The First Jasmine - Chapter 57
Chapter 57: The Prelude to the Palace Banquet
Ye Li knitted her brows as she watched the two men before her match each other drink for drink in absolute silence. Minister Ye had practically flown his eyes out from throwing frantic glances, yet no one paid him any heed. Old Matriarch Ye offered a strained word of advice, which was directly ignored by Mo Jing Li. Mo Xiu Yao, on the other hand, smiled and nodded toward the Old Matriarch, but did not refuse Mo Jing Li's continuous urging to drink. Ye Li swept a glance toward Ah Jin, who was standing not far away. Sensing Ye Li's gaze, Ah Jin's face revealed an anxious expression as he looked toward Mo Xiu Yao, who was silently consuming his wine.
Mo Jing Li reached out once more to pour wine, only for a jade-like porcelain hand to rest over the wine cup. Mo Jing Li's expression darkened as he raised an eyebrow and stared at Mo Xiu Yao, saying, "Mo Xiu Yao, what is the meaning of this?" Ye Li's expression was entirely serene as she pulled the wine cup directly before herself. "Is the Prince of Li intoxicated? The one blocking the wine is this Princess Consort; why are you questioning my Prince?" Mo Jing Li let out a scoff, stating with utter disdain, "Men are drinking, what business is it of a woman to interfere? This Prince does not lower himself to the level of women." Ye Li's smile was cool and detached, "Women will not lower themselves to the level of the Prince of Li either. It is merely that this Princess Consort and the Prince still have a visit to make to the Xu family this afternoon. Surely the Prince of Li does not wish for our Prince to arrive at the Xu family carrying a reek of alcohol? One must understand that not everyone can be as unrefined and unconstrained by trivialities as the Prince of Li. Especially given that the Xu family is a scholarly lineage that transmits itself through ritual, righteousness, and propriety—the Prince of Li wouldn't hope for this Princess Consort and the Prince to be swept out the door by my maternal uncles, correct?"
"Mo Xiu Yao, could it be that after getting married, you have actually added the ailment of fearing your woman?" Mo Jing Li glared阴沉地 at Ye Li for a good long while before finally turning to Mo Xiu Yao with a cold sneer.
Mo Xiu Yao gazed at him calmly, and a sliver of a smile even graced his face, "Jing Li, respecting one's wife's opinion is by no means a bad thing. What Ah Li says is true; we still have to go pay respects to Mister Xu and Censor Xu this afternoon. As you know, Mister Hong Yu truly dares to sweep us out the door." Mo Jing Li was indeed unyielding and relentless, "How is it that this Prince was unaware that a return visit requires not only meeting the maternal family of the bride, but even the family of the uncles must be met? Cut the nonsense, Mo Xiu Yao—this Prince is offering a toast, are you going to drink it or not?"
"I will not drink." Mo Xiu Yao answered succinctly. Sitting beside him, Ye Li could distinctly perceive that Mo Xiu Yao's mood was exceptionally wonderful; she could even detect a hint of teasing amusement in his voice as he spoke to Mo Jing Li.
"Ahem... Prince of Li, since the Prince of Ding still has obligations, let us not make things difficult for him. It won't be too late for everyone to drink together some other time when we are at leisure." Fu Zhao helplessly stepped forward to smooth things over. They had all grown up within the same capital city and had known one another since childhood. Mo Xiu Yao and Mo Jing Li had been at odds since they were young; he hadn't expected that after not seeing each other for so many years, the animosity between them would actually become even more severe. It instead made things awkward for those of them acting as onlookers. Looking at Mo Xiu Yao, Fu Zhao could not help but feel fortunate; Mo Xiu Yao's temper had softened significantly now, and he was actually capable of listening to the Princess Consort's advice. Had it been in the past, he feared the two of them would either drink until an absolute point of no return or directly start trading blows.
"Jing Li..." Ye Ying chimed in with a sweet, delicate voice to persuade him, "Don't we also have to go out this afternoon? Let's invite the Prince of Ding to drink another time."
Mo Jing Li narrowed his eyes to cast a glance at her, letting out a soft snort as he ceased speaking. The others also secretly let out a collective sigh of relief in their hearts. Minister Ye massaged his throbbing temples, silently swearing in his heart that he would absolutely never allow these two sons-in-law to drink at the same table ever again.
After partaking in the midday feast, Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao clasped hands to bid farewell and proceeded directly to the Xu Residence. Prior to their departure, Xu Hong Yu called Mo Xiu Yao into the study alone to converse for half an hour. Ye Li was strictly forbidden from listening in and could only wait outside the study. Apart from Xu Qing Chen, whose whereabouts were consistently erratic, and Xu Qing Ze, who was being run ragged by the Second Maternal Aunt's commands, the remaining brothers of the Xu family were all keeping her company within the courtyard. Xu Qing Yan leaned over the table, looking at Ye Li with a beaming smile as he said, "Sister Li, my father won't eat Brother-in-Law up; you don't need to worry on his behalf." Ye Li gave him an annoyed glare, "Which eye of yours saw me worrying on his behalf?" Xu Qing Yan pointed to his own eyes and laughed, "Both eyes saw it clearly."
The usually thick-skulled Xu Qing Feng was uncharacteristically sentimental, looking at Ye Li with a touch of melancholy as he said, "I hadn't expected that in just a matter of days, Li'er would belong to someone else's household. If the Prince of Ding ever bullies you, come back and tell Third Brother; Third Brother will definitely stand up for you." Ye Li nodded, stating with a solemn expression, "I shall remember it. Rest assured, Third Brother." Xu Qing Feng let out a sigh, "I shall be departing the capital in a few days. Third Brother will speak with Second Brother; once Second Brother weds, he will have Second Sister-in-Law visit the Prince of Ding's Manor frequently to see you."
Xu Qing Yan laughed, "Third Brother, you don't need to be so dramatic. The Prince of Ding's Manor isn't a mountain of knives or a sea of flames; with us around, how would the Prince of Ding dare to bully Sister Li?"
Beside them, Xu Qing Bai rolled his eyes and said, "Who was it that hides backward the moment they see the Prince of Ding? How did the Xu family produce such a cowardly boy, yet you expect him to stand up for Li'er?"
Xu Qing Yan's little face flushed crimson. Recalling a certain individual's methods, he could not help but shudder as he said, "Fourth Brother, you cannot blame me for being faint-hearted. It is truly that a certain someone... is far too brutal." Recalling those two unfortunate bandits in the villa that night, Xu Qing Yan had suffered through several nights of nightmares upon his return. Even now, the moment he laid eyes on Mo Xiu Yao, he reflexively wanted to hide behind Xu Qing Bai. Looking at Xu Qing Yan's guilt-ridden expression, though he hadn't finished his sentence, Ye Li could guess the general idea. It was likely that a certain someone had performed some terrifying act that had thoroughly frightened Xu Qing Yan. Toward this, Ye Li had no intention of probing deeply; Mo Xiu Yao was a renowned general who had carved his way out from the battlefield since his youth, and she had never expected him to truly be a flawless, elegant gentleman untainted by a speck of dust.
Upon returning to the Prince's manor, Ye Li began occupying herself with taking over the numerous administrative affairs of the household. Just the various ledger books alone required Ye Li to review them for two solid days before she could grasp everything clearly. At the same time, she secretly marveled at the immense wealth and solid foundations of the Prince of Ding's Manor; the properties accumulated over several generations of princes, both overt and covert, left Ye Li with no choice but to be astonished. Just as she had roughly managed to handle everything smoothly, she received the invitation card for a palace banquet sent from the imperial palace. Citing the reason of bidding farewell to the envoys of various nations, neither Mo Xiu Yao nor Ye Li could obviously find any pretext to refuse.
Entering the imperial palace once again, because of the rather unpleasant experience from the previous occasion, Ye Li's mood was not particularly pleasant. The carriage of the Prince of Ding's Manor did not stop at the palace gates to dismount like ordinary nobles and high officials; instead, it drove directly through the palace gates. Mo Xiu Yao was clad in a moon-white gown embroidered with subtle silver dragon patterns, auspicious clouds, and flying eagles. A white jade crown inlaid with sapphires bound his hair, making him appear refined, gentle, elegant, and filled with grace. "Is Ah Li in a poor mood?"
Ye Li leaned lazily inside the carriage, stating, "It is nothing. The imperial palace always makes one feel a bit suffocated."
Mo Xiu Yao broke into a smile, "Who knows how many people employ every conceivable method just to squeeze their way into the palace. Ah Li's thoughts are instead quite unique."
Ye Li cast a calm glance at him and said, "Stepping over the bones of countless individuals to climb upward, or being stepped on by others to climb upward—is that truly so entertaining?"
Mo Xiu Yao thought for a moment and smiled, "The process is certainly very tedious and unentertaining, but the vast majority of people are blind to that process. They only need to fantasize about the thrill of climbing to the absolute apex and standing above tens of thousands of people, which is sufficient to make them forget everything else." Ye Li raised an eyebrow, staring fixedly at him for a good long while before asking, "Does Xiu Yao also think this way?" Mo Xiu Yao blanked for a moment, lowering his eyes to gaze at his hand resting upon the armrest of the wheelchair. It was a long while before he spoke in a deep voice, "It is merely that I do not wish to allow myself to become the one stepped upon by others to climb upward." A moment of silence enveloped the carriage compartment before Ye Li's voice could be heard quietly resonating, "I do not like stepping upon anyone, but I also do not like anyone stepping upon me."
"Prince, we have arrived. Her Majesty the Empress requests the presence of the Princess Consort." Outside the carriage, Ah Jin spoke in a deep voice. The carriage had gradually ground to a halt. Ye Li estimated the location of the carriage in her heart; it was not any of the places she had visited the last time. Judging by the approximate location, it ought to be in the vicinity of the Empress's Feng De Palace. Mo Xiu Yao turned his head and said, "I must go meet the Emperor and cannot accompany you inside. Will you be alright on your own?"
Ye Li nodded, standing up to prepare to exit the carriage. Mo Xiu Yao pulled her back, whispering softly, "Be careful on your own. If anything happens... immediately have Qing Luan come out to find Ah Jin. He will remain near the Feng De Palace." Ye Li knitted her brows, "But you..." Ah Jin was Mo Xiu Yao's personal guard and the person he trusted most. If Ah Jin were not by his side... Mo Xiu Yao broke into a laugh, "You wouldn't think that the only person I can trust is Ah Jin, right? It does not matter, go ahead."
"Very well, see you in a little while." Hearing him speak in this manner, Ye Li no longer persisted, standing up to dismount from the carriage. Outside the carriage, attendants from the Feng De Palace were already waiting. Seeing Ye Li dismount, they quickly stepped forward, "This servant pays respects to the Princess Consort of Ding. This servant has been commanded by Her Majesty the Empress to welcome the Princess Consort here." Ye Li nodded, "Thank you for your trouble."
"We dare not. Please allow this servant and the others to guide the Princess Consort."
Upon entering the Feng De Palace, quite a few noble ladies were already seated within the hall. The arrangement of the Feng De Palace was noble, grand, and majestic, yet it was by no means excessively extravagant; the finer details revealed a particular type of refined elegance. Ye Li could not help but harbor a sliver of curiosity toward this Empress, whose reputation among the common people was not particularly prominent.
"This servant pays respects to Her Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty enjoy boundless longevity and golden peace." Ye Li walked into the grand hall, offering a respectful obeisance toward the graceful woman seated upon the dais.
"The Princess Consort of Ding may dispense with the etiquette. Bestow a seat." The Empress's voice was clear, elegant, and peaceful, completely lacking the high-and-mighty demeanor one would imagine of the empress of a nation.
"Many thanks, Your Majesty." Ye Li stood up and was guided by a palace maid to the vacant seat located at the absolute front. Although among the noble ladies present, Ye Li's age could be considered young and her seniority might not be high, the status of the Prince of Ding's Manor was patently superior to all the princes, marquesses, and dukes within the capital city. The status of the Princess Consort of Ding naturally reigned superior over all the titled ladies as well. Even though Ye Li arrived late, the position at the absolute front had still been reserved for her. Ye Li glanced around casually, spotting quite a few familiar countenances. The principal wife of the Grand Duke of Hua's Manor was present with Hua Tian Xiang, while the Grand Princess Zhao Yang and Grand Princess Zhao Ren had the long-unseen Princess Xi Xia and Princess Royal Rong Hua seated beside them. There was also the beautiful and moving Princess Consort of Li, Ye Ying. Those currently seated within the Feng De Palace were clearly individuals who possessed more or less some relation to the imperial family or held noble titles themselves. Ordinary wives of officials holding imperial mandates were not among them.
Seating herself, Ye Li finally cast her gaze toward the Empress seated upon the phoenix throne. The Empress was clad in a bright yellow phoenix robe, her graceful and noble presence demonstrating the singular nature of the empress of a nation. When Ye Li looked over, she happened to see the Empress looking back at her with a smile, causing her to blank for a moment. The Empress could not be considered exceptionally beautiful; coming from the same Grand Duke of Hua's Manor, Hua Tian Xiang's countenance was bound to be a notch superior to the Empress's. However, that peaceful, graceful, and elegant posture was something that neither the current Hua Tian Xiang nor any of the noble ladies present possessed.
"Her Majesty the Empress, is this lady the Princess Consort of Ding?" A crisp voice rang out from the opposite side, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Ye Li followed the sound of the voice, only to see a young lady clad in colorful attire seated to the right side of Grand Princess Zhao Yang, clearly possessing an extraordinary status.
The Empress smiled and said, "Correct, this is precisely the Princess Consort of Ding. Speaking of which, Princess Ling Yun has been in poor health ever since her arrival in Chu Jing and has not yet met the Princess Consort of Ding. Princess Consort of Ding, this lady is Princess Ling Yun of the Western Liang Kingdom."
Ye Li nodded, "Greetings to Princess Ling Yun."
Given Ye Li's status, even if Ling Yun were the princess of a nation, she could not casually slight her. However, this princess, who had been smiling charmingly just a moment ago, behaved as though she hadn't heard Ye Li's words at all. After a flagrant and insolent scrutiny of Ye Li, she said, "I heard my Royal Brother say that you drew the Cloud-Grasping Sword?" Ye Li nodded slightly, offering a shallow smile, "I have indeed seen the Cloud-Grasping Sword." Princess Ling Yun was not at all satisfied with this response, standing up and lifting her chin as she said, "This Princess does not believe it. This Princess wishes to compete in swordplay with you."
"I do not know how to use a sword," Ye Li stated calmly.
"How can that be possible? If you do not know how to use a sword, how did you draw the Cloud-Grasping Sword?" Princess Ling Yun stared at her aggressively.
Ye Li raised an eyebrow, offering a faint smile, "Princess, drawing a sword and using a sword are two entirely different matters. Who decreed that an individual who does not know how to use a sword cannot draw one?" She truly found it somewhat incomprehensible why these princesses, princesses royal, and young ladies consistently insisted on forcing others to compete in this or that while completely disregarding whether the other party actually knew the skill they wished to compete in. "This Princess does not care; this Princess insists on competing with you. Unless you dare not accept the challenge."
Ye Li stood up, "Since the Princess asks me this in front of Her Majesty the Empress and all the noble ladies and young ladies of the capital, how could I dare not?"
Princess Ling Yun stated with satisfaction, "In that case, where is your sword?"
"In truth, apart from the Cloud-Grasping Sword, I have never touched a single sword in my entire life. The sword delivered by the Heir of the King of Zhennan that day happened to be the very first time I encountered such a weapon. Therefore, I do not possess a sword, much less do I know how to wield one."
"Pfft—forcing someone who hasn't even touched a sword to compete in swordplay with oneself... Her Majesty the Empress, can Tian Xiang go compete in embroidery with the Grand General tomorrow, and then claim that my embroidery skills are number one under heaven?" Hua Tian Xiang leaned beside Madam Hua, speaking in a sweet voice. The voice wasn't loud, yet it happened to resonate across the entire palace hall. Quite a few individuals could not resist covering their lips to chuckle softly. The Empress glared at Hua Tian Xiang, but her eyes contained a faint trace of amusement, "With that meager needlework of yours, you actually have the nerve to bring it up." Hua Tian Xiang covered her face and laughed, "Why does Empress Aunt say that about me? I am only doing it to secure a good reputation. How majestic is the title of number one under heaven."
Ye Li cast a grateful glance toward Hua Tian Xiang. Hua Tian Xiang winked at her, leaning against Madam Hua as she covered her face to feign a bashful state.
The Empress suppressed her laughter, saying to Princess Ling Yun, "Princess, the Princess Consort of Ding is not skilled in sword techniques, so let us dispense with this swordplay competition."
Princess Ling Yun had long since turned red with anger from Hua Tian Xiang's words, grinding her teeth as she said, "She clearly drew the Cloud-Grasping Sword, how could she not know sword techniques? She is patently playing tricks on this Princess intentionally."
"The Cloud-Grasping Sword is an item of the Prince of Ding's Manor; the Princess Consort of Ding can draw it out however she pleases. Whether she knows sword techniques or not, what business is it of yours?" Beside them, Princess Royal Rong Hua slanted a glance at Princess Ling Yun, mocking, "Are the princesses of foreign nations all so peculiar? Do they all enjoy forcing others to compete in this and that? Even when they clearly know the person cannot do it, they still refuse to drop the matter. Why doesn't the Princess directly state that you want the Princess Consort of Ding to admit defeat and acknowledge that your sword skills are superior to hers, wouldn't that suffice?"
"You!" With Princess Royal Rong Hua speaking in this manner, not only Princess Ling Yun but even Princess Xi Xia beside them felt somewhat awkward. Quite a few individuals present could not help but recall the incident during the Grand Feast of a Hundred Flowers when Princess Xi Xia insisted on a dance competition with the Princess Consort of Ding. Seeing that the situation was about to turn rigid, the Empress quickly spoke up, "Enough, let us drop this matter. Rong Hua, do not speak wildly in the presence of the two princesses." Princess Royal Rong Hua let out a soft snort, seating herself beside Grand Princess Zhao Ren and ceasing to speak. Compared to Ye Li, she detested Princess Xi Xia even more—who was just as overbearing as herself and deeply favored by Grand Princess Zhao Yang—and by extension, she also detested this newly arrived, equally arrogant Princess Ling Yun.
"Her Ladyship the Noble Consort arrives!"
Following the somewhat piercing announcement, Noble Consort Liu strode into the hall with a detached expression, clad in a goose-yellow palace gown.
"This concubine pays respects to the Empress." Noble Consort Liu remained just as cold, detached, and haughty as their previous meeting. She merely offered a shallow blessing to the Empress as her salute. It appeared that whether it was the Empress Dowager or the Empress, this noble consort who held absolute favor over the imperial harem had no intention of affording them face. The Empress also seemed accustomed to Noble Consort Liu's demeanor, nodding slightly as she said, "Dispense with the etiquette. What brings the Noble Consort to the Feng De Palace today?" Quite a few of the noble ladies present also revealed expressions of surprise. Noble Consort Liu had consistently refrained from attending banquets within the palace; even though many of them entered the palace almost once a month, they rarely ever laid eyes upon Noble Consort Liu herself.
Noble Consort Liu stated coldly, "This concubine found herself at leisure with nothing to do. The Emperor mentioned that Her Majesty the Empress's palace is bustling with activity, so I came over to take a look. Surely Her Majesty the Empress does not object?" The Empress's delicate brows knitted slightly, but she remained magnanimous as she said, "Since you possess this inclination, then seat yourself quickly." She waved her hand to command the palace maids to prepare a seat for Noble Consort Liu. Noble Consort Liu, however, strode directly before Ye Li and said, "Is it acceptable for this consort to sit here?" Ye Li offered a shallow smile, "If Your Ladyship does not disfavor it, then please take a seat."
Seeing Noble Consort Liu seat herself beside Ye Li, the Empress no longer bothered to expend effort to arrange an alternative seat for her. Toward Noble Consort Liu—this consort most favored by the Emperor—the Empress had consistently maintained a respectful distance. Fortunately, although Noble Consort Liu was extraordinarily haughty and at times even highly willful and unreasonable, she still exercised some restraint when facing the Empress. Today's detachment and lack of manners could be considered the limit. At the very least, compared to the Empress Dowager, the Empress felt she possessed a somewhat bizarre sense of psychological balance.
Noble Consort Liu sat beside Ye Li with a completely stern and solemn expression, causing the titled ladies who had originally wished to converse with Ye Li—the newly appointed Princess Consort of Ding—to temporarily abandon their notions. Who didn't know that this Noble Consort Liu was a master who absolutely never afforded anyone face? If they approached and incurred her displeasure, the only one left looking unsightly in the end would be themselves.
With no one to converse with, Ye Li could only sit in her seat and listen to others speak. Fortunately, she was an individual who was fully capable of sitting quietly.
"This consort heard about the matter within the hall just now from others." Originally assuming that Noble Consort Liu would not speak to her, hearing the detached voice beside her caused Ye Li to blank slightly.
"You are truly useless! The last time the Princess of Nanzhao wanted to compete in dancing, you could not do it; this time the Princess of Western Liang wants to compete in swordplay, and you still cannot do it! What exactly can you do?" Noble Consort Liu's voice was filled with absolute dissatisfaction and disdain. Fortunately, her voice was kept exceedingly low; otherwise, the rumor of the Princess Consort of Ding being rebuked by Noble Consort Liu during her very first attendance at a palace banquet would surely fly across the entire capital city. Listening to Noble Consort Liu's reproach, Ye Li was left caught between laughter and tears. If she remembered correctly, this Noble Consort Liu had merely admired Mo Xiu Yao once, rather than being his mother, right? What was the meaning of this tone completely filled with disdain? "Your Ladyship, I possess no interest in dancing, and furthermore... the Prince of Ding's Manor does not stand in need of a princess consort whose dancing skills tilt cities. As for sword skills... that does not seem to be something the eldest young ladies of the capital city are required to learn."
Noble Consort Liu let out a soft snort, saying, "You forgot to mention that your painting skills are ordinary, and you even require others to write poetry on your behalf. You had better exercise some caution for this consort; if you dare to lose face, this consort will not let you off lightly."
Your Ladyship, are you truly not Mo Xiu Yao's mother?
"What are the Noble Consort and the Princess Consort of Ding chatting about? Speaking so joyously?" Grand Princess Zhao Ren opposite them suddenly opened her mouth to inquire.
Noble Consort Liu lifted her head, staring fixedly at her for a long moment before saying, "Which eye of Grand Princess Zhao Ren saw this consort being joyous?" Grand Princess Zhao Ren was instantly choked by these words and rendered utterly speechless. Ye Li let out a quiet sigh in her heart, harboring boundless envy for Noble Consort Liu's straightforward and blunt personality. Regrettably, not everyone possessed the right to be so straightforward. Had it not been for the Emperor protecting and pampering her, an individual with Noble Consort Liu's temperament would likely not survive long within the palace, no matter how grand her family background was. Seeing Grand Princess Zhao Ren left speechless, her face turning dark with rage, Noble Consort Liu seemed to be in quite a good mood. Staring arrogantly at the individual opposite her, she stated, "Didn't the Grand Princess ask what this consort and the Princess Consort of Ding were speaking about? This consort said that since the Princess Consort of Ding is unversed in sword skills, why doesn't this consort accompany Princess Ling Yun to exchange pointers for a round?"
"Noble Consort!" The Empress knitted her brows in disapproval.
Noble Consort Liu, however, paid no heed, merely staring coldly at Princess Ling Yun as she said, "Princess, what do you think?"
Although Princess Ling Yun had not resided in the capital city for long, it did not impede her knowledge that Noble Consort Liu was the most favored consort of the Emperor of Great Chu. No matter what, she would absolutely never trade blows with Noble Consort Liu. Putting the matter of winning or losing aside for a moment, in the event that she made an error and harmed Noble Consort Liu, if the Emperor of Great Chu pursued the matter, she would absolutely be the party placed in a passive position. After all, they were currently treading upon the soil of Great Chu. "Just now was merely Ling Yun playing a joke with the Princess Consort of Ding. Ling Yun is young and ignorant; how would I dare to trade blows with Her Ladyship the Noble Consort."
"Very well, Noble Consort. Princess Ling Yun is merely displaying a childish disposition, not to mention she was unaware that the Princess Consort of Ding lacks knowledge of sword skills; it was by no means an intentional humiliation of our Great Chu," the Empress stated calmly, the expression on her face carrying a rare firmness that brooked no violation. Noble Consort Liu acting to stand up for the Princess Consort of Ding in her capacity as the Noble Consort was a matter that could turn out either well or poorly. Furthermore, the fact that Noble Consort Liu had admired the Prince of Ding prior to entering the palace years ago was by no means a secret among many nobles and high officials. What she needed to do was to find a suitable pretext for Noble Consort Liu's intervention.
After keeping the Empress company to converse for a short while longer, because it was still quite early before the commencement of the palace banquet, the Empress invited the various titled ladies to proceed to the Imperial Garden to admire and amuse themselves at their leisure. Consequently, the crowd expressed their gratitude for the imperial favor, bid farewell to the Empress, and proceeded toward the Imperial Garden. Prior to their departure, Noble Consort Liu was detained by the Empress. The moment they stepped out of the Feng De Palace, Hua Tian Xiang immediately approached, smiling toward Ye Li as she said, "Greetings to the Princess Consort of Ding."
Ye Li cast a glance at her and said, "Are you far too at leisure?"
Hua Tian Xiang waved her hand and said, "What are those words? According to the rules, I must always offer an obeisance to the Princess Consort of Ding. How was it? Noble Consort Liu didn't make things difficult for you just now, did she?" Ye Li was puzzled, "Why would she make things difficult for me?" Hua Tian Xiang gazed at her silently, wearing an expression of deep compassion for humanity, "Ah Li, I told you long ago to go out and walk around frequently, yet you refused to listen. It cannot be that you are unaware of Noble Consort Liu..." Finally realizing that speaking gossip about a noble consort within the confines of the palace was by no means a good thing, Hua Tian Xiang leaned toward Ye Li's ear and whispered in a low voice, "Before entering the palace, Noble Consort Liu was exceptionally... admiring of the Prince of Ding." Ye Li was left speechless. Even Hua Tian Xiang was aware of this news; it appeared it was by no means merely to the extent of ordinary admiration. Nodding her head, "I know, she did not make things difficult for me."
Walking beside Ye Li, Hua Tian Xiang shrugged and said, "To speak the truth, the fact that she would stand up on your behalf gave me quite a shock. Looking at that expression of hers, she also doesn't seem to regard you with any special favor."
"Is Noble Consort Liu very skilled in swordplay?" Ye Li decided it was best not to inform Hua Tian Xiang about the incident where she was subjected to various forms of disdain by Noble Consort Liu.
Hua Tian Xiang let out a sigh, her face filled with envy and jealousy, "To speak of it, for so many years within the capital city, they choose the number one talented woman and number one beauty every single year, to the point where it has practically flooded the streets. But Noble Consort Liu... is absolutely a genuine beauty and talented woman through and through. It is said that the Grand Feast of a Hundred Flowers of that particular year could be described as the most magnificent year since the founding of Great Chu. The individuals participating in the competition at that time happened to be precisely the top two countenances of the Capital Splendors written by Han Ming Yue. One can well imagine that scene..." Ye Li expressed her profound agreement; even without witnessing it, she could imagine that the competition process was bound to be utterly brutal. "In the end, Noble Consort Liu won?"
"No, she lost," Hua Tian Xiang stated regretfully. "At that time, Noble Consort Liu was only thirteen years of age, while Su Zui Die was already sixteen. Even though the current Noble Consort Liu is a drop-dead gorgeous beauty of celestial grace and fragrance, at thirteen years of age, she was merely a beautiful seedling. Therefore, the apex of the Capital Splendors was Su Zui Die. The second painting—the one of Noble Consort Liu—was only painted by Han Ming Yue when Noble Consort Liu reached fifteen years of age. Of course, speaking solely of countenance, I truly have never witnessed any woman in this world surpass Su Zui Die. Noble Consort Liu's defeat was by no means unjust."
"Mm. And then?"
"And then these two clashed. The Grand Feast of a Hundred Flowers of that year basically had nothing to do with anyone else. Su Zui Die secured the number one spot in four categories: dance, painting, poetry, and the qin. Noble Consort Liu secured the number one spot in two categories: chess and calligraphy. The second place in each category was precisely their opponent. Afterward, once Su Zui Die became betrothed, she no longer participated in the competitions of the Grand Feast of a Hundred Flowers. Noble Consort Liu, however, proceeded over the subsequent three years to secure every single number one spot in dance, painting, poetry, the qin, and so forth—essentially every competition that existed within the Grand Feast of a Hundred Flowers."
Ye Li was thoroughly convinced and full of admiration; no wonder Noble Consort Liu was capable of looking at her through her nostrils—she indeed possessed ample capital. Seeing Ye Li's indifferent manner, Hua Tian Xiang said with annoyance, "I say, can you show a bit of competitive spirit? Do you truly not possess even a single sliver of a sense of crisis?" Ye Li sighed, "You are overthinking it." She and a talented woman like Noble Consort Liu were simply not on the same path at all, alright? Were she truly forced to study to become that type of peerless talented woman who was number one in every single aspect, she would much rather go partake in a month-long wilderness survival challenge. Having her draw topographical maps or firearm structural diagrams was entirely free of issues; having her lift a brush to compose a painting meant she merely possessed the standard of sketching embroidery patterns. The occurrence during the Grand Feast of a Hundred Flowers already had to be considered an extraordinary display beyond her usual level.
"Forget it." Hua Tian Xiang waved her hand haphazardly, catching sight of Princess Ling Yun not far away who was currently staring fixedly at the two of them, and inquired, "How did you manage to provoke that Princess Ling Yun again?" Ye Li was helpless, "I am certain this is the very first time I have laid eyes upon Princess Ling Yun. Previously, I had only met that Heir of the King of Zhennan of Western Liang." Hua Tian Xiang was puzzled, "Then why does she possess an expression that looks as though she wants to consume you alive?"
"The Cloud-Grasping Sword?" That was the only matter she could recall that possessed any connection to Princess Ling Yun.
"The Cloud-Grasping Sword? That is an item belonging to the Prince of Ding's Manor, what business is it of Princess Ling Yun?"
"Everyone knows it was sent back from Western Liang. Perhaps Princess Ling Yun is loath to part with it. Let us alter our location to look around." Staring at Princess Ling Yun who was walking toward their direction, Ye Li proposed.
Hua Tian Xiang curled her lip, "Blessings are not disasters, and disasters cannot be avoided. Is it possible you wish to engage in a wild sprint through the Imperial Garden to see?"
"Princess Consort of Ding." Mid-sentence, Princess Ling Yun had already arrived before them. The noble ladies in the surroundings, who stood neither too far nor too close, also wore casual expressions while secretly stealing glances toward this direction.
"Princess, is there any further matter?"
Princess Ling Yun stated, "This Princess wishes to converse with the Princess Consort alone."
Ye Li knitted her brows, "I am unaware of anything that requires a conversation with the Princess."
Princess Ling Yun's charming face darkened slightly, stating, "This Princess has journeyed a thousand miles to arrive here; could it be that the Princess Consort of Ding is unwilling to even accompany this Princess to stroll through the Imperial Garden?" Ye Li nodded helplessly, "Since it is so, please proceed, Princess." Princess Ling Yun let out a soft snort, lifting her head to take the first step forward. Ye Li gave a reassuring glance to the worried Hua Tian Xiang, letting out a soft sigh as she followed. The youths of this generation... truly stand in need of a lesson!
Princess Ling Yun waved her hand to dismiss her own maids, and Ye Li naturally felt embarrassed to allow Qing Luan and the others to follow. The two walked side by side along the small path of the Imperial Garden. Ye Li inquired, "Is there anything the Princess wishes to say to me?"
Princess Ling Yun turned her head to look at her, letting out a soft snort as she said, "You are unworthy of the Prince of Ding."
A smile played at the corners of Ye Li's lips, "The Princess praises me too highly. Marrying a daughter off to a higher status—doesn't this demonstrate that I have married into a good marital family and found a good husband?" Ling Yun stated with disdain, "You do not need to put on this pretense; this Princess has long since investigated you thoroughly. An obscure and unknown young lady of a Minister's Manor, and furthermore a woman whose betrothal was broken by the Prince of Li. It was only because the Emperor decreed your marriage to the Prince of Ding that you gained some modicum of reputation within Chu Jing. Even if you secured some title of the number one talented woman of the capital city, so what? You remain equally unworthy of the Prince of Ding."
"Oh, is that so?" Ye Li's expression remained unaltered as she inquired calmly, "Even if I am unworthy of the Prince of Ding, what business is it of yours, Princess?"
Princess Ling Yun raised her eyebrows, offering a slightly triumphant smile as she said, "You shall very quickly learn what business it has with this Princess. The Prince of Ding belongs to this Princess; Ye Li, if you possess any tact, you had best beat a hasty retreat far away." Ye Li knitted her brows, staring intently at the Princess Ling Yun before her for a long moment before inquiring, "Princess, I have a question to ask of you."
"Speak."
"May I ask, does Xiu Yao know which stalk of scallion you are?" Ye Li inquired. "According to my knowledge, Xiu Yao has refrained from stepping out the door for at least seven years. Thus, by the most conservative estimate, even if you two have met, it must have been when the Princess was seven or eight years of age. May I ask... do you believe Xiu Yao remembers who you are? Or does he simply not recognize you at all?"
"So what if that is the case? I am the most noble princess of Great Liang; could it be that I cannot even compare to you?" Princess Ling Yun glared at her with annoyance.
Ye Li looked at her with strangeness, "If the Princess truly desired to marry the Prince of Ding, shouldn't you have appeared prior to our grand wedding to contend against me? What is the meaning of the Princess appearing only now that our grand wedding has already concluded? One must realize that the Prince of Ding's Manor has never possessed a precedent of simultaneously wedding dual princesses consort, nor of divorcing a wife to remarry. Unless the Princess is willing to suffer the grievance of serving as a concubine? If it is not so... even if I were to perish, and the Princess successfully married into the Prince of Ding's Manor, you would merely be a successor wife. On the first and fifteenth of every lunar month, you would still have to kowtow and burn incense before my spirit tablet."
"You... you wishful thinker! This Princess will definitely become the principal princess consort of the Prince of Ding!" Princess Ling Yun raged.
"Think whatever you please." Ye Li looked at her with pity, "However, I feel that the intentions of the Heir of the King of Zhennan seem to be somewhat distinct from yours, would you not agree?"
A sliver of hatred flashed across Princess Ling Yun's eyes. Had it not been for Lei Teng Feng placing her under house arrest within the embassy the moment they arrived in Chu Jing—claiming to the outside world that she was in poor health and refusing to release her until after the Prince of Ding's grand wedding had concluded—how could she have waited until now to seek out Ye Li? Ye Li looked at Princess Ling Yun, whose countenance altered unpredictably, and continued, "In speaking of it, those who bring a princess of prime marriageable age to visit a neighboring state are truly few and far number... under normal circumstances, it is consistently for the sake of... an imperial marriage alliance? I seem to have heard that Western Liang suffered from a snow disaster last winter; could it be that..." Many matters she was merely unwilling to ponder, but it did not mean she was incapable of understanding them. Toward this Princess Ling Yun, she harbored not a single shred of worry. Regardless of how much capability this lady possessed, the Emperor alone would absolutely never allow Mo Xiu Yao to wed a Western Liang princess to add to his own distress. Let alone a princess of Western Liang; even a princess of Bei Rong or a princess of Nanzhao would have absolutely nothing to do with Mo Xiu Yao. Only this little princess before her failed to see the situation clearly, assuming that by directly seeking her out and forcing her to yield, she could achieve her desires. She truly had no wish to disdain the intelligence of these princesses, but... among the princesses of the younger generation, is there a single one who is somewhat normal? Or is it truly that they are far too young?
"What exactly do you see in the Prince of Ding?" Gazing at the resolutely firm Princess Ling Yun before her, Ye Li inquired out of curiosity.
Princess Ling Yun let out a soft snort, saying, "What do you understand? The Prince of Ding is the most outstanding man in this world, the youngest and also the most formidable general, and furthermore the most talented man in this world. The one this Princess wishes to marry is naturally the most excellent man under heaven."
"He doesn't seem to be quite as excellent as you describe at present," Ye Li reminded her.
"You are truly... you are truly so mercenary that it is intolerable. Speaking a single additional word with you makes this Princess feel utterly disgusted. The Prince of Ding must have been completely blind to be capable of favoring a woman like you. I know it was the Emperor of Great Chu who commanded him to marry you. How could a woman like you comprehend exactly how excellent he truly is."
Looking at the righteously indignant woman before her, Ye Li reflected upon whether she truly ought to feel ashamed. Compared to this princess before her, how normal Yang Qian Ru appeared, and how adorable Ye Ying seemed.
"I will definitely become the Princess Consort of Ding!" Princess Ling Yun stared at her, speaking with absolute certainty.
"Exert your efforts; I wish you swift success." Ye Li stated calmly.
"I will definitely become the Princess Consort of Ding!" Princess Ling Yun spoke through gritted teeth, and then with a leap, she threw herself directly into the artificial lake beside the path.
"Ah, ah—help! The Princess has fallen into the water!" A piercing female scream resonated across the Imperial Garden.
Ye Li let out a low curse, and also leaped into the water following her.
Bastard, the lunatics of this era are truly far too numerous! Mo Xiu Yao, you had best prepare yourself for how you are going to die!