Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 345 - 344. Games of Various Parties

344. Power Play From All Sides

Mr. Qingyun’s birthday celebration concluded flawlessly. Many guests began to depart, including Xu Qingbai and Mr. Xiuting, who promptly returned to Xiling. After all, Xiling had only recently been subdued and required someone to oversee it. However, the dignitaries from various countries, including Mo Jingli, the Southern Garrison Prince, showed no intention of leaving. Everyone understood that the real negotiations and power struggles were only now truly beginning. Whoever left at this stage risked becoming marginalized in the ensuing contest, thereby missing the chance to seize the initiative.

The already tumultuous Licheng assumed an even more mysterious atmosphere following the unexpected appearance of Cangmang Mountain’s successor at Mr. Qingyun’s birthday feast.

In Prince Ding’s Mansion, Lei Zhenting sat in the study, sipping tea while observing Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, who were seated in the positions of honor. His expression was complex. He had considered the possibility that Mo Xiuyao might decline when he first brought Dongfang You to Licheng. However, hearing Mo Xiuyao’s actual response still left him somewhat shocked. Truthfully, if the timing hadn’t been wrong, and if the Xiling imperial family hadn’t previously had a queen from Cangmang Mountain, Lei Zhenting wasn’t sure he could have resisted such a temptation himself. Nevertheless, since Mo Xiuyao had already declined, the overall situation was, despite his shock, favorable to him. Naturally, he wouldn’t be foolish enough to try and push Cangmang Mountain’s influence onto Mo Xiuyao.

"Prince Ding’s decisions always surprise me," Lei Zhenting said, raising his teacup to Mo Xiuyao in a show of respect.

Mo Xiuyao responded with a serene smile, "The Southern Garrison Prince is too kind. Are you not also uninterested?"

Lei Zhenting sighed regretfully. "To say that I genuinely have no interest in the influence of Cangmang Mountain would be a lie to Prince Ding. But... it’s just not suitable. Besides, at my age, to be manipulated by others—I’d rather die." If Cangmang Mountain only had Dongfang You, it would be useless. Others would surely join after Dongfang You. Lei Zhenting’s grandmother was from Cangmang Mountain; he could be said to be one of the people in this world who understood Cangmang Mountain best. Naturally, he wouldn’t do something that would make him a puppet controlled by others.

"I heard that Prince Ding has officially declined Dongfang You. But from what I know of her, she is not likely to give up easily," Lei Zhenting reminded him lightly. Although he and Mo Xiuyao were destined to be enemies... occasional cooperation was possible.

Mo Xiuyao merely raised an eyebrow, saying disdainfully, "So what if she doesn’t give up? That the successor of Cangmang Mountain has such a character implies that the so-called Cangmang Mountain is nearing its end, wouldn’t you say?" Dongfang You was indeed formidable. At least in terms of martial arts, Mo Xiuyao had never met a woman who surpassed her; even among men, she likely ranked among the top ten in the worldly society. Being from Cangmang Mountain, her skills in zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting were presumably not lacking, and Lei Zhenting had personally vouched for her expertise in medical skills. Unfortunately, Dongfang You was excellent in every aspect, except she wasn’t very bright.

Watching Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li exchange a smile, the subtle yet palpable intimacy between them seemed to encase them in an invisible bond, setting them apart and making it impossible for outsiders to intrude. Lei Zhenting lowered his gaze, deep in thought. "Now that someone from Cangmang Mountain has appeared, they are bound to choose someone to support. Since Prince Ding has refused, who is the most likely candidate?"

Mo Xiuyao didn’t hide it. "Mo Jingli."

Lei Zhenting’s complexion darkened slightly. Mo Jingli is currently in a standoff with me at the Yunlan River. If he receives assistance from Cangmang Mountain, I’ll be the one to suffer. Mo Xiuyao is far away, so naturally, it doesn’t concern him for the moment. Noticing Lei Zhenting’s displeased expression, Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Southern Garrison Prince, you need not worry. A Mo Jingli who becomes too powerful would not benefit our Prince Ding’s Mansion either. Naturally, we will not stand idly by."

Lei Zhenting wasn’t so easily persuaded. He looked at Ye Li and laughed. "Let Cangmang Mountain support Mo Jingli, then I and Mo Jingli can fight to the death, and Prince Ding’s Mansion can reap the rewards without lifting a finger. You two have calculated well. In that case, I think Ren Qining is more suitable. As a scion of the former dynasty, his claim is legitimate. Wouldn’t that be more in line with Cangmang Mountain’s choice?"

Mo Xiuyao’s smile turned cold. "Ren Qining isn’t fated for it."

Lei Zhenting’s eyes narrowed as he quickly calculated the meaning behind Mo Xiuyao’s words. Is Prince Ding’s Mansion planning to make a move on the Northern Territory? I thought their biggest enemy right now should be Beirong.

Seeing Lei Zhenting’s confusion and speculation, Mo Xiuyao didn’t explain, saying lightly, "The Southern Garrison Prince can just watch. Mo Jingli is Cangmang Mountain’s only choice. Of course... the Southern Garrison Prince has another option."

"I’m all ears," Lei Zhenting said cautiously.

Mo Xiuyao smiled, saying as if unconcerned, "Before Cangmang Mountain selects the person they will support, eliminate them."

"HISS!" Lei Zhenting couldn’t help but draw in a sharp breath. He stared at Mo Xiuyao for a long moment before finally ascertaining that he wasn’t joking but was serious with his suggestion. After a long while, Lei Zhenting sighed. "Prince Ding, you don’t seem to understand Cangmang Mountain well, hence you are unaware of their true strength."

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "This Prince indeed doesn’t know much about Cangmang Mountain." The successive successors of Cangmang Mountain have never provoked anyone from Prince Ding’s Mansion, so for them, the so-called Cangmang Mountain is merely an ethereal legend. Perhaps the people of Cangmang Mountain themselves know that the successive leaders of Prince Ding’s Mansion have never been suitable targets for their manipulation. "But... even so, surely Cangmang Mountain doesn’t possess the strength to contend with an entire nation, does it?" Since they’ve orchestrated so many things, it proves the people of Cangmang Mountain are ambitious. To harbor ambition yet always remain hidden behind others can only mean they lack the ability to contend for supremacy over the realm.

Lei Zhenting shook his head. "The reason the people of Cangmang Mountain have never participated in the contention for supremacy is not that they lack such strength, but..." Lei Zhenting hesitated for a moment, seemingly unsure whether to say more. After a pause, he finally spoke. "The reason they have always remained in seclusion is that Cangmang Mountain’s masters, for generations, have all been women. They simply cannot personally vie for the imperial throne. The Central Plains are unlike the Southern Border; neither the common people nor the scholars and military officials would ever tolerate a woman ascending to become emperor. Therefore, they can only choose to control things from behind the scenes. After centuries of operation, Cangmang Mountain’s influence has spread throughout Great Chu, Xiling, even Nanzhao and Beirong, and they have left their mark even in the various states of the Western Region. Does Prince Ding know why Dongfang You suddenly appeared this time?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow but remained silent.

Lei Zhenting said coldly, "Because among the people Prince Ding killed in Xiling’s imperial city, many were part of Cangmang Mountain’s network. This alerted the current master of Cangmang Mountain. Prince Ding is correct; indeed, Mo Jingli is currently Cangmang Mountain’s best choice because... Cangmang Mountain now wields the most influence within the Great Chu imperial court. Furthermore... even in your Prince Ding’s Mansion, this Prince cannot guarantee there isn’t someone from Cangmang Mountain."

Prince Ding’s Mansion, managed by successive Princes Ding, was like an ironclad fortress. Although Lei Zhenting had said what he did, he knew in his heart that if there was one place the pervasive Cangmang Mountain would find most difficult to infiltrate, it would undoubtedly be Prince Ding’s Mansion.

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Thank you for the insight, Southern Garrison Prince. This Prince understands. Honestly, for the time being, this Prince won’t have the spare capacity to deal with the people of Cangmang Mountain. However, this Prince can assure you that when you are in a standoff with Mo Jingli, this Prince will absolutely not attack you from behind. If necessary, this Prince can even provide you with some information—limited to Cangmang Mountain, of course."

Lei Zhenting naturally knew that even though the Great Chu imperial court had relocated south, Prince Ding’s Mansion was not in the least behind anyone in terms of intelligence from Great Chu. In fact, receiving such a promise from Mo Xiuyao was far beyond Lei Zhenting’s expectations. However, the question of how much Mo Xiuyao’s words could be trusted remained.

Mo Xiuyao also noticed Lei Zhenting’s suspicion and said solemnly, "Since this Prince has made a promise, this Prince will naturally not go back on his word. If this Prince were to cross swords with the Southern Garrison Prince, it would be more satisfying to do so openly and honorably on the battlefield."

Lei Zhenting gave the two of them a deep look, then stood up. "This Prince understands. In that case, this Prince shall take his leave."

"We won’t see you out."

Not long after Lei Zhenting departed, Yelv Hong and his wife, Princess Ronghua, arrived. The four of them held a confidential discussion in the study for nearly two hours. Naturally, no one knew what was said, but news of Prince Ding’s secret meeting with Yelv Hong nevertheless reached Yelv Ye’s ears without hindrance.

At the guesthouse, Yelv Ye’s face was as cold as ice. Dismissing the guard who had come to report, a frigid glint flashed in his somber eyes. Yelv Hong wants to ally with Mo Xiuyao to deal with me... It won’t be that easy!

In the inner room, Noble Consort Liu sat propped against the headboard, her face pale. Despite a night’s rest, the wound in her abdomen still throbbed painfully. Remembering Princess Zhenning’s hairpin stabbing unhesitatingly into her abdomen, and the way her own son and daughter had been so obedient to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, Noble Consort Liu’s expression grew even colder.

"My Prince." After a moment’s thought, Noble Consort Liu called out.

A short while later, Yelv Ye walked in with a grim face, his gaze sweeping over Noble Consort Liu filled with disgust and contempt. Their relationship had always been one of mutual exploitation. Since last night, Yelv Ye’s disgust for her had only deepened. She had been quite helpful during the siege battles against Great Chu, but she had been largely useless since then. The only reason he hadn’t discarded her entirely was because this woman was surprisingly adept at pleasing men, especially his Royal Father, the King. He couldn’t fathom how his wise and martial Royal Father could become so muddled after turning sixty. Even though he had no real relationship with Noble Consort Liu, every time Yelv Ye saw Yelv Hong looking at him with that smirk, he itched to strangle this woman.

"What is it?" Yelv Ye asked coldly.

Stung by Yelv Ye’s indifferent tone, Noble Consort Liu bit her lip in resentment. But I know we are in Licheng now, and I have to rely on Yelv Ye for everything. I dare not lose my temper too much. Forcing a smile, she said, "My Prince, you seem to be in a rather foul mood? Is it because of Yelv Hong and Prince Ding’s Mansion?"

Yelv Ye stared at her coldly. Noble Consort Liu continued nonchalantly, "My Prince, you don’t have to look at me like that. It’s not difficult to guess. After all... Yelv Hong’s Princess Consort is Princess Ronghua. Although Princess Ronghua didn’t get along well with Prince Ding’s Mansion back in the Capital City, her relationship with Ye Li seems quite good now that they’ve met in Licheng. If Yelv Hong wants to ally with Prince Ding against you, My Prince, he would naturally start with his own Princess Consort."

Yelv Ye scoffed. "If Yelv Hong wants to move against this Prince, he first needs to see if he has the capability. He’s merely fortunate enough to have a queen for a birth mother."

Noble Consort Liu said, "Indeed. It’s a pity that My Prince is excellent in every way, yet just happens to lack a mother consort who was a queen."

This remark struck a nerve. Yelv Ye shot her an annoyed look. "If you only intend to spout nonsense to this Prince, then don’t bother. Focus on recovering from your injuries, lest you... accidentally die as a guest in Licheng."

Hearing the word ’die’, Noble Consort Liu couldn’t help but shudder. Over the past two years, I’ve experienced too much pain and struggle, and I’ve come to understand the terror of death even more. I also know of Yelv Ye’s dissatisfaction with me. If I anger him, even if others don’t act against me, Yelv Ye himself will find a way to have me killed here in Licheng. At this thought, Noble Consort Liu couldn’t help but resent Ye Li’s good fortune once more. I consider myself inferior to Ye Li in no way, yet Ye Li is the Princess Consort of the Ding Kingdom, adored by her husband and admired by the world, while I have to struggle desperately just to stay alive.

Seeing that Noble Consort Liu had taken the hint, Yelv Ye grunted in satisfaction. Noble Consort Liu hastily pushed aside her thoughts and said to Yelv Ye, "My Prince, if the King learns that the Crown Prince has such a good relationship with Prince Ding, do you think His Majesty will be angry? Even if the King doesn’t do anything to the Crown Prince, what about the Princess Consort?" The Beirong people are inherently xenophobic; that’s why I had to adopt the name Qing Yina back then. I no longer have a noble status. If I were to live in Beirong as a woman from Great Chu, I would have been trampled into the mud long ago.

Hearing this, a glint flashed in Yelv Ye’s eyes. If I can get rid of Yelv Hong, that would be best. Even if I can’t, I must eliminate Princess Ronghua. Once Princess Ronghua is gone, Yelv Hong’s connection with Prince Ding’s Mansion will naturally become precarious. "Continue," he said.

Noble Consort Liu nodded. "If His Majesty finds out that the Crown Prince is colluding with Prince Ding’s Mansion, and then My Prince takes some action, or if some trouble stirs up at the border..."

Yelv Ye lowered his eyes, remaining silent in deep thought. Noble Consort Liu knew he was contemplating and didn’t disturb him. After a long while, Yelv Ye finally looked up at Noble Consort Liu and said, "This matter will depend on you."

Noble Consort Liu understood and smiled faintly. "I understand. I will immediately write a secret letter to His Majesty."

The King of Beirong was advanced in age and had become increasingly muddled in recent years, which was why he favored Noble Consort Liu. He even doted on her despite her supposedly being his own son’s fiancée—a claim Yelv Ye had made up on the spur of the moment to bring her along with the army, though many people were aware of it. This situation caused Yelv Ye to lose considerable face.

Shortly after a secret letter was sent from the guesthouse, a grey-clad figure appeared in the study of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Inside, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li were leisurely sipping tea, seated opposite Yelv Hong and Princess Ronghua. Taking the sealed letter presented by Ah-Jin with both hands, Mo Xiuyao passed it directly to Yelv Hong without even glancing at it. Yelv Hong silently opened the letter and read it. His face turned ashen, and he slammed the letter heavily onto the table.

Princess Ronghua frowned slightly with worry, picked up the secret letter, and after reading it, her expression also became unsightly. If this letter reaches Beirong, I’ll be the first one to suffer.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. "Crown Prince Yelv, you need not worry. Within Licheng, if this Prince does not consent, not even a mosquito can fly out. However... once Yelv Ye returns to Beirong, this Prince will be powerless to intervene."

Yelv Hong looked at Mo Xiuyao and said calmly, "Isn’t Prince Ding just waiting to see us brothers fall out?"

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "Crown Prince Yelv, are you implying that if it weren’t for this Prince, you and your brother would live in harmony? This Prince hasn’t meddled in Beirong’s affairs these past years."

Yelv Hong remained silent. It hasn’t just been these past few years; in fact, ever since I was instated as Crown Prince, the struggles between Yelv Ye and me have never ceased. One shouldn’t assume that the tribes beyond the passes don’t engage in scheming and power plays. Their conflicts are often even more ruthless and bloodier than the covert methods used elsewhere. Yelv Ye is a very ambitious man, but I am no pushover to be trifled with. Since I am already in the position of Crown Prince, I cannot yield. Therefore, the conflict between us brothers is definitely not something anyone can change. However, even though I understand Mo Xiuyao is right, it doesn’t alter the fact that I am being manipulated by him.

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "Actually, Crown Prince Yelv, you needn’t be too concerned. At least our objectives are aligned, are they not? You don’t want to be defeated by Yelv Ye, and this Prince wants to drive the Beirong army out of the Central Plains and, incidentally... claim a few lives."

Yelv Hong said irritably, "I am the Crown Prince of Beirong." How could talk of driving the Beirong army out of the Central Plains possibly sound pleasant to my ears? Although it was Yelv Ye who conquered those lands, and I do feel some jealousy, they are, after all, territories acquired by Beirong. The Central Plains are rich and fertile; who wouldn’t want them if they could have them?

Mo Xiuyao said lightly, "The customs and products of the Central Plains are vastly different from those of Beirong. Does the Crown Prince of Beirong truly believe that Beirong can achieve something lasting in the Central Plains?"

Yelv Hong raised an unconvinced eyebrow. "And how can Prince Ding be so sure it’s impossible?"

"At least not now," Mo Xiuyao retorted bluntly. "The Central Plains are not yet so weak. Even without Great Chu, there is my Prince Ding’s Mansion. Even without my Prince Ding’s Mansion, there is Xiling. If Beirong wishes to encroach upon the Central Plains, I’m afraid it is not yet strong enough."

This was both a statement of fact and a warning. Although Yelv Hong felt unwilling, he knew Mo Xiuyao spoke the truth. Historically, Beirong had attempted to invade the Central Plains countless times, but not once had they truly succeeded. Even when a Central Plains dynasty had declined to its nadir, it was ultimately the people of the Central Plains themselves who brought about its downfall. Perhaps the people of the Central Plains are prone to internal strife, leading to dynastic changes generation after generation. But they are equally resolute in resisting foreign invasions, even capable of setting aside their internal feuds to unite against external enemies when necessary. This is why many foreign invasions have ultimately failed.

Yelv Hong sighed. "Perhaps Prince Ding is right." I’m not sitting here now to discuss with Mo Xiuyao whether Beirong should invade the Central Plains. In fact, until I can ascend to the position of King of Beirong, I have no standing to discuss this issue at all.

Mo Xiuyao didn’t wish to dwell on this point either. Looking at Yelv Hong, he chuckled. "Crown Prince Yelv can rest assured, this Prince has no interest in Beirong either. So... there’s truly no conflict of interest between us, is there? After Yelv Ye is finished, Crown Prince Yelv will obtain the throne of the King of Beirong, and this Prince will reclaim what rightfully belongs to the people of the Central Plains. Moreover... Crown Prince Yelv will barely need to lift a finger in all of this. By my calculations, it is Crown Prince Yelv who stands to reap all the benefits."

"Then, what are Prince Ding’s plans?" Yelv Hong had to admit he was indeed swayed by Mo Xiuyao’s words. As the Crown Prince of Beirong, I would absolutely harbor no traitorous intent to collude with Prince Ding’s Mansion. However, my position as Crown Prince is not a comfortable one. Although my mother is the Queen of Beirong, my Royal Father favors Yelv Ye’s mother consort more. More importantly, Yelv Ye has far more military power supporting him than I do. And in Beirong, without sufficient military power, you are nothing. This past year, my Royal Father has become even more infatuated with the woman Yelv Ye brought back. Although I often mock Yelv Ye, the pressure on me has only grown. If not for sheer desperation, I would never have accepted the olive branch extended by Prince Ding’s Mansion. I will not betray Beirong, but I must protect my position and my life.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and looked at Ye Li beside him. Ye Li, who had been writing on a piece of paper with a brush, now put it down and handed the paper, filled with script, to Yelv Hong. Yelv Hong took it and was startled. The handwriting on this letter bore at least a ninety percent resemblance to the previous one, but the content was completely different. Yelv Ye’s letter, of course, detailed Yelv Hong’s supposed collusion with Prince Ding’s Mansion and treason. In this new letter, however, the main subject was Yelv Ye himself, and the other party was not Prince Ding’s Mansion but Ren Qining of the Northern Territory. Previously, Yelv Ye’s signing of the alliance with Ren Qining at Zijing Pass was an act of reporting only after execution; it wouldn’t be impossible to make an issue of this. Thinking this, Yelv Hong looked at Ye Li with increased admiration in his eyes. "Thank you, Princess Consort."

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Crown Prince, you need not be so polite. Although my forgery has slight differences from Noble Consort Liu’s handwriting, I believe it won’t be a major issue."

If this were in Great Chu, there might be some problems, as the Great Chu imperial court has no shortage of master calligraphers. But in the royal court of the King of Beirong, merely being able to fully translate a letter is considered quite good, let alone discerning handwriting. Even if someone were to compare it with Noble Consort Liu’s previous handwriting, they probably wouldn’t be able to detect such minor differences.

"But even if this temporarily deceives the King, won’t it all be exposed once Yelv Ye and Noble Consort Liu return to Beirong?" Princess Ronghua frowned, voicing her concern.

Mo Xiuyao said, "You don’t need to worry too much about that. For the time being... Yelv Ye likely won’t be able to return to the Beirong royal court. As long as Crown Prince Yelv ensures he doesn’t write any letters to the King of Beirong, it will be fine. As for Noble Consort Liu... she won’t be going back." Given the King of Beirong’s fondness for Noble Consort Liu, her return to the Beirong royal court would definitely not be a good thing. Besides, from the very beginning, I never intended for those two to leave Great Chu. "It’s just that there is one more matter for which this Prince would like to request the Crown Prince’s assistance."

With Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li having planned so much, I naturally can’t just do nothing. Yelv Hong nodded. "Prince Ding, please speak freely."

Mo Xiuyao said lightly, "Have Helian Zhen transferred to the Central Plains to assist Yelv Ye."

"This..." Yelv Hong hesitated. Although Helian Zhen gradually fell out of favor due to his military defeat years ago, he is still Yelv Ye’s maternal uncle. In recent years, there have been faint signs of his resurgence. Moreover, many generals in the Beirong army were once Helian Zhen’s subordinates. If he were truly allowed to lead troops, it would be like rearing a tiger that would bring future calamity.

"Rest assured, this Prince will help you take care of Helian Zhen as well," Mo Xiuyao said.

Only then did Yelv Hong remember. Mo Xiuyao and Helian Zhen share a deep-seated enmity. After pondering for a moment, he nodded. "In that case, when I return, I will petition my Royal Father to allow Helian Zhen to lead troops."

"Thank you."