Whether the Empress Dowager and her sons were truly engaged in a secret power struggle was naturally not something Ye Li could concern herself with. Whenever someone from the Ye household came to request her presence for some matter, she would generally find an excuse to decline. Though Minister Ye was somewhat dissatisfied with this uncontrollable daughter, Ye Li’s position as the Wang Fei of Prince Ding commanded respect—no matter his displeasure, he could say or do little about it. In normal circumstances, with the Empress Dowager and the Mo brothers vying for the throne, either side should have sought to win over Mo Xiu Yao. However, firstly, Mo Xiu Yao appeared to outsiders as an invalid, and secondly, Mo Jing Qi likely wished nothing more than to eliminate Prince Ding’s household as soon as possible. Thus, Prince Ding’s residence remained peaceful and quiet. Neither side harbored hopes that Mo Xiu Yao would support them, and likewise believed he would not support their opposition.

“Your Highness, Wang Fei, Young Miss Yang requests an audience.” Ye Li set down her needlework and raised her head in surprise, asking: “Young Miss Yang? Yang… Qian Ru? Why would she come to the main courtyard?” The Prince Ding’s residence was vast, truly vast. Moreover, many areas were not freely accessible. So even though there were two somewhat disagreeable residents in the household, Ye Li generally didn’t sense the presence of Consort Yang and Young Miss Yang. Ever since Mo Xiu Yao had moved to the main courtyard, security had been notably enhanced—forgetting entering the main courtyard, without permission, they couldn’t even approach the outer perimeter. After two unsuccessful attempts and a stern reprimand from Steward Mo, who had been dispatched by Mo Xiu Yao, Consort Yang never again tried to challenge the new Wang Fei’s authority. Mo Xiu Yao had always treated her well, Ye Li could certainly feel that. Not only had he generously delegated authority to her right after their marriage, but he had also clearly demonstrated his attitude toward his Wang Fei in front of the household servants. Otherwise, whether in Prince Ding’s household or even an ordinary family, servants wouldn’t be so easily managed by a newly wedded wife. So… having someone’s backing was very important, especially when that person was the highest authority in the residence.

“This servant doesn’t know, but Young Miss Yang has been standing at the outer courtyard gate for quite some time. That’s why the guard asked us to inform Your Highness and Wang Fei,” reported Jing’er, who had come to deliver the message. Because His Highness had ordered that outsiders were not to disturb Wang Fei in the inner courtyard without cause, they usually simply asked visitors to leave. But Young Miss Yang, who had been easy to dismiss in previous visits, refused to leave so readily today. The guards couldn’t lay hands on Young Miss Yang—after all, she was a guest. They could only ask Jing’er, who happened to be passing by, to come in and report the situation.

“Your Highness, what do you think?” Ye Li turned her head to ask Mo Xiu Yao, who was reading by the half-open window.

Mo Xiu Yao didn’t even glance at her, turning a page as he spoke indifferently: “If A’Li wishes to see her, let her in. If not, have someone escort her back. Or… the prince’s residence has another villa outside the city—she could go stay there with the Consort for a few years.”

“Tsk…” Ye Li clicked her tongue. This man had truly reached a level of heartlessness. Though she hadn’t seen Yang Qian Ru many times, during their occasional encounters, the way she looked at him was full of tender longing and countless threads of affection. Yet he could speak such cold and ruthless words. However… she liked it!

“Please show her in.” Setting aside the nearly completed garment, Ye Li said somewhat troubled: “The Consort mentioned finding a good marriage match for Young Miss Yang before, but I…” She had never acted as a matchmaker before. Mo Xiu Yao spoke coolly: “Don’t trouble yourself. You won’t find one.”

“What do you mean? What do you mean I won’t find one?”

Mo Xiu Yao explained: “This matter was brought up by Steward Mo three years ago, but neither the Consort nor she was satisfied with the candidates. You’re unfamiliar with the capital—I don’t believe you could find better candidates than those Steward Mo listed.” Ye Li couldn’t help but wipe her brow; so Mo Xiu Yao had also played matchmaker. Though he had simply delegated the task to Steward Mo, she had been foolish to worry about whether she should attend more social gatherings. Were Steward Mo’s choices too poor? Mo Xiu Yao looked up at her and said: “Steward Mo’s list included the best possible matches given her circumstances. Moreover, she’s already seventeen now—there are even fewer unmarried men around her age. Not everyone is like Mo Xiu Yao, Mo Jing Li, and Xu Qing Chen, still unmarried past twenty. Even if not married, most families would at least be betrothed by now.”

“Then what should we do? We can’t just let her remain unmarried forever, can we?” Moreover—and Ye Li didn’t mean to be small-minded—but she truly suspected that if this continued to drag on, it would ultimately become Mo Xiu Yao’s responsibility.

“If she wants to marry, have Steward Mo send over the list. If not, leave it be. If she’s still unmarried by eighteen, send her to Wuyue Temple to accompany Sister-in-law.”

Ye Li couldn’t help but want to shed tears for the romantic Young Miss Yang. What did it mean to be utterly heartless? Just look at Mo Xiu Yao’s behavior and you’d understand.

Before long, Yang Qian Ru was led in, moving with graceful steps. Two young maids accompanied her, one carrying a box whose contents couldn’t be discerned. Seeing Yang Qian Ru’s gaze suddenly become eager as she looked somewhere behind herself, Ye Li glanced at the unfinished garment set aside and suddenly had a somewhat unpleasant premonition.

“Cousin, please sit,” Ye Li said to Yang Qian Ru with a smile.

Yang Qian Ru quickly glanced behind Ye Li, then hurriedly shook her head and said softly: “Thank you, Wang Fei, but… I’d better stand.”

Ye Li was speechless. What did she mean by “I’d better stand”? As a young lady staying as a guest in the prince’s residence, why act like an abused concubine? She surveyed Yang Qian Ru’s moon-white dress with its elegant orchid trim and the delicate hairstyle adorned with a pearl tassel hairpin. Since Ye Li had mostly sorted out Mo Xiu Yao’s plain-colored clothes, this young lady had finally bid farewell to her perpetually white-robed image, though she still favored an elegant and noble style. “Cousin, please sit,” Ye Li said, her voice slightly deeper.

Yang Qian Ru was startled, her expression becoming fearful. Under Ye Li’s gaze, she sat down with a wronged expression, looking so pitiful that Ye Li felt blood stuck in her chest—too nauseating to spit out, too sickening to swallow. She hadn’t bullied her at all.

“Cousin, what brings you to the main courtyard at this time?” Ye Li suppressed her displeasure and spoke kindly.

Yang Qian Ru looked up, nervously twisting the handkerchief in her hands, her pretty face flushed. “I… I…”

Ye Li smiled patiently. Yang Qian Ru glanced at Mo Xiu Yao and, seeming to finally gather her courage, said: “I… tomorrow is Cousin’s birthday. I came… to bring him a birthday gift.”

Ye Li glanced at the box in the maid’s hands, then turned to look at Mo Xiu Yao, who seemed absorbed in his reading and smiled: “I see. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Cousin. May I see it?”

“This…”

“If it’s inconvenient, then please let His Highness take a look.” She waved her hand, indicating the maid should bring the box to Mo Xiu Yao. Hearing Ye Li’s words, Yang Qian Ru’s eyes brightened, and she looked expectantly toward the person sitting reading by the window. Just as the maid reached Mo Xiu Yao, a hand suddenly reached through the window and snatched the box. A’Jin, who had appeared at the window without warning, earnestly examined the box’s contents, pulling out what was inside to look at it. From Ye Li’s position, she could see it was an elegant snow-blue robe. Though she only glimpsed a corner, the embroidery was indeed exquisitely detailed and carefully done. “No poison.”

“A’Jin, move aside. You’re blocking the light,” Mo Xiu Yao said flatly.

“Oh.” A’Jin acknowledged and disappeared from the window with the box. From start to finish, Mo Xiu Yao hadn’t even seen a corner of the garment. Yang Qian Ru froze, then hurriedly asked: “Where did he take it?”

“Well…” Ye Li considered whether to tell her that things Mo Xiu Yao didn’t want were taken by A’Jin to play with, then discarded after he was done playing.

Mo Xiu Yao set down his book and looked up, meeting Yang Qian Ru’s expectant loving gaze with complete indifference as he said: “If there’s nothing else, return to your courtyard. Tomorrow I’ll have Steward Mo send over a list of suitable marriage candidates—choose one.” Yang Qian Ru’s delicate face instantly turned white, crystal tears falling continuously. “No… Cousin, I don’t want to… I don’t want to leave the prince’s residence, don’t want to marry… don’t send me away…” Mo Xiu Yao frowned, then quickly nodded and said: “That’s also fine. Tomorrow pack your things and go to Wuyue Temple to accompany Sister-in-law. That’s all—escort Young Miss Yang back.”

Yang Qian Ru’s maids were servants of the prince’s residence and naturally dared not disobey Mo Xiu Yao’s wishes. Even knowing their young miss was unwilling, they still stepped forward to help her leave.

“Cousin… wuwu… don’t send Qian Ru away… I’ll be good and obedient, won’t do anything to make Cousin angry…” Yang Qian Ru sobbed, struggling against the two maids’ support, unwilling to leave.

“Take her away,” Mo Xiu Yao said with furrowed brows.

No matter how Yang Qian Ru struggled, she was no match for two maids taller than herself. In the end, she was practically dragged out. Ye Li sat silently watching Mo Xiu Yao’s unperturbed face, listening to Yang Qian Ru’s faint cries that seemed to break her heart and couldn’t help but sigh at how ruthless this man truly was. When ordinary men saw a beautiful, delicate young woman cry like that, even if they felt no love, they would still show some pity. But Mo Xiu Yao’s eyes held not a trace of emotion, as if the person who had just been dragged away was not a fragile woman but rather an unwanted object.

“A’Li, what are you sighing about?” Mo Xiu Yao asked.

Ye Li couldn’t help but sigh again and said: “Whoever falls in love with you must have committed some grave sin in their past life. Otherwise, they must owe you some debt from their previous life that hasn’t been repaid.” Mo Xiu Yao’s eyes flickered slightly as he stared at Ye Li’s back and asked: “Why do you say that?” Ye Li replied: “Why? Just look at Yang Qian Ru and you’ll understand. Falling in love with someone who doesn’t love you, or rather someone who simply can’t love—if that’s not paying a debt from a past life, what is it? Born to be a tragedy?”

“Then… what kind of person would A’Li fall in love with?” Mo Xiu Yao asked.

Ye Li continued with her needlework while answering carelessly: “Love? I don’t know, probably won’t fall in love with anyone. No matter how earth-shattering a romance is, given enough time it turns into familial affection anyway. If that’s the case, why not just focus on living well from the start? Who can spend their whole life exchanging sweet nothings under flowers and moonlight? After time passes, all that’s left is the daily routine of food and necessities.”

“Is that because A’Li has never been in love?” Mo Xiu Yao asked softly.

Ye Li’s needle paused briefly before continuing, saying: “Perhaps. Of course, I’ve dated before, but to say I’ve experienced a soul-deep, unforgettable love—I haven’t.”

“If A’Li fell in love with someone, would you live and die together with him?”

Ye Li turned her head somewhat puzzled to look at the man unusually relaxed in his wheelchair and smiled: “Your Highness isn’t suggesting that if you fell in love with someone, you’d want to live and die together?”

“Perhaps.”

“I probably wouldn’t. Why should I drag someone else to their death just because I’m dying?” Ye Li considered practically: “Even if it’s just ordinary affection, you can’t do that. Would that make them a loved one or an enemy?”

In the sunlight, Mo Xiu Yao seemed to be thinking seriously before softly saying: “You’re right. If I died, I would still hope she lives well.” After speaking, he ignored Ye Li and picked up his unfinished book to continue reading. Ye Li hadn’t expected Mo Xiu Yao, whom she had always thought of as gentle but detached and somewhat unfeeling, to show such tender sentiment. She shrugged in puzzlement and turned back to continue her embroidery. After quite a while, Mo Xiu Yao’s words somehow floated back into her mind—”If I died, I would still hope she lives well.”

She?! Ye Li startled, nearly pricking her finger with the embroidery needle. Did Mo Xiu Yao have someone he liked?!

Ye Li was in a bad mood, a very bad mood, though she didn’t quite understand why. In any case, she felt inexplicably vexed—such a situation was extremely rare in her decades of life. Even when she broke up with her first love or before her first combat mission, she hadn’t experienced such terrible emotions. So after working out her frustrations at the training grounds and finding no improvement, Ye Li decisively decided to go out to clear her mind.

It happened that Hua Tian Xiang had sent an invitation asking her to admire the early summer lotus flowers together, so Ye Li agreed without hesitation.

Being in the north, Chang’an didn’t have many places to view lotus flowers. This meant that every year during the sixth and seventh months, lotus-viewing spots would inevitably be crowded with visitors. Even before the early summer lotuses had fully bloomed, they had already attracted groups of noble ladies from the capital. When Mo Xiu Yao heard that Ye Li was going out to view lotuses and showed no intention of inviting him along, he didn’t say much, only telling her that Prince Ding’s residence had its pleasure boat that Ye Li could use to invite friends. These days Ye Li found Mo Xiu Yao particularly irritating, so she conveniently forgot to ask if he wanted to come along, cheerfully heading out with several maids. A’Jin silently watched his master: Though His Highness wanted to go with Wang Fei, why didn’t he just tell her directly?

On the Prince Ding household’s pleasure boat, Ye Li leisurely leaned against the window lost in thought. Hua Tian Xiang admiringly surveyed the boat’s decorations, her face full of envy as she said: “As expected of the Prince Ding’s boat, these arrangements… truly extraordinary. But tell me, Li’er, was this boat specially decorated for you? The Prince Ding’s household hasn’t gone out in so many years, this boat doesn’t look like it’s from before.”

Ye Li lazily smiled at her and said: “Your family’s boat can’t be much worse than this one, why make such a fuss?”

Hua Tian Xiang gave her an annoyed look, “What do you know? How many people are in my family? So noisy and crowded. You’re comfortable, having a whole boat to yourself, how peaceful. Ah… if Prince Ding were also on the boat that would be too… no, no, it’s better he’s not here. If Prince Ding were here, I definitely wouldn’t feel comfortable freeloading on your boat.” Ye Li looked at the various pleasure boats not far away on the lake surface and asked puzzledly: “With so many boats floating on the lake, are people here to see lotus flowers or to look at boats?”

Hua Tian Xiang giggled and said: “Both viewing flowers and admiring people. With the lotus flowers just blooming and the weather so nice, of course, there are many people out. You should know how many talented scholars and beautiful ladies have formed couples on this Beauty Lake.”

Beauty Lake? Ye Li glanced at the vast lake. After seeing West Lake, Lake Tai, Thousand Island Lake, and others, this small Beauty Lake seemed to have little connection to its name.

Hua Tian Xiang shook her head helplessly and said: “You’re too unromantic, aren’t you? Don’t you know why Zhen’er didn’t come play with us today?”

“Do tell.”

“Because today she’s with Second Young Master Xu!” Hua Tian Xiang said through gritted teeth, glancing at Ye Li: “Speaking of which, I was really surprised you came alone today. I thought you should have come with Prince Ding. I was originally planning to go find Murong to play.” Ye Li shot her an annoyed look, “Who was it that invited me to come together?”

“I just wanted to give you a reminder since you hide at home all year and won’t go out!” Hua Tian Xiang grumbled dissatisfied. Then looking at the newly decorated furnishings on the boat, she added somewhat guiltily: “Remember, in a few days it’s His Highness’s birthday. You must invite him to view lotus flowers then. I bet this boat was prepared for him to appreciate flowers with you. Maybe Prince Ding is thinking about how to kill me inconspicuously right now.”

Ye Li paused, looking at Hua Tian Xiang’s worried expression, and couldn’t help but smile, “You’re overthinking it.”

“Tian Xiang, A’Li!”

The weather was lovely today, with laughter and song both on the lake and its shores, but only Murong Ting would call out so boisterously. When Ye Li and Hua Tian Xiang emerged from the cabin, they saw Murong Ting standing on another pleasure boat, waving frantically and calling to them. Beside her stood a handsome young man who seemed to be saying something to Murong Ting. However, Murong Ting clearly showed an impatient expression, not wanting to pay attention to him. Following behind Ye Li, Hua Tian Xiang softly laughed: “That’s the Leng family’s second young master, Leng Hao Yu.”

“Murong’s fiancé?” Ye Li asked.

“That’s right. Ting’er has disliked him since childhood, but he’s always liked sticking close to her. Later Ting’er followed her father to the frontier, but unexpectedly when she returned, he still liked deliberately provoking her anger.” Hua Tian Xiang’s tone carried amusement, clearly not having a bad impression of Leng Hao Yu. On the other boat, the two had already started exchanging blows, as Murong Ting wanted to use lightness skill to come over to their side, while Leng Hao Yu obviously wouldn’t allow it. The two were pulling and pushing on the deck until Murong Ting’s temper flared and she started fighting.

Besides them, quite a few other pleasure boats had drawn closer to watch the commotion. Many people knew Murong Ting and Leng Hao Yu and joined in cheering and calling out.

Hua Tian Xiang laughed: “Guess how long Leng Hao Yu can hold out this time?”

Ye Li watched for a while before saying: “Murong is no match for Leng Hao Yu at all. Though Leng Hao Yu appears to be fighting clumsily, his footwork is much steadier than Murong Ting’s.” His handsome face wore a playful, rakish expression, but his eyes watching Murong Ting held absolute seriousness. “You’re saying he’s going easy on Ting’er?”

Ye Li smiled: “General Murong loves his daughter like his own life. Do you think he would marry Ting’er to an unlearned playboy?”

“Well…” Hua Tian Xiang pondered, realizing she had never seriously considered this question.

Having watched enough of the spectacle, Ye Li smiled: “Let’s have them row the boat away. We won’t play with Murong today.”

Hua Tian Xiang held her back, “Absolutely not. You don’t believe that if we anger Ting’er, she would dare jump into the water even if we row away?”

Ye Li thought about Murong Ting’s personality and realized it was possible. She could only smile and call to the other boat: “Second Young Master Leng, Murong, would you like to come over for a chat?”

Murong Ting stopped fighting and called back: “A’Li, I’m your friend, why did you invite him too?”

Hua Tian Xiang laughed: “Are you coming over or not? If not, we’re rowing away.”

Murong Ting shot Leng Hao Yu a fierce glare, broke free from his grasp, and then stomped hard on his foot before flying away, lightly touching the water’s surface several times before landing on Ye Li’s pleasure boat. Leng Hao Yu smiled wryly, clasped his hands toward Ye Li, and said: “Thank you, Wang Fei.” He then also left his boat and landed on Ye Li’s vessel. Ye Li instructed the boatman to row away before turning to invite the two inside.

The four sat down, and only after Qing Luan and others served fresh tea and snacks did they withdraw. Murong Ting sat beside Ye Li, eating snacks while still not forgetting to glare a few times at Leng Hao Yu who had followed her. Leng Hao Yu pretended not to notice the daggers she was shooting at him with her eyes and smiled at Ye Li: “The weather is quite nice today. Why don’t we see His Highness out with Wang Fei?”

Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking at Leng Hao Yu with a smile as she asked, “Is Second Young Master Leng well acquainted with our Prince?”

Leng Hao Yu’s teacup paused slightly, and he smiled: “I’m just a playboy, how could I have the chance to be well acquainted with His Highness?”

Murong Ting snorted derisively: “So you know you’re a playboy?”

“Ting’er…” Leng Hao Yu looked at her pitifully, “What’s wrong with being a playboy? I have food to eat and fun to enjoy, and I can accompany you every day. Big brother takes care of family matters—isn’t that wonderful?”

“Pah!” Murong Ting almost jumped up, “This young lady hates useless young masters the most. You… you stay away from this young lady in the future. Otherwise, this young lady will beat you every time we meet.”

“You already beat me every time you see me…” Leng Hao Yu muttered, though just loud enough for everyone in the cabin to hear. Ye Li and Hua Tian Xiang couldn’t help covering their mouths to hide their laughter, while Murong Ting’s small face turned red with anger, wishing she could stab this face-losing scoundrel. Leng Hao Yu pretended to be afraid of Murong Ting, constantly begging for mercy. However, seeing the gentle, indulgent smile in his eyes, it was clear he was just teasing Murong Ting. Ye Li and Hua Tian Xiang exchanged smiles as they watched Murong Ting still jumping with anger. In matters of love, those involved are indeed blind while observers see clearly. As Murong Ting’s friends, they naturally hoped for her future happiness, but the choice would ultimately be hers to make.

“Wang Fei, Prince Li’s boat is ahead,” Qing Xia entered to report while the four were talking.

Hearing this, Hua Tian Xiang frowned: “Li’er, why do we keep running into Prince Li?”

Ye Li smiled: “Who told you not to pick a good day? Or perhaps we could say the capital is not that big.”

Murong Ting pouted: “I rather think it’s an unwelcome encounter.”

Before Ye Li could speak, Qing Luan also entered, her face full of displeasure: “Wang Fei, Prince Li, and his Wang Fei request an audience.”

“Please show them in,” Ye Li sighed.

Shortly after, Mo Jing Li entered with Ye Ying, but the person beside Prince Li made Ye Li frown. Though the woman beside Prince Li wore different clothes than usual—a goose-yellow dress with some makeup and a veil covering her face—to Ye Li such modifications were meaningless. Anyone who saw her in person would recognize her as Princess Qixia of Nanzhao. It had only been a few days; was Mo Jing Li trying to provoke his emperor brother? The palace hadn’t even announced Princess Qixia’s death yet.

“Greetings to Prince Li and his Wang Fei.” Hua Tian Xiang and the others rose to pay their respects.

Mo Jing Li swept his gaze over everyone in the cabin, finally moving from Ye Li to Leng Hao Yu, and said in a deep voice: “Leng Hao Yu?” Leng Hao Yu smiled: “The Prince knows me? I’m truly honored.” Mo Jing Li certainly knew of Leng Hao Yu’s reputation. Looking at Murong Ting beside him, his expression softened slightly as he snorted, then said to Ye Li: “Why isn’t Mo Xiu Yao accompanying you?”

“What business is it of Prince Li’s?” Ye Li was already feeling annoyed, and hearing Mo Jing Li’s discourteous tone, she immediately shot back without hesitation.

Sure enough, Mo Jing Li’s face immediately darkened as he raged: “Ungrateful woman!” Ye Li mentally rolled her eyes, not bothering to respond. Leng Hao Yu interestedly examined Princess Qixia behind Mo Jing Li and smiled: “Your Highness, this beauty is…” He was pinched from behind by Murong Ting, and his originally affected casual smile immediately turned into a grimacing expression. Mo Jing Li coldly stared at him: “Hasn’t your elder brother taught you not to ask questions you shouldn’t?” Leng Hao Yu shrugged indifferently: “My brother is very busy, how would he have time to teach me such things?”

Ye Li rubbed her temples and said flatly: “Prince Li, Fourth Sister, please sit.”

Murong Ting snorted lightly: “I don’t want to sit with certain people. A’Li, Tian Xiang, and I will step out for a bit.” As she finished, she gave Mo Jing Li a sideways glance and pulled Hua Tian Xiang up to leave. Her manner practically declared “This young lady simply refuses to sit with you.” Hua Tian Xiang threw Ye Li an apologetic look, allowing Murong Ting to pull her out—she also didn’t want to be around Prince Li. Seeing Murong Ting run out, Leng Hao Yu looked between Ye Li and Mo Jing Li with some hesitation. Ye Li smiled: “Young Master Leng, please go watch Murong, don’t let her run wild with Tian Xiang.” Leng Hao Yu nodded before walking out. Soon after, Qing Luan and others brought in tea and snacks, but after setting them down, they didn’t leave. They stood respectfully in different corners of the cabin, appearing to await Wang Fei’s instructions. Understanding their intentions, Ye Li smiled inwardly but didn’t say anything.

“All of you, get out. This prince has words for her,” Mo Jing Li commanded.

Ye Ying bit her lip and silently rose to leave. Princess Qixia gave Ye Li a hostile look but said nothing as she followed Ye Ying out. However, Qing Luan and the others weren’t so obedient, still standing in their corners, eyes downcast as if they hadn’t heard Mo Jing Li’s words. Mo Jing Li said in a deep voice: “This prince told you to leave, didn’t you hear?” Qing Shuang replied in a clear, bright voice: “In response to Prince Li, we heard. However, our Prince ordered us to protect Wang Fei’s safety, so we naturally must obey His Highness’s orders.” A cold light flashed in Mo Jing Li’s eyes as he stared at Qing Shuang: “Are you saying this prince would harm her?”

Qing Shuang said: “This servant doesn’t know, we are merely taking precautions. Please forgive us, Your Highness.”

Ye Li smiled faintly: “Prince Li, we seem to have nothing that requires private discussion, and they are all people I trust. Whatever you have to say, please speak freely.” Mo Jing Li fell silent, his eyes fixed unwaveringly on Ye Li, who said nothing, allowing him to stare. After a long while, Mo Jing Li finally said coldly: “Ye Li, you deceived this prince!”

Ye Li was stunned. Deceived him? Where did this come from? Or rather, what deception had Mo Jing Li discovered this time?

“Your Highness, what do you mean? Falsely accusing Wang Fei is not a good habit,” Ye Li said calmly.

Mo Jing Li snorted coldly: “You deliberately acted useless just to make this prince break off the engagement first, didn’t you? You had already conspired with Mo Xiu Yao, right?”

Ye Li calmly held her teacup, restraining herself from throwing the water directly in the man’s face: “Your Highness, I’ve told you before. Excessive fantasizing is an illness—you should treat it early. Your base character doesn’t mean others are morally corrupt.” She had been dissatisfied with the marriage arrangement, but to say she had conspired with Mo Xiu Yao earlier? They were still as pure as freshly washed vegetables. Mo Jing Li’s face instantly darkened, but this time instead of flying into his usual rage, he stared at Ye Li for a long time before breaking into a malicious smile.

Ye Li stared at him expressionlessly, internally on guard.

Mo Jing Li lowered his voice and smiled at Ye Li: “Ye Li, you and Mo Xiu Yao haven’t consummated the marriage, right? Could it be… Mo Xiu Yao has become an invalid and can’t perform. If that’s the case, this prince could reluctantly…”

Bang!

Before Mo Jing Li could finish speaking, a fist struck his nose with precision and force. Fresh blood immediately dripped from both nostrils. Mo Jing Li stared in shock, not yet recovered from his surprise when Ye Li had already stood up and pressed his head down to slam it against the table.

“Damned Ye Li!” The pain in his forehead finally brought Mo Jing Li back from the shock of being attacked by Ye Li again. “This prince won’t let you get away with this!” Ye Li looked to stop Qing Luan who wanted to intervene, a cold smile lifting the corner of her mouth. Seeing Mo Jing Li lunge at her, she stepped back and flipped away, evading him. By the time Mo Jing Li lunged again, she had already moved to another window.

After failing to catch her twice and remembering how he had been attacked twice, Mo Jing Li also guessed that Ye Li was no weak woman. This time he used his martial arts skills, fiercely lunging forward, determined to catch this woman who had made a fool of him. But Ye Li ducked down, and Mo Jing Li felt a sharp pain under his arm, unable to control his momentum as he crashed head-first through the cabin window—

“Quick, help! Prince Li has fallen into the water!”