Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 340: Meeting but not recognizing each other

339. Unrecognized Meeting

Watching Ye Ying leave without reservation, despite her desire to give chase, Ye Yue was held back by the excruciating pain from her wounded body. She was left holding and sobbing over the unconscious child in her arms. If she hadn’t been so stubborn, so determined to regain her status through Mo Jingli, how would she have ended up in such dire straits? But no matter how deep her regret, she was powerless to change her current situation.

「Before long, a courtyard situated in the most secluded corner of Ye Mansion burst into massive flames.」

In the front courtyard, Ye Wenhua and the elder lady of the Ye Family, Ms. Wang, courteously saw Mo Jingli off. Despite his polite façade, Ye Wenhua was seething with resentment, wishing Mo Jingli would never set foot in their residence again. When Mo Jingli had originally returned requesting to see Ye Yue, he had been unwilling to agree. However, the elder lady was persistent and insisted on having Prince Li meet Ye Yue once more. Seeing Mo Jingli’s gloomy expression and Ms. Wang’s disappointed demeanor, Ye Wenhua was at a loss for words.

"Master! Disaster! The rear courtyard is on fire!" A servant rushed over, blurting out the news.

Startled, Ye Wenhua asked, "Where did the fire break out?"

The servant replied, "It... It’s the courtyard that Prince Li and Princess Consort Li visited just now." Such an answer was strange. If he had said it was the courtyard where the second Miss was confined, people might have needed a moment to associate Mo Jingli with the incident. But the answer that it was a courtyard that Prince Li and Princess Consort Li had just visited, and then a fire had immediately broken out after Prince Li had left—even a fool would connect this incident with Prince Li.

Everyone looked over and indeed saw billowing smoke rising from the direction of the rear courtyard.

Ms. Wang shrieked, "Yue’er!"

Ye Wenhua sternly admonished, "Why are you still standing there? Send someone to put out the fire!" Without further ado, he hurriedly paid his respects to Mo Jingli and turned to leave towards the rear courtyard. Ms. Wang, having recovered from her shock, immediately followed Ye Wenhua. Standing by the entrance, Mo Jingli’s eyes darkened. He glanced at Ye Ying beside him and ordered in a low voice, "Back to the post house."

Ye Ying obediently nodded, "Yes, my prince."

In the blink of an eye, the once bustling entrance became eerily quiet. The elder lady was momentarily bewildered. How could this have happened?

When the news of the fire at Ye Mansion reached Prince Ding’s Mansion, Mo Xiuyao merely responded with a light smile, "Are we certain this time? That woman isn’t going to play dead again, is she?"

Standing at the door, Ah-Jin earnestly nodded, "My prince, please rest assured. Ah-Jin inspected it personally. It is definitely Ye Yue."

Pleased, Mo Xiuyao smiled, "Good job. It was hard on you to carry out this mission immediately after your return. Go see Uncle Mo."

Ah-Jin nodded and left without asking further questions. From behind him came Mo Xiuyao’s casual order, "There’s no need to tell the Princess Consort about this matter."

Ah-Jin paused for a moment and continued to walk away. The prince probably thought it was a trivial matter not worth informing the Princess Consort about.

The study was peaceful. Mo Xiuyao looked at the letter on the table, a smile of satisfaction on his face.

At this moment, Ye Li’s courtyard was extraordinarily lively. Not only Second Madam Xu and Qin Zheng were present, but also First Madam Xu, Empress Hua, and other women who had a close relationship with Ye Li, such as Murong Ting. Those joining in the fun also included children Mo Xiaobao, Leng Junhan, Xu Zhirui, and the twin ’buns’ who had just turned one month old.

Mr. Qingyun’s birthday was in two days, and everything that needed to be prepared in Licheng was ready. Everyone in Prince Ding’s Mansion had been busy with the preparations for many days. When it was finally almost time, they found a rare moment of leisure. A group of women gathered to see the little ’buns’. Both Madams Xu each held one, unable to get enough of the rosy, delicate babies. So far, the current generation of the Xu Family only had Xu Zhirui. Naturally, the two Madams were smitten with the little buns. Moreover, since the two little ones had opened their eyes, they were exceptionally well-behaved and intelligent. One was always smiling, while the other was quieter but also incredibly well-behaved. They were even easier to care for than Mo Xiaobao had been as a baby. Even Mo Xiuyao had to admit that combined, these two babies were less of a handful than Mo Xiaobao had been as a child.

"Good child...my little Lin’er. This child is so charming..." First Madam Xu adored Lin’er so much that once she held him, she wouldn’t let go. Although he was still a small child, it was clear that Lin’er resembled the Xu Family more. First Madam Xu, who had never had a grandson, naturally doted on this adorable child. Second Madam Xu also liked the little Xin’er in her hands. Although she had a grandson, she didn’t have a granddaughter. The Xu Family didn’t even have any daughters. Seeing this well-behaved and pretty little girl, Second Madam Xu loved her just as dearly.

Ye Li watched the two babies in the arms of the two Madams Xu, both with big eyes wide open, and chuckled, "If my two aunts like children, why not urge third and fourth brothers to marry earlier?"

At these words, Hua Tianxiang and Mo Wuyou, who were sitting to the side, blushed on the spot. Mo Wuyou hid behind Empress Hua with her face red, but Hua Tianxiang had nowhere to hide. She could only stare at Ye Li with a face burning red, "Li’er, you..." 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝔀𝓮𝒃𝙣𝓸𝒗𝒆𝒍.𝙘𝒐𝒎

Qin Zheng covered her lips and chuckled, "Li’er is right, Tianxiang, I’m counting on you to join me in the Xu Family."

Murong Ting, holding her own precious son, smiled and said, "Isn’t that so? My son Junhan is almost five years old."

"You... you all have no shame!" Hua Tianxiang was so embarrassed that she stamped her feet.

Second Madam Xu was very satisfied with Hua Tianxiang, who was going to be her daughter-in-law, so she quickly intervened, "Alright, what are you all saying in front of these young ladies? I’ve discussed this with your uncle, grandfather, and Madam Yang. The Old State Duke had passed away, so they couldn’t marry during the immediate mourning period. We can only postpone the wedding till next year. By then, Tianxiang and Wuyou will be married into our Xu Family together. It would be a celebrated affair." Mo Wuyou was still young, but Hua Tianxiang was not. It would have been nice to marry during the mourning period. However, Xu Qingfeng was fighting a war in the Capital of Great Chu at the time. Consequently, they had no choice but to wait until the year-long mourning period had passed. Second Madam Xu was originally worried about finding suitable daughters-in-law, but now that the candidates had been finalized, she wasn’t as concerned. Besides, by the time they finished Mr. Qingyun’s birthday feast and started preparing for the wedding, preparations would carry them through to next year.

Empress Hua lovingly looked at her blushing niece and daughter. Marrying into the Xu Family was absolutely a rare good match for them, which made her feel relieved. Although the Hua Family had a big name and noble lineage, everyone knew that after the death of State Duke Hua, the Hua Family had fallen into decline. Even if the descendants tried hard, it would take at least ten to twenty years to rise again. The Xu Family was unpretentious and didn’t place much importance on lineage. When Hua Tianxiang and Mo Wuyou married into the Xu Family, they wouldn’t suffer any grievances.

Hua Tianxiang was fine, as she and Xu Qingfeng genuinely favored each other; their affection was mutual. The relationship between Mo Wuyou and Xu Qingbai, however, was more a result of First Madam Xu’s efforts. Xu Qingbai, unlike Xu Qingfeng, wasn’t one to readily show his emotions, making it quite difficult to discern his feelings. Mo Wuyou wasn’t that old. Even if she was just beginning to develop feelings for Xu Qingbai, she had been somewhat unwittingly guided into this arranged marriage by both families. It wasn’t that she was unwilling; rather, she felt somewhat confused and at a loss.

Ye Li noticed Mo Wuyou’s expression but didn’t break the silence. Xu Qingbai must have had some feelings for Wuyou, or else he would not have agreed with First Madam Xu’s idea given his mild yet decisive personality. The way Mo Wuyou referred to Xu Qingbai also did not suggest she disliked him. Besides, both of them were young; there was plenty of time for them to develop their relationship.

"Princess Consort, Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning request to see you." Everyone was chatting when Qingshuang came in to report.

Everyone was taken aback, and the expressions of Empress Hua and Mo Wuyou became even more complicated. Others just found it strange, but these two indeed had a much deeper connection with Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning.

Murong Ting asked curiously, "What are they doing here at Prince Ding’s Mansion?" Since moving to Licheng, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning had kept a low profile. Apart from coming to pay respects to Ye Li when they first arrived, they had never set foot in Prince Ding’s Mansion, so it was no wonder Murong Ting was curious.

Ye Li thought for a while and said, "Let them in."

Qingshuang went to do as she was told, and First Madam Xu asked, "If Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning need to see you for something, should we excuse ourselves first?"

Ye Li shook her head and said, "They will be living in Licheng for a long time in the future, so does that mean we should never see each other? They probably came here because of Noble Consort Liu."

"Noble Consort Liu?!" Everyone was surprised; as far as they knew, Noble Consort Liu had been dead for a long time.

Ye Li nodded, pondering for a moment before saying, "Noble Consort Liu is not dead; she is now in Licheng. Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning probably got the news and came to me for confirmation."

In a moment, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning were brought in. Both looked quite well, suggesting they were living quite comfortably in Licheng. However, seeing the grim scar on the top half of Princess Zhenning’s face, one couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

"Greetings, Princess Consort Ding." The two of them did not carry the arrogance of the imperial prince and princess of Great Chu. They were respectful upon meeting Ye Li.

Ye Li smiled, "Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning, no need for formalities. Come sit. How have you found living in Licheng these days?"

Mo Xiaoyun gave a solemn nod, "Thanks for your concern, Princess Consort, my sister and I are doing well." His words were polite but sincere. Although they were merely a powerless prince and princess in Licheng, after experiencing various hardships and pains over the past two years, such a life was not so unbearable. Besides, Prince Ding’s Mansion had indeed treated them well. Although Mo Xiaoyun wasn’t old, he could see clearly. Apart from Licheng and Prince Ding’s Mansion, there was no other place where he and his sister could settle. His age and abilities were far from enough to build a power that could protect himself and contend with the world’s forces.

Ye Li nodded, quite satisfied with Mo Xiaoyun’s discernment and awareness of the times.

After thanking Ye Li, the two sat down on an empty stool, and then they saw the familiar faces around them. They were taken aback, "Mother... Sister..." Although Noble Consort Liu and Empress Hua had never gotten along, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning didn’t have any dislike toward Empress Hua. At most, Princess Zhenning had once been very jealous of Mo Wuyou, but now, all that jealousy seemed utterly meaningless. Mo Wuyou used to dislike these two siblings because of Noble Consort Liu. However, she knew that their lives in Licheng over the past two years hadn’t been much better than her own previous suffering. Looking at Princess Zhenning’s face, and recalling their conduct when the Capital of Great Chu was besieged, Mo Wuyou remembered they were, after all, siblings. Her heart couldn’t help but soften a little. She nodded and asked, "Are you two alright?"

Princess Zhenning’s eyes were slightly red. She bit her lip, nodded, and bowed her head further in deep shame. She had secretly gloated when Mo Wuyou was sent to be the bride of the King of Nanzhao. Now, seeing that Mo Wuyou showed no derision or abhorrence for her disfigured appearance, nor even the pity she detested most, Princess Zhenning felt a surge of guilt.

"Imperial sister..."

"Just call me Wuyou. I am no longer any kind of princess," Mo Wuyou said with a smile.

Mo Xiaoyun nodded in understanding. "Mother, sister Wuyou." It was a little odd for him to address Empress Hua as his mother. However, it was not too farfetched. Empress Hua was, after all, Mo Jingqi’s rightful wife. Thus, all imperial princes and princesses were to address her as ’Mother Empress’. She was, in effect, the official mother to Mo Xiaoyun and the other imperial children.

Empress Hua nodded slightly. She looked at Mo Xiaoyun and said gently, "You’ve suffered much in these two years. Since you’ve managed to survive, forget the past and try to live a good life with your sister."

Mo Xiaoyun nodded. "Thank you for your advice, Mother... Madam."

"What brings Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning to Prince Ding’s Mansion?" Ye Li asked.

Mo Xiaoyun looked at the many women present and didn’t hide anything. "Replying to the Princess Consort, my sister and I heard rumors about a woman very similar in appearance to... Mother Consort, by the side of the Seventh Prince of Beirong. We are not certain if it’s true."

Ye Li, seeing them staring at her intently, sighed softly. "Indeed, the woman by Yelv Ye’s side is called Qing Yina, who is supposedly engaged to the Seventh Prince. Although I’ve not seen her in person, according to Princess Ronghua, she looks exactly like Noble Consort Liu. If you have any doubts, you can inquire with her at the post house."

Mo Xiaoyun’s face went slightly pale, and he spoke in a deep voice, "My sister and I have tried to meet her at the post house, but we were refused both times. Therefore, we... are here to ask for your assistance in verifying..."

Ye Li pondered for a moment. "Qing Yina is a guest brought by Prince Yelv; hence, it is not appropriate for me to directly send someone to inquire about her. However, you may ask Princess Ronghua for more information, as she often frequented the imperial palace during her youth and should be more familiar with that person than I."

Essentially, from Ye Li’s words, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning had somewhat confirmed the identity of Noble Consort Liu. Mo Xiaoyun’s expression grew increasingly grim while Princess Zhenning trembled slightly, her knuckles turning white as she gripped her handkerchief.

Ye Li looked at them and spoke gravely, "Regardless of whether that person is indeed her, you must both think carefully before acting and not be impetuous. If you have any difficulties, you can come to me and the Prince at the mansion. Even though this is Licheng, Yelv Ye is a Prince of Beirong who commands significant military power; his influence should not be underestimated. You mustn’t act recklessly."

Mo Xiaoyun was silent for a moment before nodding. "Thank you for your guidance, Princess Consort. We understand. We will take our leave now so as not to disturb you any further."

Ye Li gently nodded in acknowledgement and spoke softly to Princess Zhenning, "Don’t stay cooped up in your room all the time. Step outside now and then; reality isn’t as bad as you think."

Princess Zhenning bit her lip, nodded, and then hurriedly left with Mo Xiaoyun.

As they watched the brother and sister pair leave, a melancholic atmosphere fell over the crowd. Hua Tianxiang frowned and said, "Did Noble Consort Liu really ruin Princess Zhenning’s face?" She had often visited the palace, but she didn’t have much of an impression of Princess Zhenning. In fact, all three of Noble Consort Liu’s children didn’t resemble her much. As Noble Consort Liu’s unvalued daughter, Princess Zhenning was not only ignored by her own mother but also favored less by Mo Jingqi compared to Mo Wuyou. Consequently, she had little presence, hardly reflecting her status as the daughter of a consort who dominated the imperial harem. Now seeing the grotesque scars on what was once a beautiful face, Hua Tianxiang couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.

Ye Li shook her head, "No one knows for certain how it happened. When she was rescued, Noble Consort Liu had already vanished. The entire Cold Palace was deserted except for her. If we hadn’t rushed over to save her in time, everyone would likely have assumed that it was Noble Consort Liu who died in there. Thus, regardless of the truth, from the perspective of Princess Zhenning, who survived, it would seem her own mother had left her in the inferno to serve as a substitute for her own death."

Empress Hua slightly furrowed her brows, "I fear that Princess Zhenning despises Noble Consort Liu to the extreme. Won’t there be trouble if they confront her?"

"Prince Changxing is there, so there shouldn’t be any trouble," Ye Li said, her eyebrows furrowed.

Talk of Noble Consort Liu filled the women with disgust. They all knew of her past designs on Mo Xiuyao and how she had tried to force him to marry her. Combined with Princess Zhenning’s plight, their aversion to Noble Consort Liu intensified. Holding Leng Junhan, Murong Ting indignantly said, "That kind of woman! If I encountered her, I’d give her a good whipping."

Sitting next to Ye Li obediently munching on snacks, Mo Xiaobao blinked his eyes and asked, "Mother, are you talking about that lady in white from the capital?"

Hearing his words, Ye Li looked at Mo Xiaobao with a bit of surprise, "You still remember Noble Consort Liu?"

Mo Xiaobao pouted unhappily, "That lady is really annoying; she always looked at me and Mother with strange eyes. I wanted to tell Father that if she stared again, I would gouge her eyes out. But then she died. So, she’s not dead yet?"

Ye Li’s head throbbed. What was with that excited tone? When had she ever taught him such violent thoughts? Mo Xiaobao wasn’t even seven at the time!

Inside the Beirong post house, Princess Ronghua received a request for an audience from Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning, a strange smile touched her lips. She ordered the attendants to admit them immediately. Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning had visited twice before but had been turned away by the post house staff without even getting through the gate. This time, however, they sought to see Princess Ronghua and were promptly admitted.

Princess Ronghua decided to receive the two in the post house’s main hall. Upon laying her eyes on Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning, she greeted them with a beaming smile, inviting them to sit. "When I was still in the Capital of Great Chu, you were just children. I didn’t expect that after all these years, you would both be grown up." Seeing the young man and woman before her, Princess Ronghua could not help but feel a little nostalgic. Although she wasn’t old, seeing children she once knew now as adults made one lament the swift passage of time.

"Is Aunt Ronghua doing well in Beirong?" Mo Xiaoyun asked.

Princess Ronghua replied with a smile, "The Crown Prince treats me very well. Everything is fine. I have heard about what has happened over the years; it’s you two who have suffered."

Mo Xiaoyun, no longer an ignorant child, responded with a faint smile, "My imperial sister and I are also doing well. Prince Ding’s Mansion treats us very well."

"That’s good to hear. Prince Ding is known for his benevolence. Although it may not offer the riches and honor of being imperial royalty, life there is certainly more peaceful than dealing with court intrigues. Now that you’ve managed to get out, try not to dwell on those things. Not everyone is lucky enough to escape this circle," Princess Ronghua advised.

Mo Xiaoyun nodded, "Your nephew understands. Thank you for your guidance, Aunt."

Princess Zhenning began, then hesitated, "Aunt Ronghua..."

Princess Ronghua naturally understood why they had come. She gently patted the back of Zhenning’s hand and said softly, "I’ve heard about your situation. It’s hard on you, child. You want to see Qing Yina, don’t you?"

Mo Xiaoyun hesitated for a moment, then nodded. They had heard that Princess Ronghua had a flamboyant and overbearing personality. Seeing her so amiable now, they were somewhat disconcerted. After all, being children of the imperial family, neither was entirely naive or innocent; it was natural for them to be suspicious of Princess Ronghua’s apparent kindness.

Princess Ronghua saw through their doubts and chuckled lightly, "Silly child, who remains the same as when they were young? Actually, I’m not entirely sure if she is the one... I will have someone fetch her so you can see for yourself. Just be sure not to act rashly."

The two silently nodded.

In just a while, Noble Consort Liu walked in, wearing a white gown. Without even glancing at the main hall’s occupants, she coldly addressed Princess Ronghua, "What did you call me here for?" These past two days, Noble Consort Liu’s mood had been exceptionally foul. This was not only because she had been harshly reprimanded by Yelv Ye after encountering Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li on the street a couple of days prior. It was also because Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning had unexpectedly shown up the day before. Before coming to Licheng, she truly hadn’t considered that these two children might be there. More importantly, she had no idea how to face them and, frankly, didn’t want to see them at all.

Princess Ronghua raised her eyebrow, "It’s not that I have something to discuss. There are others who are seeking you."

"Who is..." Noble Consort Liu’s voice faltered. She stared in astonishment at the two young figures looking back at her with cold eyes. Two years had passed. Mo Xiaoyun was much taller than before and seemed far more composed. Princess Zhenning sat beside Mo Xiaoyun, her face also concealed by a veil, but the eyes visible above it were as chilling as ice. A shiver went through Noble Consort Liu. "You... who are you?!" It took her a moment to compose herself before she managed to force out the words.

However, her momentary shock, and that familiar presence and aura, could not deceive her own children. Seeing that Noble Consort Liu clearly had no intention of recognizing them, a look of hurt and resentment flashed in their eyes. Meeting Princess Zhenning’s icy gaze, Noble Consort Liu immediately looked away guiltily and turned to glare at Princess Ronghua, "Princess Consort, what do you mean by this?"

Princess Ronghua leisurely sipped her tea, a faint smile playing on her lips, "What do I mean? These two are the orphaned descendants of my imperial cousin. Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning. They are here for you, Qing Yina. Don’t you recognize them?"

"I do not recognize them, of course," said Noble Consort Liu. "If there’s nothing else, I will return to my room." With that, not even sparing Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning a glance, she turned to walk further inside.

Princess Ronghua put down her teacup and chuckled, "Don’t leave yet, Qing Yina. These two children have painstakingly searched for their mother; their filial piety is commendable. Even if you truly don’t recognize them, you should at least explain things clearly to them."

Noble Consort Liu froze, glanced back at them hastily, and said, "You’ve got the wrong person."

Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning were silent. Seeing Noble Consort Liu turn to leave again, Princess Zhenning gritted her teeth and asked, "Mother Consort, do you truly not recognize us?"