Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 379 - 378. Heading North, Returning Home

378. Northward, and Homeward

After leaving Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, as the two walked back, Yunge took furtive glances at Xu Qingchen. For some reason, she felt frightened whenever Xu Qingchen didn’t smile, and even more so when he did smile. She looked at her own hands, not particularly delicate but still slender, and sighed with a small frown on her face. This time, it wasn’t my fault, so why is Xu Qingchen still angry... My hand will surely break from all the writing... Why hadn’t I realized before that Xu Qingchen was so prone to anger?

Of course, these were just thoughts inside Miss Yunge’s head. Even if she voiced them, no one would likely believe her. Young Master Qingchen, prone to anger? The number of people in this world who had seen Young Master Qingchen angry wouldn’t even fill one hand. The chivalry and refinement of the Immortal Young Master have always been praised. Whoever dares to slander such a gentleman deserves to be thrown out!

Xu Qingchen, of course, saw Yunge’s actions and just gave a light smile without explaining anything. Instead, he asked, "Now that you can’t find the people you are looking for, what are your plans?"

Yunge blinked and answered somewhat sullenly, "That’s okay. Since they are all dead, it’s no wonder they didn’t come to pick me up. I’m all grown up now; I can manage on my own."

Xu Qingchen shook his head. "It’s not safe for you to be alone. As I’ve told you before, come with me to Licheng."

Yunge hastily shook her head. Although she had grown up in the countryside, the past few days had been enough for her to understand the status and position of the Xu Family. Most importantly, even Marquis Muyang’s Mansion made her feel extremely constrained the moment she entered. The Xu Family was even grander, and full of scholars; they would surely have far more rules.

Xu Qingchen smiled knowingly. "There aren’t many people in the Xu Family, nor are there many rules. Everyone lives as they please. Your father left a letter asking someone to pick you up because he worried about you living alone in the mountains in the future. If you can’t find anyone now and return to the mountains, wouldn’t that make his worries come true? Come with me to Licheng; the people there are very kind. Be a good girl and listen, alright?"

"Hmm..." Yunge’s somewhat dazed eyes darted around, her bright, limpid eyes filled with unease.

Xu Qingchen sighed lightly, raising his hand to tuck a playful strand of hair behind her ear, and said softly, "If you really don’t like it, I can help you find another place to live. But at least in Licheng, there will be people to look after you. You did save my life; do you want others to accuse me of being ungrateful? Besides, didn’t you say I have to take medicine for three more months? Abandoning a patient halfway through treatment isn’t the way of a healer. My grandfather lives in Lishan Academy outside Licheng, and people from Prince Ding’s Mansion also guard it. You could move there. Wouldn’t that be just like living in the mountains?"

"Xu Qingchen..." Yunge bit her lip, looking at him. "I understand. You’re worried about me living alone in the mountains with no one to care for me, so you insist I go to Licheng. Thank you... you really are a kind person."

"Then you’ll listen obediently, won’t you?" Xu Qingchen smiled.

"Alright, then... I’ll be relying on you in the future. Can I give you the things my father left for me?" Yunge’s eyes lit up as she asked happily. I don’t have anything, and it’s so embarrassing to always rely on Xu Qingchen for food and lodging. Why not give him the things Father left? That way, neither of us will be at a disadvantage. Father said those things were very good and very important.

Young Master Qingchen’s lips twitched almost imperceptibly. He had seen what Father Shen had left for Yunge; there wasn’t a single ounce of real gold or silver. However, there was a deed to a property in the Capital of Great Chu hidden beneath a red sandalwood carving, a luminous pearl that someone had supposedly played with as a marble in childhood, a box of authentic paintings and calligraphy highly sought after by scholars across the land, and many rare, lost medical texts and valuable medicinal herbs. Clearly, Father Shen had prepared these items as a dowry for his daughter.

Miss Yunge, who thought herself poor but was in fact quite wealthy, guiltily planned to use these items as rent and living expenses. Xu Qingchen coughed lightly. "There’s no need. Those are keepsakes your father left for you. Just remember to save me if I get injured again in the future, and don’t charge me for it."

"Xu Qingchen, you really are a kind person," Yunge said, looking at him with tears in her eyes. I’m so awful; how could I ever have thought Xu Qingchen was fierce? Overjoyed, Miss Yunge happily followed Young Master Qingchen back to copy texts, completely forgetting the incident at Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. She also forgot that Young Master Qingchen had only been seriously injured this once in his life, and she had no idea when she would ever be able to repay her rent and living expenses.

「Marquis Muyang’s Mansion」

Mu Yang looked at his father, Marquis Muyang, whose expression was unusually dark. Just looking at Father’s expression, I knew he certainly recognized this Shen Fengru. But why wouldn’t he admit it? Even more curious was that Young Master Qingchen didn’t press the matter, acting as if he couldn’t see through Father’s lie. Or rather, it was as if he was just asking perfunctorily, ready to leave regardless of the answer. And that final phrase Young Master Qingchen said... ’All dead.’ It seemed to imply that Marquis Muyang’s Mansion was the doomed party. But would Young Master Qingchen curse others so openly?

"Father, what just happened? Young Master Qingchen and that Miss Yunge..."

Lady Dowager Mu raised her eyebrows. "The girl is called Yunge?"

Mu Yang nodded. Lady Dowager Mu sighed faintly but said no more. Yaoji remarked coolly, "It seems Young Master Qingchen values that young lady greatly. The Marquis’s behavior today..."

"You’re quite astute." Yaoji had given birth to the Mu Family’s only son and heir. Over the years, she had conducted herself very properly, even helping Mu Yang manage some household affairs, often more thoroughly than a true daughter-in-law. Thus, the elder Marquis Muyang didn’t get angry when Yaoji spoke up so suddenly; he merely commented indifferently. Clearly, Yaoji had already guessed why Xu Qingchen had brought Yunge to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion.

Sighing lightly, Marquis Muyang said, "Yes, we do indeed know Shen Fengru. That girl, Yunge, is your cousin."

"Cousin?" Mu Yang was surprised. I’ve never heard that I have a cousin. Considering I would have been almost twenty when Miss Yunge was born, surely I wouldn’t forget if I had such a cousin.

Lady Dowager Mu nodded. "The girl’s mother is my biological younger sister, your biological maternal aunt."

Mu Yang became somewhat dazed; I do remember I had a biological maternal aunt. However, this aunt was only three or four years older than me and had been in extremely poor health since childhood. It seemed she had passed away at sixteen. I only met this aunt a few times, so my impression of her wasn’t deep. If Mother hadn’t mentioned her, I probably would have forgotten her long ago.

Mu Yang immediately understood why his father hadn’t acknowledged her. Given the current relationship between Great Chu and Prince Ding’s Mansion, how could Father dare to recognize someone Young Master Qingchen personally brought over? Wouldn’t that make Prince Li suspect Marquis Muyang’s Mansion of colluding with Prince Ding’s Mansion? On the other hand, establishing a connection with Prince Ding’s Mansion wouldn’t be bad. The problem is, the incident where members of Prince Ding’s Mansion fell from the cliff could be considered orchestrated by Marquis Muyang himself. How could Prince Ding not hold a grudge? For so many years, Prince Ding hasn’t acted against Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, which has kept Father deeply uneasy. How could he dare hope to seek refuge with Prince Ding’s Mansion? Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and Prince Ding’s Mansion are fated to be enemies.

However, Mu Yang hadn’t expected that the daring and highly skilled young martial artist would turn out to be his cousin. Having had no sisters or brothers since childhood, I feel a faint sense of regret. Still, since she’s under the care of Prince Ding’s Mansion, we don’t need to concern ourselves with her. It’s better not to see her.

Xu Qingchen brought Yunge back to the small courtyard, where they were met by Ye Li’s unsurprised, smiling eyes. Without asking many questions, Ye Li took Yunge to her room to pack her things, preparing to leave Jiangnan.

By nightfall, the group departed from Nanjing, continuing their journey north by waterway. The entire Nanjing City was in turmoil due to the young emperor’s critical illness. Most people were unaware that Princess Consort Ding and Young Master Qingchen had come and gone, taking their young emperor with them.

The large ship sailed smoothly over the water. On deck, Xu Qingchen and Ye Li sat opposite each other, enjoying the previously unseen expanse of ocean waves before them. Inside a cabin, Yunge was attentively caring for Mo Suyun, who had been unconscious since boarding.

Xu Qingchen leisurely sipped his tea, looked at Ye Li, and said, "Is it alright to let Qin Feng handle Dongfang You’s situation?"

Ye Li looked at Xu Qingchen teasingly. "It seems even you were frightened by Dongfang You, Brother. No need to worry. Qin Feng is equally composed and reliable; there won’t be any issues." As for how Qin Feng would deal with Dongfang You, no one cared. They only needed confirmation that Dongfang You was thoroughly dead.

"Li’er, you’ve accomplished quite a bit on this trip to Jiangnan," Xu Qingchen said with a light smile. Though their main purpose was to rescue him, the additional gains were considerable. Ye Ying’s final blow would keep Mo Jingli confined to Nanjing for at least a month or two. Furthermore, he would have to deal with Mo Suyun’s departure and plot his own ascension to the throne. In the short term, it would be difficult for Great Chu to mobilize its forces. Even if Mo Jingli agreed to an alliance with Xiling and Beirong, it would probably be next year before he could personally lead troops north.

Ye Li smiled faintly. "By then, either Beirong or Xiling should have withdrawn. When Mo Jingli sends out troops again at that time, the pressure on the Mo Family Army will also be somewhat less."

Xu Qingchen nodded. "Li’er, your considerations are very thorough. Besides... you’ve also planted a few ’nails’ in his military provisions. When the time comes, how much strength Mo Jingli’s army can actually exert is likely still an unknown quantity."

"You flatter me, Brother." Ye Li smiled faintly, covering her lips. Glancing at the busy young girl in the half-open cabin, she asked, "Brother, what arrangements do you have for Yunge? If Wuyou were still in Licheng, Yunge could keep Wuyou company. But Wuyou has gone to Xiling. Why not send her to Prince Ding’s Mansion? She could keep Madam Yang company. Madam Yang’s knowledge, etiquette, and talents are all top-notch; she could teach Yunge perfectly."

Xu Qingchen glanced at her coolly. "There’s no need. Mother and Second Aunt can teach her. Besides, Second Uncle’s residence is right next to ours; my sister-in-law can also keep her company."

Ye Li blinked and chuckled. "Zheng’er probably wants to be around her children all day; where would she find the time? And it’s the same for my eldest maternal aunt and second maternal aunt. Our two little ones are still at the Xu Family, after all." Taking care of two infants under a year old is certainly exhausting.

"I have my own arrangements," Xu Qingchen stated.

Ye Li nodded and smiled. "Alright then. Yunge is your lifesaver, after all. It’s up to you how to arrange things for her."

Xu Qingchen simply ignored the teasing in his cousin’s words, calmly holding his teacup and admiring the sea view. Concerned about potential interception by the Southern Garrison Prince’s Mansion, they hadn’t taken the canal route. Instead, they went directly to the estuary and, after reaching the open sea, headed north along the coast. The Xiling army had always been unskilled in naval warfare.

「After more than ten days of sailing」

They disembarked at a seaport not far from Changxing City, the former Capital of Great Chu. Xu Qingchen, Yunge, and Mo Suyun proceeded slowly towards Licheng, while Ye Li mounted a swift horse immediately upon disembarking and galloped towards the battlefield.

Ye Li’s journey to Jiangnan and back had taken nearly two months. By now, the north was a desolate world of biting winds, ice, and snow.

Lei Zhenting had already led nearly a million troops to the border shared with the Mo Family Army. This time, not only did Lei Zhenting personally command the forces, but Lei Tengfeng had also accompanied him. It was clear Lei Zhenting was determined to annihilate the Mo Family Army. He knew that if he missed this chance, he would likely never again in his lifetime have the opportunity to defeat Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Mo Family Army. The three-nation alliance indeed had a high chance of victory. Unfortunately, it had a poor start; even before the war officially began, Mo Jingli’s side had already faltered. Lei Zhenting could only curse Mo Jingli silently in his heart.

Although they couldn’t wait for Great Chu’s main army to arrive, the combined forces of Xiling and Beirong still numbered close to two million. More importantly, with one to the south and the other to the north, the Mo Family Army was caught in the middle. Consequently, the Mo Family Army had to fight on two fronts. In terms of geographical advantage, this was certainly much better than their previous alliance with the Northern Territory.

Mo Xiuyao had withdrawn from the border near the Beirong army to Weicheng City, a major city in the north of Great Chu. Weicheng City was less than a hundred miles from Lingjiu Mountain and not far from Feihong Pass. Lei Zhenting’s large army was also a similar distance away. Furthermore, it was a necessary route for Beirong to advance south from the Northwest. With war imminent, Mo Xiuyao, as Supreme Commander of the Mo Family Army, could no longer personally lead charges on the battlefield as before. He needed to command two fronts simultaneously, against Xiling and Beirong, forcing him to reluctantly retreat from the front lines.

When Ye Li arrived in Weicheng City, she notified no one and went directly to Mo Xiuyao’s temporary residence, the former General’s Mansion. These areas, reclaimed by the Mo Family Army over the past six months, had gradually returned to normal. The city’s best location, the Governor’s Mansion, was naturally reserved for Weicheng City’s officials, so Mo Xiuyao had to accommodate his men in the General’s Mansion. Fortunately, most Mo Family Army generals were leading troops at the front, leaving only a few like Feng Zhiyao and Marquis South with Mo Xiuyao. Even Fu Zhao had personally gone to lead troops. Thus, the not-so-large General’s Mansion didn’t feel crowded at all.

Ye Li’s arrival at the General’s Mansion startled the guards at the gate. Recovering quickly, they stepped forward to greet the Princess Consort and invite her in.

Ye Li didn’t mind the guards’ slight lack of composure. She smiled and asked, "Is the Prince in the mansion?"

The guard nodded. "Yes, Princess Consort. The Prince, Third Young Master Feng, and Marquis South are all here."

Upon entering the mansion, she learned that Mo Xiuyao and the others were discussing matters in the study. Ye Li hesitated at the doorway, considering leaving, but those inside had already noticed her. The study door opened from within, and Mo Xiuyao stood there, smiling at her. "Ah-Li," he chuckled, "you’re back. Why don’t you come in?"

Ye Li glanced inside, puzzled. "Aren’t you in a meeting?"

Mo Xiuyao grabbed her hand and pulled her inside. "It’s nothing important. Besides, is there anything in the Prince’s Mansion that you can’t hear?"

Inside, Feng Zhiyao and Marquis South looked with some surprise as Mo Xiuyao led Ye Li in. Feng Zhiyao was the quickest to react, a grin spreading across his face as he teased Mo Xiuyao, "Our Prince is truly skilled! You can tell the Princess Consort has returned even while sitting in the study."

Marquis South glanced at Feng Zhiyao’s playful smile, then at Mo Xiuyao, who shot Feng Zhiyao a cold look, though a faint warmth lingered in his eyes. Shaking his head helplessly, Marquis South said, "The Princess Consort has returned? What about Young Master Qingchen..."

Older people really are more dependable, she thought. None of them even asked about my trip to Jiangnan!

Ye Li smiled. "Thank you for your concern, Marquis. All is well. My brother is resting in the Capital of Great Chu for a couple of days before planning to return to Licheng."

Feng Zhiyao grinned at Ye Li. "Princess Consort, I heard Young Master Qingchen brought back a beautiful young woman highly skilled in martial arts?" News of Ye Li’s activities in Jiangnan had, of course, been reported to Prince Ding’s Mansion by hidden guards, and Yunge was inevitably mentioned. As for the ’highly skilled martial arts beauty,’ I wonder which hidden guard penned that particular description.

Ye Li tilted her head, observing Feng Zhiyao silently for a moment before nodding. "Indeed, she is a beautiful and lovely young lady, proficient in both martial arts and medicine. Would you like me to ask my brother to introduce you?"

Feng Zhiyao hastily pulled back, rubbing his handsome face, his smile stiff. "No, thank you!" he said with a wry smile. "I wouldn’t dare offend Young Master Qingchen." It’s taken Young Master Qingchen decades to bring back such a beautiful and charming young lady. If I were to eagerly seek an introduction, wouldn’t the Xu Family flay me alive?

Mo Xiuyao was also curious. That Xu Qingchen usually appears gentle and approachable, but in reality, his standards are incredibly high. It’s not easy for someone to catch his eye. "I hear the young lady has ties with Marquis Muyang’s Mansion?" If that’s true, it’s troublesome. If she really is connected to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, Xu Qingchen had better find someone else quickly. I can’t be expected to consider Xu Qingchen’s feelings when I eventually have to deal with that old scoundrel, Marquis Muyang, can I?

Ye Li laughed lightly. "There’s no relation now."

"How so?" Both Feng Zhiyao and Marquis South looked towards Ye Li in unison. Feng Zhiyao wanted to hear the gossip, while Marquis South, who had some past grievances with Marquis Muyang’s Mansion, needed to consider how to appropriately treat the young lady should they meet.

Ye Li recounted how Xu Qingchen had personally taken Yunge to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion and then brought her back. Feng Zhiyao stared at Ye Li, his eyes wide with disbelief. "So, Young Master Qingchen actually cursed Marquis Muyang’s entire family to be wiped out, right in front of all of them? Why didn’t Marquis Muyang stab him a few times?" Young Master Qingchen is truly remarkable! He usually seems so gentle and refined, with such profound composure. I never imagined his curses could be so deadly!

Ye Li shrugged and smiled. "This is what Miss Yunge told me."

Feng Zhiyao silently resolved in his heart: I must absolutely never provoke that young lady named Yunge.

After pondering for a moment, Marquis South said, "That young lady should be Marchioness Muyang’s niece. In fact, she also has some connection to Doctor Shen."

"Oh?" The other three looked at Marquis South curiously.

Marquis South shook his head and chuckled. "These are old affairs of the Capital City, things the Prince and Princess Consort naturally wouldn’t concern themselves with. However, our family and Marquis Muyang’s Mansion..." Marquis South’s Mansion and Marquis Muyang’s Mansion had never gotten along well, so naturally, they were particularly well-informed about some of the other family’s less savory incidents. Marquis South continued, "Marchioness Muyang had a much younger full sister who was sickly from a young age. Not many in the Capital of Great Chu knew her. However, she eloped with a young doctor who came to treat her. Naturally, Marchioness Muyang’s natal family couldn’t bear the shame and claimed she had died of illness. That doctor... was Shen Yang’s paternal nephew. Although Shen Yang was a renowned physician and the Shen Family is a distinguished lineage of doctors, Marchioness Muyang’s natal family was a prominent and noble clan. How could they agree to marry their daughter to a mere doctor? I heard the Princess Consort say the young lady’s surname is Shen and that she has ties to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion. She must be the one."

Ye Li asked curiously, "When that Madam Shen eloped, how was Mr. Shen so certain before his death that he could entrust his daughter to Marquis Muyang’s Mansion? Even though Marquis Muyang’s Mansion has now refused to care for Yunge, that’s largely because of Xu Qingchen and Prince Ding’s Mansion."

Marquis South chuckled. "Well, it’s said that the relationship between Marchioness Muyang and that Madam Shen was extremely close. Despite the age difference, they were like mother and daughter, though sisters. Moreover, Shen Fengru once saved Marquis Muyang’s life. Looking after Shen Fengru’s descendant wouldn’t have been a difficult thing for him, so he naturally would have agreed. It’s just that this time... Marquis Muyang is a man who always sways with the wind; currying favor and avoiding disaster are instinctual for him. Since Miss Shen is now involved with Young Master Qingchen, Marquis Muyang definitely wouldn’t dare to keep her."

"It’s good she has no ties with Marquis Muyang’s Mansion now." Mo Xiuyao nodded with satisfaction, unconcerned about who Shen Yunge’s parents were. "Ah-Li, it looks like the Xu Family will be hosting quite a few weddings next year." With the exception of the youngest, Xu Qingyan, all the young masters of the Xu Family seem to have found their matches.

A slight smile touched Ye Li’s lips. "That’s not necessarily certain." In my opinion, Shen Yunge currently has no romantic thoughts about Young Master Qingchen. Although Yunge is already fifteen or sixteen—an age when girls typically start developing such interests—she grew up in the mountains with little human contact. Her understanding of these matters will likely blossom later. If she has any feelings for Xu Qingchen at all, they could be summed up in her own words as: he’s a good person, very clever, very impressive, and very fierce...

So, Young Master Qingchen’s romantic prospects are rather concerning. Besides, I’m not entirely clear on what Young Master Qingchen actually feels for Miss Yunge myself.