74 Escaped Young Master Jun Wei

ickly, and soon pushed the annoying fiancé out of her mind. She clapped her hands and stood up: "Let's go shopping. We didn't come here just to drink tea."The three girls plus one pseudo-girl happily穿...74. Escape, Young Master Junwei Gongzi

74. Escaping Danger, Young Master Junwei Gongzi

When Yan Yi and Dark One to Dark Four escorted Mo Jingli out of the room, Miss Xiao Yun also arrived at the door simultaneously. Her pretty, sharp eyes glared at Ye Li who was following behind, nearly spitting fire. "Let go of Young Master!" Behind her, Dark Two and Dark Four silently dropped from the wall. "Greetings to Your Highness Consort," they said.

Ye Li waved dismissively, indicating that there was no need for formalities, then smiled at Miss Xiao Yun. "Miss Xiao Yun, thank you very much for taking care of me these past few days." Miss Xiao Yun glared at her and gritted her teeth, saying, "What do you want Let go of His Highness! Otherwise I won't let you off easily!" Ye Li hid behind Mo Jingli, acting afraid. "Oh dear, don’t scare me, Miss Xiao Yun. This Consort has a weak constitution. So… it would be best if you put away your dangerous little things. If this Consort accidentally…" Ye Li raised her hand and with her sharp nails drew blood on Mo Jingli's neck. She blinked innocently at Miss Xiao Yun. "Look, just like that. What if I accidentally poke a hole in His Highness’s neck Can you fix it then"

"You!" Seeing Ye Li laughing prettily and rubbing her bloody fingers onto Mo Jingli's clothes, Miss Xiao Yun turned red with anger. But she quickly calmed down and gave Ye Li a sweet smile. "Miss, His Highness was kind enough to invite you as a guest; if you want to leave that’s fine but don’t kidnap him. Is this how one behaves when invited as a guest" Ye Li smiled. "I didn't expect Miss Xiao Yun to be not only cute but also familiar with Central Plain’s etiquette. But secretly putting soft muscle-dissolving powder in guests’ meals isn’t good manners either, right" Emphasizing the phrase 'Central Plain's etiquette' caused Miss Xiao Yun's expression to change as she habitually looked at Mo Jingli.

Ye Li had no intention of giving her more time. She coldly watched Miss Xiao Yun and said, "Miss Xiao Yun, please prepare a few fast horses for us. Also, it’s said that two maids from this Consort are missing; please send them back. Otherwise... I can't guarantee that this Consort will return His Highness unharmed." Miss Xiao Yun finally put away her smile; her pretty face was full of malice. "His Highness is the Li Prince of Chu, and injuring him won’t be easy for you to escape from," she said.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. "You seem to think I don't know that this Consort is the King's Consort of Ding in Chu. Kidnapping me would make your Li Prince share responsibility too. Smart people will follow my instructions immediately; otherwise... even if I can’t escape, I can still ensure a very ugly death for your Li Prince. Dark Three, anyone who acts rashly should be dealt with by attacking the Li Prince’s body. Don't hold back. Whatever happens afterward, this Consort takes full responsibility."

Dark Three happily answered loudly: "This subordinate follows orders."

Moi Jingli snorted coldly and said, "You don’t need to threaten me. Xiao Yun, tell someone to push aside the horses and follow her instructions. I’ll personally escort them out."

Miss Xiao Yun hesitated but seeing Dark Three's glinting dagger at Mo Jingli’s waist, she swallowed her protest instead. She stared at Ye Li with a warning: "If anything happens to His Highness, even if you run to the ends of the earth I won’t let you off." Ye Li smiled and said, "Don't worry, I’m not interested in your prince. But... be careful! Don’t let me see you again!"

Dark Three led Mo Jingli, whose acupoints had been disabled, while the other three escorted Ye Li out of the courtyard. The four of them silently knocked out several guards earlier on their way out, so no one stopped them now. Outside the door, there were indeed a few horses waiting; Dark One and Dark Two inspected them before nodding to Ye Li.

Ye Li instructed: "Dark Three, take Prince Li with you. Let’s go."

Xiao Yun hurried forward as they exited: "You’ve got the horses already, why don’t you release His Highness"

Dark Three scoffed, "Do we look stupid Releasing Prince Li now would just give them a chance to come and capture us again." He casually threw Mo Jingli onto a horse’s back. Dark Three also mounted his own horse. Ye Li sat on her horse and smiled at Xiao Yun: "Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your prince returns safely. But... if I see anyone following who shouldn't be there, each time I'll have someone stab Prince Li in the back."

Xiao Yun gritted her teeth but couldn't do anything when Mo Jingli was still in Ye Li's hands. She could only bitterly say: "Rest assured, I won’t let anyone chase you. Hope that Ding King’s Consort keeps her promise."

"Mutual."

The five horses galloped off wildly; they slowed down after running over twenty miles. Dark One looked back at their path and said, "It looks like the other side is keeping its word and hasn’t sent anyone to chase us." Dark Three snorted: "If they want Prince Li riddled with holes, just follow them then." Forced to lie on his horse’s back, Mo Jingli had been shaken until he was pale. He glared at Ye Li as if wanting to devour her, but no matter how sharp his gaze, it had no real effect and was ignored by Ye Li.

"Consort, shall we head back to the palace The prince is very worried about your safety," Dark One asked solemnly.

Ye Li shook her head with a smile: "Not going."

The gazes of Dark Two, Three, and Four all concentrated on Ye Li. She looked at Mo Jingli's ashen face and smiled. "It’s rare for Prince Li to go through the trouble of kidnapping this Consort; it can’t just be that, right"

Moi Jingli warily watched Ye Li: "What do you want"

Ye Li smiled gently: "I don't want anything. Even if... I wanted something, I wouldn't tell His Highness!" She bent down and gave Mo Jingli’s neck a chop; already dizzy and disoriented, he fainted completely.

The four Dark Guards didn’t know what Ye Li was up to so they all looked at her, hoping she would give them instructions. Ye Li smiled: "Find a suitable place to dump Prince Li. Let's change horses and go somewhere else."

"Consort, the prince..." Even though they obeyed Consort’s orders now, they still had to remind Consort that the prince was worried about her safety.

Ye Li thought for a moment: "It’s already spring; his body will be fine temporarily. Dark Three, when dealing with Mo Jingli, send word to the prince as well. We’ll return later."

"Yes, Consort," said Dark Three smilingly. He felt that following this Consort was full of surprises and much more interesting than other Dark Guards' routine life.

"Your Highness Consort, please don't address me as such. Mr. Chu."

"Yes, sir."

An Three went to handle the matter of Mo Jingli and delivering letters; An Two and An Three took care of the horses and cleaning up any traces left on their journey. An One silently followed Ye Li, who walked輕鬆地。一邊走，葉璃還不忘詢問了這幾天的事情。“青鸞和青玉失蹤的事讓我有些擔心。”“青玉和青鸞留在瑤華宮外麵，應該是起火之時想要衝進去的時候被人帶走的。墨景黎綁兩個丫頭做什麼？不對…墨景黎想要從神不知鬼不覺地從宮裡帶出那麼多人根本不可能。所以，青玉和青鸞應該還在宮中。”

"Your Highness Consort" An One was quite impressed by his new master. "If not for the skills and advice that Your Highness Consort secretly imparted to them over the past half year, they wouldn't have been able to find the clues left behind and locate the estate on the outskirts of the capital so quickly." "Is Your Highness Consort worried about Miss Qingluan and Miss Qingyu If they are still in the palace, the Prince will surely be able to find them. Your Highness Consort doesn’t need to worry."

Ye Li frowned slightly and sighed softly in her heart. “If they were merely imprisoned, it wouldn't be too bad. But I fear…”

"Even if the secret guards of the Prince's household couldn't find them, there’s nothing we can do here by getting anxious. Let’s trust that those two young ladies will have divine protection and won’t come to any harm. If they are indeed in the hands of Li Prince, for his own safety, he would release them." Ye Li nodded her head. "Let's hope so. Come, we still need to stay in the capital for another half a month. During this time, let An Three and An Four find ways to enter the palace and see if there are any clues."

An One was startled, quickly catching up. “Yes, Your Highness Consort… Are we leaving the capital”

"That’s correct."

In a small unnamed courtyard on the outskirts of the capital, it was clearly deserted. The owner had left in a hurry and hadn’t even taken some valuable antique paintings from inside the rooms. Mo Xiuyao sat in the small garden looking at the newly planted peach tree and the flowers that were toxic throughout the flower beds. Shen Yang followed him, admiring how someone could plant such dangerous flora together; it must be an expert in poison. To his delight, he found a few rare poisonous plants he had been searching for and carefully uprooted them to take back.

"Your Highness, we’re late. The owner has left," Feng Zhirao said as he handed Mo Xiuyao a book taken from the room: "This is indeed where Your Highness Consort lived."

Mo Xiuyao took the book and opened it; it was an ordinary poetry collection with a note inside, written in light red ink that read “Safe. Don’t worry.”

Feng Zhirao glanced at Mo Xiuyao’s face and continued: "There are signs of a struggle in several hidden corners of the courtyard, along with traces of blood. The charcoal in the kitchen is still warm, so they couldn’t have left long ago. In my opinion, it was probably Your Highness Consort's secret guards who found her." Feng Zhirao felt somewhat annoyed that the guards didn't notify them to rescue Ye Li together; now all he could do was guess if she had been rescued or not.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao’s increasingly gloomy expression, Feng Zhirao began to envy Cold Haoyu who had gone south.

"What about Mo Jingli"

Feng Zhirao hesitated and said: "We haven’t seen him yet, but… as Li Prince, he can't go missing for long. However, we didn't catch him in the act or find Your Highness Consort, so there's no evidence to charge him." Feng Zhirao had underestimated Mo Jingli; everything here was unrelated to him, including the owner of this courtyard who seemed just an ordinary merchant. All they knew now was that a woman had been living here for some time, but her identity, age and appearance were unknown.

Shen Yang, who was digging in the flower beds said: "The previous resident should be a woman from South Border."

Feng Zhirao raised an eyebrow. “How do you know”

Shen Yang pointed to the garden and said: “Besides that peach tree, everything here is poisonous, including several kinds of plants unique to South Border. Even if it were someone from our Chu Kingdom or South Border who isn’t a specialist in poison, they wouldn't recognize them. Also… this.” Shen Yang dug up a shiny little object from the soft soil under the peach tree and threw it to Feng Zhirao. Feng Zhirao held it and said: “What’s this It looks like a female ornament.”

Mo Xiuyao glanced at it and said coolly, "This is part of a headdress worn by unmarried noblewomen from South Border. And… only the daughters of prominent families can use it. The back of the sapphire should have an emblem; that’s the family crest of a major South Border clan. Send people to investigate.” Feng Zhirao turned over the blue sapphire ornament and finally found a small, somewhat blurry mark in a hidden corner. Without Mo Xiuyao's reminder, he would likely not have noticed it at all, seeing it as just an imperfection on the ornament.

"Family crest Do people in South Border like to engrave family crests on their jewelry"

Shen Yang shook his head. “In South Border, a family’s emblem represents their identity and honor. They not only put it on their jewelry but also on their clothes. In South Border, ordinary people usually recognize these major clan emblems; they automatically make way for them.”

"Yuli wouldn't bury useless items here," Mo Xiuyao said coolly. "It looks like she has already left."

Feng Zhiyao nodded and put away the gemstone ornament, saying, "Alright, I'll send someone to investigate."

"Your Excellency," a guard entered with a letter in hand and said, "This was found outside just now."

Moxiu Yao took the letter, opened it, and read. His eyebrows furrowed as he looked at Feng Zhiyao and asked, "Your Excellency"

Moxiu Yao refolded the letter and put it back in his sleeve before looking up to tell Feng Zhiyao, "Let's return to the capital."

"Then what about Your Excellency's wife..."

"It was delivered by a secret guard stationed near A-li. She has already escaped danger. As for Mo Jingli… send someone westward five miles and find Mo Jingli to bring him back to the capital. Remember, I want him returned safely and unharmed to Li王府. Don't alert anyone." Feng Zhiyao nodded, "Has Your Excellency's wife already returned"

Moxiu Yao looked at him for a moment before saying, "The Duchess of Ding Kingdom has gone missing; all activities under the jurisdiction of the Duke have been halted to focus on searching for her whereabouts."

Feng Zhiyao was startled. He could clearly see that Moxiu Yao's mood hadn't improved much, and wisely swallowed his questions. "Yes, I'll go now," he said. "By the way, Secret Guard Three and others have grown a lot over these past six months; they're almost invisible." While grumbling at Feng Zhiyao, he quickly left to give orders. It was best not to provoke the王爺 when he wasn't in a good mood. But… this period of low pressure should be over soon, right

In the capital city's streets, a young man in white robes walked leisurely with his fan in hand. He had a face like jade and eyes like shooting stars, though he appeared somewhat immature. Nonetheless, it was clear that given time, he would become a gentleman of incomparable charm rivaling any handsome man in the capital. Two guards followed behind him, causing passersby to glance curiously, wondering whose young master was out with his bodyguards.

Dark Guard Three stood somewhat uncomfortably on the street, nudging Dark Guard Four beside him subtly as he watched the relaxed young master browsing stalls. "What does Your Excellency… I mean, what is he doing"

"Didn't he say to wait for news from the leader" Dark Guard Four replied coolly.

Dark Guard Three grumbled, "Need we parade around the street If anyone in the estate sees us…" Imagining his master's reaction upon returning home without permission after escaping danger, Dark Guard Three could almost picture Moxiu Yao’s face turning red. The duchess wasn't a problem, but as secret guards, they would surely be in for it.

Dark Guard Four grimaced slightly and glanced at the young master ahead. "If we didn’t know beforehand, would you even recognize the duchess" Their master's skill in male disguises was far superior to those who merely sneak out of their estates; her appearance had been completely altered from head to toe. Even changeling experts couldn't tell that she wasn't a man because no disguise tools or masks were used. Anyone pointing at the young master and saying he’s a woman would be ridiculed by everyone on the street. This was why the duchess could stroll so confidently in the capital.

Dark Guard Three nodded in agreement, feeling somewhat uncomfortable standing openly under the daylight in the bustling city. Dark Guard Four tugged at his still-dazed companion, "Let's go; as long as you don’t look like a thief, no one will recognize us." Remembering their master’s words, they followed the retreating figure of the young master.

After Leafy had finished shopping and returned to her temporary residence in the capital city inn, Dark Guard One and Two were already waiting for her inside Room Tian number 1.

"Lord XU sent this letter," said Dark Guard One as he handed it over. "He invites you to meet him at Jing Ling Temple tomorrow outside the city gates. Tomorrow, Lord XU along with Lady XU and several of his nephews will go there to pray for Your Excellency's well-being." Leafy nodded but felt troubled about how she would explain her prolonged absence from home and her future plans to her uncle. She rubbed her temples and looked at Dark Guard Two, "Have we heard anything from Qing Luan and Qing Yu"

"The王爺 sent people last night to bring them back to the estate," replied Dark Guard Two. However, they seem to have lost their memory and can't recall what happened." He frowned as he added, "They were found in the Cold Palace."

Leafy furrowed her brows at this news of amnesia and asked, "What did Your Excellency say"

"He had them stay within the estate for recuperation with strict rules against any unauthorized contact. He also sent Doctor Shen to diagnose them. The estate's defenses are tight; although I know the layout well, I didn’t dare approach too closely. Therefore, I couldn't get detailed information," Dark Guard Two said apologetically.

"You did a good job." Leafy knew that the security at Moxiu Yao’s residence was tight, and it was impressive that Dark Guard Two could infiltrate without being detected. However, she frowned slightly. By isolating Qing Luan and Qing Yu, Moxiu Yao seemed to be trying to calm them down but also had his suspicions about them. Leafy trusted her uncles and grandfather deeply; thus, she never considered the possibility of betrayal from these two servants who were closer than others like Qing Xiang or young Qing Shuang. After a moment’s silence, Leafy decided not to interfere immediately. She was leaving the capital soon anyway, and originally had no plans to take those maids with her. Moxiu Yao wouldn’t casually dispose of people around her either. Therefore… she would let Moxiu Yao see if he could trust them.

The next day after morning court sessions, Lord XU indeed led his family to Jing Ling Temple as they had planned. This didn't attract much attention since it was known how fond the XUs were of their nephews and nieces. Initially, Lord XU unhesitatingly faced the Li王府 over protecting his niece's honor against the Shangshu Mansion and Wang Li. After Leafy’s marriage to Moxiu Yao, several of his nephews even escorted her during the wedding procession. With Leafy mysteriously missing after the fire, it was only natural for the family to pray at Jing Ling Temple for her safety.

Qin Zeng, as a close friend of Leafy and future second Missus XU, accompanied Lady XU there too. She genuinely worried about her missing friend and joined in praying respectfully before all the Buddha statues and deities within the temple. Lady XU was pleased with this gentle and amiable young woman who would soon become her daughter-in-law.

"Miss Qin," a clear voice startled Qin Zeng, who turned to find a handsome youth wearing light-colored clothing standing beside her. She frowned slightly as she felt an eerie familiarity about the smiling boy before her but was certain that she didn't know him. "Who are you" she asked.

The young man stepped forward calmly and introduced himself, saying he was named Chu Junwei and was an acquaintance of XU’s second son. Qin Zeng nodded understandingly after a moment's hesitation and agreed to pass his message on to the second son of Lord XU.

"Thank you," Leafy smiled warmly as she observed from behind them.

Leafy sat quietly in one of Jing Ling Temple’s lesser-used prayer halls, which were seldom visited by others due to their secluded location and unimportant deities being worshiped there. The temple was usually only tended to by the young monks who kept it clean.

"Leafy"

When Ye Li opened her eyes and sat up, she saw Xu Hongyan and Xu Qingze standing at the door, frowning as they looked at her. Ye Li smiled brightly, "Second Uncle, Eldest Brother, don’t you recognize me" After sizing her up for a while, Xu Hongyan shook his head and said, "You brat, I really didn’t recognize you when we met outside just now." Even Xu Qingze’s usually indifferent face had softened somewhat. He nodded silently to indicate that he also hadn’t recognized her. Ye Li smiled apologetically, “I saw that Second Uncle seemed to be talking with the abbot and head monk, so I asked Second Uncle and Eldest Brother to come here instead since it wouldn’t have been appropriate for me to go over there.”

The three of them sat down. Xu Hongyan frowned at her male attire and scolded, "You brat! Since you’re out of danger now, why don’t you return to the Wangfu If not for His Highness sending word that you were safe, news would have already been sent to Yun Zhou about your disappearance. Do you want to rush your grandfather to death"

Seeing Second Uncle’s anxious and angry expression, Ye Li felt quite apologetic as she blinked at him pitifully, "Second Uncle, I know that what I did was wrong. But… going back now wouldn’t be beneficial for me. They’ll plan another scheme if this one fails. It’s better to stay in hiding now where they can’t see us. We’ll see who ends up outwitting whom."

Xu Hongyan glared at her and said, "You have cleverly planned things! Now, people on the streets are spreading rumors that Prince Ding is a wife-beater!"

Ye Li smiled, "What’s so bad about that Even if I’m not around, Mo Xiuyao can’t remarry."

Xu Qingze sat quietly to the side as he listened to their conversation. He frowned and looked at Ye Li and asked, “Are you planning on doing something else” It was impossible for a princess of Prince Ding’s harem to remain in the capital city disguised as a man for long; it would eventually be discovered if she interacted with them too much.

Ye Li put away her smile and looked at Uncle and Eldest Cousin seriously, "I’m going to Nanjiang."

"That’s nonsense!" Xu Hongyan snapped angrily.

"Second Uncle…" Ye Li helplessly looked at Xu Hongyan while giving a glance with her eyes for Xu Qingze to speak up for her. Unfortunately, Xu Qingze also frowned and stared at her disapprovingly.

“Say nothing more,” Xu Hongyan waved his hand and said, “If you don’t like being in the capital city, then go back to Yun Zhou; it’s been many years since you’ve seen your grandfather.”

"Uncle… I’m the Princess of Prince Ding. How can I just run away because I am unhappy with dealing with people and matters in the capital That would be such a loss for Mo Xiuyao to marry me." Ye Li smiled. Xu Hongyan looked at her sideways and said coolly, “Do you also want to go to Nanjiang to do something else Can’t Prince Ding’s harem men take care of themselves Why must you personally travel so far away Don’t tell me that you are going back to Yun Zhou to explain to your grandfather.”

"Second Uncle…" Ye Li looked at her outfit and realized it wouldn’t be appropriate for a lady to act spoiled. She could only look helplessly at Second Uncle, “Big Brother is there as well; Second Uncle doesn’t need to worry about my safety.”

“Does Prince Ding know what you mean” Xu Hongyan asked.

Ye Li felt a little guilty because she hadn’t met Mo Xiuyao yet.

"What do you want to do in Nanjiang" Xu Qingze looked at Ye Li and asked directly.

Ye Li shot him an annoyed glance but still replied honestly, "The situation in Nanjiang is even worse than the capital city; I’m not comfortable with Big Brother being there alone. Since I don’t need to show up for now in the capital city, I want to go and see."

Xu Hongyan frowned, “Your brother can take care of himself and will act within his means. What help could a lady like you offer As for the capital city… does Prince Ding intend on using your disappearance to make the Emperor and Empress fight”

"They were already fighting fiercely anyway. But they shouldn’t have brought in Prince Ding’s harem as well," Ye Li said furrowing her brow, “Prince Ding’s harem can’t just wait around for others to scheme against them indefinitely; Uncle must know why Big Brother went to Nanjiang. If things aren’t stable there, the entire Chu Kingdom could be plunged into war. Since I’m already married to Prince Ding’s harem, their stance is also my own. I won’t sit idly like other noblewomen and do nothing when others don’t give me a chance.”

Xu Hongyan frowned, "You… managing the Wangfu well and ensuring Prince Ding doesn’t have any worries already fulfills your duty as his queen consort."

"Since we are husband and wife, we should share in our hardships together. His Highness has physical ailments which prevent him from traveling far; what’s wrong with me stepping up to do what he can’t" Ye Li said resolutely.

Occasionally, when she recalled Mo Xiuyao’s words, she felt a sense of unease. If the situation in Nanjiang spiraled out of control as they had expected, Mo Xiuyao would be forced to lead his troops personally regardless of his health. Ye Li shuddered at the thought of how he might not even make it back alive if he really did go into battle with such a fragile body. There was also Xu Qingchen; the talented and intelligent young master was correct. But, no matter how long a clan had existed for, their guards could never match those of the royal family or Wangfu. Ye Li knew clearly that Xu Qingchen was indeed an untrained weakling.

Ye Li looked seriously at Xu Hongyan, "Second Uncle, I have made up my mind and won’t put myself in danger."

Xu Hongyan sighed helplessly as he watched his determined niece. “Li’er, you are a lady; there’s no need for you to take responsibility for everything. No matter whether it is your brother or Prince Ding, their matters aren’t your responsibilities.”

Ye Li smiled faintly, "I know that if I were ignorant and helpless, I would naturally stay in a safe place where others could protect me. But since I can offer some help, why should Big Brother go alone Don’t think that I don’t know; Second Eldest Brother, Third Eldest Brother, Fourth Eldest Brother, and Fifth Younger Brother all want to go to Nanjiang to assist him, but they are too busy. Now, I am leaving under the guise of my disappearance to help Big Brother so that Grandfather and Uncle can rest easy."

Xu Hongyan glared angrily at her, “Rest easy Can your heart be at ease”

Ye Li blinked, "Second Uncle, you should admit that I am better than Third Eldest Brother. You trust him to go to the military camp; why can’t you trust me"

"He’s a man; if he gets hurt or injured, it’s fine. Can you match up to him" Xu Hongyan asked, but Ye Li saw a hint of wavering in his words. She hurriedly persuaded him, "I’m not going alone; my Shadow Guards will accompany me. Second Uncle…"

Xu Hongyan gave in and said, “In any case, you are already married off now so go ask Prince Ding yourself. If he doesn’t agree with it, talking to me won’t help.”

“Thank you, Uncle,” Ye Li was overjoyed; she thought convincing her uncle was more difficult than persuading Mo Xiuyao.

Xu Hongyan looked at her joyful face and sighed helplessly. A lady couldn’t be too fragile as it would lead to the same fate as his little sister’s mother, but neither could a lady be overly strong or wise like this niece of his. He only hoped that Prince Ding would restrain her so she could stay in the capital city or go back to Yun Zhou peacefully.ening on stage. Mo Xiuyao patted her reassuringly, saying softly, "Don’t worry; Brother is fine."Xu Qingchen clearly knew Mu Mengxiong wouldn't dare kill him and chose to sit beside Ling Tiehan, who c...