Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 369 - 368. Heading South, Yaoji’s Predicament

368. Heading South, Yaoji’s Dilemma

"Wei Lin sent a message by carrier pigeon: Young Master Qingchen has disappeared!"

"What?!" Upon hearing this, not only Ye Li but also Mo Xiuyao and Feng Zhiyao were greatly shocked. Ye Li turned pale, rose abruptly, and nearly fell. Mo Xiuyao quickly reached out to steady her, helping her sit down before turning to Zhuo Jing and saying, "Explain clearly."

Zhuo Jing immediately handed over Wei Lin’s secret missive, adding, "After settling matters at Cangmang Mountain, Young Master Qingchen was heading north with Wei Lin and his men, intending to return to Licheng. However, they were ambushed en route. Most of his personal guards were killed or injured, Wei Lin himself was seriously wounded, and Young Master Qingchen’s whereabouts are unknown."

Ye Li silently read the message from Wei Lin. Though it contained only a few brief sentences, she was well aware of Wei Lin’s and the Qilin’s capabilities. The ability to seriously injure Wei Lin, kill or injure a large portion of the Qilin, and still abduct Xu Qingchen proved the opposition was far from simple and the attack was obviously premeditated. This was different from Xu Qingchen’s disappearance in Nanzhao years ago. That time, Xu Qingchen’s capture had largely been within his calculations. Apart from outsiders who didn’t know the truth, very few people had been genuinely anxious. But this time, for someone to forcibly take Xu Qingchen from the Qilin, the most elite guards of Prince Ding’s Mansion, was deeply concerning for his safety.

Mo Xiuyao gently supported Ye Li, speaking softly, "Don’t worry. If they wanted Brother Qingchen’s life, they could have assassinated him on the spot. They wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to take him away. Since they took him, they surely won’t harm him easily."

Ye Li closed her eyes, forcing herself to calm down. They had all grown too accustomed to Young Master Qingchen’s exceptional intellect, a wisdom that seemed almost divine. However, they had forgotten that no matter how formidable he was in mind, Xu Qingchen was still a scholar who couldn’t even truss a chicken. His supreme intelligence was predicated on his personal safety not being threatened. After all, even an ordinary martial artist who didn’t fight by the rules could easily overpower Young Master Qingchen.

"Xiuyao... Brother..." The thought of Xu Qingchen potentially being in danger sent a chill down Ye Li’s spine. If something were to happen to Young Master Qingchen, the most dazzling talent the Xu Family had seen in generations... she could almost imagine the devastation it would wreak upon the entire Xu Family. Composing herself, Ye Li grasped Mo Xiuyao’s hand as if to draw strength from him. "Let’s not tell Eldest Uncle and Grandfather about this for now."

Mo Xiuyao, in no mood for jealousy at that moment, nodded. "I know. Ah-Li, don’t worry. Brother Qingchen is exceptionally intelligent; he won’t easily fall into dire straits."

Feng Zhiyao glanced at Ye Li, who looked as if she was about to collapse, and quietly withdrew with Zhuo Jing.

Inside the main tent, Mo Xiuyao held Ye Li, letting her lean against his chest. Feeling the slight dampness on his lapel, Mo Xiuyao’s heart ached. He gently stroked her raven hair, comforting her softly, "Ah-Li, don’t worry. I’ll immediately send people to find him. He’ll be alright."

Ye Li murmured, "Brother is such an extraordinary person, detached from worldly affairs. If it weren’t for me... the Xu Family and Brother wouldn’t have..."

Mo Xiuyao held her tighter. "It’s not Ah-Li’s fault; it’s all because of me. I’m the one who implicated Ah-Li and Brother Qingchen. Ah-Li, don’t blame yourself. It’s my fault... However, even if Ah-Li thinks I’m no good, you can’t leave me. I won’t let you go," Mo Xiuyao stated firmly, looking at Ye Li’s reddened eyes.

"I won’t leave you." Ye Li clutched his lapel tightly, her voice resolute. "As long as I live, I will never leave you. It’s just... I’m so scared. If something really happened to Brother..."

"We don’t even know what happened yet, so let’s not frighten ourselves," Mo Xiuyao said with a faint smile. "Ah-Li, don’t you trust your brother’s abilities? Do you really think he’s bound to be in trouble? Right now, we should be thinking about what to do."

Ye Li quickly composed herself. Finding Xu Qingchen was paramount, regardless of what had happened. Tearful lament would be of no use. Steeling her nerves, Ye Li asked, "Who do you think... would want to capture Brother?"

Mo Xiuyao pondered for a moment, then said, "In the south, the only ones capable of snatching someone from Wei Lin’s protection are three parties: Lei Zhenting, the Emperor of Xiling, and Mo Jingli. However, the Emperor of Xiling lacks the courage and, moreover, the necessity. As for Lei Zhenting... Brother Xu has always been in his territory, so he’d be the first one to suspect. But if he really wanted to abduct someone, he might as well have done it directly. It would mean tearing off all pretenses anyway, so there’d be no need for such furtive actions."

"Then it’s Mo Jingli?" Ye Li’s eyes glinted with a cold light. "Why would he capture Brother? To threaten Prince Ding’s Mansion?"

Mo Xiuyao also looked puzzled. Lei Zhenting currently stood as a buffer between them and Mo Jingli. Even if Mo Jingli captured Xu Qingchen, what could he possibly demand from Prince Ding’s Mansion in exchange? Shaking his head, Mo Xiuyao said, "Mo Jingli’s motives are often baffling. Besides, this is just our speculation. News from the south should arrive soon, Ah-Li, so don’t be too anxious."

Ye Li nodded, a sense of unease lingering. After a moment of silence, she said, "If there’s still no news of Brother, I want to go to Jiangnan myself."

Mo Xiuyao was stunned and remained silent for a good while. Just as Ye Li thought he was about to object, she heard him sigh softly. "I can’t accompany you. Ah-Li, be extremely careful. It would be best if you could return before Beirong and Xiling form an alliance; otherwise, you’ll be in danger there."

Ye Li nodded and whispered, "Don’t worry, I’ll definitely return as soon as possible."

Just as Mo Xiuyao predicted, early the next morning, a secret letter arrived from Wei Lin in the south, sent by a fast rider, detailing the course of events. It turned out Wei Lin, fearing mishaps with the carrier pigeon, had dispatched a rider with a copy of the letter at the same time. After reading the letter, Ye Li’s and Mo Xiuyao’s brows furrowed even deeper. Such a major incident as Young Master Qingchen’s disappearance in Lei Zhenting’s territory couldn’t possibly have gone unnoticed by Lei Zhenting. The letter stated that Lei Zhenting seemed to be subtly hinting at detaining Wei Lin and the others. However, Ye Li wasn’t worried about Wei Lin’s safety. Given their abilities, if they wanted to leave, no one could stop them, not even Lei Zhenting, one of the Four Great Experts. Moreover, given Lei Zhenting’s status, he would never personally make things difficult for Wei Lin and his men.

After reading Wei Lin’s letter, Ye Li could only sigh. "It seems I still have to make a trip to Jiangnan myself. I’m just afraid... Brother was taken to Great Chu by Mo Jingli." Compared to Mo Jingli, Ye Li would actually prefer to deal with Lei Zhenting. Lei Zhenting was a smart man, and smart men knew what should and shouldn’t be done. Mo Jingli, on the other hand, was the type to periodically stir up trouble, doing things he knew he shouldn’t, and invariably, these were things that ought not to be done.

Mo Xiuyao knew Xu Qingchen’s safety was paramount and didn’t say much, only urging softly, "Be careful in all things."

Ye Li nodded, promising solemnly, "I will return as soon as possible. Don’t worry."

That night, Ye Li, along with Qin Feng, Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, Xu Qingfeng, and others, plus three teams of Qilin, secretly left the Mo Family Army encampment. Avoiding the Beirong and Xiling forces, they took a boat eastward, heading downriver towards Jiangnan. Throughout the journey, the Mo Family Army’s covert agents continuously relayed news from Jiangnan to Ye Li. After learning that Xu Qingchen was definitely not in Lei Zhenting’s hands, Ye Li decided not to provoke Lei Zhenting further. She crossed the river by boat, landed, and entered the territory of Great Chu, now under Mo Jingli’s rule, which should now be called Nanchu.

This new Chu capital, called Nanjing, was not very large. It was merely the seat of Mo Jingli’s former fiefdom when he was Prince Li. After two years of governance, though not large in area, it had become much more prosperous. Great Chu, after all, had deep foundations, unlike the precarious establishments in the Northern Territory. Ye Li disguised herself as a man in white. Now a grown woman, Ye Li, in her male disguise, still possessed a youthful charm with delicate features, yet she also exuded an air of refined aloofness and remarkable presence, rivaling even the renowned ’First Young Master of the Capital,’ Young Master Qingchen.

Zhuo Jing, Lin Han, and the others were all Ye Li’s trusted confidants and had seen much of the world, so they too disguised themselves. Their visible party numbered over a dozen, appearing like a young nobleman traveling with his retinue. Although Great Chu was currently isolated in a corner, it was still a land rich in culture. Their group entering the capital city did not attract undue attention.

Wei Lin had already arrived in Nanjing before Ye Li and her group. Although Nanjing was currently controlled by Mo Jingli and Cangmang Mountain, it was not free from Prince Ding’s Mansion’s many informants and agents. Suitable lodging had, of course, been prepared in advance. It was on a street bustling with wealthy merchants and dignitaries, a moderate distance from the Regent Prince’s Mansion. The plaque above the gate read ’Chu Mansion’. People nearby only knew that this Chu Family was originally a prominent family from Yunzhou. Though not as renowned as the centuries-old Xu Family, they were a scholarly family with a heritage spanning several generations. This mansion was one of the Chu Family’s villas in Nanjing City. Seeing people coming and going in recent days, locals naturally assumed the Chu family masters were staying there for a short period. Apart from neighboring households sending gifts, their arrival attracted no particular attention.

Ye Li and her party had barely settled in the Chu Mansion when a flood of intelligence from Nanjing City began pouring into the residence. What worried Ye Li was that there wasn’t a single piece of information related to Xu Qingchen. The only somewhat clear detail was that a few days prior, a group of people had indeed been seen furtively taking someone across the Yunlan River. However, whether that person was Young Master Qingchen, and where those people had gone, remained unknown.

Seeing Ye Li’s deeply furrowed brows, Xu Qingfeng offered gentle comfort, "Brother is blessed with great fortune; he won’t get into trouble so easily. Li’er, don’t worry too much." In truth, with Xu Qingchen in trouble, how could Xu Qingfeng, his younger brother, not be worried? But seeing Ye Li so consumed with anxiety, he had to offer some reassurance. He also felt immensely guilty; as an elder brother figure, he felt he should have taken charge of such matters. However, he knew that he was still somewhat lacking compared to Ye Li, and couldn’t bear for Ye Li, already so burdened, to also worry about Qingchen’s situation.

Ye Li shook her head helplessly. "If it weren’t for us, if it weren’t for Prince Ding’s Mansion, how could Brother have encountered such a thing?"

Xu Qingfeng shook his head dismissively. "The heavens are unpredictable, and fortunes can change overnight. Brother’s situation isn’t necessarily because of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Who knows, maybe some admirer of his beauty kidnapped him to be their bandit chief’s husband." Xu Qingfeng said this to try and make Ye Li smile. The mention of Xu Qingchen’s capture by Shu Manlin in Nanzhao did make Ye Li smile faintly, and she shook her head helplessly.

As she smiled, a thought suddenly struck Ye Li, and she frowned slightly.

Seeing her change in expression, Xu Qingfeng quickly asked, "What’s wrong? Did you think of something?"

Ye Li’s brow furrowed in thought. She said in a low voice, "Have someone investigate what Dongfang You has been doing recently." Although Xu Qingfeng had only met Dongfang You once at Mr. Qingyun’s banquet, he had long heard of this woman, the first in years to so relentlessly pursue his elder brother. He frowned. "You suspect Dongfang You? But... she’s Mo Jingli’s Princess Consort. How could Mo Jingli allow her..."

"She’s also the Young Master of Cangmang Mountain. Cangmang Mountain’s power in Xiling and the north might have been almost completely destroyed, but its strength in Jiangnan remains intact. Besides, with nearly a hundred years of operation, its foundations were undeniably deep. I’m afraid even if she were to do something, Mo Jingli might not necessarily know," Ye Li said slowly. Initially, Ye Li hadn’t suspected Dongfang You, as her temperament didn’t seem suited for such actions. But she had overlooked that Dongfang You was a woman who, after being rejected by Xu Qingchen, had been forced to marry Mo Jingli. It was hard to say whether Dongfang You’s personality might have changed. Moreover, Dongfang You was personally taught by Dongfang Hui of Cangmang Mountain, and even Dongfang Hui herself had admitted Dongfang You’s intelligence surpassed her own. Once Dongfang You’s character changed, and she was no longer as naive about the ways of the world as before, she would become far more terrifying than Dongfang Hui.

Speaking of Dongfang You, Wei Lin frowned. "Dongfang You betrayed Dongfang Hui."

At these words, everyone immediately turned their gaze to Wei Lin. He had accompanied Xu Qingchen south this time and had been by his side constantly. Dealing with Cangmang Mountain had also fallen under Xu Qingchen’s responsibility, and Ye Li and the others were not clear on the specific details. Hearing Wei Lin’s statement was quite startling. Dongfang Hui had raised and taught Dongfang You; it was likely Dongfang Hui herself had never imagined Dongfang You would betray her.

Wei Lin continued, "After Cangmang Mountain was breached, Dongfang Hui initially had a chance to escape back to Jiangnan. However, we received advance information about several of Cangmang Mountain’s rendezvous points along the Yunlan River, allowing us to capture Dongfang Hui by lying in wait. Although the person who sent us the message never appeared, Young Master Qingchen said there was an eighty percent chance it was Dongfang You."

"I never expected Madam Dongfang to die at the hands of her most beloved disciple." After hearing Wei Lin’s explanation, Ye Li couldn’t help but sigh. Apart from her insistence on marrying Dongfang You to Xu Qingchen, Ye Li held no strong negative feelings towards Dongfang Hui. After all, a woman who could single-handedly support the entire Cangmang Mountain must possess some extraordinary qualities. Dongfang Hui would likely have preferred to die at the hands of Xu Qingchen and Lei Tengfeng rather than be killed by her most trusted and cherished disciple.

"In that case, it’s highly probable that Dongfang You has already seized control of Cangmang Mountain’s remaining forces. If so, the likelihood of Brother being in her hands has increased significantly," Ye Li mused.

Qin Feng asked with some doubt, "Dongfang You? Is she capable of such things?" In Qin Feng’s view, Dongfang You was merely an infatuated fool.

Ye Li shook her head. "Dongfang You’s martial arts are superior to yours and mine. Her medical skills are said to be considerable, and she’s proficient in zither, chess, calligraphy, painting, strategy, and the Art of War. How could a woman who has learned so much be a fool? It all depended on whether she had an epiphany or not. When unenlightened, she appeared a fool to outsiders. But once she understood... she would be the most terrifying person. Dongfang Hui probably died without ever understanding why Dongfang You wanted her dead."

Sighing softly, Ye Li said to Qin Feng, "Go send a message to Yaoji. I have something to ask her."

Qin Feng, though momentarily surprised, nodded. "As you command, Princess Consort."

In Nanjing City’s most upscale teahouse, Starry Pavilion, a beautiful young matron, accompanied by a child who looked about eight or nine years old, walked in slowly. All eyes in the main hall were drawn to them. This young matron was, of course, Yaoji, now a Secondary Madam of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, and with her was the young master of the mansion. Since the family’s relocation south, Marquis Muyang, somewhat disheartened, had passed his title to his son, Mu Yang, and now lived a carefree life at home, doting on his grandson. Mu Yang was also a capable and ambitious man. Although Mo Jingqi was gone, Marquis Muyang’s Mansion had gradually drawn closer to Mo Jingli, and in the past two years, the mansion’s fortunes had risen considerably. The fact that the Marquis Muyang’s Mansion’s beautiful and charming Secondary Madam Yaoji was nearly on par with the legitimate wife naturally caused a stir in Nanjing City. Yaoji became an object of hatred for all the primary wives and a model for other secondary wives to emulate.

As soon as Yaoji entered, the manager hurried over, greeting them warmly, "Madam Mu, Young Master, please, upstairs."

Yaoji smiled enchantingly. "Thank you. Is my private room still reserved?"

The manager smiled fawningly. "Madam Mu, your appreciation for our teahouse’s refreshments is our honor. Of course, we always keep your favorite private room reserved." Everyone in Nanjing City knew that although the current Marquis Muyang had several wives and concubines, he doted exclusively on this Secondary Madam. This Madam Yaoji had originally been a dancer from the Qingcheng Workshop in the Capital of Great Chu, known as the foremost dancer; her beauty and allure were naturally beyond compare. Moreover, due to Marquis Muyang’s lavish favor, Yaoji was extremely generous. Even on days she didn’t visit, she would send someone to buy pastries from the teahouse to take home. Consequently, Starry Pavilion was naturally more than happy to reserve a private room for her exclusive use as a sign of preferential treatment.

Yaoji smiled and said, "Much obliged," then led the child beside her upstairs, leaving behind only a fragrant silhouette and the sound of her clear, captivating laughter.

Only when her figure disappeared upstairs did the crowd below collectively exhale, their hushed discussions beginning.

"That Madam Yaoji truly lives up to her former title as the foremost dancer. Even though she’s no longer young, her beauty likely surpassed even that of Princess Consort Li." One of Prince Li’s current consorts, Consort Rong, Ye Ying, had also once been known as the Capital City’s foremost beauty. But now, the only thing people remembered her for was being Princess Consort Ding’s younger sister. How could she compare to the dazzling Yaoji?

"Marquis Muyang is truly blessed with beautiful women. No wonder he dotes on Madam Yaoji so much." It was a pity for the original Marchioness Muyang, who was also from a prominent family, a refined beauty in her own right, yet she paled in comparison to Yaoji’s radiant allure.

Yaoji led Mu Lie upstairs and into the private room she frequented. Someone was already waiting for her. Seeing Ye Li seated in the room, sipping tea, Yaoji couldn’t help but curve her lips into a smile. "And who might this dashing young gentleman be?"

Ye Li smiled back at her. "Yaoji, it’s been a long time. You’re as radiant as ever. Mu Lie, come and sit."

Mu Lie, though appearing to be younger than ten, already carried himself with a mature air, much like Mu Yang. He glanced curiously at Ye Li a few times and replied respectfully, "Yes, thank you, Princess Consort."

Ye Li shook her head, looking at Yaoji. "With your personality, how did you raise such a serious child?"

Yaoji said helplessly, "How could I teach him? He’s usually the one teaching me." She also sat down. When she saw Qin Feng standing not far behind Ye Li, she paused almost imperceptibly, then looked away as if it were nothing.

Yaoji knew that with the war raging in the north, Ye Li’s journey of a thousand li to Jiangnan was of great importance. Without wasting words, she recounted all the major and minor happenings in Nanjing over the recent days. After listening, Ye Li frowned. "You have no news of Brother in Nanjing either?"

Yaoji gave a wry, bitter smile. "Since hearing about Young Master Qingchen’s disappearance, I have been paying close attention to movements both inside and outside the capital. However, no trace of him has surfaced. I can assure you, Princess Consort, whether Young Master Qingchen was abducted by someone from Nanjing City or not, he is almost certainly not in the city at this moment."

Seeing Ye Li frown, Yaoji’s own delicate brows furrowed slightly. Truthfully, this matter was indeed rather bizarre. Young Master Qingchen wasn’t some nobody; he would attract attention wherever he went. Moreover, with his intellect, as long as he was alive, he would surely leave some clues. Yet, despite Prince Ding’s Mansion practically turning Jiangnan upside down looking for him, not a single piece of information about Young Master Qingchen had been found.

Suddenly, Yaoji remembered something. She said gravely, "Right, before Young Master Qingchen disappeared, I sent him a secret letter."

Hearing this, everyone quickly looked over. Yaoji said, "The secret letter was sent from the Regent Prince’s Mansion. Since the Princess Consort and the Prince are at the border, matters in Jiangnan have been transferred to Young Master Qingchen. So that secret letter was delivered directly to him. That was... the day after Dongfang Hui died."

"A message from Prince Li’s Mansion, sent after Dongfang Hui was killed..." Ye Li murmured. The timing was so coincidental; news coming from Ye Ying would naturally be related to Dongfang You.

"Wei Lin, do you know what was in the secret letter?"

Wei Lin shook his head, looking somewhat dejected. "I wasn’t with Young Master Qingchen at the time. Afterward, Young Master Qingchen summoned me, saying he had instructions. But just as I reached his door, the assassins arrived. Afterward... that secret letter was either taken by the enemy or destroyed by Young Master Qingchen."

Qin Feng spoke up, "The Regent Prince’s Mansion hasn’t reported any ill news regarding Princess Consort Li, so the secret letter likely wasn’t compromised."

Ye Li sighed with a touch of helplessness. "Then we can only try to find a breakthrough via Prince Li’s Mansion. Yaoji, is there any news about Mo Jingli’s son?"

Yaoji nodded and, smiling, whispered a few words into Ye Li’s ear. Ye Li raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely certain," Yaoji chuckled. "It was confirmed two months ago. However, the news was too important, and we feared it might be compromised, so we specially arranged for someone to personally deliver it back to Licheng. Who would have thought Young Master Qingchen and the Princess Consort would both come to Jiangnan one after another?"

Ye Li sighed. "At least it’s not too late. Mo Jingli already has the antidote. Any later, and this information would probably be worthless."

Yaoji covered her mouth and giggled. "That’s not necessarily true. Mo Jingli was heavily poisoned by Mo Jingqi; even with the antidote, it will take considerable time for him to recover. But that Prince Li is an impatient one. As soon as he returned to Jiangnan, he took daughters of four or five court ministers into his residence. Unfortunately, there’s been no news since. It’s rumored that Prince Li suspects the Prince (Ding) gave him a fake antidote and is currently fuming about it. Besides, even if it’s no longer useful for the father, a child is always leverage against the mother." As she spoke, Yaoji couldn’t help but sigh softly, a hint of sympathy for Ye Ying in her voice. A mother finds strength in her child. If not for her child, why would she (Ye Ying) have given up her peaceful days in Licheng to be entangled in Marquis Muyang’s Mansion for so many years?

Prince Ding had long harbored resentment against Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. Her son was, after all, Mu Yang’s son. If she wanted her son to live a peaceful and stable life, she could only pledge her loyalty to Prince Ding’s Mansion. What’s more, Princess Consort Ding had saved her and her child’s life. As for Marquis Muyang’s Mansion... even if Mu Yang knew what those people had done to her and her child, he would never act on their behalf. He merely ’doted’ on her in his own self-righteous way. Mu Yang thought he loved her very much, and perhaps he truly did. But his love was no longer what she and her child needed. From the moment she had returned to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion with Mu Lie, she was no longer the Yaoji who had loved and hated Mu Yang. She was merely a spy, an agent Prince Ding’s Mansion planted in Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and Great Chu. From then on, there was no love or hate, only her position.

Ye Li nodded. "Later, I will go and see Ye Ying."

Yaoji nodded. "I will try to arrange it. If the Princess Consort has no other matters, we shall take our leave."

Ye Li thought for a moment, then said, "After we find Brother, you and Mu Lie should return to Licheng."

Hearing this, Yaoji was visibly taken aback. She had been in Marquis Muyang’s Mansion for over two years and had become an extremely important asset for Prince Ding’s Mansion in Nanjing. While not irreplaceable, her sudden disappearance would not be easy to manage.

"Princess Consort, this..."

Ye Li looked up at her, a faint smile on her lips. "You’ve done what you needed to do. There’s no need to waste any more of your time in Jiangnan."

Yaoji was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. Thank you, Princess Consort."

After Yaoji left with Mu Lie, Qin Feng frowned and looked at Ye Li with concern. "Princess Consort, is it appropriate to tell her this now?"

Ye Li looked at him with a smile. "You don’t trust her?"

Qin Feng’s expression stiffened slightly. After a long pause, he sighed. "Perhaps so." Actually, Qin Feng himself didn’t quite understand the situation between him and Yaoji. He had never forgotten the haggard, thin woman he had once rescued. But he couldn’t be sure what Yaoji truly felt for him. If Yaoji had feelings for him, why would she have unhesitatingly requested to leave Licheng and return to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion back then? And he, if he truly loved Yaoji, why couldn’t he trust her completely? Why, the moment the Princess Consort tested Yaoji, did he worry she might betray them?

Seeing Qin Feng’s troubled expression, Ye Li smiled gently. "Don’t overthink it. It’s natural for you to worry. There’s no such thing as completely unconditional trust in this world. Otherwise, why would I tell her these things at this particular time? I would rather she think it through now than have her change her mind at a critical moment in the future and stab me in the back." It wasn’t that Ye Li didn’t trust Yaoji’s loyalty, but a woman’s life could easily be swayed by two things: her lover and her child. Even Ye Li herself couldn’t guarantee she wouldn’t do something she knew she shouldn’t for the sake of Mo Xiuyao and their three children. Giving Yaoji some leeway now was far better than suddenly demanding her acceptance later. Even if there were any issues with Yaoji, they could always find a way to compensate.

From the moment Ye Li arrived in Nanjing, the fate of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion was sealed. Mo Xiuyao hated and detested many people, and the former Marquis Muyang was undoubtedly one of them. Since she was already here, Ye Li didn’t mind settling this score for him beforehand. Moreover, once Mo Jingli agreed to ally with Xiling and Beirong, Marquis Muyang’s Mansion would become an even greater enemy to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Eliminating them preemptively was also an option.

Qin Feng remained silent for a long time before looking at Ye Li. "Princess Consort, please entrust the matter of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion to me."

Ye Li hesitated slightly. "Are you sure? I initially thought it would be more appropriate for Zhuo Jing and Lin Han to handle this."

Qin Feng smiled. "Thank you, Princess Consort. I will not disappoint your expectations."

Ye Li sighed softly. "You should know..." If Marquis Muyang’s Mansion were to fall at Qin Feng’s hands, his future with Yaoji would indeed be precarious. Even if Yaoji no longer loved Mu Yang, he was still the father of her child.

"I understand," Qin Feng said with a faint smile, his tone as firm as a rock.

"In that case, have Lin Han accompany you. If there’s anything inconvenient, let Lin Han do it," Ye Li said.

Lin Han nodded in acknowledgment. "Understood, Princess Consort." Lin Han, of course, understood the Princess Consort’s meaning. If it came to a point where Qin Feng needed to personally kill someone from Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, Lin Han could do it in his stead.

"Thank you, Princess Consort."

Inside Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, Yaoji, with a placid expression, led Mu Lie towards her own courtyard. Suddenly, their path was blocked. Yaoji looked up at the women standing before her, her expression darkening slightly.

The former Young Madam, now Marchioness Muyang, looked at the woman before her—still enchanting despite being over thirty—her eyes filled with jealousy and resentment. She shrieked, "Where has the Secondary Madam been?"

Yaoji, already in a bad mood, raised a delicate eyebrow and replied coolly, "What business is it of yours?"

Marchioness Muyang’s face stiffened, her once delicate face instantly contorted with rage. She gritted her teeth. "Yaoji, you are too arrogant! Don’t forget, I am the Marchioness Muyang!"

Yaoji glanced at her indifferently. "So what? Hold onto your title of Marchioness Muyang; no one is fighting you for it. If you want it, you can even have my position as Secondary Madam."

"You..." Marchioness Muyang seethed, wishing she could tear the woman before her to shreds. She, a lady from a prestigious family, was actually losing out to a woman from a mere dancing organization. For years, she had not only endured Mu Yang’s coldness but also the ridicule of other noblewomen. But Marchioness Muyang seemed to have forgotten how much Yaoji had suffered because of her actions back then, how she had nearly lost her life. If she hadn’t relentlessly persecuted her, Yaoji would have long since taken her child and lived a quiet, anonymous life. Why then would Yaoji have returned as a spy for Prince Ding’s Mansion to vie for favor with her?

Yaoji impatiently glanced at the several coquettish women behind her. These women were all chosen by Marchioness Muyang over the past two years to display her ’benevolence’, while others were gifts from officials. However, due to Mu Yang’s exclusive favor for Yaoji, these women could only suppress their ambitions and stand with Marchioness Muyang to oppose Yaoji. Unfortunately for them, to Yaoji, who had experienced countless hardships, these women were still too naive. Even when they joined forces, they had never managed to gain any advantage over her.

Yaoji was in a foul mood and naturally had no patience to waste on these women. Looking up at Marchioness Muyang, she smiled faintly and said in a low voice, "Madam, there’s actually something I’ve wanted to tell you for a long time."

"What do you want to say?" Marchioness Muyang stared at Yaoji warily.

Yaoji’s smile turned cold. "I’ve always wanted to tell you... it’s useless for you to constantly target me. Mu Yang isn’t interested in you; shouldn’t you reflect on yourself? As a woman, to have your husband find you so dull he doesn’t even want to look at you—I truly pity you."

With that, ignoring Marchioness Muyang whose face had instantly turned deathly pale, Yaoji flicked her sleeve and turned towards her own courtyard.

"Are you in a bad mood?" Mu Lie followed her. Though he seemed to walk slowly, he consistently maintained a distance of two or three steps behind the fast-walking Yaoji. Once back in Yaoji’s courtyard, Mu Lie asked coolly.

Yaoji paused, then shook her head. "It’s nothing."

Mu Lie leaned against a pillar, watching her quietly. "You’ll be able to return to Licheng soon, and you’ll see your son. Aren’t you happy?" Having spent these past few years together, Mu Lie had developed some affection for Yaoji. He was an orphan and didn’t know what his own biological mother was like. But whenever he saw Yaoji yearning for her own son, he didn’t want her to make a mistake she would regret for life.

Yaoji gave a somewhat helpless, bitter smile. Mu Yang is the father of her son. Whether she still loves him or not, this is an unchangeable fact. How can she be happy?

Mu Lie looked at her. "If you can’t accept it, you can tell the Princess Consort you wish to leave first. The Princess Consort won’t make things difficult for you. I can manage on my own." Both Yaoji and Mu Lie were intelligent. The moment Ye Li suggested they return to Licheng together, Yaoji knew the Princess Consort intended to make a move against Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. In truth, there were many who could have been sent to the Capital of Great Chu back then; Yaoji was by no means an indispensable choice. The reason Yaoji was chosen was undoubtedly due to Prince Ding’s animosity towards Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. Yaoji, of course, also knew about the incident where Marquis Muyang had led troops to besiege Ye Li, an incident where the Southern Garrison Prince had forced Ye Li off a cliff.

Yaoji managed a faint smile, looking at Mu Lie. "Thank you. I’m fine."

Mu Lie frowned, undisguised worry on his young face. Yaoji reached out and ruffled his small head. "You’re just a child, why think so much?"

Mu Lie irritably slapped her hand away. "I’m not a child anymore! Fine, do as you please. Just don’t forget your son is waiting for you in Licheng. And... this young master intends to return to Licheng to join the Qilin. If you cause me to be unable to return... I’ll kill you."

Yaoji couldn’t help but smile faintly, watching Mu Lie turn and walk out. At the doorway, Mu Lie paused and looked back. "I think Commander Qin treats you quite well. You should consider him. Commander Qin is much better than that Mu Yang. At least, in these years you’ve been away, Commander Qin hasn’t been philandering. Look at your taste in men back then. This young master is too embarrassed to even scorn you for it." With that, not caring about Yaoji’s changing expression, he waved his hand and swaggered out.

Sighing softly, Yaoji reached for the jewelry box on her dressing table. From among a profusion of various jewels, she retrieved an inconspicuous box hidden in the lowest corner. Opening it, she found a jade lotus hairpin nestled inside. She didn’t know why she kept this hairpin with her. When she left Licheng for the Capital of Great Chu, she had already resolved to never again be entangled in matters of love. Qin Feng was her savior, Princess Consort Ding’s trusted aide, and commanded Prince Ding’s Mansion’s most elite force, the Qilin. In a sense, even Third Young Master Xu of the Xu Family could be considered his subordinate. Such a man... even if not widely renowned, was not someone she, a woman from a dancing organization with a child, could ever be worthy of.

If she could choose, Yaoji would rather have met a man like Qin Feng than Mu Yang. Perhaps all the good men in the world resided in Prince Ding’s Mansion. Or perhaps, inspired by Prince Ding’s profound affection for the Princess Consort, the men of Prince Ding’s Mansion were mostly devoted. Even though Mu Yang doted on her to the extent that everyone in Nanjing City knew, Marquis Muyang’s Mansion still had no fewer concubines and secondary concubines than any other noble house. Mu Yang was an enchanting, romantic dream from her most beautiful years. When the dream ended, leaving no trace, only a faint sorrow remained. And Qin Feng... he was a beautiful ideal she yearned for but dared not touch...

Lost in thought, a faint sound from behind made Yaoji snap back to reality. Her life these past few years had conditioned her to remain vigilant. Whirling around, she was startled to see the man standing behind her.

Unlike Mu Yang, who had been famous in the Capital of Great Chu, Qin Feng’s good looks were striking yet understated. The Commander of Qilin, with his military background, possessed an entirely different temperament from a nobleman born to privilege. If Mu Yang was like an unsheathed treasure sword, brilliant and exposed, then Qin Feng was a renowned blade concealed within its scabbard. Seemingly inconspicuous, once drawn, its brilliance could illuminate all directions.

"You... why are you here?" Yaoji finally asked after a long moment.

Qin Feng’s gaze fell on the jade hairpin in her hand, a hint of warmth entering his eyes. Yaoji naturally noticed his gaze and, flustered, hurriedly placed the jade hairpin back into the box. "You... are you here now because the Princess Consort has instructions?" Embarrassed by his gaze, Yaoji quickly changed the subject.

A barely perceptible smile flickered in Qin Feng’s eyes. He nodded, his gaze calm as he looked at Yaoji, and said, "Yes. The matter of Marquis Muyang’s Mansion... the Princess Consort has entrusted it to me."

Hearing this, Yaoji’s hands, which were busy tidying the dressing table, froze. Her face instantly turned pale.