Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 354 - 353. Helpless Marriage

353. Forced Marriage

Dongfang Hui hastily arrived at the inn where Mo Jingli was staying, only to find neither Mo Jingli nor Dongfang You. Her face turned even more somber. She left and continued to Dongfang Mansion, this time not in vain. Unfortunately, what she saw upon entering made her feel like vomiting blood.

In Dongfang You’s room, disheveled clothing was scattered on the floor, immediately visible upon entry. Dongfang Hui’s face darkened as she dismissed the servants following her and walked in. Sure enough, she saw a man and woman lying intertwined on the bed. The woman’s face was flushed, and her slightly closed eyes indicated she was still sound asleep. The room reeked of a strong musk scent, a stark reminder to Dongfang Hui of what had just occurred.

"Mo Jingli!" Dongfang Hui cursed through clenched teeth.

When Dongfang Hui entered, Mo Jingli opened his eyes. Seeing Dongfang Hui’s expression, he remained unconcerned and calmly said, "Madam Dongfang, could you please step out for a moment?"

Dongfang Hui, her face as cold as ice, tersely responded, "Prince Li had better provide me with a rational explanation!"

As they spoke, Dongfang You gradually regained consciousness. Meeting her master’s furious expression, she shrieked upon realizing she was nestled in Mo Jingli’s arms.

"Shut up!" Dongfang Hui commanded. "You dare to scream? Get ready and get out immediately!" She then turned and left the room.

Dongfang You was completely dumbstruck by the sudden turn of events. Her mind was muddled and confused from the aftermath of her failed enchantment spell on Xu Qingchen, and she couldn’t remember what had happened afterward. However, seeing the current situation, she could guess what had befallen her.

"Mo Jingli, how dare you! I’ll kill you!" Dongfang You spat fiercely. Not caring that they were still in bed, she attempted to strike Mo Jingli. While Mo Jingli’s martial arts might have been slightly inferior to Dongfang You’s, she was weak from her internal injuries and emotionally drained after what had happened. With a single motion, Mo Jingli caught her wrist, holding her firmly in his arms.

"Mo Jingli! I will kill you! I will certainly kill you!" Dongfang You’s eyes blazed with rage. She couldn’t understand how her perfectly orchestrated plan had ended up this way. Not only had her attempt to enchant Xu Qingchen failed, but Mo Jingli had also taken advantage of her. She knew that from this day forth, she had lost any chance of Xu Qingchen accepting her. How could Xu Qingchen, the eldest son of the esteemed scholarly Xu Family, ever marry a woman with a ruined reputation? Whenever she thought about this, Dongfang You felt an overwhelming urge to tear Mo Jingli limb from limb.

Mo Jingli firmly held Dongfang You’s hands, his voice laced with aggravation. "Are you done with your tantrum?" He had initially planned to treat Dongfang You well. After all, her social standing and abilities were significant, and more importantly, winning her over meant securing the support of Cangmang Mountain. Had she been obedient, he would have treated her kindly. But to his surprise, this woman woke up shouting murderous threats and cursing him endlessly. Didn’t she understand that she was his woman now? What good would further tantrums do?

"Throwing a fit now? You didn’t seem to mind when you were throwing yourself at me earlier," Mo Jingli scoffed sarcastically.

The fractured and intermittent memories surfacing in Dongfang You’s mind were unbearably humiliating. Hearing Mo Jingli’s words, she trembled with fury. He was right. She had been the one to initiate contact, throwing herself at him. Even though it wasn’t her true intention, she couldn’t change the fact of what had happened.

Seeing her calm down, Mo Jingli finally let go, got out of bed, and leisurely began to dress. Bending down to look at Dongfang You, he said, "Now that things have come to this, if you behave, I will naturally treat you well. As for the Young Master Qingchen you yearn for... he knew your internal injuries had backlashed, leaving you as if under the effects of an aphrodisiac, yet didn’t he throw you out without a second thought? Are you still clinging to him?"

SMACK! Dongfang You brutally slapped Mo Jingli across the face. "Bastard!"

Mo Jingli’s eyes turned frosty, but he quickly suppressed his surging rage. Standing up, he said, "Now that you’re awake, get ready quickly. Your master is waiting outside."

"I will never marry you!" Dongfang You glared at him, her teeth clenched.

Mo Jingli was indifferent. "Now, who else besides me would want you?"

「Outside, in the hall of Dongfang Mansion.」

Dongfang Hui had long since dismissed all her attendants and was sitting alone, deep in thought. Her face, still beautiful despite the trials of life, bore an air of gloom. The Xu Family’s move was ruthless; it truly severed the last thread of hope she had for Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Xu Family. Although Xu Qingchen framed it as a complete accident, Dongfang Hui didn’t believe it was that simple. Dongfang You’s spell failed, causing her internal injuries to backlash. Xu Qingchen had her sent back, but she happened to run into Mo Jingli, who then naturally became the one to treat Dongfang You. Everything seemed ordinary, but decades of keen intuition from managing Cangmang Mountain told her this was definitely not a mere coincidence.

Indeed, after Dongfang Hui had mentally dismissed Ren Qining, not many options remained for Cangmang Mountain. All members could either retreat to Cangmang Mountain and live in seclusion, or they could choose Mo Jingli. However, choosing willingly versus being forced to choose, as was the case now, invoked completely different feelings and led to different outcomes. This experience of being manipulated and coerced not only sparked her hatred for her disciple’s recklessness and Mo Jingli’s opportunism but also intensified her resentment of Xu Qingchen’s ruthlessness and his calculated moves against Dongfang You. Thinking more deeply, this was Prince Ding’s Mansion demonstrating its disdain and contempt for Cangmang Mountain.

"Madam, Princess Consort Ding and Second Young Madam Xu are here to visit," a servant hurried in to report.

Dongfang Hui furrowed her eyebrows. It was a bit too coincidental for Ye Li to visit at this moment. After a moment’s consideration, Dongfang Hui asked, "Did Princess Consort Ding mention the purpose of her visit?"

The servant replied, "Princess Consort Ding said she heard Miss Dongfang is unwell and has come with Second Young Madam Xu to visit."

Dongfang Hui didn’t want to see Ye Li at this moment. However, the presence of Second Young Madam Xu, accompanying Ye Li, made her suspect Ye Li already knew the truth. After a moment of silence, she sighed, somewhat dejected. "Since things have come to this, so be it... Please show Princess Consort Ding in."

Soon after, Ye Li and Qin Zheng walked in hand in hand. Seemingly oblivious to Dongfang Hui’s unhappy expression, Ye Li smiled and said, "Forgive my unannounced visit, Madam Dongfang."

Dongfang Hui’s gaze briefly rested on Qin Zheng before she responded, "Your Highness is too kind. Your presence, along with Second Young Madam Xu, brightens our humble home."

Qin Zheng didn’t know much, only a few things First Madam Xu had mentioned about Dongfang You’s actions. Recently, she had also vaguely heard about Dongfang You pestering Xu Qingchen. Even so, she was surprised that Dongfang You had the audacity to break into Xu Mansion and make inappropriate advances toward Xu Qingchen. Despite being acquainted with unconventional women like Ye Li and Murong Ting, and having heard of numerous strange incidents, Dongfang You’s actions still shocked her. Aside from Xu Qingchen being her husband’s elder brother, the reputation of Young Master Qingchen alone was enough for nearly every maiden in Great Chu to admire him. Given his esteemed status as the Immortal Young Master, any woman worthy of him would have to be exceptional. As for someone like Dongfang You, not only would Xu Qingchen himself and the Xu Family disapprove, but it was likely that even the young women of Licheng would not find her acceptable.

"Miss Dongfang visited Xu Mansion, and I wasn’t able to receive her personally. Furthermore, she had to leave while unwell. My mother-in-law has already reprimanded me severely for this. We were discourteous in our reception, and I ask for your understanding, Madam Dongfang. How is Miss Dongfang doing now? Please, Madam Dongfang, allow me to see Miss Dongfang so I can apologize to her in person." Qin Zheng looked at Dongfang Hui, her voice soft and her words filled with apology.

These words were spoken politely, yet they carried an underlying sharpness. As a young lady visiting Xu Mansion, Dongfang You should naturally have been received by Second Young Madam Xu, the youngest mistress of the household. But from the gatekeeper to the attendants to Second Young Madam Xu herself, no one at Xu Mansion had seen Dongfang You. How did Miss Dongfang enter Xu Mansion? And for what purpose? Since she refused to follow proper etiquette by entering through the main gate as a guest, then whatever problems befell Dongfang You were not Xu Mansion’s concern. Moreover, Dongfang You’s trouble hadn’t occurred at Xu Mansion. For Xu Mansion to dispatch Second Young Madam Xu to visit personally was already more than generous.

Dongfang Hui’s smile was somewhat stiff. This Second Young Madam Xu, despite her unassuming reputation, is surprisingly articulate. "You’er is indeed feeling a little unwell, but it’s nothing serious. She’s resting at the moment, so I’m afraid it’s inconvenient for her to meet Second Young Madam Xu. Perhaps when she’s better, we can invite Second Madam Xu for a small gathering."

Qin Zheng smiled and didn’t insist. Ye Li, standing nearby, said with a calm smile, "In that case, we shouldn’t disturb Miss Dongfang’s rest. However... we happened to meet Princess Qixia outside. She mentioned that His Highness Prince Li came to your mansion and hasn’t returned. Would Madam Dongfang please relay a message to His Highness Prince Li? Princess Qixia seems to need him urgently. If there’s nothing pressing here, it would be best for him to return quickly; otherwise, Princess Qixia herself might soon arrive at Dongfang Mansion."

"Princess Qixia?" Dongfang Hui’s expression darkened slightly. "I don’t recall any country having a Princess Qixia."

Ye Li smiled apologetically. "My mistake. It’s Miss Qixia. This young lady has been by Prince Li’s side for many years and is deeply trusted by him. Now that the message is delivered, Zheng’er and I will take our leave. Please convey our regards to Miss Dongfang."

As Ye Li rose to bid farewell, Mo Jingli was already standing in the doorway before Dongfang Hui could respond. Seeing Ye Li and Qin Zheng, a glint flashed in Mo Jingli’s eyes. "Princess Consort Ding and Young Madam Xu are here too?"

Ye Li’s tranquil gaze swept over Mo Jingli, a faint smile playing on her lips. "We heard Miss Dongfang was unwell and came to visit. So, Prince Li is indeed at Dongfang Mansion."

Mo Jingli seemed uncharacteristically ill at ease. Given that he had resorted to such tactics for the sake of Cangmang Mountain’s power, his actions could hardly be considered honorable. This was especially true when Prince Ding’s Mansion clearly disdained such matters, yet he valued them so highly, even stooping to underhanded means. This naturally made him look bad. However, despite his pride, Mo Jingli understood he was not Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao could afford to scorn Cangmang Mountain’s backing and refuse its support, but he, Mo Jingli, could not. Though unwilling, he had to face this reality. Thus, in this situation, facing Ye Li inevitably brought him a sense of shame. Perhaps the last thing he ever wanted was to lose face before Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, but alas, fate had other plans...

"Miss Dongfang is fine and will be out to see you shortly," Mo Jingli said. Regardless, now that things had progressed this far, he had to solidify the situation. As long as this matter was settled, he wasn’t worried about Dongfang Hui reneging. If Dongfang Hui went back on her word, Cangmang Mountain’s reputation for choosing a ruler on behalf of Heaven would be shattered—a loss neither Cangmang Mountain nor Dongfang Hui could afford.

"Oh?" Ye Li’s eyes twinkled, her smile serene. "It seems we’ve missed something? Or is a joyous event for Cangmang Mountain imminent?"

"Indeed," Mo Jingli replied in a deep voice. "When the time comes, Princess Consort Ding may wish to attend with Prince Ding and share a celebratory drink."

Ye Li chuckled inwardly. Mo Jingli certainly valued Cangmang Mountain deeply, even planning to hold the wedding directly in Licheng? "If Prince Li plans to hold the wedding in Licheng, Prince Ding and I would be most honored to attend. Congratulations, Prince Li."

Mo Jingli looked deeply into Ye Li’s eyes and replied in a low voice, "Thank you."

"Mo Jingli, don’t even think about it! I will absolutely not marry you!"

Just as Ye Li and Mo Jingli were having a seemingly cordial exchange, Dongfang You’s voice, devoid of its usual calmness and gentleness and instead sharp and grating, came from outside the door. Everyone turned to see Dongfang You standing at the entrance, her eyes red, glaring furiously at Mo Jingli, who was speaking with Ye Li.

Qin Zheng looked at Dongfang You with some surprise. In previous encounters, Dongfang You had always seemed like a false, soulless doll. Now, however, this white-clad woman, flushed with anger, appeared much more real. Yet, the faint purplish marks visible at her slightly low neckline made Qin Zheng blush. She quickly lowered her head, too embarrassed to look again.

"You’er!" Dongfang Hui chided in a low, displeased voice.

Dongfang You faltered, looking at Dongfang Hui with a wronged expression. "Master, I... I... I don’t want to marry this beast!"

Mo Jingli’s expression darkened, and he glared back at Dongfang You, displeased. "Dongfang You, don’t think you’re the only one aggrieved. Am I to blame for this? You brought this upon yourself. In fact, I’m your lifesaver."

Dongfang You clenched her teeth. "I don’t need a bastard like you to save me!"

Mo Jingli scoffed. "You wish someone else had saved you, but too bad they wanted nothing to do with you. Or perhaps Miss Dongfang would prefer to accost some random man on the street..."

Dongfang You’s face turned deathly pale. She knew better than anyone the severity of the backlash from her internal injuries. If she had truly been thrown onto the street... she might very well have... "I..."

"Enough!" Dongfang Hui cut her off coldly. "Haven’t you made enough of a spectacle of yourself?"

Dongfang You froze. Seeing the cold expression on Dongfang Hui’s face, she finally collapsed onto a nearby table, sobbing.

Ye Li watched from the side, sighing inwardly. Compared to the once haughty disciple of Cangmang Mountain who lectured everyone with pronouncements, this white-robed woman, crying so wretchedly, was actually far more relatable. Unfortunately, this was entirely her own doing. By using such an enchantment to control Xu Qingchen, she ensured the Xu Family would never sacrifice one of their own to save her. Thus, Dongfang You’s tragedy was sealed the moment she conceived such a plan.

Dongfang Hui lowered her gaze, masking the emotion in her eyes, before addressing Ye Li. "Princess Consort Ding, I have some matters to attend to. I’m afraid I can’t entertain you and Second Young Madam Xu any longer."

Ye Li also tactfully rose and smiled. "We are the ones who have disturbed you. Please, Madam Dongfang, don’t let us keep you. We will take our leave."

After bidding farewell to Dongfang Hui and Mo Jingli, Ye Li and Qin Zheng had just stepped out the door when they heard Dongfang Hui’s furious rebukes from inside. Dongfang Hui, who had led Cangmang Mountain for over twenty years and was known for her astuteness and composure, was so enraged by Dongfang You that she couldn’t even wait for her guests to be out of earshot before erupting. It showed just how provoked she was.

Upon leaving Dongfang Mansion, Ye Li and Qin Zheng exchanged smiles. Qin Zheng asked curiously, "Will Madam Dongfang really marry Miss Dongfang to Prince Li? Both she and Miss Dongfang seem rather unwilling."

Ye Li smiled. "Miss Dongfang is genuinely unwilling. As for Madam Dongfang... she’s merely unhappy about Dongfang You marrying Mo Jingli under these circumstances."

If Dongfang Hui wasn’t willing to retreat to Cangmang Mountain and wait another sixty or seventy years, then Mo Jingli was arguably her only choice. If things dragged on, she would eventually relent and agree to support Mo Jingli. But that would be Cangmang Mountain truly choosing a ruler by divine will, a highly revered position. Now, with the relationship between Mo Jingli and Dongfang You as it was, Dongfang You had to marry him whether she wanted to or not. However, this would undoubtedly create awkwardness and resentment between the two families. Furthermore, in the eyes of the upright scholars of Great Chu, Cangmang Mountain’s status was bound to plummet.

Moreover, considering Dongfang You’s temperament, she would absolutely no longer strive to be the sagely consort guiding a future enlightened ruler. And this, indeed, was the objective of Ye Li and Prince Ding’s Mansion. They certainly wouldn’t hand Mo Jingli such a grand ’gift’ for nothing. This ’gift’ might look appealing now, but it could turn into a ticking time bomb at any moment.

"Miss Dongfang truly brought this upon herself. She was a young lady from a good family..." Qin Zheng sighed. Although Dongfang You appeared miserable, Qin Zheng felt no sympathy for her. Relying on her special abilities to manipulate people’s hearts, even scheming to force someone to marry her against their will—such a person could only be said to have reaped what she sowed.

Ye Li smiled. "Even if today hadn’t happened, I’m afraid Madam Dongfang would have married her to Mo Jingli soon enough. So, Second Sister-in-law, you don’t need to feel sorry for her."

Qin Zheng smiled. "I don’t feel sorry for her at all. As long as she doesn’t come to trouble our Xu Family, who she marries is no concern of mine."

Ye Li nodded in agreement. "Precisely."

「A day later.」

Sure enough, Dongfang Hui announced the marriage of Mo Jingli and Dongfang You. Dongfang You would marry Prince Li as his Princess Consort. Announcements from both Dongfang Mansion and Prince Li’s residence specifically emphasized she would be a Princess Consort, not a Consort Ping. While a Consort Ping was not considered a concubine, her status was still a step below a Princess Consort. Mo Jingli had promised not to depose Ye Ying, but Cangmang Mountain would not accept such a slight. Thus, the compromise reached was that both would be Princess Consorts of equal rank. Mo Jingli, as the current Regent Prince of Great Chu, wielded immense power and could largely act as he pleased. Consequently, an edict was issued naming Ye Ying as Consort Rong and Dongfang You as Consort Min, both officially titled as Princess Consorts to the Regent Prince.

"Why do I feel Mo Jingli is mocking them with these titles?" Ye Li mused, looking at the announcement of their appointments as Princess Consorts. "Ye Ying currently has no backing in Great Chu, no son, and no favor; how can she bear a title like ’Rong’ (Glory/Honor)? And Dongfang You, who schemed against others only to ensnare herself—this ’Min’ (Agile/Clever) title seems like a joke."

Mo Xiuyao remarked indifferently, "Perhaps Mo Jingli hopes Ye Ying will live a life of glory and stability, and maybe he also hopes Dongfang You will become more astute. As for titles, if they aren’t reflections of reality, they’re aspirations."

Ye Li smiled and casually tossed the missive onto a side table. "I was wondering how we’d deal with Dongfang You and Cangmang Mountain. I didn’t expect it to be resolved so easily."

Mo Xiuyao chuckled. "Isn’t it because Young Master Qingchen is exceptionally resourceful? His way of skillfully turning the situation to his advantage was truly admirable."

Xu Qingchen, who was writing nearby, looked up and said with a faint smile, "If Your Highness hadn’t wished to watch the drama unfold, how could such an outcome have been achieved?"

If not for Mo Xiuyao’s sudden whim to see whether Young Master Qingchen could withstand the allure of enchantment, and his decision to prevent the guards from intervening earlier, Dongfang You would never have had the chance to use her spell on him. Consequently, none of the subsequent events would have occurred. Therefore, at the heart of it, Prince Ding was the true instigator.

Mo Xiuyao, not at all embarrassed by the exposure of his mischievous intentions, brushed Ye Li’s hair while chuckling. "And that’s how we learned that Young Master Qingchen’s mental fortitude is truly rare in this world." Previously, Dongfang You had merely displayed a fraction of her power in public, yet many experts with profound internal energy were affected. This time, however, she focused all her efforts solely on Xu Qingchen and still failed, which truly demonstrated his resolute will. Alternatively, it showed just how cold, composed, and detached he is. Besides those whose hearts are already taken and thus indifferent to worldly beauty, only someone genuinely dispassionate, viewing beauty and ruin with equal detachment, could remain unmoved by such temptation. It seems the members of the Xu Family who wish to see Young Master Qingchen marry and settle down will have to wait quite a while longer.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Your Highness, you flatter me... There’s trouble brewing at the border." His hand, holding the petition, paused as he spoke calmly. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow. Xu Qingchen continued, "As soon as Yelv Ye left Feihong Pass, he began to mobilize his troops. I fear he intends to fight another battle with us before winter arrives."

Mo Xiuyao was momentarily taken aback but not entirely surprised. "What about Ren Qining?"

Ye Li frowned. "Ren Qining bid farewell this morning. He should have left Licheng by now."

Mo Xiuyao lowered his gaze, contemplating for a moment. Then, smiling at Ye Li, he said, "Ah-Li, it seems we’re preparing for war again. This time... it will be the end for Yelv Ye and Helian Zhen!" A cold gleam flashed in his eyes.

Ye Li, initially stunned, quickly recovered and replied with a smile, "Alright. We’ll face it together."