HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 53: The Wedding Day

Chapter 53: The Wedding Day

After expressing her contempt for the common people, Murong Ting departed, admiring her hands that had touched the Late Prince’s belongings. The Minister of Personnel was in excellent spirits as he praised Ye Li extensively, already envisioning the reputation and glory that would come to the Ye family once news spread of Ye Li obtaining the Lan Yun sword. Whether the sword contained treasures or military texts became secondary. Minister Ye maintained enough self-awareness to know that even if there were treasures, he wouldn’t receive a share. Compared to that, reputation gained without cost held far more meaning.

“Third Sister is truly fortunate,” Ye Ying said softly, gazing at Ye Li with her luminous eyes. “The Prince of First Rank learned of the Zhen Nan Crown Prince’s visit and arrived so quickly. It shows his deep feelings for Third Sister.”

Ye Li smiled faintly. “Aren’t Fourth Sister and the Prince of Li just as deeply in love?”

Ye Ying quickly glanced at Mo Jingli before lowering her head with a hurt expression. Minister Ye noticed this and furrowed his brow slightly. Could Ying’er truly be suffering mistreatment at the Prince of Li’s residence? With this thought, Minister Ye casually observed Mo Jingli while asking Ye Ying gently, “Ying’er, have you adjusted to life at the Prince of Li’s residence?”

“Everything is fine, Father. Thank you for your concern,” Ye Ying replied softly, eyes downcast.

Only then did Minister Ye feel relieved. He smiled at Mo Jingli and said, “Ying’er has been pampered since childhood. If she commits any improprieties, I hope Your Highness will be understanding.”

Mo Jingli replied, “Father-in-law need not worry. This Prince will cherish Ying’er well.”

“That’s good. In a few days, Li’er will also have her grand wedding. Ha ha, our Ye family truly has double happiness this year!” Minister Ye said contentedly. The three people present had varying expressions. Ye Li nodded with a slight smile, “Father speaks truly.”

Fifth Month, Twentieth Day

Ye Li was roused before dawn. Though she usually rose early, seeing the still-dark night outside, she felt somewhat helpless. The wedding procession would arrive just before noon, yet she had to rise at the fourth watch to be prepared. By the time she emerged from a fragrant flower petal bath under the maids’ care, her Second Aunt, the Grand Madame of Hua Manor, Madame Qin (Qin Zheng’s mother), and Aunt Ye (who had helped prepare Ye Li’s dowry) were already waiting in Qing Yi Pavilion along with Murong Ting, Hua Tianxiang, Qin Zheng, and Qin Yuling.

Hua Tianxiang carried the phoenix brocade wedding dress, her face beaming. The luminescent fabric made her lovely face appear even more beautiful and charming. “Congratulations,” she smiled silently at Ye Li.

Ye Li smiled faintly, raising her arms like a puppet as several people helped her into the wedding dress. Under the candlelight, the majestic phoenixes seemed to flow with the light, appearing and disappearing among the exquisite peonies. Against the bright red wedding dress, Ye Li’s usually pale and elegant features gained a festive glow.

“So beautiful, truly worthy of the phoenix brocade…” everyone murmured, somewhat entranced. Grand Madame Hua looked at Madame Xu, who was watching Ye Li with a satisfied smile, gaining a deeper understanding of the Third Young Lady’s status in the Xu family. She patted her dazed daughter and said with a smile, “Alright, if you want to admire, step aside. Don’t disturb us with the dressing.” Without further discussion, she led Ye Li to sit before the bronze mirror, joining Madame Xu and Madame Qin in discussing what hairstyle would be most suitable.

Ye Li silently faced the mirror, letting them fuss over her while watching Murong Ting making faces at her alongside the other young ladies. By the time the ladies finally agreed on a hairstyle, the sky outside had begun to lighten. Ye Li couldn’t help but look heavenward, finally understanding why they had to start preparing so early. If they had waited until daybreak to begin, they likely wouldn’t have finished by the time the wedding procession arrived. After completing her hair, several maids promptly brought several sets of pre-prepared head ornaments and jewelry. Grand Madame Hua didn’t rush to pin them on Ye Li, instead smiling and instructing a maid, “Quickly bring some food for your young lady to fill her stomach. Once we apply the makeup later, she won’t be able to eat anything today.” Qing Shuang made a face and cheerfully left with Qing Yu to prepare food. The ladies also went outside to rest briefly.

Once the adults left, the remaining young ladies immediately surrounded Ye Li. “How do you feel, A-Li? Are you nervous?” Murong Ting asked curiously, resting her chin on her hands as she leaned on the table.

Ye Li smiled. “Whether I’m nervous or not, you’ll find out when it’s your turn. Then I can see if you get nervous.” Murong Ting’s face instantly flushed red. She gritted her teeth and said, “I… I won’t be nervous at all.”

Hua Tianxiang smiled at her. “You’re already stammering, yet claim you won’t be nervous? You’ll be more nervous than A-Li.” She continued, “Ah… Zheng’er is next, Zheng’er should prepare herself.”

Qin Zheng glared at Hua Tianxiang, her face reddening as she said softly, “Why bring me into this for no reason?” Qin Zheng’s shy demeanor made Ye Li reach out and pinch her cheek, saying with a smile, “Tianxiang has a point, future sister-in-law?”

“You all…” Qin Zheng looked helplessly at her laughing friends and her sister Qin Yuling who was hiding in a corner giggling. The one who should be shy showed no signs of it, while she, who had nothing to do with it, felt both embarrassed and flustered.

Hua Tianxiang wiped her tears from laughing and said, “Dear Zheng’er, don’t be angry. She’s an odd one – don’t expect her to be shy.” Looking Ye Li up and down, Hua Tianxiang nodded approvingly, “Our Li’er is truly a great beauty.”

Ye Li felt a wave of exasperation. “You’re not trying to say ‘clothes make the person,’ are you?”

“How could I? It’s just that you usually don’t pay attention to dressing yourself up. Look now – even without jewelry or adornments, you’re still radiant. Hehe… the Prince of First Rank will surely be stunned.”

Ye Li shrugged, offering no opinion. If Mo Xiuyao hadn’t been impressed by someone as beautiful as Noble Consort Liu, it was hard to imagine what kind of beauty would stun him.

Qing Shuang and the others brought some light breakfast items. After eating and resting briefly, the ladies returned to select accessories and apply makeup. Since the wedding dress couldn’t be tried on beforehand and there couldn’t be a second one, the jewelry, hairstyle, and makeup all had to be decided after seeing the effect of the dress. Therefore, three sets of jewelry had been prepared for selection. Eventually, the ladies unanimously chose a set of gold filigree peony hairpins with ruby inlays and flowing tassels, along with several decorative jeweled gold hairpins. Then came the eyebrows and a light application of rouge. Madame Qin added a creative touch by painting a small half-bloomed peony on her forehead.

Ye Li gazed somewhat absently at the elegant and radiant young woman in the bronze mirror, momentarily unable to recognize herself. Her black hair was arranged in an elegant bun, with the jeweled tassel ornaments swaying gently in the candlelight, adding a touch of allure to the dignified and noble red wedding dress. Ye Li smiled inwardly, never having imagined that words like “alluring” and “radiant” could be associated with herself.

“Truly beautiful. Li’er herself seems captivated, no?” Hua Tianxiang teased.

Ye Li glared at her, but Grand Madame Hua was already smiling and ushering the young ladies out. “Alright, everyone out now. Let the bride rest a bit – the wedding procession will arrive soon.” Everyone wished Ye Li happiness once more before leaving cheerfully. Only Madame Xu remained last, and after she handed Ye Li a thin booklet with a smile and instructions to read it carefully before departing, Ye Li could only stare helplessly at the booklet before her. She could guess its contents without thinking. After some consideration, Ye Li stood and put the booklet away in a rarely used chest.

The Prince of First Rank’s manor proved more reliable than the Prince of Li’s residence. By the third quarter of the Si hour, Qing Yi Pavilion was already bustling with activity. Grand Madame Hua and Madame Qin personally helped Ye Li don the phoenix brocade veil, supporting her amid the crowd as she bid farewell to Old Madame Ye, Minister Ye, and the Xu family’s ancestral tablets.

In this wedding, the most eye-catching aspect was undoubtedly the appearance of the groom, which though reasonable was completely unexpected. For a long time, many had privately speculated who the Prince’s Manor would send to receive the bride, but no one had imagined the Prince would come personally. The streets from the Ye residence to the Prince’s Manor were already lined with capital citizens eager to watch. Seeing the Prince appear in red ceremonial robes, the common people couldn’t help but recall that graceful, unrestrained young man in brocade clothes from years past, feeling additional sighs in their hearts. Similarly, the Ye family’s wedding procession was exceptionally grand. Originally, Ye Rong, as the Ye family’s only son, should have escorted his sister out, but unlike at Ye Ying’s wedding, six strikingly handsome young men appeared outside the Ye family gates. Leading them were Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingze, followed by Xu Qingfeng and Xu Qingbai, and finally Xu Qingyan and Ye Rong. The Xu family’s young masters varied in their bearing – some refined and otherworldly, others stern and imposing, still others valiant and dashing or handsome and unrestrained. Even the youngest, Xu Qingyan, displayed an intelligent and cheerful demeanor. Ye Rong was completely overlooked, forced to stand quietly beside Xu Qingyan.

The bride emerged from the gates supported by Hua Tianxiang and Qin Zheng. The phoenix brocade wedding dress sparkled brilliantly in the sunlight, once again drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd.

This day was undoubtedly the most bustling in the capital, whether due to the Prince’s Manor’s status or because the wedding guests were particularly special. Even the Emperor personally attended with the Empress and Empress Dowager. They attended rather than presided over the ceremony, as the Grand Princess Xiru, whom even the Emperor addressed as Great-Aunt, presided over the wedding. The Prince’s Manor, which hadn’t received guests for seven or eight years, was now filled with visitors. The Grand Princess sat high in the seat of honor, exchanging greetings with the congratulatory guests. Mo Jingqi accompanied the Empress to sit beside the Grand Princess in conversation. Although the Grand Princess had withdrawn from worldly affairs for over twenty years, the authority of the Iron-Handed Princess, who even the Late Emperor had deeply respected, remained inviolable.

“Your Majesty, Grand Princess, the auspicious time has arrived,” announced the manor’s steward.

The assembled guests immediately fell silent. Mo Jingqi looked at the Grand Princess, whose hair was completely white yet who remained spirited, and smiled, “Then shall we proceed with the ceremony, Great-Aunt?”

The Grand Princess Xiru nodded and rose, addressing the crowd, “Please follow this Grand Princess to observe the ceremony, Your Majesty, Empress Dowager, Empress, and honored guests.”

The ceremonial hall in the main palace of the Prince’s Manor had already been prepared, with tall red candles burning bright, filling the space with a joyous atmosphere. The Grand Princess sat in the place of honor, with the Emperor and Empress Dowager seated to her left and right. The remaining guests were seated according to their rank. All eyes were on Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li as they entered the hall surrounded by wedding attendants. What should have been a perfect match of a talented scholar and beautiful maiden was marred by the fact that the groom could only sit in a wheelchair, causing many to secretly lament. Even more, people sighed, thinking that if the Prince of First Rank wasn’t in his current condition, he would have long ago married a woman of equal status and matching talents – how else would he now be marrying an unremarkable daughter of a Minister’s household?

“With the Prince’s legs being disabled, performing the ceremonies this way seems to lack sincerity, doesn’t it?” A mocking voice suddenly rang out in the hall, like ice water thrown on burning flames, leaving the entire wedding hall in dead silence. Everyone turned in shock toward the source of the voice. There sat the envoys from various nations, among them a stocky young man who was staring at Mo Xiuyao with a smug expression. The earlier words had come from his mouth. He showed no sign of feeling that he had been discourteous; seeing all eyes turn to him only made him more unrestrained.

“That’s the Eleventh Prince of Bei Rong. I heard he’s an idiot – why would the Bei Rong King send him as an envoy to Da Chu?” Ye Li heard guests whispering as she stood quietly beside Mo Xiuyao.

“Don’t you remember? Bei Rong and the Prince’s Manor have a deep blood feud. Though they’ve reconciled with our Da Chu these past years, they likely still harbor resentment over past events and deliberately sent this fool to humiliate the Prince.”

“How could His Majesty allow such a person to attend the ceremony…”

“He’s a national envoy – how could we refuse him entry after he traveled so far?”

Amid the scattered discussions, Mo Jingqi looked down at the Bei Rong prince and said loudly, “Eleventh Prince, our Da Chu wedding ceremonies do not include kneeling rituals, so the Prince of First Rank has no impediments.” But the Bei Rong prince had no intention of showing respect to the Da Chu Emperor. He furrowed his thick brows and said loudly with displeasure, “This Prince had heard of the Da Chu Prince of First Rank’s reputation in Bei Rong, but who knew I’d see a cripple in a wheelchair today?! Surely the Da Chu Emperor isn’t trying to deceive us?” At these words, not only Mo Jingqi but all the Da Chu civil and military officials present changed expression.

Lei Tengfeng, the Crown Prince of Xi Ling’s Zhen Nan, who sat beside the Bei Rong prince, gave a light cough and smiled, “Eleventh Prince, this is indeed Da Chu’s Prince of First Rank. The Prince had an accident seven years ago. Today we’re here to attend a wedding, not cause trouble. Come, let me offer you a toast.” Bei Rong was originally a barbarian tribe, and this Eleventh Prince was considered crude even among the Bei Rong people. How could he be appeased by Lei Tengfeng’s toast? Looking Mo Xiuyao up and down, he snickered, “This Prince remembers now – the Prince’s injuries were left by our Bei Rong Flying Cavalry General. I often heard the General lamenting to me that he almost caught…”

“Enough!” Grand Princess Xiru had already turned black with anger, no longer caring that the Bei Rong prince was a foreign envoy. She said coldly, “If the Bei Rong prince is here to attend the ceremony, then sit quietly. If not, then leave!”

The Bei Rong prince was stunned for a moment and opened his mouth to say something to the Grand Princess. However, he was quickly restrained by two attendants beside him. Though his face showed displeasure, he ultimately said nothing more. Seeing the Grand Princess’s dark expression, others dared not speak further. Mo Jingqi coughed lightly and said, “Great-Aunt, it’s time for the ceremonies.”

Grand Princess Xiru’s eyes lowered slightly as she nodded to the ceremonial official at the side.

“First bow to Heaven and Earth—!”

“Second bow to the parents—!”

“Husband and wife bow to each other—!”

Under the red wedding veil, Ye Li glanced sideways and saw only the hand of the man beside her gripping the red silk tightly. In her heart remained only a sigh. Actually, since getting to know Mo Xiuyao until now, she had always felt he was unrealistically perfect. For someone whose legs were crippled, whose face was disfigured, and who was said to have poor health, he appeared too perfect. He showed no inferiority, no self-pity, no self-destruction. No matter when, his spine remained straight – even sitting in a wheelchair, he seemed to stand taller than anyone else. Thinking back to the rumors of that youth who had been like raging fire, this version of Mo Xiuyao seemed even more ethereal and distant. From blazing fire to gentle jade – what painful tempering had he endured? Only now did Ye Li truly feel Mo Xiuyao’s emotions for the first time: anger and murderous intent.

Ye Li smiled bitterly. At her wedding ceremony, she was sensing such negative emotions from her husband. Even though they weren’t directed at her, it still left her feeling somewhat dejected.

“Ceremony complete—escort them to the bridal chamber!”

In the wedding chamber decorated in festive red, the dragon and phoenix candles burned quietly. Ye Li sat silently on the marriage bed embroidered with auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns. She knew Mo Xiuyao sat not far from the bed watching her, seemingly with no intention of approaching. “May I remove this?” Unable to wait for the groom to act, she had to ask herself. After a moment, Mo Xiuyao slowly came forward, and her vision brightened as the wedding veil was lifted – both were startled upon seeing each other. Having grown used to seeing Mo Xiuyao in plain clothes, Ye Li felt quite unaccustomed to seeing him in bright red wedding attire. However… this man seemed to look good in any color. Mo Xiuyao’s surprise lasted only an instant, a flash of amazement passing through his calm eyes before quickly disappearing. The two fell into an awkward silence.

Ye Li leaned forward slightly and took Mo Xiuyao’s left hand. He started, immediately trying to withdraw his clenched fist.

“Let go,” Ye Li said quietly.

His fingers gradually relaxed, revealing a broad palm unlike that of a privileged noble, covered in calluses and scars, though not grotesque. Ye Li remembered a childhood friend once telling her what a man’s hands should be like: they should have some calluses, showing the man wasn’t afraid of work, perhaps with one or two presentable scars, indicating he wasn’t some helpless creature raised in seclusion, and preferably they should look good. Such hands would make a woman feel secure while being pleasing to look at. Now, this palm was stained with shocking crimson, four deep bloody marks still slowly seeping blood, but the man opposite showed no sign of pain as he opened his hand for her inspection.

Ye Li lowered her head to look at his scarred palm, extended one finger to touch it lightly, and then… pressed down hard. Looking up at the man whose expression hadn’t changed at all, she asked, “Doesn’t it hurt?”

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, his gaze at Ye Li unexpectedly gaining some warmth. “What kind of pain is this? I’ve endured far worse.”

Ye Li deeply agreed – for someone who had been on the battlefield, such injuries truly counted for nothing. She rose and went to retrieve a familiar small box from her dowry, bringing it back to the bed. Sitting on the edge, she opened the box and took out clean white cotton, gauze, and medicine to treat his wound. “Even if you’re angry, there’s no need to harm yourself, is there? I thought you had grown used to it by now?”

Mo Xiuyao’s lips held a trace of bitterness as he smiled faintly and said, “As you can see, I haven’t gotten used to it.” He too had thought he was accustomed to it – in fact, he had spent exactly seven years making himself adjust. Adjusting to no longer being able to ride horses and charge across battlefields, adjusting to having to wear a mask whenever in public, lest his facial scars draw fearful or pitying glances from everyone. Adjusting to frequent bouts of serious illness, making his former life seem like a dream. He had always thought he had adapted well, but until today, standing in the ceremonial hall listening to the Bei Rong prince’s deliberate, undisguised humiliation, he realized he was still far from it. So today, he had not only disgraced himself but had also caused his new bride to share in his humiliation, even though his wife hadn’t blamed him.

Ye Li clearly saw the guilt in the man’s eyes and smiled faintly, “I thought you knew that from the moment we decided to accept this marriage, I was prepared for anything.”

Mo Xiuyao asked, “You knew such situations would arise?”

Ye Li shook her head and smiled, “If not for this situation, there would be others. Could I expect to marry and live a peaceful, joyous, worry-free life forever? Even common families have their difficulties, let alone a noble house like this.”

Mo Xiuyao gazed at her silently before finally saying softly, “Perhaps I cannot guarantee you a life without worries, but as long as I live, I will do everything in my power to give you the life you desire.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow. “I believe you,” she said, finishing with the medicine and putting away the supplies with a smile.

“You’ve had a long day. You should rest early,” Mo Xiuyao said quietly to Ye Li. She was startled for a moment but quickly smiled again. “Very well, you should rest early too.” Mo Xiuyao nodded and called A-Jin to wheel him away, thoughtfully instructing Qing Shuang and the others waiting outside to attend to Ye Li.

When Qing Shuang and the others entered, Ye Li had already removed her ornaments and placed them in the jewelry box on the dressing table. Qing Shuang frowned, saying somewhat dissatisfied, “Young Lady, why did the Prince leave? Grand Princess Xiru explicitly stated there would be no wedding chamber pranks and the Prince needn’t drink with guests, so he should be here accompanying you now. Why did he come only to leave?”

Ye Li turned and smiled, “This is the Prince’s Manor – are you worried he has nowhere to rest?”

Qing Luan and Qing Yu prepared warm water for Ye Li’s bath, but their expressions were also displeased. Ye Li had no interest in managing the maids’ moods. She found Mo Xiuyao’s decision incredibly thoughtful. Though she hadn’t planned on being merely a nominal wife forever, the thought of doing anything intimate with a man she barely knew and had only met a few times made her wonder if she could adjust. In this respect, she felt she should admire ancient women’s adaptability – normally forbidden from even holding hands with men, yet expected to share a bed with an essentially unknown man on their wedding night.

Having removed the heavy ornaments and elaborate wedding dress, Ye Li contentedly relaxed her body, preparing to bathe and rest. Even as she lay down in the soft, comfortable bed and drifted to sleep, a faint smile remained on her lips: “Mother, Grandfather, Father, Mother, and all my cousins… I’ve gotten married…”

In a study somewhere in the Prince’s Manor, Mo Xiuyao, now dressed in plain clothes, sat behind his desk with an unusually cold and gloomy expression. Feng Zhiyao, still in his red attire, lounged lazily by the door and smiled, “Why such an expression on your wedding day? Aren’t you afraid of frightening your wife?” In a corner of the room sat a young man with a dissolute appearance, who grinned and said, “In my opinion, sister-in-law’s courage far exceeds our imagination.”

Feng Zhiyao considered this and nodded in agreement, “Indeed. I’ve rarely seen women with Young Lady Ye’s courage.”

“Finished talking?” Mo Xiuyao raised his head, coldly eyeing the two irreverent men before him.

Feng Zhiyao shrugged, “That idiot tonight was Bei Rong’s Eleventh Prince Yelü Ping, the most beloved son of Bei Rong King’s Noble Consort Xiao, and the blood brother of Bei Rong’s Seventh Prince Yelü Ye. He’s also Flying Cavalry General Helian Zhen’s nephew. You haven’t forgotten what you did to Helian Zhen seven years ago, have you?”

“Helian Zhen is surnamed Helian, Noble Consort Xiao is surnamed Xiao – how can Yelü Ping be Helian Zhen’s nephew?” the dissolute young man asked, puzzled.

“Bei Rong relationships are enough to give anyone a headache. Who knows how they’re connected?” Feng Zhiyao said irritably. “Leng Haoyu, shouldn’t this be your business?” The young man, who was indeed the reportedly most worthless second son of the Northern General’s family, Leng Haoyu, replied, “The news I received from Bei Rong suggests Yelü Ye is Helian Zhen’s illegitimate son.”

“Can you trust news that’s already reached Da Chu?” Feng Zhiyao rolled his eyes, then turned to look at Mo Xiuyao. “Seven years ago when your elder brother suddenly died, Helian Zhen could have seized the opportunity to establish world-shaking merit, even sweeping across Da Chu. But because you charged out of Ghost Sorrow Valley with your sword, a great fire nearly cost Helian Zhen half his life. Not only did Helian Zhen lose troops and commanders, but it also left Bei Rong unable to wage war for three full years. By the time they recovered, our Da Chu had also regained its strength. Since then, Helian Zhen fell from the Bei Rong King’s favor, which also greatly diminished Yelü Ye and Noble Consort Xiao’s influence in Bei Rong. It’s already decent that they haven’t come directly to Da Chu to fight you to the death.”

Mo Xiuyao said calmly, “So you’re saying Yelü Ping was sent by Yelü Ye to humiliate me?”

Feng Zhiyao stroked his chin, “Everyone knows Yelü Ping is a troublemaker, and if he offends you, you can’t hold it against him. The result is obvious, isn’t it?”

Mo Xiuyao gave a cold laugh, “They were quite polite today, with only Yelü Ping causing trouble. The others must be getting impatient too?” Feng Zhiyao tapped his forehead thoughtfully, “Who knew our Emperor would bring the Empress and Empress Dowager to the Prince’s Manor? They couldn’t show too much disrespect in front of His Majesty, could they? Since a fool had already stepped forward, those who consider themselves clever naturally wouldn’t speak up. However… the foreign envoys will remain in the capital for half a month. About your wife…”

“Do not disturb her!” Mo Xiuyao said flatly.

Feng Zhiyao and Leng Haoyu exchanged glances. Leng Haoyu blinked his phoenix eyes and asked, “Your Highness, you’re not telling us you plan to keep your new Princess hidden away in the Prince’s Manor where no one can see her? Has the Third Young Lady of the Ye family truly proven so enchanting that the Prince has fallen in love at first sight and wants to keep her carefully hidden away, protecting her preciously?”

Mo Xiuyao replied, “A-Li doesn’t enjoy the social obligations among the nobility. Don’t bother her unless it’s important.”

Feng Zhiyao frowned, tapping his folded fan, “A-Yao, even in common households, a wife must manage the inner court and handle social relationships. Let alone the mistress of the Prince’s Manor. If she were just an incapable noble lady, that would be one thing, but the Third Young Lady Ye is no weak and helpless woman. If she could help you, it would naturally make things twice as effective and much easier for you.”

“Third Brother speaks truly. Ting’er has nothing but praise for Third Young Lady Ye,” Leng Haoyu agreed.

Mo Xiuyao frowned and said, “We’ll discuss this later.” Feng Zhiyao raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly thinking of something before suddenly smiling, “Very well, since you’ve decided, we won’t meddle in this matter. What was the Emperor’s intention in bringing the Empress Dowager personally today? Is he still wary of you?”

Mo Xiuyao replied, “When has he ever not been wary of me? Now the Lan Yun sword has returned to the Prince’s Manor. In these past few days, at least a dozen groups have attempted to infiltrate the manor, with at least three groups coming from the palace.”

Leng Haoyu’s eyes lit up, “Our Emperor’s men?”

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, “Not certain, but some of his people.”

Feng Zhiyao smiled at Leng Haoyu, “Second Young Master Leng, keep an eye on that cold-faced general of your family. If our Emperor keeps failing to infiltrate the manor, he’ll likely send him next. After all, he’s His Majesty’s childhood friend and most trusted confidant.”

Leng Haoyu twisted his mouth and said, “Rest assured, no one will take even a hair from this manor.” Thinking of his cold-faced elder brother, Leng Haoyu felt thoroughly annoyed. A self-righteous fool who only knew how to follow the Emperor around, yet Ting’er always looked at him with admiration while treating himself like garbage. How irritating. That fellow had better try to infiltrate the manor – if he caught him, he’d give him such a beating that Ting’er would finally see who was truly outstanding and who was the worthless fool!

“Your Highness, intruders in the manor!” The heavy stone door opened slightly as A-Jin swiftly slipped in.

Mo Xiuyao’s eyes turned cold. “Where?”

“The Princess’s courtyard.”

*Snap!*

“Don’t let any escape. Since blood shouldn’t be shed on the wedding day, we’ll entertain them tomorrow.”

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