HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 54: A Simple New Marriage

Chapter 54: A Simple New Marriage

In the early morning, Ye Li sat quietly before the bronze mirror as Qing Shuang and Qing Xia arranged her hair. Qing Shuang’s skilled hands deftly styled her black tresses into a lily bun, while Qing Xia presented a jewelry box full of precious ornaments for Ye Li to choose from. Ye Li looked at her reflection in the bronze mirror with mild frustration, frowning at Qing Shuang: “Couldn’t we do something simpler?”

Qing Shuang suppressed a laugh: “Miss, you should be content. This is already the simplest hairstyle for a newly married woman. If you saw the elaborate styles fashionable among the capital’s noble ladies, you truly wouldn’t be able to bear it. The previous styles were for unmarried ladies – you can’t use those anymore now that you’re married. For jewelry, why don’t we use the set Prince Wang gave you? You haven’t worn it yet.”

Ye Li nodded. She did genuinely love that set of green jade magnolia ornaments, and they weren’t too ostentatious either.

Qing Xia smiled as she took out Ye Li’s ornaments to put them on, nodding in approval: “Qing Shuang knows Miss Best…”

“What ‘Miss’?” Lin Mama and Wei Mama entered. Lin Mama glared at the maids: “From now on, address her as Princess Wang. Don’t let others in the manor think the people by Princess Wang’s side don’t know proper etiquette.”

“Yes, Mama. Servants pay respects to Princess Wang.” The four maids lined up and performed respectful curtsies to Ye Li.

Wei Mama had already pulled Ye Li aside to ask her gentle questions. Both Mamas naturally knew that Prince Wang hadn’t spent the night in the bridal chamber, and Wei Mama couldn’t help but feel concerned for the young miss she’d cared for since childhood. Ye Li smiled reassuringly at both Mamas. Seeing no trace of grievance on Ye Li’s face, they finally let the matter rest. They assumed the young miss was still adjusting to life in Prince Dingguo’s manor, and that Prince Wang was being considerate by giving her time to adapt. Still, they hinted that Ye Li should try to become a true wife to Prince Wang soon, as they would spend their whole lives together after all. Ye Li’s mouth twitched slightly, but she ultimately said nothing and let them maintain their misunderstanding.

“Prince Wang has arrived.”

Mo Xiu Yao appeared at the doorway, asking softly: “A Li, may I come in?”

Ye Li answered, and only then did Mo Xiu Yao wheel himself in, leaving A Jin outside. Looking at Ye Li, he asked: “A Li, did you sleep well last night?”

Ye Li nodded with a smile: “Very well. But you don’t look so good?” As soon as Mo Xiu Yao had entered, Lin Mama led the maids out. Ye Li realized there was no one left even to serve tea, so she could only smile helplessly at Mo Xiu Yao as she walked to sit at the table. There was indeed fatigue visible in Mo Xiu Yao’s eyes, but he waved it off: “I was up late seeing off some guests last night. It’s nothing.”

“Should I pay respects to Princess Imperial first? And to Sister-in-law…” Though Prince Dingguo’s manor now had only Mo Xiu Yao as a direct bloodline descendant, it wasn’t truly empty of other people. The widow of the late Prince Ding – Mo Xiu Yao’s elder brother Mo Xiu Wen – Lady Wen, was still alive, though it was said she lived in the Buddhist hall year-round to maintain her widowhood and hadn’t even appeared at yesterday’s wedding. One of Mo Xiu Yao’s father Mo Liu Fang’s consorts was also still living. Additionally… Ye Li had never asked before, but how many concubines did Mo Xiu Yao himself have?

Mo Xiu Yao shook his head: “Let’s have breakfast first. Princess Imperial is advanced in years and tired from yesterday’s events – she won’t be up this early. As for Sister-in-law…” Mo Xiu Yao’s brow furrowed slightly: “Since my elder brother’s passing, my Sister-in-law has lived in the Buddhist hall with several side consorts. Even I rarely see her. She sent word a few days ago that you can visit her after you complete your return visit home.” Ye Li nodded. She had heard her third brother mention the former Princess Ding – she was indeed a pitiful figure. Lady Wen hadn’t come from a prestigious family, just a modest scholarly one. She had married Mo Xiu Wen at sixteen and became a widow at eighteen. Mo Xiu Wen had been away fighting in battles right after their wedding, and they hadn’t even had a child together.

“So… what should I do?” Ye Li asked.

Mo Xiu Yao looked at her and smiled faintly: “Besides managing the household affairs and some account books, you can do whatever you like with your other time. If you get bored, you can invite your friends to visit the manor or go out yourself. A Li, this is your home now – you don’t need to be so formal.” Ye Li nodded: “I understand, I’m just not used to it yet. So now?”

“Let’s have breakfast first. Then I’ll introduce you to the household staff.”

Breakfast was laid out in Ye Li’s courtyard, and the manor’s morning meal suited her taste well. After breakfast, the steward came to report: “Prince Wang, the managers have all arrived. They await an audience with Prince Wang and Princess Wang.” Mo Xiu Yao nodded, turning to Ye Li: “This is Steward Mo Xin of Prince Ding’s manor. He is also A Jin’s uncle. You can give him any instructions directly in the future.”

The steward also came forward to pay his respects: “This old servant greets Princess Wang.”

Ye Li smiled gently: “Steward, no need for such formality. I’ll be troubling you in the future.” It was clear that Mo Xiu Yao greatly valued this steward, and he was A Jin’s uncle as well. A Jin followed Mo Xiu Yao constantly, never leaving his side, certainly counting among his most trusted confidants. Receiving such courtesy from Princess Wang, Steward Mo remained composed without a trace of arrogance, still responding respectfully: “This old servant wouldn’t dare. If Princess Wang has any instructions in the future, please just inform this old servant.”

The group proceeded to the reception hall where numerous people were already standing. Upon seeing Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao enter, they immediately stood straight and bowed in unison: “Greetings to Prince Wang, greetings to Princess Wang.”

Mo Xiu Yao led Ye Li into the hall, indicating the main seat for her to sit before turning back to address the crowd: “You may all rise. This is the newly arrived Princess Wang. From now on, Princess Wang’s words are as my own – do you all understand?”

“We will respectfully obey Princess Wang’s commands.”

“Very good. A Li, this is Mama Sun.” She was the internal affairs manager of the manor, overseeing all inner household matters. If you have any questions, you can ask her.” Standing at the front was indeed Mama Sun, who had previously delivered gifts to the Ye manor – the first person Mo Xiu Yao introduced to Ye Li. After a moment’s thought, Mo Xiu Yao added, “Mama Sun used to serve my mother the Princess Consort.”

“This old servant greets Princess Wang.”

“Mama, you are too courteous,” Ye Li nodded.

“This is Manager Yang Ling, the manor’s external affairs manager. He handles all outside dealings for the manor.” Standing beside Mama Sun was a man in his forties, his eyes gleaming with a shrewd light – someone quite calculating.

“Yang Ling greets Princess Wang.”

Ye Li frowned slightly. She had no particular opinions about how others referred to themselves, but one could often discern someone’s attitude from their self-address. This external affairs manager clearly didn’t show Ye Li the same respect as Steward Mo and Mama Sun. “Manager Yang, no need for such formality.”

Mo Xiu Yao then introduced several other managers who oversaw various estate properties and other important affairs. Ye Li had welcome gifts distributed to these managers and rewards given to the lower servants. The approval in Mama Sun and Steward Mo’s eyes for the new Princess Wang grew increasingly evident. Though the Ye family might not have the best reputation, clearly the new Princess Wang had inherited her mother’s excellent bloodline. She conducted herself with proper measure, handled matters appropriately, and had even very thoughtfully arranged the welcome gifts for the managers and rewards for the servants most suitably.

“Prince Wang, Princess Wang.” A Jin appeared at the doorway, hesitating slightly as he looked at the assembled crowd before speaking.

“A Jin, what is it?” Mo Xiu Yao asked.

A Jin held a long box, saying: “Someone just delivered this – said it was a wedding gift for Princess Wang.” Ye Li raised an eyebrow. “Where is the person?”

“They left.”

The couple exchanged a glance before Mo Xiu Yao told A Jin: “Bring it here.”

Mo Xiu Yao examined the box briefly before opening it to find only a scroll painting inside. Seeing nothing amiss, he handed it to Ye Li. She lowered her head to unfurl the painting and couldn’t help but gasp in admiration. It was a portrait of a noble lady – no one who hadn’t seen the painting could imagine such beauty could exist in the world. Her willow eyebrows were naturally dark without makeup, and her cherry lips were naturally red without coloring. Her exquisite, transcendent features seemed beyond any praise – even attempting to describe them felt like it would sully her. Even in painting form, one could sense the clear pools of her eyes and their graceful glances. The lady in the painting wore plain white robes and held a simple zither, smiling gently among a hundred flowers. Even the flowers seemed to lose their luster before her – she was as brilliant as the morning sun rising through rosy clouds, as dazzling as a lotus emerging from green waves… “What an incomparable beauty…” Ye Li sighed softly.

Moving her gaze to one side of the painting, she saw the inscription: “The National Beauty of Chu Capital Intoxicates Butterflies.” The signature was Han Ming Yue.

Mo Xiu Yao also started slightly, his eyes flickering with emotion as he looked at the stunning beauty in the painting before quickly turning his gaze to Ye Li. After a moment of silence, Ye Li looked up at Mo Xiu Yao with a smile: “Han Ming Yue’s ‘National Beauty of Chu Capital’ is said to be worth a thousand gold pieces. To receive such a painting on just the second day of marriage makes me feel rather humbled.” Mo Xiu Yao smiled faintly, looking at her: “You are perfect as you are.”

Ye Li took one final look at the woman in the painting before rolling it up with some hesitation: “This? Though the painting is beautiful and valuable, keeping it nearby isn’t a good idea.” Even if she wouldn’t be jealous, she didn’t think she should keep a painting of her husband’s former fiancée. Mo Xiu Yao said: “It was given to you, A Li can dispose of it as you wish.” Ye Li raised an eyebrow – did he think she would force him to deal with his former fiancée’s painting? She just wanted to ask if he wanted it; if he did, she would simply give it to him.

“I’m not particularly interested in paintings and calligraphy. Besides, looking at someone more beautiful than myself every day would be rather dispiriting.”

Mo Xiu Yao thought for a moment before telling Mama Sun: “Change the box and have this painting delivered to Elder Su’s residence.”

Mama Sun respectfully replied: “This old servant obeys.” She stepped forward to take the scroll from Ye Li’s hands and passed it to a nearby maid to prepare. Mo Xiu Yao turned to Ye Li with a smile: “Shall we go? Princess Imperial should be up now.” Ye Li nodded, rising to hold Mo Xiu Yao’s hand as they left together, not seeing the looks of satisfaction on Mama Sun and Steward Mo’s faces behind them.

“Who do you think sent that painting?” Ye Li asked curiously as they headed toward Princess Imperial’s temporary quarters. Mo Xiu Yao shook his head: “That painting was originally kept in the prince’s manor. I had intended to give it to Elder Su, but there was too much happening at the time, and by the time things settled down, it had disappeared.” Ye Li smiled: “Han Ming Yue’s painting is priceless – didn’t you have people search for it? Moreover… she truly was an incomparable beauty. No wonder Han Ming Yue dared title it ‘National Beauty of Chu Capital’.” Mo Xiu Yao looked up at her, pondering for a moment before saying: “If it must be a painting, my work is no worse than Han Ming Yue’s. Perhaps when I have time, I could paint one for you?”

Ye Li paused for a moment before breaking into a smile: “That would be wonderful, thank you.”

Princess Imperial had indeed risen, and as soon as they reached the door, her attendant invited them in. Princess Imperial was sitting on her couch drinking tea, and her face immediately brightened upon seeing them. She beckoned to Mo Xiu Yao: “Xiu Yao, come quickly and let your aunt have a look. And Xiu Yao’s wife, come, come here quickly.” Mo Xiu Yao led Ye Li forward to pay their respects: “Greetings to Imperial Aunt.”

Princess Imperial pulled Ye Li to sit beside her, examining her carefully before nodding repeatedly with satisfaction: “Good, good, good – this is truly a fitting wife for Prince Dingguo’s manor. I am very pleased. The Emperor finally did something right this time. Xiu Yao, you must treat Li’er well. If you dare misbehave and make Li’er angry, I won’t let you off easy!” Mo Xiu Yao didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, saying helplessly: “Imperial Aunt…” Ye Li covered her mouth to hide her amusement at his rare moment of embarrassment, while Princess Imperial pulled her close affectionately: “Li’er, you don’t know – this boy was quite the troublemaker when he was young. He would be up to mischief every day, nearly giving his father the Prince fits. He’s become much more steady these past few years, finally showing some maturity with age. You two young ones must live well together. If you ever face any grievances, just come to me, and I’ll set things right for you.”

Princess Imperial was unexpectedly easy to get along with. Perhaps due to her advanced age and fondness for children, she showed none of the iron-fisted demeanor she was rumored to have, instead appearing more like a kindly grandmother than even the old madam of the Ye family. Ye Li smiled gently: “Li’er thanks Imperial Aunt. Xiu Yao won’t mistreat me.” Hearing Ye Li’s form of address, Princess Imperial’s eyes lit up, clearly even more pleased. She held Ye Li’s hand, chattering away about Mo Xiu Yao’s childhood embarrassments. Mo Xiu Yao sat there with his mouth twitching unusually, unable to either stop her or leave, forced to sit and listen to Princess Imperial expose his childhood stories while enduring Ye Li’s strange, teasing glances. Princess Imperial had no intention of considering either Mo Xiu Yao’s feelings or Ye Li’s comfort, even directly bringing up the matter of Mo Xiu Yao’s young love, Su Zui Die.

Ye Li felt somewhat awkward, but seeing that Mo Xiu Yao made no move to stop Princess Imperial, she could only continue listening. Princess Imperial seemed oblivious to the young couple’s expressions, smiling as she held Ye Li’s hand while addressing Mo Xiu Yao: “I told you back then that the Su family’s girl wasn’t suitable for you. Now look at Li’er – you must admit my judgment of people is far better than yours. Isn’t that right?”

“Imperial Aunt…” Mo Xiu Yao smiled wryly, “Imperial Aunt, I still need to take A Li to pay respects to my father the Prince, and my mother the Princess Consort. Perhaps… you could chat with A Li privately another time?”

Princess Imperial thought for a moment before finally saying: “You’re right, go offer tea to your father the Prince, and your mother the Princess Consort first. Adding Li’er to the family registry is an important matter now. I’ll be returning shortly, but Li’er, don’t forget to come visit me later.” Ye Li smiled: “Couldn’t Imperial Aunt stay a few more days?” Princess Imperial sighed: “When one gets old, it’s hard to get used to being away from home. After your newlywed period, feel free to come stay at my residence whenever you like.” With Princess Imperial speaking thus, the couple naturally couldn’t press her to stay. Mo Xiu Yao led Ye Li to offer incense to Prince Ding Manor’s ancestors, accompanied Princess Imperial for lunch, and then personally saw her off from Prince Dingguo’s manor.

In the afternoon, Mo Xiu Yao went to his study while Ye Li had various matters to attend to and returned to her courtyard. Looking at the now-quiet Prince Dingguo’s manor, Ye Li felt somewhat dazed, as if in a dream. In just one day, she had moved from the Ye manor to Prince Dingguo’s manor, become married and become Princess Wang, and somehow seemed to have completely adjusted already?

Being newly married, the manor’s managers naturally wouldn’t be so tactless as to immediately burden her with a mountain of trivial matters and account books. So Ye Li only needed to manage the people in her courtyard and her dowry. Returning to her courtyard, Mama Sun was waiting there chatting with Mama Lin and Mama Wei. Seeing Ye Li enter, they hurriedly came forward to pay respects: “Princess Wang.”

Ye Li smiled: “Mama Sun was by the Princess Consort’s side and is trusted by Prince Wang – there’s no need for such formality.” Mama Sun replied somewhat stiffly: “Thank you for Princess Wang’s kindness, but this old servant dares not overstep. Following Prince Wang’s instructions, this old servant has selected some people to serve Princess Wang. Please look them over and keep those who suit your eye.” She then took a list from her sleeve and presented it, showing the people assigned to Ye Li’s courtyard. Mama Sun continued: “Princess Wang should have four senior maids for personal attendance, plus two each for managing clothes and meals. Four more are needed for needlework. The courtyard requires eight second-rank maids, and sixteen junior maids for rougher work. The second-rank and junior maids can be managed by the two Mamas at Princess Wang’s side, but Princess Wang should personally review the maids for clothing and meals.”

As she spoke, several young women dressed as maids entered and respectfully curtsied to Ye Li: “Greetings to Princess Wang.”

Ye Li lowered her head to look at the list Mama Sun had presented. It not only listed these young women’s names and ages but also their family backgrounds and relatives, all recorded in detail. Moreover, they were all born to families serving Prince Ding’s manor. Ye Li nodded, passing one copy to Mama Lin and Mama Wei for them to manage the second and third-rank maids, then turned back to smile at Mama Sun: “I naturally trust Mama Sun’s selections.” She casually selected several names from the list. The chosen young women quickly stepped forward to express their gratitude, and Ye Li had Qing Shuang bring out several pouches filled with silver coins to reward each of them.

After dealing with the maids, Ye Li invited Mama Sun to sit and talk. As Mo Xiu Yao had said, she was indeed forthcoming with information. Ye Li hesitated for quite a while before asking: “Mama Sun, in the manor… besides Sister-in-law, are there any other female family members?” Mama Sun started slightly, quickly understanding Ye Li’s meaning, and smiled: “In reply to Princess Wang, besides the two side ladies attending the First Madam, there are no other female family members in the manor.” Ye Li looked somewhat perplexed at Mama Sun’s strange smile, nodding to indicate her understanding. Mo Xiu Yao had no other concubines – this was good, at least it meant she would have fewer complications to deal with. Not thinking about those almost predictable future troubles, Ye Li found that life in Prince Dingguo’s manor was nearly as perfect as she had imagined. Husband and wife got along harmoniously, not interfering in each other’s private affairs. No elders requiring morning and evening attendance, no sisters-in-law requiring social niceties and idle chat, not even any jealous concubines. If life could continue this peacefully, she would truly have to thank Mo Jing Li for breaking their engagement and the Emperor for his meddlesome arranged marriage.

“Prince Wang.”

A Jin looked somewhat strangely at Mo Xiu Yao, who was staring absently at a book. Having followed the Prince since childhood, although A Jin was somewhat slow, he could still tell when his Prince was thinking versus when he was lost in thought. Mo Xiu Yao’s eyes flickered as he looked up at him: “Something the matter?” A Jin scratched his head troubledly and said: “Prince Wang… should we go check on Princess Wang?”

Mo Xiu Yao casually put the book back on the table, looking at A Jin’s awkward, unsettled manner before smiling faintly: “Did Steward Mo ask you to ask this, or was it Mama Sun?”

Jin’s eyes widened. Both his uncle and Mama Sun had suggested he should mention Princess Wang more to Prince Wang, to find opportunities for the Prince and Princess to spend more time together. But he had no idea how to create such opportunities, so when he saw the Prince lost in thought – a rare occurrence – he figured since there was nothing else happening, why not ask if the Prince wanted to see Princess Wang? Seeing A Jin’s confused expression, Mo Xiu Yao shook his head with a smile: “Alright, don’t think too hard about it. What is A Li doing now?”

“I believe she’s organizing the things she brought from the Ye manor.”

“Then we won’t go over yet. Let’s wait until she’s less busy. Where are last night’s guests?”

A flash of frustration crossed A Jin’s eyes: “Still in the dungeon.”

“Let’s go see them.”

In the dark dungeon, flickering torchlight cast the shadows of those inside against the walls, their silhouettes wavering with the flames, adding an even more sinister quality to the already gloomy prison. Feng Zhi Yao, still wearing his flamboyant and magnificent red brocade robes, lounged lazily in the dungeon’s only chair, listening with satisfaction to the unending sounds of wailing.

“Speak. What were you doing sneaking into Prince Ding’s manor at night?”

In the center of the room, a man in black was bound to a rack with iron chains, his body already covered in wounds. He glared fiercely at his captor: “Feng Zhi Yao, you’re Prince Ding’s man!”

“Oh? You know me? So you must be from Da Chu?” Feng Zhi Yao blinked his phoenix eyes, suddenly interested as he sat up straight to look at the man before him. “Where are you from? Our Emperor’s palace, or the Zhangde Palace? Or perhaps from some noble’s household?”

“Hmph!” Death guards were usually tough – half of them at least. When severe torture hadn’t made him confess, Feng Zhi Yao’s few words certainly wouldn’t make him talk.

Feng Zhi Yao narrowed his eyes in displeasure: “This young master wants to see whether your bones are harder or my torture implements are harder! Continue!”

Swoosh—!

The barbed whip continued creating more wounds on the man’s body as Feng Zhi Yao watched the scene before him with dark eyes.

The sound of wheelchair wheels approached from afar. Feng Zhi Yao turned to see Mo Xiu Yao coming toward him and stood up with a smile: “Not accompanying your bride? What brings you here at this time?” Mo Xiu Yao didn’t answer, instead raising an eyebrow at him: “Has he confessed?” Feng Zhi Yao helplessly pulled out a document from the side: “We caught four groups last night, seven people in total. One from Northern Rong, one from Nanzhao, two opportunistic thieves, and three who won’t confess to anything. The one from Northern Rong planned to kidnap the bride to humiliate Prince Ding’s manor, the Nanzhao one just wanted to scout the layout and see if there was a chance to get the Lan Yun sword. The other two wanted to steal some valuables. As for this one… he was the first we caught, and the most skilled. I suspect he’s an assassin, but I don’t know his target. It probably wasn’t you. We caught this guy when he was lying in an ambush at the banquet area while you were accompanying the bride back to the bridal chamber. So his assassination target must have been one of the guests present.”

“From Da Chu?” Mo Xiu Yao turned to ask the chained man in black.

Feng Zhi Yao stroked his chin: “He knows me, so he must be from Da Chu. The Third Young Master Feng is quite famous, but only within Da Chu and mainly just in the capital area. After all, a profligate son who could be said to have been driven from his family without inheritance rights wouldn’t interest outsiders much.”

“Continue. If you can’t get anything out of him, just kill him,” Mo Xiu Yao said coldly. “Where’s Yelü Ping?” Feng Zhi Yao gestured toward an adjacent room, then turned his attention back to the man in black, chuckling with interest. The black-clad man instinctively felt a chill run through his body. He knew, of course, that being captured meant there was no path to survival. But hearing Prince Ding speak so casually about killing him if he wouldn’t talk as if discussing the weather, still made him shudder internally. Prince Ding was not the useless cripple outsiders thought him to be!

Feng Zhi Yao looked at him with a beaming smile: “Actually, it makes no difference to this young master whether you talk or not – you’re going to die either way, aren’t you? If you confess, this young master will give you a quick death. If you don’t, that’s fine too – it’s perfect timing to try out this young master’s new toys. These past two years have been deadly boring.” Fear flashed in the man’s eyes, but he still stubbornly refused to speak. Feng Zhi Yao didn’t mind, waving for his men to continue while he sauntered off toward the room where Mo Xiu Yao had gone.

The other room was notably more comfortable than the previous one – at least it was clean and quiet, without any strange smells or blood. However, finely crafted iron bars divided the room in half. The Northern Rong prince who had been so boastful the night before was now on the other side of those bars, clutching them while glaring furiously at Mo Xiu Yao: “Mo Xiu Yao, you cripple, how dare you have your men capture this prince!”

“Oh? I thought the Northern Rong prince was captured because he entered somewhere he shouldn’t have?” Mo Xiu Yao looked at him with a smile both cultured and cold. “However, the Northern Rong prince need not worry. Even considering diplomatic relations between our countries, this prince absolutely won’t harm a hair on your head.”

Meeting his cold gaze, Yelü Ping couldn’t help but shudder. Even more enraged, he shook the iron bars violently while shouting: “Won’t harm this prince? Then why are you keeping this prince locked up here? This prince will report you to your emperor! Have your head chopped off!” Mo Xiu Yao’s lips curved slightly: “There’s some urgent business in Northern Rong. Early this morning the Northern Rong envoys had already submitted their farewell letters to His Majesty. They left the capital this morning.”

Yelü Ping was stunned: “That’s impossible! Who would dare leave while this prince is still here!”

“The Northern Rong prince need not worry about returning home. This prince will personally arrange to have you escorted back to Northern Rong. To… His Highness the Crown Prince.”

At these words, Yelü Ping’s face immediately turned ugly. Though he was somewhat foolish, he wasn’t a complete idiot. The Crown Prince and his older brother Yelü Ye didn’t get along, having fought openly and secretly for many years. If he fell into the Crown Prince’s hands, then… His Seventh Brother would kill him!

“Mo Xiu Yao, you despicable villain! My Seventh Brother won’t let you get away with this!”

Mo Xiu Yao gave a cold laugh, raising his head to look at him calmly: “If Yelü Ye dared send you to provoke this prince, he should have been prepared for you to never return. Or perhaps yesterday’s incident was the Northern Rong King’s idea? In that case, it seems he doesn’t want you as a son anymore?” Yelü Ping seemed to recall something, his face turning pale. He glared fiercely at Mo Xiu Yao: “You’re talking nonsense! Seventh Brother would never do that…” But his tone lacked conviction. He was foolish but not stupid. He had been mocked since childhood, even his Seventh Brother often called him stupid, and his father the King didn’t like him either. Could it be that…

Watching the person before him turn alternately pale and flushed, no longer showing yesterday’s smugness and pride, a dark light flashed in Mo Xiu Yao’s eyes. If he could, he would have this Northern Rong prince die a horrible death, grinding his bones to dust would barely satisfy the hatred in his heart. Unfortunately, this fool was a Northern Rong prince and couldn’t die yet. Just like those people outside – no matter how much he despised them, no matter how much he hated them, he had to temporarily tolerate their continued existence.

Tired of looking at the person before him, Mo Xiu Yao turned to leave the cell. Feng Zhi Yao was leaning against the wall, smiling as he watched him: “You plan to hand this fool over to the Northern Rong Crown Prince?”

Mo Xiu Yao raised an eyebrow: “Just this fool alone wouldn’t be enough. Within ten days, I don’t care what methods you use, make him spill everything he knows. See if there’s anything useful we can give to Yelü Hong together.”

“Any method?”

“That’s right, any method will do. I just want answers. Even if he’s stupid, he’s still Yelü Ye’s blood brother. This prince doesn’t believe he knows nothing,” Mo Xiu Yao said in a deep voice. “You know what to do afterward.”

Feng Zhi Yao nodded, his smile growing wider: “Understood. He’s already quite stupid – even if he becomes a bit stupider, it wouldn’t be surprising, right? Have Yelü Ping and Yelü Ye fought like dogs? I like this idea.”

Mo Xiu Yao nodded in satisfaction: “I leave it to you then.”

“Safe journey, Prince Wang. Enjoy your newlywed life.”

Watching Mo Xiu Yao and A Jin’s figures disappear at the dungeon entrance, Feng Zhi Yao narrowed his phoenix eyes, looking with satisfaction at the eerie dungeon before him. With the faint sounds of pleading still reaching his ears, his smile grew even more brilliant. What a bunch of idiots – of all people, why provoke Mo Xiu Yao? That guy hasn’t had a kind bone in his body since he was three years old, and after what happened, even his heart and liver turned black.

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