Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 417 - 414. The Thorny Throne

414. The Thorny Throne

With the victory at Feihong Pass, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li set off for Licheng. Conquering the world could be achieved through military strength, though governing it could not rely solely on force. Even with Young Master Qingchen holding the fort, there were several matters in Licheng that required Mo Xiuyao’s personal handling. From the time they set off from Licheng to the Northern Territory last year, the couple had been away for an astonishing ten months. Ten months sounded long, but considering the time taken to pacify the Northern Territory, expel Beirong, and defeat Nanchu and Xiling, it was surprisingly short. All these military accomplishments would have been glorious enough for any man to live off for three generations. Yet, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had achieved them in merely ten months. When people recollected these formidable feats, aside from being astounded, there were truly no words to be spoken.

Although it seemed short, ten months was rather long. Long enough for two infants, who had just passed their first month and could barely turn over, to sit in the laps of adults, curiously observing their surroundings as they babbled. When Ye Li saw the two babies cradled in the arms of First Madam Xu and Second Madam Xu, tears welled up in her eyes once again. The babies had been fostered in the Xu Family when they were barely a month old and had not seen their parents for nearly a year. Ye Li couldn’t help feeling guilty.

Fortunately, although the two children hadn’t really seen their parents, they didn’t act strange around them. First Madam Xu, with a smile, placed a baby clad in a moon-white brocade jacket trimmed with white fox fur into Ye Li’s arms, coaxing him, "Lin’er, call Mommy... Mom..."

The baby, staring at Ye Li with his round, dark eyes, sensed a wonderfully comforting fragrance from the soft, warm embrace that held him. It was different from the ladies who usually cradled him, but he liked it very much. The baby smiled widely at Ye Li and followed First Madam Xu, calling out, "Mom... Mommy..."

"Lin’er can call out already?" Ye Li exclaimed happily, lifting her gaze to the other baby in a pink brocade dress held in the arms of Second Madam Xu. Second Madam Xu chuckled, "These two kids are smart, just like Xiaobao. Xin’er, call Mommy."

Little Xin’er giggled at Ye Li, her sweet little face full of affection. Evidently, she wasn’t shy either and reached out her little hand toward Ye Li, calling out, "Mommy, hug..."

Feeling a soft warmth blooming in her heart, Ye Li carefully took Xin’er into her arms as well. Fortunately, the two little ones were almost a year old; sitting one on each side in Ye Li’s lap, they managed to stay put. Having grown up together, the two babies had a good relationship. They didn’t fight for her embrace; instead, they held each other’s hands in Ye Li’s lap, babbling to each other in a language no one else understood.

Mo Xiuyao stood behind Ye Li, occasionally reaching out to steady the little ones in her arms. A faint smile touched his lips, completely washing away the murderous aura lingering from the battlefield.

Mo Xiaobao stood next to Ye Li, gazing somewhat regretfully at the two babies in her arms. He was already grown up and couldn’t have Mother hold him anymore. At least... not like his younger brother and sister, being cuddled by Mother herself.

"Mother, Xiaobao missed you so much too," Mo Xiaobao said, looking at Ye Li with longing eyes.

Ye Li chuckled, "Mother missed you too. Have you been listening to your Eldest Uncle these days?" She remembered when Mo Xiaobao had to be sent back to Licheng; his aggrieved little face as he left still made Ye Li feel a pang of guilt. Although it was for his safety, Mo Xiaobao was an extremely intelligent child. Even if no one told him, he surely understood back then that the situation was dire, which was why he left with the guards without any fuss. He must have been very worried all this time.

Mo Xiaobao nodded quickly. "Xiaobao is the most obedient! If you don’t believe me, Mother, you can ask Eldest Uncle."

Mo Xiaobao had become more and more mischievous as he grew older, yet he was also exceptionally smart. Those without much ability wouldn’t even find evidence if he pranked them. In all of Licheng, only Xu Qingchen could keep him in check.

"You, obedient? Who was it that insisted on going to Feihong Pass yesterday, making such a fuss?" From outside the door, Xu Qingchen’s voice, tinged with faint amusement, drifted in.

Soon, the Immortal Young Master, dressed in snow-white attire, appeared before them. Some people are simply born favored by the heavens. It was as if time itself had frozen around him. If Mo Xiuyao’s enduring handsomeness over the years was due to his profound cultivation, then Xu Qingchen was unequivocally a cherished child of heaven. His youth did not convey immaturity; his exceptionally handsome, transcendent features and demeanor made him seem to possess the beauty of a young man and the composed nature of one in middle age. Yet, he was different from the dignified ministers, weary from years of poring over official documents. He exuded an air of leisurely detachment, like an idle cloud or a wild crane.

Xu Qingchen stepped into the hall and said with a smile, "In less than a year, four kingdoms consecutively defeated. Such military achievements are unprecedented. Congratulations, Prince."

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "Not at all. If Brother Qingchen hadn’t been holding down Licheng, how could this Prince have been so at ease, let alone think of conquering the lands?" This was no false humility. As the saying goes, an army marches on its stomach; the importance of military supplies to a war is self-evident. For nearly a year, precisely because several members of the Xu Family were overseeing the Northwest, the Mo Family Army had almost never worried about issues like supplies and provisions. With such logistical support, winning battles naturally became much easier.

Xu Qingchen offered a faint smile, not feigning modesty. They were both intelligent men and could naturally discern the truth from falsehood in each other’s words. Besides, given the relationship between Ye Li and the Xu Family, to be overly modest like one would with outsiders would seem insincere and create distance.

Xu Qingchen sat down. Knowing they were about to discuss important matters, the two Madams Xu rose and excused themselves. Having just returned, Ye Li naturally couldn’t bear to part with her children, so the two babies remained. Sitting in Ye Li’s lap, the babies showed no distress even when they saw the two Madams Xu, who had always cared for them, leave. This prompted Second Madam Xu to laughingly scold them as "two little heartless ones."

Mo Xiuyao took Xin’er, who was dressed in pink brocade with silver anklets and bracelets and looked utterly adorable, from Ye Li’s arms and sat down beside her. Separated from her mother’s embrace, Little Xin’er didn’t cry or fuss, as she also quite liked this fair-skinned man. She curiously grabbed Mo Xiuyao’s long white hair and tugged it gently. Mo Xiuyao glanced at his daughter with helpless affection, then took out a beautifully carved, hollowed-out jade bead, about the size of a pigeon’s egg, and placed it in her hand to play with. Xin’er wasn’t fussy and lowered her head, curiously playing with the jade bead.

Mo Xiaobao looked at his brother in his mother’s arms and his sister in his father’s, then shuffled pitifully over to Xu Qingchen’s side. Xu Qingchen smiled, shook his head, and gestured to the seat beside him. Only then did Mo Xiaobao sit down in the seat to Xu Qingchen’s side.

The hall fell silent for a moment before Xu Qingchen said, "Ordinarily, I wouldn’t disturb you so soon after your return, but there is a matter the Prince needs to see for himself." Xu Qingchen then drew a petition from his sleeve. A single glance was enough for Ye Li to recognize it. The bright yellow cover was emblazoned with the image of a fiercely snarling giant wolf—it was a state missive from Beirong.

"What does Beirong want now?" Ye Li asked, frowning. She had never held a very favorable impression of the Beirong people, even though they had, in some capacity, cooperated with the Crown Prince of Beirong before.

Holding his daughter in one arm, Mo Xiuyao took the state missive with his free hand. He read it, then frowned and said, "Exchange Princess Ronghua for Yelv Ye’s remains and the bodies of the Beirong soldiers?" Mo Xiuyao fell silent for a good while, then looked up at Ye Li, somewhat vexed. "Where are Yelv Ye’s remains?"

Ye Li was speechless. She truly couldn’t recall where Yelv Ye’s remains were. She had been incredibly busy at the time, and clearing the battlefield wasn’t her responsibility, so how could she remember such a detail?

Mo Xiuyao said with dissatisfaction, "If they wanted to trade for Yelv Ye’s remains, why are they only coming now? It’s been so long; who knows where Yelv Ye’s remains have been tossed by now?"

Xu Qingchen’s lips twitched. "Beirong is frozen for a thousand li in winter. It’s only just been early spring, so for their envoys to have already reached Licheng is quite fast." He added, "Besides, Beirong definitely needed to observe the situation. If the Mo Family Army had lost to the allied forces of Xiling and Great Chu, who would bother trading with you? They would have just marched their armies over again."

Mo Xiuyao nodded impatiently. "Fine, this Prince understands. Tell them they can trade for the remains of Yelv Ye and the Beirong soldiers. However, Princess Ronghua alone is not enough."

"What else do you want?" Xu Qingchen asked, raising an eyebrow.

Mo Xiuyao smiled. "That depends on what else Young Master Qingchen can get them to offer." Naturally, the more benefits, the better. Prince Ding’s Mansion may be as wealthy as a nation, but it can’t support an unlimited number of people. Money is needed everywhere, isn’t it?

Xu Qingchen nodded. "I understand. But... can you actually find Yelv Ye’s remains?" Knowing Mo Xiuyao’s temperament, one didn’t need to guess to know that Yelv Ye’s final end definitely wasn’t a peaceful burial.

Mo Xiuyao gave Xu Qingchen a look that plainly said, ’Are you a fool?’ "Are Yelv Ye’s ashes made of gold, or are there words inscribed on them?"

It was the first time in his life anyone had questioned his intelligence like that, but Young Master Qingchen had to concede: So, you plan to just fob them off with any old ashes?

"Do you really intend to trade for Princess Ronghua’s return?" Xu Qingchen looked at Mo Xiuyao with some doubt. In his impression, Mo Xiuyao wasn’t exactly a benevolent person unless there was profit to be made. But Young Master Qingchen truly couldn’t think of any benefit Beirong possessed that Mo Xiuyao would covet. Land was out of the question. Even if the Beirong people were willing to cede it, beyond the border lay nothing but endless grasslands. Few commoners would be willing to live there, having to endure raids from the Beirong people for at least eight months of the year. The Central Plains itself wasn’t even fully settled yet; Mo Xiuyao would absolutely not extend his reach outward at this time. As for anything else, Beirong didn’t seem to have anything that would catch Mo Xiuyao’s eye.

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "Naturally. Didn’t the Beirong people say it themselves? Princess Ronghua is Ah-Li’s sworn sister. If Princess Consort Ding’s sworn sister were to be mistreated by the Beirong people, wouldn’t it be Prince Ding’s Mansion that loses face?"

"We all know that’s not true," Xu Qingchen said, raising an eyebrow. Ye Li and Princess Ronghua’s relationship wasn’t bad, but it certainly wasn’t close enough for them to become sworn sisters.

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand dismissively. "That’s irrelevant. By the way, it would be best to inform the Beirong people that this Prince is very interested in their warhorses."

"And if they don’t agree?" Xu Qingchen asked.

The warhorse breeds of the Central Plains had always been inferior to those of Beirong, and even those of the Western Region. Even when prized foreign breeds were introduced, their quality would decline over time. Moreover, Beirong and the Central Plains had been enemies for generations, and warhorses were strictly prohibited from entering the Central Plains through any channel. Although Prince Ding’s Mansion had secretly obtained some over the years through various means, the quantity was pitifully small. No wonder Mo Xiuyao was being so "generous" this time.

"Disagree?" Mo Xiuyao sneered. "Then this Prince will just go and take them himself."

"I understand," Xu Qingchen nodded, indicating he understood Mo Xiuyao’s resolve.

With Xu Qingchen’s acknowledgement, Mo Xiuyao’s expression immediately softened, and he set the matter aside. If Young Master Qingchen was willing to take something on, it meant it was as good as resolved, with a nine-out-of-ten certainty of success.

Once the Beirong matter was concluded, Xu Qingchen looked at Mo Xiuyao, a smile playing on his lips and an eyebrow raised. "Additionally, for some time now, people have been persistently asking me about a certain matter. However... I don’t quite know how to respond, so it’s a good opportunity to ask for the Prince’s opinion."

"What matter could possibly stump Young Master Qingchen?" Mo Xiuyao said dismissively. He clearly thought Xu Qingchen was merely bored and looking to stir up trouble.

Xu Qingchen toyed with the blue-and-white porcelain teacup in his hand, his clear, discerning eyes fixed on Mo Xiuyao. "For quite some time now, people have been asking me when the Prince plans... to ascend the throne."

"Ascend the throne?" Mo Xiuyao, who was playing with Xin’er’s small hand, paused. He frowned. "Who said this Prince intends to ascend the throne and become Emperor?"

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow. "No one explicitly said so, but it’s clear that everyone assumes it."

"Does that include Young Master Qingchen?" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Xu Qingchen smiled without speaking; the answer was self-evident.

"This Prince has no intention of ascending the throne," Mo Xiuyao stated seriously. If he had wanted to be Emperor, he would have done so long ago. Why drag it out for so many years?

Xu Qingchen sighed softly, a slight frown creasing his brow. "You should be aware of the advantages and disadvantages involved."

Young Master Qingchen was looking at it purely from the perspective of governing the realm. It was about having a legitimate title. Mo Xiuyao lacked nothing; his reign over the lands was practically a foregone conclusion. However, as long as he did not formally ascend the throne, he lacked that legitimacy. This didn’t prevent Mo Xiuyao from controlling Prince Ding’s Mansion or all the territories it currently held, but it would inevitably cause a sense of unease among the people.

Furthermore, because it wasn’t a formal imperial court, the hierarchy of officials under Prince Ding’s Mansion was also in a state of utter disarray. That major errors hadn’t occurred amidst such chaos over so many years was something Young Master Qingchen himself found quite remarkable.

"Even if you, Prince Ding, have no aspirations for the imperial throne, you should consider the feelings of those who follow you." So many people pledged allegiance to Prince Ding’s Mansion, naturally out of loyalty and righteousness, but it was definitely not *solely* for loyalty and righteousness. Although Young Master Qingchen himself was indifferent to fame, fortune, and power, he did not look down upon those who valued power and strove for official rank and wealth. "Master civil and martial arts to serve the imperial family"—this was a concept deeply ingrained in people’s minds for millennia. In the eyes of the world, only the imperial family was orthodox. Only by serving the imperial family could one have a truly legitimate standing. The Prince Ding’s Mansion of today was far different from what it once was. Under its banner were not only generals from families who had served Prince Ding’s Mansion for generations, but also many more individuals and families who had come to seek refuge and pledge their loyalty.

"What? Does Young Master Qingchen also harbor such an ambition? How about this Prince appoints you as Prime Minister?" Mo Xiuyao said, looking at Xu Qingchen with a wide smile.

Xu Qingchen, with an air of nonchalance, lifted his eyelids slightly. "Many thanks, but I am afraid I am not worthy of such a high position."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow, shooting him a slightly smug look. Exactly! If this Prince were to ascend the throne, appoint all the officials, and get everything properly organized, wouldn’t the members of the Xu Family immediately resign and retreat into seclusion? Does he take this Prince for a fool? Young Master Qingchen alone is worth half the imperial court, not to mention the entire Xu Family...

More importantly, what’s the point of ascending the throne? To become Emperor and have to attend morning court every day, listening to those ministers squabble endlessly over trivial matters? Miss one day of court, and the Imperial Censors would nag his ears off. It’s much better like this: handle affairs when they arise, and do as he pleases when there are none. Surely, as a Prince, he doesn’t have to attend court every single day, does he?

If Xu Qingchen didn’t understand what Mo Xiuyao was thinking, he would have lived all these years in vain. He paid Mo Xiuyao no further heed and turned to Ye Li with a smile. "Ah-Li, what are your thoughts?"

Playing with one of the babies, Ye Li chuckled. "For such matters, Eldest Brother, you only need to ask Xiuyao."

Mo Xiuyao looked triumphantly at Xu Qingchen. "Ah-Li and I are husband and wife; naturally, she echoes my sentiments. However... if Ah-Li wishes to be the Empress, then this Prince wouldn’t mind ascending the throne for a bit."

Ye Li frowned slightly. Of course, she knew Xu Qingchen had spent time discussing these matters for their benefit. After all, even if Xu Qingchen didn’t bring it up, others undoubtedly would, and soon. But... as for being Empress, it wasn’t that Ye Li hadn’t considered it; rather, she truly wasn’t very enthusiastic about the prospect. In her current situation, becoming Empress wouldn’t improve her life; instead, it would bring many more restrictions. These weren’t restrictions imposed by Mo Xiuyao or anyone else, but rather the inherent constraints of this era.

"No need to consider it further; this Prince has already decided." Seeing Ye Li’s frown, Mo Xiuyao decisively settled the matter. "Ah-Li, how about we don’t become Emperor and Empress, alright? In the future, we can let Mo Xiaobao make you Empress Dowager."

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow. With Mo Xiuyao uttering such words, setting aside other implications, it at least clearly indicated that the next successor of Prince Ding’s Mansion—and perhaps even the future master of the realm—was undoubtedly Mo Xiaobao.

Looking at the two of them, Xu Qingchen sighed softly. "Very well, as long as you both have a clear plan. Regardless... Li’er, the Xu Family will always support you."

Ye Li nodded gently and smiled. "Eldest Brother, I know." She knew the Xu Family had always stood behind her, supporting her. Without the Xu Family, no matter how capable she was, it would have been incredibly difficult to command the loyalty of so many people in Prince Ding’s Mansion. Her noble birth into the esteemed Xu Family, along with her maternal grandfather, uncles, and cousins—all formidable figures in the eyes of the world—had always been her most powerful backing.

Xu Qingchen stood up and said to them, "Even setting aside the matter of ascension, Lin’er and Xin’er are about to celebrate their first birthday. I’m afraid we’ll have to organize a grand celebration this year. This is necessary, be it to reward the armies or to manage the various factions intending to probe for information. Even if we don’t formally host it, those who mean to come will show up regardless, albeit uninvited."

Mo Xiuyao nodded. "This Prince understands. Let’s proceed as you suggest."

As Xu Qingchen exited, Mo Xiaobao, knowing his father and mother had things to discuss, quickly scurried out after him.

In the hall, Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao with a smile. "Xiuyao, are you really not planning to..."

Mo Xiuyao laughed. "I never had any intention of becoming Emperor." He stood up, holding their little daughter, walked over to Ye Li, and squeezed onto the chair beside her.

While teasing his daughter, Mo Xiuyao smiled at Ye Li. "Aren’t we living well now? Why invite so many troubles to vex us? We’ve managed like this for all these years; this Prince doesn’t believe we can’t continue for a few more. When the time comes, we’ll just hand all the worries over to Mo Xiaobao."

Besides, in these past two years, the Xu Family’s education for Mo Xiaobao has already begun to incline towards the path of an emperor. Isn’t it perfect? He’ll be well-taught just in time to take over as Emperor. He, Mo Xiuyao, certainly never learned how to be one.

Ye Li looked at him with an enigmatic smile. "Aren’t you afraid that Xiaobao will resent you for this in the future?"

Mo Xiuyao replied with an air of self-righteousness, "This Prince is genuinely cultivating his abilities! If this Prince did everything for him, what would be the point of him?" Ready-made success isn’t so easily obtained. Most importantly, he has toiled and struggled for the better part of his life; on what grounds should Mo Xiaobao get to be a comfortable Emperor in Peace without any hardship?

Ye Li sighed softly. "I won’t interfere. You can go and explain it to those people yourself."

Mo Xiuyao smiled at Ye Li. "I know Ah-Li is also happy that I won’t become Emperor. Isn’t that right?"

Ye Li didn’t hide her feelings, nodding openly as she admitted, "If you don’t become Emperor, I will indeed be very happy."

Saying this might seem somewhat unfair to the generals and subordinates who had fought tooth and nail for Prince Ding’s Mansion. Yet, Ye Li had to concede that Mo Xiuyao was right. What was an Emperor? The Son of Heaven, ruler of all under the heavens. But ultimately, he would no longer belong exclusively to any single person. Not to mention, at that time, many would inevitably try to arrange things like the "three palaces and six courtyards" (harems) for him. Ye Li did not want to compete with any woman for Mo Xiuyao. She was, after all, not a woman born and raised in this era. Mo Xiuyao could only be entirely hers, or not hers at all. There was no possibility of him being hers a little more or a little less. A faint smile touched Ye Li’s lips as she thought this. She loved him... and therefore, she was unwilling to share.

"So, isn’t that perfect? Mo Xiaobao is already nine. In a few more years at most, we can hand Prince Ding’s Mansion over to him. By then, whether they want an Emperor or something else will be none of our concern. After all these years... this Prince is also very tired. Ah-Li, you wouldn’t be so cruel as to make me get up before dawn every day for morning court, would you? Speaking of which, I actually thought back then that this position of Emperor... it’s simply not fit for a human being. Waking earlier than a rooster, sleeping later than a dog, not allowed to eat this, forbidden to do that. You can’t necessarily marry the woman you like, and you might not like the one you marry. Make the slightest misstep, and you get berated by the Imperial Censors, and you still have to endure it and appear open-minded and magnanimous. Otherwise, the court historians will make sure to blacken your name in the history books..."

"Alright, that’s enough. The more you talk, the more absurd you sound." Ye Li didn’t know whether to laugh or cry, but she had to admit Mo Xiuyao had a point. More importantly, after he put it that way, her heart felt considerably lighter. "As long as you don’t regret your decision."

"Then... Ah-Li must stand firm with this Prince. We won’t be Emperor and Empress. When Mo Xiaobao ascends the throne, we’ll be the Grand Emperor and Empress Dowager... Er?!" Mo Xiuyao was speaking with great enthusiasm when his expression suddenly froze.

Ye Li glanced at him curiously. "What’s wrong?"

Mo Xiuyao remained frozen, still cradling Little Xin’er. The little girl’s dark, innocent eyes gazed up at her mother.

A large wet patch had appeared on His Highness Prince Ding’s snow-white robes, and more moisture was trickling down from the hem.