Early the next morning, Ye Li received an invitation from the Zhang mansion as expected. It invited Young Master Chu Junwei to attend a banquet at the Zhang residence that afternoon. Looking at the rather plain invitation card, Ye Li couldn’t help but shake her head and laugh inwardly. This Zhang Baiwan was truly calculating – it hadn’t even been a day, and the injuries from being beaten by Li Wang’s men probably hadn’t even healed yet.

“Will the young master attend the banquet?” Wei Lin asked curiously.

Ye Li put down the invitation and smiled, “Of course, we must go. Didn’t you hear what Old Master Lin said? This is the first time Zhang Baiwan has actively guests – how could we not give him a face?” Wei Lin did not comment; as long as the wang fei was going, they just needed to follow and provide protection. With Zhang Baiwan’s abilities, he couldn’t pose any danger to the wang fei. Even if Zhang Baiwan wanted to marry his daughter to the wang fei… ahem, the wang fei couldn’t marry her anyway.

“Reporting to the young master, the Western Courtyard has awakened,” just then, the maid attending to Princess Qixia came to report. Wei Lin said with some surprise, “She has quite the strong life force to survive.” It wasn’t that Wei Lin hated Princess Qixia so much that he wanted her to quickly die, but Princess Qixia’s injuries were truly severe. While the external wounds weren’t fatal, after the wounds became infected, Princess Qixia developed a high fever and remained unconscious. So many days had passed that even the mansion’s physicians had given up, only continuing to watch over her since she hadn’t yet died. Unexpectedly, just when everyone had given up, she woke up on her own.

The maid’s expression was somewhat strange as she said, “However… that young lady seems a bit odd.”

“Odd? What’s wrong? Did she become stupid, crazy, or lose her memory?” Wei Lin asked.

The maid shook her head then nodded, “This probably is… stupidity, no, probably memory loss.”

Ye Li stood up and said, “Let’s go take a look.”

Arriving at the Western Side Court, before even entering they could hear crying from inside. However, that crying didn’t sound like Princess Qixia’s crying, mainly because… given Princess Qixia’s age and personality, she would never… wail and cry like this.

As soon as they stepped in, they saw the room was in disarray. Ye Li stood at the doorway, frowning as she looked at the woman hiding at the foot of the bed. Her eyes were clear and bright, definitely not looking like those of a crazy or stupid person. However, the expression on her face was indeed somewhat strange. Upon seeing them enter, the woman who had been hiding at the foot of the bed holding blankets and wailing immediately stopped, warily glaring at them.

Ye Li tentatively called out, “Princess Qixia, are you feeling better?”

Princess Qixia’s lips trembled, and she suddenly lunged toward Ye Li.

“Young master, be careful!” Wei Lin was startled and flew up with a kick toward the person rushing over.

“Wei Lin, don’t!” Ye Li quickly called out. Wei Lin was startled and hurriedly held back some force, but still kicked Princess Qixia flying. However, because he had withdrawn eight or nine-tenths of his strength, she didn’t fall too hard.

Princess Qixia hadn’t expected to be kicked flying either. She sat on the ground stunned for quite a while, then suddenly burst into loud crying, “Wuwu… Imperial Sister, bad people are bullying Xia’er…”

Wei Lin was stunned, turned back to look at Ye Li, and said, “So she did become stupid.” Given Princess Qixia’s personality, how could she possibly behave like this in front of others, actually sitting on the ground wailing and crying? Ye Li looked down and said, “I feel like there’s some difference from being stupid. Qixia, do you recognize me?”

Qixia was crying too intently. Hearing Ye Li’s words, she hiccupped and stared blankly at Ye Li. Suddenly she reached out to grab Ye Li’s face, “Big brother, you’re so handsome.” Ye Li raised her fan to block her hand, smiling as she looked at her and said, “Does Qixia know big brother?”

Princess Qixia blinked in confusion, bit her lip corner, and shook her head, “Who are you… I am the Nanzhao Princess, you can’t bully me! I want to find Imperial Sister.”

“Do you remember what your Imperial Sister’s name is?” Ye Li asked. Princess Qixia gave her a white-eyed look, gave her an expression that said ‘you’re stupid’, and proudly said, “My Imperial Sister is, of course, Nanzhao’s Princess Anxi. My Imperial Sister is very powerful, if you dare bully me she will have someone beat you up badly!”

Ye Li couldn’t help lowering her head to stifle her laughter, “I am good friends with your Imperial Sister, but… how come I don’t know she has a younger sister?”

“You’re talking nonsense! Everyone in Nanzhao knows this princess is Princess Qixia!” Princess Qixia glared.

Ye Li nodded and said, “Alright, but I’m not from Nanzhao. If you are Princess Qixia, I will send you back to see Princess Anxi. How old is Princess Qixia this year? How did you end up here?”

Princess Qixia scratched her hair, somewhat distressed as she said, “Seven years old. I… I don’t know, I… Imperial Sister said she would celebrate my birthday… wuwu…” Not knowing what she remembered, Princess Qixia’s little mouth trembled as she made the appearance of about to cry again.

Ye Li thought for a moment and asked, “Does Qixia know Mo Jingli and Dongfang You?”

“Who are they?” Princess Qixia asked without much interest, “Big brother will send me home? I will have Father Emperor and Imperial Sister heavily reward you.” Ye Li smiled faintly and said, “Who they are doesn’t matter. Qixia should rest well first, once your injuries heal I’ll send you back.”

She pointed at the numerous wounds on her body – although they had healed quite a bit over these days, they would still hurt. Being reminded by Ye Li, looking at the wounds on her body, Princess Qixia was about to cry again.

Finally managing to comfort her, Ye Li let out a sigh of relief and led Wei Lin out. Wei Lin asked somewhat puzzled, “What exactly is going on with Princess Qixia? She couldn’t be pretending, right?” Ye Li shook her head and said, “Princess Qixia’s mind isn’t capable of such flawless deception. Just now when I asked if she knew Mo Jingli and Dongfang You, her eyes showed no change at all. If she were pretending… Princess Qixia would have to be too good an actor.”

“That’s true.” Princess Qixia had nearly died at Dongfang You’s hands, she hated Dongfang You to the bone. Even if she could act well, she couldn’t possibly show any emotion at all.

“Have people watch her carefully. When we leave Jiangnan, just have someone send her back to Nanzhao,” Ye Li said.

“Yes,” Wei Lin nodded in acknowledgment, “Young master, it’s time to go to the Zhang mansion for the banquet.”

Having wasted quite some time with Princess Qixia, in the blink of an eye it was already afternoon. Ye Li could only change clothes and head out to attend the banquet.

Zhang Baiwan truly lived up to his reputation as Nanjing’s most miserly person. Not only did the entire Zhang mansion appear plain and unadorned, but even the interior of the residence was utterly ordinary. If people didn’t know, they absolutely wouldn’t think this was the mansion of one of Nanjing’s top wealthy merchants. There were also only a few servants in the mansion. Looking at the old clothes with patches still on them worn by the steward leading the way in front, Ye Li couldn’t help but twitch the corner of her lips.

Perhaps Ye Li’s expression was too obvious, as the steward somewhat embarrassedly tugged at his clothes and said softly, “Young master please excuse us, we usually aren’t this discourteous. It’s just that yesterday the master… to avoid making the master feel bad…”

Only then did Ye Li suddenly understand – it turned out that because Zhang Baiwan had lost big yesterday, the people in the mansion were afraid of offending the master’s eyes, so they specially found these old clothes to wear, to avoid making the master feel unwell.

Ye Li smiled and said, “I was the discourteous one. Frugality is always a good thing.”

The steward smiled somewhat helplessly and bitterly. Frugality was naturally good, but given the Zhang family’s wealth and status in Nanjing city, they were often ridiculed for this and had long gotten used to it.

Zhang Baiwan had already been waiting in the main hall with his wife and daughter. Looking at Madam Zhang and Miss Zhang in their cotton clothes, Ye Li immediately gained an even deeper understanding of Zhang Baiwan’s stinginess. Due to being injured, Zhang Baiwan’s complexion was still somewhat pale, but seeing Ye Li enter, his face was full of smiles, very enthusiastic, “Young Master Chu has arrived, this old one wasn’t able to go out to welcome you from afar, please excuse me.”

Ye Li cupped her hands and smiled, “Master Zhang is too polite. I am Chu Junwei, paying respects to Madam and Miss Zhang.”

Zhang Baiwan very happily said to his daughter, “Zhu’er, quickly greet Young Master Chu.”

Miss Zhang took very small steps forward very shyly, curtsied gracefully, “Zhu’er pays respects to Young Master Chu.” Just seeing this Miss Zhang, Ye Li finally understood why Old Master Lin had such a strange expression when mentioning Zhang Baiwan’s daughter.

To be fair, Miss Zhang was not ugly. Although she couldn’t be considered a stunning beauty, she should have been a pretty lady. However, this young lady gave people a very strange feeling – that staring gaze made even someone as composed as Ye Li feel secretly sweaty. Ye Li’s eye corner twitched, and she inadvertently stepped back, “Miss Zhang is too polite.” Then she moved her gaze to Zhang Baiwan beside her, vowing to never look at that young lady again.

Seeing Ye Li not looking at her, Miss Zhang couldn’t help but redden her eyes with grievance. Zhang Baiwan looked at Ye Li then looked at his daughter, couldn’t help but sigh in his heart, and smiled at Ye Li saying, “Young Master Chu, shall we take our seats first?”

Ye Li smiled and said, “After you, Master Zhang.”

Since only Ye Li was invited, Master Zhang brought Madam Zhang and Miss Zhang to join the meal as well. The feast wasn’t very lavish but wasn’t discourteous either – it seemed that although Master Zhang was stingy, he still understood propriety. After Ye Li sat down first, Miss Zhang happened to sit beside her, which made Ye Li’s body stiffen again.

“Young Master Chu, let Zhu’er pour wine for you.” Miss Zhang picked up the wine pot eagerly wanting to pour for Ye Li. Ye Li could only thank her, sigh, and get straight to the point with Master Zhang – if she let Master Zhang say he wanted to marry his daughter to her, that would be awkward, “Master Zhang, actually I have some business I’d like to discuss with Master Zhang today.”

Master Zhang was startled and smiled, “What matter? Why don’t we discuss it after the meal?”

Ye Li said flatly, “What if it’s about the one million dan of grain that Master Zhang donated to Li Wang yesterday?”

Zhang Baiwan’s face immediately sank – just thinking about that one million dan of grain made his heart bleed.

“What does Young Master Chu wish to discuss?” Zhang Baiwan looked at Ye Li puzzled. Ye Li smiled and asked, “Is this place convenient for our discussion?” Zhang Baiwan hesitated for a moment, but finally looked at his wife and daughter and said, “Wife, take Zhu’er away first, I have matters to discuss with Young Master Chu.” Madam Zhang was just an ordinary woman from the inner chambers who only followed her husband and didn’t understand business matters at all. She could only pull away Miss Zhang who was still somewhat unwilling.

“What does Young Master Chu wish to discuss with this old one?” Zhang Baiwan asked.

Ye Li smiled and said, “Yesterday Master Zhang donated one million dan of grain to Li Wang. But according to what I know, Li Wang has at least 800,000 troops this time. At most conservative estimates, even if everything goes smoothly and they can defeat the Mo family army in the shortest time, the journey back and forth will take at least half a year. During this period, the military provisions needed will be at least 3 million dan or so. This is the most conservative estimate. Does Master Zhang think… can Li Wang’s mansion defeat Ding Wang’s mansion within half a year?”

Zhang Baiwan stared at him somewhat warily and said, “What does the young master mean?”

Ye Li smiled and said, “I have another piece of news – this time… although the army has mobilized, the imperial court hasn’t transferred much grain from the various granaries. Because… there was drought and poor harvest in Xiling this year, and the Northern Rong’s situation isn’t good either. I’m sure Master Zhang who does grain business has some understanding. The imperial court sold a large portion of the newly stored grain to Xiling a month ago. Therefore, this conservative estimate of 3 million dan… I’m afraid will ultimately have to be borne by Master Zhang and the grain merchants of Jiangnan.”

Zhang Baiwan listened until his face turned black, “Li Wang… Li Wang wants to destroy my Zhang family.” Donating one million dan had already severely injured the Zhang family’s vitality. If all the military provisions had to be borne by the Zhang family, the Zhang family would likely be finished. More importantly, the Zhang family couldn’t gather that much grain in such a short time – when the time came, with a crime of delaying military affairs, Zhang Baiwan would still lose his head. Sure enough… Li Wang never intended to let him go from the beginning.

“Not only that but also… honestly speaking, I can assert that this war likely won’t be finished in a year or half. By then, the Zhang family…” Zhang Baiwan’s face was ashen as he looked at Ye Li and said, “Young Master Chu came specially to say these things, you couldn’t just be trying to scare this old one, right?” Zhang Baiwan was also a shrewd businessman, naturally knowing that Ye Li wouldn’t especially come to say these things just for fun.

Ye Li lowered her eyes and said flatly, “I do indeed have a way to help Master Zhang, but I don’t know if Master Zhang would be willing?”

“Please, Young Master Chu, save me,” Zhang Baiwan hurriedly said.

Ye Li smiled and handed over an envelope. Zhang Baiwan took it and skimmed through it, his expression changing as he stared at Ye Li and said, “You… Young Master Chu, you are…” Ye Li smiled and said, “My surname is Chu, the Chu family… and the Xu family are related by marriage.”

Zhang Baiwan understood, his expression changing repeatedly. After quite a while he finally asked, “Can Young Master Chu make decisions?”

Ye Li smilingly took out a token from her sleeve and placed it on the table. Zhang Baiwan stared in shock at the fierce “Ding” character on the token made of black jade. Although he had never seen Ding Wang’s token before, Zhang Baiwan truly didn’t believe anyone in this world would dare to forge Ding Wang’s token. Moreover… the Chu family and Xu family were indeed related by marriage. Given the Xu family’s position in Li City, the possibility of this Chu Junwei working for Ding Wang’s mansion was far higher than traveling thousands of miles to seek refuge at Li Wang’s mansion.

“What does Master Zhang think?” Ye Li asked.

“If… this old one doesn’t agree, what does Young Master Chu plan to do?” Zhang Baiwan asked.

Ye Li said calmly, “Then please let Master Zhang forget today’s matters.” Zhang Baiwan said in a deep voice, “This old one needs to consider it.” Ye Li didn’t waste words, standing up to say, “In that case, I’ll take my leave first.”

Zhang Baiwan looked at Ye Li and said somewhat hopefully, “Actually, if Young Master Chu could agree to one request from this old one, this old one could give you an answer now.” Looking at Zhang Baiwan’s satisfied and expectant eyes, Ye Li inwardly rolled her eyes and quickly said, “Master Zhang please excuse me, I’m just… running errands. If Master Zhang has any requests I can convey them, but if they’re related to me, I’m afraid… please excuse me, Master Zhang.”

Zhang Baiwan could only sigh, his disappointment obvious. He had truly hoped this Chu Junwei could become the Zhang family’s son-in-law. That way, it would also give the Zhang family some protection. Moreover, his daughter had high standards and wouldn’t look at ordinary men. What a pity…

After leaving the Zhang residence, Ye Li along with Wei Lin and Zhuo Jing all couldn’t help but let out a long breath. Zhuo Jing pouted and said, “That Miss Zhang’s eyes were about to stick to the young master’s body. Fortunately, the young master was quick to send her away, otherwise it would have been trouble.” Being handsome was also a mistake – they didn’t know how Young Master Qingchen had managed all these years, no wonder he attracted crazy women like Dongfang You. But the wang fei dressed as a man was even worse than Young Master Qingchen – Young Master Qingchen had an immortal, otherworldly air that made people look up to him and not dare to be disrespectful, but when the wang fei dressed as a man she was incomparably handsome and approachable. She was simply the perfect candidate for a good son-in-law.

“Wang fei, what if Zhang Baiwan goes to inform us?” Wei Lin frowned and said.

Ye Li said calmly, “Then we’ll just have to let Master Zhang be truly dead for money. However… I think he’s a smart person.”

Wei Lin thought for a moment and said, “That’s true, and with his nature of loving money like life itself, knowing that Mo Jingli wants to swallow his Zhang family whole, how could he still deliver himself there?”

Ye Li let out a soft breath and said flatly, “Having resolved the Zhang family and Lin family, things will be much easier.” The Zhang and Lin families could be considered among the wealthiest in Nanjing city. With their secret assistance, they would certainly be able to punch a big hole in Mo Jingli’s logistics.

Everything was proceeding orderly in the shadows. Since making a small splash at the Regent’s mansion’s banquet, Mo Jingli seemed to have remembered this young master from the Chu family of Yun Province. He would occasionally send people to invite him to the mansion to talk and ask for views on political matters. However, Ye Li was still somewhat worried about being seen through by Mo Jingli and revealing some flaws, so she declined most of the time, only going when she really couldn’t refuse. Yet unexpectedly, this made Mo Jingli value him even more. It seemed Mo Jingli also wanted to play the role of respecting worthy men.

Perhaps truly worried that the Grand Empress Dowager would have some influence on the young emperor, Mo Jingli kept the young emperor at the Regent’s mansion. He only brought him to the palace during daily court sessions. Although many in the court raised objections to this, Mo Jingli controlled all of Great Chu’s military power, and power comes from the barrel of a gun – this principle held throughout ancient and modern times. Throughout history, how many scholarly rebels have succeeded?

Ye Li had also seen the young emperor once at the Regent’s mansion – he appeared even more weak and thin than when she had seen him at the banquet. And soon, news came from Li Wang’s mansion that the young emperor had been poisoned with a slow-acting poison.

When they received the news from Li Wang’s mansion, everyone was stunned. Wei Lin frowned and said, “What exactly does Mo Jingli want to do?” Just before the expedition was the time when everything should be kept stable – poisoning the young emperor to death now wasn’t a good thing for Mo Jingli.

“How much longer can Mo Xuyu hold on?” Ye Li asked in a deep voice.

Yao Ji, who had come with Qin Feng, shook her head and said, “Although the poison the young emperor was given is slow-acting, it’s quite potent. Additionally, the young emperor seems to have some congenital deficiencies and has been badly frightened by Mo Jingli these past two years. I’m afraid… even if the poison is neutralized, he won’t live to adulthood.” Yao Ji was herself a mother and hadn’t seen her son for many years. Naturally, she had more sympathy for children.

Speaking of which, among all these messy struggles, the most innocent person was none other than this eight or nine-year-old young emperor. A child who understood nothing, who had no father’s love, no maternal family’s support, who was suddenly pushed out to ascend that supreme position before Mo Jingqi’s death. Anyone with eyes could see what awaited him.

Ye Li remained silent. She had never been a heartless person. But regarding this child, although she couldn’t be said to have harmed him, she counted as watching him die without help. Everyone, for their own goals… the Grand Empress Dowager for her power, Mo Jingli for that supreme position, and herself for Ding Wang’s mansion, had all unanimously chosen to abandon this child.

“Wang Fei, Mo Xuyu’s matter has nothing to do with us, why should wang fei blame herself?” Qin Feng said in a deep voice.

Ye Li shook her head, smiled faintly, and said, “I’m not blaming myself, just feeling some emotion… just a child who understands nothing, why was he born into an imperial family…” Ye Li rarely blamed herself – self-blame was just a useless guilt. Rather than having the energy to blame oneself, it would be better not to do such things in the first place. Since the choice was made, what use was there in self-blame?

“Yao Ji, go tell Ye Ying. Give me the list in her hands. I’ll tell her immediately about her child’s whereabouts. If it’s too late… she’ll regret it,” Ye Li said flatly.

Yao Ji frowned and said, “I’m afraid Ye Ying won’t agree. Deep in her heart she probably doesn’t trust the wang fei. Right now the list in her hands can be said to be the most important thing she can hold onto, she definitely won’t easily give it up. Wang Fei, perhaps consider telling her about her child’s news first?”

Ye Li sighed and said, “If we tell her about her child now, we really won’t be able to get the information. Moreover… even you and many people in Nanjing city would be in danger.” Yao Ji frowned, somewhat confused. Qin Feng said, “If we tell Ye Ying that her son is that young emperor, how could she still help Ding Wang’s mansion? The first thing she would do is tell this news to Mo Jingli. Now that Princess Qixia is dead and Dongfang You is missing, once the young emperor becomes Mo Jingli’s son…”

Only then did Yao Ji suddenly understand. She had dealt with Ye Ying for quite some time and naturally understood Ye Ying’s character. Ye Ying was timid, not particularly clever, and incapable of great achievements. But she was selfish and self-serving, fundamentally didn’t trust anyone in her heart, and could be ruthless enough when necessary. If her son became emperor, she would be empress dowager, naturally no longer needing to look to Ding Wang’s mansion for favor.

Sighing somewhat helplessly, Yao Ji said, “I’ll go back and tell her.” She just hoped Ye Ying would be more rational and not harm her son by being too clever.

“Wang fei, with Mo Jingli now making his move against the young emperor, what exactly does he want to do? He surely can’t be so impatient that he wants to ascend the throne immediately. If the young emperor dies in his Li Wang mansion, he would be suspected,” Zhuo Jing said puzzled. Mo Jingli had always liked to be clever – he didn’t seem like someone who wouldn’t understand such simple logic.

Ye Li shook her head and said in a deep voice, “Actually… it’s not necessarily Mo Jingli who administered the poison.”

“Someone wants to frame Mo Jingli?” everyone asked puzzled.

Qin Feng furrowed his brow and said, “Since Dongfang You’s disappearance, Mo Jingli has greatly reorganized Li Wang’s mansion once more. Now Li Wang’s mansion can be said to be completely under Mo Jingli’s control. Even news that we can investigate, Mo Jingli couldn’t possibly not know about.”

Ye Li pondered for a long while, then raised an eyebrow and said, “There’s still one person in Li Wang’s mansion who could move against Mo Xuyu, and even if Mo Jingli knew, he wouldn’t expose her. Moreover… if the young emperor just dies like this, it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing for Mo Jingli.”

“Noble Consort Xianzhao?” Lin Han spoke up.

Ye Li nodded, “That’s right. Right now in Li Wang’s mansion, the only people who could move against Mo Xuyu are Mo Jingli, Ye Ying, and Noble Consort Xianzhao. You should know, that slow-acting poison isn’t easy to administer, it requires a lot of time. And even though the young emperor has no power, he still has many people serving him. Ordinary people absolutely wouldn’t be able to so perfectly put poison in Mo Xuyu’s meals every day.”

“Why would Noble Consort Xianzhao want to kill the young emperor?” Wei Lin asked puzzled.

Ye Li smiled and said, “Noble Consort Xianzhao and the Grand Empress Dowager are cousins, they entered the palace together to serve the late emperor. It can be said they supported each other through half their lives, sharing both fortune and misfortune. After Mo Jingqi ascended the throne, when the Grand Empress Dowager became Empress Dowager, she conferred the title of Noble Consort on Xianzhao. And she moved out of the palace to be honored at Li Wang’s mansion – compared to the late emperor’s other consorts, this could be considered quite good. However, I’ve always had a question. In the Great Chu harem, the lowest rank is a Talented Lady, the highest is Empress, and below Empress are Noble Consort and Consort. According to custom, after the emperor’s death, when conferring titles on his consorts, the usual practice is to raise them one rank. That is to say, under normal circumstances, if Noble Consort Xianzhao was a Consort when the late emperor was alive, then Mo Jingqi should have conferred the title of Noble Grand Consort on her, given Noble Consort Xianzhao’s relationship with the Empress Dowager. But… why did Noble Consort Xianzhao remain at the Consort rank her whole life?”

Yao Ji propped her chin and said, “At the time nobody raised any objections, right? That means this conferral was also reasonable.”

Ye Li said, “Reasonable but not fitting with sentiment. Moreover, at that time almost all of the late emperor’s original consorts were either demoted or killed by the Empress Dowager for various reasons. The only one left, Noble Consort Xianzhao, even received the grace of moving out of the palace to be honored – it naturally appeared to be a great favor, and probably no one paid attention to these details. What do you think… why did the Empress Dowager send Noble Consort Xianzhao out of the palace to be honored?”

Yao Ji’s eyes flashed as she said in surprise, “The Empress Dowager didn’t want Noble Consort Xianzhao to stay in the palace and compete with her for power? Then… Noble Consort Xianzhao must have had some leverage that made the Empress Dowager not dare to move against her. That’s why she’s been safe and stable all these years. Now she’s moving against Mo Xuyu, firstly to push Mo Jingli to the throne, and secondly to take revenge on the Grand Empress Dowager?”

“E Huang and Nü Ying are an eternal beautiful tale. But I have never truly seen the so-called sisterly relationship of E Huang and Nü Ying exist,” Ye Li sighed softly. As long as they are women, they will have jealousy – how could it be possible to have no resentment at all when sharing a husband with another woman in a deep sisterly bond? Moreover, these were women in the deep palace. From the first day they entered the palace, they only did one thing – compete. Compete for favor, compete for status, compete for children.

“Mo Jingli is also the Grand Empress Dowager’s son,” Wei Lin reminded.

Noble Consort Xianzhao had no children – no matter how deeply she hid it, she had been in a losing position from the start.

“Between the grace of giving birth and the grace of raising, which is lighter and which is heavier? Isn’t Mo Jingli’s current choice enough to show?” Ye Li smiled faintly.

Yao Ji furrowed her brow and said, “When they first moved the capital to Nanjing, it’s said Li Wang wanted to confer the title of Imperial Noble Grand Consort on Noble Consort Xianzhao, to jointly manage the palace with the Empress Dowager, but later somehow there was no more news of it.”

Everyone present couldn’t help but shake their heads – these imperial family matters were so complex it made their heads spin. Although Noble Consort Xianzhao had no sons, she had been playing the role of close sister under the Empress Dowager’s suppression all these years, and must finally be reaching her limit of endurance. They just didn’t know how much effort Noble Consort Xianzhao had put into the breakdown of relations between Mo Jingli and the Empress Dowager.

“Reporting to the young master, people have come from the Regent’s mansion. They say the Regent requests your presence,” the steward outside reported softly.

Ye Li was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, “I understand, please ask them to wait a moment.” The steward acknowledged and withdrew. Ye Li stood up and said, “Well then, this is a good chance for me to go see what’s happening at Li Wang’s mansion.”

Yao Ji frowned and said, “Li Wang seems to have been summoning the wang fei frequently these days. Could he have noticed some flaw?”

“Given Mo Jingli’s personality, if he had noticed any flaw, he wouldn’t be so politely sending people to invite me. Don’t worry,” Ye Li smiled.

When she arrived at Li Wang’s mansion, Ye Li was directly invited to Mo Jingli’s study. When she stepped into the study, there were already quite a few people inside. However, Ye Li was only familiar with one of them – the current Marquis of Muyang, Mu Yang.

“Chu Junwei pays respects to the Regent,” Ye Li cupped her hands and said.

Seeing Ye Li enter, Mo Jingli seemed to be in quite a good mood and smiled, “Young Master Chu has arrived, please sit.” Ye Li nodded in thanks and walked to sit in the last position. Although the Chu family was considered a prestigious family, those present were all Mo Jingli’s trusted subordinates – naturally, Ye Li wouldn’t be so presumptuous as to sit in front.

As it happened, Ye Li sat diagonally opposite Mu Yang. Mu Yang smiled and nodded to her, and Ye Li couldn’t well slight him, so she smiled and nodded back. Mo Jingli raised an eyebrow watching the two and asked, “The Marquis of Muyang and Young Master Chu know each other?”

Mu Yang respectfully said, “Young Master Chu has such bearing, I only regret not having known him before.”

Ye Li smiled and said, “The Marquis is too kind. I have long admired the Marquis’s reputation.” Seeing neither’s manner seemed false, Mo Jingli then nodded with satisfaction. It wasn’t that he opposed the Muyang Marquis’s mansion having connections with the Chu family, but he wouldn’t be happy if Mu Yang concealed having too close relations with the Chu family.

Ye Li took the opportunity to ask, “May I know why the wang ye has summoned me?”

Mo Jingli swept his eyes over everyone and said, “Indeed I have something I wish Young Master Chu to assist with. Previously regarding the Zhang family matter, Young Master Chu solved a big problem for me with just a few words. These past days Zhang Baiwan has been working very diligently – this is all thanks to Young Master Chu.”

Ye Li modestly declined, “Wang ye overpraises me. This is all due to wang ye’s power intimidating Jiangnan – Junwei dares not claim credit.”

Mo Jingli sighed and said, “I indeed have another major matter requiring Young Master Chu’s assistance, and hope Young Master Chu won’t decline.”

Ye Li’s heart skipped slightly, but her expression remained composed as she said, “Please instruct me, wang ye.”

Mo Jingli stared motionlessly at Ye Li and said in a deep voice, “I wish to request that the young master ghost-write an imperial edict.”

Ye Li’s heart shook. Sweeping her eyes over those present, seeing no change in expression on anyone’s face, she knew these people all knew what Mo Jingli wanted to say. Or rather, these people were specifically waiting for her arrival. Ye Li took a slight breath and asked, “The court has abundant talent, with countless senior officials who can write imperial edicts. I’m afraid I…”

“Is Young Master Chu unwilling?” Mo Jingli’s face darkened as he asked flatly.

Ye Li sighed somewhat helplessly in her heart – she already understood exactly what edict Mo Jingli wanted her to write. But… this was something that couldn’t be written. Once written, young emperor Mo Xuyu would likely truly reach the end of his life.

“May I know what edict the wang ye wishes me to write?” Since Wei Lin and Zhuo Jing couldn’t enter Li Wang’s study, they could naturally only wait outside. Moreover, even if they were by her side, Ye Li had no intention of breaking face with Mo Jingli so quickly.

Mo Jingli’s expression then softened, and he said as if somewhat grieved, “To be frank, these days His Majesty’s health has not been good, and I’m afraid… His Majesty is young and naturally has no heir, so he plans to abdicate… I must request Young Master Chu to ghost-write an abdication edict. Young Master Chu comes from a prestigious family – I trust you won’t disappoint me.” Though triumphant, he forced himself to put on a grieving appearance – Mo Jingli’s act made Ye Li feel even more disgusted.

“May I know… which of the late emperor’s princes does His Majesty plan to abdicate to?” Ye Li’s expression didn’t change as she asked innocently. Since the emperor had no heir, the throne would naturally have to pass to someone else, but generally, it would pass to the closest blood relation. First brothers, then sons and nephews – passing to uncles was rather rare. Ye Li asking this way wasn’t considered discourteous.

A cold glint flashed through Mo Jingli’s eyes, but he didn’t answer Ye Li’s question. Mu Yang, sitting opposite, smiled and said, “Young Master Chu misunderstands. His Majesty plans to abdicate to the Regent. After all, His Majesty’s brothers are also mostly young… and Great Chu is currently in a precarious situation, truly needing an exceptionally capable ruler. Although His Majesty is still young, he thinks only of Great Chu’s realm.”

Thinking of Great Chu’s realm? More likely you’ve frightened him into it, Ye Li laughed coldly in her heart.

Looking somewhat hesitantly at Mo Jingli, Ye Li pretended to be troubled and said, “Please forgive me, wang ye, but at this time I’m afraid… I need to consult with my family first. Moreover, although I am unworthy to be of the Chu family, I am only from a branch line – regarding something like an abdication edict…” Throughout history, few emperors willingly abdicated. For the successor to show they had universal support, the edict naturally needed to be written by someone of considerable influence. But such things, while some were praised through the ages, others were cursed for ten thousand years. Although Ye Li had borrowed the identity of someone from the Chu family, she had no intention of sullying their reputation. If his talent was decent, the edict Mo Jingli wanted him to write would likely end up directly attributed to the Chu family’s main line. People would only know it was written by someone from the Chu family – who cared whether Chu Junwei was from the main or branch line, or whether the Chu family had such a person?

It wasn’t that Mo Jingli had to force Ye Li to write this edict, but he really couldn’t find anyone suitable to write it. The prestigious old ministers in court naturally wouldn’t sacrifice their reputations to write this edict. Mo Jingli’s trusted subordinates mostly had no reputation. Although Chu Junwei was from a Chu family branch line, he still carried the Chu family name. The Chu family could be considered one of Great Chu’s most prestigious families second only to the Xu family. If he could find Young Master Qingchen to ghost-write the edict, Mo Jingli naturally wouldn’t care whether Ye Li was willing or not.

Mo Jingli stared at Ye Li with displeasure and said, “It’s just a small matter, yet Young Master Chu makes all sorts of excuses – do you look down on me?”

Ye Li truly wanted to slap Mo Jingli’s face. If the person here was just a simple Chu family branch young master, with Mo Jingli putting on such a show, the Chu young master would have no choice but suicide to preserve his honor rather than go along with evil.

“Wang ye’s words are too heavy,” Ye Li said firmly. “But this matter is of great importance – I truly dare not act on my authority. Surely wang ye wouldn’t want me to write the edict, only for news to come right after that the Chu family has expelled Junwei?”

If that happened, it would be the entire Chu family giving Mo Jingli a hard slap. The situation then would likely be even worse than finding some random person to write the edict. Not to mention, if the Xu family took the opportunity to say something, probably more than half the scholars in the world wouldn’t accept Mo Jingli’s authority.

Mo Jingli also knew what Ye Li said was true, but having confidently made his request only to hit an unyielding nail, how could Mo Jingli save face? Seeing the situation, Mu Yang, who was seated, quickly spoke up, “Wang ye, Young Master Chu’s concerns are not unreasonable. Young Master Chu is a scholar, and some things are inevitably difficult to accept immediately. Why not let Young Master Chu consider for a couple of days – I’m sure by then Young Master Chu will understand.”

Only then did Mo Jingli nod, looking at Ye Li and saying, “I value you highly, young master. Please consider this very carefully. With Young Master Chu’s talent, you might well become a second Young Master Qingchen.”

Ye Li laughed inwardly – she wouldn’t dare think her talent could compare to her elder brother’s. However, Mo Jingli’s price for winning her over this time was quite considerable. Who didn’t know that Young Master Qingchen could be said to be second only to two people in Ding Wang’s mansion, wielding influence throughout the realm? What scholar didn’t take Young Master Qingchen as their model and goal? However, Ye Li was certain that even if she were Chu Junwei, she wouldn’t choose Mo Jingli. Mo Xiuyao had the bearing and ability to tolerate someone above ten thousand others, but Mo Jingli did not. Probably as soon as Mo Jingli secured his position, the first to suffer would be this “second Young Master Qingchen.”

Ye Li respectfully replied, “Thank you for wang ye’s great kindness. I will consider it carefully.”

Waiting outside, Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin’s expressions changed when they saw Ye Li emerge from her visit accompanied by several Li Wang mansion guards. Ye Li casually waved her hand, signaling them not to act rashly. The two immediately calmed down and stepped forward to the bow, “Subordinates pay respects to the young master.”

Ye Li nodded and said, “Let’s return.”

“Yes, young master.”

As Ye Li walked toward the exit of Li Wang’s mansion with her new escorts and Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin, she saw the young emperor in his bright yellow robes while passing the garden. Though it had only been two or three days since their last meeting, the young emperor’s already thin face had become somewhat waxy. His eyes, which seemed to always carry a look of terror, had become even more dim and lifeless. Everyone could see this child didn’t have long to live.

Mo Xuyu walked slowly through the garden, with eunuchs and palace maids following behind with lowered heads, doing nothing. It seemed as long as the young emperor didn’t leave their sight, whatever happened didn’t matter. The garden path wasn’t very even, and Mo Xuyu seemed to see something interesting ahead – his dim eyes brightened slightly as he hurried forward. But his body was already quite weak, and one unstable step sent him falling to the ground.

But even then, none of the eunuchs and palace maids following him moved to help him up, as if they had all suddenly become mindless puppets.

Falling on uneven cobblestones is very painful. As soon as Mo Xuyu fell, both his arms were scraped and bleeding. Tears immediately welled up in his eyes, but for some reason, they wouldn’t fall. Mo Xuyu didn’t get up, just lay there staring blankly at his bleeding, stinging arms.

A pair of fair, slender hands gently lifted him from the ground. Mo Xuyu blinked, looking somewhat dazedly at the handsome young master in white clothes before him.

“Does it hurt?” Ye Li crouched down, looking at eye level with the child before her and asking softly.

Tears welled in Mo Xuyu’s eyes, and after a while, he nodded. Ye Li sighed softly in her heart – how could she not see this child’s abnormal state? Compared to a few days ago, this child’s reactions had even become much slower.

The people following Mo Xuyu hurried forward when they saw someone approach, trying to stop them, “Young master… His Majesty should return to rest.” Ye Li swept them a flat glance and smiled faintly, “Oh, so you do know he’s still the emperor?”

The palace maid who had spoken blanched, though she quickly recovered and said, “Of course, we servants know he is still the emperor now. Therefore, please leave quickly, young master. His Majesty isn’t someone just anyone can meet.” Though the palace maid’s tone seemed polite, Ye Li could still hear a trace of arrogance and the slightly emphasized “still is.” Treating Mo Xuyu this way was done under orders.

The guards following Ye Li also stepped forward, choosing their words carefully as they tried to ask Ye Li to leave. However, knowing their lord still had use for this Chu Junwei, they didn’t dare be too forceful.

“Greetings to the wang fei,” just as they were at an impasse, Ye Ying approached with her people, her gaze sweeping flatly over everyone as she asked, “What’s going on here?” The palace maid who had spoken to Ye Li earlier stepped forward and said, “Reporting to wang fei, we servants were accompanying His Majesty out to play on Noble Consort’s orders when this Young Master Chu blocked His Majesty’s path and refused to leave.”

Ye Ying did not comment, looking at Ye Li. Ye Li smiled and said, “Reporting to wang fei, I only saw His Majesty fall and helped him up. Then…” Ye Li lifted her sleeve that was being held, indicating that the young emperor wouldn’t let go.

Ye Ying was silent for a moment, then said, “Young Master Chu is an honored guest of wang ye. Since His Majesty likes him, just let him accompany His Majesty for a while. Why are you making such a fuss about it?”

“Wang Fei! But the Noble Consort…”

“I will naturally explain to the Noble Consort. With so many people watching yet letting His Majesty fall, are you all dead?” Ye Ying said coldly. Although these people were Noble Consort Xianzhao’s people, they didn’t dare talk back to Ye Ying, Li Wang’s wang fei, in front of outsiders, and could only sullenly fall silent.

Ye Li took the medicine Wei Lin handed her from behind, carefully applying it to Mo Xuyu’s wounds while asking without turning her head, “Why haven’t you called for the Imperial Physician?”

The people attending Mo Xuyu hesitated before finally turning to leave.

Since Mo Xuyu kept holding onto Ye Li’s sleeve and wouldn’t let go, Ye Li had to stay for now. She could only carry Mo Xuyu to a waterside pavilion in the garden to sit for a while. Holding Mo Xuyu as they sat in the pavilion, Ye Li looked flatly at Ye Ying and asked, “Do you know what Noble Consort Xianzhao is doing?”

Ye Ying’s expression changed, and she asked somewhat flustered, “The Noble Consort? What has she done?”

Ye Li’s heart sank slightly – from Ye Ying’s expression, she knew what Noble Consort Xianzhao was doing, “Why didn’t you tell Yao Ji about this?” Ye Ying bit her lip corner and said, “This isn’t anything important, and it has nothing to do with Ding Wang’s mansion. Why should I tell her? Besides… even though I didn’t tell her, you found out anyway, didn’t you?”

“I did find out, but unfortunately it’s already too late,” Ye Li said.

Ye Ying was unconcerned, saying, “Could it be you want to save him? He’s Great Chu’s emperor, and you’re Ding Wang’s wang fei – what benefit is there for you in saving him?” Ye Li smiled faintly and said, “Do you think that once Mo Jingli becomes emperor you’ll become empress?”

Ye Ying’s face paled – she certainly knew that without support, even if Mo Jingli became emperor she might not become empress. Originally she had Ding Wang mansion’s support, but now Mo Jingli had decided to go to war with Ding Wang’s mansion…

“You’re welcome to try telling Mo Jingli about my whereabouts. See if he’ll be so pleased he’ll reward you with the position of empress,” Ye Li smiled at her, saying cheerfully. But the cold light in her eyes made Ye Ying’s heart tremble involuntarily. Biting her lip corner she said, “I won’t betray you… betraying you wouldn’t do me any good either.” Mo Jingli’s nature was vengeful – if she told him about Ye Li, she would inevitably also reveal that she had been gathering intelligence for Ding Wang’s mansion. When that happened, Ye Li would naturally have trouble, but she would suffer the worst. Moreover… information about her child was still in Ye Li’s hands.

Ye Li looked at her calmly and said, “You still refuse to give me the list?”

Ye Ying gritted her teeth and said, “Help me find my child first. Also…”

“Also?” Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking at her with interest. Ye Ying said, “After Mo Jingli takes the throne, you have to help me become empress.”

“Ye Ying,” Ye Li looked at her somewhat pityingly and said in a deep voice, “You will regret this.”

People outside entered with the Imperial Physician. But the child still wouldn’t let go of Ye Li’s sleeve. It took quite a while of persuading before he would release her sleeve to let the physician examine him. Watching the physician perfunctorily examine his injuries while deliberately ignoring his obvious abnormal state, Ye Li had nothing more to say. She stood up and walked out of the pavilion. The guards waiting outside immediately came forward. Ye Li turned her head and said, “Go tell the Regent – in any case… don’t make things look too ugly. It won’t benefit wang ye’s reputation.”

The guards were stunned for a moment, but still sent one person back toward Mo Jingli’s study. Ye Li looked back once at the child sitting dully at the table inside the pavilion letting the Imperial Physician do as he pleased, then turned and said, “Let’s go.”

“Young master, His Majesty…” Wei Lin couldn’t help asking. They weren’t heartless, cold-blooded creatures either – seeing a child who understood nothing become dull and wooden while waiting for death, Wei Lin felt some pity in his heart.

Ye Li shook her head and said, “His Majesty probably… doesn’t have long.”

The guards accompanying Ye Li out of the mansion all looked at her in surprise. They hadn’t expected this seemingly gentle and handsome young master to be so bold, actually daring to say such things in front of them knowing they were sent by wang ye to monitor him.

But they didn’t yet understand one principle: when someone doesn’t care about saying secrets in front of you, it means they believe you absolutely cannot leak their secrets, and in this world, the people least likely to leak secrets are dead people.

Hearing Ye Li’s words, Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin very tacitly swept cold gazes over the guards, a faint killing intent flashing past.

The next day, news came from Li Wang’s mansion. All the palace maids and eunuchs serving Mo Xuyu had been beaten to death. Hearing Zhuo Jing’s report, Ye Li’s hand only paused slightly before continuing with her work.