HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 59: One Arrow Decides the Winner

Chapter 59: One Arrow Decides the Winner

A bustling crowd gathered in an open space within the Imperial Garden, with even palace maids and eunuchs from distant corners stealing glances at this rare spectacle within the palace walls. Emperor Mo Jingqi and the Empress, accompanied by imperial consorts and noble ladies attending the palace banquet, were present to witness the contest between Prince Ding’s Wife and Princess Lingyun. The Imperial Garden had never been so lively before. With so many people present, aside from the Emperor, Empress, imperial consorts, and a few prominent royal nobles, others could only stand and watch. However, no one seemed to mind this minor detail, as every person eagerly focused on the two figures in the clearing. Prince Ding’s Wife hadn’t requested any targets – how exactly would they compete?

Noble Consort Liu sat beside the Emperor with a cold expression, her cool gaze passing over Ye Li with a hint of curiosity. Emperor Mo Jingqi looked down at his beloved consort’s expression and softly laughed, “What are you looking at, beloved? It seems you’re quite taken with Prince Ding’s Wife?” Noble Consort Liu frowned and replied coldly, “Your Majesty jests. I am merely curious.” Mo Jingqi smiled meaningfully – it was rare for his beloved consort to show curiosity about anyone. “However, in Our opinion, Prince Ding’s Wife likely has little chance of winning.” Noble Consort Liu raised her eyebrows, maintaining her ice-cold demeanor. A flash of dark heat passed through Mo Jingqi’s eyes as he continued, “Princess Lingyun is the beloved daughter of the Western Ling Emperor, trained in both civil and martial arts since childhood. In Western Ling, her archery is even more renowned than her swordsmanship.”

“What benefit is there to Your Majesty if she loses?” Noble Consort Liu asked indifferently.

Mo Jingqi smiled without answering, turning his gaze toward Mo Xiuyao sitting calmly nearby, his eyes darkening.

“Your Highness…” Besides Mo Xiuyao, Qingshuang anxiously watched Ye Li preparing in the field. Having followed her mistress for so many years, Qingshuang knew that her lady had barely studied archery. At most, she had only played around with it when visiting the Xu family with the Third Master – how could that compare to Princess Lingyun’s archery skills honed since childhood?

Mo Xiuyao said calmly, “Be patient.”

Lei Tengfeng sat nearby, frowning at Mo Xiuyao’s composed expression – could it be that Prince Ding’s Wife truly had some trump card? But whether she won or lost, this matter brought no benefit to Western Ling. Lei Tengfeng couldn’t help but curse inwardly – had the Imperial Uncle grown senile? How could he choose Lingyun for this diplomatic marriage to Eastern Chu? Even the least favored princess in the Western Ling palace would be a hundred times more sensible than this girl. “Prince Ding, this is all because Lingyun doesn’t know better. I’ve heard that Prince Ding’s Wife is the capital’s foremost talented lady, but not skilled in martial arts. This contest seems rather unfair to her.”

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, “Since A’Li chose this herself, fairness is no longer relevant. Isn’t that so?”

“But what if the Lady…” Had Prince Ding convinced himself his wife would win, or did he simply not care about losing face?

“If A’Li loses, I will kneel beside her before Princess Lingyun!” Mo Xiuyao answered calmly. Hearing this, Lei Tengfeng was shocked, barely able to hide his disturbed expression. He turned his gaze to the elegant lady in moon-white brocade robes standing in the field, his grip tightening unconsciously on his wine cup as he furrowed his striking brows with a deep look.

In the field, Ye Li and Princess Lingyun each examined their bows and arrows. Princess Lingyun checked her weapons with practiced movements, clearly experienced with archery in the capital. In contrast, Ye Li leisurely inspected her bow and arrow, trying this and touching that, making the watching crowd anxious for her. With Prince Ding’s Wife’s delicate frame and slow, somewhat awkward movements, people couldn’t help but wonder – forget about the shooting, could she even draw the bow?

“Tell me, how shall we compete?” Princess Lingyun was ready, raising her chin to look down at Ye Li haughtily.

Ye Li soon put down her bow and arrow, raising her head to smile at Princess Lingyun: “One arrow each, one shot decides the winner!”

“Whatever.” Princess Lingyun gripped her bow and said, “Tell me, what are we shooting? Hitting a target a hundred paces away? Or birds in the sky?”

Hearing Princess Lingyun’s words, the crowd was even more astonished, gaining a deeper understanding of the princess’s archery skills. To confidently speak of hitting targets at such distances showed this princess was truly skilled. Hua Tianxiang stood behind Lady Hua, tightly gripping her sleeves, breaking into a cold sweat for Ye Li.

Ye Li unhurriedly drew her bow and said calmly, “A bow is a weapon, not for shooting leaves and birds. Therefore… we shall shoot at each other!” With that, she raised her bow, nocked an arrow, and steadily aimed at Princess Lingyun.

“What?!”

The crowd was shocked, watching the lady in the field holding her bow in a standard but unpracticed stance, pointing at Princess Lingyun.

“You… have you gone mad? What kind of joke is this?” Princess Lingyun cried out. They stood less than fifty paces apart, and as an accomplished archer, Lingyun could tell that while Ye Li’s stance showed inexperience, she had learned before. At this distance, neither of them was likely to miss. So, Ye Li wasn’t trying to compete in archery skills, but in courage. Ye Li smiled faintly, “Whether sword or bow, they are weapons. Weapons are instruments of ill omen. Since we can’t involve others in our contest, I’m afraid Princess Lingyun and I will have to shoot at each other. Death, injury – we bear our consequences!”

No… she didn’t want to become one of many consorts in the imperial harem through this diplomatic marriage – she wanted to marry Prince Ding and become his wife. But she didn’t want to die or experience being shot by an arrow.

“Prince Ding’s Wife! Isn’t this too extreme? If something were to happen…” Lei Tengfeng stood up to intervene. Ye Li turned to look at him, smiling as she said, “Didn’t I say we bear our consequences? Besides, His Majesty has already approved this contest between Princess Lingyun and me. Does the Young Master expect me to go back on my word in front of His Majesty, the Empress, and all the civil and military officials of our Great Chu? How could the Prince Ding’s manor ever show its face in the capital again?” Lei Tengfeng felt bitter – you didn’t mention betting with lives beforehand.

“Of course, if Princess Lingyun is afraid, she can surrender at any time,” Ye Li added finally with indifference. This statement effectively cut off all Princess Lingyun’s retreat paths. How could she possibly surrender to Ye Li in front of so many people? Caught up in an angry refusal to admit defeat, she blurted out, “This princess would never surrender. This princess accepts the bet!”

“Very well, let’s begin.” Ye Li nodded with satisfaction. Somehow, Princess Lingyun suddenly couldn’t meet her eyes, looking away in confusion.

Even Emperor Mo Jingqi was caught off guard by this sudden turn of events. Noble Consort Liu watched Ye Li’s figure, her eyes showing a barely visible trace of approval as she said, “I think Prince Ding’s Wife’s chances of winning are not small.” The Empress, knowing that although Noble Consort Liu came from a scholarly family, she was rare among women in mastering both civil and martial arts, asked curiously, “Does Noble Consort think Prince Ding’s Wife will win?” Noble Consort Liu replied, “This Princess Lingyun’s courage isn’t as great as she shows.”

“If that’s the case, we’ll proceed according to Prince Ding’s Wife’s terms,” Mo Jingqi stood and announced. “One arrow decides the winner. Missing or dodging counts as losing. Begin.”

The Imperial Garden fell instantly silent. The eunuch serving as referee stood at the midpoint between the two and called out in a shrill voice, “Lady, Princess, please prepare.” Then he quickly retreated from the field. “One—”

Both women drew their bows simultaneously. Surprisingly, the seemingly gentle and refined Prince Ding’s Wife appeared to have little difficulty drawing her bow.

“Two—”

Princess Lingyun drew her bow to its limit, arrow tip aimed at the woman opposite. She had absolute confidence that once she released this arrow, it would send this presumptuous Prince Ding’s Wife to her death. If only… she could release this arrow! Suddenly, Princess Lingyun’s hand holding the arrow trembled slightly. She saw the eyes of the woman opposite her. Those snow-cold, deep eyes made her heart feel as if it had plunged into an ice cellar in an instant. The Ye Li in Princess Lingyun’s eyes seemed to have become a different person, her entire being radiating an unstoppable killing intent and absolute confidence in striking true. She merely looked at her calmly, as if she hadn’t even noticed the arrow pointed at herself. As if she was certain that arrow could never reach her. The more Princess Lingyun thought this way, the more her gaze was drawn involuntarily to Ye Li’s arrow tip, and she despairingly realized that if she didn’t dodge, even if Ye Li was a novice, that arrow would hit her.

Fine beads of sweat had appeared on Princess Lingyun’s forehead without her noticing.

Ye Li calmly felt the sensation of the bow and arrow in her hands. Though still not quite comfortable, and far from the familiar feel of the sniper rifle she had used for several years, this first archery duel since coming to this world, even if just to toy with a young girl, still brought some joy and pleasure to her heart. Looking along the arrow tip, she saw the undisguised fear in Princess Lingyun’s eyes, and a faint smile curved her lips.

Almost everyone held their breath waiting for this final moment. Lei Tengfeng stared intently at Princess Lingyun. Due to his position, he couldn’t see Ye Li’s face, but from her posture, he could tell she wasn’t very familiar with the bow and arrow. With Lingyun’s abilities, this should have been a sure victory – why was she showing such nervousness?

Mo Xiuyao sat calmly in his wheelchair, his hands resting casually on the armrests, but if anyone had observed, they would have noticed something hidden beneath his right hand. His gaze also fell on Princess Lingyun, though not on her face but on her arrow tip.

“I won’t lose…” Princess Lingyun tried her best not to notice Ye Li’s arrow, secretly swallowing as she kept encouraging herself internally. But her eyes kept involuntarily glancing toward Ye Li’s arrow tip.

“Three—!” The shrill voice rang out. Lingyun saw Ye Li’s smile deepen as she drew back her bow to release the arrow. Lingyun had already drawn her string to full tension and reflexively released.

Whoosh— The arrow grazed past Ye Li’s shoulder and fell to the ground not far behind her.

“How could this be!” Princess Lingyun was stunned, even more shocked that Ye Li hadn’t even released her arrow yet, while she had completely lost her chance. She stared blankly at Ye Li’s smiling face and turned toward her, clearly seeing her silently mouth the words: “My turn…” She saw even more clearly that those smiling eyes held not a trace of warmth, only an icy coldness colder than the arrow’s edge and killing intent. She watched as Ye Li drew back forcefully, slowly pulling the bowstring to its limit, and released—

Whoosh—

“No!” Lingyun suddenly screamed, completely disregarding her dignity as she crouched down covering her head. The arrow had struck the ground one step in front of her. Princess Lingyun stared blankly at the slightly quivering arrow fletching before her, then suddenly burst into loud tears.

As everyone exchanged bewildered glances, Ye Li leisurely lowered her bow and arrow, smiling pleasantly at Princess Lingyun: “Princess, actually my arms were quite sore – you needn’t have worried about me hitting you.”

“You… you…” Princess Lingyun sobbed incoherently, pointing at Ye Li but unable to speak. Ye Li smiled at her, feeling all the frustration she had experienced instantly dissipate. Indeed, nothing was more satisfying than disciplining an unruly child.

“Excellent!” Emperor Mo Jingqi clapped and laughed: “In this contest, Prince Ding’s Wife is victorious. Young Master, what do you think?”

Lei Tengfeng looked at the smiling woman in the distance with a complex expression, then stood and said: “Prince Ding’s Wife truly shows that women can be as capable as men. I am thoroughly convinced. Naturally, the Lady is victorious. Lingyun, kneel and apologize to the Lady.” Lei Tengfeng decisively ordered Princess Lingyun. Ye Li demanded an apology at the palace banquet in front of all the civil and military officials, but Lei Tengfeng directly intercepted the latter half of the requirement, having Lingyun apologize immediately. This would make people feel the Western Ling Princess was willing to take responsibility for her actions, and with Lingyun crying so pitifully, it might even garner some sympathy. By the evening’s palace banquet, everyone would be tactful enough not to mention this matter again. But if they waited until the banquet, news of Lingyun’s defeat by Prince Ding’s Wife would have spread throughout the entire palace. After everyone had gossiped about it, their opinion of Lingyun would only sink lower. Even if she knelt and apologized then, it wouldn’t improve people’s impression of her. More importantly, it would affect his later plans.

“Kneel…” Princess Lingyun’s face went white. She never imagined she would be defeated in her proudest domain by a weak woman from Eastern Chu. Thinking of the promise she had impulsively made earlier, it was too late for regret now. She looked to Lei Tengfeng for help but received only his warning glance. Looking around at the spectators – Eastern Chu’s emperor, empress, consorts, ministers, and noble ladies, and the envoys and princess from Southern Zhao – Princess Lingyun knew that if she truly knelt, her reputation would be completely ruined.

“The kneeling won’t be necessary. The Princess need only apologize to me,” Ye Li suddenly spoke.

Princess Lingyun froze, finally understanding that continuing to make trouble would do her no good. Alone in Eastern Chu with her brother unwilling to help, she simply couldn’t compete with Prince Ding’s Wife.

Gritting her teeth and giving a slight curtsey, Princess Lingyun said: “Lingyun was thoughtless and offended Prince Ding’s Wife. Please forgive me.”

Ye Li smiled and nodded: “Princess is our guest, think nothing of it.” She turned away from Princess Lingyun and walked toward Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze, the object under his right hand instantly vanishing before he raised his head to look at Ye Li approaching him. Though Ye Li’s expression remained as gentle and composed as usual, Mo Xiuyao was certain he saw a different light in her eyes.

Lei Tengfeng cupped his hands toward Ye Li in a silent expression of gratitude. Ye Li nodded slightly and sat beside Mo Xiuyao, trying to ignore the gazes from all directions. Princess Lingyun returned to sit beside Lei Tengfeng in a daze, no longer having any spirit to cause trouble for Ye Li.

Feeling Mo Xiuyao’s constant gaze, Ye Li raised her head and asked puzzledly: “What is it?” Mo Xiuyao said quietly: “That was very dangerous earlier.” If not for Princess Lingyun’s unstable state of mind, with any ordinary archer, that arrow would have struck Ye Li directly – at best resulting in mutual injury. Ye Li shook her head, shrugging with a smile: “There was no danger. If it hadn’t been for Princess Lingyun, I wouldn’t have competed in archery with her at all. I chose archery precisely because I knew Princess Lingyun’s mentality wasn’t sufficient to face off against a sniper, even for a brief moment. A little princess raised in the deep palace, spoiled and willful with protection, simply couldn’t maintain her composure before me. Of course, if Princess Lingyun’s hand hadn’t trembled and she had shot straight at me, I had other ways to handle it. Besides, Your Highness wouldn’t have let anything happen to me, right?” Ye Li said with a gentle smile, looking at Mo Xiuyao’s disapproving eyes.

Mo Xiuyao started slightly, then nodded gently: “You’re right.” If Princess Lingyun’s arrow hadn’t gone wide, he wouldn’t have let it reach A’Li’s body.

“Prince Ding’s Wife, have you studied archery before?” From the main seat, Emperor Mo Jingqi asked loudly. Ye Li rose and respectfully answered: “Your Majesty, no. I only played around with it when visiting my uncle’s home, with my brother teaching me. I never studied it seriously.” Mo Jingqi smiled meaningfully – to be able to defeat an expert like Princess Lingyun who had studied for many years without serious training showed that Ye Li’s talent and mental strength were both exceptional. Mo Jingqi drew Noble Consort Liu into his arms and laughed: “It seems Prince Ding’s Wife and my beloved consort are both remarkable women skilled in both civil and martial arts.” Noble Consort Liu replied indifferently: “Your Majesty speaks truly.”

After bidding farewell to the Emperor, Empress, and Noble Consort, Ye Li couldn’t be bothered with those coming forward to flatter or probe, instead finding a quiet place in the Imperial Garden to rest with Mo Xiuyao. Most people were sensible enough not to disturb the couple, though there were always one or two exceptions. After declining the palace maid sent by Noble Lady Ye to invite her for a gathering, Ye Li finally looked at Mo Xiuyao who had been staring at her and smiled: “What is it, Your Highness?”

Mo Xiuyao held a teacup in one hand, playing with it casually as he said: “A’Li has a great talent for martial arts, and it seems your foundation is quite good as well.”

Ye Li didn’t mind Mo Xiuyao knowing about her abilities. Mo Xiuyao was a very cautious person who appeared gentle but maintained heavy guards – living in the same Manor for so long, it would have been almost impossible for him not to know. Besides, Ye Li didn’t intend to hide this. She needed space to train herself, even to learn more powerful skills to strengthen her abilities. Meeting Mo Xiuyao’s eyes, Ye Li smiled openly and harmlessly: “If Your Highness thinks it’s good, then it must truly be good.”

Mo Xiuyao had no intention of pressing the matter further. He smiled and shook his head: “If Ali is interested, there are some martial arts manuals in the study you can read.” Seeing Ye Li’s eyes brighten at his words, Mo Xiuyao continued with a smile: “Since A’Li says she doesn’t know swordsmanship, I can also find someone to instruct you.”

“Really?”

“The better A’Li’s self-defense skills, the more at ease I’ll be. Why not?” Mo Xiuyao smiled.

Ye Li suddenly felt that marrying a husband with abundant resources, understanding, and an open mind was truly wonderful.

“That’s wonderful, thank you,” Ye Li smiled.

Mo Xiuyao shook his head gently, “We’re family. If you need anything, you can tell me directly – why thank me?” Seeing the unprecedented genuine smile on Ye Li’s face, Mo Xiuyao felt that finding someone to teach A’Li swordsmanship was truly a good idea.

The evening palace banquet proceeded in a somewhat strange atmosphere. When Ye Li entered the great hall with Mo Xiuyao, every gaze in the hall instantly focused on her. The afternoon’s contest in the Imperial Garden had given Ye Li quite a reputation. In just the short span of an afternoon, not only the nobles who had been present in the Imperial Garden, but all the banquet attendees had heard about the afternoon’s events. Seeing Mu Rongting’s meaningful looks and winks from where she sat with Qin Zheng, and Xu Qingfeng’s undisguised admiration, Ye Li did not doubt that by now the story had spread throughout the entire capital. She just wondered how it would be told – would they say Prince Ding’s Wife was accomplished in both civil and martial arts, or that Prince Ding’s Wife was so fierce she had scared the spoiled Western Ling Princess to tears?

Thinking of the latter possibility, Ye Li couldn’t help but lower her head and laugh quietly.

A palace banquet was nothing more than fine wine, delicate dishes, and peaceful entertainment. Ye Li listened half-heartedly to the Emperor exchanging pleasantries with envoys from various countries, and to the low conversations among nearby officials. She sampled some dishes that caught her fancy – after all, one couldn’t expect to be fully satisfied at such banquets; they could always have a late-night meal after returning to the manor.

It wasn’t until a flash of bright red appeared among the palace dancers that Ye Li, somewhat surprised at the dancer’s extraordinarily graceful movements, turned to ask: “Why is Yaoji here?” Mo Xiuyao laughed softly: “They must have specially invited her to perform in the palace. Yaoji comes from the teaching house, and her dance skills are considered unmatched in the capital. She was also specially invited to perform at the Empress Dowager’s birthday celebration last year.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked: “What does Your Highness think?”

Mo Xiuyao replied: “Naturally, it’s excellent. What does A’Li think?”

Ye Li looked back for a long while, then nodded: “Indeed, it is excellent.” She had heard of Yaoji’s reputation before – she could be considered one of the capital’s remarkable women. Born in the teaching house, she had stunned the capital with her musical and dance skills, becoming the owner of the capital’s premier pleasure house, Qingcheng House, before the age of twenty-five. She associated with many of the capital’s nobles – it was said that the Muyang Marquis’s heir, Mu Yang, was her patron, and the Third Prince Feng considered her a friend. Since ancient times, extraordinary women often emerged from such backgrounds – in this era, only women like her could live so freely and uninhibitedly.

The dance of the capital’s premier courtesan was naturally stunning enough that at least seventy percent of the men present showed covetous expressions. The women, in turn, revealed looks of jealousy and resentment. There were also purely appreciative gazes, but these came from only a very small minority. When the dance ended, Yaoji quickly disappeared outside the hall, leaving only a lingering fragrance to remember her by. Watching the various expressions in the crowd in the hall, Ye Li felt even more bored. After telling Mo Xiuyao she was going out for some air, she quietly left the palace hall with Qingluan and Qingshuang.

The night breeze outside the hall gently blew away the lingering scent of rouge and wine from inside, and Ye Li took a deep breath. Ignoring the sound of instruments from within, the palace at night seemed especially peaceful. Walking slowly along the quiet path, Ye Li’s previously restless mood gradually calmed. Just as she was about to sit in a nearby pavilion, an unfamiliar palace maid blocked the way of the three women, “This servant greets Prince Ding’s Wife.”

Qingluan alertly stepped in front of Ye Li and asked: “Who are you?”

The palace maid curtsied and said: “This servant is from Noble Lady Ye’s palace. Noble Lady Ye requests Prince Ding’s Wife to visit Yaohua Palace for a discussion.”

Ye Yue was pregnant and thus had not attended the evening banquet. She had sent a palace maid to invite Ye Li in the afternoon, but Ye Li had politely declined the invitation then. Ye Li naturally understood Ye Yue’s intentions, but even as sisters, she had no plans to let Ye Yue and the Ye family use her. Mainly because Ye Yue’s plans and thoughts were somewhat unrealistic. If she were more careful and well-behaved, she might safely give birth to her child and have some support afterward. But if she harbored inappropriate thoughts – though they hadn’t met many times, Ye Li still felt that the pregnant Ye Yue wasn’t nearly as favored as the Ye family believed.

“I’m rather tired today. Tell Noble Lady Ye that if she has anything to discuss, I’ll visit her in a few days when I come to pay my respects. Let’s forget about it for today.”

The palace maid’s expression grew anxious: “Please forgive this servant, but Noble Lady truly has urgent matters to discuss with you.”

Ye Li said indifferently: “Even if it is urgent, I’m afraid discussing it with me won’t be of much use. Oh yes, Noble Lady Ye’s mother, Lady Wang, is currently in the hall – why don’t I have someone help you invite her out? What do you think?”

“My Lady, Noble Lady only requests an audience with you!” the palace maid said, the word ‘audience’ carrying somewhat forceful implications. Ye Li’s expression darkened as she smiled coldly and said clearly: “I wasn’t aware that a mere Noble Lady required Prince Ding’s Wife to personally grant her an audience in the dead of night!” She emphasized the word ‘audience’ heavily – Prince Ding’s Wife held an extremely noble status, and even in the palace only needed to perform full ceremonial greetings to the Empress and Empress Dowager, with just half-ceremonies for Noble Consorts. Not to mention a mere Noble Lady – if they met, Ye Yue would have to perform a half-ceremony to Ye Li to show respect to Prince Ding’s manor.

“This… this servant misspoke, please forgive me. Noble Lady truly has urgent matters and asks that you come, considering your sisterly relationship.”

Ye Li looked at the palace maid suspiciously and said casually: “Come to think of it, I’ve been to Yaohua Palace before, and you seem unfamiliar.” The palace maid forced a smile and said: “This servant’s appearance is ordinary, it’s understandable if you don’t remember.” Ye Li shook her head: “No, I’m certain that among Noble Lady Ye’s six senior palace maids and eight inner palace attendants, you’re not one of them. Surely Noble Lady Ye wouldn’t send a cleaning maid to invite me?”

“I…” The palace maid’s expression turned panicked as she tried to leave. Ye Li gave Qingluan a look, and Qingluan stepped forward, effortlessly delivering a chop to the back of the maid’s neck. The maid’s body went limp and fell to the ground.

“My Lady.” Qingyu frowned, looking up at Ye Li for instructions.

Ye Li frowned slightly, suddenly turning to look at the flower bed by the path: “Who’s there?”

“Prince Ding’s Wife.” A slender figure emerged, her bewitching beauty taking on an additional sense of tranquility in the moonlight.

“Miss Yaoji.” Ye Li said, “Why are you here?”

Yaoji smiled charmingly: “I dare not accept such formality. Prince Ding’s Wife may simply call me Yaoji.”

Yaoji walked forward, glancing at the unconscious palace maid on the ground and raising an eyebrow as she smiled: “Prince Ding’s Wife, what’s this?” Ye Li smiled: “Didn’t Yaoji just hear? It’s nothing much – there are always a few strange occurrences in the deep palace.” She beckoned backward, and a black shadow appeared behind her like a phantom. “My Lady.” Ye Li pointed at the maid on the ground: “Take her away. Don’t frighten anyone.” The shadow efficiently picked up the person and disappeared into the night with a few leaps.

“I had heard from Feng San that Prince Ding’s Wife acts decisively. Seeing it today proves the reputation is well-deserved,” Yaoji smiled.

“Prince Feng mentioned me to you? I recall not being very familiar with the renowned Prince Feng.”

Yaoji covered her mouth and laughed, her eyes sparkling, “Feng San holds Prince Ding’s Wife in high regard, and I have always respected his judgment. Meeting you today is truly my good fortune.”

Ye Li lowered her eyes and smiled, “Being able to see your city-stunning dance was my fortune as well.”

“I’ll keep what just happened a secret for you.” Yaoji winked, her bewitching features taking on a playful quality as she asked. Ye Li smiled: “Thank you. Why are you still here so late?” Yaoji sighed lightly with resignation: “Some people and things are too troublesome, so I’m just finding a place to hide for a while. I didn’t expect to have such a fortunate encounter with you.”

Ye Li understood – with Yaoji’s beauty and artistic talents, undoubtedly many present had developed inappropriate desires. However, those who dared to pursue her within the imperial palace were likely not simple characters. “Why don’t I have someone escort you out of the palace?”

Yaoji showed a grateful expression: “Thank you very much, my Lady.”

“It’s nothing.” After giving Qingyu a few instructions, Ye Li bid farewell to Yaoji and returned to the festive great hall.

Seeing her return, Mo Xiuyao gave her a questioning look. Ye Li shook her head to indicate her helplessness. Sitting down beside Mo Xiuyao, she quietly related what had happened in the Imperial Garden. Mo Xiuyao nodded: “I’ll have someone investigate later. A’Li should stay with me tonight.” Ye Li nodded indifferently, only then noticing that the atmosphere in the great hall seemed even stranger than when she had left. The original music and dance had long stopped, and everyone’s gazes were subtly directed toward the Western Ling and Southern Zhao envoys’ direction, with even Ye Li’s quiet entry failing to attract much attention.

Hua Tianxiang gave Ye Li a strange smile, subtly pointing her chin toward Western Ling’s direction. Ye Li looked over to see Princess Lingyun crying with reddened eyes. Today wasn’t Princess Lingyun’s lucky day – she was crying again after such a short time.

“What happened?” Ye Li asked quietly.

Mo Xiuyao smiled coldly, “The Crown Prince of Zhennan expressed Western Ling’s desire to form a marriage alliance with Great Chu. Before he finished… Princess Lingyun voiced her opposition. As a result… His Majesty agreed to the alliance with Western Ling, but Princess Lingyun won’t be entering the palace.”

“And then?”

“Then Southern Zhao presented their king’s official letter, expressing willingness to have Princess Qixia marry into Great Chu.”

“…”

“His Majesty’s intention is for Princess Qixia to enter the palace, and Princess Lingyun to be given to Prince Li.”

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