HomeSheng Shi Di FeiChapter 99: Discussion at the Xu Residence

Chapter 99: Discussion at the Xu Residence

Ye Li recounted the matters concerning Qing Yu and Qing Luan to Mo Xiu Yao, who immediately ordered an investigation. Regardless of who had impersonated Mo Xiu Yao, that woman certainly wasn’t Su Mei Die. The fact that someone would try to use this incident to drive a wedge between them and even between the Prince’s Manor and the Xu family showed they must have intimate knowledge of both the Prince’s Manor and Mo Xiu Yao himself. As for the impersonation, Mo Xiu Yao wasn’t concerned. The subordinates of the Prince’s Manor had always followed orders rather than individuals, and though this didn’t apply to the Prince and Princess, everyone knew that the Prince never issued orders directly to lower-ranking personnel. Besides, if the secret guards couldn’t even distinguish their own lord’s true identity, they might as well quit.

The day after returning to the capital, Ye Li personally visited her uncle and aunt at the Xu residence. Though ordinary people might not know about the events in Yonglin City, they couldn’t be hidden from the palace and the well-connected nobles. Now that Mo Xiu Yao had recovered his health and needed to resume his responsibilities as the Prince of Ding, naturally Ye Li as the Princess didn’t need to maintain such a low profile anymore.

As soon as she stepped into the Xu residence, Xu Qing Yan rushed out like a gust of wind, pulling Ye Li aside and chattering endlessly. Xu Hong Yan, who had followed behind him, felt his temples throbbing. “Qing Yan!”

Xu Qing Yan’s face froze. He shot a pleading look at Ye Li before turning to give Xu Hong Yan an ingratiating smile. “Second Uncle, I’m just excited to see Sister Li return…” Xu Qing Ze gave him a cool look without speaking, while Xu Qing Bai glanced at him in irritation and said, “We’re all happy that Li’er has returned, but look at your behavior. Fortunately, we’re not in Yun Province—if Grandfather and Father saw this, they would surely punish you.” Xu Qing Yan shrank his neck and made a face at his fourth brother.

Seeing her relatives filled Ye Li’s heart with warmth. She smiled and said, “Second Uncle, Second Brother, Fourth Brother, please don’t blame Fifth Brother. I haven’t seen him in so long, and I’m very happy too.”

Xu Hong Yan looked Ye Li over before nodding in satisfaction. “It seems you haven’t suffered during your time away. Your complexion is better than when you were in the capital.” Madam Xu had already come forward to hold Ye Li’s hands, expressing concern about her traveling alone and noting that she seemed thinner and needed proper nourishment. Knowing they had important matters to discuss, Madam Xu exchanged a few more words with Ye Li before turning to instruct the kitchen about lunch preparations, leaving the space to her husband and sons.

After settling in the study, before anyone could speak, Xu Qing Yan was already fidgeting restlessly, looking eagerly at Ye Li. “Sister Li, did you go to guard Yonglin?” Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Even you know about it? It seems news from the border travels quite fast indeed.” Xu Qing Yan waved his hand. “Sister Li, you don’t know—some information might be secret outside, but once it reaches the capital, it’s no secret at all. Quite a few people know about this. A few days ago, someone was trying to probe me about your news indirectly. Hmph! Did they think they could fool me just because I’m young?” Xu Qing Ze nodded, looking at Ye Li. “Little Fifth is right. Not many information channels reach Suixue Pass, but in this capital, no secrets can stay hidden for long.”

Ye Li waved her hand. “That’s fine then. I’ve discussed this with the Prince. Originally, it wasn’t a secret that the Princess of Ding could command the Black Cloud Cavalry. My presence in Yonglin—many things on the battlefield can’t be hidden even if we wanted to, so it doesn’t matter if people know.” Xu Hong Yan frowned. “The Prince’s meaning is…” Looking at his niece whose beautiful features somewhat resembled his little sister’s, Xu Hong Yan wasn’t sure if he had understood correctly. Although historically the Princes of Ding had always respected their princesses regardless of their background and weren’t fond of female companionship, only Princess Qing Yun from a hundred years ago had ever truly commanded the Prince’s Manor’s military forces. If the Prince towards Li’er… Though pleased by the Prince’s trust and respect for his niece, Xu Hong Yan was somewhat worried about this level of authority. Once she commanded the Prince of Ding’s military forces, Li’er would no longer be simply a princess. The troubles she would face then would likely be beyond what he as an uncle could help with.

Ye Li looked at Xu Hong Yan and said seriously, “Li’er understands Uncle’s concerns, but… from the day of the wedding, Li’er’s fate has been tied to the Prince’s Manor. If some things cannot be avoided, we might as well face them head-on. Two people are always better than one.”

Xu Hong Yan couldn’t help but sigh. Though he had remained silent about the Emperor’s recent movements in court, he wasn’t blind to their meaning. Since the Prince of Li’s rebellion, the Emperor had been promoting the Liu, Wang, and Yun families. One could say he was using the elimination of the Prince of Li’s faction as an unconcealed excuse to suppress the court officials who had previously supported the Prince’s Manor. Over these years, the Emperor had openly and secretly placed many of his people in court. Now the Wang and Yun families had suddenly risen to replace the original Ye family, even showing signs of surpassing the Hua family. Worse still, for some unknown reason, the Liu, Wang, and Yun families had secretly united. Originally, these three forces weren’t particularly noteworthy, but now suddenly the Emperor’s people had become dominant. If anyone said the Emperor’s actions were truly aimed at dealing with the Prince of Li, even Xu Qing Yan wouldn’t believe it. Xu Hong Yan naturally understood as well—the Emperor had never truly regarded his brother as a threat; his real target had always been the Prince’s Manor.

Xu Qing Ze’s voice carried its usual coldness, but his eyes held a slight warmth as he looked at Ye Li. “If Li’er has this capability, then there’s no harm in taking it on.”

Xu Hong Yan nodded helplessly, looking at Ye Li with affection. “Your First Uncle mentioned in his recent letter that since you were able to appear with troops in Yun Province, he had probably guessed the Prince’s intentions. However, you must be extremely careful in the future. In our family, except for your Third Brother, we’re all scholars, and I’m afraid we won’t be able to help much.” Though Xu Hong Yan wasn’t a military official, it didn’t mean he didn’t understand military commanders. Military officials were different from civil officials, especially renowned generals who had fought across battlefields—they wouldn’t care about your status or position. If you couldn’t command their respect, they wouldn’t follow your orders even if you were the Emperor’s daughter.

Ye Li nodded and smiled gently. “Don’t worry, Second Uncle. During this time in Yun Province, the Prince assigned me a capable officer from General Murong’s command, along with the commander of the Black Cloud Cavalry who helped guard Yonglin. They’re all familiar faces, so there’s not too much to worry about. As for other matters, we can deal with them when the time comes.” Xu Hong Yan’s brow finally relaxed, and he nodded. “The Prince has indeed thought things through thoroughly.”

Xu Qing Yan laughed. “If we had known Sister Li could command the Mo family’s army, why did Third Brother have to go to the military camp himself? Couldn’t he have just followed Sister Li?”

Xu Hong Yan glared at him. “Nonsense! If Qing Feng didn’t make a name for himself in the military camp, wouldn’t he just be holding Li’er back? If he has his success, it doesn’t matter where he is.” Xu Qing Yan blinked. “I just thought that having Third Brother there would give Sister Li someone she could trust completely.” Ye Li smiled. “It’s too early to talk about these things. I’m not in charge of the Mo family’s military affairs yet. Besides, knowing Third Brother’s personality, if he knew he only got into the Mo family’s army because of me, he’d probably run far away, determined to make his way in the world.” Thinking of his son’s personality, Xu Hong Yan couldn’t help but smile, though he seemed quite satisfied. He spoke earnestly to Ye Li, “Although the Prince trusts you, remember that many things still require a clear distinction between public and private matters. Whether in the royal family or elsewhere, the greatest taboo is having too much influence from maternal relatives. Do you understand, Li’er?”

Ye Li felt warmth in her heart and nodded. “Li’er understands. Thank you for your guidance, Uncle.”

Seeing that Ye Li had taken his words to heart, Xu Hong Yan nodded with satisfaction and sighed softly. Li’er was truly different from his clever but fragile little sister. Although Li’er didn’t bear the Xu surname, he still felt the pride and satisfaction of having such a daughter in the family. He believed that if Father saw Li’er like this, he would be immensely pleased as well.

Ye Li then carefully recounted her experiences in Nanzhao and the matter concerning Xu Qing Chen. Xu Hong Yan frowned disapprovingly, “Putting oneself in danger—Qing Chen was being too reckless.” Xu Qing Bai, however, showed no concern for his eldest brother’s safety and smiled, “Don’t worry, Second Uncle. When has Big Brother ever done anything without being certain? Didn’t Li’er also say that even if she hadn’t gone to the Southern Border, Big Brother would have managed to escape anyway?” Xu Qing Yan nodded repeatedly, “Fourth Brother is right. Sister Li, was the Holy Maiden of the Southern Border very beautiful? Why did she capture Big Brother but not harm him? She didn’t even try to force information from him—could it be that she fell for Big Brother?” To some degree, Xu Qing Yan had hit upon the truth. Ye Li blinked and shook her head regretfully, “I never saw the Holy Maiden, but I suppose she must be quite beautiful.”

Xu Qing Bai raised an eyebrow, “I think Princess An Xi had feelings for Big Brother. Second Brother, what do you think?”

Xu Qing Ze put down his teacup and said coolly, “Neither is possible. Big Brother only sees Princess An Xi as a friend.”

Xu Qing Yan, hiding behind Xu Qing Bai, made a face at his second brother and muttered, “So unromantic. I don’t know how Sister Qin puts up with you.” Xu Qing Bai, however, looked curiously at Ye Li and asked, “Li’er, when you told Princess An Xi you were Big Brother’s fiancée, what did he say?” Hearing this, Xu Qing Yan’s eyes immediately lit up, and he stared intently at Ye Li. Ye Li bit her lip in frustration—she should have known she’d been tricked by Big Brother. He hadn’t written to inform their uncles about this at all, and now she had inadvertently revealed it herself. She carefully glanced at Second Uncle and said softly, “Big Brother didn’t say anything. And… he used me to ward off romantic attention.”

Xu Hong Yan shook his head helplessly and advised, “Your status is different now. While finding your Big Brother’s whereabouts was important, you should still be somewhat mindful of your reputation.”

“Li’er understands.” Since Second Uncle hadn’t scolded her further, Ye Li felt relieved and said brightly, “By the way, I haven’t congratulated Second Brother, Fourth Brother, and Fifth Brother on their success in the imperial examinations!”

Xu Hong Yan shook his head and shot an exasperated glare at Xu Qing Yan. Although things hadn’t gone smoothly since the beginning of spring, the triennial imperial examinations had proceeded as usual. It wouldn’t have been noteworthy ordinarily, as no one would expect sons educated by the Xu family to fail the examinations, but having three young masters of the Xu family successfully pass the examinations simultaneously had drawn attention. Xu Qing Yan pouted defensively, “I was just writing casually. Who knew this year’s examination topics would be so simple…” Under the gaze of everyone in the room, Xu Qing Yan finally couldn’t maintain his facade and lowered his head sheepishly. How could he admit that he had been provoked by some noble’s son and ended up giving it his all?

Ye Li smiled, “So this time… Second Brother achieved third place in the highest rank, Fifth Brother fourth place, and Fourth Brother nineteenth place?”

Xu Qing Yan sneaked a glance at Xu Qing Bai, hanging his head even more guiltily. He certainly knew that Fourth Brother’s talent far exceeded his own, and Second Brother could easily outshine both the first and second-place winners. They had deliberately held back their true abilities, while he had given it his all and only managed fourth place. Seeing Xu Qing Yan’s guilty expression, Ye Li consoled, “Second Uncle, this isn’t so bad. If Fifth Brother had failed, that would have raised more suspicions.” Xu Hong Yan frowned, “He shouldn’t have participated in the examinations this year at all.” Speaking of this, Xu Hong Yan felt helpless—Qing Yan was only fourteen, and Qing Bai was barely sixteen or seventeen. What young man, even from the Xu family, wouldn’t want to make a name for himself and achieve great things? Among the Xu children, whether it was the steady Xu Qing Ze or the lively Xu Qing Yan if they weren’t born into the Xu family, they would all be capable of achieving top honors in the imperial examinations and their prospects would be limitless. However, being part of the Xu family, they could only harbor ambitions while enjoying the empty prestige of the Xu name without being able to accomplish anything. This was all… the burden of the Xu family’s reputation. Xu Hong Yan would never forget his father’s heavy and apologetic look when he led his elder brother to resign from their official positions and leave the capital. He too once had great ambitions to govern and benefit the world, but the royal family didn’t need their grand aspirations—they only needed him to remain in his position as Imperial Censor, a seemingly prestigious but powerless position, to showcase the royal family’s benevolence to the world.

“Since Second Brother, Fourth Brother, and Fifth Brother have all passed the examinations, will they be taking positions in the capital?” Ye Li asked. Xu Qing Ze and Xu Qing Bai were manageable—Xu Qing Ze was already twenty and naturally steady in temperament. Although Xu Qing Bai was younger, he was the most diplomatically skilled among the Xu family. But Xu Qing Yan was not only young, but his personality was also still that of an unruly child. Xu Hong Yan shook his head, “Your Second Brother and Fourth Brother will stay. I’ve already submitted a memorial to the Emperor stating that Qing Yan is still young, and since Father is getting on in years, he needs to return to Yun Province to care for him.”

“Will the Emperor agree?” In Mo Jing Qi’s view, keeping Xu Qing Yan would probably be more useful than keeping Xu Qing Bai.

Xu Hong Yan smiled faintly, “Little Fifth is the youngest in the Xu family, and filial piety comes first among all virtues. The Emperor cannot refuse.”

Since Second Uncle was confident, Ye Li didn’t pursue the matter further. She turned her attention to Xu Qing Ze and Xu Qing Bai’s positions. Xu Qing Ze, the third-place scholar, was assigned to the Hanlin Academy as a compiler. Xu Qing Bai, as a regular graduate, was assigned to the Ministry of Rites as a reserve official. Both were leisurely positions without real power. Compared to their fellow graduates who placed first and second, they held the highest ranks, but similarly, they had the least authority. Especially for Xu Qing Bai, who received the salary of a Ministry of Rites official but held only a nominal position—who knew when he would be promoted? Most importantly, neither Xu Qing Ze nor Xu Qing Bai’s personalities suited their positions; they would be better off switching places. “Second Brother must stay in the capital, but it would be better if Fourth Brother could be posted to the provinces if possible.”

Xu Qing Bai, though young and seemingly gentle, was deeply cunning and politically astute—a classic case of hiding one’s abilities. If not for the Xu family connection, even from an ordinary background, he would likely have risen to high office by age thirty-five or so. Xu Qing Bai was the most suited for official duties among the Xu family.

Xu Hong Yan shook his head, “How could the Emperor feel secure letting him serve in the provinces?”

Ye Li furrowed her brow, “Not necessarily. Fourth Brother is still young, the Emperor might be more at ease. However… it might be harder on Fourth Brother.”

Xu Qing Bai smiled faintly, “The places the Emperor would let me go to are probably all remote and difficult territories. Still, that’s better than staying idle in the capital and being constrained at every turn.” Xu Hong Yan looked at Xu Qing Bai, understanding that he was truly interested in Ye Li’s suggestion. Indeed, if given the choice, he too would prefer to be posted to the provinces—even serving as a county magistrate would be better than staying idle in the capital listening to civil officials’ idle chatter. After contemplating for a moment, Xu Hong Yan nodded, “Very well. The Emperor is busy now, he should agree to this small concession.” Xu Qing Bai nodded with a faint smile, “Thank you, Second Uncle.” Xu Hong Yan waved his hand, indicating no need for further words.

After sharing lunch with her uncle and aunt, Ye Li prepared to return to the manor. Before she left, Xu Hong Yan earnestly cautioned, “Li’er, be careful of the people in the palace in the future.”

Ye Li started, looking at her uncle in surprise, but Xu Hong Yan just waved his hand without saying more. Ye Li could only bid farewell to her uncle and aunt and return to the manor.

Back at the manor, two thick stacks of visiting cards and banquet invitations from various households in the capital had accumulated. Ye Li looked through them, selecting a few important ones to respond to. She realized with some headache that she might need one or several capable assistants. None of the maids around her would do—Qing Xia and Qing Shuang didn’t know much to begin with, while Qing Luan and Qing Yu, though each had their strengths, weren’t suited for these matters. Han Ming Xi would be a good choice, but he was too conspicuous. After reviewing all the available people around her, she finally summoned Dark Two and Dark Three, handing them a pile of documents and records to process. Dark Three’s face fell when he realized they had evolved from being shadow guards who simply had to follow their master secretly, to personal guards for the young master, to all-purpose bodyguards for the young miss, to all-purpose bodyguards for the Princess of Ding, and now into accountants and various managers for the Prince’s Manor. The extent of their authority made Dark Three’s heart tremble, and he wanted to cry, “Princess… I don’t understand this…”

“Then learn,” Ye Li replied without looking up, her brush moving swiftly across the documents in her hands.

Dark Three looked miserable. “Princess, we are shadow guards.”

Ye Li briefly raised her head and glanced at him indifferently, “I don’t need shadow guards. Qin Feng will accompany me from now on.”

“He’s the commander of the Black Cloud Cavalry,” Dark Three grumbled reluctantly. If the Princess needed help with accounting, she should ask Manager Mo or Madam Sun, or even let Qin Feng do it. Why make him do such womanly work while Qin Feng took his position? Ye Li nodded with satisfaction, “Precisely because he’s the Black Cloud Cavalry commander, he can serve as my guard while helping with my affairs. You… can also serve as my assistants on the side.”

“Assistants?” Dark Three looked completely bewildered, while Dark Two’s face remained wooden. What kind of thing was an assistant? It didn’t sound nearly as impressive as being a shadow guard.

Ye Li smiled warmly at her two capable subordinates, “People who help me handle all matters.”

“All matters?”

“That’s right, all matters I need you to help me handle.” Dark Two and Dark Three were smart enough, loyal enough, and skilled enough. Dark Two was steady while Dark Three was quick-witted. Having followed her for so long, they didn’t have others’ stiffness—they were practically born to be assistants. Thinking about being freed from tedious matters to handle other things she hadn’t had time for, Ye Li was in quite a good mood. “First go to Uncle Mo, learn what you need to within half a month. Otherwise… the base of Black Cloud Peak will be your home for the next three months. I’ve just thought of many new things to try.” Seeing their mistress’s gentle smile and remembering the month they spent crawling through the forest last year, both men shuddered. They turned and left promptly. Hearing her two subordinates sprint away, Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head.

“Princess, Young Master Yun Ting, and Young Master Qin Feng request an audience,” Qing Luan came in to report.

“Show them in.” Yun Ting’s family was also near the capital. After leaving Yong Province, they parted ways—they went east to Guangling while Yun Ting headed north directly home. His arrival at the Prince’s Manor together with Qin Feng somewhat surprised Ye Li. Soon after, the two men entered the study side by side. “Your servants Yun Ting and Qin Feng pay respects to the Princess.” Ye Li smiled, “No need for formalities. Yun Ting, have you settled in well at home?” Yun Ting laughed heartily, “Thank you for your concern, Princess. Everything is fine at home.” Ye Li nodded with satisfaction and looked toward Qin Feng. Qin Feng respectfully reported, “Your servant has prepared everything as the Princess instructed, just waiting for the Princess’s inspection.” Ye Li glanced at the few remaining account books on the table and nodded, “It’s still early, let’s go now. Yun Ting, someone will escort you to the military camp later. Also, the Prince has recommended several military texts. Read them all within three months. After three months, as long as you pass the assessment, you can officially become a member of the Mo family army. Understand?”

Yun Ting’s eyes brightened, and he responded clearly, “Yun Ting understands, I guarantee to finish reading within three months.”

Ye Li smiled faintly, nodding with satisfaction. Yun Ting was so overjoyed, his excitement about entering the Mo family army made him forget to ask how many books there were and what he would need to do at the military camp during these three months. This led to three months of life worse than death.

Changed into men’s clothing, Ye Li left the manor with some anticipation, accompanied by Qin Feng. Along the way, they encountered Dark Three, who had just received a huge pile of old account books from Manager Mo and were shooting extremely resentful glances at Qin Feng. This made the newly appointed guard commander, who was still getting used to following Ye Li, feel inexplicably uneasy.

The two left the capital, and Qin Feng couldn’t help but admire the elegant and handsome young man before him, who was only lacking somewhat in height. He finally understood why various forces couldn’t find the Princess whenever she left the capital, and even the Prince’s Manor’s shadow guards couldn’t trace her. This kind of disguise was far more sophisticated than the face-changing techniques known in the martial arts world. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, even if the Princess stood before him, he would probably have just thought she looked vaguely familiar and let it pass.

Seeing Qin Feng’s strange expression, Ye Li smiled, “No need to be so surprised, it’s just a bit of disguise technique.”

Qin Feng shook his head, “Princess, this kind of disguise technique isn’t something just anyone can master.” So-called face-changing wasn’t just about changing one’s appearance. True tracking experts didn’t necessarily look at faces and clothing. Rather, a person’s habitual movements, posture, and silhouette could easily reveal traces of their identity. But walking behind the Princess this whole way, he hadn’t noticed any similarities between her movements in male and female clothing. When wearing men’s clothing, even her walking posture, facial expressions, and gaze completely lacked any feminine traits—she was entirely like a handsome young master of fourteen or fifteen years. Qin Feng didn’t know how the Princess, as a noble young lady, had learned these skills, but since the Prince trusted her, and they had personally witnessed her abilities in Yonglin City, he naturally would follow the Princess’s commands.

Qin Feng followed Ye Li on horseback to the foot of Black Cloud Peak. He had come here once before with the Prince, but in a year, it had changed somewhat. The previously remote and desolate place now had two estates standing at a moderate distance from the mountain’s foot, and a small estate had been built on the mountainside on the foundation of the original stronghold. Commoners were busy working in the fields, making it look just like any ordinary estate outside the capital.

The two dismounted and climbed the mountain, bypassing the stronghold on the mountainside to reach the cliff edge on the back mountain. Qin Feng looked down—it wasn’t very deep. “Princess, shall we go down?”

Ye Li smiled at him, “I hear the Black Cloud Cavalry’s martial arts are quite good. If you’re not afraid of death, jump down and take a look.”

Qin Feng stared suspiciously at the cliff bottom, frowning. With his martial arts skills, getting down from here wouldn’t be easy but shouldn’t be life-threatening, unless there were traps below. With Ye Li’s warning, Qin Feng didn’t rashly use his lightness skill to jump down but instead used wall-climbing techniques to slowly slide down the cliff face. However, almost all the footholds on the cliff had been smoothed away. Fortunately, he carried a dagger that he could stab into the rock crevices to prevent himself from slipping. Just as he finally spotted a protruding spot and was about to step on it, he noticed the arrow tips gleaming coldly on what appeared to be protruding rocks. Qin Feng did not doubt that even the slightest touch would turn him into a hornet’s nest.

Helplessly gripping his dagger, he carefully avoided one dangerous spot after another as he made his way down the cliff. At the bottom was a clear lake. Green lotus leaves and newly sprouted buds floated on the water’s surface. But the various cold glints visible above the water surely existed just to mock him. Qin Feng took a deep breath and used his lightness skill to cross the lake’s surface, not daring to let his feet touch even a bit of water.

“Three steps back and left.”

Ye Li’s voice, tinged with amusement, sounded from nearby. Qin Feng, just about to land, hurriedly moved three steps back and left before touching down, turning his head to see the Princess who had been waiting for some time. Ye Li gave him a meaningful look, picked up a stone from the ground, and threw it at the spot where he had been about to land. Whoosh whoosh—! After a burst of fierce arrow rain from all directions, Qin Feng stared speechlessly at the ground now filled with arrows, breaking out in a cold sweat.

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