HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 62: An Unexpected Encounter with the Crown Prince of Zhen Nan

Chapter 62: An Unexpected Encounter with the Crown Prince of Zhen Nan

Although Lady Ye and Minister Ye still maintained stern expressions, Ye Li could see a hint of joy in their eyes. Mo Jingli personally coming to take Ye Ying back had pleased them both. After all, their daughter was already married, and no matter how angry the Ye family might be, they couldn’t do as Ye Li suggested and have Ye Ying move back to the Ye mansion to be supported for life.

Soon after, Mo Jingli entered with his characteristically cold and gloomy expression. Ye Li could hardly remember ever seeing Mo Jingli in a good mood; he always looked as if someone owed him several hundred taels of silver. Upon entering, he paused when he saw Ye Li before turning his gaze to Ye Ying. Ye Ying bit her lip resentfully, letting out a light snort as she turned away from him. Minister Ye and Lady Ye’s expressions were also cool, completely lacking their usual warmth and attentiveness. Madam Wang’s face was particularly dark—if Lady Ye hadn’t given her a warning glance, she likely would have started questioning him directly.

Seeing this situation, Mo Jingli’s expression darkened further, clearly in an unpleasant mood.

In truth, regarding this marriage, Mo Jingli felt even more wronged than Ye Ying. It wasn’t as if he wanted to marry Princess Lingyun—what use was there in marrying home someone who had lost to that woman Ye Li? His imperial brother didn’t want the woman himself and didn’t even ask before pushing her onto him. After returning home, Ye Ying had been constantly causing scenes, and that ungrateful Princess Lingyun even dared to make a huge fuss at the embassy, refusing to marry. Did she think he was some common vegetable? Did she think he had no choice but to marry her? Annoyed beyond endurance by both Ye Ying and Princess Lingyun, Mo Jingli went directly to the palace to tell his imperial brother he wanted to break off the engagement with Princess Lingyun, only to be severely reprimanded and driven out. Then he was lectured by both the Empress Dowager and his mother. The more he thought about it, the darker Mo Jingli’s expression became. Minister Ye, seeing the situation turning unfavorable, decided to smooth things over, clearing his throat before saying, “Ying’er, His Highness has come to take you home. Sit properly and talk with him.”

Only then did Ye Ying turn around with reddened eyes, looking pitifully at Mo Jingli, “Your Highness…”

The plaintive voice made Ye Li shiver involuntarily as she watched Mo Jingli walk over and take Ye Ying into his arms, saying softly, “Come, return to the manor with me.”

“Your Highness… Ying’er is so miserable… wuu wuu…” Ye Ying sobbed as she collapsed into Mo Jingli’s embrace. Mo Jingli held Ye Ying’s waist silently as he listened to her pour out her grievances. Though he said nothing, his expression noticeably softened.

“Let’s go back.” Mo Jingli lifted Ye Ying in his arms, nodded to Minister Ye and Lady Ye, and walked out while completely ignoring Ye Li. This left Ye Li with many questions. Even now, she couldn’t quite figure out whether he truly cared for Ye Ying, and if so, how much. Perhaps… the thoughts of someone so expressionless weren’t easy to guess, even if Mo Jingli was a somewhat peculiar case. Ye Li leaned back in her chair, resting her chin on her hand as she pondered silently.

Declining Lady Ye and Minister Ye’s invitation to stay, Ye Li left the Minister’s mansion with her attendants. Seeing it was still early, Ye Li realized that since marrying into Duke Ding’s manor, she hadn’t gone out alone. Remembering Granny Sun’s various hints, and that Mo Xiuyao’s birthday was approaching, Ye Li decided to look for a suitable gift. Having made up her mind, she headed toward the capital’s busiest market street with Qingluan and Qingshuang.

Walking through the bustling streets, they visited several shops without finding anything suitable, leaving Ye Li somewhat troubled. She didn’t know what kind of gift would be appropriate. Seeing Ye Li’s obvious distress, Qingshuang boldly asked, “My Lady, what are you looking to buy?” Ye Li looked at the two curious maids with their bright, eager eyes, and hesitated for a moment before saying, “Granny Sun mentioned that Mo Xiuyao’s birthday is coming up in a few days, and I want to find a gift for him.” Qingshuang rolled her eyes at her, “My Lady! Why do you need to come to the streets to find a gift for His Highness?”

Ye Li was confused, “You mean I should give him something I already have? Wouldn’t that seem insincere? Although she had many treasures in her chambers, most were feminine items like jewelry, aside from some calligraphy and paintings. Should she select a painting to give him?

Qingluan covered her smile, blinking as she said softly, “His Highness doesn’t lack treasures. If my Lady wants to show sincerity, why not make something yourself? Even a simple pouch would probably be more valuable to His Highness than an antique.”

“A pouch?”

Qingshuang waved her hand, “How can a pouch be enough? Why doesn’t my Lady make some clothing for His Highness?”

“Make clothing…” Ye Li looked down at her hands. Since marrying into Duke Ding’s manor, she hadn’t touched needle and thread. However… this seemed like a good idea.

“Duchess Ding?”

Just as Ye Li had made up her mind and was preparing to head back to the manor, a voice from behind stopped her. Turning around to see the cousin pair standing in the crowd, Ye Li could only think what an unwelcome encounter this was.

“Your Highness, Princess.” Ye Li nodded coolly in greeting, but Lei Tengfeng seemed not to notice her cold and distant manner, stepping forward with a smile, “What a coincidence. Is Duchess Ding shopping alone?” Ye Li smiled, “Qingluan, Qingshuang, greet His Highness and the Princess.” Had the Crown Prince of Zhen Nan lost his eyesight? Couldn’t he see the two living people standing beside her?

Lei Tengfeng’s eye twitched, but he smiled and said, “I will be departing for Xiling in a few days, so I wanted to buy some things for Lingyun. I wonder… if the Duchess might offer some advice?”

Ye Li looked at the pair of siblings before her—one enthusiastic, one cold—with an insincere smile, saying, “I’m afraid I won’t be of much help.”

“How could that be? The Duchess is accomplished in both civil and martial arts and this year’s most beautiful flower. Your taste must be exceptional.” Lei Tengfeng said with a smile.

With things having reached this point, Ye Li could hardly refuse further, so she said, “If that’s the case, Your Highness, Princess, please.”

Princess Lingyun glanced at Ye Li, her haggard appearance showing little interest. It seemed that since the arranged marriage, her days hadn’t been easy either, though Ye Li wondered what methods Lei Tengfeng had used to make someone of Princess Lingyun’s temperament obey him so docilely. The three walked down the street with their attendants, Princess Lingyun completely absent-minded, needing her maid’s support to avoid colliding with passersby. Watching how the once proud and willful young girl had withered like a dried bean sprout in just a few days, Ye Li waited until Lei Tengfeng had sent Lingyun to try on clothes before asking, “Princess Lingyun doesn’t look well.”

Lei Tengfeng raised an eyebrow, studying Ye Li with interest as he asked, “Is the Duchess sympathizing with Lingyun?”

Ye Li glanced at him, “If Your Highness as her cousin doesn’t sympathize with her, how could it be my place as an outsider to meddle?”

Lei Tengfeng smiled dismissively, “It’s nothing, just a child throwing a tantrum with a hunger strike.”

“A child throwing a tantrum with a hunger strike?”

Ye Li nodded, “I hope the Princess doesn’t faint at the wedding.”

Lei Tengfeng, either completely confident or utterly unconcerned, smiled and said, “The Duchess need not worry. We of Xiling absolutely won’t allow such an unseemly thing to happen. On her wedding day, Lingyun will certainly be radiant as a new bride.” Ye Li turned her head away to examine the shop’s decorations, having not the slightest fondness for someone like Lei Tengfeng. She didn’t believe he was unaware of what fate awaited Princess Lingyun if she stayed in Da Chu to marry Mo Jingli—he simply didn’t care. A person who could smile while pushing his cousin toward doom while saying “I’m doing this for your good” was more cold-hearted than Mo Jingli.

Lei Tengfeng noticed Ye Li’s distant manner and said with a smile, “Does the Duchess seem to have some objection to me?”

Ye Li gave him a cool glance and said, “No, I never have any opinions about strangers.”

“Strangers?” Lei Tengfeng smiled meaningfully, “How could we be strangers? Speaking of which… did the Duke and Duchess enjoy my wedding gift?”

Ye Li said, “The Langyun sword holds great significance for Duke Ding’s manor, how could we not appreciate it? We’re grateful for Your Highness’s thoughtfulness.”

“No, no…” Lei Tengfeng shook his head with a smile, “The Langyun sword was a gift for the Duchess. I had my people deliver the Duke and Duchess’s wedding gift to Duke Ding’s manor the day after the wedding. Did the Duchess not receive it?”

Ye Li started, her fine brows furrowing as she stared coldly at Lei Tengfeng, “Your Highness has quite the means. Such a famous painting that many seek but cannot obtain, yet Your Highness can give it away so easily.” Lei Tengfeng smiled, “I’m but a rough person, isn’t it the refined scholars who can truly appreciate famous paintings? It seems… Duke Ding and the Duchess were both very pleased.”

Ye Li stared at him before suddenly giving a faint smile, “With Your Highness taking such care, how could my husband and I not be pleased? Speaking of which, Han Mingyue’s ‘Capital Beauty’ has long since vanished without a trace. It’s my fortune to see the appearance of the capital’s former greatest beauty.”

“Interesting.” Lei Tengfeng praised, looking at Ye Li with an ambiguous smile, “Duchess, I don’t believe you wouldn’t know that the woman in that painting was Duke Ding’s former fiancée.”

Ye Li looked at him, “So, Your Highness sent that painting intending to make me feel inferior?”

“How dare I.” Lei Tengfeng smiled, “The Duchess is accomplished in both talent and beauty, I greatly admire you. How could I have such unsavory thoughts? However… the Duchess must admit, sometimes… what’s unattainable is the best. Isn’t that so?”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, “There are many unattainable things in this world, Your Highness shouldn’t harbor such thoughts.” Lei Tengfeng laughed playfully, “What’s wrong with such thoughts? I believe that if you want something, you should use whatever means necessary to grasp it firmly. Otherwise, wouldn’t it be a shame to let others benefit?”

Ye Li lowered her eyes, calmly drinking her tea, “The Princess should be coming out soon, is Your Highness sure you want to continue this idle chat with me?”

Lei Tengfeng was taken aback, then smiled somewhat helplessly, “The Duchess is indeed straightforward, I cannot compare.”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking at him in silence. Lei Tengfeng smiled, “Actually, it’s nothing major. Someone… asked me to convey a message to the Duchess. Also, I have a question I’d like to ask the Duchess.”

“I’m all ears.”

“Someone asked me to tell the Duchess… what belongs to others will always belong to others.” Lei Tengfeng said with a smile as he watched Ye Li.

Ye Li remained composed, “This message… I wonder what connection it has to Your Highness’s wedding gift?”

Lei Tengfeng shrugged, “I don’t know. I’m only responsible for delivering the message. Besides, doesn’t the Duchess want to hear what I wanted to ask?”

“Please speak, Your Highness.”

“I just said… I greatly admire the Duchess. I wonder… would the Duchess be interested in taking a trip to Xiling?”

Ye Li’s eyes darkened. Was she being flirted with? Or did Lei Tengfeng think that eloping with Duke Ding’s wife would be some kind of achievement? After staring at Lei Tengfeng for a long while, Ye Li let out a soft sigh and said, “Your Highness… I would indeed be interested in visiting Xiling, but I’m afraid…”

“Afraid of what?” Lei Tengfeng’s eyes were unfathomable.

“Afraid that—I wouldn’t even make it into Xiling’s borders before dying at Your Highness’s hands?” Ye Li said with a cold laugh, continuing in a cool tone. Lei Tengfeng’s expression instantly froze, as if he hadn’t yet decided what expression to put on, and could only force out a stiff laugh, “What are you saying, Duchess? I was extending a sincere invitation.” Ye Li stood up with a smile, “If that’s the case when the opportunity arises, I will certainly visit Xiling together with my husband to pay our respects to Your Highness. I won’t disturb Your Highness’s time with the Princess today. Farewell.”

Without bothering to see what expression Lei Tengfeng wore as he sat there, Ye Li stood and walked out.

In the inner hall, Lei Tengfeng remained behind, stroking his chin thoughtfully as he gazed at the beaded curtain swaying slightly from someone’s departure. The smile on his face held more wildness and ambition than before. “What an interesting woman. No wonder Mo Xiuyao married her.”

Princess Lingyun walked out from the inner chamber wearing the same clothes she’d gone in with. She stood by the door, looking at Lei Tengfeng with a resentful expression. Lei Tengfeng raised his eyebrows, lowering his eyes to hide his contempt as he said, “Lingyun, give it up. Your royal brother is doing this for your good. Compared to that brainless Li Wang妃, this Duchess Ding is impossibly difficult to deal with. Even if you entered Duke Ding’s manor, you absolutely wouldn’t be able to compete with her. Wasn’t that day’s humiliation enough? You know yourself that even without Ye Li, you couldn’t have entered Duke Ding’s manor.”

Princess Lingyun stared at him, “Are you speaking up for Ye Li?”

Lei Tengfeng sneered, “Pretend I didn’t say anything. If you think you have what it takes to provoke Ye Li, go ahead. See if next time she doesn’t shoot straight through your head. I don’t care what you want to do, but in three days you will obediently get into the wedding sedan and marry into Prince Li’s manor. Don’t force me to drug you.”

“I am a princess, you dare!”

“I thought when you insisted on coming to Eastern Chu, you understood your purpose.” Lei Tengfeng looked at her mockingly, “You didn’t think you came to Eastern Chu to choose your husband, that you could have whoever you fancied? Even the most favored princess is still just a princess. A princess sent for a political marriage… yet you dare put on airs in front of me?”

Western Xiling Embassy

After sending people to escort Princess Lingyun back to her room, Lei Tengfeng returned to his chambers. As soon as he closed the door, his eyes darkened and his gaze shot like a blade toward a certain spot in the room. The completely enclosed room was very dark and mysterious without any lights lit. By the fine sandalwood round table sat a slender figure in black. Lei Tengfeng’s eyes sank as he stared at the back of the woman in black, “What are you doing here?” The woman in black turned her face, revealing a pair of enchanting starlike eyes in the dim light. However, those eyes that should have been as gentle as water now carried obvious anger. “Why did you ruin my plans?”

Lei Tengfeng let out a light snort, saying with a cold smile, “Ruin your plans? How did I ruin anything?”

“Lingyun’s matter!” The woman in black said through gritted teeth, “If you hadn’t interfered, how would Lingyun end up marrying into Prince Li’s manor?”

Lei Tengfeng relaxed his body somewhat casually, walking to a chair and sitting down before saying, “You have the nerve to say that? If you hadn’t been filling Lingyun’s head with all sorts of nonsense day and night, how would she end up marrying Prince Li? Their original plan wasn’t to marry a princess to a brainless prince, but after Lingyun’s scene, the Emperor wouldn’t have her at any cost.” The woman in black snorted lightly, “Wouldn’t it have been better if Lingyun had entered Duke Ding’s manor?”

“Stop dreaming. Lingyun has been fooled stupid by you, but have you gone stupid too?” Lei Tengfeng said contemptuously, “Do you think Mo Xiuyao is some soft-hearted person? If Lingyun entered Duke Ding’s manor, we’d be collecting her corpse within a month. Even if she got lucky and didn’t die, do you think with Lingyun’s intelligence she wouldn’t be tricked by Mo Xiuyao into turning against us?”

Seemingly provoked by Lei Tengfeng’s mocking tone, the woman angrily said, “Everything I did was to help you!” Lei Tengfeng sneered, his expression clearly showing his disbelief, “Help me? If you wanted to help me, why didn’t you send Rouyun? You were just certain that with Lingyun’s personality, Mo Xiuyao could never fall in love with her, weren’t you? Too bad… This Crown Prince thinks Mo Xiuyao might very well fall in love with Ye Li.”

“Impossible!” The woman cried out in anger, quickly realizing her loss of composure. The black-clothed woman took a breath, switching to a more steady and relaxed tone as she smiled, “Don’t try to fool me. Mo Xiuyao is too proud; how could he fall for someone as worthless as Ye Li?”

“Worthless?” Lei Tengfeng mused, casting a casual glance at the woman in black before saying, “Mo Xiuyao is too proud? I wouldn’t say that.”

“Enough, I didn’t come here to argue with you.”

Lei Tengfeng looked at her lazily, “Then you can directly state why you’ve come to my chambers at this hour.”

“I want to stay in Da Chu for a while,” the woman in black said.

“Fine, just don’t ever return to Xiling,” Lei Tengfeng waved his hand, indicating dismissively that she could leave.

“You!” The woman in black glared at him, unable to speak for a long moment. Lei Tengfeng sneered, “You think I don’t know what you want to stay in Eastern Chu for? It’s rare to see a woman as greedy as you. But you’d better be careful, or you might end up with nothing in the end.” Under her veil, the woman in black bit her crimson lips hatefully, “Lei Tengfeng, are you only happy when you’re mocking me?” Lei Tengfeng snorted coldly, his gaze at the woman opposite him carrying a hint of hatred beneath its iciness, “Can’t you survive without seducing men? Stop dreaming, Mo Xiuyao won’t have you.”

“Do you know where that painting you had delivered went?” Lei Tengfeng looked at her, suddenly wearing a malicious smile.

The woman in black watched him warily. Lei Tengfeng studied her with amusement, watching as her eyes grew increasingly panicked under his gaze, before saying with a smile, “Mo Xiuyao sent it to Su Zhe that very day. No matter how beautiful Su Muiede might be, to Mo Xiuyao she’s nothing but a dead person. What do you think you can do? Shall we make a bet? I think Mo Xiuyao will fall in love with Ye Li.”

If possible, the fury in the black-clothed woman’s eyes could have burned Lei Tengfeng to ashes. This time she took even longer to calm her anger, then gave Lei Tengfeng a charming smile, “Then what about you? Crown Prince of Western Xiling, why are you so interested in Ye Li?” Lei Tengfeng’s eyes flickered, but he quickly smiled and said, “Because she’s Mo Xiuyao’s woman. From that perspective alone, her value is much higher than yours.” The woman’s eyes moved coyly as she laughed softly, “Then… don’t you want to possess Mo Xiuyao’s woman? Hehe… Just imagine how interesting it would be if everyone in the world knew that Mo Xiuyao’s wife had run away with another man.”

Lei Tengfeng’s brows furrowed as he stared at the woman in black with disgust, “Meeting you was probably the most unfortunate thing in Mo Xiuyao’s life. If I want to defeat Mo Xiuyao, I’ll do it fair and square. I don’t need to use such methods.”

“Hehe, how could that be? Meeting me should be the happiest thing in his life. At least that’s what I believe.” The woman in black spoke softly, a hint of nostalgia floating in her bewitching eyes, “Besides, Mo Xiuyao is already ruined. He’ll never return to the battlefield in this lifetime. In other words, he can never be defeated. Yet you still fantasize about defeating him fair and square? Duke Ding’s manor’s century of undefeated legend…”

“Enough, get out. We return to Xiling in three days. You’re welcome to try staying in Eastern Chu. I hear Han Mingyue has returned to Jiangnan. Why don’t you see if Mo Xiuyao will show you mercy again?” Lei Tengfeng said coldly, his face dark. The woman in black stood up, looking at him with wounded eyes, “I know why you’re so mean to me. You’re jealous, aren’t you? Or do you think I don’t look good with my veil…” As she spoke, she raised her hand to remove the veil from her face. Lei Tengfeng suddenly grabbed the teacup from the table and threw it at her, “Get out!”

“You… hmph!” Insulted by his rudeness, the woman in black lowered her hand and glared at the man in the chair before storming out.

When Ye Li returned to Duke Ding’s manor, Mo Xiuyao was reading in their chamber. Hearing footsteps, he looked up at her, “You’re back? Did Lady Ye have something important?” Ye Li waved her hand dismissively, saying with disinterest, “What could it be at this hour? Fourth Sister went home to cry and make a scene, and Grandmother wanted me to go back and offer some words of counsel. She’s never gotten along with me, how would she listen to anything I say? Though I did run into that Crown Prince of Xiling and Princess Lingyun while in the streets.” Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows at her, but Ye Li thought there wasn’t much worth discussing about that topic and turned to go change into more comfortable clothes.

When she came out, seeing Mo Xiuyao still sitting and reading, she called for Qingxia and the others to bring out some plain-colored fabrics.

Qingshuang, always the quick one, had brought the fabrics before Ye Li even had a chance to sit down, smiling as she presented them. They were all light colors like moonlight white, pale blue, and beige. She thoughtfully brought various sewing implements as well. Ye Li took the fabric and looked at the man opposite her, her delicate brows furrowing together.

Mo Xiuyao looked up curiously at her troubled expression and smiled faintly, “What’s wrong? Not satisfied with the clothes made in the manor? I hear two embroidery shops in the capital are quite good. We can have them send some samples later. No need to look so troubled.” Ye Li was speechless—if she bought clothes from outside to give him, wouldn’t Madam Lin and the wet nurse talk her to death? Looking at her clothes, was she really that picky?

Biting her lip, Ye Li said, “Lend me one of your old clothes.”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, looking somewhat puzzled at Ye Li’s attempt to maintain a neutral expression. Slowly moving his gaze to the fabric on the table, his eyes flickered slightly as he smiled at Ye Li, “Go inside and take what you need.” Ever since he had been moved to this courtyard to recover, Butler Mo had ordered all his clothes and belongings moved here. However, his new wife seemed to have an absolute habit of not touching others’ things, even if that “other” was her husband. So although their belongings were stored together, they were kept separately, neither touching the other’s things.

Ye Li let out a light snort and rose to enter the inner chamber, but after a few steps, she suddenly stopped. She turned back to take the soft measuring tape from the sewing box before going in.

Mo Xiuyao stared at the elegant fabric on the table, lost in thought for a moment, before suddenly breaking into a gentle smile. His usually cool eyes now held genuine warmth.

If something was worth doing, it was worth doing quickly and well. So needlework was added to Ye Li’s daily routine. The two elderly matrons were deeply gratified by this—they had been worried seeing their young lady constantly playing with swords and weapons since her marriage. Although His Highness hadn’t said anything, how proper was it for a duchess to spend all day with weapons? The Xu family hadn’t produced a warrior in hundreds of years, except for the Third Young Master. It must be Third Young Master Xu Qingfeng who had led their young lady astray! The two matrons, unaware of the truth, silently blamed the soon-to-be-enlisted Xu Qingfeng.

This being the first time their duchess was making clothes for His Highness, everyone from the matrons to the maids paid special attention. When she started, Ye Li discovered something very frustrating—she had no idea how to make men’s clothes. Before her mother passed away, she hadn’t been old enough to learn tailoring, and after her mother’s death, with no one to teach her and no need to learn, she had completely forgotten about it. In the end, she had no choice but to let Madam Lin teach her how to cut and tailor clothes step by step.

After cutting the clothes, the maids gathered around Ye Li to discuss what patterns to use, what color thread to choose, and what kind of pouches would match. They chattered endlessly, their voices overlapping. Somehow, Mo Xiuyao had moved his reading spot from the study to their chambers. Although he was in the outer room, Ye Li always felt that Mo Xiuyao could hear what they were whispering about, making her both angry and annoyed, wishing she could silence these gossiping maids with a few slaps.

“My Lady…” Seeing Ye Li pick up a cloud pattern design to match with thread, Qingshuang called out disapprovingly, looking as if she wanted to destroy the pattern in Ye Li’s hands.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow at her, and Qingshuang said, “My Lady, this is a gift. How can you use such an ordinary pattern?”

A vein throbbed in Ye Li’s forehead—it was just making clothes, wasn’t this maid being too opinionated? Qingshuang paid no attention to Ye Li’s dissatisfied expression, quickly laying out a collection of pattern designs before her—various dragon patterns, eagle patterns, tiger patterns, and complex floral and auspicious designs. Seeing Ye Li’s gloomy expression, Qingshuang hurriedly pulled out one design and said softly, “I asked around for My Lady—His Highness likes this one.”

Glaring at the image of a soaring eagle before her, Ye Li wanted to stab Qingshuang with a needle. Seeing her mistress’s unfriendly expression, Qingshuang quickly made an apologetic face and ran out in a flash. Ye Li stared blankly at the patterns on the table for a while before suddenly sighing, reaching for the embroidery thread basket to start matching colors. Qingxia, serving at her side, said, “Qingshuang is truly mischievous, but she means well for My Lady. Please don’t be angry with her.” Ye Li looked up at her, saying helplessly, “That girl has been spoiled, always making trouble.” Qingyu covered her smile and said, “Qingshuang is indeed quite energetic. Why doesn’t My Lady punish her by making her do embroidery work?”

Qingxia covered her mouth to hide her laughter, saying, “Qingyu, that’s quite a harsh punishment, but if it would appease My Lady’s anger, I’m sure Qingshuang would gladly accept it. She’s so lively, and nothing tries her patience more than needlework. Usually, getting her to embroider even a single handkerchief is like asking for her life.” Ye Li’s eyes gleamed, her face breaking into a smile as she said, “Very well, go tell Qingshuang to embroider me a winter plum New Year’s greeting. It must be finished within half a month. Otherwise… she can figure out the consequences herself.”

Qingluan and the others blinked and responded with smiles, secretly pitying Qingshuang. You knew My Lady was shy, yet you still went to ask His Highness—weren’t you just asking to be punished?

“What is A’Li embroidering?” Mo Xiuyao’s clear voice came from outside. Everyone quickly turned to bow, “Your Highness.”

Mo Xiuyao glanced at the three smiling maids and said, “You may go.”

The three curtsied and withdrew, leaving the space to His Highness and the Duchess.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao approach, Ye Li looked somewhat embarrassed at the items in her hands and said, “Is Your Highness so free now, wandering around the chambers all day?” Mo Xiuyao smiled slightly, “Since I don’t have to attend court or handle any matters, naturally I’m quite free. A’Li has been quite busy these past few days.” Ye Li gave him an irritated glance—couldn’t he see what she was busy with? The wheelchair stopped beside Ye Li, and Mo Xiuyao said with a soft laugh, “A’Li doesn’t need to be embarrassed. Even if your embroidery isn’t good, I won’t laugh at you.”

“Very well!” Ye Li vengefully stabbed a needle into the clothing. How dare he say her embroidery wasn’t good—even her second aunt had praised her needlework. Looking sideways at Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li wore a fake smile, “Oh no, how could I dare offend Your Highness’s eyes with my poor embroidery? Better have the seamstresses do it, and save me the trouble.”

Mo Xiuyao apologetically smiled, “I meant that whatever A’Li embroiders would be the best in my eyes, no matter how it turns out.”

Ye Li snorted lightly and ignored him, turning back to focus on her work. Mo Xiuyao sat quietly beside her, watching as her expression gradually became absorbed in her task, a warm smile playing on his lips.

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