350 Farewell

better than wearing old clothes"The clothes inside the brocade box were indeed new garments made of expensive cloud-patterned silk. However, their lavish colors and rigid styles would likely make oth...350. Taking Leave

350. Taking Leave

"For Ah Li, this king would never regret it." Mo Xiuyao stood behind Ye Li and looked down at Mo Jingli.

Hearing Mo Xiuyao's words, Mo Jingli, who already had a bad expression on his face, became even more gloomy. He said with a cold smile, "Is that so" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and said, "Of course. This king is not one of those people who are blind to good things." Lazily sitting down on the chair beside Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao ignored Mo Jingli's displeased expression and looked at Ye Li with a somewhat unhappy look, saying, "Why does Ah Li talk alone with him"

Ye Li raised her eyebrows and said with a half-smile, "Doesn't this concubine have the right to talk to someone else"

Mo Xiuyao hurriedly smiled and said, "How could that be If Ah Li is willing to talk to others, it's their honor. However, some people are full of bad intentions, so Ah Li must be careful."

Ye Li smiled without a word, looking at him calmly. In terms of being full of malicious schemes, how many people in the world could match the Prince Ding Mo Xiuyao didn't mind Ye Li's teasing look and tilted his head to ask beside Ye Li, "Does Prince Li have anything else to say" Even if Mo Jingli originally had something else to say, he was now so angry that he almost forgot it. He snorted and stood up, saying, "This king is here to escort Ying'er back to the inn."

"So it's like this," Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "Then Prince Li can do as you please. By the way... According to the sage's words, one should never abandon a wife who has shared hardships with him. Although Princess Consort Li doesn't quite fit that description, she has accompanied Prince Li for many years. Now, if Prince Li wants to demote her just because of the girl from Cangmang Mountain without hesitation, it will make people think that Prince Li is greedy and fond of wealth. It's not good for your reputation."

Mo Jingli gritted his teeth and said, "Prince Ding is overthinking this. This king doesn't have such intentions."

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow without caring, clearly not believing Mo Jingli. Mo Jingli didn't want to explain anymore either; he turned around with a solemn face.

Watching the far-off figure of Mo Jingli, Ye Li smiled and said to Mo Xiuyao, "Your Excellency came at just the right time." Mo Xiuyao smiled warmly and said, "This king knew that Ah Li wouldn't want to talk with Prince Jingli either." Ye Li helplessly looked up at the sky; wasn't she praising him

"Ah Li, do you think it's likely for Prince Jingli to marry Dongfang You" Mo Xiuyao asked curiously.

Ye Li frowned slightly and said, "If Prince Jingli doesn't take any measures, the chance is not big." Although Dongfang You isn't smart, Dongfang Hui is a difficult person to deal with. With Dongfang Hui watching closely, Prince Jingli might not be able to achieve his wish. Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Just now, Dongfang Hui sent someone to convey a message that the marriage of Dongfang You can be considered as if it never happened. Cangmang Mountain is still willing to help Prince Ding."

"Did you refuse" Ye Li asked without hesitation.

"Of course." Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "In the future, how Prince Ding and the Prince Ding's Manor will develop doesn't include interference from Cangmang Mountain." Dongfang Hui might be smart, but she is also a large family with hundreds of years of heritage. Cangmang Mountain is different from the Xu Family. Although the power of the Xu Family may not compare to that of Cangmang Mountain, the members of the Xu Family are closer to the world. Over several hundred years, they have slowly integrated into the hearts of the people in this land, silently nurturing them. Even if the Xu Family were to fall, their names would still be recorded in history books forever. However, Cangmang Mountain placed itself on a position too far above the ordinary world. Every time they appear, it shakes the world and adds an enigmatic veil that makes people look up at them with admiration. Because of this, they have long been accustomed to their high status and rarely put themselves in the same place as most people.

"Dongfang Hui will be very angry," Dongfang Hui indeed has a lot of schemes and is smart, but she was born as an heir to Cangmang Mountain, and for decades had been its mistress. Actually, compared with her sister, Dongfang You, she can't tolerate others' rejection even more.

"So what if she's angry" Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows.

Ye Li smiled slightly and said, "That's right. So what if she's angry" The Prince Ding Manor has never been afraid of the power of enemies.

In the Dongfang residence that had just hung a plaque, Dongfang Hui dismissed the people who returned from the Prince Ding's Manor and her face turned cold. Standing in front of her was Dongfang You, who said worriedly, "Master, Prince Ding..." Dongfang Hui slowly replied, "Prince Ding refused." Dongfang You was taken aback, furrowing her brows and saying, "If it was because of the apprentice before, now... We no longer request a marriage. Why don't they agree"

Dongfang Hui sneered coldly and said, "Didn't you guess that The Prince Ding Manor never intended to cooperate with Cangmang Mountain from the beginning."

Dongfang You frowned and said, "That's unreasonable. With our assistance, the Prince Ding Manor would naturally be like adding wings to a tiger. Dealing with the Northern Rong and Western Ling will become easier as well. Why doesn't Prince Ding agree" Dongfang Hui smiled calmly and said, "You, although clever, were born without the mind or thoughts of an upper echelon person. This is what worries your master most. The power of the Prince Ding Manor is already formidable, with assistance from the Xu Family. If Mo Xiuyao aims for the whole world, he will eventually achieve it too. Although lacking Cangmang Mountain's power may delay him a bit, but... He would have no worries." Cangmang Mountain's strength makes others drool and wary; if Prince Ding Manor were to cooperate with them, Mo Xiuyao might fear that the future could become unmanageable and constrained by Cangmang Mountain.

"But Mo Xiuyao should also remember, without the aid of Cangmang Mountain, he might achieve his goals; however, as for me and my Cangmang Mountain... would we assist others" Dong Fanghui's expression changed, speaking coldly.

She could understand Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts, but she couldn’t accept it. Besides being wary of Cangmang Mountain, Mo Xiuyao seemed to not place much importance on Cangmang Mountain at all.

"Teacher…" Dong You was alarmed and looked at Dong Fanghui with concern.

Dong Fanghui’s expression eased a little as she smiled at her. "What do you have to say, Youer"

Wrinkling her brow, Dong You said, "Are you planning on choosing someone else for assistance But... in this world today, besides Lei Zhen霆 (note: the name contains a character that’s difficult to translate accurately and maintain the original meaning), it's unlikely anyone could be Mo Xiuyao’s match. However… from my perspective, Lei Zhen霆 likely doesn’t have any intention of cooperating with Cangmang Mountain either. Moreover, his age…" Lei Zhen霆 was much older than Mo Xiuyao. Even if Prince Ding did nothing but delay, he would still wear down Lei Zhen霆. Furthermore, Lei Teng風 (note: another character that’s challenging to translate) had been performing averagely all along; it might be difficult for him to dominate the world.

Dong Fanghui nodded approvingly. As long as it didn’t involve human relations and worldly affairs, Dong You's judgment and thoughts were exceptionally clear and precise.

"What’s your opinion then" Dong Fanghui asked.

Dong You looked at her hesitantly, wanting to speak but holding back. Seeing this in her eyes, Dong Fanghui’s expression darkened as she said, "If you still have feelings for Xu Qingchen, I advise you to give up on them early. The Xu family seems mild and courteous outwardly, but they are indifferent and merciless towards outsiders. You don’t meet their standards, so they won’t pity you in the least. Approaching them further would only bring humiliation."

Dong You looked at her teacher with some confusion, feeling that her words seemed to be said through gritted teeth for unknown reasons. However, her teacher was always composed and rational in front of her; Dong You thought it must have been her own imagination. Recalling Xu Qingchen’s cold rejection and Xu Qingyan's sharp ridicule, Dong You had to admit that what her teacher said was true. Yet even so, she felt unwilling to give up on him entirely and choose another person. Not only did this stem from her dissatisfaction with Xu Qingchen, but also because compared to people like Mo Jingli or Ren Qining, she still believed in the potential of Prince Ding’s estate regardless of how it was calculated. She felt that choosing someone else would greatly increase the likelihood of failure.

Indeed, precisely because Dong You didn’t understand human relations and worldly affairs, her way of looking at things wasn't easily swayed by emotions. For instance, while intelligent people like Dong Fanghui might think about supporting others to counter Prince Ding’s estate after being refused angrily, Dong You would simply be unable to understand the decision, feeling sad but rarely angry, which allowed her to see more clearly that Mo Jingli and Prince Ding's estate were far apart. There was no doubt a degree of selfishness in this perspective, but it was undoubtedly correct.

"Teacher, I don’t like Mo Jingli or Ren Qining," Dong You said with a frown.

Dong Fanghui smiled lovingly and replied, "Since you don't like them, teacher didn’t plan to marry you off to any of them. Why worry"

Wrinkling her brow, Dong You said, "But if it’s Mo Jingli or Ren Qining, they would definitely demand that I marry them." Otherwise, they wouldn’t believe in Cangmang Mountain's sincerity either. In the past, hadn’t previous generations of predecessors from Cangmang Mountain done the same How else could one prove to be the chosen successor of Cangmang Mountain if they didn't marry them

"If that’s truly so…" Dong Fanghui paused for a moment but did not say she wouldn’t force her. Instead, she said, "I will take it into serious consideration. Go rest first."

Dong You bit the corner of her lip and asked carefully, "Teacher, if I can find a way to make Qingchen marry me…"

Dong Fanghui clearly didn’t believe in her capabilities; she raised an eyebrow and said, “Wait until you actually have that ability before saying anything. Rest first, I need time to think.”

A wounded expression flashed across Dong You’s beautiful face as she silently retreated. Seeing the thoughtful look on her teacher’s face through the door, a determined light shone in her delicate eyes.

"Madam, Northern Border King Ren Qining requests an audience," the servant reported at the door while Dong Fanghui was lost in thought, her expression alternating between sorrow and joy before settling into a faint disappointment and resentment.

Raising an eyebrow slightly, she said calmly, "Ask him to wait in the hall."

"Yes."

Dong Fanghui tidied up her appearance before heading out to the main hall. Ren Qining was indeed already waiting there. Seeing Dong Fanghui enter, he quickly rose and greeted her with a bow: "Junior Lin Yuan greets Madam Dong."

With raised eyebrows, Dong Fanghui smiled at him and asked, “Lin Yuan Isn’t the Northern Border King surnamed Ren”

Ren Qining smiled helplessly and replied, “As a descendant of the previous dynasty’s nobles, I dare not use my true name in the world out of respect for our ancestors. It would be an insult to them.” In truth, Ren Qining longed to reclaim his original name, but it wasn’t the right time two years ago. Firstly, he still relied heavily on support from the Northern Border people; although his deceased queen was a woman of the Northern Border and exceptionally wise and perceptive, if he hastily changed his name or even the kingdom’s title, it would only infuriate her and the Northern Border nobility. Secondly, once he truly restored Lin Yuan's identity, both Prince Ding’s estate and Mo Jingli would become his enemies because the previous dynasty had fallen due to the combined efforts of Great Chu and Western Ling. At that point, he himself would be a target.

Dong Fanghui scrutinized him for quite some time before she said coolly, "Descendants of the previous dynasty have been trying to restore it over generations, but none succeeded in their endeavors. Your current achievements are commendable."

Ren Qining lowered his gaze and smiled faintly, saying, "Madam is too kind. The late ancestor's will is something this junior has never forgotten for a moment in his life. In those days, the Vast Wilderness Mountain had ties of blood with our dynasty as well; this junior humbly requests Madam’s assistance." Dong Huì fell silent and did not speak, Ren Qining knowing that she was considering what to do and thus did not try to persuade her hastily. He sat quietly by her side, waiting for her answer. After a long while, he heard Dong Huì say, "Sir Ren, I must admit that both your ability and determination are very impressive. However… it is unlikely to be an easy task for you to reclaim the country."

Ren Qining’s eyes flickered with a slight disturbance as he respectfully said, “I humbly ask Madam to kindly guide me.”

Dong Huì was not tactful either; she pondered for a moment before saying, "First and foremost, sir married the Northern Frontier princess during his early days in order to establish a kingdom. The current queen is also of Northern Frontier descent. Leaving aside other aspects, it will be extremely difficult for you to mobilize troops against the Central Plains and gain recognition from the clans there. Furthermore, I have heard that politics within the Northern Frontier government are not stable at present; conflict between former officials of your dynasty and the powerful in the Northern Frontier has been ongoing for a long time. Should internal strife arise before the country is unified, it would certainly be ominous. Even if you eventually succeed in entering the Central Plains, will this territory still belong to the Northern Frontier or to your former dynasty"

Ren Qining was silent; he could not help but admit that every word Dong Huì had said hit precisely on his current predicament and future troubles. He was well aware of these issues, yet circumstances at the time left him no choice but to act as such. "Is this what Madam means"

"Although Vast Wilderness Mountain has always remained neutral, we are still Central Plains people. We would never do anything that would invite foreign invasions into the Central Plains; I hope Sir can understand." Dong Huì spoke in a serious tone.

A shadow of gloom flashed across Ren Qining’s face. The rise of the Northern Frontier and its current political situation were largely due to external forces, something which not only others criticized but also deeply troubled Ren Qining and those who claimed to be former officials. Ren Qining gritted his teeth and said in a deep voice, "If I can ensure that all future government officials and royalty will be Central Plains people, would Madam consider helping me"

Dong Huì lowered her gaze as she replied calmly, “If it were truly so, being the legitimate descendant of your former dynasty, Sir’s situation would then be different.” Ren Qining was delighted to hear this and said, "Thank you, Madam. I hope that you will keep your word."

Dong Huì responded, "Would Vast Wilderness Mountain ever go back on its word"

Ren Qining nodded in satisfaction but before he could say anything else, someone rushed in and whispered something to him. Ren Qining’s expression changed slightly as he stood up and said to Dong Huì, “I have some urgent matters that I need to attend to; please forgive me for troubling you.” Dong Huì did not try to stop him from leaving, instructing someone to escort Ren Qining out.

"Master, do you really intend to help Ren Qining" Dong You stepped outside and frowned slightly at the door.

Dong Huì gave a light snort. "When did I say that Regardless of whether he is genuinely a descendant of the former dynasty… The Northern Frontier princess has done so much for him, yet he can still take her life without hesitation; such a person is fated to be unkind and disloyal. Once he obtains power, it may very well be his downfall."

"Then why did you…" Dong You was puzzled.

Dong Huì said, "I merely wanted to placate him temporarily. He used the relationship between our forebears and Vast Wilderness Mountain as leverage; naturally, I couldn’t just outright reject him. Moreover, do you think that he can resolve conflicts with the Northern Frontier officials in a short time It’s likely his strength will become weaker and weaker."

A look of bewilderment flashed across Dong You's face as she did not quite understand why her master hadn't simply rejected Ren Qining outright. Nonetheless, it was good that her master had chosen not to help him. As for Mo Jingli… she had ways of dealing with him!

In the temporary residence of the Northern Rong envoy, after a few days’ rest, Empress Dowager Liú’s injuries seemed to have improved somewhat. Yelü Hóng and Princess Róng Huá were preparing to depart for Northern Rong; although Yelü Yě wished he could keep his brother in Lí City longer to facilitate the Northern Rong court's arrangements, he could not find a good reason to remain there any longer. He could only invite Yelü Hóng to visit a city where he had troops stationed and stay for several days. Originally thinking that Yelü Hóng would likely refuse, given their brothers’ relationship was well-known, even Yelü Yě wouldn't dare venture into his brother’s territory alone. To everyone's surprise, however, Yelü Hóng agreed after some consideration.

The two brothers set out with plans for the future; before leaving, they naturally had to pay a visit to Duke Ding Wang and bid farewell to Ye Liú and Mo Xiuyao.

Ye Liú looked at Empress Dowager Liú who was accompanying Yelü Yě and felt a faint sense of pity. Perhaps because her identity had been exposed, this time around she did not wear the veil as before. However, Ye Liú would rather that she continued to do so; after all, just thinking about how those well-preserved beautiful features came about made her feel nauseous.

"Prince Yelü and Prince Seven have traveled a long way to come here. If there was anything I did not attend to properly during your stay, please forgive me," Mo Xiuyao smiled as he said to the two brothers. Yelü Hóng replied with a smile, "Duke Ding Wang is too kind; we are the ones who have been causing you trouble for so long. Today, as we bid farewell, should Duke Wang and Duchess visit Northern Rong in the future, this humble one will be more than happy to show them around."

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "Both my wife and I long admire the beauty of the grasslands; there must be an opportunity for us to make a trip there."

Yelü Hóng understood this as a tacit agreement and smiled back, saying, “Then in that case, I look forward to welcoming Duke Wang and Duchess at your convenience.”

Yelü Yě looked somewhat suspiciously between Mo Xiuyao and his brother. He felt there was something implied in their words. While he knew the letter accusing Yelü Hóng of colluding with Mo Xiuyao and betraying the country was false, now he began to doubt it himself. After giving a thoughtful look at Yelü Hóng, Yelü Yě said, "Brother King, Brother Queen, we should leave; it's getting late."

Yelü Hong did not refute and nodded, saying, "My seventh brother is right. We should leave now. Prince Ding, Princess Consort, we take our leave."

Ye Li smiled as she nodded, "Crown Prince, Princess, Seventh Prince, have a safe journey."

Osmancica Empress Liu, who was seated next to Yelü Ye, stared at Ye Li and suddenly spoke, "I want to take two people with me."

Upon hearing her words, everyone could not help but frown. Yelü Ye glared at Osmancica Empress Liu in a warning manner, but she ignored his gaze and looked at Ye Li, saying, "I intend to take Xiao Yun and Zhen Ning with me." Ye Li smiled slightly as she turned her head, "May I ask what name the Cui Yi Na lady would give for taking Long Xing Wang and Princess Zhen Ning"

Osmancica Empress Liu's face changed and she raised her chin, saying, "Don't they deserve my punishment after injuring me"

Ye Li remained calm as she said leisurely, "Injuring I thought the lady was trying to assassinate Long Xing Wang and Princess Zhen Ning and got injured by mistake. Since you say so, Seventh Prince, Long Xing Wang and Princess Zhen Ning also need an explanation from me. So please let Cui Yi Na stay."

"You dare! I am the seventh empress of Beirong!" Osmancica Empress Liu said loudly.

Yelü Ye frowned as he looked at Ye Li, "Princess Consort, this might not be appropriate." He was not reluctant to part with Osmancica Empress Liu. However, the influence she held over Beirong King would still be useful for him there. Moreover, on the surface, she was still his future princess consort. If she stayed in Li City, it would surely tarnish his reputation.

Yelü Hong suddenly laughed and said, "I remember my seventh brother’s spouse passed away a few years ago. When did you remarry Oh, that's right, Father King mentioned he will hold the wedding ceremony for you when we return to Beirong." The original Seventh Prince Consort was also from one of Beirong's major tribes and died from illness a few years ago. Yelü Ye had not remarried since then, but he never thought such a woman would appear now. As Osmancica Empress Liu had made him lose face in front of the Beirong King before, if Concubine Ding wanted to keep her here, Yelü Hong naturally was happy to offer help.

Yelü Ye's face darkened as he looked at Osmancica Empress Liu’s face and was also wavering. With the present standoff between Beirong Army and the Black Ink Military, the original use of Osmancica Empress Liu had been rendered useless, but her influence over Beirong King remained unique. However, just like what Yelü Hong said, as soon as they returned to Beirong, his father might hold a wedding ceremony for him. He never thought about actually marrying Osmancica Empress Liu as primary wife; even becoming a secondary concubine was not acceptable to him. Whether or not he should take her back with him or get rid of her this chance This was the question.

Seeing Yelü Ye’s deep thoughts flashing across his face, Osmancica Empress Liu felt alarmed in her heart. She knew very well what she would face if she were left behind in Li City and regretted rashly earlier. In these two years, she had sent many people injured, but this time not only did she lose face in front of Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, more importantly, the culprit who harmed her was her own daughter. How could she swallow this That’s why she asked Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li for Princess Zhen Ning and Xiao Yun earlier. Yet unexpectedly, it ended up costing herself.

Meeting Ye Li's indifferent smiling eyes, Osmancica Empress Liu suddenly felt cold in her heart. As she looked at Mo Xiuyao’s seemingly unimpressed look, she instantly understood that from the beginning, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li had planned to keep her here regardless of whether or not she asked for Princess Zhen Ning and Xiao Yun.

"No! I don’t want to stay in Li City!" Osmancica Empress Liu said firmly. "I want to return to Beirong, Yelü Ye, take me with you!"

If she had not spoken so strongly, perhaps Yelü Ye would have considered it. Before her words finished, he turned cold and waved away her hand toward Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, saying, "Since she injured Long Xing Wang and Princess Zhen Ning, let Prince Ding and his consort handle the matter."

"No! Yelü Ye, you can’t do this to me! Don't forget, if it wasn't for me…"

Yelü Ye sneered. "You want to tell Prince Ding and Princess Consort how you betrayed your country Yes, because of your help, I could easily conquer the border regions and a few cities of the Great Chu. So what" He mocked at Osmancica Empress Liu who looked frightened, deeply believing that he made the right decision. As the respected seventh prince of Beirong, how could he let this woman cause him to be laughed at by all of Beirong’s nobles

"Prince Ding, Princess Consort, we take our leave." Ignoring Osmancica Empress Liu, Yelü Ye turned around without hesitation.

Yelü Hong gave a slight bow towards Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li before he also left. Princess Ronghua followed after him and smiled at Ye Li as she walked past her. She stopped beside Osmancica Empress Liu, whispering lowly: "Osmancica Empress Liu, I believe we won’t see each other again in the future. Don't worry, Prince Ding and his consort will certainly treat you well, a traitor…賤人…”

"No... don’t! Take me with you!" Osmancica Empress Liu cried out fearfully.

Princess Ronghua sneered once before she shook off Osmancica Empress Liu’s hand and stepped outside the door.he moved one particular pattern aside and said to Ye Li, "I asked the Prince what he likes best." As soon as she saw the picture of the soaring eagle, she glared at Qingshuang and wished that she coul...