Feng Qing works

54 Ordinary New Marriage

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up back down onto the table before standing up to look out of the half-open window at the street below, then turned around and walked downstairs.The moment Ye Li came down from upstairs, everyone in t...54. Plain Newlywed Life

54. Respecting the New Ruler's Wishes for a Plain Newlywed Life

In the early morning, Ye Li leisurely sat in front of the bronze mirror while Qingfeng and Qingxia tidied her hair. With nimble fingers, Qingfeng skillfully arranged Ye Li's dark tresses into a simple bun called Baihe Jiji. Qingxia presented a jewelry box brimming with precious ornaments for Ye Li to choose from. Frowning at the mirror, Ye Li said helplessly, "Can't we just do something simpler" Qingfeng chuckled and replied, "Miss, be content. Newlywed women are supposed to dress up well. I've chosen the simplest hairstyle possible. If you were to wear those popular hairstyles among noblewomen in the capital, you wouldn’t bear it. The previous hairstyles were for unmarried girls; married people can't use them anymore. As for jewelry, let’s use the set that the Prince Regent gave you earlier. You haven't worn it yet."

Ye Li nodded. She indeed liked the set of green jade and plum blossom ornaments which wasn’t too flashy.

Qingxia smiled as she carefully placed the ornaments on Ye Li’s head, nodding in approval, "Still, Qingfeng truly understands Miss…"

"What are you calling her" Lin Mama and Wei Mama entered. Lin Mama glared at the maidservants and said, “From now on, address Her Royal Highness as ‘Princess Consort’. Don’t let anyone in this household think that those around Princess Consort don't know the rules.”

"Yes, Mama," the four maidservants lined up and respectfully bowed to Ye Li.

Wei Mama pulled Ye Li aside to inquire gently about her condition from last night. The two old ladies knew that His Highness hadn’t stayed in the bridal chamber and couldn't help but feel concerned for their beloved young mistress. Ye Li smiled reassuringly at them, assuring them there was nothing wrong. Seeing no signs of distress on her face, the mamas finally let it go, considering this to be a temporary adjustment period as Princess Consort was just newly arrived in Prince Regent’s residence and His Highness wanted to give her time to adapt. However, they hinted that Ye Li should try to become true partners with His Highness since they would spend their lives together. Ye Li merely smiled wryly and let them be.

"The Prince Regent has arrived."

Moxiu Yao appeared at the door, asking softly, "Lily, can I come in"

Ye Li nodded, allowing Moxiu Yao to enter with his wheelchair while leaving A Jin outside. He looked at Ye Li and asked, “Did you sleep well last night, Lily”

Ye Li smiled and replied, "Very well, but your complexion looks rather poor." The moment Moxiu Yao entered, Lin Mama led the maidservants out. Realizing no one had come to serve tea, Ye Li smiled at him and walked over to sit down at the table. There was indeed a trace of fatigue in his eyes as he waved his hand dismissively, "I entertained guests late last night; it's nothing."

"Shouldn't we pay respects to Princess Grandmother first And also to my senior sister-in-law…" The Dinging Prince Regent’s residence now only had one direct line descendant in Moxiu Yao. However, there were still other relatives around. The late Dinging King's wife Wen Shi was still alive, but she reportedly lived secludedly in a temple complex and did not appear even at the wedding ceremony yesterday. Moreover, Moxiu Yao’s father also had another concubine who was still living. Additionally… Ye Li hadn’t asked before, how many concubines did Prince Regent himself have

Moxiu Yao shook his head, "Let's eat first. Princess Grandmother is elderly and has been busy recently; she won't be up so early. As for your senior sister-in-law…" Moxiu Yao frowned slightly, “Since my elder brother’s passing, my senior sister-in-law has resided in the temple with her concubines. Even I rarely see her. A few days ago, she asked to meet you only when you return home from the bride's visit.” Ye Li nodded; she had heard of this former Dinging King’s wife from her third brother, also a pitiful woman. Princess Consort Wen wasn’t born into a prominent family but came from an ordinary scholarly lineage. She married Moxiu Wen at 16 and became widowed at 18. Her new husband was away on campaign immediately after their wedding; they never had children.

"Then... what should I do" Ye Li asked.

Moxiu Yao looked at her and smiled, "Apart from managing the household affairs and overseeing accounts, you can spend your time as you wish. If you feel bored, invite your friends to visit or go out for a walk. Lily, this place is now your home; don't be so formal."

Ye Li nodded, “I understand but it's still hard to get used to. Then what should I do now”

"Let’s eat first and then I’ll introduce you around the residence."

The breakfast was set up in Ye Li’s courtyard. The prince regent’s household prepared a meal that suited her taste. After finishing, the steward entered to report, "Your Highness, all the managers have arrived, waiting for your Highness and Princess Consort's call.” Moxiu Yao nodded and turned to introduce Ye Li, “This is the steward of Dinging Prince Regent's residence, Mo Xin, he’s also A Jin’s uncle. You can give him instructions when you need help."

The steward bowed respectfully, "Old servant greets Princess Consort."

Ye Li smiled and replied, “No need for formalities, please take care of matters here.” It was clear Moxiu Yao held this steward in high regard. Not only was he A Jin’s uncle who stayed close to his side, but also a trusted confidant. The steward received the honor calmly without showing off any pride and replied respectfully, “Old servant is不敢直接翻譯成“不敢”這個詞，因為原文中是“老奴不敢”，這是古文中的一種謙辭，表示恭敬和不敢當的意思。所以應該用符合這種語境的英語表達：“I am unworthy of such honors…”

一行人來到花廳，果然已經稀稀落落的站了不少人了，見葉璃和墨修堯進來，立刻站直了身體齊聲拜道：“見過王爺，見過王妃。”

Moxiu Yao led Ye Li into the flower hall, pointing to the main seat and saying, "Take your place. Everyone can rise now. The new Princess Consort’s words are my command. Do you all understand"

“We will strictly follow Your Highness's instructions.”

翻譯後的文字如下：

54. Plain Newlywed Life

54. Respecting the New Ruler's Wishes for a Plain Newlywed Life

Ye Li nodded. She indeed liked the set of green jade and plum blossom ornaments which wasn’t too flashy.

Qingxia smiled as she carefully placed the ornaments on Ye Li’s head, nodding in approval, "Still, Qingfeng truly understands Miss…"

"Yes, Mama," the four maidservants lined up and respectfully bowed to Ye Li.

"The Prince Regent has arrived."

Moxiu Yao appeared at the door, asking softly, "Lily, can I come in"

Ye Li nodded, allowing Moxiu Yao to enter with his wheelchair while leaving A Jin outside. He looked at Ye Li and asked, “Did you sleep well last night, Lily”

"Then... what should I do" Ye Li asked.

Ye Li nodded, "I understand, but I'm still adjusting. What should we do right now"

"Let's eat first and then I'll introduce you to the people in the household," Moxiu Yao said.

The breakfast was laid out in Ye Li’s courtyard, and it suited her taste well. After finishing breakfast, the steward came in to report, “Lord, all the stewards have arrived and are awaiting your summons.” Moxiu Yao nodded and turned to Ye Li, saying, "This is Lord Shen of the Dinging Prince's Manor; he is also Ah Jin’s uncle. You can give him any instructions you need."

The steward stepped forward and paid his respects, “Your servant greets Princess Consort.”

Ye Li smiled gently, "Steward, there's no need for such formalities. I will rely on your assistance in the future." It was clear that Moxiu Yao held this steward in high regard; he was Ah Jin’s uncle who stayed close to his side and could be considered a trusted confidant. The steward received the honor calmly without showing any pride and replied respectfully, "Your servant is unworthy of such honors. Princess Consort can give me any instructions you wish."

The group proceeded to the flower hall, where several people had gathered. When they saw Ye Li and Moxiu Yao enter, everyone quickly stood up and bowed together: “Greetings, Lord and Lady.”

Moxiu Yao pulled Ye Li into the flower hall, pointed at the main seat for her to take, then turned back and said, "Everyone can rise now. The new Princess Consort’s words are my command. Do you all understand"

The group responded in unison: “We will strictly follow Your Highness's instructions.”

"Very well. Agli, this is Madam Sun, the inner stewardess of Duke Wang’s residence, managing all internal affairs. If you have any questions, feel free to ask her." The lead nanny was Madam Sun, who had once delivered gifts to Ye Manor. She was also the first person Mo Xiuyao introduced to Ye Li after their marriage. Recalling this, Mo Xiuyao added, "Madam Sun used to serve my late mother."

"Old servant greets Duchess."

"Please be seated," Ye Li replied with a nod.

"This is Duke Wang’s external steward, Yang Ling. He handles all external affairs for the residence." Beside Madam Sun stood a middle-aged man in his forties, whose eyes revealed shrewdness and intelligence.

“Yang Ling greets Duchess.”

Ye Li frowned slightly. She had no opinion about how others addressed themselves; however, it often reflected their attitude towards her. This external steward clearly did not show the same respect as Chief Steward Mo or Madam Sun did to Ye Li, "No need for formalities, Mr. Yang."

Subsequently, Mo Xiuyao introduced a few other stewards responsible for various aspects of Duke Wang’s residence and its more important managerial tasks. Ye Li also presented gifts to these stewards and rewards to the servants in the household. Madam Sun and Chief Steward Mo’s admiration towards this new Duchess grew increasingly evident. Although the Ye family was not impressive, it was clear that the new duchess inherited her mother's excellent lineage. She moved gracefully and acted appropriately. Even her gifts for the stewards and rewards to the servants were thoughtfully prepared.

“Your Highness, Duchess,” Ajin appeared at the doorway, glancing hesitantly around before speaking up.

"Ajin, what is it" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Ajin held a long box. "Someone just delivered this, saying it’s a wedding gift for Duchess." Ye Li raised her eyebrows. "Where is the person"

“He left.”

The two exchanged glances before Mo Xiuyao said to Ajin, “Bring it over here."

Moxiuyao took a look at what was inside the box and opened it. Inside was a scroll with a painting on it. Seeing nothing wrong, he handed it to Ye Li, who gasped upon unrolling the picture. It depicted a court lady so beautiful that one could hardly imagine such beauty existed in reality. Her eyebrows were naturally dark, her lips naturally red, and her exquisite face seemed too pure for any compliment. Even in the painting, she appeared as if her eyes contained water, gazing around with grace. She wore simple clothes, holding a zither amidst a garden of flowers that paled in comparison to her beauty. "As bright as the morning sun, as radiant as lotuses... what an exquisite beauty..." Ye Li murmured.

At one side of the painting was written ‘Beauty of Chu Jing’. The signature read: Han Mingyue.

Moxiuyao was taken aback. He glanced at the stunning lady in the painting before looking back at Ye Li. After a moment, she smiled and said, "Han Mingyue’s Beauty of Chu Jing is worth thousands of coins. Receiving such a gift on my second day as duchess makes me feel somewhat inadequate." Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and said, “You’re perfect.”

Ye Li looked at the woman in the painting one more time before rolling it up again and hesitated to say, "This" Although she found the painting beautiful and valuable, keeping it wasn't a good idea. Even if she didn’t feel jealous, she did not think it was right for her to keep an image of her husband’s former fiancée. Mo Xiuyao said, “It's a gift for you; Agli, just do as you please.” Ye Li raised her eyebrows. Did he think she would make him deal with his ex-fiancée’s painting She merely wanted to know whether he wanted it or not.

“I have no interest in paintings and having a woman more beautiful than me around all day is quite dispiriting.”

Moxiuyao considered for a moment before instructing Madam Sun, “Find another box. Take this painting back to the Su Family’s residence."

Madam Sun respectfully replied, "Old servant obeys," and took the scroll from Ye Li's hand to give it to a maid who was waiting nearby.

Moxiuyao turned to smile at Ye Li. "Let’s go; Grand Princess Dachang should be up by now." Ye Li nodded and held Mo Xiuyao’s hand as they walked away, unaware of the relieved expressions on Madam Sun and Chief Steward Mo's faces behind them.

“Who sent that painting” On their way to where the Grand Princess was staying, Ye Li asked curiously. Moxiuyao shook his head. "The painting used to be in our residence but I intended to give it to the Su Family. However, with too many things happening then, it disappeared when we tried to find it." Ye Li smiled and said, “Han Mingyue’s painting is priceless; did you not send someone to look for it Furthermore… she truly is a beauty of unparalleled splendor. No wonder Han Mingyue dares to call her the Beauty of Chu Jing.” Mo Xiuyao looked at her thoughtfully before saying, "If I had to paint, mine wouldn't be inferior to hers either. Or would you like me to paint one for you sometime"

Ye Li was taken aback but soon laughed and said, “Sure, thank you.”

The Grand Princess was indeed already up when they arrived at her temporary quarters. The maids by the door quickly invited them in. She sat on a couch sipping tea and smiled widely upon seeing the two of them. Extending her hand to Mo Xiuyao, she said, "Repair Yao, come closer for your aunt to see you. And Repair Yao’s bride, come here too." Moxiuyao led Ye Li up to pay their respects. “Greetings Auntie Empress.”

The Grand Princess pulled Ye Li to sit beside her and examined her carefully before nodding with approval. "Good, good. This is the kind of daughter-in-law that Duke Wang’s residence needs. I like you very much. The emperor finally did something right this time, Repair Yao should take good care of Li Er. If you dare to mess around and make Li Er unhappy, I’ll deal with you!" Mo Xiuyao was at a loss for words and said wryly, "Auntie Empress…." Ye Li watched him in amusement as she stifled a giggle at his rare discomfort. The Grand Princess pulled Ye Li closer and said affectionately, “Li Er, you don’t know. This boy used to be very naughty when he was young. He would climb up the roof every day if left unchecked, almost driving his father crazy. These last few years he has grown steady; he’s become more mature now. You two should have a good life and come to me with any grievances. I’ll deal with them for you.”

The Great Princess was surprisingly easy to get along with. Perhaps because she had grown old and liked children, the Great Princess did not have the stern demeanor that people said of her; instead, she seemed more like a kind grandmother than Lady Ye’s mother-in-law. Ye Li smiled and said, "Liè thanks His Majesty for his kindness. Xiuyáo will never bully me." Hearing Ye Li’s address, the Great Princess’s eyes lit up with delight. She then tugged at Ye Li and chattered on about embarrassing things that Mo Xiuyáo had done when he was young. Sitting there, Mo Xiuyáo’s lips twitched in rare amusement—neither could he protest nor leave, so all he could do was sit still as the Great Princess talked about his childhood and receive Ye Li’s odd glances. It seemed she did not care about whether Mo Xiuyáo felt uncomfortable or if it would make her daughter-in-law feel awkward. She even started talking about Su Zuoye, who had been Mo Xiuyáo’s girl-friend in his youth.

Ye Li found this a little embarrassing but as Mo Xiuyáo did not seem to mind the Great Princess’s talk, she could only listen on. The Great Princess was seemingly oblivious of the young couple’s expressions and pulled Ye Li over to tell Mo Xiuyáo with a smile, "I had told you before that Su Family’s girl does not suit you. Now look at Liè. You have to admit that my eyes are better than yours."

"Auntie," Mo Xiuyáo gave an unhappy laugh. “Your Majesty, I need to take Liè to pay respects to Father and Mother. We can chat another time"

The Great Princess lowered her head as if in thought before finally said, "That’s true. After you have paid your respects to Father and Mother, the next thing you should do is put Liè down on the family register. I am returning home soon. Don’t forget to visit me again." Ye Li smiled and asked, “Auntie, can’t you stay a little longer” The Great Princess sighed and said, "I am getting old; once I leave home, everything feels strange to me. After your wedding, feel free to come over more often." With the Great Princess’s words, the young couple did not want to keep her any longer. Mo Xiuyáo escorted Ye Li to pay respects at their ancestors’ altar before accompanying the Great Princess for lunch and personally seeing her off from Dingguo王府.

Mo Xiuyáo went back to his study in the afternoon while Ye Li still had a lot of work to do, so she returned to her own courtyard. Seeing how quiet the courtyard was after everyone left, Ye Li felt that things were happening too fast for her to follow. In just one day, she moved from the Ye Family’s residence to the Dingguo王府, got married and became the Queen Consort… She had already adjusted herself to this new life

Since it was only their first day of marriage, the caretakers at Dingguo王府 would not bring her a mountain of documents right away. Therefore, Ye Li just needed to manage her own servants and dowry. Returning to her courtyard, she saw Sun Nanny waiting for her along with Lin Nanny and Wei Nanny. Seeing Ye Li walk in, they hurriedly bowed, "Queen Consort."

Ye Li smiled. "Sun Nanny is a trusted old servant of Mother-in-law’s. There’s no need to bow." Sun Nanny said carefully, “I am grateful for the Queen Consort’s kindness but I dare not overstep my boundaries. Following His Highness’s instructions, I have chosen several servants who can take care of the Queen Consort. She may pick those she likes and keep them with her.” Then she took out a list from her sleeve and handed it to Ye Li. The list detailed the names and ages of the maids that were assigned to her courtyard. Sun Nanny continued, “The Queen Consort should have four personal attendants; two for dressing and serving meals respectively, plus another two for needlework. There are also eight second-rank maids and sixteen junior maids who will be taking care of household chores in your yard. I can leave the management of these servants to Lin Nanny and Wei Nanny. However, you must personally check on those responsible for dressing and meals.”

Several young girls dressed as maids walked into the room and bowed respectfully at Ye Li, "Greetings, Queen Consort."

Ye Li lowered her head to look at the list that Sun Nanny had handed her. Not only did it contain the names and ages of these young ladies; their family backgrounds were also clearly written down on it. They were all born servants of the Dingguo王府. Ye Li nodded, handing one of the lists to Lin Nanny and Wei Nanny for them to manage the second- and third-rank maids. Then she turned back to Sun Nanny with a smile and said, "I trust your choices." She then pointed out several names on the list at random. The girls quickly lined up to thank her as Ye Li ordered Qingshuang to hand each of them a sachet containing silver coins.

When they were done with the maids’ affairs, Ye Li asked Sun Nanny to sit and chat with her. Just like Mo Xiuyáo had said, she told him everything without hesitation. After much deliberation, she finally asked, “Sun Nanny, besides my sister-in-law, are there other ladies in the王府” Sun Nanny was taken aback but quickly understood what Ye Li meant. She smiled and replied, "To answer Your Highness’s question—besides Dafo (the first wife), there is no one else." Ye Li frowned at Sun Nanny who seemed a little too happy for her tastes. She nodded to show that she understood. Mo Xiuyáo did not have other concubines; this was good. At least it meant that fewer problems needed her attention. Not wanting to think about the future issues, she realized how perfect life in the Dingguo王府 would be—husband and wife lived in harmony with no interference from each other’s private affairs. There were no elders who needed to be attended by them morning and night nor sisters-in-law that they had to socialize with. Even a jealous concubine was absent. If things continued like this, she might even have to thank Mo Jingli for breaking off their engagement or the Emperor for forcing it.

"Your Highness."

Standing before Mo Xiuyáo who was staring into his book, Jin was confused as to why he had not yet left. Since childhood, Jin had always been around His Highness and could tell when the young master was thinking or daydreaming. Mo Xiuyáo’s eyes flashed; then he looked up at him with a question in his gaze, “Anything” Frowning, Jin rubbed his head and said, "Your Highness… Shouldn’t we go see Queen Consort"

Mo Xiuyáo put the book back on the table. Seeing Jin’s anxious expression, he smiled blandly and asked, "Did Mo Zongguan ask you to do this or was it Sun Nanny"

Jin widened his eyes in surprise; both Uncle and Sun Nanny had told him that he should bring up Queen Consort more often and help His Highness get some alone time with her. However, Jin did not know how to go about doing so, so when he saw the rare sight of His Highness daydreaming, he thought it was an opportunity to ask his master if they could pay a visit to Her Highness Seeing Jin’s confused look, Mo Xiuyáo smiled and shook his head. "Alright then, forget I said that. What is Queen Consort doing"

"She seems to be organizing the things she brought from the Ye Family."

"Then we will leave her alone for now. We can visit when she gets tired of it. Where are last night’s guests"

Shame flashed across Jin’s eyes as he replied, "They’re in the dungeon."

"Go and see them."

In a dimly lit cell with flickering flames, shadows of the person inside were projected onto the wall. As the firelight flickered, so did the shadow. The dark and eerie dungeon seemed to take on an even more sinister hue. Feng Zhiyao was still wearing his flamboyant crimson silk robe as he lounged lazily on the single chair in the cell; he listened with satisfaction to the endless wails of pain emanating from the man who had been beaten nearly senseless and was tied up to a rack by iron chains. Compared to the last few years’ boredom, these busy days were very pleasing indeed.

"What’s your business breaking into Dingguo王府 in the middle of the night"

At the center of the room, a man dressed all in black was bound by iron chains onto a rack. His body was covered in injuries and he glared fiercely at Feng Zhiyao. "Feng Zhiyao! You’re Dingguo’s person!"

"Huh Do you know me" Feng Zhiyao blinked, then sat up straight with interest as he looked at the man before him. “Where are you from The Palace Is our Emperor someone in Changde Palace or did you come from some noble family”

“Hmph!” Most of them who served as dead soldiers were hard-nosed, so even torture had failed to get information out of this man; Feng Zhiyao’s few questions could not possibly change that.

Feng Zhiyao narrowed his eyes in displeasure, "This young master will see if your bones are harder than my torture tools! Continue!"

Swoosh—!

The whip with its gruesome barbs continued to inflict more wounds on the man. Feng Zhiyao glared grimly at what was happening before him.

The sound of a wheelchair moving closer, Feng Zhiyao turned around and saw Mo Xiuyao coming towards him. He stood up and said with a smile, "Not accompanying your bride What are you doing here now" Mo Xiuyao didn't answer but raised an eyebrow to ask, "Has he confessed yet" With a helpless expression, Feng Zhiyao pulled out the file placed beside him and reported, "Last night we captured seven people in four batches. Among them was one from Northern Rong who planned on robbing your bride to humiliate Duke Ding's residence. Another was from Southern Zhao who wanted to probe the terrain to see if he could get his hands on the Cloud Gripping Sword. Two others took advantage of the chaos to steal things for themselves, while three adamantly denied any involvement. This one… I caught him first and suspected that he came here to assassinate someone; however, I don't know who his target is. It shouldn’t be you." The assassin had been taken down by a guard when Mo Xiuyao was accompanying the bride back from her chamber.

"A man from Great Chu" Mo Xiuyao asked as he turned to the black-clad prisoner hanging on the wall.

Feng Zhiyao touched his chin and said, "He knows me. He must be a man from Great Chu." As the Third Young Master of Feng family, he was quite famous in Great Chu, but only within the capital city limits. After all, being an idle rich kid without any inheritance rights might not pique much interest outside his home domain.

"Continue interrogating him. If you can't get anything out of him, just kill him," Mo Xiuyao said coldly. "Where's Ye Liping" Feng Zhiyao gestured to the room next door and then instead of dealing with Mo Xiuyao, he stared at the black-clad man with interest and chuckled. The prisoner shivered; he knew there was no way out once captured. However, hearing Duke Ding say so casually that if they couldn't get anything from him, just kill him sent a chill down his spine. Duke Ding certainly wasn’t useless as everyone thought!

Feng Zhiyao said with a pleasant smile, "Actually, whether you confess or not makes no difference to this young master; either way, you’re going to die. Confess and I’ll give you a quick death. If not... well, it will be the perfect opportunity for me to try out some new toys that have been stifling my creativity." The man's eyes flickered with fear but he still refused to speak. Feng Zhiyao didn't mind; waving his hand, he instructed someone else to continue and then sauntered into the room where Mo Xiuyao was.

The other room was clearly more comfortable than the previous one. It wasn’t damp or smelly and only a steel cage divided it in half. The Northern Rong Prince who had been boasting yesterday was now on the opposite side of the cage, gripping its bars and glaring furiously at Mo Xiuyao. "Mo Xiuyao! You cripple, how dare you send someone to capture this young prince!"

"Oh I thought it was because the Prince wandered into a place he shouldn't have," Mo Xiuyao said with a cold smile. "But don’t worry, no matter what happens, my kingdom wouldn't harm a hair on your head."

Seeing his indifferent gaze, Ye Liping shivered involuntarily. He growled fiercely at the bars, “No harm Then why am I locked up here I will inform our emperor! You’ll lose your head!” Mo Xiuyao’s lips curled slightly. "The Northern Rong has some urgent matters to attend to, and their envoy left this morning after submitting a letter of farewell to His Majesty."

Ye Liping was stunned, “That can’t be possible I’m still here; who would dare leave”

"Prince Ye, you needn't worry about returning home. Shortly, I will personally send someone to escort you back to Northern Rong... and hand you over to Prince Jin."

Hearing this, Ye Liping's face darkened. While he was somewhat dim-witted, he wasn’t utterly foolish; the prince knew that his older brother and the crown prince were at odds with each other for years. If he fell into the hands of the crown prince... his elder brother would certainly kill him!

"Mo Xiuyao! You despicable scoundrel! My eldest brother will never forgive you!"

Mo Xiuyao sneered coldly, staring at Ye Liping and saying calmly, "If Prince Jin dared send you to provoke me, he must have been prepared for you not returning. Or was it his father's order If that’s the case, doesn’t this show how little they want him" A look of realization flashed across Ye Liping's face as his complexion paled. He glared fiercely at Mo Xiuyao and shouted, "You lie! My eldest brother wouldn't do such a thing..." His tone lacked conviction, however; despite being foolish, he wasn’t stupid. Since childhood, people had mocked him, including his elder brother who often called him dim-witted, and even the king didn't like him. Could it really be...

Watching the man's face turn from red to pale with fear, Mo Xiuyao’s eyes flashed darkly. If he could, he would ensure this Northern Rong Prince died in pieces, his bones crushed into dust—thereby satisfying his hatred. Unfortunately, that fool was a prince and thus couldn’t be killed just yet. Like those outside the cell, no matter how much he hated them or despised them, he still had to tolerate their existence for now.

Turning away from this sight, Mo Xiuyao exited the prison room where Feng Zhiyao was leaning against the wall with a grin on his face. "You really plan on handing over this fool to Prince Jin of Northern Rong"

"Of course not just him. Within ten days, I don’t care what methods you use, make him spill everything he knows," Mo Xiuyao said with raised eyebrows. “Then send it all to Prince Jinhong.”

“Any method”

"That's right, any method will do. Just give me the answers I want. He may be a fool but as Prince Jin’s brother, there's no way he knows nothing," Mo Xiuyao said gravely, "Once it's done, you know what to do."

Feng Zhiyao nodded and his smile widened, “Understood. This fool isn't so foolish that more stupidity would come as a surprise. Right Getting Prince Ye Liping and Prince Jin to fight each other That’s quite the idea.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded in satisfaction, "Leave it to you then."aged to leave Xi Ling Imperial City. When Xao Fu gets older, I definitely won’t be so restrictive with her."The others also hurriedly flattered the Princess Consort of Ding Wang for her wise words, bu...