Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 376: Why was I born into the royal family?

375. Why Was I Born into the Imperial Family?

Early the next day, Ye Li received an invitation from the Zhang Mansion as expected. The invitation was for Young Master Chu Junwei to attend a banquet at the Zhang family’s residence in the afternoon. Upon seeing the modest invitation, Ye Li couldn’t help but shake his head and laugh inwardly. Zhang Baiwan was really cunning. Not even a day had passed, so he must still be suffering from the injuries Mo Jingli’s men had inflicted on him, right?

"Master, are you going to the banquet?" Wei Lin asked curiously.

Ye Li put down the invitation, chuckling. "Of course, we’re going. Didn’t you hear what Old Master Lin said? This is the first time Zhang Baiwan has ever actively hosted a banquet. We must give him face." Wei Lin didn’t object. As long as they protected the Princess Consort, that was all that mattered. Even with Zhang Baiwan’s abilities, he could not pose any danger to the Princess Consort. Even if Zhang Baiwan wanted his daughter to marry the Princess Consort... cough, the Princess Consort couldn’t marry her, could she?

"Master, the person in the west wing has woken up," a maid who was taking care of Princess Qixia reported just then. Wei Lin looked surprised. "She’s fortunate to have survived." It wasn’t that Wei Lin despised Princess Qixia to the point of wishing her dead; rather, her injuries were severe. While the physical injuries weren’t life-threatening, she developed a high fever after they became infected and had been unconscious since. Many days had passed, and even the physicians in the residence had given up, only providing basic care as she hadn’t yet passed. It was unexpected for her to wake up just when everyone had given up hope.

The maid looked a bit odd. "But... that lady seems a bit strange."

"Strange? What’s wrong? Has she gone mad, or has she lost her memory?" Wei Lin asked.

The maid shook her head, then nodded. "This seems like... she’s gone mad. No, it’s more like she’s lost her memory."

Ye Li stood up. "Let’s go have a look."

They had not even entered the west side-courtyard when they heard crying from within. However, the crying did not sound like Princess Qixia’s. Most importantly... given Princess Qixia’s age and disposition, she would never... wail so loudly.

As soon as they stepped in, they saw a mess all over the room. Ye Li stood at the doorway, frowning at the woman crouched at the foot of the bed. Her eyes were clear and bright, definitely not the eyes of someone mad or dull. However, her expression was indeed strange. Upon seeing them enter, the woman, who had been hugging a blanket and wailing at the foot of the bed, stopped immediately and stared at them warily.

Ye Li ventured, "Princess Qixia, are you feeling better?"

Princess Qixia pouted and suddenly threw herself at Ye Li.

"Master, look out!" Wei Lin shouted, lunging forward and kicking towards the pouncing figure.

"Wei Lin, don’t!" Ye Li quickly warned. Wei Lin froze and pulled back some of his strength, but Princess Qixia was still sent flying. However, since he had retracted most of his force, she didn’t hit the ground too hard.

Princess Qixia clearly hadn’t expected to be kicked away. She sat there stunned for quite some time before bursting into loud tears again. "BOOHOO... Big Sister, the bad guys are bullying Xia’er...."

Wei Lin was taken aback and glanced at Ye Li. "Turns out she really has gone mad." With Princess Qixia’s personality, how could she behave like this in front of outsiders? She was actually sitting on the ground and wailing. Ye Li looked down, saying, "I think it’s different from just going mad. Qixia, do you recognize me?"

Princess Qixia was sobbing so hard that she barely registered Ye Li’s words. She hiccupped and stared blankly at Ye Li. Suddenly, she reached out to touch Ye Li’s face. "Brother, you’re handsome." Ye Li raised his fan to block her hand, smiling. "Do you recognize me, Qixia?"

Princess Qixia looked confused, blinked, and shook her head. "Who are you... I am a Princess of Nanzhao. You mustn’t bully me! I’m going to find my Imperial Sister."

"Do you remember your Imperial Sister’s name?" Ye Li asked. Princess Qixia gave him a look that said, ’Are you an idiot?’ and proudly announced, "My Imperial Sister, of course, is Princess Anxi of Nanzhao. My Imperial Sister is very powerful. If you dare bully me, my Imperial Sister will have someone beat you severely!"

Ye Li tried to stifle a laugh. "I am good friends with your Imperial Sister. But...I didn’t know she had a little sister."

"You’re talking nonsense! Everyone in Nanzhao knows I am Princess Qixia!" Princess Qixia glared and argued back fiercely.

Ye Li nodded and said, "Alright, but I’m not from Nanzhao. If you really are Princess Qixia, I will take you back to see Princess Anxi. How old is Princess Qixia this year? How did you end up here?"

Princess Qixia ran her fingers through her hair, somewhat distressed, and said, "Seven years old. I... I don’t know. I... Imperial Sister said she wanted to celebrate my birthday..." Princess Qixia’s lower lip trembled, and she looked as if she was about to cry again.

After thinking for a while, Ye Li asked, "Does Qixia know Mo Jingli and Dongfang You?"

"Who are they?" Princess Qixia asked with little interest. "Brother, will you take me home? I will ask Father and Imperial Sister to reward you greatly." Ye Li chuckled and said, "It doesn’t matter who they are. Qixia, rest well first. We’ll send you back after your wounds have healed."

He pointed at the numerous scars on her body. Although they had healed considerably these days, they still hurt. Reminded by Ye Li and looking at the wounds on her body, Princess Qixia looked like she was going to cry again.

Ye Li breathed a sigh of relief after finally soothing her. As they left the room, Wei Lin asked with some confusion, "What’s going on with Princess Qixia? Could she be pretending?" Ye Li shook his head and said, "Princess Qixia isn’t capable of such a seamless pretense. When I asked her if she knew Mo Jingli and Dongfang You, her gaze didn’t change at all. If she’s pretending... then Princess Qixia is quite the actress."

"You’re right." Princess Qixia had nearly died at Dongfang You’s hands; she would undoubtedly harbor a deep hatred for him. Even if she were a skilled actress, it would be impossible for her to show no emotion at all.

"Keep an eye on her. When we leave Jiangnan, have someone send her back to Nanzhao," Ye Li said.

"Understood." Wei Lin agreed. "Master, it’s time to attend the banquet at the Zhang Mansion."

They had wasted quite a bit of time with Princess Qixia. Before they knew it, it was already afternoon. Ye Li had no choice but to change his attire and head out for the banquet.

As expected, Zhang Baiwan lived up to his reputation as the stingiest man in Nanjing. The entire Zhang Mansion looked simple and unadorned; even the interior was ordinary. Anyone unfamiliar would never guess this was the residence of one of Nanjing’s wealthiest merchants. There were also very few servants in the mansion. Looking at the mansion’s steward, who was leading the way in a patched, old outfit, Ye Li couldn’t stop the corner of his mouth from twitching.

It seemed that Ye Li’s expression was too obvious, and the steward tugged at his clothes with some embarrassment, whispering, "Young Master, please excuse our appearance. Ordinarily, we wouldn’t be so remiss. It’s just that yesterday, Old Master... to avoid upsetting him further, we...."

Ye Li finally understood. Because Zhang Baiwan had suffered a significant financial loss yesterday, the people in his mansion had deliberately worn old clothes today so as not to displease him.

Ye Li chuckled and said, "My apologies for the misunderstanding. Frugality is indeed a virtue."

The steward gave a wry smile. Frugality was, of course, a good thing, but given the Zhang Family’s wealth and status in Nanjing City, they were often ridiculed for it and had long grown accustomed to it.

Zhang Baiwan had been waiting with his wife and daughter in the main hall. Seeing Madam Zhang and Miss Zhang in plain clothes, Ye Li gained a deeper appreciation for Zhang Baiwan’s stinginess. Zhang Baiwan’s face was still somewhat pale due to an injury, but upon seeing Ye Li, he put on a huge smile and was extremely hospitable. "Young Master Chu is here! Please forgive this old man for not being able to greet you at the door."

Ye Li greeted him with a bow and a smile. "Old Master Zhang, you are too polite. I am Chu Junwei. Greetings, Madam Zhang and Miss Zhang."

Zhang Baiwan happily said to his daughter, "Zhu’er, quickly greet Young Master Chu."

Miss Zhang stepped forward shyly, curtsied gracefully, and said in a soft voice, "Zhu’er greets Young Master Chu." Upon seeing Miss Zhang, Ye Li finally understood why Old Master Lin had such a strange expression when he mentioned Zhang Baiwan’s daughter.

To be fair, Miss Zhang wasn’t ugly. Although she wouldn’t be considered a great beauty, she should have been a comely young lady. However, the girl gave off a very peculiar vibe, and her intense gaze made even a composed person like Ye Li break out in a cold sweat. Ye Li felt a twitch at the corner of his eyes and subconsciously took a step backward. "Miss Zhang is too kind." He then turned his gaze to Zhang Baiwan beside him, vowing not to look at Miss Zhang again.

Seeing that Ye Li wasn’t looking at her, Zhu’er couldn’t help but feel aggrieved, and her eyes reddened. Zhang Baiwan looked at Ye Li, then at his daughter, sighed inwardly, and smiled at Ye Li. "Young Master Chu, shall we take our seats?"

Ye Li replied with a smile, "Old Master Zhang, please."

Because they were only hosting Ye Li, Old Master Zhang brought Madam Zhang and Miss Zhang to the table as well. The banquet was not overly lavish but still proper, demonstrating that although stingy, Old Master Zhang was aware of what was appropriate for the situation. After Ye Li took his seat, Miss Zhang happened to be sitting next to him, which made Ye Li’s body stiffen again.

"Young Master Chu, Zhu’er will pour you some wine." Miss Zhang eagerly picked up the wine jug, wanting to pour wine for Ye Li. Ye Li had no choice but to thank her. Sighing inwardly, he quickly got to the point with Old Master Zhang; it would be awkward if Zhang actually voiced his intention to marry his daughter to him. "Old Master Zhang, actually, my visit today pertains to some serious matters that I would like to discuss with you."

Old Master Zhang was taken aback, then laughed. "What’s the matter? Why don’t we discuss it after the meal?"

Ye Li said blandly, "Even if it’s about the one million dan of grain you donated to Prince Li yesterday?"

Zhang Baiwan’s face immediately darkened; his heart bled every time he thought about that one million dan of grain.

"What does Young Master Chu wish to discuss?" Zhang Baiwan looked at Ye Li, puzzled. Ye Li smiled and asked, "Is it convenient to talk here?" Zhang Baiwan paused for a moment before finally addressing his wife and daughter, "Madam, please take Zhu’er downstairs. I have something to discuss with Young Master Chu." Madam Zhang was just an ordinary woman from a traditional household, completely ignorant of business matters, and only regarded her husband as her world. She had to escort Miss Zhang, who was somewhat unwilling, downstairs.

"What does Young Master Chu want to discuss with this old man?" Zhang Baiwan asked.

Ye Li laughed and said, "Yesterday, Old Master Zhang donated one million dan of grain to Prince Li. But according to my information, Prince Li has mobilized at least 800,000 troops this time. Conservatively, even if everything goes smoothly and they can defeat the Mo Family Army in the shortest possible time, the campaign, back and forth, will take at least half a year. During this period, the required military provisions will be at least around three million dan. And this is still a conservative estimate. Does Old Master Zhang think... Prince Li’s Mansion can defeat Prince Ding’s Mansion within six months?"

Zhang Baiwan stared at him, slightly on guard. "What does Young Master mean by this?"

Ye Li laughed and said, "I have another piece of news. This time... the army has set off, but the imperial court hasn’t mobilized much grain from the granaries. Because... Xiling suffered a drought and poor harvest this year, and Beirong’s situation is similarly unfavorable. Old Master Zhang, being in the grain business, presumably has some understanding of this. A month ago, the court sold a large portion of the newly stored grain to Xiling. So, this conservative estimate of three million dan... I’m afraid Old Master Zhang and the grain merchants in Jiangnan will ultimately have to bear the burden."

Zhang Baiwan’s face turned dark upon hearing this. "Prince Li... Prince Li intends to ruin my Zhang family." Donating one million dan had already severely weakened the Zhang family. If they had to bear the cost of all the military provisions, the Zhang family would probably be finished. More importantly, the Zhang family couldn’t gather so much grain on short notice. When the time came, if they were accused of delaying military operations, he, Zhang Baiwan, would still lose his head. Indeed... Prince Li never intended to let him off from the start.

"Not only that, but... frankly, I can assert that this war will likely not end in a year or even half a year. By then, the Zhang family..." Zhang Baiwan’s face was ashen. He looked at Ye Li and said, "Young Master Chu came all this way to say these things; surely you don’t mean just to frighten this old man?" Zhang Baiwan was also a shrewd businessman; he naturally knew Ye Li wouldn’t come just to toy with him.

Ye Li lowered his gaze and said quietly, "I do indeed have a way to help Old Master Zhang, but I don’t know if Old Master Zhang would be willing?"

"Please, Young Master Chu, save me!" Zhang Baiwan quickly replied.

Ye Li, with a smile, handed over an envelope. Zhang Baiwan took it and skimmed through its contents, his expression changing dramatically as he stared at Ye Li, stunned. "You...Young Master Chu, are you...?" Ye Li laughed. "My surname is Chu. The Chu Family... and the Xu Family are related by marriage."

Zhang Baiwan understood, his expression shifting unpredictably. After a long pause, he finally asked, "Can Young Master Chu make the decision?"

With a grin, Ye Li pulled out a token from his sleeve and placed it on the table. Zhang Baiwan stared in astonishment at the menacing character ’Ding’ on the black jade token. Although he had never seen a token from Prince Ding’s Mansion, Zhang Baiwan sincerely believed that no one in this world would dare to forge one. Furthermore... the Chu Family and the Xu Family were indeed related by marriage. Considering the Xu Family’s status in Licheng, the probability of Chu Junwei, such an outstanding talent, serving Prince Ding’s Mansion was far higher than him traveling all the way to Jiangnan to pledge allegiance to Prince Li’s Mansion.

"What does Old Master Zhang think?" Ye Li asked.

"If... if this old man doesn’t agree, what does Young Master Chu intend to do?" Zhang Baiwan asked.

Ye Li calmly replied, "Then, please ask Old Master Zhang to forget today’s events." Zhang Baiwan said in a low voice, "This old man needs to consider it." Ye Li didn’t press further, stood up, and said, "In that case, I shall take my leave first."

Zhang Baiwan looked at Ye Li and said with a hint of hopeful speculation, "Actually, if Young Master Chu could agree to one request from this old man, I could give you an answer right now." Seeing Zhang Baiwan’s satisfied yet expectant gaze, Ye Li rolled his eyes inwardly and quickly said, "Old Master Zhang, please understand, I am actually just... running an errand. If Old Master Zhang has any requests, I can convey them, but if they concern me personally, I’m afraid... Please forgive me, Old Master Zhang."

Zhang Baiwan could only sigh, his disappointment palpable. He sincerely hoped this Chu Junwei could become his son-in-law, which would provide an additional safeguard for the Zhang family. Moreover, his own daughter had high standards and didn’t look favorably upon ordinary men. What a pity...

After leaving the Zhang family’s residence, Ye Li, along with Wei Lin and Zhuo Jing, couldn’t help but let out a collective sigh of relief. Zhuo Jing pouted. "That Miss Zhang’s eyes were practically glued to you, Master. Thankfully, you were quick to send her away; otherwise, it would have been a real problem." Being handsome is also a mistake. I wonder how Young Master Qingchen has managed all these years; no wonder he attracted a madwoman like Dongfang You. However, the Princess Consort disguised as a man is even worse. Young Master Qingchen has an ethereal, otherworldly air that makes people look up to him and not dare to defile him. But the Princess Consort disguised as a man is peerlessly handsome and approachable—the perfect candidate for a son-in-law.

"Princess Consort, what if Zhang Baiwan runs to inform on us?" Wei Lin furrowed his brows.

Ye Li replied indifferently, "Then we can only let Old Master Zhang truly die for his money. However... I think he’s a clever man."

Wei Lin pondered and replied, "True. And given his nature of loving wealth as much as his life, knowing that Mo Jingli intends to swallow his Zhang Family whole, how could he willingly walk into that trap?"

Ye Li let out a long sigh and said lightly, "Once the Zhang and Lin families are dealt with, things will be much easier." The Zhang and Lin families were among the wealthiest in Nanjing City. With their covert assistance, it wouldn’t be difficult to poke a huge hole in Mo Jingli’s logistics.

All matters were proceeding systematically in secret. Ever since making a small splash at the Regent Prince’s banquet, Mo Jingli seemed to have remembered this young master from the Chu Family of Yunzhou. He frequently sent people to invite him to his mansion for discussions, seeking his opinions on political matters. However, Ye Li was slightly worried that Mo Jingli would see through her disguise and reveal some flaw, so she declined most invitations, only attending when she absolutely couldn’t refuse. Unexpectedly, this made Mo Jingli value him even more. It seemed Mo Jingli was also keen on playing the role of a virtuous lord who respects talent.

Perhaps genuinely concerned about the Grand Empress Dowager’s influence on the young emperor, Mo Jingli did indeed keep the young emperor at the Regent Prince’s Mansion. He was only taken to the palace during court sessions. Although many in the court voiced objections, Mo Jingli controlled all the military power of Great Chu. Political power grows from the barrel of a gun; this principle holds true in all ages. Throughout history, how many rebellions led by scholars have succeeded?

Ye Li had seen the young emperor once at the Regent Prince’s Mansion; he appeared even more frail and gaunt than at the banquet. Soon after, news emerged from Prince Li’s Mansion that the young emperor had been administered a slow-acting poison.

Upon receiving the news from Prince Li’s Mansion, everyone was taken aback. Wei Lin frowned and said, "What on earth does Mo Jingli want to do?" On the eve of an expedition, stability is paramount. Poisoning the young emperor now would not be beneficial for Mo Jingli.

"How long can Mo Suyun hold on?" Ye Li asked gravely.

Yaoji, who had come with Qin Feng, shook her head and said, "Although the poison in the young emperor is slow-acting, it is quite potent. Besides, the young emperor seems inherently frail, and he has been terrified by Mo Jingli for the past two years. I’m afraid... even if the poison is neutralized, he may not live to adulthood." Yaoji herself was a mother and had not seen her own biological son for many years. Naturally, she felt more compassion for children.

Speaking of which, in all these chaotic disputes, the most innocent person was undoubtedly this young emperor, who was only eight or nine years old. A child who understood nothing, without a father’s love or the support of his mother’s clan, was suddenly thrust onto the throne before the death of Mo Jing. Anyone with eyes could see what awaited him.

Ye Li remained silent. She was never a cruel person. But regarding this child, while she couldn’t say she was harming him, she was certainly guilty of not saving him when she could. Everyone, for their own goals... The Grand Empress Dowager for her power, Mo Jingli for that supreme position, and she herself for Prince Ding’s Mansion, had all tacitly chosen to abandon this child.

"Princess Consort, Mo Suyun’s situation has nothing to do with us. Why blame yourself?" Qin Feng said solemnly.

Ye Li shook his head, smiled lightly, and said, "I wouldn’t go so far as to blame myself, just a bit melancholic... He’s just a child who knows nothing. Why was he born into the imperial family..." Self-blame was, after all, a useless form of remorse. Rather than waste time on self-reproach, it was better not to have done it in the first place. Since a choice had been made, what was the use of blaming oneself?

"Yaoji, go tell Ye Ying to give me the list she has. I will immediately inform her of her child’s whereabouts. If she delays... she will regret it," Ye Li said lightly.

Yaoji frowned and said, "I’m afraid Ye Ying won’t agree. Deep down, she may not trust you, Princess Consort. The list she currently holds is arguably the most important thing she possesses; she certainly won’t give it up easily. Princess Consort, perhaps consider telling her about the child first?"

Ye Li sighed and said, "If we tell her about the child now, we will truly never get the information. Moreover... even you and many people in Nanjing City will be in danger." Yaoji frowned, puzzled. Qin Feng said, "If we tell Ye Ying that her son is the little emperor, how could she possibly still help Prince Ding’s Mansion? The first thing she would do is tell Mo Jingli. Now that Princess Qixia is dead and Dongfang You is missing, once the little emperor becomes Mo Jingli’s son..."

Yaoji then understood. She had dealt with Ye Ying for quite some time and naturally understood her disposition. Ye Ying was timid, not particularly intelligent, and incapable of great deeds. However, she was selfish, fundamentally distrusted everyone, and could be ruthless when necessary. If her son became the emperor, she would be the Empress Dowager and would naturally no longer need to defer to Prince Ding’s Mansion.

With a sigh of helplessness, Yaoji said, "I’ll go back and talk to her." She could only hope Ye Ying would be rational and not try to be clever, thereby harming her own son.

"Princess Consort, Mo Jingli is poisoning the young emperor now. What exactly is he trying to do? Surely he isn’t so impatient that he wants to ascend the throne immediately? If the young emperor dies in his Prince Li’s Mansion, he himself will be suspected," Zhuo Jing said, perplexed. Mo Jingli was known for being overly clever; he didn’t seem like someone who wouldn’t understand such simple logic.

Ye Li shook his head and said somberly, "Actually... it might not necessarily be Mo Jingli who administered the poison."

"Someone wants to frame Mo Jingli?" everyone asked, puzzled.

Qin Feng frowned and said, "Since Dongfang You disappeared, Mo Jingli has thoroughly reorganized Prince Li’s Mansion once more. Now, Prince Li’s Mansion can be said to be entirely under Mo Jingli’s control. If even we could obtain this information, Mo Jingli couldn’t possibly be unaware."

Ye Li pondered for a long time, arching his brow and saying, "There’s still one person in Prince Li’s Mansion who could harm Mo Suyun. Even if Mo Jingli found out, he wouldn’t expose her. Moreover... if the young emperor were to die just like this, it might not necessarily be a bad thing for Mo Jingli."

"Grand Consort Wise Zhao?" Lin Han asked.

Ye Li nodded. "Correct. Currently, the only people in Prince Li’s Mansion who could harm Mo Suyun are Mo Jingli, Ye Ying, and Grand Consort Wise Zhao. You must understand, slow-acting poison is not easy to administer; it requires a lot of time. And even if the young emperor has no power, he still has many attendants. An ordinary person would absolutely not be able to so precisely add poison to Mo Suyun’s meals every day."

"Why would Grand Consort Wise Zhao want to kill the little emperor?" Wei Lin asked, puzzled.

Ye Li laughed and said, "Grand Consort Wise Zhao and the Grand Empress Dowager are first cousins. They entered the palace together to serve the late Emperor. It can be said that they supported each other through thick and thin for most of their lives. After Mo Jingli ascended the throne, the Grand Empress Dowager became the Empress Dowager, and she made Grand Consort Wise Zhao a Grand Consort. Furthermore, she was allowed to move out of the palace to live in honor at Prince Li’s Mansion. Compared to the late Emperor’s other consorts, she was treated quite well. However, I’ve always had a question. In the Great Chu, the lowest rank for imperial concubines is Cairen, and the highest is Empress. Below the Empress are Noble Consorts and Consorts. According to custom, after an emperor’s passing, his consorts are usually promoted one rank. This means that if Grand Consort Wise Zhao was a Consort during the late Emperor’s reign, Mo Jingli should have elevated her to Noble Grand Consort, especially given her relationship with the Empress Dowager. But... why has Grand Consort Wise Zhao remained at the rank of Consort her entire life?"

Yaoji, resting her chin on her hand, said, "Well, no one raised any objections at the time, did they? That implies such an enfeoffment was also reasonable."

Ye Li said, "Reasonable, perhaps, but not entirely congruous with sentiment. Moreover, at that time, almost all of the late Emperor’s former concubines were either demoted or killed by the Empress Dowager for various reasons. The only one who remained, Grand Consort Wise Zhao, even received the grace of retiring from the palace to live in honor. She naturally appeared to be greatly favored, so perhaps no one paid attention to these details. Why do you think... the Empress Dowager sent Grand Consort Wise Zhao out of the palace to live in honor?"

Yaoji’s eyes flashed with surprise. "The Empress Dowager didn’t want Grand Consort Wise Zhao to remain in the palace and contend for power with her? Then... Grand Consort Wise Zhao must have some leverage that made the Empress Dowager afraid to act against her, allowing her to live peacefully all these years. Now that she’s targeting Mo Suyun, is it firstly to push Mo Jingli to the throne, and secondly to retaliate against the Grand Empress Dowager?"

"The tale of Ehuang and Nüying is a renowned story from history. But I have never truly seen such so-called sisterly devotion exist," Ye Li sighed softly. "As long as they are women, there will be jealousy. How could they harbor no resentment at all and maintain a deep sisterly bond with another woman who shares their husband? Especially women in the deep palace. From the first day they entered the palace, everything they did revolved around one word—compete. Compete for favor, for status, for children."

"Mo Jingli is also the Grand Empress Dowager’s son," Wei Lin reminded him.

Grand Consort Wise Zhao had no children; no matter how deeply she hid, she was destined to lose from the very beginning.

"The bond of birth versus the bond of upbringing—which is more important? Isn’t Mo Jingli’s current choice clear enough?" Ye Li said with a light smile.

Yaoji frowned and said, "When the capital was first moved to Nanjing, it was rumored that Prince Li wanted to make Grand Consort Wise Zhao the Noble Grand Empress Consort, to jointly manage the harem with the Empress Dowager. But then, for some reason, there was no further news."

Everyone present couldn’t help but shake their heads; the intricate affairs of the imperial family were enough to make them all feel dizzy. Although Grand Consort Wise Zhao had no sons, she had been playing the role of a loving sister under the Empress Dowager’s suppression for many years. She must finally be nearing her breaking point. It was just unknown how much of a role Grand Consort Wise Zhao played in the fracturing of the relationship between Mo Jingli and the Empress Dowager.

"Reporting to Young Master, someone from the Regent Prince’s Mansion has arrived. They say the Regent Prince requests your presence," the steward outside the door reported in a low voice.

Ye Li remained silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. Ask them to wait a moment." The steward acknowledged and retreated. Ye Li stood up and said, "Forget it. It just so happens I can go to Prince Li’s Mansion and see what’s going on."

Yaoji frowned. "Prince Li seems to have been summoning the Princess Consort frequently these days. Could he have discovered some flaw?"

"Given Mo Jingli’s disposition, if he had truly discovered something, he wouldn’t be so polite in his invitation. Don’t worry," Ye Li laughed.

When Ye Li arrived at Prince Li’s Mansion, he was directly escorted to Mo Jingli’s study. When he stepped into the study, quite a few people were already seated inside. However, Ye Li was familiar with only one of them: the current Marquis Muyang, Mu Yang.

"Chu Junwei pays his respects to the Regent Prince," Ye Li said, cupping his hands in salute.

Seeing Ye Li enter, Mo Jingli seemed to be in good spirits and laughed. "Young Master Chu has arrived. Please, have a seat." Ye Li nodded his thanks and walked to the seat at the very end. Although the Chu Family was considered an eminent and noble clan, those present were all Mo Jingli’s trusted aides. Ye Li naturally wouldn’t be so presumptuous as to sit at the front.

Coincidentally, Ye Li sat diagonally across from Mu Yang. Mu Yang smiled and nodded at him. Ye Li, not wanting to be impolite, smiled and nodded in return. Mo Jingli raised an eyebrow, looking at the two of them. "Marquis Muyang and Young Master Chu are acquainted?"

Mu Yang respectfully said, "Young Master Chu is such an impressive figure; I only regret not having made his acquaintance sooner."

Ye Li chuckled. "Marquis Muyang overpraises me. I, too, have long admired Marquis Muyang’s great name." Seeing that neither of them seemed to be feigning their expressions, Mo Jingli finally nodded with satisfaction. He wasn’t opposed to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion having ties with the Chu Family, but he wouldn’t be pleased if Mu Yang kept overly close contact with the Chu Family behind his back.

Just then, Ye Li took the opportunity to ask, "May I ask for what reason Your Highness has summoned me?"

Mo Jingli glanced at everyone present and said, "This time, I indeed have a matter that requires Young Master Chu’s assistance. Previously, regarding the Zhang family’s affair, Young Master Chu resolved a major problem for me with just a few words. These past few days, Zhang Baiwan has been working quite diligently. This is all thanks to Young Master Chu."

Ye Li humbly demurred, "Your Highness is too generous. This is all due to Your Highness’s power and deterrence in Jiangnan. Junwei dares not take credit."

Mo Jingli sighed. "I truly have an important matter that requires Young Master Chu’s help. I hope Young Master Chu will not refuse."

Ye Li’s heart skipped a beat, but he maintained a calm expression. "Please instruct me, Your Highness."

Mo Jingli stared intently at Ye Li and said solemnly, "I wish to ask you, Young Master, to draft an imperial edict on my behalf."

Ye Li’s heart jolted. He glanced at everyone present; their expressions showed no surprise, indicating they all knew what Mo Jingli was about to say. Or rather, these people were specifically waiting for him. Ye Li took a shallow breath and asked, "The court is teeming with talent; there are countless senior officials capable of drafting an edict. I’m afraid I..."

"Is Young Master Chu unwilling?" Mo Jingli’s expression turned cold as he asked faintly.

Ye Li sighed inwardly. He understood what kind of edict Mo Jingli wanted him to write. But... this was something he could not write. Once written, the young emperor Mo Suyun would likely truly be at the end of his life.

"May I ask, what edict does Your Highness wish me to write?" Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin were not allowed into Prince Li’s study, so they could only wait outside. Besides, even if they were by his side, Ye Li had no intention of falling out with Mo Jingli so soon.

Mo Jingli’s expression softened slightly, and he said, as if with some difficulty, "To be honest, His Majesty’s health has been poor these days. I’m afraid... His Majesty is young and naturally has no heirs, so he intends to abdicate... I must ask Young Master Chu to draft an edict of abdication. Young Master Chu is from a distinguished lineage; I trust you will not disappoint me." Though clearly triumphant, he forced a sorrowful expression, a pretense that made Ye Li feel even more disgusted.

"May I ask... to which of the late Emperor’s sons does His Majesty intend to abdicate?" Ye Li asked, his expression unchanged, feigning innocence. If an emperor has no children, the throne naturally passes to someone else, usually the closest blood relative—first brothers, then nephews. It was rarer for it to pass to an uncle. Ye Li’s question was not impolite.

A cold glint flashed in Mo Jingli’s eyes, but he did not answer Ye Li’s question. Mu Yang, sitting opposite, smiled. "Young Master Chu misunderstands. His Majesty intends to abdicate to the Regent Prince. After all, His Majesty’s brothers are also mostly young... And Great Chu is currently in a precarious situation, truly in need of a capable monarch. Although His Majesty is young, he is wholeheartedly concerned for the future of Great Chu."

For the future of Great Chu? More like you all scared him into it! Ye Li scoffed inwardly.

Looking somewhat hesitant, Ye Li glanced at Mo Jingli and said with feigned difficulty, "Your Highness, please forgive me, but this matter... I’m afraid I need to discuss it with my family head. Moreover, although I am a member of the Chu Family, I am merely from a side branch. A matter like an edict of abdication..." Throughout history, few emperors have abdicated willingly. The successor, to demonstrate that his ascension is by popular demand, naturally needs to find someone influential to write the edict. Such documents, if well-written, can be celebrated for generations; if poorly written, they can bring infamy for millennia. Although Ye Li had borrowed the identity of a Chu family member, he had no intention of tarnishing their reputation. If he, Chu Junwei, were to write this edict for Mo Jingli, it would likely be attributed to the main Chu Family lineage in the end. The world would only know a Chu family member wrote it; who would care if Chu Junwei was from the main or a side branch, or if such a person even existed in the Chu Family?

Actually, it wasn’t that Mo Jingli absolutely had to force Ye Li to write this edict, but rather that he couldn’t find anyone suitable. The reputable old ministers in the court were naturally unwilling to sacrifice their reputations to write such an edict. And Mo Jingli’s own trusted followers mostly lacked significant renown. Although Chu Junwei was from a side branch of the Chu Family, he still bore the Chu family name. The Chu Family was, apart from the Xu Family, one of the most prominent and noble families in Great Chu. If Mo Jingli could have found Young Master Qingchen to draft the edict, he certainly wouldn’t have bothered with whether Ye Li was willing or not.

Mo Jingli stared at Ye Li unhappily. "Just a small matter, and Young Master Chu makes all sorts of excuses. Are you looking down on me?"

Ye Li truly wanted to throw something in Mo Jingli’s face. If the person here were truly just a young master from a side branch of the Chu family, facing such a setup by Mo Jingli, that young master would likely have only two choices: either to collaborate and be disgraced, or to take his own life to preserve his integrity.

"Your Highness overstates the matter," Ye Li said firmly. "But this is of great significance, and I truly dare not act presumptuously. Surely Your Highness does not wish for news to spread that the Chu Family has expelled Junwei from the family right after I write the edict?"

If that were to happen, it would be as if the entire Chu Family had slapped Mo Jingli hard in the face. The situation then would likely be even more embarrassing than just randomly finding someone to write the edict. Not to mention, if the Xu Family then took the opportunity to say something, more than half the scholars in the world would probably not support Mo Jingli.

Mo Jingli knew Ye Li spoke the truth, but having his confident request met with such a firm yet polite refusal made it difficult for him to save face. Seeing this, Mu Yang, seated nearby, quickly interjected, "Your Highness, Young Master Chu’s concerns are not without reason. Young Master Chu is a scholar, and some matters inevitably take time to process. Why not allow Young Master Chu to consider it for two days? I am sure Young Master Chu will have thought it through by then."

Mo Jingli finally nodded, looking at Ye Li. "I hold you in high regard, Young Master. Please consider this matter very carefully. With Young Master Chu’s talent, you could very well be the next Young Master Qingchen."

Ye Li found it inwardly amusing; she wouldn’t dare claim her talent and intelligence were comparable to her elder brother’s. However, the price Mo Jingli was offering to recruit her this time was quite substantial. Who didn’t know that Young Master Qingchen was, in Prince Ding’s Mansion, a figure below only two people but above tens of thousands? To say he wielded power over the realm was no exaggeration. Which scholar didn’t see Young Master Qingchen as a role model and a goal to strive for? But Ye Li was certain that even if she were truly Chu Junwei, she would not choose Mo Jingli. Mo Xiuyao possessed the magnanimity and ability to tolerate someone holding a position ’below only two people but above tens of thousands,’ but Mo Jingli did not. She feared that once Mo Jingli solidified his position, the first to suffer misfortune would be this ’second Young Master Qingchen.’

Ye Li responded respectfully, "Thank you for Your Highness’s high regard. I will consider it carefully."

Mo Jingli looked deeply at Ye Li and nodded. "Good. I will have someone escort you back to your residence."

"Thank you, Your Highness." Ye Li did not refuse, naturally understanding Mo Jingli’s meaning. He wasn’t bothered by it. Since Mo Jingli had let him know such an important matter, how could he feel at ease letting him leave just like that? However, Mo Jingli didn’t know that if Ye Li wanted to disappear from Nanjing City, he wouldn’t be able to find her even if he dug three feet underground.

Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin, waiting outside, saw Ye Li emerge from his meeting accompanied by several guards from Prince Li’s Mansion, and their expressions changed. Ye Li nonchalantly waved his hand, signaling them not to act rashly. The two immediately calmed down, stepped forward, and saluted. "Your subordinates greet you, Master."

Ye Li nodded. "Let’s go back."

"Yes, Master."

Ye Li, with his newly acquired entourage and Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin, walked towards the exit of Prince Li’s Mansion. As they passed by a garden, they saw the little emperor dressed in bright yellow robes. Only two or three days had passed since their last meeting, but the little emperor’s already gaunt face had turned somewhat sallow. His eyes, which always seemed to carry a look of terror, had become even more dull and lifeless. Everyone could see that this child did not have long to live.

Mo Suyun strolled slowly in the garden, followed by eunuchs and palace maids who walked with their heads bowed, doing nothing. It was as if, so long as the little emperor did not leave their sight, whatever he did was of no concern. The path in the garden was not very smooth. Mo Suyun seemed to have spotted something interesting ahead; his dull eyes lit up slightly, and he quickened his pace to run forward. But his body was already extremely weak, and with an unsteady step, he stumbled and fell to the ground.

Even so, none of the eunuchs or palace maids following him went to help him up, as if they had all suddenly turned into mindless wooden puppets.

Falling on the uneven cobblestone path was very painful. When Mo Suyun fell, both his arms were scraped and bleeding. Tears immediately welled up in his eyes, but for some reason, they did not fall. Mo Suyun did not get up, merely lying on the ground, staring blankly at his bleeding, stinging arms.

A pair of fair, slender hands gently lifted him from the ground. Mo Suyun blinked, looking somewhat dazedly at the handsome young man in white before him.

"Does it hurt?" Ye Li squatted down, looking at the child now at his eye level, and asked softly.

Tears welled in Mo Suyun’s eyes. After a moment, he nodded. Ye Li sighed in her heart; how could she not see the abnormality in this child? Compared to a few days ago, the child’s reactions had become much slower.

The attendants following Mo Suyun, seeing someone approach, quickly came forward to intervene. "This Young Master... His Majesty should go back and rest." Ye Li glanced at them coolly and said with a faint smile, "So you do know he is still the emperor?"

The palace maid who spoke turned pale, but quickly recovered. "We servants naturally know he is still His Majesty. Therefore, please, Young Master, leave quickly. His Majesty is not someone just anyone can see." Although the palace maid’s tone was seemingly polite, Ye Li could detect a hint of arrogance and the pointed emphasis on "still His Majesty." Clearly, their treatment of Mo Suyun was under someone’s orders.

The guards following Ye Li also stepped forward, choosing their words carefully, trying to persuade Ye Li to leave. They knew the Prince still had use for this Chu Junwei, so they dared not be too forceful.

"Greetings, Princess Consort Li." As they were at a standstill, Ye Ying approached with her attendants. Her gaze swept coolly over everyone. "What is going on here?" The palace maid who had spoken to Ye Li earlier stepped forward. "Reporting to Your Highness, we are accompanying His Majesty for a walk under the orders of the Grand Consort. This Young Master Chu is blocking His Majesty’s path and refuses to leave."

Ye Ying neither confirmed nor denied this, looking at Ye Li. Ye Li said with a smile, "Reporting to Your Highness, I merely saw His Majesty fall and helped him up. And then..." Ye Li raised the sleeve of his robe, indicating that the little emperor was clinging to him and wouldn’t let go.

Ye Ying was silent for a moment, then said, "Young Master Chu is the Prince’s esteemed guest. Since His Majesty likes him, let him accompany His Majesty for a while. What is all this fuss about? How improper!"

"Your Highness! But the Grand Consort..."

"I will naturally explain to the Grand Consort. So many of you were watching, yet you still let His Majesty fall. Are you all dead?" Ye Ying said coldly. Although these attendants belonged to Grand Consort Wise Zhao, they dared not talk back to Ye Ying, this Princess Consort Li, in front of outsiders, and reluctantly fell silent.

Ye Li took the medicine handed to him by Wei Lin from behind, carefully applied it to Mo Suyun’s scrapes, and asked without turning his head, "Why haven’t you summoned the imperial physician?"

The attendant serving Mo Suyun hesitated for a moment before turning to leave.

Because Mo Suyun kept clinging to Ye Li’s sleeve, Ye Li could not leave for the moment. He had to carry Mo Suyun to a water pavilion in the garden to sit for a while. Holding Mo Suyun in the water pavilion, Ye Li looked calmly at Ye Ying and asked, "Do you know what Grand Consort Wise Zhao has done?"

Ye Ying’s expression changed, and she asked with some discomposure, "The Grand Consort? What has the Grand Consort done?"

Ye Li felt a sinking in her heart; from Ye Ying’s expression, it was clear she was not ignorant of what Grand Consort Wise Zhao had done. "Why didn’t you tell Yaoji about this?" Ye Ying bit her lip and said, "This isn’t an important matter, and it has nothing to do with Prince Ding’s Mansion. Why should I tell her? Besides... even if I didn’t tell her, didn’t you find out anyway?"

"I did find out, but unfortunately, it was already too late," Ye Li said.

Ye Ying said dismissively, "Surely you don’t intend to save him? He is the emperor of Great Chu, and you are the Princess Consort of Prince Ding’s Mansion. What good would saving him do you?" Ye Li smiled faintly. "Do you think that if Mo Jingli becomes emperor, you will definitely become the empress?"

Ye Ying turned pale. She certainly knew that without support, even if Mo Jingli became emperor, she might not become the empress. Prince Ding’s Mansion had originally supported her, but now Mo Jingli had decided to wage war against them...

"You can go ahead and try. Tell Mo Jingli my whereabouts. See if he’ll be in a good mood and reward you with the position of empress," Ye Li said, looking at her with a smile. But the faint chill in his eyes made Ye Ying shiver inwardly. Biting her lip, she said, "I won’t betray you... betraying you would do me no good." Mo Jingli was notoriously vengeful. If she told him Ye Li’s whereabouts, she would inevitably also reveal that she had been gathering information for Prince Ding’s Mansion. At that point, Ye Li would naturally be in trouble, but she herself would be the one to suffer most in the end. Moreover... the information about her child was still in Ye Li’s hands.

Ye Li looked at her calmly. "You still insist on not giving me the list?"

Ye Ying gritted her teeth. "First, help me find my child. Also..."

"Also?" Ye Li raised an eyebrow in amusement, looking at her with interest. Ye Ying said, "After Mo Jingli ascends the throne, you must help me become the empress."

"Ye Ying," Ye Li looked at her with a hint of pity and said in a deep voice, "You will regret this."

The attendants outside returned with the imperial physician. But the child kept clinging to Ye Li’s sleeve. Ye Li had to coax him for quite a while before he would let go and allow the physician to examine him. Seeing the physician merely perfunctorily check his injuries, yet ignore his obvious distress, Ye Li had nothing more to say. He stood up and walked out of the water pavilion. The guards waiting outside immediately approached. Ye Li tilted his head to the side and said, "Go tell the Regent Prince that some things... should not be done too disgracefully. It will not benefit His Highness’s reputation."

The guards hesitated for a moment, but one of them turned and headed towards Mo Jingli’s study. Ye Li glanced back at the child sitting dazedly at the table in the water pavilion, allowing the physician to tend to him, then turned and said, "Let’s go."

"Master, His Majesty..." Wei Lin couldn’t help but ask. They weren’t heartless, unfeeling creatures. Watching an innocent child become dull and listless, merely waiting for death, Wei Lin also felt some pity.

Ye Li shook his head. "I’m afraid His Majesty... does not have much time left."

The guards accompanying Ye Li out of the mansion looked at him in surprise. They hadn’t expected this refined and handsome young master to be so bold, daring to say such things in front of them, even knowing they were sent by the Prince to monitor him.

But they had yet to understand one principle: when someone completely disregards secrecy and tells you confidential matters, it means they believe you are absolutely incapable of leaking those secrets. And in this world, the people least likely to leak secrets are the dead.

Hearing Ye Li’s words, Zhuo Jing and Wei Lin, with tacit understanding, subtly swept their cold gazes over the guards, a faint killing intent flashing and disappearing in an instant.

「The next day, news came from Prince Li’s Mansion.」

All the palace maids and eunuchs serving Mo Suyun had been beaten to death. Upon hearing the news reported by Zhuo Jing, Ye Li’s hand merely paused for a moment before he continued with the task at hand.