Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 351 - 350. Farewell

350. Farewell

"For Ah-Li, this prince will never regret it." Mo Xiuyao stood behind Ye Li, looking down at Mo Jingli from above.

Upon hearing Mo Xiuyao’s words, Mo Jingli, whose face already looked unhappy, appeared even more gloomy. He coldly chuckled and said, "Really?"

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, "Of course. I am not like those fools who don’t recognize real value." He lazily sat down on a stool next to Ye Li. Paying no attention to Mo Jingli’s sour expression, Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li, somewhat displeased, "Why is Ah-Li talking to him alone?"

Ye Li raised her eyebrows and asked him with a teasing smile, "Does this mean I can’t talk alone with others?"

Mo Xiuyao was quick to excuse himself with a smile, "Of course not! It would be their honor if Ah-Li would speak to them. But some people are filled with bad intentions; Ah-Li must be careful."

Ye Li chose to remain silent, smiling faintly at him. When it comes to harboring bad intentions, how many in the world could surpass Prince Ding? Mo Xiuyao didn’t seem to mind Ye Li’s mocking gaze; he leaned his head against Ye Li and asked, "Does Prince Li have anything else to say?"

Even if Mo Jingli had more to utter, he was at this point so angry he had almost forgotten. With a snort, he stood up and said, "I have come to take Ying’er back to the inn."

"Oh, I see." Mo Xiuyao nodded, "Well then, Prince Li, please feel free to do as you wish. By the way... Prince Li, the sages say, ’Do not discard the wife who shared your hardships.’ Even if Princess Consort Li doesn’t exactly fit this saying, she is still the one who has been by your side for so many years. Now, for a girl from Cangmang Mountain, you want to demote your wife to a concubine without hesitation. This could make people think that Prince Li values wealth over loyalty, which wouldn’t be good for your reputation."

Mo Jingli gritted his teeth, "Prince Ding worries too much. I had no such intention."

Mo Xiuyao dismissively raised an eyebrow, obviously not believing Mo Jingli’s words. Mo Jingli no longer felt like explaining and turned around to leave with a stern face.

Watching Mo Jingli’s departing figure, Ye Li chuckled and said to Mo Xiuyao, "Your Highness arrived at just the right time."

Mo Xiuyao responded with a pleasant smile, "I knew that Ah-Li would rather not converse with Mo Jingli."

Ye Li helplessly looked up at the sky. Didn’t she just praise him?

"Ah-Li, what do you think are the chances of Mo Jingli marrying Dongfang You?" Mo Xiuyao asked out of curiosity.

Ye Li frowned slightly and replied, "If Mo Jingli doesn’t resort to any schemes, I’m afraid the chances are slim. Dongfang You might not be clever, but Dongfang Hui isn’t an easy opponent. With Dongfang Hui watchful on the sidelines, Mo Jingli might struggle to get what he wants."

Mo Xiuyao calmly stated, "Just now, Dongfang Hui sent a messenger to say that we can consider Dongfang You’s marital issue as if it never happened. Cangmang Mountain still wants to assist Prince Ding’s Mansion."

"And you refused?" Ye Li asked without hesitation.

"Of course, I refused." Mo Xiuyao nodded. "The future plans of myself and Prince Ding’s Mansion are not to be interfered with by Cangmang Mountain. Dongfang Hui might be smart, but there was a key difference between Cangmang Mountain and the Xu Family, despite both having hundreds of years of heritage. The Xu Family, though perhaps not as powerful as Cangmang Mountain, are closer to the people of the world. They have slowly won the hearts of the masses over centuries, much like water nourishing everything silently. Even if the Xu Family were to perish, they would always leave a mark in history. Cangmang Mountain, on the contrary, has placed itself in an extraordinarily transcendent position. Every appearance they make seems to shock the world, shrouding them in a mysterious, awe-inspiring allure. However, their detachment from the mundane world and their ingrained sense of superiority could be their undoing. Even someone as clever as Dongfang Hui has never truly placed herself on the same level as most people in the world."

"Dongfang Hui will be very angry." Dongfang Hui, indeed, was savvy and brilliant, but being the successor of Cangmang Mountain and having served as its master for decades, she was less tolerant of rejection and defiance than Dongfang You.

"So what if she’s angry?" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow.

Ye Li smiled playfully, "Indeed, so what if she’s angry?" Prince Ding’s Mansion had never feared a powerful enemy.

In Dongfang Mansion, which had recently hung up its plaque, Dongfang Hui dismissed the person who had just returned from Prince Ding’s Mansion with a somewhat chilled expression. Dongfang You, standing in front of her, expressed her worries, "Master, Prince Ding..."

Dongfang Hui replied slowly, "Prince Ding rejected us."

Dongfang You was taken aback and asked, "If it was because of me earlier, but now... we already dropped the marriage proposal. Why wouldn’t they agree?"

Dongfang Hui coldly laughed, "You guessed it, didn’t you? Prince Ding’s Mansion has never planned on cooperating with Cangmang Mountain from the beginning."

Dongfang You frowned, "That doesn’t make sense. With our help, Prince Ding’s Mansion would naturally become even stronger. Facing Beirong, the Northern Territory, or even Xiling, their tasks would become much easier. Why wouldn’t Prince Ding agree?"

Dongfang Hui gave a faint smile, "You’er, even though you are clever, you were born without the mindset or ambition of a ruler. That is what worries your master the most. Prince Ding’s Mansion is already powerful enough, and they have the support of the Xu Family. If Mo Xiuyao aspires to conquer the world, he would achieve it sooner or later. It might be a little later without Cangmang Mountain’s support, but... there would be no worries in the future. The power of Cangmang Mountain is enticing but also intimidating. If Prince Ding’s Mansion allied with Cangmang Mountain, Mo Xiuyao would surely worry about his future being constrained by Cangmang Mountain."

"But Mo Xiuyao shouldn’t forget that even without the assistance of Cangmang Mountain, he may be able to achieve his goal. However, if Cangmang Mountain were to aid others..." Dongfang Hui’s countenance changed slightly as she spoke coldly. She could understand Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts, but she couldn’t accept them. Mo Xiuyao’s unhesitating refusal, aside from his wariness of Cangmang Mountain, likely stemmed more from the fact that he simply didn’t regard Cangmang Mountain as significant.

"Master..." Dongfang You looked at Dongfang Hui with a bit of worry in her eyes.

Dongfang Hui’s expression softened a bit, and she looked at her with a smile, "What do you want to say, You’er?"

Dongfang You frowned, "Master, are you planning to choose someone else to assist? But... at present, only Lei Zhenting is a match for Mo Xiuyao. However, from what I’ve seen, he probably has no intention of cooperating with Cangmang Mountain. And his age..." Lei Zhenting was much older than Mo Xiuyao. Even if Prince Ding did nothing, Lei Zhenting’s age alone could be his downfall. Unfortunately, Lei Zhenting’s son, Lei Tengfeng, had always been mediocre. He’s capable enough to maintain the status quo, but conquering the world would be a difficult feat.

Dongfang Hui nodded approvingly. As long as it didn’t involve human emotions and worldly affairs, Dongfang You’s insights and thought processes were clear and accurate.

"What are your thoughts?" Dongfang Hui asked.

Dongfang You hesitated to speak, and Dongfang Hui, observing her reaction, spoke up, "If you are still thinking about Xu Qingchen, I advise you to give up on that idea. The Xu family... seems polite and gentle, but in reality, they are cold-hearted towards outsiders. You will not gain their favor, and any attempt to do so will only result in humiliation."

Dongfang You looked at her master in confusion. She sensed an undertone of bitterness in her master’s words about the Xu family’s cold-heartedness. She had always known her master to be calm, rational, and elegant. Attributing what she had sensed to an overactive imagination, she recalled Xu Qingchen’s cold rejection and the sharp ridicule from Xu Qingyan. She reluctantly admitted that her master was right. But despite this, she found it hard to give up and choose someone else. Not only did she feel reluctant to turn against Xu Qingchen, but compared to Mo Jingli and Ren Qining, no matter how she calculated, she still felt the most optimistic about Prince Ding’s Mansion. If her master chose someone else, she felt the chances of failure would be high.

It is fair to say that because Dongfang You didn’t understand human emotions, her view of the situation was less likely to be swayed by personal feelings. For example, clever as Dongfang Hui was, after being rejected, she would think of supporting someone else to deal with Prince Ding’s Mansion, to teach Mo Xiuyao a lesson. However, Dongfang You would just feel confused and upset about Prince Ding’s Mansion’s decision, but would rarely become angry. Therefore, she could see more clearly that Mo Jingli and Prince Ding’s Mansion were worlds apart. Though she might have her own biases, her point was unquestionably correct.

"Master, I don’t like Mo Jingli or Ren Qining," Dongfang You frowned.

Dongfang Hui smiled kindly, "You don’t like them, and I don’t plan to make you marry them. Why are you worried?"

Dongfang You frowned, "But, if it’s Mo Jingli or Ren Qining, they will definitely want me to marry them." Otherwise, they probably wouldn’t believe in Cangmang Mountain’s sincerity. In the past, hadn’t several generations of Cangmang Mountain’s predecessors done the same thing? If the successor of Cangmang Mountain doesn’t marry them, how can they believe they are the chosen ones of Cangmang Mountain?

"If that’s really the case..." Dongfang Hui hesitated for a moment but did not reassure her by saying that if that were the case, she wouldn’t force her. Instead, she said, "Your master will consider it carefully. Now, you should go and rest."

Dongfang You cautiously asked, "Master, if I could find a way to make Young Master Qingchen marry me..."

Dongfang Hui did not seem to believe that her disciple could achieve this feat. She raised an eyebrow and said, "When you’ve truly achieved this, we can talk. For now, go and rest. I have a lot to think about."

Dongfang You, with a hurt expression, withdrew quietly. Turning back to close the door, she saw her master inside, frowning in thought. A resolute look flashed across Dongfang You’s gentle face.

"Madam, the King of Northern Territory, Ren Qining, seeks an audience."

Inside the room, Dongfang Hui seemed to have remembered something; a mix of sadness and joy showed on her face, which finally turned into a faint regret and resentment. The servant’s report at the door startled her. She composed herself and got up with a frown, "Ren Qining, what’s his purpose?"

The man outside the door replied, "The King of Northern Territory says he has something important to discuss with you."

"Please invite him to wait in the main hall," Dongfang Hui ordered indifferently.

"Yes."

Dongfang Hui fixed her appearance, then went out to the main hall. As expected, Ren Qining was already waiting there. Seeing Dongfang Hui enter, he rose and approached respectfully, "I, Lin Yuan, greet Madam Dongfang."

Dongfang Hui arched her eyebrows, looking at Ren Qining with a smile, "Lin Yuan? Isn’t the King of Northern Territory’s surname Ren?"

Ren Qining gave a wry smile, "As a descendant of the previous dynasty, I dare not use my real name. It’s indeed a disgrace to my ancestors." In fact, Ren Qining very much wanted to reclaim his name, but the time wasn’t right. He still needed the support of the people in the Northern Territory. His late queen, although a woman from the Northern Territory, was an exceptionally clever and astute person. If he had hurriedly changed his name, or even his dynasty’s name, it would only have caused dissatisfaction amongst her and the aristocrats of the Northern Territory. On the other hand, once he truly reverted to his original name, Lin Yuan, Prince Ding’s Mansion, Xiling, and Mo Jingli would all become his enemies. After all, the demise of the previous dynasty was due to Great Chu and Xiling. Then, he himself would become a target for all.

Dongfang Hui examined him for a moment before saying lightly, "For generations, the descendants of the previous dynasty have attempted to restore their power, but all have failed when success was near. Your achievements thus far are commendable."

Ren Qining lowered his eyes and replied with a faint smile, "Madam, you praise me too highly. I dare not forget the will of my ancestors for a single moment. In the past, Cangmang Mountain and our dynasty shared a bond of blood. I sincerely ask for your help."

Dongfang Hui fell silent, and Ren Qining understood that she was thinking. He wasn’t anxious to persuade her and patiently sat to the side, calmly waiting for her answer. After a while, Dongfang Hui said, "Young Master Ren, I must admit, I am greatly impressed by your abilities and determination. But... reclaiming your kingdom will not be as easy as you may think."

A ripple of emotion flashed in Ren Qining’s eyes as he respectfully asked, "Would you please elaborate, Madam?"

Without hesitating, Dongfang Hui considered her words carefully and explained, "To begin with, you were only able to establish your kingdom by marrying the Princess of the Northern Territory. Now, your current queen is also a woman from that territory. This fact alone makes it significantly more difficult for you to gain acceptance among the Central Plains’ noble clans, let alone realize your ambition of marching your army into the Central Plains. Additionally, I’ve heard that the inner court of the Northern Kingdom is currently unstable. The quarrels between former ministers of the previous dynasty and the influential figures of the Northern Territory have been ongoing for some time. If internal power struggles plague you even before your rule is secure, I fear it doesn’t bode well for the future. Furthermore, if you do manage to take control of the Central Plains, will it truly belong to the Northern Territory or to the former dynasty?"

Ren Qining stayed silent. He had to admit that every word Dongfang Hui spoke hit upon his current predicaments and future risks. It wasn’t that he was unaware of these issues, but at the time, circumstances had forced his hand. "What do you suggest, Madam?" he asked.

"Although Cangmang Mountain has always remained neutral, it is, ultimately, part of the Central Plains and would never assist in leading a foreign invasion into the Central Plains. I hope, Young Master, you understand," Dongfang Hui replied with gravity.

A shadow of disappointment flickered across Ren Qining’s face. The rise and current power of the Northern Territory were, to a large extent, reliant on foreign support. This was not only a weakness pointed out by others but also a deep-seated pain for Ren Qining and those who considered themselves former loyal subjects of the previous dynasty. Grinding his teeth, Ren Qining said firmly, "If I can assure you that the future court and royal family will consist entirely of people from the Central Plains, would you be willing to help then?"

Dongfang Hui lowered her eyes and replied lightly, "If that’s truly the case, as you are a legitimate heir of the former dynasty, it would naturally be a different matter."

Ren Qining’s heart lifted, "Thank you, Madam. I hope you hold true to your words."

Dongfang Hui reassured him, "How could we of Cangmang Mountain break a promise?"

Ren Qining nodded in satisfaction, and as he was about to speak, someone rushed in and whispered a few words in his ear. The color drained from his face. He stood up and said to Dongfang Hui, "Madam, I have some urgent matters to attend to. I apologize for my intrusion. I must take my leave now." Dongfang Hui didn’t urge him to stay; she merely had someone see him out.

"Master, are you really planning to help Ren Qining?" Dongfang You walked in from the inner room, gazing out of the door with a slight frown.

Dongfang Hui scoffed, "When did I ever say I would help him? Regardless if he is a true heir or not... The Princess of the Northern Territory showed him kindness as weighty as a mountain, yet he didn’t hesitate to eliminate her. Such a person is destined to be harsh and ungrateful. I’m afraid the day he gains the world will be the time he discards those who helped him."

"Then, Master, why did you...?" Dongfang You asked in confusion.

Dongfang Hui assured her, "I’m merely placating him for now. After all, he did mention the deep bond between our ancestors and Cangmang Mountain. Naturally, I couldn’t outright refuse and cause a disagreement. Besides, do you think he can resolve the conflicts between the Northern Territory and the loyalists of the previous dynasty so quickly? Chances are, he’ll only deplete his own strength more and more."

A look of confusion crossed Dongfang You’s face. She couldn’t quite understand why her master didn’t simply refuse Ren Qining. However, the fact that her master did not choose Ren Qining was, at least, good news. As for Mo Jingli... she had her own ways to deal with him!

In the inn where the Beirong envoy was temporarily staying, after several days of rest, Noble Consort Liu’s injuries seemed to have healed somewhat. Yelv Hong and Princess Ronghua had also planned to set off back to Beirong. Although Yelv Ye wanted to make Yelv Hong stay in Licheng for a few more days, which would also be convenient for the arrangements on the King of Beirong’s side, he couldn’t find an appropriate reason to remain in Licheng. He could only invite Yelv Hong to visit one of his troop garrisons in Great Chu for a few days. Originally, he thought that Yelv Hong would not agree. After all, the true nature of their fraternal relationship was clear to everyone, and Yelv Ye himself would not dare to go to Yelv Hong’s territory alone. Unexpectedly, Yelv Hong agreed after a bit of consideration.

Setting the future itinerary, the brothers naturally had to bid their farewell at Prince Ding’s Mansion to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao.

Ye Li looked at Noble Consort Liu, who was following Yelv Ye, with a hint of subtle emotion. Perhaps because her real identity had been revealed, she didn’t wear her veil this time. Yet Ye Li wished she would keep it on, because whenever she thought of how Noble Consort Liu’s beautiful, well-maintained face was achieved, she felt an urge to vomit.

"Crown Prince Yelv and Seventh Prince, you have traveled a long journey to come here. If there’s any lack of hospitality on our part, please forgive us," Mo Xiuyao addressed Yelv Hong and Yelv Ye with a smile.

Yelv Hong replied with a cheerful tone, "Prince Ding, you’re being too courteous. We have intruded on you for quite some time. We wish to take our leave today. If in the future, you and the Princess Consort come to visit Beirong, it will be our honor to return your hospitality."

Mo Xiuyao nodded, "The Princess Consort and I have long admired the scenery of the prairies. We will certainly find an opportunity to visit."

Yelv Hong comprehended and chuckled, "In that case, I shall be awaiting your arrival, Your Highnesses."

Yelv Ye, somewhat puzzled, watched as Mo Xiuyao and Yelv Hong exchanged veiled remarks, feeling that their words held hidden meanings. He had instructed Noble Consort Liu to write a letter to the King of Beirong, accusing Yelv Hong of colluding with Mo Xiuyao in an act of treason, which was, of course, a fabrication. But now, he harbored genuine doubts. He glanced thoughtfully at Yelv Hong, before breaking the silence, "Prince Ding, Princess Consort, it’s getting late. We should be going."

Yelv Hong did not counter, nodding his head and saying, "The Seventh Prince is right, we should be on our way. Prince Ding, Princess Consort, we take our leave now."

Ye Li responded with a smile, "Crown Prince, Princess, Seventh Prince, I wish you a smooth journey."

Suddenly, Noble Consort Liu, who was sitting next to Yelv Ye, stared at Ye Li and said, "I want to take two people with me."

Everyone furrowed their brows at this. Yelv Ye gave Noble Consort Liu a warning glare, but she ignored him and said to Ye Li, "I want to take Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning with me."

Ye Li turned her head slightly and smiled, "Under what pretext does Miss Qing Yina wish to take Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning away?"

Noble Consort Liu’s face changed. She lifted her chin and said, "They injured me, shouldn’t I be the one to deal with them?"

Ye Li’s expression remained flat as she leisurely said, "Injured? I thought Miss Qing Yina was intending to assassinate Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning and was mistakenly injured. Since Miss Qing Yina puts it that way, Seventh Prince, Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning also require an explanation from me. So please, leave Miss Qing Yina here."

"How dare you! I am the Seventh Imperial Consort of Beirong!" Noble Consort Liu said in a stern voice.

Yelv Ye frowned and looked at Ye Li, "Princess Consort, this seems improper." It wasn’t that he couldn’t bear to part with Noble Consort Liu, but he still needed her to speak for him in front of the King of Beirong. Furthermore, Noble Consort Liu was still, nominally, his future Princess Consort. If she were left in Licheng, it would be a loss of face for him.

Then Yelv Hong suddenly laughed, "I seem to recall that Seventh Brother’s consort passed away a few years ago. When did you remarry, Seventh Brother? Ah, that’s right, Father mentioned he would hold a grand wedding ceremony for you once we return to Beirong." The original Seventh Prince’s Consort was also the daughter of a large Beirong tribe, and she had passed away due to illness a few years ago. Yelv Ye hadn’t taken a primary consort since, and Yelv Hong hadn’t expected him to bring out such a woman. Yelv Hong himself had also suffered quite a bit due to Noble Consort Liu’s slanders in front of the King of Beirong. Since Princess Consort Ding wanted to keep her, Yelv Hong was naturally happy to help.

Yelv Ye’s face darkened. He looked at Noble Consort Liu, and his heart wavered. Now that the Beirong army and the Mo Family Army were in a standoff, Noble Consort Liu’s previous usefulness was all but gone. Her only remaining value lay in her influence over the King of Beirong. However, just as Yelv Hong had pointed out, once they returned to Beirong, their father would likely arrange a wedding for him. He had never entertained the thought of truly marrying Noble Consort Liu as his primary consort; he wasn’t even willing to take her as a concubine. Should he take her back, or seize this opportunity to rid himself of her? This was a dilemma.

Seeing the deep thought on Yelv Ye’s face, Noble Consort Liu couldn’t help but feel a surge of panic. She knew very well what awaited her if she were left in Licheng and now deeply regretted her impulsive actions. She had suffered many grievances over the past two years, but this time, not only had she lost face completely in front of Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, but more importantly, the person who had brought her to this state was her own biological daughter. How could she swallow this indignity? That was why she had demanded Princess Zhenning and Mo Xiaoyun from Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. She hadn’t anticipated that she herself would end up being the price.

Looking at Ye Li’s calm and smiling eyes, a shiver coursed down Noble Consort Liu’s spine. She glanced at Mo Xiuyao, who seemed completely unfazed, and then it hit her. From the very beginning, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had planned to keep her, whether or not she asked for anyone.

"No! I don’t want to stay in Licheng!" Noble Consort Liu declared, "I want to go back to Beirong! Yelv Ye, take me with you!"

Had her tone not been so forceful, Yelv Ye might still have considered it. But before Noble Consort Liu’s words even faded, Yelv Ye’s expression turned cold. He shook off her hand and said to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, "Since she injured Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning, I’ll leave her for you to deal with."

"No! Yelv Ye, you can’t do this to me! Don’t forget, without me..."

Yelv Ye coldly scoffed, "Are you trying to tell Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding how you committed treason? Yes, it was indeed with your help that this prince was able to easily capture Great Chu’s border defenses and several cities. So what?" Sneering at the shocked Noble Consort Liu, he felt wholly assured he had made the right decision. He was the revered Seventh Prince of Beirong; how could he let the nobles of Beirong laugh at him because of this woman?

"Prince Ding, Princess Consort Ding, farewell." Ignoring Noble Consort Liu, Yelv Ye turned and left without hesitation.

Yelv Hong also followed suit, clasping his hands in a salute to Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao before leaving. Princess Ronghua followed Yelv Hong, smiling at Ye Li. When she reached Noble Consort Liu, she paused, whispering, "Noble Consort Liu, I’m sure we won’t see each other again. Rest assured, Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding will extend their full ’hospitality’ to a traitorous... despicable wretch like you."

"No... don’t leave, take me with you!" Noble Consort Liu cried out in terror.

Princess Ronghua sneered, shook off Noble Consort Liu’s hand, and walked out the door.