118 Hélénè Huìmǐn

d charming. But if he did not like a person, that person would surely wish they were dead. This was the reason why even with their close family relationship, the Minister of Rites still dared not send...118. Helian Huimin

After sending off Princess Ronghua, Ye Li returned to finish the training plans she needed to prepare and handed them over to Qin Feng before going to bid farewell to the Grand Dowager in the morning and preparing to return to the city. The Grand Dowager looked at Ye Li with a meaningful smile and said, "It's time for you to go back. As a Princess Consort of King Ding, it doesn't look right for you to be living outside the city walls with an old woman like me. Besides, there are many inconveniences in Xiyao’s place without a princess consort by his side." Hearing what the Grand Dowager said, Ye Li was slightly startled and felt that something must have happened in the capital that she didn't know about. After bidding farewell to the Grand Dowager and stepping out of the door, Ye Li saw Qin Feng waiting at the entrance. She looked at him with a smirk and asked, "Is there something happening in the capital that I don’t know about"

Qin Feng’s expression stiffened as he smiled and replied, "If it's an important matter, who would dare not report it to the Princess Consort"

Ye Li narrowed her eyes and tilted her head slightly while smiling at him. She said, “So it must be something unimportant then Tell me about it."

Seeing Ye Li turn around and walk away, Qin Feng hurriedly quickened his pace to catch up with her. He explained as he walked, "Actually there's nothing major happening. The northern Rong envoy arrived in the capital a few days ago. Prince Yelü submitted a memorial to His Majesty saying that since both countries are allied through marriage, there should be both brides and grooms to demonstrate the friendship between the two nations." Ye Li turned back to look at him indifferently and said, "So this time it’s a northern Rong princess who is coming here The king wants our lord to marry her Does His Majesty really think that King Ding's residence is some sort of dumping ground for anyone and everyone" Qin Feng shrank his neck slightly. Was the Princess Consort truly jealous Lord would surely be very happy if he knew, wouldn’t he Seeing Ye Li’s expression, Qin Feng quickly explained, "It’s not a northern Rong princess… it’s Helian Huiduan's stepdaughter, Helian Huimin."

Ye Li couldn't help but twitch at the corners of her mouth. A stepdaughter of Helian Huiduan... who doesn’t know that Helian Huiduan and King Ding’s residence are sworn enemies And this stepdaughter… it seems they’re very confident, daring to come here with such a background. "Why didn’t I know about this"

"Princess Consort, please calm down," Qin Feng quickly apologized. Ye Li glanced at him coldly; remembering that the Princess Consort didn’t like subordinates talking nonsense when apologizing, Qin Feng immediately explained, "This was Lord’s idea. He said that since the Princess Consort is out of town for a while, it would be better not to trouble her with minor matters. As far as Lord is concerned, a northern Rong woman isn’t important." Ye Li nodded slightly in acceptance and asked, "Then why has this matter become widely known throughout the city" Even if Princess Ronghua had been living in the capital all along, it wasn’t normal for even Grand Dowager, who was staying outside the city, to know about it. Qin Feng said, “Emperor and Empress Mother mentioned that over a year since the Princess Consort's marriage to Lord but there has still been no news of her pregnancy. So they approved Prince Yelü’s request, saying it is for the purpose of expanding King Ding’s lineage.” Upon finishing his explanation, Qin Feng cautiously glanced at Ye Li. This was actually the true reason why they hadn’t dared to report this matter to Princess Consort.

"Expanding the lineage!" Ye Li sneered sarcastically. "To take a northern Rong woman into King Ding's residence to expand the lineage Let’s go back to the city!" She didn't have any racial prejudice, but even if she couldn’t bear children, neither the people of Dazhu nor the Black Family Army would accept a future King Ding with foreign blood. This was purely a political issue. Mo Jingqi had good intentions indeed; does he really think that everyone in the world is stupid

Even before returning to their residence, Ye Li heard plenty of rumors about King Ding and Helian Huimin along her journey back. Among them were also speculations like Princess Consort’s failure to become pregnant within a year after marriage and her refusal to take concubines for King Ding, making her jealous and unvirtuous. As soon as she entered the residence, Chief Eunuch Mo hurriedly came to invite Ye Li to the main hall. Raising an eyebrow in confusion, Ye Li asked. Chief Eunuch Mo explained, "Prince Yelü and Miss Helian Huimin have come for a visit; Lord is currently talking with them in the main hall. Since Princess Consort is the mistress of King Ding’s residence, you naturally should be present to receive guests." Ye Li looked at Chief Eunuch Mo with interest as she asked, "Does Uncle Mo not want to say anything about what’s being said outside" Although those groundless speculations upset her, it was true that in people's eyes, a woman who had been married for over a year without bearing children and who didn’t have any intention of taking concubines was indeed seen as jealous and unvirtuous.

Chief Eunuch Mo replied calmly. "How can subordinates criticize their masters Besides... most of the rumors outside are spread by Lord’s orders."

"Hm What does the Prince want" Ye Li was somewhat surprised, but upon careful consideration, it seemed inevitable. In just a few days, rumors had spread throughout the entire capital and were even escalating further. If not for the interference of the Dingwang Mansion, it appeared that Mo Xiuyao hadn't merely failed to quell these rumors; he had actually been secretly fanning them.

Mo Zongtiao said, "The Prince mentioned that once the Princess Consort returns, she will understand his intentions. Currently, the Princess Consort..."

Ye Li smiled brightly and said, "Since they have personally come to our doorstep, how can this princess not meet them"

Just as she reached the entrance of the main hall, a clear young voice came from inside: "Prince, does Lady Huimen have the honor of meeting the Princess Consort"

Mos Xiuyao's usual calm and gentle tone was heard saying, "A-ge is out of town visiting her imperial aunt. It seems unlikely that she will meet Miss Helian."

"Prince, you are joking. How can there be no chance Once Huimen marries into the Dingwang Mansion, she will become a sister-in-law and there will certainly be a time for them to meet," Ye Liao laughed loudly.

Huimen smiled crisply: "Nephew is right, Huimen has long admired the Princess Consort's reputation and in my haste, I have made Prince look down on me." There was no hint of the hesitation or panic a Chu female would usually display when talking about her marriage.

Marrying into Dingwang Mansion Mo Xiuyao asked doubtfully: "There are no branches in the Dingwang Mansion and my parents and brothers have been deceased for many years. How can Miss Helian be betrothed to any of our ancestors"

"Heh..." Ye Li couldn't help but laugh; it seemed that Mo Xiuyao was still pretending not to know despite the rumors spreading about him. Clearing her throat, she stepped into the hall.

Mo Xiuyao looked visibly pleased as he saw Ye Li and personally walked forward to hold her hand while smiling: "Age, you're finally back. Have your anger subsided Are you no longer angry with me" Ye Li smiled coolly and said, "Does Your Highness think that what he did was wrong" She secretly pinched Mo Xiuyao hard in the private areas. Seeing this from behind Huimen, Ye Liao signaled with his eyes: What are you playing at Her grip was absolutely not light; Mo Xiuyao's body stiffened as he said: "Is Age still angry I know I was wrong. Whatever my wife thinks is right, even if the whole world says it's wrong, they're still wrong. Wife, sit."

His handsome face still half-hidden behind a cold mask, together with his reputation as Prince Dingwang, these actions of a husband consoling his wife looked particularly strange to outsiders. Both Huimen and Ye Liao exchanged surprised glances; neither could believe that the Prince would actually act this way in front of others.

Yelü Yerao raised his eyebrows with interest and said to Ye Li, "Princess Consort, it's been a while. Your beauty remains as radiant as ever."

Ye Li smiled and nodded, saying, "Prince Yelü is also impressive. This young lady..."

Before Yelü Yerao could introduce her, Helian Huimin rose to perform the formal greeting of a great Chu person towards Ye Li with a smile. "Younger sister Helian Huimin greets Princess Consort elder sister."

Ye Li frowned slightly and stepped aside to avoid the greeting while smiling back at her. "Miss Helian, just address this princess as 'Princess Consort'. As for addressing me as 'elder sister', I’m afraid it’s a bit presumptuous since you should be a few years older than me." At that moment, Ye Li finally saw clearly what Miss Helian Huimin looked like. Because she was a Northern Rong woman, she was much taller and slimmer than women of Chu, but her figure was well-proportioned without the stocky appearance usually associated with Northern Rong women. Her facial features were quite delicate and elegant, reminiscent of an exquisite beauty from Chu. However, she wore a peach-red costume typical of a high-ranking Northern Rong noblewoman which accentuated her heroic demeanor despite the smile on her face. She looked rather similar to Mu Guying but in just one glance, Ye Li understood that Miss Helian Huimin was completely different from Mu Guying who had no scheming mind at all. The cheerful and brisk exterior of Miss Helian Huimin was merely a faade; it was clear from the way her eyes were focused intently on Ye Li's face.

Hearing what Ye Li said, Helian Huimin was slightly stunned for a moment but quickly recovered with a smile. "Princess Consort elder sister is mistaken, I have already received an imperial decree from Emperor Chu to marry into the Kingdom of Ding soon. Although I am not familiar with the customs in Chu, it's customary in Northern Rong that whoever enters the family first holds seniority, so calling you elder sister is appropriate."

Ye Li pondered for a moment before turning to look at Mo Xiuyao and said, "King, congratulations on Emperor bestowing such a beautiful woman upon you. Are you pleased"

Mo Xiuyao hurriedly shook his head and said, "Wife misunderstands me; I have never received any decree of betrothal from the emperor. Just now, I was wondering if Miss Helian had been engaged to either my father or elder brother. In that case... although my father and elder brother are long gone, a posthumous marriage ceremony can still be arranged in the Kingdom of Ding. But it would burden you greatly to handle this matter. I wonder… will Miss Helian be my concubine mother-in-law or..."

Upon hearing these words, even Yelü Yerao, who was usually calm and composed, could not help twisting his expression in discomfort. Although Northern Rong women were not bound by strict customs, the future bride-to-be couldn't hide her displeasure when faced with such teasing from her betrothed. What does it mean that you never received an imperial decree of betrothal The emperor had granted this marriage right there and then without even getting around to writing a formal edict; Mo Xiuyao had simply left the scene, completely ignoring both the emperor and the Northern Rong’s dignity. Following which, he even kept away the messenger who delivered the decree, thus naturally no decree of betrothal was issued in the end. Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly as she said, "Is that truly so" Mo Xiuyao spoke seriously, saying, "As your husband, my heart is clear and honest towards you; I would never lie to you. If I were to disregard propriety and marry Miss Helian, may heaven punish me with a bolt of lightning and cut off my lineage." Anyway, he had no intention whatsoever of marrying Helian Huimin, thus making any oaths or vows completely pressure-free.

Upon hearing this, Ye Li’s expression softened somewhat as she said gently, "I believe you already. What need is there for such solemn vows In that case, I'll arrange the wedding ceremony then. However… Is it your father or elder brother who has passed away Should we invite his widow back" She didn't care about ruining Helian Huimin's reputation; the Northern Rong paid little attention to personal honor anyway. Moreover, she had no intention of being polite towards any woman trying to steal her man.

Mo Xiuyao clearly approved of Ye Li’s cooperation and turned around to look at Yelü Yerao sitting by the side. He was making it clear that he wanted him to state whether Helian Huimin would marry either the former or previous generation Prince of Ding. Yelü Yerao's face turned ashen; Mo Xiuyao had linked marrying Helian Huimin with propriety and righteousness, clearly determined to push her off to a dead person’s grave. If it were really according to his will, they would indeed be losing both the woman and soldiers. With an indignant snort, Yelü Yerao said, "Prince of Ding, I believe you are clear about what our prince and Emperor Chu intended; is such behavior by you not improper"

Mo Xiuyao felt even more wronged as he sighed lightly and said, "Your Highness may be unaware, but my ancestors had strict teachings that forbade me from marrying a woman of another country into the royal family, or else I would not deserve to be a descendant of Prince of Ding. But for the sake of friendship between our two countries, my father and elder brother’s early demise means they are exempted from the rules of the Royal Family of Ding; this is surely an ideal solution.

Cheap talk! Ye Liye couldn't help but curse silently.

"Your Highness, Hui Min has always admired you. Why do you insult me" Helian Hui Min stood up and looked at Mo Xiuyao with a melancholy expression.

Mo Xiuyao said coolly, "I have no intention of insulting Miss Helian."

Helian Hui Min replied, "If that's the case, why does Your Highness repeatedly reject me We are betrothed by the Emperor of Great Chu, making it legitimate for us to marry. Although I am not from the royal family, I am still a noblewoman of Northern Rong who has studied literature and martial arts since childhood. I believe I will not disgrace Your Highness."

Mo Xiuyao looked at Helian Hui Min, then lowered his head and looked at Ye Li beside him with gentle tones, "This king is content to marry Ahli alone in this lifetime. What does Miss Helian think of placing my beloved concubine in such a predicament"

The three people present were all stunned. Helian Hui Min glanced at Ye Li with a complex expression and said, "Your Highness disregards the Great Chu just for Consort Wang"

Ye Li frowned as she looked at Helian Hui Min, saying, "What is Miss Helian talking about Does she mean that if our王爺doesn't marry you, Northern Rong will launch an invasion against us"

Helian Hui Min naturally wouldn't be foolish enough to accept such words. She only looked at Mo Xiuyao and said, "I heard that the Duke Ding王府has always been loyal to the court. Does Your Highness want to defy the imperial decree for Consort Wang Doesn't Your Highness fear that the officials on the imperial court will regard her as a person who brings disaster to the country"

Mo Xiuyao's expression darkened slightly, seemingly finally putting away the fake smile he had been wearing earlier. He looked at Helian Hui Min indifferently and said, "I see that your eloquence doesn't seem like that of a Northern Rong person but rather someone from our Great Chu who is skilled in debate. Miss Helian, I only want to ask you one question."

Helian Hui Min was stunned. Although she couldn't quite understand why the Duke Ding suddenly became angry after treating her politely with a gentle demeanor for two days straight, she still nodded and said, "Your Highness may ask."

Yelü Ye beside them frowned slightly, looking at Mo Xiuyao警惕ly as if he felt that whatever he was about to say wouldn't be pleasant.e Li raised her eyebrows slightly, looked up at Mojingqi indifferently, and said: "Please forgive me, Your Majesty. As a woman, how can I have any opinions""Lady Dingwang is being too modest," the you...