202 Persuasion and Comfort
beside the Beirong prince and said with a smile: "Eleventh Prince, this is indeed Chu’s Prince Dìng. Seven years ago he had an accident. We’re here to attend his wedding ceremony but not to cause trou...The Mountain River Sacrifice 202: Comforting and Consoling
Chapter 202 - Comforting and Consoling
In the early morning, Ye Li heard light footsteps outside. She opened her eyes and glanced at the empty spot beside her; Mo Xiuyao hadn’t returned last night.
Qingshuang came in with a basin of water. Seeing that Ye Li was awake, she quickly arranged everything and carefully helped Ye Li sit up. She said softly, "Has the princess consort woken up" Ye Li nodded and asked, "Did His Excellency not return last night" Qingshuang nodded and replied, "I heard from Qingyu and Qingluan that His Excellency rested in his study. Should I go get him The matron instructed that Princess Consort needs to rest after childbirth and cannot leave the bed." Ye Li shook her head. Looking at herself with some helplessness, she thought this era’s postpartum confinement was quite unbearable. However, she didn’t intend to be too hard on herself either. Glancing at the sleeping little bundle in the cradle, she couldn’t help smiling and asked, "Why is baby still asleep" Wei Ahma came in with a bowl of porridge and said with a smile, "Princess Consort being young without experience wouldn’t know that newborns sleep after eating all day long. The Young Prince will grow well if he has plenty of rest."
Ye Li took the warm towel passed by Qingshuang to wipe her face and hands. She rinsed her mouth with warm water before taking a sip from Wei Ahma’s bowl. The light taste comforted Ye Li, "Has a wet nurse been arranged for Young Prince"
"Four qualified wet nurses have already been prepared," Wei Ahma replied. "They are all reliable people that the princess consort can trust." Hearing this, Ye Li frowned slightly and said, "That’s too many. Just keep two for now. Other than feeding time, please bring Young Prince here to me at other times." Seeing her reluctance, Wei Ahma had a hard time deciding whether she should agree or not. Although she was also a wet nurse for the princess consort, she agreed with Ye Li that the wet nurses shouldn’t get too close to Young Prince. Otherwise, he might grow up following his wet nurses instead of bonding more closely with his mother. But if Princess Consort raised him herself, His Excellency would likely be unhappy.
Ye Li smiled and said, "Let’s do it that way then. When the child turns one year old, we’ll cut off breastfeeding and arrange for the wet nurses to work elsewhere." She didn’t want the wet nurses to raise her son, nor did she intend to have a bunch of nursemaids and maids surrounding him, as if he were an Empress’ son Jia Baoyu. Wei Ahma reminded softly, "If Princess Consort raises Young Prince herself, His Excellency might be unhappy." Ye Li smiled and said, "That’s alright; the wet nurses can help me with the daily care for now. When he grows older, he won’t need much attention anymore." Wei Ahma finally agreed to her request and carried the baby out in search of a wet nurse.
After finishing her bowl of porridge, Ye Li handed it back to Qingxia who was serving her and asked, "Did anything happen last night"
"Old Minister Su living in the southern garden seems to have fallen ill," Qingshuang replied. "His Excellency invited Dr. Shen and Doctor Lin for a consultation; I heard that his condition is very serious." Qingxia nodded and said, "After returning to書房 last night, His Excellency didn’t leave the house until morning. When breakfast was delivered, it was blocked outside too." Ye Li frowned slightly as she thought deeply for a moment and said, "Qingshuang, please go to the kitchen again and bring some breakfast for His Excellency. Tell them that I instructed you to do so. Also, please invite Commander Qin over; there’s something important I need to discuss with him." Qingshuang nodded and replied, "I’ll be right back."
"This subordinate Qin Feng seeks an audience with Princess Consort," Not long after, Qin Feng came for a meeting at the door. Ye Li said softly, "Come in then." As Ye Li didn’t usually pay much attention to formalities, Qin Feng stood by the screen of the Mountain River Smoke and Rain painting inside the room while responding. He understood what Ye Li wanted to ask about, so he recounted everything that happened last night without her having to go into detail. This also included how Su Zuodie was treated; she had struggled for over half a year but ultimately reached her breaking point in the end. However, before dying, she revealed where the imperial edict was hidden. If Mo Xiuyao didn’t want it, then that document wouldn’t be of any use to Su Zuodie as protection but merely worthless paper. That item was still left in the capital city of Chu; back when Su Zuodie fled with help from Han Mingyue’s aid, she had no time to search for what she hid. Besides, carrying such a thing around could only bring death instead of life.
Hearing Qin Feng's words, Ye Li was also taken aback. Although she had some conjectures about these matters after Tan Jizhi's incident, it was far less shocking than actually hearing the truth. Moreover, this involved the life and death of the late emperor and Regent Wang Mo Lufang; it seemed that the royal family has long been eager to deal with the Ding Prince王府.
"Does His Highness have any plans on how to handle this matter" Ye Li asked.
Qin Feng shook his head. "His Highness has been locked in his study since last night and hasn't given any orders." Ye Li nodded. This was undoubtedly the most impactful for Mo Xiuyao, who indeed needed time to think.
Morning arrived, and a tired Mo Xiuyao returned home. Looking at the bloodshot eyes, Ye Li knew he hadn't slept all night. Sighing softly without giving him an opportunity to speak, she gently said, "Rest for now; we can discuss anything after you wake up." Exhausted from anger over Xu Chengliang's confession, tension due to her childbirth, and shock from Su Zuodie's revelations, Mo Xiuyao hadn't slept. If not for the significant progress in his self-cultivation and temperament over the years, he might have killed Su Zuodie or led troops into the capital city.
He lay on his side as Ye Li pulled back the covers for him, and finally fell asleep deeply.
Gazing at the restless sleeping man, Ye Li sighed softly. Relying her head against the bedhead, she closed her eyes to ponder the situation in the northwest. With the truth now revealed, the landscape of the northwest and Great Chu would undoubtedly be different when Mo Xiuyao woke up. Yet, she did not want to stop him from doing anything, as he had been suppressing his feelings for too long like the Mo Family Army, and the actions of the person in power at the Chu Palace made it hard to believe they were a benevolent ruler.
"Big Brother... Father... Big Brother..." Mo Xiuyao murmured softly in his sleep, as if he was trapped in a terrifying dream. Recalling Qin Feng's words about Su Zuodie's measurements, Ye Li shivered slightly and gently patted the covers over him, whispering, "This isn't your fault, Xiuyao... Don't be afraid... It’s not your fault..."
"Father... Big Brother..."
When Mo Xiuyao woke up, he heard Ye Li's soft laughter. Opening his eyes, she was sitting beside him, leaning against the headboard and playing with their baby in a light purple swaddling blanket. Her fair face held a gentle smile. Seeing Mo Xiuyao awake, she said, "Alright then Would you like to see the baby" As he sat up, he saw their child looking at them with big round eyes, his little red and wrinkled face looking much better than yesterday. Although not yet as smooth as porcelain, it was worlds apart from a tiny red monkey.
Ye Li tenderly rocked the baby, who indeed slept like a log except when feeding, "Hehe, the baby can't see anything right now; he will be very cute in a few days." Mo Xiuyao watched silently as Ye Li played with their child. Although finding him irritating, he refrained from saying much, instead watching her softer and more gentle expression with a softened demeanor himself.
When the baby fell asleep again, Ye Li only then summoned Auntie Wei to take him out. Turning around and looking at Mo Xiuyao beside her, she softly said, "Those matters are not your fault. Brother-in-law will never blame you."
Mo Xiuyao was stunned for a moment before he understood what Ye Li meant. He stroked her hair behind her head, his voice slightly dry as he said, "Mother Consort passed away shortly after giving birth to me, and Father King was busy with state affairs. Since young, it could be said that Brother-in-law raised me. Originally, I wanted to wait until Brother-in-law inherited the throne before I would serve him wholeheartedly. The Dingguo王府 has been a single line of succession for generations; only in our generation did we have Brother-in-law and myself. We brothers naturally have to work together. Moreover, based on my abilities, even if I cannot earn any titles, it's not like I'll become a wastrel who idles around the Dingguo王府 all my life." Ye Li naturally knew this; actually, Mo Xiwen was only seven or eight years older than Mo Xiuyao. She could almost imagine how Mo Xiwen would hold his newly born brother and guard the desolate Dingguo王府 when he was just a child of that age. It's no wonder their relationship was so close; in Mo Xiuyao's heart, this elder brother might even be more important than Father King, Mo Liufang. Because of this, at the young age of his teens, Mo Xiuyao had already gone to war, also wanting to tell Father King and Brother-in-law that even if he could not inherit the throne, he could still fulfill his ambitions and live a carefree life.
"It was only because I underestimated Su Zuodie back then! If it wasn't for me..." Back then, Su Zuodie did indeed mention the matter of the Dingguo王府's succession in front of him. At that time, he sternly scolded Su Zuodie and ordered her not to bring up this matter again, pushing it out of his mind. He had thought at the time that with their brotherhood, how could a woman sow discord between them He hadn't even considered that Su Zuodie might have some sort of scheme. Yet, he never expected that because of this, he would plant the seeds for disaster for both the Dingguo王府 and Brother-in-law, and even pay a heavy price himself.
Ye Li sighed softly, soothing him gently, "Brother-in-law will not blame you; Xiuyao... This is not your fault. If Mo Jingqi had planned to deal with the Dingguo王府 and Brother-in-law since long ago, it wouldn't matter if Su Zuodie didn’t have any ulterior motives; they might still find other opportunities.
Wrapping Ye Li in his arms, Mo Xiuyao said hatefully, "Mo Jingqi! I will make him wish he were never born!" Ye Li patted his shoulder with a smile and softly said, "Whatever you choose to do, I and the Mo Family Army will all support you."
After resting for a while and noticing that Mo Xiuyao had calmed down considerably, Ye Li asked, "Does Xiuyao have any plans in mind There are quite a few matters going on in Northwest now. Recently, various armies entering the Northwest far exceed those from previous years. It's possible that every inch of land around Hongzhou will be searched."
Mooch sighed bitterly and said, "Since Mo Jingqi is so eager, I naturally have to give him a gift as well. And for those who are eager to obtain the imperial jade seal... they should also receive my gift."
Seeing Mo Xiuyao's mocking face, Ye Li curiously asked, "What kind of gift" Mooch smiled and said, "You'll know when the time comes. By the way, do we need to invite Qingyun and Hongyu to Northwest for the full moon celebration of that boy" Ye Li hesitated and said, "Grandfather and Uncle might find it inconvenient." At this moment, if anyone said Mo Jingqi didn't have people monitoring Grandfather and Uncle, even a newly born baby wouldn't believe them. Although they had arranged for people to protect the Lishan Academy's safety, no matter whether they were going openly or secretly, the absence of these two important figures would definitely attract attention. If possible, Ye Li naturally hoped to bring Grandfather and Uncle’s family over to Northwest, but given their nature, it was unlikely that they would agree to come. Therefore, bringing them over carelessly might actually put them into this circle of conflict.
Mooch softly smiled and said, "Recently, I looked through your past plans for governing the Northwest; education is indeed very important. But the Northwest is remote, with fewer scholars compared to Yunzhou throughout history. In the future, if we want to establish academies, it would be difficult to find good teachers to instruct them. This matter will still need our help from Qiyun and Hongyu." Ye Li’s face turned slightly red as she said, "I just wrote some random thoughts; if there are any inappropriate places..." Mooch smiled and said, "How could they be inappropriate My Aili is indeed a unique woman in the world. Not only can you ride horses and fight enemies, but you can also govern the country and manage the state. Compared to you, those chancellors and secretaries in court are nothing more than empty vessels for holding wine and food." Being praised so bluntly by Mooch made Ye Li feel even more embarrassed. When she wrote these things back then, she hadn't thought much about it; she just felt that the Northwest would be in a mess after the war. Neither she nor Mooch had any experience in governing regions, so it was better to consider this beforehand than to be caught off guard later. However, what happened afterwards was beyond Ye Li's expectations. Fortunately, the Northwest hadn't suffered as much damage as they had imagined, and Mooch quickly took control of all areas outside Feihong Pass, alleviating many post-war situations in the Northwest.
Wrapping Ye Li in his arms and leaning against the headboard, Mo Xiuyao frowned and thought aloud, "Actually, I still hope that Qiyun and Hongyu will come to Northwest, along with Minister Xu and Qingchen. In the future, matters concerning Northwest will only increase; under Dingguo王府, there are indeed many generals, but when it comes to capable figures who can govern regions and contribute to the world, not a single one exists." The Dingguo王府 was founded on military achievements, although all Dingguo kings were well-versed in both literature and martial arts, their subordinates were still mostly generals. After all, the Dingguo王府 wasn't like the court; they didn’t need so many officials to govern regions or participate in politics. Ye Li thought for a moment and said, "Brother-in-law is now in Northwest; we can send him a message, and as long as he receives it, he'll come to see the child. But Grandfather and Uncle won't find it easy to leave Yunzhou. Or... shall I go there"
"No!" The waist tightened, Ye Li was pulled back into his arms again; Mo Xiuyao's chin rested on her shoulder as he said seriously, "I will personally write a letter to Elder Qiyun and discuss with him; you must not leave anywhere!" Raising an eyebrow, this was too domineering. Before Ye Li could speak up, Mooch rubbed his chin and the previously domineering voice immediately sounded incredibly pitiful and cautious, “Aili, don't go. Don’t leave me...”
Whizz — A small arrow pierced her heart, and Ye Li's face darkened. When did this person become so shameless
"Lily... You're going to leave me again... Or if you go anywhere else, will you take me with you I'm afraid... If anything happens to you, I'll just throw Xiao Bao away and make him an orphan without a father or mother, wandering around and eating only when food is available..." Ye Li couldn't help but pinch someone on the waist. "He's your son, what kind of grudge do you have with him" Mo Xiurao didn't care about this; even as he gritted his teeth in pain, he still wouldn't change his words until he noticed a dangerous glint in Ye Li’s narrowed eyes and reluctantly asked, "Then will Lily abandon me" Ye Li sighed. "No, I was just talking casually. Where else could I go if you and Baby are here"
Only then did Mo Xiurao feel satisfied as he hugged Ye Li tightly; if Mister Qing Yun didn’t come, in a couple of years, he would secretly give Xiao Bao to him. Lily belonged to him alone.
Seeing the lazy Mo Xiurao hugging her, Ye Li helplessly sighed in her heart and picked up the previous topic again: "What you meant just now is that you want Baby's full moon celebration to be grand"
Mo Xiurao smiled. "As my eldest son was born, of course it should be a grand celebration. Aren't those people trying千方百計想要來西北探寶麼？不如咱們光明正大的請他們來。本王倒要看看他們能找到個什麼樣的傳國玉璽來。”就算真有傳國玉璽，冇有他的同意他倒要看看誰能把東西從西北帶走。
Ye Li's heart stirred, and she said, "You want..."
Mo Xiurao chuckled sinisterly. "Aren't they saying that whoever gets the imperial jade seal will gain control of the empire Let's see who among these people can actually obtain the jade seal and conquer the empire." After pondering for a moment with her head lowered, Ye Li said, "It wouldn’t be good if the jade seal were to leak out from the Ding王府. If so..." Recalling the yellow silk map she had taken from the imperial mausoleum, Ye Li suddenly smiled and looked at Mo Xiurao: "I forgot that I also took a treasure map from the imperial mausoleum."
—— Out of Topic ——
The character's name will be decided by voting. In fact, if we don't write about Xiao Bao’s story, his full name really isn’t used much at all. Every time I write about Xiao Bao, a certain scene always comes to mind. That is... On the picturesque lake, an elegant and carefree Mo Xiao Bao was lying on the boat, hugging the most beautiful courtesan while enjoying music with ease. Suddenly someone shouted loudly — "Mo Xiao Bao, your mother called you home for dinner!" Hehe~
Well, I have something to do tonight and won't be back late, so I can’t reply to everyone's comments in time; please forgive me. as for Young Master Mingyue"Han Mingyi sat on the ground and said in a loud voice, “Not three but four.” Clearly he had taken his stance against his brother.Han Mingyue ignored his brother, staring a...