HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 35: Leisurely Life vs Troubled Waters

Chapter 35: Leisurely Life vs Troubled Waters

Only after arriving at the Xu residence did Ye Li realize that Xu Qingchen’s earlier words at the Ye mansion about needing to learn many things weren’t just to appease the Old Madam. In fact, on her second day staying at the Xu family villa, the Second Maternal Aunt personally invited Duke Hua’s wife to teach her household management and the intricacies of maintaining relationships between the imperial family and nobility. Additionally, an elderly matron who had served in the palace was brought in to teach Ye Li palace etiquette and protocols.

Every afternoon, Xu Hongyu personally instructed Ye Li in strategy and manipulation, followed by Xu Qingchen teaching her about antique appreciation, along with a detailed analysis of various power factions in the capital. Ye Li had always prided herself on having lived an extra lifetime compared to others, believing she had learned quite a bit. Now she realized that in the eyes of her uncles and cousins in the Xu family, she was still far from being an excellent young lady of status. Thus, Ye Li began living days reminiscent of her past life’s various academic examinations, striving to absorb as much of her uncle’s teachings as possible within the short span of one month.

“Miss, Miss Qin has arrived,” announced Qingshuang as Ye Li was sitting in the pavilion playing chess with Xu Qingbai, while Xu Qingyan observed from the side. These days, not only was Ye Li receiving an intensive education, but even Qingshuang and Qingxia who had accompanied her were being thoroughly trained by Matron Lin. Though the time had been short, Qingshuang had already become noticeably more composed than before.

Xu Qingyan’s eyes lit up as he smiled, “Oh? Is this our future second sister-in-law?”

Xu Qingbai put down his chess piece and smiled at Ye Li, “Since we have a guest, let’s continue tomorrow.”

Ye Li naturally welcomed this, as she preferred Chinese chess over Go. In her view, Go was more about intuition, requiring macro-level strategic planning, subtle movements, and mutual penetration. Chinese chess was much more direct, with cavalry charges and confrontational tactics. In her heart, she still preferred that kind of uninhibited decisiveness, just as in her previous life. As she put down her chess piece along with Xu Qingbai, Ye Li looked up and smiled, “I’m not skilled at Go, Fourth Brother must have been quite impatient with me?” Xu Qingbai stood up, shaking his head with a smile, “Compared to Little Five, I’d rather play with you.” Little Five Xu, the family’s first Go enthusiast—or rather, Go idiot. He played yet remained passionate about the game, though unfortunately, even the servants in the Xu household disdained to play with him. Hearing Xu Qingbai’s words, Xu Qingyan looked at Ye Li with a pitiful expression, causing her mouth to twitch. She really couldn’t tell whether Fourth Brother was complimenting or insulting her.

Qin Zhong was quickly shown in, and Xu Qingbai took Xu Qingyan with him as they left.

“Li’er, it seems you’re doing well at the Xu residence?” Qin Zhong stood outside the pavilion, smiling at Ye Li.

Ye Li’s face was filled with exhaustion as she pulled Qin Zhong inside, “I never knew I had so much to learn.”

Qin Zhong covered her mouth and giggled, “Since Madam Ye passed early, naturally you have more to learn. Haven’t we all been studying since childhood? Besides, you’re not marrying into an ordinary family, but the Dingguo Prince’s Manor. No wonder Uncle Xu and the others are being so thorough.” Ye Li thought of the two massive military strategy books still sitting in her study and couldn’t help but grimace. One might think she was preparing for war rather than marriage. However, compared to the books on feminine conduct that Matron Lin and the wet nurse had brought, Ye Li had wisely chosen the more practical and interesting military texts.

“Hehe, let’s not talk about that. Sister Qin, have you seen my Second Brother?” Ye Li asked with a sly smile.

Qin Zhong’s delicate face blushed as she glared at Ye Li before saying softly, “Both the First Young Master and Second Young Master are out.”

Ye Li sighed regretfully, so they hadn’t met after all. After thinking for a moment, she leaned close to Qin Zhong and whispered with a smile, “Don’t worry, they’ll return eventually.”

Seeing her meaningful smile, Qin Zhong’s face grew redder. Unable to contain herself, she reached out to pinch Ye Li, who quickly begged for mercy while dodging, “Ah, Sister Qin, I was wrong… I know I was wrong… have mercy!” Only after giving her another fierce glare did Qin Zhong say, “You little… how were you so… so calm when you met the Prince that day…” Ye Li’s composed demeanor that day had left quite an impression on Qin Zhong. Comparing it to her current unsettled nervousness, she couldn’t help feeling dejected and anxious.

Ye Li embarrassedly rubbed her nose. How could she tell the young lady before her that she was long past the age of blushing at the sight of a handsome man?

“Ahem, well… just keep a normal mindset. It’s nothing special, everyone’s meeting for the first time, and no one’s better than anyone else.” Ye Li offered her irrelevant advice.

Qin Zhong gave Ye Li an exasperated look, finally understanding that this oddball simply didn’t comprehend a young lady’s delicate and beautiful sentiments.

Ye Li protested: Who doesn’t understand…

While Ye Li was spending busy yet pleasant days at the Xu family villa, the Ye household and Li Prince’s Manor were in turmoil. The incident at the Chuxiang Pavilion had spread throughout the capital through various channels, accompanied by the public’s various speculations and theories. The gambling houses in the city even had people placing bets on when the Li Prince would abandon Fourth Miss Ye again. Rumors of romance between the Li Prince and Princess Qixia also mysteriously spread: The Princess of Nanzhao and the Prince of Da Chu had fallen in love at first sight but were separated by their stations. The princess had traveled thousands of miles to find her love, only to discover he had already taken another into his heart… Such a heart-wrenching love tragedy was nearly turned into a story to be sung in teahouses and taverns. Because of this, Ye Ying went crying to Mo Jingli, but he was already overwhelmed with troubles, leading to an unhappy parting. Thus, the rumors grew even more intense.

“Your Highness, the Imperial Consort requests your presence.”

Mo Jingli entered the prince’s manor with a gloomy expression, and the waiting steward quickly came forward to report.

Mo Jingli nodded, changing his original course toward his quarters to head for Imperial Consort Xianzhao’s courtyard instead.

“Mother.”

Imperial Consort Xianzhao sat on a soft couch, supporting her forehead with her hand and looking unwell. Only when Mo Jingli entered did she manage to force a slight smile and say, “Li’er has come, please sit?”

“Does Mother have any instructions?” Mo Jingli asked as he sat down below the Imperial Consort.

The Imperial Consort shook her head and said, “I just wanted to ask how you’re handling the situation. The wedding date is approaching, and if anything else happens, it won’t look good to His Majesty.” Mo Jingli said in a deep voice, “Mother need not worry, they’re just rumors, nothing will come of it.” Imperial Consort Xianzhao frowned and said, “Originally, I didn’t agree with you marrying Ye Ying, but considering she’s Imperial Consort Ye’s sister, I endured it. Now things have become so improper. How can she uphold the dignity of the Li Prince’s Manor in the future?” A flash of light crossed Mo Jingli’s cold eyes as he respectfully said, “She’s ignorant, and will need Mother’s guidance in the future.” Imperial Consort Xianzhao waved her hand and said somewhat irritably, “Enough, what’s done is done. Go tell Ye Ying to behave herself and wait properly for marriage these days. Since she’s to be the Li Prince’s Princess Consort, she should conduct herself as one. Especially… stay away from that third sister of hers!”

“Mother?”

The Imperial Consort snorted laughter and looked at Mo Jingli helplessly, “Li’er, you’ve truly misjudged this time. Though I can’t yet fathom the depths of that Third Miss Ye, how could she truly be the worthless noble daughter others claim? Besides… even if she were truly worthless, as long as she’s not a fool, she’d still be more valuable than Ye Ying. I hear that the Xu family’s head, Xu Hongyu, and several young masters have arrived in the capital. Now you should understand how much the Xu family values Ye Li, right?”

Mo Jingli coldly snorted, “No matter how prestigious the Xu family’s heritage is, they’ve already withdrawn from court. Moreover… that Ye Li lacks all wifely virtues and is unworthy to be the Li Prince Manor’s primary consort.”

The Imperial Consort sighed lightly and nodded, “Fine, as long as you know what you’re doing.”

What Mo Jingli didn’t know was that these recent days were just the beginning of his misfortune. Even having withdrawn from court, the influence of a centuries-old noble family that had survived two dynasties was not something a mere prince could resist.

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