188 First Return to RuYang
g'er done wrong that you have to beat him like this He’s still so young... He's your only son… Waaaaah… Miss Third, even if Rong'er offended you in some way... but you two are siblings…""Lily, go into...188. First Return to Ruyang City
The city of Ruyang was filled with joy and celebration, for the long-missing Princess Consort of Ding Wang had returned safely. Not only did Princess Consort return, but also her young crown prince, who was seven months into his pregnancy inside her womb. The entire city felt like it was celebrating a festival, as everyone knew that she led twenty thousand troops against the Western Capital's Prince Regent with remarkable success despite being a woman. Now that both the Princess Consort and the young crown prince have returned safely, isn't this proof of divine favor upon Prince Ding Wang
In such chaotic times, common folk usually do not concern themselves with formalities or scholars' teachings; they would support whoever provided them with peace and stability. During the current chaos in Chu State, the northwestern region hit first by war had unexpectedly become a place of tranquility, largely due to Princess Consort's efforts. Therefore, her return naturally brought joy to everyone and instilled greater confidence about the future of the northwest.
Amidst this celebration, however, the Governor’s residence within the city remained quiet despite everyone else's happiness. The time was not yet right for celebration.
In a bedroom, Ye Li sat by the side of the bed looking at the pale and unconscious man beside her, feeling heartache. Shen Yang carefully removed the silver needles from Mo Xiuyao’s body before washing his hands. Concerned, Ye Li asked, "Mr. Shen, how is His Royal Highness" Afternoon had truly frightened Ye Li when Mo Xiuyao suddenly fainted, with signs of blood trickling from his orifices.
"It's all because I forgot today’s date; why would the Prince Regent suffer like this..." Spending months in the mountains and days without sun or moon at the imperial mausoleum made Ye Li lose track of time. She hadn’t realized it was already a full moon day. Shen Yang reassured her, "Princess Consort, rest assured that His Royal Highness is fine for now."
"He used acupoint obstruction to block pain, but the monthly full-moon pain can't be blocked. Forcing himself like this has naturally caused some internal injuries. Thankfully we caught it early; there's no major issue," Shen Yang said. Ye Li frowned, "I've seen Xiuyao suffer before, but this time is different. Mr. Shen, please tell me honestly if something’s wrong with him." Shen Yang sat down and said, "Princess Consort, calm down. His Royal Highness has been quieter these past months, not because the poison's effect lessened but because his endurance seems to have increased. Perhaps it can be said that... he doesn't feel pain as acutely anymore. Thankfully there isn’t any other issue currently; this is a good thing. Now Princess Consort’s safe return allows me to focus solely on treating His Royal Highness’ condition."
The past few months had been tough for many, including Shen Yang. He couldn't spend long periods in secluded places studying medicine or venture far for rare herbs or expert medical advice since he needed to constantly monitor Mo Xiuyao's condition to avoid any accidents. Even with his adjustments to Mo Xiuyao’s diet and supplements, if it continued this way, Shen Yang would confidently say that even if the poison was removed, His Royal Highness wouldn’t live more than three years; he’d wear himself out first. With Princess Consort back now, things would be easier.
Ye Li nodded, looking at Mo Xiuyao's calm sleeping face with a hint of guilt and pity in her eyes, "Thank you, Mr. Shen. I'll take care of him for now; please rest."
Shen Yang stood up and bowed, saying, "Princess Consort is also quite tired herself. You should find some time to rest too. If anything happens, just call me."
After sending off Shen Yang and dismissing the servants, Ye Li sat by Mo Xiuyao’s side quietly looking at his pale handsome face, her hand lightly caressing the long scar on his left cheek with a sigh, "Xiuyao..."
In the early morning, when Ye Li woke up in a warm embrace, she looked up to see the nearby sleeping couch. She had slept on a soft couch last night to avoid disturbing Mo Xiuyao but now found herself nestled in his arms. As soon as she moved, he opened his eyes and quietly gazed at her. Ye Li smiled faintly, "Feeling better" His eyes shone brightly; he nuzzled against her shoulder before pulling her closer, saying, "Painful... Need to sleep more." Ye Li gently brushed back the hair from his face, feeling bitter: How could he possibly sleep when in pain all over Yet she didn’t argue and nodded softly, "Alright then, go on and rest some more."
"Sleep with me, Ah Li." Mo Xiuyao said with his eyes closed. Ye Li responded, "Then sleep."
However, their desire to lounge in bed a little longer was not granted by others. Soon after, there was a commotion outside the courtyard, and Ye Li faintly heard the voices of Han Mingchi and others. They had returned late at night yesterday evening, so nobody else besides Shen Yang was called over for treatment because Mo Xiuyao was still unconscious. It's no wonder that they came early this morning to cause trouble. Sitting up helplessly, Ye Li hadn't even spoken before Mo Xiuyao sat up abruptly as well. His expression was frighteningly stern. They didn't summon the serving maids and left their rooms calmly only after tidying up properly, but a commotion had already started outside by then. However, the Dark Bodyguards were doing their duty, standing guard at the entrance and preventing anyone from rushing in despite how urgent matters seemed.
Seeing Han Mingchi standing at the courtyard's entrance with an angry expression, Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Mingchi, I heard your voice early this morning. What's going on"
Han Mingchi was startled when he suddenly heard Ye Li’s voice and turned around abruptly to see her smiling beside the door in a green robe, revealing an expression of joy. He exclaimed, “Junwei!” Without further ado, Han Mingchi darted towards Ye Li's direction. However, someone was faster than him despite his unparalleled lightness kung fu skills. Mo Xiuyao at Ye Li’s side wouldn’t let anyone get near her and blocked the approaching Han Mingchi with a ruthless palm strike.
Han Mingchi jumped in fright, somersaulted several times mid-air, and stepped back over ten feet to dodge it before exclaiming, "Mo Xiuyao! What are you doing!"
The people around them couldn’t help but feel anxious for Han Mingchi as they clearly saw how terrifying the man’s expression was. Mo Xiuyao didn’t say a word and lunged forward to strike several more palms at Han Mingchi. Han Mingchi's martial arts skills were mediocre at best, so he could not be his match. He was flustered and could only dodge around. Fortunately for him, his lightness kung fu skill indeed lived up to its reputation as the peerless one in the江湖 (jianghu), otherwise it would have been hard to say what consequences Mo Xiuyao’s powerful palm strikes with deadly intent might bring.
"Xiuyao, what are you doing" Ye Li sighed helplessly. Was this a case of morning irritability She had never seen before that Mo Xiuyao would suddenly attack someone without warning like this. Mo Xiuyao paused for a moment and then raised his eyes to glance at Han Mingchi who was perched on the branch of a tree, too afraid to come down. He said coldly, "Han Mingchi, I warned you to be careful with your life!"
Han Mingchi was startled in his heart because nobody else knew except for him that Mo Xiuyao’s expression when he stared at him just now definitely contained genuine killing intent. Mo Xiuyao wasn’t venting his anger on him but was genuinely trying to kill him.
"Alright." Ye Li walked over and pulled down Mo Xiuyao's hand, holding it tightly. She had been a sniper in her previous life, so she was extremely sensitive towards the environment and atmosphere; how could she not have noticed the killing intent in Mo Xiuyao’s words She patted his back soothingly and smiled at Han Mingchi when he seemed to have relaxed somewhat. "Mingchi, it's been quite a while since we last saw each other. What are you making such a commotion about early in the morning"
Han Mingchi touched his hair and said bitterly, "Sorry, I heard yesterday evening that the queen consort had returned, but so late..."
Ye Li nodded apologetically. “I am sorry for keeping everyone waiting.” The others were only now coming to their senses and knelt down in unison saying, "We report to Your Excellency the King and Queen Consort."
Although the imperial court had issued an edict depriving Mo Xiuyao of his title, people in Ruyang City and throughout Northwest China still respectfully addressed him as ‘Your Excellency the King’ and Ye Li as 'Queen Consort'. Mo Xiuyao didn't have any objections to this. He was already used to being called by that title, so there wasn’t a need to think of another one. It also sent a message to Mo Jingqi: he wanted to be king without needing anyone’s endorsement. Mo Xiuyao stared at his subordinates sternly, making everyone's hearts race nervously. Since the queen consort had an accident, the king's temper became particularly unpredictable despite still being as wise and decisive in big matters as ever. People could now understand from his expression that something was amiss. The king and queen consort just reunited after a long separation, naturally wanting to spend some private time together. It would be surprising if he were happy about them causing a commotion early morning. Thus, they cast resentful glances at Han Mingchi who had just jumped down from the tree, while half of them looked with hope towards Ye Li standing beside Mo Xiuyao.
Ye Li smiled and pulled on Mo Xiuyao's hand discreetly. He snorted and said, "Enough talk; everyone get up."
"Thank you Your Excellency the King and Queen Consort." The others were greatly relieved and quickly got up to thank them.
After the formalities were completed, those who had nothing to discuss hurriedly took their leave. Nobody was a fool; if the Prince didn't want to see them, they would be wise to disappear. Mo Xiuyao looked at the few people who remained with displeasure and said in a deep voice, "What do you have" Feng Zhirao helplessly rubbed his nose because he did indeed have something important. He stepped forward and said, "Your Excellency Prince, news of the Princess Consort’s safe return has already spread. We will probably be hearing from the court soon as well. We need to come up with a plan quickly. Furthermore, officials below report that the citizens are planning a lantern festival in celebration of the Princess Consort's safe return and for the little crown prince's wellbeing. Do you know if Your Excellency and your wife will participate" When he mentioned the court, Mo Xiuyao’s expression became even darker; he snorted lightly and said, "Mou Jingqi won't be that quick. We don’t need to pay attention now. If someone is dispatched here, just send them back!"
Feng Zhirao helplessly shrugged his shoulders at the lack of response. Qin Feng stepped forward and said, "Your Excellency Prince and Princess Consort, what should we do with the two people who were brought back yesterday"
When she heard this, Ye Li immediately asked, “Have you found out anything about Dr. Lin whom I told you to look for” Qin Feng nodded, saying, “Dr. Lin was injured and was taken away via another route by Tan Jizhi’s men. He is probably planning to take him back to the capital. They arrived in Ruyang City this morning. Do you wish to see Dr. Lin now” Ye Li shook her head after thinking for a moment and said, “Take good care of Dr. Lin. Let him rest well first.” Qin Feng nodded his head, showing that he understood clearly what she meant. He looked at Mo Xiuyao who was standing on the side before continuing, "Tan Jizhi wants to see Your Excellency Prince and Princess Consort." Ye Li naturally remembered why she had spared Tan Jizhi's life yesterday; she raised her head to look at Mo Xiuyao and saw his displeased expression. She helplessly smiled in an attempt to calm him down and said to Qin Feng, "I will go with the prince later."
Mo Xiuyao was hugging Ye Li as he looked over everyone's faces; “Have you finished talking”
Zhuo Jing and Leng Haoyu were tactful enough to swallow their words back when they saw Mo Xiuyao’s threatening look. Since the matter wasn't urgent, if the prince didn’t want to listen then it was better not to say anything. They had originally come there early in the morning just to confirm that the princess consort had returned safely; this few months had been unbearable and they did not wish to face such a cold-hearted prince ever again.
As everyone left, Ye Li sighed softly. She knew what Mo Xiuyao was thinking, but how could he abandon everything if they were in their current positions She took Mo Xiuyao’s hand and walked back towards the small courtyard. "Shall we have breakfast and rest for a while before you play music for me later" she said in a soft voice. The dark look on Mo Xiuyao's face gradually faded as he looked at Ye Li with warmth and adoration, saying, “Alright.”
Smiling gently, Ye Li hugged one of his arms. There would be plenty more troubles to come; surely it was okay to indulge a little after just returning
In the afternoon, the large tree in the back garden also had a slight coolness to its shade. Ye Li leaned against a wooden support and leisurely read a book while Mo Xiuyao sat next to her lazily, his head buried beside Ye Li's shoulder as he closed his eyes to rest. Clearly, if not for Ye Li’s pregnancy, he would have slept with his head on her leg. Not minding this, she held the book in one hand and placed the other on Mo Xiuyao’s back, patting him softly from time to time.
As Feng Zhirao walked in, he saw a warm and tranquil scene before him. Seeing Mo Xiuyao's peaceful sleeping face, he suddenly felt regretful for disturbing their peace. However, the matter at hand required his attention so there was no other choice but to interrupt them. Ye Li saw his hesitant expression at the door and smiled faintly as she nodded towards Feng Zhirao, saying, "Third Brother Feng, come over here." Only then did Feng Zhirao step forward carefully. He glanced at Mo Xiuyao who was leaning against Ye Li, only to see him open his eyes and look at him before closing them again.
“Third Brother Feng, what’s the urgent matter” Seeing Feng Zhirao's terrified expression, Ye Li smiled gently as she put down her book and picked up a fan to cool Mo Xiuyao. To this, Mo Xiuyao seemed very pleased; he nuzzled his face against her leg before relaxing more.
Feng Zhirao looked at the sleeping Mo Xiuyao who had closed his eyes again and whispered softly, "Your Excellency Princess Consort, someone from court has come."
Ye Li raised her eyebrows, "What a coincidence" She had only returned yesterday when someone from Mo Jingqi arrived today. This seemed too coincidental. Feng Zhirao nodded, "Indeed, it is quite a coincidence. However, my subordinate investigated and found that the person has no connection with the Princess Consort; they also just left Feihong Pass yesterday. But there might be some relation to the person we apprehended yesterday."
"Tan Jizhi" Ye Li frowned as she thought about it. "Tan Jizhi is quite bold, wanting Mo Jingqi to rescue him Isn't he afraid that once his identity is exposed, the first one who would want him dead would be Mo Jingqi" Feng Zhirao smiled and said, "He probably never expected us to find out about his identity. My guess is that bringing in someone from Mo Jingqi was just a precautionary measure. After all, with the northwest now under our control, even if he is careful, it's possible for him to fall into our hands. If we didn't know about his other identity and its connection to the Princess Consort, simply apprehending Tan Jizhi would likely result in handing him back over to Mo Jingqi."
Ye Li nodded, "So that means... Mo Jingqi knows why Tan Jizhi came to the northwest. At least it must be something beneficial to him."
Feng Zhirao raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Does Tan Jizhi tell Mo Jingqi about the high ancestor’s imperial mausoleum in the northwest Mo Jingqi wants the treasures inside the royal tombs." It was said that the mysterious imperial mausoleum of the previous dynasty's founding emperor was one of the richest and most enigmatic among all the emperors' tombs. Even Feng Zhirao never imagined that a missing imperial mausoleum from the beginning would be located in the northwest. Ye Li paused her fanning, "How will he explain how he learned about the secrets of the imperial mausoleum"
"That's something we should ask Tan Jizhi," Feng Zhirao said with a smile.
Ye Li thought for a moment and said, "Tell Tan Jizhi that I need the antidotes for the poison on the Nightfall Flower and the poison on the body of his lordship. Also..." Ye Li frowned and continued, "Tell Qin Feng to interrogate Su Zuodie again; she must know something important. However, Tan Jizhi’s identity isn’t enough to make her hold out that long without confessing. Focus on questioning... how exactly did she meet Tan Jizhi!"
"I will follow your orders," Feng Zhirao asked, "What about the person Mo Jingqi sent"
Ye Li lowered her gaze and said calmly, "Let’s put them aside for now. We can deal with it when his lordship has time."
Hearing this, Feng Zhirao glanced at the sleeping Mo Xiyr who was leaning against a chair with an expression of tranquility; he twitched his mouth in response. Was his lordship very idle Workaholic lords were bad enough, but suddenly becoming lazy was even worse. Thinking about how high piles of documents had already accumulated on the desk in the study within just two days, Feng Zhirao felt as if everything before him turned dark. He hoped that this current situation would not persist for too long.
"I will take my leave,"Mo Jingqi is nearing death, the Prince Regent wants to accompany him on his journey."Since Duke Ding and Li had decided to come, they naturally had safety precautions in place. Thinking of Ye Li who s...