Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 346 - 345. The Unhindered Talented Fifth Young Master Xu

Chapter 346: 345. The Unhindered Talented Fifth Young Master Xu

345. The Articulate Fifth Young Master Xu

While Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were busy dealing with various power players, Xu Qingchen seemed to have no work efficiency at all. Mo Xiuyao finally had a pang of conscience, realizing his actions had been somewhat inappropriate. He uncharacteristically took over Young Master Qingchen’s usual duties, allowing Qingchen to focus entirely on dealing with a certain woman. Within a few days, almost everyone in Prince Ding’s Mansion knew about a young lady relentlessly pursuing Young Master Qingchen, begging to marry him. Unfortunately, Qingchen had no interest in her and seemed utterly desperate to avoid her.

The anxious First Madam Xu, worried about her eldest son’s marriage, also came to visit after hearing the news. However, less than fifteen minutes after meeting Dongfang You, she left, thoroughly disappointed. She privately told Second Madam Xu, "I’d rather Qingchen never marry than have him wed a girl who daydreams all day and insists on forcing others to join her."

Regardless of the Xu Family’s stance, Dongfang You’s relentless daily visits to Prince Ding’s Mansion, pressuring Qingchen to marry her, became a classic daily spectacle for everyone in the mansion, high and low. Some even started placing bets on how long Young Master Qingchen could resist and whether he would eventually marry Miss Dongfang.

"Young Master, Miss Dongfang requests an audience." Qingchen, having managed to steal a rare half-day of leisure, heard the attendant’s report. Seeing the attendant’s poorly concealed grin, Qingchen, always known for his refined manners and excellent composure, felt a sudden urge to tear Mo Xiuyao limb from limb. Rubbing his temples, Xu Qingchen said, "Tell Miss Dongfang I’m not here." For the first time in his life, Young Master Qingchen felt the urge to flee.

The attendant looked at him with some difficulty. "Miss Dongfang said she knows Young Master Qingchen is in the mansion. If you refuse to see her, she’ll wait at the mansion gates and won’t leave. Young Master... a considerable crowd has already gathered at the entrance." Xu Qingchen was suddenly amused and irritated by this. On second thought, while these attendants were undoubtedly hoping for some entertainment, they were indeed in a bind. Dongfang You’s status was special; at least until Prince Ding’s Mansion had thoroughly investigated Cangmang Mountain, they couldn’t afford to be too harsh with her. With a helpless sigh, Xu Qingchen nodded. "Please show Miss Dongfang in."

The attendant left to carry out the order. Xu Qingyan then popped his head in from outside the door, grinning. "Elder Brother, has that Dongfang You come looking for you again?"

Xu Qingchen shot him a cool glance. "If you’re so idle, you can help me entertain our guest. Don’t just wander around all day with nothing to do." Xu Qingyan flinched and looked at Xu Qingchen pitifully. These days, even Elder Brother is taking his frustrations out on me! I’ve been busy in the north for over a year. Can’t I even get a few days off for Grandfather’s birthday? How did I become a ’do-nothing’?

Tiptoeing into the study, Xu Qingyan obediently stood before Xu Qingchen as if awaiting punishment. "Elder Brother, I was wrong."

Xu Qingchen asked with a faint smile, "Oh? And what were you wrong about?"

Xu Qingyan declared with righteous gravity, "I shouldn’t wander around aimlessly when I have free time. I’ll go help Father and Uncle immediately. Then, I’ll go attend to Grandfather and show my filial piety." My biggest mistake was gloating in front of Elder Brother. Xu Qingchen nodded in satisfaction, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Since you know you were wrong, stay here and help me entertain Miss Dongfang."

Huh? Xu Qingyan’s eyes widened in alarm. He had witnessed Dongfang You’s formidable nature; she dared to lecture anyone she met. She’d lecture Prince Ding on the art of ruling, Sister Li’er on being a consort and wife, and she even dared to drone on to his mother about the ways of motherhood. Had she ever even been a mother? Xu Qingyan suspected that if she met his grandfather, she’d probably try to teach him how to be a moral paragon. The very thought was a nightmare.

"Elder Brother... is that really necessary? Miss Dongfang is here to see you..."

Xu Qingchen smiled. "How could it not be? Miss Dongfang is an honored guest of Prince Ding’s Mansion. It would show more respect if we brothers receive her together."

Just as Xu Qingyan was about to plead for mercy, a figure in snow-white appeared at the doorway. Dongfang You, standing there, noticed Xu Qingyan’s presence. She frowned slightly before giving a curt nod. "Why is Fifth Young Master here?" 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Xu Qingyan couldn’t help but stare. This woman’s way of speaking is truly bizarre! What does she mean, ’why is he here’? Even if Prince Ding’s Mansion isn’t his home, it’s his elder cousin-sister’s home. His presence here is far more normal than hers, a complete outsider. And what was that seemingly arrogant frown and nod about? Taking a deep breath, Fifth Young Master Xu managed to recall his manners. His handsome face stiff, he nodded back. "Isn’t Miss Dongfang also here?"

Dongfang You’s eyes widened. Even if she was slow-witted, she could feel the hostility in Xu Qingyan’s words. She couldn’t understand why Xu Qingyan was being so impolite to her, completely oblivious to the fact that her own greeting hadn’t been polite either.

Xu Qingchen smiled. "Miss Dongfang, please take a seat. To what do we owe the honor of your early visit?"

Dongfang You nodded. "I wish to ask, is Young Master Qingchen willing to marry me?" Hearing this, the smile on Xu Qingchen’s face froze, and Xu Qingyan’s mouth twitched uncontrollably. After a pause, Xu Qingchen lowered his gaze and calmly sipped his tea. He pondered for a moment before saying, "Miss Dongfang, I believe I’ve already given you my answer. I refuse."

"Why?" Dongfang You frowned, clearly finding it hard to understand Xu Qingchen’s rejection. After some thought, she said, "I’ve heard that Young Master Qingchen and the Queen of Nanzhao share an unusual bond. However, the Queen of Nanzhao is already married and expecting a child. Since Young Master Qingchen is a man of great distinction, he should understand when to make a clean break. Besides, I am in no way inferior to the Queen of Nanzhao. Anything she can do, I can do, and I can do it better..."

"Miss Dongfang!" Xu Qingchen frowned, a hint of displeasure on his handsome features. He said sternly, "The Queen of Nanzhao and I are merely friends. Please refrain from spreading such baseless rumors. As a man, it matters little to me, but the Queen of Nanzhao and her husband share a deep affection. Your words, Miss Dongfang, are highly inappropriate..."

Dongfang You paused, then nodded. "Very well, I was mistaken. In that case, why is Young Master Qingchen unwilling to marry me?"

Listening from the side, Xu Qingyan deeply felt that even though his elder brother was full of scholarly wisdom and strategic brilliance, someone like Dongfang You was truly his bane. Clearing his throat with a light cough, Xu Qingyan asked with a mischievous smile, "Miss Dongfang, why exactly must my elder brother marry you?" Dongfang You replied as if it were the most natural thing in the world, "Young Master Qingchen is Princess Consort Ding’s elder cousin. Once he and I are married, Cangmang Mountain will naturally support Prince Ding. I will also secretly assist Prince Ding in achieving his great ambitions. Is there anything wrong with that?" Xu Qingyan nodded with a smile. "Nothing wrong at all. But... why does Prince Ding’s Mansion specifically need your assistance? Could Prince Ding’s Mansion not achieve its ambitions without you?"

This direct, almost rude, question clearly troubled Dongfang You. She furrowed her brow in thought for a moment before replying, "But Prince Ding is the future sovereign I have chosen. Naturally, he requires my assistance."

Xu Qingyan rolled his eyes. "Prince Ding’s Mansion was doing perfectly fine before you offered your assistance."

"With my help, Prince Ding’s Mansion will naturally fare even better," Dongfang You asserted confidently. "After all these years, Prince Ding’s Mansion still hasn’t managed to escape the predicament of being surrounded by powerful enemies. Isn’t that proof enough of the incompetence of Prince Ding’s advisors?"

"..." The brothers fell silent. This was an indiscriminate attack, criticizing everyone in Prince Ding’s Mansion, young and old, from top to bottom, in a single sentence. Predicament, my foot! Xu Qingyan cursed inwardly. Was this Dongfang You blind? The current territory of Prince Ding’s Mansion was, if not the largest among all states, then at least the second largest. Its military strength was so formidable that other powers dared not provoke it. What more did she want? In just a few short years, it had gone from being besieged on all sides to sweeping across the lands. Such a legendary tale couldn’t even be found in storybooks!

Xu Qingyan subtly composed himself, then looked at Dongfang You, who wore an expression of utter conviction, and nodded. "I understand. In fact, we would be quite pleased if Miss Dongfang is willing to assist Prince Ding."

Xu Qingchen, cradling his teacup, raised a subtle eyebrow at his usually mischievous younger brother but said nothing. Dongfang You looked at Xu Qingyan in confusion, unsure why he had suddenly changed his tune.

Xu Qingyan cleared his throat again and said solemnly, "Chief Steward Mo of Prince Ding’s Mansion has been a widower for many years and lives alone. However, he is one of Prince Ding’s most trusted men. If Miss Dongfang would deign to marry him, I believe both the Prince and the Princess Consort would be convinced of your sincerity, Miss Dongfang, and that of Cangmang Mountain. Elder Brother, what do you say?"

This time, it was Young Master Qingchen’s turn for his lips to twitch. However, being adept at concealing his emotions, he calmly raised his teacup to his lips, masking his expression. He nodded serenely. "Fifth Brother’s words are reasonable."

"Chief... Chief Steward Mo?" Dongfang You stared blankly, seemingly unable to recall who this Chief Steward Mo was. In truth, Dongfang You had encountered Chief Steward Mo several times. However, with her haughty demeanor, she barely even gave Fifth Young Master Xu a nod. In her eyes, Chief Steward Mo, despite his special position, was merely a servant of Prince Ding’s Mansion and thus, not worth remembering.

Xu Qingyan nodded, his face a picture of sincerity. "Yes, that middle-aged gentleman in black. Come to think of it, in all of Licheng, he’s the only one who can wear the black uniform of Prince Ding’s Mansion with such dashing vigor and refined air." Among the older men, they were either military officers or scholars. Only Chief Steward Mo, who came from a martial background but had always handled scholarly affairs, could wear the black uniform with such a combination of heroic spirit and scholarly grace.

Dongfang You’s mind immediately conjured the image of the gray-haired steward in black she had seen on her first visit to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Her face instantly became extremely awkward. Her expression probably wasn’t this unsightly even when Mo Xiuyao had told her to get lost in front of so many people.

"Him... How could that be possible?!" Dongfang You blurted out, a reflexive, categorical rejection.

Xu Qingyan blinked. "Why not? Although our Xu Family is very close to Prince Ding, we can’t compare to someone whose family has served Prince Ding’s Mansion for generations. Chief Steward Mo’s family has been loyal to Prince Ding’s Mansion for ages. Besides... didn’t you say you don’t care who you marry, Miss Dongfang? Marrying Chief Steward Mo would be perfect. I’m sure that even though Chief Steward Mo has no intention of remarrying, he would sacrifice himself for Prince Ding’s Mansion without a second thought. But my elder brother is different. Our Xu Family cares a great deal about whom he marries. My grandfather always said... it’s better to have nothing than something unsuitable."

It was likely the first time in Dongfang You’s life that she had encountered someone who spoke like Xu Qingyan. Her pretty face turned various shades of red, purple, and blue, like a changing color palette.

Xu Qingchen discreetly gave Xu Qingyan an appreciative glance. Setting down his teacup, he said to Dongfang You, "Miss Dongfang, my younger brother speaks with great wisdom. If you are willing, Prince Ding’s Mansion would welcome you with open arms. I can also ask the Prince to personally visit the master of Cangmang Mountain to propose marriage on your behalf. What do you think, Miss?"

"No!" Dongfang You almost shrieked. This rapid change of color instantly dispelled any trace of the peculiar, mysterious aura she initially projected. She sounded like an ordinary, headstrong young woman furious about her marriage prospects. "He’s an old man! And a servant! How could he possibly be a match for me?"

Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingyan’s expressions turned slightly grim, but they offered no comment on Dongfang You’s words. Truth be told, it was she who wasn’t worthy of Chief Steward Mo. Although Chief Steward Mo was no longer young, he was still handsome and didn’t look old. Holding the position of Steward-in-Chief of Prince Ding’s Mansion, he was undeniably one of Prince Ding’s most trusted confidants. It was only because he had no desire to remarry; if he truly wished to take a wife, many families in Licheng would likely be scrambling to marry their daughters to him.

Although it was somewhat improper to provoke a young lady in this manner, Xu Qingchen had been thoroughly exasperated by Dongfang You these past few days. Seeing her current behavior, the displeasure on his face became even more pronounced.

"In that case, it seems Miss Dongfang is not sincere. Prince Ding’s Mansion has no need for any supposed expert assistance. Please, show yourself out," Xu Qingchen said coolly, politely indicating it was time for her to leave by picking up his teacup.

Dongfang You once again left in defeat, casting a resentful glare at Xu Qingyan. She tossed out, "I won’t give up!" and turned to leave.

Once she was gone, silence filled the study for a moment before Xu Qingyan finally burst into uncontrollable laughter. Watching his younger brother double over with laughter, Xu Qingchen merely shook his head with a faint, unspoken smile. Xu Qingyan clutched his stomach with one hand and wiped tears of mirth from the corner of his eye with the other. "Elder Brother, is that woman really from Cangmang Mountain? She’s just too..."

Xu Qingchen said calmly, "Whether she is or not, we’ll know soon enough. But it’s likely true. Which just goes to show... one shouldn’t stay detached from the mortal world for too long, or one might inadvertently cultivate such an oddity. I wonder if the master of Cangmang Mountain will regret it upon seeing this Miss Dongfang."

"Eldest Young Master, Fifth Young Master, the Prince and Princess Consort request your presence." At the doorway, Chief Steward Mo stood, having appeared there at some unknown moment, watching the two with a calm expression.

The two non-martial artists exchanged awkward glances. Remembering their earlier gossip about Chief Steward Mo, Xu Qingyan felt a little sheepish. "Chief Steward Mo," he stammered, "when... when did you arrive?"

Chief Steward Mo replied composedly, "Just as Fifth Young Master was saying I would sacrifice myself for Prince Ding’s Mansion without a second thought. Thank you for your high praise, Fifth Young Master."

Xu Qingyan blushed. "You’re too kind, Chief Steward."

Dongfang You left Prince Ding’s Mansion, her expression still thunderous. The scrutinizing gazes that followed her along the way felt like needles pricking her skin, making her extremely uncomfortable. She wasn’t an unfeeling wooden doll; of course, she could sense the stares and whispers of the people around her. Although many were treating it as a joke at Xu Qingchen’s expense, Xu Qingchen was, in fact, the innocent party in this unsolicited disaster. The one people truly looked down on and mocked was Dongfang You. However, Dongfang You regarded these as inevitable trials and tribulations on her path to success, so she always gritted her teeth and pretended nothing was amiss. But after being so openly ridiculed and toyed with by Xu Qingyan today, even her thick skin was starting to crack.

She genuinely wanted to help Prince Ding’s Mansion. She couldn’t believe that Prince Ding and Xu Qingchen were unaware of the benefits she and Cangmang Mountain could bring. Yet, they treated her with such disdain. For a moment, Dongfang You resented Prince Ding for his inability to recognize talent and hated the Xu Family for spurning her, failing to appreciate the favor. Anyone else would have eagerly jumped at the chance to establish ties with Cangmang Mountain, but the people of Prince Ding’s Mansion were so arrogant and rude! Yet, despite all this, her ambition and determination would not waver. Before descending the mountain, she had sworn to her master that she would achieve deeds surpassing those of her ancestors. She would definitely assist a monarch in unifying the world, making the name of Cangmang Mountain renowned throughout the land.

"Miss Dongfang?" Dongfang You was walking out of Prince Ding’s Mansion in a daze when a low male voice called out from behind her. Dongfang You turned to see Mo Jingli standing not far away, watching her. She quickly composed herself, suppressing her mixed feelings of frustration and resentment, and looked at Mo Jingli with a cool gaze.

It had to be said, Dongfang You’s so-called secret arts were quite well-practiced. In the instant she looked up, she seemed to transform into a different person. Her beautiful face was serene, without a smile, yet possessed an irresistible allure. She appeared like a celestial fairy bathed in mystical light. For a moment, Mo Jingli even felt his heart skip a beat.

"Prince Li, is there something I can help you with?"

Mo Jingli collected himself and walked over to Dongfang You. Looking down at her, he asked, "Is Miss Dongfang in low spirits?"

Dongfang You was no fool; she could easily see that Mo Jingli was trying to ingratiate himself with her. However, she soon realized that Prince Li’s attentiveness didn’t please her. Instead, it made her recall even more vividly the merciless rejections from Prince Ding’s Mansion and the Xu Family. Her interest waned, and after a glance at Mo Jingli, she lowered her eyes indifferently.

Mo Jingli found that as long as he wasn’t looking directly at Dongfang You’s face and eyes, he felt more normal and could easily sense her indifference.

"Has Miss Dongfang visited Prince Ding’s Mansion again?" Mo Jingli asked casually, walking beside Dongfang You, seemingly unconcerned by her coolness.

Dongfang You stopped and looked at Mo Jingli earnestly. "Does Prince Li look down on me?" Mo Jingli shook his head. "Of course not. However, I have some well-intentioned advice for you, Miss, to prevent you from repeatedly hitting dead ends."

Dongfang You was taken aback. "Let’s hear it."

Mo Jingli said, "The depth of Mo Xiuyao’s feelings for Ye Li is known throughout the world. Mo Xiuyao would never do anything that might displease Princess Consort Ding." Dongfang You nodded. "I am aware of that, which is why I don’t intend to come between Prince Ding and Princess Consort Ding." Mo Jingli continued, "I know you also think Xu Qingchen is a good choice, but... the Xu Family members, especially Xu Qingchen, may appear gentle and refined, but deep down, he is likely even prouder than Mo Xiuyao. He would never accept a loveless marriage. That’s why Xu Qingchen is still unmarried even though he’s past thirty. Not even Mr. Qingyun or Mr. Hongyu can force him into anything. By pestering him like this, Miss, you might achieve the opposite of what you intend."

Dongfang You’s heart stirred slightly, and she mused, "Is that so? Then what if..." What if I make Xu Qingchen fall in love with me?

Seeing her expression, Mo Jingli had a good idea of what she was thinking. He smiled faintly. "Also, there’s one more thing. The Xu Family has very strict upbringing. Although they dote on Princess Consort Ding and don’t restrict her much, that’s actually because she was born a Ye and married into the Mo Family, not the Xu Family. No matter how talented a Xu Family woman is, she is ultimately expected to stay home, support her husband, and raise her children. Look at the current First Madam Xu, Second Madam Xu, and the Second Young Madam. Weren’t they all renowned talents in their youth? But now, they are largely unheard of. So, Miss, if you truly wish to marry into the Xu Family, you should consider it very carefully."

Dongfang You glanced at him coolly. "I know what you’re thinking, but I’ve already chosen Prince Ding’s Mansion. No matter what schemes you devise, they will be useless."

The smile on Mo Jingli’s face froze. He forced a laugh. "You jest, Miss. I was merely offering a friendly reminder."

Dongfang You snorted softly and paid him no further attention, heading towards her temporary residence.

Behind her, Mo Jingli watched her retreating figure, a determined glint of acquisition in his eyes.

Dongfang You was not staying at the posthouse with the Southern Garrison Prince. The Southern Garrison Prince was correct; the influence of Cangmang Mountain indeed extended throughout the world. They even had a base of operations in Licheng. Dongfang You was staying in a rather spacious, vacant courtyard in Licheng. When the Mo Family Army first arrived in Licheng, many officials and wealthy merchants had fled inside the border of the pass, leaving numerous residences in the city empty. This courtyard had been purchased during that time but had remained unoccupied until Dongfang You’s arrival.

Dongfang You dismissed the servants who came to greet her and returned to her room. Just as she closed the door and turned around, she saw a figure seated by her bed. The room was dimly lit, and with layers of light gauze obscuring her view, she couldn’t make out who it was. With a flick of her wrist, two short swords appeared in her hands. Pointing one at the figure, Dongfang You demanded sharply, "Who’s there?" Without waiting for an answer, she lunged forward, her short swords flashing like two silver streaks, tearing through the layers of gauze.

"You’er." A low, slightly hoarse female voice resonated in the room. Dongfang You was startled and immediately halted her attack, landing gracefully. Seeing the figure emerge from behind the gauze, she quickly knelt. "Master."

The newcomer was a middle-aged woman, appearing to be in her forties or fifties. Her features were even more striking than Dongfang You’s; though the bloom of youth had passed, she still possessed a captivating, timeless charm. Looking at Dongfang You with an indifferent gaze, the woman nodded. "You are quite bold."

Dongfang You was taken aback and asked nervously, "Master... did You’er do something wrong?"

The woman stared at Dongfang You for a long moment, then raised her hand and slapped her hard across the face. Dongfang You’s fair, jade-like cheek instantly reddened, but meeting the woman’s cool, aloof gaze, she dared not utter a single word. The woman said, "You overheard a few snippets of my conversation with the Elder, and you dared to sneak down the mountain? Leaving the mountain is one thing; with your martial arts, few people outside could bully you. But you actually dared to seek out Prince Ding! Who gave you such audacity? Cangmang Mountain has never chosen Prince Ding’s Mansion in all these years. Do you know why?"