Palace Banquet Prelude
em to arrive."Mohua looked at Ye Li’s calm demeanor with a complex expression, hesitating before saying, "Your Excellency Consort and Minister Xu should go to a safe place first to avoid the danger. T...57. Prelude to the Palace Banquet
57. Prelude to the Palace Banquet
Ye Li frowned as she watched the two men silently competing in drinking games; Lord Ye's eyes were nearly popping out of his head, but no one paid any attention. Grandma Ye managed a weak suggestion which was ignored outright by Mo Jinglei, while Mo Xiuyao merely smiled politely at her grandmother without refusing Mo Jinglei’s continued attempts to get him drunk. Ye Li glanced over at An Jin standing不遠處，察覺到葉璃的目光後，安謹露出焦急的神色看向沉默飲酒的墨修堯。
Mojinglei poured another glass of wine, only for a delicate hand to cover the cup. Mo Jinglei's expression darkened as he raised his eyebrows at Mo Xiuyao, "Mo Xiuyao, what does this mean" Ye Li remained calm and placed the cup in front of herself, "Has His Majesty the Prince Regent had too much wine It is this lady who is blocking your attempts to get him drunk. Why are you asking me about our lord" Mo Jinglei sneered, "What do women know about men drinking This prince does not concern himself with what women think." Ye Li smiled coldly, "Women also don't care about the Prince Regent's opinion. We have an appointment to visit the Xu family this afternoon. Does His Majesty the Prince Regent want our lord to be drunk when he visits them Do you understand that not everyone is as unconcerned with propriety as Your Highness"
"Mo Xiuyao, has marriage made you afraid of women" Mo Jinglei glared at Ye Li for a long time before turning and coldly addressing Mo Xiuyao.
Moxiuyao looked calmly back at him, even adding a touch of amusement to his expression. "Jinglei, respecting one's wife is not a bad thing. Miss Jing said that we have an appointment with Mister Xu and the Censor today. You know that if Mister Hongsu really wants us out on our ear, he will throw us out." Mo Jinglei insisted, "How do I not know A return visit involves seeing relatives in one's hometown as well as those of his wife's family. Stop talking nonsense, Mo Xiuyao, will you drink the wine to show respect"
"No," Mo Xiuyao replied straightforwardly, and Ye Li sitting next to him could clearly sense that his mood was unusually good; even in dealing with Mo Jinglei there was an element of teasing.
"Cough… Prince Regent, since the Crown Prince still has matters to attend to, let's not make things difficult for them. We can all meet again later," Fu Zhao helplessly stepped forward to salvage the situation; they had all grown up in the same city and knew each other from childhood. Mo Xiuyao and Mo Jinglei hadn't gotten along since childhood, but it was surprising that after so many years their relationship had become even worse. It made things difficult for outsiders like them. Seeing how good-tempered Mo Xiuyao seemed now, Fu Zhao couldn't help feeling relieved; his temper used to be much more volatile and he wouldn't listen to the duchess's advice, back then it was likely they would have come to blows.
"Jinglei…" Ye Ying spoke softly, "We still have an appointment this afternoon. Let's ask him next time."
Mojinglei narrowed his eyes and gave a soft snort before turning away in silence. Others present let out a collective sigh of relief in their hearts; Lord Ye rubbed the slightly painful spot on his forehead and vowed not to put these two sons-in-law in the same room together again.
After lunch, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao went directly to Xu Mansion. On leaving, Xu Hongyu took Mo Xiuyao aside for a half-hour conversation in the study while Ye Li was ordered to wait outside. The rest of the Xu brothers were out in the yard except for Xuchen who could never be found, and Qingze who was always busy with his second aunt. Qinyan laughed as he leaned against the table and looked at Ye Li, "Sister Jing, my father won't eat your husband; you don't need to worry about him." Ye Li rolled her eyes, "Which eye of yours sees me worrying" Xinqian pointed to both his own eyes and said, "Both see."
Xingfeng, who was usually thick-skinned, felt a rare sense of melancholy as he looked at Ye Li. "I didn't expect that in just a few days Jing'er would become someone else's. If the Crown Prince bullies you come back and tell Brother Three; I will definitely stand up for you." Ye Li nodded seriously, "I'll remember, Brother Three can rest assured." Xingfeng sighed, "In a few days I'm leaving the capital. Brother Three will talk to Brother Two about asking his wife to visit the Crown Prince's mansion frequently."
Xinqian laughed, "Brother Three, do you really need to exaggerate The Crown Prince’s Mansion is not Mount of Blades or Sea of Flames; with us around how could he dare bully Sister Jing"
Qingbai rolled his eyes and said, "Who is the one who backs away when he sees the Crown Prince" How had they ended up with such a timid young man in their family And yet he was expected to stand up for Ye Li
Xinqian's face turned red as he recalled someone’s frightening behavior and couldn't help shivering, "Brother Four, don’t blame me for being timid. Really, that person..." He was too terrifying. Thinking back on the two unfortunate bandits in the courtyard villa that night, Xinqian had nightmares for several nights; now just seeing Mo Xiuyao made him reflexively want to hide behind Qingbai. Ye Li looked at Xinqian's guilty expression and although he didn’t finish his sentence she could guess that someone must have done something frightening enough to scare him. She wasn't particularly interested in investigating further as Mo Xiuyao was a famous general who had fought on battlefields since youth; she hadn't expected him to be an impeccable gentleman without any flaws.
Back at the Crown Prince's mansion, Ye Li started taking charge of various matters concerning the mansion. It took her two days just to sort out all the accounts and books. She was secretly impressed by the wealth accumulated over generations in the Crown Prince’s household. As she got a handle on things, an invitation to a palace banquet arrived from the palace; with the pretext of seeing foreign envoys off, it was obvious that neither Mo Xiuyao nor Ye Li could refuse.
Returning to the palace, her previous unhappy experience made Ye Li’s mood not so cheerful. The Crown Prince's carriage did not stop outside the palace gate like other noblemen's carriages, but went straight through to within the walls. Mo Xiuyao was dressed in a moon white robe embroidered with silver dragons and auspicious clouds, wearing an azure stone-encrusted jade hat which he had pulled his hair into a neat bun, looking dignified and elegant. "Is Miss Jing not feeling well"
Ye Li lay lazily in the carriage and said, "Nothing much; the palace always gives one a sense of oppression."
Moxiuyao smiled wryly, "How many people want to find ways into the palace. Miss Jing's opinions are unique."
Ye Li glanced at him coolly, "Climbing up by stepping on countless corpses or being stepped upon by others; is it really that interesting"
Moxiuyao thought for a moment and smiled, "The process must be very uninteresting. But most people do not see the process. All they need to imagine is standing at the top with a sense of achievement." Ye Li raised an eyebrow and stared at him for a long time before she asked, "Is Xiuyao also thinking this way" Mo Xiuyao was stunned; looking down at his hand resting on the wheelchair handle he said after some time, "Not only do I not want to be someone who is stepped upon." The carriage fell silent for a moment and then Ye Li's voice quietly echoed, "I don't like stepping on anyone but also dislike being stepped upon."
"My Lord, we are here. Queen Mother requests the Duchess to join her," An Jin said from outside the carriage; it had already slowed down. Ye Li estimated that they were not in any of the places she had been before and was probably near Empress Fengde's Palace. Mo Xiuyao turned his head and said, "I have to see the Emperor. I can't accompany you inside. Will you be alright"
Ye Li nodded and got up to leave the carriage. Mo Xiuyao pulled her back lightly and whispered, "Be careful; if anything happens… immediately send Qingluan out to find An Jin. He is close to Fengde Palace." Ye Li frowned, "But you…" An Jin was Mo Xiuyao's personal bodyguard and someone he trusted implicitly. If he wasn't around... Mo Xiuyao laughed, "You don’t think I only trust An Jin" It’s fine; go ahead."
"Alright, see you soon." Ye Li didn't insist after hearing this and got out of the carriage. Outside the carriage, people from Empress Fengde's Palace had been waiting for a while and quickly came forward to greet her, "Servant greets Crown Princess, as per Empress' orders we are here to welcome Duchess."
"Thank you," Ye Li replied.
"No need; please follow us."
Entering Fengde Palace, there were already quite a few noblewomen seated. The palace was grand and luxurious without being overly extravagant; the fine details showed particular elegance. Ye Li couldn't help but feel curious about this Empress who wasn’t well-known among common people.
"I have seen the Empress Dowager, may she be safe and healthy," Ye Li walks into the grand hall and恭敬地參拜那位雍容華貴的女子。
"Princess Consort of King Ding, you don’t need to kowtow. Please take a seat," the Queen's voice is elegant and peaceful, not at all high and mighty as one might expect from a queen.
“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Ye Li gets up and follows a palace maid to sit in the first available spot. Although Ye Li is relatively young among the ladies present, her status as Princess Consort of King Ding puts her above most other princess consorts and noblewomen. The seat reserved for her at the front of the hall reflects this high standing. Scanning around, she recognizes many familiar faces: Lady Dagu from Duke Huo’s manor with Hua Tianxiang; Imperial Princes Xiyang and Xiaorong sitting next to Princess Qixia and Countess Ronghua whom they haven’t seen for a long time; the beautiful and charming Princess Ye Ying of Li王府. Clearly, only those who have some connection to the royal family or hold a title are seated in Fengde Palace.
Seated now, Ye Li looks at the Queen sitting on the Phoenix Throne. The Queen is dressed in bright yellow phoenix robes, exuding an air of imperial dignity and grace that commands respect. As she gazes at the Queen, the latter happens to be looking back with a smile, causing Ye Li to pause in surprise. Though not particularly beautiful—she pales in comparison to Hua Tianxiang who also comes from Duke Huo’s manor—the Queen’s composed poise and regal demeanor are unmatched by anyone present.
"Empress Dowager, is this Princess Consort of King Ding" A clear voice rings out from the opposite side, immediately capturing everyone's attention. Looking in that direction, Ye Li spots a young lady in colorful attire sitting next to Imperial Prince Xiyang, clearly someone of extraordinary status.
The Queen smiles and replies, "Yes, this is Princess Consort of King Ding. As for Princess Lingyun, she has been unwell since arriving in Chu Capital and hasn’t met the princess consort yet. Princess Consort of King Ding, allow me to introduce you to Princess Lingyun of Xi Ling."
Ye Li nods and says courteously, "Pleased to meet you, Princess."
Given her status, even a princess cannot be disrespectful toward Ye Li. However, this smiling princess seems not to have heard Ye Li's greeting. Instead, she boldly scrutinizes Ye Li before asking, "I hear that you drew out the Cloud-Gathering Sword Is it true"
Nodding slightly, Ye Li replies with a smile, "Yes, I did see the Cloud-Gathering Sword."
Princess Lingyun is clearly unsatisfied with this answer. Rising to her feet and tilting her head up, she declares, "I don’t believe you. I want to test my sword skills against yours."
"I do not know how to wield a sword," Ye Li says calmly.
Staring intently at Ye Li, Princess Lingyun presses further, "How then did you draw the Cloud-Gathering Sword if you don’t know how to use it"
Raising an eyebrow, Ye Li replies with a faint smile, "Princess, drawing and wielding a sword are two different things. Why can't someone who doesn’t know how to wield a sword draw one" She finds it perplexing why these princesses insist on challenging others in activities they aren't even capable of. “I don’t care if you’re afraid or not,” Princess Lingyun declares.
Ye Li rises and says, "Princess, how could I dare to refuse a challenge when the Empress Dowager and all ladies are present"
Satisfied with this answer, Princess Lingyun asks, "Then where is your sword"
"In fact, aside from the Cloud-Gathering Sword which was given by the Crown Prince of Zhen Nan, I have never touched a sword in my life. That day was the first time I ever held one," Ye Li explains.
Hua Tianxiang leans against her mother and asks with a soft voice: "So Empress Dowager, can I go challenge General Dagu tomorrow to prove that my needlework is the best in the world" Her words are barely audible but carry across the hall. Many chuckle quietly at this remark, while the Queen glares at Hua Tianxiang who giggles behind her hand and says: "Empress Dowager, why do you say such things I just want a good reputation."
Ye Li looks gratefully at Hua Tianxiang who winks and pretends to be bashful.
The Queen tries not to laugh and tells Princess Lingyun: "Princess, the princess consort of King Ding is not skilled with swords. Let’s not have this contest."
Flustered by Hua Tianxiang's remarks, Princess Lingyun says through gritted teeth, “But she drew out the Cloud-Gathering Sword! She must know how to wield it."
"The Cloud-Gathering Sword belongs to King Ding’s manor. If she likes it, there’s no reason for her not to draw it out," Countess Ronghua retorts sarcastically: "Are all princesses from other countries so strange Do they like forcing others to compete in activities they can’t do"
“You!” Not only does Princess Lingyun feel embarrassed, but also Princess Qixia next to her. Many recall a similar incident during the Flower Festival when Princess Qixia challenged Ye Li to dance.
The Queen sees this could escalate and says quickly, “Enough of this nonsense. Ronghua, don’t speak out of turn in front of these princesses.” Countess Ronghua huffs and sits silently next to Imperial Prince Xiaorong. She dislikes Princess Qixia whom Xiyang loves dearly, and by extension, she also detests the new arrogant Princess Lingyun.
"Imperial Concubine Li has arrived!"
As a sharp announcement is heard, Empress Dowager Li enters in her usual cold demeanor, dressed in light yellow palace attire.
"Your Majesty," Empress Dowager Li greets the Queen with a slight bow as coldly as before. She clearly doesn’t plan on being polite to either the Empress or the Queen, who seem used to this and merely nod: "Empress, what brings you here today" Some of the ladies present look surprised—Empress Dowager Li rarely attends imperial events.
"I was bored and heard there’s a gathering here," Empress Dowager Li says coolly. "Doesn’t Queen Mother doubt me" The Queen frowns slightly but remains gracious: “If you wish to stay, please sit down.” She waves for maids to prepare a seat.
Ignoring this, Empress Dowager Li walks straight up to Ye Li and asks bluntly: "May I sit here"
"Sure, if Your Majesty doesn’t mind," Ye Li smiles.
The Queen lets Empress Dowager Li seat herself next to Ye Li without bothering with a separate preparation. The queen usually stays at arm's length from the Emperor’s favorite concubine but tolerates her somewhat better in public settings. Today’s coldness and rudeness are pushing limits, but compared to the Empress, the Queen finds some strange balance.
Empress Dowager Li sits next to Ye Li with a stern face, causing other ladies who were planning to speak to Ye Li to pause. Though no one knows exactly why, it’s clear that approaching her could be troublesome and embarrassing.
No one spoke, so Ye Li could only sit and listen to others. Fortunately, she was also someone who could stay seated.
"What happened in the palace just now, I have heard from people," Ye Li thought that Imperial Concubine Liu would not speak to her, but hearing a soft voice beside her, she was slightly taken aback.
Imperial Concubine Liu's tone was full of dissatisfaction and disdain as she said, "You’re useless! You couldn’t dance when the Nan Zhao Princess challenged you in dancing last time. Now you can't even compete with Xiling’s princess in swordsmanship!" Ye Li was at a loss for what to do, listening to her complaints. If she had not mistaken, this Imperial Concubine Liu only admired Mo Xiuyao and never his mother, so why the tone of disdain "Your Highness, I have no interest in dancing. Besides… The Prince Regent’s Mansion doesn’t need a consort who is skilled at dancing. As for swordsmanship… This seems to be something that noble ladies from the capital do not learn."
Imperial Concubine Liu harrumphed and said, "You forgot to mention your mediocre painting skills and even your poems are written by others. If you dare to lose face, I won’t let it go!"
"Are you really the mother of Mo Xiuyao" Ye Li sighed inwardly as she admired Imperial Concubine Liu's straightforward character.
Across from them, Princess Zhao Ren suddenly asked, "What are Imperial Concubine Liu and Consort Ding talking about They seem to be having a good time."
Imperial Concubine Liu looked up and said after staring at her for a moment, "Princess Zhao Ren, which of your eyes can see me being happy" Princess Zhao Ren was left speechless. Ye Li sighed inwardly as she envied the straightforwardness of Imperial Concubine Liu. Unfortunately, not everyone had such a right to be so direct. If it were not for Emperor’s protection and favoritism, even with her prestigious background, an imperial concubine like Imperial Concubine Liu might not have long to live in the palace.
Seeing that Princess Zhao Ren was speechless and her face turning black from anger, Imperial Concubine Liu seemed to be in a good mood as she looked at her arrogantly. "Princess, didn’t you ask what I said to Consort Ding Since Consort Ding is not proficient in swordsmanship, why don’t I compete with Princess Ling Yun"
"Imperial Concubine!" Empress frowned disapprovingly.
But Imperial Concubine Liu did not care and coldly stared at Princess Ling Yun. "Princess, what do you think of this proposal"
Although Princess Ling Yun had only been in the capital for a short time, she knew that Imperial Concubine Liu was Emperor Dachu’s most beloved imperial concubine. No matter what, she would never fight with her since there were too many consequences if she lost. "Just now, it was just a joke between Princess Ling Yun and Consort Ding; I’m young and foolish, how could I dare to compete against Imperial Concubine"
"Enough, Imperial Concubine. Princess Ling Yun is just being childish, and besides, Consort Ding doesn’t know about swordsmanship so it’s not intentional," Empress said calmly with a rare determination on her face that would not be easily defied.
Empress spoke to Imperial Concubine Liu for some time. Since they were still early before the banquet started, she invited all the ladies of the court to spend their time in the imperial garden. Everyone thanked Empress and went towards the imperial garden. Before leaving, however, Imperial Concubine Liu was held back by Empress.
Just as Hua Tianxiang left Fengde Palace, she immediately approached Ye Li with a smile. "I’ve met Consort Ding."
Ye Li glanced at her and said, "Are you too free"
Hua Tianxiang waved her hand and said, "What do you mean I should pay my respects to Consort Ding according to the rules. Did Imperial Concubine Liu not trouble you just now" Ye Li was puzzled, "Why would she trouble me" Hua Tianxiang silently looked at her with a compassionate expression. "A’Li, I told you to go out more often, but you wouldn’t listen. You must know that Imperial Concubine Liu…" Realizing it wasn’t good to gossip about an imperial concubine in the palace, she whispered in Ye Li’s ear, "Before entering the palace, Imperial Concubine Liu was very… admiring of Prince Ding." Ye Li was speechless; even Hua Tianxiang knew this piece of information so obviously her admiration went beyond ‘very’.
She nodded. "Yes, she didn’t trouble me."
Hua Tianxiang walked beside Ye Li and shrugged her shoulders. "To be honest, I was surprised that she would stand up for you. From the look on her face, it seems like she doesn’t have any other intentions."
"Imperial Concubine Liu is very skilled in swordsmanship" Ye Li decided not to tell Hua Tianxiang about how Imperial Concubine Liu had belittled her.
Hua Tianxiang sighed and said enviously, "Every year the capital selects the most talented woman and the most beautiful woman. But Imperial Concubine Liu… is undoubtedly a genuine beauty with talent. That year’s Hundred Flowers Feast was considered to be the most splendid since Dachu’s founding. At that time, those who participated were exactly the top two beauties of Chu Capital in Han Mingyue’s paintings. One can imagine how stunning it must have been…" Ye Li agreed wholeheartedly even though she did not see it; the competition must have been fierce.
"So Imperial Concubine Liu won"
Hua Tianxiang sighed and said, "No, actually Imperial Concubine Liu lost. She was only thirteen at that time while Su Zuodie was sixteen. Even if Imperial Concubine Liu is now a heavenly beauty, she was just a beautiful girl when she was thirteen. So the first place of Chu Capital’s most beautiful woman went to Su Zuodie and her portrait was painted by Han Mingyue when she was fifteen. Of course, as for looks, I haven’t seen any woman better than Su Zuodie; it wasn’t unjust for Imperial Concubine Liu to lose.
"Ah," Ye Li said.
"Then…" Hua Tianxiang continued, "That year at the Hundred Flowers Feast, almost no one else had a chance. Su Zuodie won the first place in dancing, painting, poetry and qin music while Imperial Concubine Liu won chess and calligraphy. They both took second places in their respective competitions. After Su Zuodie became engaged, she didn’t participate again but Imperial Concubine Liu continued to win every competition at the Hundred Flowers Feast for three consecutive years."
Ye Li was humbled by her achievements; it’s no wonder Imperial Concubine Liu could look down on others as if they were inferior. Seeing Ye Li's indifferent attitude, Hua Tianxiang said angrily, "Can’t you try harder Don’t you have any sense of crisis" Ye Li sighed, "You’re thinking too much." She and a talented woman like Imperial Concubine Liu were not even from the same world; if she had to be as excellent in everything as her, she would rather go on an outdoor survival challenge for a month. Drawing maps or mechanical diagrams was fine, but writing poetry That was beyond her skill level; participating at the Hundred Flowers Feast that time was already a superhuman effort.
"Forget it," Hua Tianxiang waved her hand and asked when she saw Princess Ling Yun staring at them, "How did you offend Princess Ling Yun" Ye Li sighed. “I'm sure I’m meeting her for the first time today. Before that I only met the Prince of Xiling.”
Hua Tianxiang was confused. "Then why does she have a look like she wants to eat you up”
"Lianyun Sword" That was the only thing related to Princess Ling Yun.
"Lianyun Sword Isn’t that something from Prince Regent’s Mansion, what has it got to do with Princess Ling Yun"
“Everyone knows that it was sent back from Xiling. Maybe she doesn’t want to let go of it.” Seeing Princess Ling Yun approaching them, Ye Li suggested changing their location.
Hua Tianxiang frowned and said sarcastically, "If it’s a blessing, it will come; if it’s a curse, you can’t avoid it. Do you want to run around in the imperial garden
"Ding King's Consort." As she spoke, Princess Lingyun had already reached their side. The noblewomen standing at a respectful distance around them were surreptitiously peeking over.
"Princess, is there anything else"
Princess Lingyun said, "I want to talk to the Consort privately."
Ye Li frowned and said, "I don't know what needs to be discussed with the princess."
Princess Lingyun's pretty face darkened slightly as she retorted, "I traveled a thousand miles to come here. Are you saying that Consort Ding doesn’t even want to walk around the imperial garden with me" Ye Li nodded helplessly and said, "If that’s how it is, please proceed then." Princess Lingyun harrumphed softly and strode ahead with her head held high. Ye Li sent a reassuring look to Hua Tianxiang, who was worried, and sighed as she followed after.
The young people nowadays… really needed to be taught a lesson!
Princess Lingyun dismissed her maidservant, and naturally Ye Li did not want Qing Luan and the others to follow either. The two of them walked side by side along the paths in the imperial garden. Ye Li asked, "Is there something you wish to say to me"
Princess Lingyun turned her head to look at her with a harrumph and said, "You don’t deserve Ding Wang."
Ye Li smiled slightly as she replied, "Praise from the princess is too much. The saying goes that one should marry up in status, so isn't it showing that I married into a good family and found a fine husband" Princess Lingyun sneered, "You don’t need to act like this. I’ve investigated you thoroughly. You were an unknown daughter of the Secretary’s Mansion who was even rejected by Prince Li before being matched with Ding Wang by the emperor in Chu Capital where you gained some renown. Even if you are called the first talent in the capital, what does it matter It still doesn’t mean that you deserve to marry into the family of Ding Wang."
"Oh, is that so" Ye Li’s expression did not change as she asked coolly, "Even if I don't deserve Ding Wang, what does it have to do with the princess"
Princess Lingyun raised her eyebrows and smiled triumphantly. "You’ll soon find out what relationship you have with me. Ding Wang belongs to me, Ye Li. If you’re smart, you’d better stay far away from him." Ye Li frowned as she stared at Princess Lingyun for a long time before asking seriously, "Princess, I need your advice on something."
"Speak,"
“Does Xiu Yao know who you are” Ye Li asked. “According to my knowledge, Xiu Yao hasn’t left the palace in at least seven years. The most conservative estimate would be that even if you met him, it was when he was still a child of eight or nine years old. So… do you think he remembers who you are Or maybe he doesn't know you at all”
“What’s the difference I’m the most revered princess in Da Ling. Am I not better than someone like you” Princess Lingyun glared at her angrily.
Ye Li looked at her strangely and said, "If the princess really wants to marry Ding Wang, shouldn’t she have appeared before our marriage to compete with me What does it mean now that you’re appearing after we’ve already married You should know that there has never been a precedent in the Ding family of taking two consorts or remarrying after divorcing. Or are you willing to be a concubine instead If not… Even if I died, becoming his wife would only make you an heir and you’d still have to kowtow at my grave every first and fifteenth day."
“You... You wish!” Princess Lingyun shouted angrily. "I will be Ding Wang’s primary consort!"
"As you please," Ye Li said with a pitying look on her face. "But I think the Crown Prince of Southern Commanding thinks differently than you, don’t you agree"
A hint of hatred flashed in Princess Lingyun's eyes. If it weren't for Lei Tengfeng detaining her at the embassy as soon as she arrived in Chu Capital and announcing to everyone that she was ill, why would she only now be looking for Ye Li Smiling gently at the constantly changing expression on Princess Lingyun’s face, she continued, "Speaking of which, it’s rare to see a princess of marriageable age being sent abroad. Usually such missions are about… diplomatic marriages I heard that Xiling suffered from snow disasters last winter..."
There were many things she did not want to think about, but she was far from clueless. She did not worry at all about this Princess Lingyun. No matter how capable the princess might be, Emperor would never allow Mo Xiuyao to marry a Xiling princess who would only cause him more trouble. Even if it were the Northern Rong or Southern Zhao princesses, Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t have anything to do with them. Only this little princess was completely oblivious and believed that simply finding her could make her back down. She really did not want to belittle the intelligence of these princesses, but… weren't there any normal princesses among the younger generation Or were they truly too young
“What do you find so appealing about Ding Wang” Ye Li asked curiously when she saw the determined look on Princess Lingyun’s face.
"You don’t understand. Ding Wang is the most outstanding man in this world, the youngest and strongest general, and also the one with the greatest talent. I’m marrying the finest man in the world," Princess Ling Yun replied with a harrumph.
“He’s not as excellent as you say he is now,” Ye Li reminded her.
"You’re truly... so vulgar that it's unbearable to talk to you. Ding Wang must be blind to have married someone like you. I know, the emperor of Dong Chu ordered him to marry you. How could a woman like you understand how excellent he is"
Looking at the righteous lady before her, Ye Li reflected if she should feel ashamed in comparison with this princess. Compared to Princess Lingyun, Yang Qianru was so normal and Ye Ying was such an adorable child.
"I will definitely become Ding Wang's consort!" Princess Ling Yun declared firmly as she stared at her.
“Work hard, I wish you success,” said Ye Li coolly.
"I will definitely be Ding Wang’s consort!" Princess Lingyun gritted her teeth and jumped into the artificial lake by the side of the road.
"Ah ah—Help! The princess has fallen into the water!" A shrill female voice rang out in the imperial garden.e entire city plunged into an even more eerie and solemn atmosphere.Twenty miles outside the capital, on a quiet road devoid of people, Cold Haoyu bowed and smiled. "Director Xu, Nobleman Qingchen, Fo...