237 Persistent Begging

age, where else can I go It would be better for me to stay here and treat the villagers; when I die, they will take care of burying my body." Sensing the old man's melancholy, Ye Li pondered, "Dr. Li...237. Persistent Pestering

237. Persistent Pestering

"Your Excellency, Consort Yao and Princess Changle from the Great Chu Kingdom have come to pay their respects," a guard reported from outside.

The moment Ye Li thought of Consort Yao, she felt uncomfortable. She wasn’t disbelieving in Mo Xiuyao’s feelings for her, but it was annoying when a pesky fly kept buzzing around and couldn't be swatted away.

Ye Li realized for the first time that compared to Su Zuodie and Ye Ying, whom she once despised, Consort Yao's persistent pestering wasn’t so terrible after all. Su Zuodie merely loved herself too much and was vain, while Ye Ying only thought highly of herself and had a bit of selfishness common to everyone else. These weren't nearly as bad as what Consort Yao did.

Although some people say that foolish women deal with other women, but smart ones only deal with men; dealing with a woman like Consort Yao was beyond the help of even the most intelligent man.

Seeing Ye Li’s displeased expression, Mo Xiuyao became pleased instead. Ye Li glanced at him and said coolly, "If Your Excellency is so happy, why don’t you go see Consort Yao"

Xu Qingchen nodded and agreed, “Lily is right. When we returned just now, Consort Yao received the news immediately and came specially to pay her respects. It’s unlikely that she came here for Lily. So don't waste your energy on it. Lily must be tired after these few days of travel. Why don’t you both rest in your chambers”

Upon hearing this, Mo Xiuyao glared resentfully at Xu Qingchen and clung to Ye Li’s body unwillingly, “No! Lily, don't leave…”

Xu Qingchen helplessly looked at the childish man who was getting older but not wiser, as well as his sister looking helpless. He got up on his own. Knowing that Mo Xiuyao was just acting for her sake and that she would be heartbroken if he left, what could he do He didn’t want to sit there and be in the way either. As they say, even a fair judge can't rule on family matters. Those two were willing to endure each other’s antics; it wasn’t his business. Looking back at the two of them sitting together intimately, Qingchen sighed helplessly. A man who had been detached from love for half his life couldn’t understand this mutual affection. What is love How could he know

Mo Xiuyao continued to sweet-talk Ye Li and promised in his heart that even if he felt pleased by her concern, he wouldn't show it or she would feel embarrassed. The guards were used to their master’s cringing demeanor when dealing with the Empress Consort.

Feng San was right—wife rule is a common occurrence.

By the time Consort Yao and Princess Changle entered, they had both turned quite sour-faced. Duke Ding had not yet mastered the art of placating people; thus, it took almost half an hour for them to be allowed entry. However, when Princess Changle saw Ye Li wink at her with a smile, she returned a light laugh and nodded.

Ye Li waved her hand invitingly toward the princess who then sat down beside her, saying softly, "Empress Consort Ding, did you go out to play with your uncle Yesterday I wanted to come see you but Feng San said you were not here." Ye Li smiled, nodding, “I was indeed away for a few days. Princess Changle arrived yesterday”

Princess Changle nodded. "You left so quickly that we couldn't catch up in our carriage," Consort Yao walked over and looked at Mo Xiuyao before asking, "How has your Excellency been these days"

Moxiuyao leaned against Ye Li's body without responding.

The color drained from Consort Yao’s face as she gritted her teeth and continued, “Empress Consort, I have some business to discuss with Your Excellency. Could you excuse me for a moment” Ye Li lifted her eyes to glance at Consort Yao before looking down at Mo Xiuyao leaning against her. Mo Xiuyao raised his head sorrowfully at her, his dark eyes bright against the snow-white strands of hair, “Wife, I haven’t spoken with her. Don't leave me…”

"Haha..." Princess Changle couldn't help but burst out laughing, nearly choking on the tea she had just swallowed. She coughed continuously and said, "Viscountess... Uncle Dingwang…" Princess Changle truly didn’t know what to say. In her mind, Uncle Dingwang was always a figure of great prowess and unattainable height, but could this pitiful person looking at Viscountess Ding really be the mighty Uncle Dingwang Ye Li helplessly glanced sideways at Mo Xiuyao and said to Princess Changle, "He’s gone mad. Don’t pay attention to him." Mo Xiuyao was displeased and nuzzled against Ye Li’s body with his handsome face, saying, "Wife, this woman is up to no good towards me. You should protect me."

"Alright…" Ye Li patted him gently in a perfunctory manner. She then looked at Consort Liu and said sternly, "Consort, you’ve frightened our lord." Consort Liu’s beautiful face twisted slightly as she forced herself to laugh and said, "Miss Ye is joking. How could Lord be startled by me when he possesses unparalleled wisdom and courage" Ye Li replied calmly, "That may not necessarily be the case. The most terrifying women are those who are persistent. Our lord usually fears such shameless women. Look at him—isn’t he frightened" Mo Xiuyao nodded continuously. Although his face wasn't visible, his unhesitant nodding made Consort Liu lose all her composure.

"Ye Li, you—" Unable to bear it any longer, Consort Liu tore off the decorum she had been maintaining and shouted loudly, but before she could finish her words, a chilling gaze interrupted her.

Mo Xiuyao leaned his head on Ye Li’s shoulder. Turning his face slightly, silver-colored hair covered half of his appearance, but those eyes bore a coldness and viciousness akin to hell as they stared directly at Consort Liu. Consort Liu had always hoped that this man would look at her properly whenever she could; however, when Mo Xiuyao actually did so, she felt like she was frozen in place, unable to move despite the fear consuming her heart.

Those beautiful and profound eyes contained an unprecedented killing intent, making Consort Liu even question whether she had imagined it. She saw a glimpse of blood-colored light flash across Mo Xiuyao’s eyes.

"Since... since Lord is busy, this concubine will take my leave first." Finished speaking as if there were evil spirits chasing her from behind, Consort Liu left the courtyard without hesitation and even forgot to ask Princess Changle to return with her.

Princess Changle and Ye Li exchanged perplexed glances. They didn’t understand why Consort Liu, who had been clinging on earlier, fled like she saw a ghost.

"Lord, what did you do" Ye Li raised an eyebrow as she asked. Mo Xiuyao blinked innocently and said, "How could this lord have done anything to her Alyi, chat with Changle Princess properly. This lord will find Feng San for some drinks." Knowing he had matters to discuss with Feng Zhiyao, Ye Li nodded and watched him leave.

Only after Mo Xiuyao was out of sight did Princess Changle put down her cup and laughed loudly on the table. Ye Li helplessly looked at her and asked, "Is it that funny" With eyes crinkled from laughter, Princess Changle replied while looking up, "Of course it is! If Viscountess Ding wasn’t here, I wouldn't dare to believe he was Uncle Dingwang."

Ye Li patted her hand gently and smiled slightly. "Do you think Dingwang is always domineering People have to live their lives; they can be more casual in private. Speaking of which, why did Princess Anxi get married without a prince present while you came as a princess"

Princess Changle’s smile faded and she said calmly, "Of course it is by the emperor’s command. He ordered me to represent the imperial court at the wedding of Nanzhao's princess."

Ye Li snorted coldly, saying, "Have all the princes in Great Chu perished Why would he order a princess alone As for Consort Liu, she is a concubine from the harem. According to Great Chu’s customs, she shouldn’t be here." Princess Changle said, "I heard that Consort Liu asked His Majesty herself to come. In recent years, the emperor has trusted and favored the Liu family more, so it's not unusual for him to grant her wishes. However... I only now realize why Consort Liu requested an audience with Uncle Dingwang."

Ye Li held Princess Changle’s slender hand firmly and said seriously, "Changle, don’t dodge the issue. Tell me, why did your father send you to Nanzhao Does he want you to marry into Nanzhao"

Princess Changle was taken aback and said with a smile while biting her teeth lightly, "Indeed, it's not possible to hide from Viscountess Ding and Uncle Dingwang. Father... He doesn’t actually want me to marry; he wants to give me to King Nanzhao." Hearing this, Ye Li’s expression darkened, saying, "Is Mo Jingqi mad You are the eldest princess of Great Chu. Even if it's a marriage alliance, what does giving you to King Nanzhao mean" Princess Changle smiled softly while holding Ye Li’s hand and said, "I know Viscountess cares about me deeply. But... whether it’s given as a gift or through a marriage alliance, there isn’t much difference. Aren't imperial daughters used for such purposes"

Seeing the girl's faint smile and dejected expression, Ye Li felt a pang in her heart and asked softly, "What did your mother say"

Princess Changle frowned and said, "Mother naturally disagrees. Mother says that even if it’s an alliance marriage, it should follow proper procedures, but Father is stubbornly against it. Before I left, Mother quarreled with Father and was confined in the palace. When leaving... Father didn’t allow me to see Mother either. I wonder...

Saying this, the girl who had been trying to mask her emotions with a smile couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Thinking about the last time she saw her mother and the apologetic look on her face, Princess Changle's eyes started to water uncontrollably. Ye Li understood that Emperor Mo Jingqi's actions were not just for an alliance with Nanzhao but also aimed at humiliating Empress Huo and the Huo family through this marriage. However, even if Mo Jingqi was displeased with the empress and the Huo family, did he forget that Changle is his own flesh and blood

Looking at the beautiful girl in front of her, Ye Li sighed softly and asked, "Are you really prepared to follow your father's arrangement Although I don't have a daughter, I do have children. If my child were to encounter such a situation, as a mother, how heartbroken would I be. As for that father of yours... If you are truly going to be given to the King of Nanzhao, I fear your mother will feel guilty forever."

Princess Changle wiped her tears and said with a choked voice, "Previously, when I told Madam Wang about it, I said that if the Great Chu needs a political marriage in the future, as a princess, I naturally wouldn't hesitate to take on the responsibility. But now I realize... The so-called duty of a princess is merely my own self-imposed belief. My father doesn't need me, his daughter, to link two countries with friendship through this political marriage. All he wants is to see my maternal grandfather and grandmother suffer and make the Huo family lose face. On that day when mother went to talk about my wedding arrangements with father, I also heard it from outside the door. Father said he wouldn't let me marry honorably or stay in the capital. If I were a political bride of another country, I would inevitably be a royal prince's main wife based on my status. He said that if I were to side against him in the future, I would definitely help others deal with him; if I married into Chu’s capital, I would definitely bring my husband's family over to cause trouble for him and the Huo family. Therefore, he wants to send me to Nanzhao but ensure I can never become Queen of Nanzhao, only a concubine."

After hearing Princess Changle’s words, Ye Li couldn't help wanting to give Mo Jingqi a good thrashing in her heart. She sighed and said, "Princess, shall I have someone take you out of here"

Princess Changle shook her head and said, “Thank you for your kindness, Madam Wang, there's no need. Since I agreed to come to Nanzhao according to my father’s wishes, I won't back down in the middle. All I ask is that when there's an opportunity in the future, please look after my mother and the Huo family.”

Ye Li wanted to persuade Princess Changle further but a guard reported that one of Great Chu's palace maids was looking for her. It seems that Lady Liu had panicked earlier and upon returning to the courtyard realized that Princess Changle was still here, hence sent someone to search for her. Standing up, Princess Changle said with a smile, "Madam Wang, I will be going now. Oh, be careful around Lady Liu; she's quite mad."

Ye Li nodded and whispered, “Take care yourself. If there's anything you need help with, send someone to tell me.”

"Thank you for your kindness, goodbye," Princess Changle said.

In just a couple of days, it would be Princess Anxi’s wedding day. The people of Nanzhao still respected this crown princess very much. The whole capital was bustling with excitement; many commoners had come from afar to participate in the celebration. In a teahouse obviously frequented by people from Chu, Ye Li sat at the window leisurely drinking tea while Mo Xiuyao leaned back on his chair and glared coldly at two men opposite him who were very annoying. "How did you end up here" Han Mingxi sipped delicately from his cup of wine with a lazy smile, "My lord, what do you mean Princess Anxi's wedding is no small matter. I am a merchant, so why can't I be here for my business interests"

Mo Xiuyao narrowed his eyes dangerously and coldly said, “If that’s the case, then do your business. Why come to us”

Han Mingxi put down his wine cup and sincerely replied, "My lord misunderstood; I wasn’t looking for you but Madam Wang. You came of your own accord."

"Huh..." Seated next to Han Mingxi was the True Moon Scholar, Han Mingyue. Although he no longer had the grace of his youth as True Moon Scholar, over these past few years, Han Mingxi had taken good care of him. Though there were signs of weariness on Han Mingyue’s face, overall, he looked well.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s change in expression, Han Mingyue couldn’t help but smile too. Afraid that Mo Xiuyao would vent his anger at his younger brother, he quickly added, "After all these years, it's rare to see my lord’s face change." Even though Han Mingyue had been living in Li City for the past few years and Su Zuodie was long dead, their fraternal bond couldn't be recovered. Thus, Han Mingyue didn’t pretend that nothing happened and called Mo Xiuyao by his name directly. The title of "my lord" clearly indicated how far apart they now were.

Han Mingxi lightly snorted, raised an eyebrow and thought to himself, did he misunderstand the character of my elder brother

"Alright, Mingxi, you specially came here for something important" Seeing Mo Xiuyao about to flare up, Ye Li quickly intervened.

Han Mingchi's expression turned serious as he nodded and said, "Yes. After I sent Yao Ji back to the Chu Capital, I met with Leng Haoyu who asked me to convey a message to Your Highness and Lady."

Seeing Han Mingchi's reaction, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li knew that it must be an extremely important matter. Otherwise, Leng Haoyu would have sent someone directly to send the message instead of asking Han Mingchi to do so. Ye Li frowned slightly and asked, "Has something happened in the Chu Capital"

Han Mingchi shook his head and said, "Nothing has happened in the Chu Capital, but Mo Jingqi might be in trouble."

Mo Xiuyao snorted with disdain. Was it unusual for Mo Jingqi to be in trouble Even his own younger brother wanted to get rid of him, which showed how much people hated him. It would have been stranger if something hadn't happened.

Han Mingchi understood from their expressions and smiled, "It seems that not just one group wants to deal with Mo Jingqi. Could it be that Your Highness has learned something as well Let me think… Is it Mo Jingli"

Ye Li didn't answer but asked with a smile, "You are certainly not talking about Mo Jingli"

Han Mingchi said with a laugh, "Of course not. It's the Liu family."

The Liu family Ye Li was somewhat surprised. Although they had guessed that the Liu family was ambitious earlier on, what could be their reason for wanting to deal with Mo Jingqi If they were most trusted by Mo Jingqi and favored by Empress Liu, how would dealing with him benefit them

Mo Xiuyao frowned slightly but quickly figured out what Han Mingchi meant and asked, "Does the Liu family want to help the prince born to Empress Liu ascend to the throne"

Han Mingchi's eyes showed admiration as he nodded. "Exactly. To be honest, Mo Jingqi has had some good luck recently. The Liu family originally planned to act soon, but Mo Jingqi suddenly sent Chancellor Liu to Nan Zhou. This made the Liu family flustered for a while and allowed our people to catch on. Otherwise, we might have received news that Emperor Chu was changing or that Mo Jingqi had passed away."

Ye Li couldn't help touching her forehead. How did Mo Jingqi manage to alienate everyone

Mo Xiuyao remained unmoved and said, "Is this an important message Is Leng Haoyu bored with doing nothing"

Was it any of his business whether Mo Jingqi died or not The more miserable Mo Jingqi's death was, the happier he would be. Although there might be some regret that he didn't do it himself, he didn't mind if someone else did.

Han Mingchi rolled his eyes and said, "If things were as simple as you say, of course no one would care about this matter. But Leng Haoyu mentioned that the Liu family might not be the only ones involved; there are also signs of the Northern Rong people and some northern tribes getting involved. Mo Jingqi's death could very well mean that these groups will use their full strength to invade the Chu Capital."

"The Northern Rong and the northern tribes have gotten involved"

Han Mingchi nodded, "Otherwise, with the Liu family's capabilities, who would support them from behind if they wanted to overthrow the throne"

Ye Li frowned deeply and said in a low voice, "Princess Changle… might be in danger." soldiers. Mo’s army was sandwiched between the two enemy forces coming from opposite directions. Zhang Qilan looked up at the brightening sky and sighed in regret, "We need to retreat!" With a gong s...