Princess Ronghua's Choice

trouble are others" If he hadn't still been somewhat aware of his appearance, Feng Zhirao would have wanted to scream like a woman. What did he see When he received news that someone was after the li...333. Princess Ronghua's Choice

333. Princess Ronghua’s Choice

Looking at the elegant white-robed woman in front of her, Ye Li’s smile deepened, but if one looked closely, there was a hint of ice in it. Smirking at the people around Yelü Ye, Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "To talk about it, this concubine finds Seventh Consort very familiar indeed. Empress Dowager, what do you think"

Princess Ronghua hid her mouth and laughed, then glanced at the woman opposite with a smirk on her face and said, "Isn’t that so The first time we met was rather shocking. I thought…"

"Empress!" Yelü Ye’s expression darkened slightly as he interrupted Princess Ronghua abruptly. Princess Ronghua didn’t argue with him; many matters needed to be understood by implication, and there was no need for them to state everything openly. After hearing Ye Li and Princess Ronghua's words, Mo Xiuyao finally turned his gaze to the woman beside Yelü Ye, furrowing his brows slightly. Reaching out and holding his hand, Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Is His Highness also finding Seventh Consort very familiar"

Mo Xiuyao glanced at her coldly before saying, "I don’t have much of an impression."

Although the answer was contrary to what Ye Li and Princess Ronghua implied, it made a smile appear on Ye Li’s face. After all, no woman would like their husband remembering another woman's appearance, even if out of hatred. Mo Xiuyao could also see that Ye Li seemed in an extremely good mood; her originally furrowed brows gradually relaxed.

However, Qiyina sitting below changed color at Mo Xiuyao’s few short words. If she hadn’t been wearing a veil, the people present would have probably been startled by her monstrous expression. Her half-closed eyes were flashing with fierce resentment and hatred.

Although relations between Beirong and Chu weren't amicable, Yekuotai王府 still had to be treated properly. After exchanging pleasantries with Yelü Hong and Yelü Ye for a while, Ye Li stood up and took Princess Ronghua and Qiyina elsewhere to talk. After all, the men’s matters would be rather boring to hear for women guests. Moreover, it was reasonable that Ye Li and Princess Ronghua could have some private conversation given their relationship. However, with an introverted and cold Seventh Consort following them, it felt somewhat uncomfortable. Princess Ronghua clearly didn’t like her future sister-in-law.

"Qiyina, I have something to discuss with Concubine Ding. Would you mind leaving" Princess Ronghua still had a touch of domineering nature from back in the capital, and she gave an order for someone she disliked to leave without hesitation.

Qiyina looked at her coldly; although there was displeasure in her eyes, it seemed that she didn’t want to really clash with Princess Ronghua. Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Just so happens that this concubine has not seen the princess for many years, and Ding王府’s flower garden is still somewhat pleasing to the eye. Please come along for a stroll in the garden. If there are any offenses, I hope you can forgive them." Then she raised her hand to summon Qingfeng and Ajin, who had just returned recently, and said, "Accompany our guests on a walk through the flower garden."

Qingfeng was already clever over these years; upon hearing Ye Li’s intention, she understood with one listen and smiled. "Your servant obeys orders, please come this way." Although Ajin was in his mid-twenties, he remained as silent and introverted as before. He only glanced at Qiyina coolly once and stood silently behind Qingfeng. Qiyina’s eyes swept over Ye Li but said nothing and turned away.

After getting rid of the annoying person, Princess Ronghua finally revealed a relaxed smile and said, "Finally gone, she was like a ghost that made one feel uncomfortable."

The two ladies strolled in the garden, with Ye Li asking softly, "So it really is…" Princess Ronghua nodded. "Isn’t it When we first met, I thought I had mistaken someone for her due to their similar appearance. But when you see that expression and attitude of hers, how many women are there who can make people dislike them like she does" Saying this, she turned her nose up in disgust. She had completely forgotten about her own arrogance back then in the capital, which was not much different from that person’s haughtiness. "But I didn’t expect her to actually escape and even hook up with Yelü Ye." That woman referred to the former Concubine Liu, who disappeared after escaping the palace; Ye Li also hadn't expected that Concubine Liu would become the betrothed consort of Beirong’s Seventh Prince.

Princess Ronghua originally had no particular feelings towards Concubine Liu, but she still resented Emperor Jingqi for forcing her to marry into Beirong; she was still a member of Chu’s imperial family and cousin to Emperor Jingqi. Seeing that after Jingqi’s death, the deceased Concubine Liu escaped and even hooked up with Yelü Ye, who was an enemy of her husband, how could Princess Ronghua look at her favorably

"Don’t be fooled by her arrogant appearance; she is truly skilled in seducing men. Not only does Yelü Ye adore her, but the Beirong king also praises her highly." When talking about this matter, Princess Ronghua was clearly angry. The king of Beirong valued his two sons, Yelü Hong and Yelü Ye, most among all; therefore, since he liked Qiyina, it would make him value Yelü Ye more and be unfavorable towards Yelü Hong.

Ye Li smiled gently at her flushed face. "It seems that the princess has had good relations with Beirong’s crown prince these years"

Princess Ronghua blushed, glared angrily at Ye Li and said sarcastically, "You are mocking me; who doesn’t know how everyone envies His Highness Dingwang and Concubine Ding as a divine couple" Ye Li smiled and said, "You can also mock me. My relationship with Mo Xiuyao is good, do you envy that" Princess Ronghua was so angry she felt blocked in her chest, and angrily replied, "My relations with the crown prince are also very good!"

Ye Li’s expression remained calm as a faint smile appeared on her lips when looking at Princess Ronghua. However, the smile on Princess Ronghua’s face gradually faded as she said seriously to Ye Li, "Don’t worry; I promise that what I’ve promised you and His Highness Dingwang will never be broken."

Ye Li said softly, "As far as I know, the Princess has already had two children with the Crown Prince of Beirong. Can you really do that If there are any difficulties, I hope the Princess can tell me beforehand rather than causing trouble later on. I believe the Princess understands what I mean." It would be better to discuss any problems now instead of having Princess Ronghua regret her decision in the future and causing losses for Dingwang Manor.

Princess Ronghua took a deep breath and said firmly, "Please rest assured, Madame. I am a princess of Daku Kingdom, even though it has already fallen… Moreover, although my relationship with the Crown Prince is good, if he ascends to the throne in the future, my children will never be his successors." While Central Plains people looked down on nomadic tribes from beyond the borders, those tribes did not necessarily look up to Central Plains people either. In fact, it was worse; Beirong's royal family had an unhealthy prejudice against foreign bloodlines. No matter how excellent her children were, they would never become kings of Beirong. Therefore, even though Ye Li Hóng treated her well, he also married many concubines and favored the children born to Beirong women more. Being part of a royal family, Princess Ronghua was very clear about the saying "Falling out of favor when beauty fades." Throughout history, there had always been instances where favors were cut off before one's youth faded away. When Ye Li Hóng no longer loved her in the future, Dingwang Manor would be her and her children’s greatest support.

Ye Li looked at Princess Ronghua for a long time and finally nodded, saying, "I believe you. Actually, the Princess doesn’t need to worry now because Dingwang Manor is not opposed to Crown Prince Ye Li. Currently, Dingwang Manor has no interest in the grasslands beyond the borders. We just want to drive Beirong’s northern troops back and I assume that Princess Ronghua is aware of what Prince Ye Li Wild did up north."

Princess Ronghua nodded heavily. As a princess who had married into Beirong from Daku, her fall would not benefit her at all. Ever since Emperor Mo Jingli moved the capital to the south following the collapse of Daku Kingdom, she was in an unstable position in Beirong. For this reason, she followed Ye Li Hóng to City of Glass. As long as Dingwang Manor acknowledged her existence, the stronger Dingwang Manor became, the safer it would be for her. "Prince Ye Li has also repeatedly raised the issue of withdrawing troops with King Beirong, but since Seventh Prince made a smooth advance and did not unify under Crown Prince’s command, King Beirong refused to follow his suggestion." Ye Li smiled and said, "Although Beirong's army is currently being blocked by Mo Family Army, it has already conquered much territory for Beirong. With that in mind, the position of the crown prince might be a bit unstable now"

Princess Ronghua looked at Ye Li and nodded in surprise, saying, "Madame is right; this was also why Prince Ye Li did not want Seventh Prince to lead an army out earlier. In military terms, Seventh Prince has always been on the upper hand. If he were to gain such military achievements, his supporters would only increase. Then…"

Ye Li said softly, "Mo Family Army can help Crown Prince Ye Li in some ways."

"Then… What do you want His Excellency and Madame to get from Prince Ye Li" Princess Ronghua asked; there was no such thing as a free lunch. If one wanted something, they would have to give up something.

Ye Li said with a smile, "That is… His Excellency will naturally talk it over with Crown Prince Ye Li. The Princess just needs to encourage him at the appropriate time so that he makes his decision sooner. Knowing too much may make him suspicious."

Princess Ronghua pondered for a moment and had to admit that what Ye Li said made sense, as she nodded in agreement.

Sending people back to the inn to settle Prince Ye Li’s group, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao returned to their room together.

"How did Noble Consort Liu meet with Ye Li Wild" Ye Li asked curiously while leaning against Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao lay lazily on a chaise lounge and read the book in his hand; he gently stroked her hair as he said, "When Emperor Mo Jingqi died, Beirong sent Prince Ye Li Wild over here. It wouldn’t be strange if Noble Consort Liu was saved by him."

"But don’t you find it odd that Prince Ye Li Wild would fall in love with Noble Consort Liu He is quite cunning and ambitious; falling in love with an escaped consort of Daku Kingdom seems rather weird." This was something Ye Li couldn’t figure out. If she were to pick one, she found it more believable for the seemingly gentler Ye Li Hóng to be infatuated with Noble Consort Liu than for Ye Li Wild.

Mo Xiuyao put down his book and frowned as he said, "Perhaps Noble Consort Liu has something in her possession that Prince Ye Li Wild values. Don’t you think that Prince Ye Li Wild’s previous advances were too smooth" Beirong had always been a major military objective of Daku Kingdom, but the fact that Ye Li Wild advanced through northern territory so smoothly was somewhat shocking. However, since three sides of Daku Kingdom were being attacked and it was in retreat at that time, nobody paid attention to these questions.

"Does Noble Consort Liu…" betray her country

Mo Xiuyao said coolly, "It is quite possible. Although the Os have no generals or military leaders among their ranks, they are very knowledgeable about military secrets due to Emperor Mo Jingqi’s preference for scholars over warriors." Even though his expression didn’t change, Ye Li heard the murderous intent in Mo Xiuyao’s voice and frowned, asking, "If that is so, what do you plan on doing"

Mo Xiuyao said, "If this is true, she won’t need to leave City of Glass anymore. Before that… where are we going to put Mo Xiaoyun and Noble Consort Liu" As a prince of Daku Kingdom, Mo Xiaoyun wasn’t suited for living in the former capital despite his return there. Naturally, he was relocated to Dingwang Manor’s base in City of Glass. Ye Li said, "I’ve already settled them in a mansion within the city that isn’t far from Xu Residence and Lieutenant General Lu’s residence." Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile and said, “Good, tell Mo Xiaoyun and Noble Consort Liu about this; after all, it wouldn’t be right to hide this from their mother.”

Thinking of the disfigured Princess Zhenning, Ye Li sighed. She had met those children when they first arrived in City of Glass. Because she helped save the lives of both Mo Xiaoyun and Noble Consort Liu back then, they treated her with respect. From the looks on their faces when she mentioned Noble Consort Liu, she could see how much hatred Princess Zhenning harbored for her.

“Understood. How do you view Crown Prince Ye Li”

Mo Xiuyao looked down and said, "Compared to Ye Li Wild, he has lesser ambition; however, this is also due to his different personality as a Beirong man. He sees things more clearly than Ye Li Wild does. If he plays it smartly, he will come talk to us." Ye Li nodded and sighed softly. Dealing with these princes and dukes was more tiring than fighting on the battlefield.

Mos Xiuyao lowered his head and looked at Ye Li, asking softly, "Does Miss Li feel tired"

Shaking her head slightly, Ye Li smiled faintly, saying, "I just think these matters are too complicated. It would be more straightforward on the battlefield." Mos Xiuyao said gently, "If Miss Li doesn't like it, she can leave it to me and Xu Qingchen to handle, no need to force herself." Ye Li shook her head again, leaning against Mos Xiuyao to close her eyes and rest.

"Your Excellency the Prince, Your Excellency the Princess Consort, Lin Han requests an audience," a voice from outside the door said.

Mos Xiuyao raised his gaze and said calmly, "Enter."

Lin Han stepped into the room, glanced at the prince and princess consort who were leaning together, then lowered his eyes. He reported seriously, "Your Excellency the Princess Consort, Lady Li of Li Prince went to Ye Manor."

Sitting up straight away, Ye Li glared at Mos Xiuyao who was uncomfortably rubbing against her, asking, "Is there any problem" Lin Han looked straight ahead and said, "An undercover guard discovered someone in the Ye family whom we think Your Excellency the Prince and Princess Consort should be informed about."

"Oh Who is it" Ye Li asked curiously. She really couldn't think of anyone who could attract the attention of an undercover guard when the Ye Family had fallen to such a low state.

Lin Han said, "Ye Yue."

"What" Ye Li was taken aback. Even Mos Xiuyao raised his head and his expression darkened. Staring at Lin Han with a serious look, Ye Li said calmly, "Tell me in detail."

Lin Han reported, "After Lady Li of Li Prince returned to the Ye Manor and chatted with the Ye family members, she was taken back to her room by Lady Ye for a private talk. Then they argued as their opinions were not aligned. An undercover guard hiding in the mansion noticed that one of Lady Ye's maidservants seemed suspicious. The images sent out showed this maid had seven-tenths resemblance to Ye Yue who died in the fire at the imperial palace."

"Ye Wenhua has a lot of audacity," Mos Xiuyao said with a chilling tone that made even Lin Han feel cold. Back then, when the fire broke out at the imperial palace, Ye Li had gone missing for quite some time as a result. The impact it left on Mos Xiuyao was profound. Even he didn't expect Ye Wenhua would dare to hide Ye Yue.

Ye Li frowned slightly, "Perhaps he doesn't know." She wasn't saying that she thought Ye Wenhua had deep father-daughter feelings for her, but rather that Ye Wenhua didn’t seem like the type who would risk his life just for his daughter's sake.

Mos Xiuyao sneered and said, "Doesn't know With Ye Yue being in Lady Ye’s room, even if he didn't know beforehand, wouldn't he suspect after such a long time" Therefore, even if Ye Wenhua wasn’t the mastermind, he definitely turned a blind eye to it. Ye Li nodded her head and sighed, saying, "I understand. I'll go personally to Ye Manor later." If it really was Ye Yue, who had helped her fake her death and escape back then And what could she have possibly been hiding for by staying in the Ye Manor It couldn't be that she just wanted to hide away anonymously for life, or else she wouldn’t have come to Li City. Li City under the eyes of Ding Prince's Manor wasn’t a good place to hide away anonymously.

"Your Excellency the Prince, Your Excellency the Princess Consort," someone reported from outside the door.

Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly, saying, "Let her in."

Soon, an inconspicuous little maid was brought in. Seeing Ye Li, this little maid immediately rushed over and knelt on the ground, pleading, "Princess Consort, please help our Princess Consort save us."

"What's going on" Ye Li frowned, but her heart started to worry. She had put effort into grooming Ye Ying; she didn’t want it all to be for nothing here. The little maid sobbed and said, “Our Princess Consort went to the Ye Manor to pay respects to Lady Ye’s parents and then left in a rage saying that she wanted to come to Ding Prince's Manor. But just after leaving, she was brought back by Your Excellency to the inn. This servant... this servant is merely an ordinary maid who isn’t noticed much in the palace and so I snuck out to inform our Princess Consort."

While the little maid was speaking, another Ding Prince's Manor undercover guard came to report that Ye Li had been detained by Li Jingli at the inn.

Although it wasn't easy to insert people around Mos Xiuyao, there were many of their people in the inn. These things naturally wouldn’t be hidden from them. The undercover guard quickly recounted what happened, which was indeed consistent with what that little maid had said. Ye Li pondered for a moment and said, "Ye Ying learned about Ye Yue's news and wanted to inform Ding Prince's Manor us So she was detained by Li Jingli But this doesn’t seem right either... Why would Ye Ying betray her own sister for our sake"

Mos Xiuyao replied, "Of course it’s because Ye Yue conflicted with her interests. As a favored concubine of Li Jingqi, we are still unsure if she serves him or the Empress Dowager. To Li Jingli, she is not useless."

Upon hearing this, Ye Li only then understood. She thought for a moment and told the dark guard: "Go back to tell Princess Consort Li, and make her argue with Prince Li as much as possible. The more she argues, the less likely Prince Li will suspect her. Also, let her think carefully herself; even if it really is Ye Yue, as long as she remains calm and composed, Ye Yue cannot threaten her position." The dark guard silently nodded and left.Ye Li also stood up and looked at Mo Xiuyao: "It seems I have to go to the Ye residence."Mo Xiuyao held onto her and said, "If you go now, Prince Jinglei will suspect something. There are people watching over the Ye residence; it’s best to wait until tomorrow."In a lodging house, Ye Ying waved away the maid who suddenly appeared in her room, slowly wiping away her tear stains as she sat up. "Come here!" Soon, a guard appeared at the door: "Princess Consort, Prince has ordered that you not leave the premises without cause."Ye Ying coldly said, "I was not planning to leave. Go and tell Prince that I have something important to discuss with him."The guard hesitated but seeing Ye Ying’s rarely-seen stern look, he finally nodded and went to report to Mo Jinglei. Watching the guard leave, Ye Ying closed the door again, her previously gentle gaze now filled with resentment. Her pale lips trembled slightly: "Second Sister… Second Sister… why don’t you just die already!"Thinking of today when she unexpectedly saw her supposedly deceased second sister at the Ye residence, Ye Ying’s expression couldn’t help but turn ugly. Even more shocking was that her mother and grandmother had made such demands. Her second sister… really was a good second sister! Third Sister said correctly… Slowly calming down her anger, Ye Ying forced herself to smile somewhat unwillingly. Gradually, the reflection in the bronze mirror on the table’s expression became more natural, tinged with a hint of grievance and tenderness. Third Sister was right; as long as she remained composed, no one would ever surpass her position, at least… not Princess Qixia or Ye Yue!Not long after, Mo Jinglei entered the room, his face not kind: "What else do you have to say"Ye Ying sobbed into Mo Jinglei’s chest. Mo Jinglei frowned and coldly observed the woman crying bitterly in his arms. Ye Ying clutched Mo Jinglei’s clothes as she cried, saying, "My lord, my lord, don’t treat me like this, I know I’m wrong."Mo Jinglei pushed her away with a laugh: "Know you’re wrong What did you want to go to Prince Ding’s residence to see To tell Mo Xiuyao about what happened in the Ye family"Ye Ying shook her head and said, "My lord is mistaken. I don’t know Prince Ding well. It was just… my lord and Second Sister’s actions left me in a difficult situation. Mother and grandfather are also helping Second Sister, it makes me very aggrieved… Third Sister said if I had any grievances to tell them. All of you are bullying me; what’s wrong with crying to Third Sister My lord is so heartless… after following you for so long, our child still has no news, yet you… you can’t wait… sob…”Upon hearing Ye Li's name, Mo Jinglei paused for a moment before asking, "What difference does it make if you tell Ye Li or Mo Xiuyao"Ye Ying loudly said, "Your deeds are shameful and secret; why shouldn’t I speak about them!"Mo Jinglei frowned as he looked at Ye Ying for a long time before finally saying, "What nonsense are you talking Ye Yue still has her uses, not what you’re thinking."Ye Ying didn’t believe him. “Is that true Prince really doesn’t plan to take Second Sister in”Mo Jinglei coldly said: "I’m not so desperate as to want a half-dead woman like the Second Sister. Ye Yue is useful to me; don’t be foolish." Apparently believing Mo Jinglei, Ye Ying only then wiped her tears and looked at him pitifully, saying, "I understand now. I was wrong. But this situation can’t all be my fault either. If people knew about Second Sister and Prince… how could I still face everyone in the Li王府"Seeing her delicate appearance with tears clinging to her eyelashes, a look of grievance and worry on her face, Mo Jinglei’s expression softened considerably. After all, he had truly felt something for Ye Ying back then. He nodded: "It’s good that you understand now. Don’t tell anyone about this matter. In the future, you can visit Prince Ding more often; rest here at the inn these two days."Ye Ying obediently nodded: "I understand.e care of yourself."Seeing Feng Zhirao quickly disappear into the dark night through the window, the empress gazed at the flickering candlelight before her in a daze for quite some time before letting...