Fourth Sister?”
“What did she tell you?” Mo Jingli’s tone was somewhat stiff, with a hint of exasperation. Ye Li gave him a strange look and said, “What new things could she tell me? Isn’t it just about King Li planning to set aside his wife for a new marriage?”
“I have no intention of divorcing my wife!” Mo Jingli said angrily. Ye Li smiled and nodded, “I know, King Li just wants to demote your wife to a concubine to make room for Miss Dongfang as primary consort.” Mo Jingli looked at her and said, “Wouldn’t you be happy to see Ye Ying demoted to a concubine?” Ye Li was somewhat puzzled and asked, “Why would I be happy about Fourth Sister being demoted to a concubine? Is having a sister who’s a concubine better than having one who’s a princess consort?”
“Back then she took your position as King Li’s consort, don’t you hate her?” Mo Jingli stared fixedly at Ye Li, asking in a deep voice.
Ye Li was stunned, saying with some amusement, “Is Your Highness trying to say you’re getting revenge for me? Or is King Li trying to use some strange excuse to justify demoting your innocent wife to a concubine?” Mo Jingli didn’t fly into his usual rage, looking at Ye Li and saying, “If you were King Li’s consort, even for Cangmang Mountain I wouldn’t marry Dongfang You.”
“Cough cough…” Ye Li almost choked on her tea, looking at Mo Jingli with amazement. What was this? Back then he had discarded her like worn-out shoes, and now he came with a passionate declaration. The one he had once treasured like a jewel was now worth less than wild grass. Looking at Mo Jingli’s serious expression, Ye Li suddenly felt somewhat nauseated.
“You don’t believe me?” Mo Jingli glared at her.
Ye Li shook her head and said, “Whether I believe it or not doesn’t matter anymore. Please don’t say such things in the future. Besides, Fourth Sister has followed you for ten years and suffered quite a bit. Please show her mercy and leave her some dignity.” Mo Jingli said unhappily, “What do you mean? I have no intention of abandoning her. Did she tell you that?”
Ye Li said calmly, “What does it matter if Your Highness has no such intention? Your Highness is from the royal family – haven’t you seen enough of how people change from hot to cold? Fourth Sister has no relatives in Jiangnan and no backing. If she’s demoted from princess consort to concubine, what kind of life does Your Highness think she’ll have?”
“You’re certainly good to her!” Mo Jingli said through gritted teeth. Ye Li speaking up for Ye Ying shouldn’t have been anything special, but hearing it made Mo Jingli extremely uncomfortable.
Ye Li smiled and said, “We’re all women, why make things difficult for other women? In this world, life isn’t easy for women – not everyone has Ye Li’s good fortune.” Looking at the faint smile on Ye Li’s face, Mo Jingli found it even more irritating, saying somewhat agitatedly, “This King understands. This King can guarantee Ye Ying will always be a primary consort, but… what benefit does This King get?”
“Ensuring Ren Qining can never marry Dongfang You – would that count as a benefit?” Ye Li said calmly.
Mo Jingli’s expression changed slightly before he finally nodded, “It’s a deal.” Ren Qining claimed to be a descendant of the previous dynasty – whether true or false, it was at least a major selling point, and similarly his greatest enemy.
“Mo Xiu Yao gave up Cangmang Mountain for you – will he never regret it?” As if unable to stand the smile on Ye Li’s face, Mo Jingli asked somewhat maliciously. Ye Li smiled and said, “I believe he won’t regret his decision.” Mo Xiu Yao’s refusal to take concubines was true because of her, but rejecting Dongfang You and Cangmang Mountain wasn’t entirely for her sake. In the long run, Cangmang Mountain would be more trouble than help for Prince Ding’s mansion.
Mo Jingli snorted coldly and said, “What? Mo Xiu Yao might not regret it now, but someday he will, and then he’ll hate you even more.”
“Is King Li speaking of himself?” Mo Xiu Yao’s lazy voice came from behind. Mo Jingli’s expression froze as he whirled around to see Mo Xiu Yao already three steps away. Paying no attention to Mo Jingli’s unsightly expression, Mo Xiu Yao walked to Ye Li’s side, bent down to place a kiss, and said proudly with his hands on her shoulders, “For Li’er’s sake, This Prince will never regret anything.”