Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 335 - 334. Ye Yue

334. Ye Yue

After soothing Ye Ying, Mo Jingli departed for his study alone. Seated there, he brooded over his discussion with Ye Yue at the Ye Mansion. Regardless, offending Mo Xiuyao in Licheng for Ye Yue’s sake was an extremely unwise decision. Of course, Mo Jingli had never been one to be ensnared by lust. However, Ye Yue possessed leverage that compelled him to agree.

Mo Jingli took a small, jade-green porcelain bottle from his sleeve, a hint of eagerness in his eyes. If he successfully brought Ye Yue back to the southwest, the returns could be tens, even hundreds, of times his investment.

Truth be told, Mo Jingli had practically saved Ye Li’s life. The Empress Dowager had originally intended to kill Ye Li, and Ye Yue had been forced by her to comply. But Mo Jingli, at that time, had no desire to see Ye Li dead. So, after Ye Yue’s plan was set in motion, he dispatched someone to spirit Ye Li out of the palace. Without his intervention, Ye Li might very well have been killed by Ye Yue. After taking Ye Li away, Mo Jingli paid Ye Yue no further mind; a Princess Consort to his imperial brother and a pawn of the Empress Dowager, held no value for him. Thus, when Ye Yue later reportedly perished in a large fire, he had assumed the Empress Dowager had silenced her. Unexpectedly, not only had Ye Yue survived, but she had also managed to evade the Empress Dowager, palace spies, and even the eyes of Prince Ding’s Mansion. She had lived quietly for many years, even managing to reach Licheng and operate right under Mo Xiuyao’s nose.

Without a doubt, compared to the beautiful but shallow Ye Ying, Ye Yue was a truly intelligent woman. Even among the women in his imperial brother’s harem, Ye Yue was the most intelligent among them. If he could bring Ye Yue back to Jiangnan, the Empress Dowager, who had long been a thorn in his side, would cease to be an obstacle.

The Empress Dowager had been a fixture in the palace for decades. Even when Mo Jingqi was alive, he had found his authority checked by her at every turn. This was even more true for Mo Jingli, whose grip on power was far weaker than Mo Jingqi’s had been. Originally, after years of suppression by Mo Jingqi and the final blow he dealt before his death, the Empress Dowager’s power should have been teetering on the brink of collapse. But who could have predicted that after Mo Jingli assumed power, the Empress Dowager, as if divinely aided, had managed to re-stabilize her position in court. Mo Jingli knew external forces were at play; he even suspected who was involved but was powerless to act. He could attempt to suppress the Empress Dowager’s influence, but he couldn’t risk a mutually destructive conflict that would only benefit others.

Mo Jingli understood his mother’s cunning and ruthlessness better than anyone. He was acutely aware that the Empress Dowager would prefer her seven- or eight-year-old grandson, Mo Suyun, on the throne over her own son. Ever since the Empress Dowager had evaded the sacrificial burial intended for her with the late Emperor, a matter left deliberately unresolved, Mo Jingli constantly suspected she was seeking an opportunity to depose him.

With Ye Yue, however, things would be different. Ye Yue held some of the Empress Dowager’s secrets. If used properly, they could potentially wipe out all of the Empress Dowager’s influence. Ye Yue was clever; while threatened and utilized by the Empress Dowager, she had also secretly collected a significant number of her secrets. If Ye Yue hadn’t left so early, Mo Jingli even believed she could have extracted from Mo Jingqi the whereabouts of his son. Unfortunately, compared to Ye Li, Ye Yue’s luck was far worse. During Mo Jingqi’s reign, he favored Noble Consort Liu over Ye Yue, so despite her intelligence, she could only maintain a low profile in the palace. And as a mere concubine, how could she contend with the Empress Dowager’s authority, especially when her own father sided with the Empress Dowager?

After a long period of contemplation, a decisive glint finally flashed in Mo Jingli’s eyes. Regardless of these reasons, he absolutely had to bring Ye Yue back. Unconsciously, he caressed the small bottle in his hand, his brows furrowing even tighter. Sending Ye Yue out of Licheng first was impossible; the formidable security of Prince Ding’s Mansion was too daunting. The only way was to have Ye Yue covertly join the entourage from Prince Ding’s Mansion when they eventually left Licheng. But that would be many days from now. What if something happened in the interim? Ye Yue managed to come to Licheng undetected and has hidden herself so well for so many years. Surely, she’ll be fine for another ten days or so? Mo Jingli mused.

「In the study of the Ye Mansion」

Ye Wenhua sat with a gloomy expression, his somewhat graying brows knitted tightly. A lingering sense of unease had plagued him ever since Prince Li and Ye Ying’s departure. That person in his wife’s room... Despite many years away from the court, Ye Wenhua still trusted his intuition. This instinct for danger had helped him evade numerous pitfalls during his official career. Even as a son-in-law of the Xu Family, he had relied on his own efforts during the years the Xu Family had withdrawn from court. He had not only prevented the Ye Family’s decline but had caused it to flourish even more.

Since arriving in Licheng, Ye Wenhua’s outlook differed from that of the resentful Old Lady Ye and Ms. Wang of Ye Family; he was quite content with his current life. He had experienced both poverty and wealth. He had studied diligently for the imperial examinations, nearly reached the pinnacle of officialdom, and married the most beautiful and talented woman in Great Chu. Even now, his daughter was the Princess Consort Regent of Great Chu and the Princess Consort of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Yet, ultimately, he had fallen from grace to become a commoner.

In the past, he might have craved fame and fortune. However, witnessing the suffering of the common people during wartime had made him realize the preciousness of his current peaceful existence. Ye Wenhua understood clearly that as long as he lived quietly in Licheng, his status as the Princess Consort Ding’s father would deter anyone from troubling him. But if he went to Jiangnan? Even if Mo Jingli were to employ him again, how long could Jiangnan hold out? Truthfully, after all these years, Ye Wenhua had little faith left in Mo Jingli’s abilities. Furthermore, he trusted Mo Xiuyao’s character far more than Mo Jingli’s.

"Husband, what’s wrong? You look upset," Ms. Wang of Ye Family said, entering with a bowl of tonic and a smile.

Ye Wenhua returned to his senses, his gaze falling coldly on her smug expression. A wave of disgust washed over him. For some reason, the image of his deceased first wife, an image he thought had faded, surfaced clearly in his mind. For a moment, he questioned why he had neglected her for Ms. Wang of Ye Family all those years ago. In terms of appearance, talent, virtue, or family background, Ms. Xu surpassed Ms. Wang of Ye Family by leaps and bounds in every aspect. Perhaps... it was because Ms. Xu was too outstanding. A noblewoman, like a celestial being, had favored a poor scholar from a humble background. After the initial ecstasy came the crushing weight of his own perceived inadequacy and immense pressure. And then there were the envious, peculiar glances from his colleagues...

"The person in your room, get her out immediately," Ye Wenhua said coldly, looking at Ms. Wang, whose eyes still held a hint of smug satisfaction.

"What?!" Ms. Wang shrieked, taken aback.

Ye Wenhua stared at her. "Do you take me for a blind man?" he said icily. "Either you send her away, or you leave with her!"

A chill ran down Ms. Wang’s spine at his gaze, yet her anger flared even hotter. Slamming the bowl on the table, she retorted, "Since you know, why insist I drive her out? You know perfectly well what will happen if Prince Ding’s Mansion finds out..."

Ye Wenhua cut her off impatiently. "If you knew, you shouldn’t have brought her here in the first place. Back in our old home, no one paid attention to your affairs, but do you think you can hide things so easily in Licheng? Few people may have seen her, but it’s not as if no one has!" If Ye Yue hadn’t been so discreet and skilled at concealment, and given that few people had seen her since she entered the palace early on, she would have been recognized long ago. Ye Wenhua knew for certain that Prince Ding’s Mansion had spies observing the Ye Mansion. That was precisely why Ye Yue could not stay.

Ye Wenhua hadn’t lost his temper like this in years, stunning Ms. Wang of Ye Family. After a moment, she burst into tears. "She’s a defenseless woman! If she doesn’t come with us, what will become of her? This is all your fault! If we had gone to Jiangnan from the start, it would have been better than barely surviving here like this." Everywhere was plagued by war. Even in peaceful times, it was difficult for a lone woman to travel from their old home to Jiangnan, let alone now. If she encountered bandits on the road—never mind the chaos of war—her fate would be worse than death.

Ye Wenhua laughed coldly, marveling at her naivety. The Ye Family’s vacillation between the Empress Dowager and the Emperor had already displeased Mo Jingli. Later, their concealment of Ye Ying’s pregnancy and keeping her in the Capital City had led to Ye Ying’s imprisonment and her newborn being swapped and lost without a trace. Mo Jingli was known for his vindictiveness, repaying every slight. To believe Mo Jingli would treat the Ye Family kindly, Ye Wenhua would have to be delusional.

Ms. Wang, however, ignored this. "Regardless, Yue’er is also your daughter! Are you truly so heartless as to condemn her? Prince Li has promised to take us all to Jiangnan in a few days. Then we’ll no longer have to suffer in Licheng. Rong’er will surely achieve great things, and the Ye Family will regain its former glory. What’s wrong with that? All you think about now is Ye Li, but what has she ever done for our family? She only cares for her own enjoyment and doesn’t spare a thought for you, her own father! Only my Yue’er truly cares for our family."

"You foolish woman!" Ye Wenhua cursed under his breath. She actually believes Mo Jingli would take the entire Ye Family with him? Doesn’t she realize that his sudden departure with such a large retinue would inevitably arouse the suspicion of Prince Ding’s Mansion?

"I don’t care what you think. I have no plans to go to Jiangnan," Ye Wenhua declared.

Ms. Wang was genuinely stunned. Wealth and glory were important, and her daughter was too. But all these depended on Ye Wenhua’s presence. She was self-aware enough to know her son, Ye Rong, was incapable of shouldering the responsibilities of the Ye Family. If Ye Wenhua refused to go to Jiangnan, their life there would be difficult, even if they all went. For all her scheming, Ms. Wang was ultimately a sheltered woman who hadn’t seen much of the world. Abandoning her husband to follow her daughter was a step she neither dared to take nor was capable of taking.

"Why?!" Ms. Wang couldn’t help but scream. "Do you enjoy staying in Licheng so much, living by kowtowing to others? What’s wrong with going to Jiangnan? The Ye Family will be revered and envied as before. Isn’t that far better than hiding in this dilapidated courtyard?"

"Shut up!" Ye Wenhua roared.

"You’re still thinking about that bitch, aren’t you?!" Ms. Wang finally exploded. Though her natal family wasn’t prominent, she was still the daughter of a respectable household. Marrying into the Ye Family as a concubine had not been without bitterness. But the legitimate first wife of the Ye Family, Ms. Xu, was someone so superior you couldn’t even feel jealous of her. When the disparity is too vast, jealousy gives way to sheer inadequacy.

Although Ye Wenhua had always favored her, Ms. Wang knew she could never compare to Ms. Xu. The emotion in Ye Wenhua’s eyes whenever he looked at Ms. Xu—an emotion he himself seemed unaware of—was like a poisoned thorn in Ms. Wang’s heart. Even after Ms. Xu’s death many years ago, the thorn remained. How ridiculous, she thought. Ye Wenhua didn’t dislike Ms. Xu; he simply didn’t dare to love her. He knew, deep down, that he wasn’t worthy of his wife.

SLAP! As if enraged, Ye Wenhua struck Ms. Wang across the face. The force of the blow sent her stumbling to the ground. Stunned for a moment, she finally burst into loud sobs.

"What is going on in here?" Old Lady Ye’s voice came from outside the door.

Ye Wenhua scoffed lightly and turned towards the door. "Mother, what brings you here?" His gaze, however, paused for a moment on the person supporting Old Lady Ye before slowly moving away.

Old Lady Ye wrinkled her brows in displeasure. "If I hadn’t come, would you two have turned the entire mansion upside down with your quarreling? What are you doing?" Supported by Ye Yue, Old Lady Ye entered the study, and Ye Yue closed the door behind them.

"Old Madam... Yue’er..." Seeing Old Lady Ye and her daughter, Ms. Wang cried even more wretchedly. Ye Yue stepped forward to support Ms. Wang, asking softly, "Father, Mother, what happened? Why are you arguing..."

Ye Wenhua cut her off coldly, "So, you still acknowledge me as your father?"

Ye Yue paused, then a gentle smile touched her lips. "Daughter knows it was wrong of me to hide my presence. However, it was because... Father, you know what happened in the Capital of Great Chu back then. Daughter bore no ill will towards Third Sister; I truly had no choice. These years have not been easy for me either. I beg Father to forgive me."

It had to be said, compared to Ye Ying, Ye Yue was far more articulate and adept at understanding people. Even Ye Wenhua, despite his hardened heart, found his expression softening considerably. He knew what had transpired back then. The claim that Ye Yue had tried to kill Ye Li on her own initiative was unbelievable; he doubted even Ye Li herself would believe it. At that time, the Ye Family was at the mercy of the Empress Dowager. Ye Yue had been coerced into acting against Ye Li. Looking at Ye Yue now, though still beautiful, she looked much thinner and paler than the radiant, opulently dressed young woman she had been in the Ye Mansion and later in the palace. This pallor and frailty made her appear younger than her actual age. She had mostly stayed secluded in Ms. Wang’s chambers, managing to avoid drawing attention. She has indeed suffered a great deal.

"In that case, just stay put and keep a low profile. When the time is right, I’ll find a way to send you out of Licheng. Then you can live a quiet life under an assumed name." After all, this was the daughter he had doted on since childhood; Ye Wenhua’s heart softened.

Ye Yue was taken aback. She lowered her eyes and said, "Prince Li already knows I’m in Licheng. He said he would take us to Jiangnan. So, Father, your plan might be..."

"Why on earth would Mo Jingli want to take you to Jiangnan?" Ye Wenhua asked coldly. Mo Jingli was always driven by profit; his feelings for Ye Ying, as anyone could see, were not particularly deep. Who would believe he didn’t have an ulterior motive for suddenly agreeing to take Ye Yue to Jiangnan? More importantly, if even the spies from Prince Ding’s Mansion hadn’t detected Ye Yue’s presence in the Ye Mansion, how would Mo Jingli have known her whereabouts unless she had deliberately revealed herself?

An awkward expression flickered across Ye Yue’s face. Yes, I did follow Mother to Licheng intentionally. And I deliberately let Mo Jingli know I held trump cards, something of immense importance to him. What’s wrong with that? How much hardship have I endured all these years, living in hiding? I was originally an Imperial Consort! I have a son of the late Emperor’s bloodline! My son is far more intelligent than that useless Mo Suyun currently on the throne. With careful maneuvering, I might even ascend to the position of Empress Dowager. Why should I spend the rest of my life cowering in fear under an assumed identity?

"Father, once we are in Jiangnan, Mo Jingli has promised to support my imperial son’s ascension to the throne. You will then be the true Imperial Father-in-Law, and the Ye Family will achieve true prosperity," Ye Yue said earnestly, looking directly at Ye Wenhua.

Ye Wenhua, however, was not easily swayed. "I have more faith in Li’er’s child ascending the throne in the future. Staying in Licheng will at least ensure your younger brother, Ye Rong, can marry and have children in peace, and continue the Ye family line." Ye Wenhua now understood that Ye Rong had been thoroughly spoiled by Old Lady Ye and Ms. Wang of Ye Family. His only hope now was that Ye Rong’s future son could be properly raised and educated to prevent the Ye family line from ending.

Hearing Ye Wenhua’s words, a flicker of resentment crossed Ye Yue’s eyes. "In Father’s eyes, am I so inferior to Third Sister? If I hadn’t been coerced by the Empress Dowager back then, forcing me to fake my death and live in hiding, would I be in such a desperate state today?"

Ye Wenhua shook his head. "You and Li’er are different." Ye Yue was very intelligent, possibly even more so than Ye Li. However, they were fundamentally different and should not even be compared on the same level. If both were confined to the imperial harem, Ye Wenhua believed Ye Li might not outmaneuver Ye Yue. But Ye Li’s ambitions, from the very beginning, were never confined to the inner palace. She possessed courage and capabilities that rivaled those of any man, which was why she could assist Prince Ding in governing a region and command armies into battle. Confining such a woman to the imperial harem would be a travesty, a waste of her talents. At times, Ye Wenhua deeply regretted that Ye Li was not a son; if she had been a son, regardless of the world’s turmoil, she could have ensured the Ye Family’s prosperity for at least three generations.

Ye Yue understood Ye Wenhua’s meaning clearly. She, though proud of her intellect, also understood that she couldn’t command armies or govern a state like Ye Li. From the start, they were different.

"We are indeed different," Ye Yue said softly. "Third Sister won’t care about the rise and fall of the Ye Family. With the Xu Family supporting her, the Ye Family’s fate is inconsequential to her. But I am different, Father. Only if the Ye Family prospers will I prosper. Therefore, Yue’er will never abandon the Ye Family."

Ye Wenhua showed no reaction, but Old Lady Ye, beside him, nodded in agreement. It was clear to any observer that Ye Li was indifferent to the Ye Family. Even if Ye Li were to become Empress one day, the Xu Family would be the primary beneficiaries, not the Ye Family. Among all her granddaughters, Old Lady Ye cherished and valued Ye Yue the most. Hearing Ye Yue’s words, which she found entirely reasonable, she prepared to persuade Ye Wenhua.

"Mother, say no more." Ye Wenhua waved his hand, his voice weary. "The Ye Family cannot leave Licheng."

"What kind of talk is that?" Old Lady Ye frowned. "Ye Li clearly holds no regard for our family. Are you still planning to curry favor with her?" She was already thoroughly displeased with this granddaughter who showed her no respect.

Ye Wenhua shook his head, a bitter smile on his lips. Mother... alas, she’s grown old and is no longer as astute as she was in her youth. The Ye Family traveled thousands of miles to reach Licheng, only to contemplate leaving with Mo Jingli. Whether Ye Yue was involved or not, Prince Ding’s Mansion would undoubtedly investigate such a move. And once they did, could the Ye Family truly escape unscathed? He glanced coolly at Ye Yue and said, "Since you have already decided to follow Prince Li, you should depart now."

"Father..." Ye Yue hadn’t expected Ye Wenhua to be so inflexible and ruthless.

"What nonsense are you spouting?!" Old Lady Ye was furious. "Yue’er is my granddaughter! If you insist on driving her away, you might as well drive this old woman out too!" Old Lady Ye was already fed up with life in Licheng; she yearned for Jiangnan. Once there, she would once again be the grandmother of a Prince’s Consort, the esteemed Old Lady Ye she once was in the Capital of Great Chu.

"Master, Old Madam," a servant hurried in from outside to report, "Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding have arrived!"

Everyone in the room was stunned by the announcement. Ye Yue, in particular, turned deathly pale. She had, after all, made an attempt on Ye Li’s life. No matter how much she claimed coercion, that fact remained. Though Ye Yue had lived incognito for years, she had heard many rumors. Mo Xiuyao’s legendary ruthlessness and cold-bloodedness were like thunder in her ears. How could she not be terrified by his sudden arrival?

Ye Wenhua was also taken aback but quickly regained his composure. He stood up and said, "Understood. I will go out to welcome Prince Ding and the Princess Consort."

"N-no need..." the servant stammered from outside. "Prince Ding and the Princess Consort... they’ve already entered."

The main doors to the study were suddenly pushed open from the outside, and Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li entered hand in hand. From the doorway, they had a clear view of everyone within. From inside the study, Ye Yue, silhouetted against the light, could only make out two figures in white, walking hand in hand. The sunlight formed a faint halo behind them, as if celestial beings were descending. For the moment, she couldn’t discern their expressions.

As the two figures drew closer, Ye Yue couldn’t help but shrink back. She looked around desperately but found, to her despair, that there was no place to hide in the study apart from the single door. She was inevitably trapped, forced to face Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li.

Upon stepping into the study, the already compact study suddenly felt rather crowded. Mo Xiuyao frowned in displeasure, then led Ye Li to a soft couch at the front and sat down. He raised an eyebrow and asked, "What’s all this? Why is the study so bustling?"

Ms. Wang of Ye Family managed a forced, apologetic smile. "No... nothing. We were just talking with my husband. Your Highnesses, now that you are here... Girl, you should withdraw!"

Ye Yue lowered her head, quickly curtsied, and hurried towards the door.

Just as she was about to step out of the study, Ye Li’s light laughter drifted from behind her. "Second Sister, leaving so soon after all these years?"