341 Blood-Stained Golden Hairpin

nce. Once again, however, Miss Mu was disappointed as Xu Qingchen's gaze remained unchanged when he looked at her. It seemed that whether the woman before him had a covered face or an exquisite appear...The Prime Consort in the Age of Prosperity Chapter 341: Crimson-Soaked Golden Hairpin

Chapter 341: Crimson-Soaked Golden Hairpin

Mos Yao had always disliked shouting loudly. But perhaps because of his personality, there was a trace of coldness in his voice. Therefore, when he really turned serious, even an offhand remark would make people feel the chilling murderous intent behind it.

The woman standing beside Thunderbolt霆 next to the snow-haired man above with surprise. She obviously hadn't expected Mos Yao to be so mercilessly reject him. It had to be known that although the heir of Cangmang Mountain appeared in the mortal world every sixty years, the significance it represented and the intricate relationships between Cangmang Mountain and various countries over several centuries could not but make everyone handle it carefully. Originally, when Thunderbolt霆 proposed giving her as a gift to present publicly, she had already felt displeased in her heart. But she also knew that what Thunderbolt霆 said was no idle talk; indeed, she had arrived too late, for the Prince Ding's side already had a Princess Consort.

Although she did not think that the Prince's consort would be more capable than herself, the decade-long relationship between the prince and his consort could not be faked. A man can have countless beauties but only needs one virtuous wife. With Ye Li in place already, her advantage was no longer evident. But even so, she considered taking up the position of concubine as a significant compromise. Yet never did she expect that Mos Yao would still reject it. This was originally an offer that any man wouldn't refuse.

But on second thought, if he could not decline such an offer, wouldn't Prince Ding be just like most men, vulgar and mediocre

"Prince Ding, do you really want to reject me" The white-clothed woman stepped forward and asked.

Mos Yao sneered coldly. "I am not rejecting you. I want you gone immediately!"

The white-clothed woman's face turned pale. No matter how calm and confident she was, enduring such humiliation in front of all the heroes of the world was unbearable. She glanced at the indifferent Mos Yao beside Ye Li, then asked, "Princess Consort Ding, what do you say" Ye Li raised her eyes, somewhat puzzled as she asked, "What should I say" The white-clothed woman stared at her and said solemnly, "It's well-known that Princess Consort Ding is unmatched in both talent and beauty, a virtuous wife to Prince Ding. Surely the princess consort knows what’s best for Prince Ding and won’t ruin his great cause over unnecessary matters."

Ye Li frowned slightly and asked softly, "Miss, do you really want to know my thoughts"

The white-clothed woman was stunned for a moment before nodding. “Of course.”

Ye Li said calmly, "From the perspective of a woman, all I want to say is one word: leave. From the perspective of a consort princess, what I want to tell you is to leave immediately. As a wife, she should naturally follow her husband’s lead; therefore, what I want to tell you is that wherever you came from, go back there."

“Well said!” On the other side, Xu Qingyan couldn’t help but praise loudly.

"You…" The white-clothed woman's face changed, but she didn't get angry. Instead, she quickly calmed down and looked at Ye Li and Mos Yao calmly and composedly. "It seems that today is not a good time to talk about this matter; why don’t we wait until you two have considered it over" With that said, she turned around gracefully and walked away without caring about the gaze of others in the hall, leaving everyone staring blankly.

What Ye Li had just said clearly lifted Mos Yao's spirits. He pulled Ye Li back to sit down and looked coldly at Thunderbolt霆 and asked, "King Zhen Nan, is this the gift you sent"

Thunderbolt霆 shrugged helplessly and replied, "I have no choice either; anyway, the matter has been handled. Prince Ding can do as he pleases." This time, Thunderbolt霆 really was innocent. Regardless of whether that woman had any value in winning the world for whoever obtained her, the reputation and power hidden behind Cangmeng Mountain were enough to make people drool. No matter how problematic his brain was, Thunderbolt霆 couldn't possibly be willing to give such a person to his biggest enemy. But who could blame him After all, Cangmeng Mountain was within his current jurisdiction, and he also didn’t dare provoke them. Of course, among those who wanted to watch Mos Yao and Ye Li fall out, there were some who did so just by chance.

"Prince Ding truly has no interest in the heir of Cangmeng Mountain" Below, Yelü Ye asked with a sinister tone. Although Northern Rong belonged to the barbarians outside the borders, they had been greatly influenced by Central Plains culture over these years. Especially those from royalty; many legends about Central Plains were also well-known. Even though he didn't entirely believe in the legends of Cangmeng Mountain, sometimes such legends could be a symbol of destiny, and their application might not necessarily be worse than that of hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

Mos Yao pulled Ye Li's hand calmly as he said, "If anyone is interested, they may try. I am unworthy to enjoy it."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt both envious and respectful. Envy towards Mos Yao’s good fortune in having a legendary recluse family heir come knocking at his door only to be rejected, and respect for his determination not to budge when faced with such an offer for the sake of his consort.

In the seat on Xu family's side, Xu Qingbai frowned slightly and whispered to Xu Qingchen in front of him: "Big brother, people from Cangmang Mountain have also come down to create trouble. This might be a bit troublesome."

Xu Qingchen smiled gently and said calmly, "Fourth Brother remembers which year the last incident with people from Cangmang Mountain happened" Xu Qingbai frowned as he recalled, "The last time it was probably the grandmother of Prince Zhennan... It should have been over sixty years ago. Logically speaking, people from Cangmang Mountain should have appeared much earlier." Xu Qingchen raised his eyebrows and said, "People from Cangmang Mountain are indeed somewhat capable; otherwise, they wouldn't be able to produce several empresses in succession. But... that's all there is to it. If they think too highly of themselves, our Xu family isn’t afraid of them either." A naturally refined and aloof aura exuded from his brows, showing no regard for the so-called legendary family.

Seeing how Big Brother spoke like this, others' expressions also relaxed considerably. Xu Qingyan curiously asked, "Big brother, did our ancestors ever marry women from Cangmang Mountain"

Xu Qingze coldly glanced at him and said, “No one of unknown origin has entered the Xu family; go back and check the clan records properly.” The wives of the Xu family do not seek high official positions or beauty and talent. Only the most important thing is that their background be clean and upright. Those who like to hide things can never enter the Xu family door. And people from Cangmang Mountain, for the sake of their so-called mystery, particularly enjoy hiding things. Hearing this, Xu Qingyan's neck contracted as he retreated behind Xu Qingbai, still afraid of his cold second brother.

Up ahead, Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan watched their calm and composed nephews with satisfaction.

The small incident earlier did not affect the joyful music and dancing below on the square; guests on the viewing tower soon started socializing again. However, many of them were clearly distracted.

Seated next to Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li observed the guests with a frown, feeling like something was missing.

MoiuYao looked at her and worriedly asked, "Lily, what's wrong Did that woman offend you" Ye Li shook her head, teasing him, "Your Excellency really has great luck in love; even such legendary fairy-like women want to throw themselves at you." Mo Xiuyao lifted the baby he was holding between them into his arms and held onto both of Baby's little hands so they wouldn't get in the way. Then he said with a disdainful curl of his lip, "What kind of beauty is she Cangmang Mountain must have fallen on hard times if it doesn’t even have any women worth mentioning."

Ye Li smiled and raised her eyebrows without commenting on Mo Xiuyao’s assessment. Although the white-robed woman was indeed slightly less beautiful than Ye Li, they were not too far apart in looks. However, she had a mysterious allure that differed from Ye Li's regal and elegant demeanor which commanded respect; it clearly stirred men's desires more easily. This point might even surpass Su Zuodie and Empress Liu at their most beautiful times. Just look at the expressions of all those guests in the hall earlier.

MoiuYao frowned slightly as he said, "That woman is a bit strange; Lily should keep her distance."

MoiuYao had seen countless women of incomparable beauty, and naturally noticed the white-robed woman's odd allure. Unfortunately for him, such an attraction was almost ineffective on someone with Mo Xiuyao’s resolute mind, possibly even causing annoyance. He smiled politely and said, "I understand; people from Cangmang Mountain wouldn’t come down at this time... It has been over seventy years since their last appearance."

MoiuYao sneered, “Ten years ago, the situation was unclear, so they waited to see how things would develop. Saying it happens every sixty years is just a deception. How accurate were those occasions When Great Chu was founded, they appeared during Emperor Taizong’s struggle for the throne; why didn’t they help Grand Ancestor conquer the country And Lady Li Zhen Ting's grandmother appeared at an opportune moment as well."

Ye Li suddenly understood: if people from Cangmang Mountain truly emerged every sixty years with perfect timing, she would have believed that their descendants could predict and choose rulers on behalf of Heaven.

"Cangmang Mountain’s reputation is still decent." The title "Choosing Rulers for Heaven" meant the chosen person was legitimate. No wonder everyone looked uncomfortable; this time, Ye Li truly believed it wasn't a plot by Li Zhen Ting.

MoiuYao sneered and said, "Choosing rulers for heaven No one can stop me from wanting whoever I want. Do they think they need Cangmang Mountain to choose for me"

Ye Li smiled gently and said, “Your Excellency is indeed ambitious; you’d never rely on connections to seize power.” Looking at her beautiful face full of warmth and grace, Mo Xiuyao couldn't help but want to pounce if they were not in public.

"Wah wah..." Baby protested indignantly as his little hands remained restrained. Mo Xiuyao mercilessly stuffed some food into Baby’s mouth without any mercy. Unable to speak with a full mouth, Baby could only look pitifully at his mother with large eyes. Unfortunately for him, this looked like Father feeding their son in Ye Li's view, even if it wasn't very gentle. Ye Li always thought that these two were too competitive and decided not to disturb them.

"Is someone missing" Ye Li stared thoughtfully down below; since she first noticed something was amiss earlier but the white-robed woman from Cangmang Mountain caused a disturbance, she hadn't had time to think about it. Mo Xiuyao looked down and said after a moment's thought, "Moxiaoyun and Zhen Ning didn’t come." Although these two people had no real power, their significance was still considerable. As the legitimate prince and princess of Great Chu, they voluntarily ceded control of Jingcheng to the Ding王府. Regardless of anything else, as long as these two did not commit acts of treason or heinous crimes, the Ding王府 must treat them well.

Looking at the two empty seats, Ye Li’s mind flashed and she suddenly looked beside Ye Liet said, "Imperial Concubine Liu isn’t here!"

Murong Xiuyao didn’t think much of it. "Although she is known as Prince Yelüye's future queen consort, unless they have a formal wedding ceremony, she will never be the royal princess consort of Northern Rong. Without any notable family background to speak of, her absence isn’t really surprising."

Ye Li shook her head. "Given her arrogance and confidence, she wouldn’t think that she is not qualified enough to attend." With a person like Imperial Concubine Liu, even if she were stepped on by others and buried in the dirt, she would still believe herself to be the noblest and most beautiful woman in this world. How could it be possible for her to think that she did not have the qualifications to attend the birthday banquet Ye Li frowned slightly and said, "If so, where has she gone to Could she have something to do with Prince Changxing or Princess Zhenning"

Murong Xiuyao said, "Even if this is true, you don’t need to worry about them. There are people protecting Prince Changxing and Princess Zhenning. Even if something did happen, it would not be their fault." Ye Li was helpless and could only suppress her worries while waiting for the banquet to end.

By the time the banquet ended, it was already close to midnight. Ye Li and Murong Xiuyao naturally brought Murong Xiaobao back home first, leaving others to handle the subsequent matters. Upon returning to the estate, Zhuo Jing came over to report, "Your Highness, Your Lady, something happened at Princess Zhenning’s place." Ye Li and Murong Xiuyao could only settle Murong Xiaobao down before heading for Prince Changxing’s residence.

Upon reaching Prince Changxing’s residence, they realized that Zhuo Jing hadn’t exaggerated. Indeed, something had happened. Princess Zhenning was sitting in the main hall with an expressionless look on her face, while bloodstains could be seen near her feet. Princess Zhenning often worried about her appearance and never forgot to wear a veil when she went out in public. However, at this moment, her hair was disheveled and her face bore fierce scars without any attempt to hide it. Lying on the ground nearby was a white-robed woman with a golden hairpin stuck in her abdomen. Her white clothes were dyed red by blood. Shen Yang and Murong Wuyou had arrived earlier and were crouched down beside the woman, examining her condition. Ye Li looked at the woman’s face and recognized her as Imperial Concubine Liu.

Sighing softly, Ye Li didn’t need to ask to understand what had happened. She turned to look at Murong Xiaoyou standing by the side. His complexion was pale, his hands tightly clenched beside him. He said in a deep voice, "Your Lady, I acted rashly and injured the Seventh Royal Consort of Northern Rong. Please punish me." Over the years, Murong Xiaoyou had experienced many changes and understood the coldness of human relationships well. If Imperial Concubine Liu were truly the Seventh Prince’s consort, Yelüye would certainly cause trouble for Dingy王府。定王府最好的解決辦法自然是將自己交出去，既能平息此事又能順便除去這個大楚皇子，可謂一舉兩得。

葉璃搖搖頭，拉著墨修堯走到一旁坐下問道：“沈先生怎麼在這裡？她傷勢如何？”

沈揚冇好氣的翻了個白眼道：“老夫散了宴席正要回去呢，半路上卻被這個小子抓了過來。”墨無憂抬頭朝葉璃一笑說道：“我和師傅從長興王府門口路過正好碰到長興王。王妃放心吧，師傅醫術高明，應該不會有事的。”

沈揚瞪了墨無憂一眼道：“什麼不會有事？還在這種地方老夫就算再醫術高明又有什麼用？”男女有彆，傷在腹部這樣的地方沈揚是冇法子治的。雖然說醫者父母心，但是柳貴妃這個身份還真是不好弄。墨無憂也不怕被他瞪，笑眯眯地說道：“那師傅指點徒兒，徒兒來治可好？”

沈揚不甘願的一眼看了昏迷中的柳貴妃一眼才嘟囔著指點了兩句便交給墨無憂施為自己走到一旁坐下休息。

“看來無憂跟著沈先生學的不錯。”葉璃含笑道。隻看沈揚對墨無憂的態度就知道他對這個徒弟頗為滿意。沈揚淡淡道：“確實比王妃有天賦一些。”其實葉璃的天賦也不差，隻是醫術需要靜心和耐心。葉璃身為定王妃俗務纏身，哪裡有那麼多的時間專心學習更不用說繼承老師衣缽了。當初讓沈揚惋惜了好一陣子。

墨嘯雲站在一旁聽著他們說話，隱約明白柳貴妃大概是死不了的，心中也不知道是慶幸還是遺憾。看了一眼坐在旁邊的姐姐，謹慎地開口道：“定王叔，王妃……今晚之事……”

墨修堯挑眉，“你還想說是你傷了她？”

墨嘯雲一怔，點頭道：“是我一時氣憤……嘯雲聽憑定王叔處置。”

墨修堯饒有興致地打量了一會兒才說道：“冇想到……墨景祈居然能有這樣的兒子，倒也不錯。不過……你為什麼拿珍寧公主的金釵去殺那個女人？”

“我……我一時……”

“皇兄。”一直在發呆的珍寧公主突然抬起頭來阻止了墨嘯雲，直視著墨修堯淡淡道：“定王叔，是我下的手。你們不用救她，她死了我替她償命！”

“皇姐！”墨嘯雲有些氣急敗壞，柳貴妃怎麼樣他早已經不在意了。但是這個其實隻比自己大兩三歲的皇姐卻是從小照顧著自己長大的。即使她並不聰明能乾，卻還是在他們被自己的母妃冷落的時候努力地照顧兩個弟弟。

Mou Xiuyao frowned unhappily and said, "Enough. She is not yet the Queen Consort of Beirong; even if she dies, Ye Liye will not hold you accountable. Zhenning, tell this King, do you really want her dead" Princess Zhenning's face was pale as she glared fiercely at the woman in white lying on the ground below her, trembling but unable to speak for a long time. Mou Xiuyao said nonchalantly, "If you truly wish to kill her, just go over there and push that hairpin further down."

When he spoke those words, not only did Princess Zhenning startle, even Imperial Consort Liu, who was still unconscious on the ground, suddenly widened her eyes in disbelief at Mou Xiuyao sitting in his seat. Due to excessive blood loss, she had fainted but was not deeply unconscious. She could hear what people around her were saying. Hearing Mou Xiuyao's ruthless words suddenly made her regain consciousness.

Mou Wuyou, who was trying to extract the hairpin from Liu’s head helplessly looked at Mou Xiuyao and said, "Uncle Dingwang, you are really pushing her too far." Princess Zhenning did not hold back when she stuck that hairpin in; as long as it went another inch deeper, Imperial Consort Liu would surely be dead. Therefore, they could only deal with the situation on-site.

Mou Xiuyao said seriously, "This King is not joking."

In his heart, Mou Wuyou thought silently, ‘I believe you are not joking, but can we skip being so serious for now Can encouraging one's daughter to kill her own mother really be okay’

"Enough." Ye Li glanced at Mou Xiuyao and told him with a glance to shut up. She then turned around and asked Wuyou, "Wuyou, is it difficult"

Mou Wuyou hesitated for a moment before saying, "Not difficult. However…"

"Speak frankly." Mou Xiuyao said unhappily. He was extremely unhappy that he could not go back to his bed and hold his beloved daughter at night. If it were not because of the usefulness of Moxiaoyun and Princess Zhenning, he would have had someone take this woman somewhere else long ago. In Li City, Ye Liye wouldn’t be able to find her no matter how powerful he was.

Mou Wuyou looked at Princess Zhenning and Mou Xiaoyun with a frown and said, "This injury is not in the right place; furthermore… This woman seemed to have suffered from a miscarriage half a year ago. If one isn’t careful, she won’t be able to give birth again." Since this was going to become the future Queen Consort of Beirong, whether or not she could bear children would probably also be an extremely important matter. Shen Yang raised his eyebrows and looked at Mou Wuyou, saying, "Pupil, your medical skills still need improvement."

"Uh Teacher, please guide me." Hearing what his teacher said, Mou Wuyou thought he had misdiagnosed her, so a hint of frustration flashed across his face.

Shen Yang said, "This woman gave birth to a miscarriage half a year ago No, in the past two years, she has at least suffered from three miscarriages. Feel free to pull it out; there’s no point worrying about something that can’t be regained anyway. Even without this injury, she would still end up like this." Looking at Imperial Consort Liu, Shen Yang's expression was full of disgust. He naturally knew her identity and status, but that alone didn't make him dislike her. But to personally kill his unborn child, that went beyond Shen Yang’s tolerance range. Shen Yang's medical skills were unparalleled in the current era; he could even deduce what kind of abortive drugs Imperial Consort Liu had taken. Only a pregnant woman herself would take such a drug without harming herself and with some special effects.

"Sir Shen, you’re saying that she…" Mou Xiaoyun stared at the woman on the ground but was unable to ask out loud.

"She took Scattered Fragrance Pills. Not just once."

Mou Xiaoyun’s expression instantly became complicated and hard to discern. Princess Zhenning, being a young lady, didn’t know what these pills were, but Mou Xiaoyun was taught from childhood by the Liu family and many secret matters weren't hidden from him even by Chancellor Liu. The Scattered Fragrance Pills were not merely an abortive drug; rather, they were a miraculous beauty product. But someone had discovered that using it during pregnancy was highly effective in maintaining one's beauty. A woman’s appearance would certainly be worse than before once she became pregnant, so such medicine naturally attracted many people like moths to a flame. However, soon enough, another person found out that women who used these pills while pregnant all inevitably suffered from miscarriages; even if they took less of it, they still gave birth to dead fetuses. But the effects on their beauty surpassed those during ordinary times by tenfold. As a result, quite a few women disregarded their unborn children for beauty’s sake, and this medicine gradually became banned.

A woman who had lost her father suffered three miscarriages in two years, all of which were self-inflicted. Mou Xiaoyun really couldn't understand what his former high-and-mighty mother was doing. However, looking at that beautiful face, he suddenly rushed out to vomit.

Although Princess Zhenning didn’t know the whole story behind these events, just knowing about Imperial Consort Liu's miscarriages and abortions had given her enough of a blow. She walked over numbly and looked down at the woman below with disdain, feeling all the resentment in her heart surging out like a dam bursting. "Wretched woman!"

——Author’s Note——

I was out for two days and didn't have time to check reviews ~ Sorry!at woman is so important to you For her sake… Even territories that are within easy reach in the north, you’re willing to give them up" The Empress Dowager Liu struggled to ask.Mò Xiuyáo sneered and r...