Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 377 - 376. The Throne and the Bloodline

376. The Throne and Bloodline

Two days later, when Mo Jingli sent someone to the Chu Mansion again, it was desolate. The only thing left was a letter written by Chu Junwei himself, stating that although the Chu Family couldn’t remain loyal to him, they wouldn’t plot against him. As for the few guards Mo Jingli had sent, they were never seen again.

Mo Jingli was furious when he heard the news, but where could he find any trace of Ye Li?

At this point, Ye Li was already dozens of miles outside Nanjing City in the deep mountains. Standing beside a few small thatched huts, Ye Li surveyed the scenery before her and nodded with a smile. "It is a good place for healing."

"Sister Li’er." Yunge came out of the cabin and saw Ye Li smiling at her from outside. She was so delighted she instantly dashed towards Ye Li using her agile lightness skill. "Sister Li’er, how did you get in?"

Ye Li laughed. "The array outside is quite formidable; it took me more than two hours to get through."

Yunge blinked her eyes in confusion. "But I didn’t sense anyone coming in."

Ye Li patted her soft, rosy cheek. "How is Brother?"

"Oh no... I forgot... Xu Qingchen’s medicine!" Yunge exclaimed in annoyance, remembering. Without waiting for Ye Li, she quickly rushed back into the cabin. She had just finished decocting the medicine and heard a noise outside. She hurried out to look, almost forgetting that she had already poured out Xu Qingchen’s medicine. If he didn’t drink it soon, it would get cold.

Seeing Yunge bringing a bowl of medicine from the house to another cabin, Ye Li raised her eyebrows and followed.

"Xu Qingchen, it’s time for your medicine." Yunge walked into Xu Qingchen’s room with the bowl. Xu Qingchen put down the book in his hand and frowned at the medicine. "Yunge, can’t you make these medicines into pills?"

After this injury, Young Master Qingchen realized for the first time that he was actually afraid to take medication. Previously, he naturally wasn’t afraid of taking medicine. But this time, for half a month, he had to drink medicine three times a day. Moreover, the pills Miss Yunge made were fragrant, sweet, and melted in the mouth. But the decocted medicine was unspeakably bitter. Xu Qingchen swore he had never taken such bitter medicine in his life. Yet... he had seen Yunge’s prescription, and it was just the most common one for internal injuries.

"How can that be? Although pills are tasty and easy to store, their effectiveness is far inferior to freshly decocted ones." Yunge firmly rejected his proposal. "This isn’t a very troublesome medicine that takes a lot of time to decoct. Naturally, it’s better to decoct and drink it. This way, your injury will heal faster."

Looking at the smiling girl before him, Xu Qingchen helplessly took the medicine bowl to his lips and drank it all in one go.

Yunge nodded approvingly. "Xu Qingchen, you are the fastest medicine drinker I have ever seen."

She knew exactly how bitter this medicine was because she grew up drinking her father’s concoctions. Every time she had to drink medicine, she would dawdle for ages. And most of the people her father had saved in the mountains had flatly refused to drink the medicine he decocted.

"Since you know it tastes bad, you should try to make it taste better," Xu Qingchen said with a bitter laugh.

"How could I do that? Father said that most ingredients that alleviate the taste also counteract the medicine’s properties. Besides..." Yunge smiled at him. "Knowing the medicine is bitter will make you more careful to avoid injuries and illness."

Young Master Qingchen really wanted to say, you’re overthinking it; I just wish you could make the medicine taste normal.

"Hehe, Brother, I never expected the world-renowned Young Master Qingchen to be afraid of drinking medicine," Ye Li, who was outside, finally couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

"Li’er?" Xu Qingchen looked up at the door. Ye Li walked into the room and looked around. Although it was a humble mountain cabin, with furnishings of only a bed, a table, and two stools, the room was very neat. There was even a somewhat crude yet adorable wood-carved vase on the table, holding two simple, delicate flowers. A faint medicinal scent permeated the entire room.

Looking at Xu Qingchen, perhaps because he had consumed more medicine than food recently, Young Master Qingchen’s exceptionally handsome face was a bit thinner, but his complexion was good. He didn’t look at all like someone suffering from internal injuries; clearly, Miss Yunge was taking very good care of him.

Seeing Ye Li come in, Yunge suddenly remembered that she had left her guest standing outside. She smiled apologetically at Ye Li and said in a crisp voice, "Sister Li’er, please sit. I’ll pour you some tea."

"Thank you, Yunge." Ye Li smiled and sat down on the stool next to the bed, watching as Yunge quickly left the cabin to pour the tea.

"She really is a cute little girl. Don’t you think so, Brother?" Ye Li said with a laugh.

Xu Qingchen responded with a smile, agreeing, "Indeed, she is quite interesting."

Ye Li was slightly dumbfounded; so in Young Master Qingchen’s eyes, little girls weren’t categorized as pretty, cute, or beautiful, but rather as interesting or uninteresting?

"How is your wound, Brother?" Ye Li asked with concern.

Xu Qingchen touched his chest lightly and laughed. "Although Yunge’s medicine is hard to swallow, its effect is quite good. I’m almost completely healed."

Ye Li laughed. "Bitter medicine often makes for better healing."

Young Master Qingchen’s handsome face, usually so serene, seemed to be struggling now. Reluctantly, he said, "I am beginning to regret my previous decision. Yunge says I need to continue taking the medicine for another three months to completely recover from the internal injuries."

The thought of taking the medicine for three months wasn’t terrifying; what was terrifying was that no matter the prescription, everything brewed by Miss Yunge had the same taste. Even Yunge herself couldn’t make something more bitter because it was already at the extreme limit of bitterness. Given Yunge’s enthusiasm, she would surely continue to brew the medicine for him, and Young Master Qingchen deeply felt he was not fortunate enough to enjoy this treatment.

Seeing Xu Qingchen’s tortured expression, Ye Li couldn’t help but cover her mouth and laugh lightly. "It’s rare to see Brother in such a state. Yunge is just being well-meaning. Wouldn’t you hurt her feelings by refusing, Brother?"

Ye Li’s senses were far superior to the average person, and she had detected the strong, strange smell of Xu Qingchen’s bowl of medicine from outside. This strengthened her decision to ask Yunge to continue taking care of Brother’s injury. It really was rare to see Brother in such a state.

Seeing Ye Li’s rare teasing smile, Xu Qingchen helplessly shook his head and asked, "Weren’t you busy in Nanjing City? How did you find the time to visit me today? Did something happen?"

Ye Li sighed. "As expected, Brother, you always have a knack for sensing things. Yes, something did happen."

"What happened?" Xu Qingchen asked, raising an eyebrow.

Ye Li explained in detail about the situation in the Regent Prince’s Mansion, about how Mo Jingli had suddenly wanted to depose Mo Suyun and establish himself. This had indeed caught Ye Li by surprise.

Xu Qingchen chuckled. "Li’er, you are still too kind-hearted. Even if you did write an abdication decree for him, so what? If Mo Jingli wants to establish himself as Emperor at this time, it’s mostly to gain an upper hand over Prince Ding’s Mansion in terms of status when future conflicts arise. As long as the Chu Family clarifies that there was no Chu Junwei among them, it shouldn’t obstruct anything."

Ye Li shook her head and forced a smile. "Perhaps... If I had written the decree that day, I’m afraid the news you’d be hearing now would be of Mo Jingli ascending the throne."

Xu Qingchen sighed slightly. "Mo Jingli is indeed a bit too impatient. You pity that child, don’t you?"

"Even pity is useless. The child is already gravely ill, and even if we save him, he won’t live long," Ye Li shook her head. Even so, when it came to personally harming a child who understood nothing, Ye Li knew she couldn’t bring herself to do it.

Xu Qingchen looked at her with a hint of compassion. "You and Mo Xiuyao have such contrasting characters. I’ve always wondered how you’ve managed to live so harmoniously together all these years."

In essence, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were truly diametrically opposed in personality. Ye Li could be ruthless towards evil-doers, but tended to be soft-hearted towards innocent individuals. Mo Xiuyao, on the other hand, cared little about who he dragged into his schemes as long as he could achieve his goals. As for the current relationship between Mo Jingli and Mo Suyun, who would dare say Mo Xiuyao had no hand in it? If Mo Xiuyao had truly wanted to investigate back then, how could he not have uncovered Mo Suyun’s identity? Perhaps Mo Xiuyao had harbored suspicions early on, which was why he forbade others from investigating.

Ye Li chuckled. "Xiuyao is Xiuyao, and I am me. Even as a married couple, it isn’t necessary for our thoughts to be identical. As long as we understand and tolerate each other, that is enough."

"So, how do you plan to deal with Mo Jingli? Are you just going to let him be?"

Ye Li gave a helpless smile. "Does Brother think I could overthrow Mo Jingli’s years of rule over Jiangnan in just a short month?"

Though stirring up trouble for Mo Jingli would be easy, removing him from power in Jiangnan within a short period, even if Mo Xiuyao himself were to come, would still be challenging.

Xu Qingchen looked at Ye Li with a smile. "What does Li’er plan to do?"

After being together for so many years, Xu Qingchen knew Ye Li well enough to know that it would be impossible for her to do nothing.

Ye Li pondered before answering, "Tell Ye Ying about Mo Suyun’s true identity."

"Li’er, you’re still too soft-hearted. No wonder Prince Ding is worried about you," Xu Qingchen lamented.

Ye Li shook her head. "No, I want to make a bet. I want to see whether, in Mo Jingli’s eyes, his son is less important than the imperial throne. Brother, is Yunge’s medical skill good?"

Xu Qingchen raised an eyebrow. "Do you want Yunge to save Mo Suyun?"

Ye Li lowered her gaze. "Mo Suyun’s illness is beyond cure with conventional medicine; I merely wish to prolong his life a little. I also want to see what choice Mo Jingli will make if Mo Suyun doesn’t die immediately."

Xu Qingchen nodded. "I will ask Yunge later."

"What do you want to ask me?" Yunge came in with a brisk pace, carrying a pot of tea. She said to Ye Li with some embarrassment, "Our family doesn’t have any good tea, please make do with this, Sister Li’er." The tea Yunge brought wasn’t some famous variety but her own homemade floral tea. A faint fragrance of flowers lingered in the air.

Ye Li took a deep breath and smiled. "It smells wonderful."

"I’m glad you like it, Sister Li’er. Is there something you wanted to ask me?" Seeing that Ye Li did not scorn her crude floral tea, Yunge was very pleased.

She had been to the city before, despite generally keeping to herself, and naturally knew that those wealthy people living in grand mansions often looked down upon such rustic things. And Sister Li’er was a Princess Consort, held in high esteem. If Ye Li knew Yunge’s thoughts, she would definitely introduce Zhang Baiwan to her. At least Zhang Baiwan would absolutely not scorn Yunge’s floral tea; he might even wish Yunge could supply it for free 365 days a year.

Xu Qingchen said, "Li’er wants to ask if you would be willing to save a child. Are you willing, Yunge?"

"Sure." Without a second thought, Yunge nodded in agreement.

Xu Qingchen looked at her with some surprise. "You really are willing, Yunge?"

Yunge looked puzzled. "Father says that a doctor should have the heart of a parent. Why would I not be willing?"

Xu Qingchen suddenly felt crass. It turned out that overthinking wasn’t always a good thing. He had assumed that Yunge’s father, given their reclusive life, was unwilling to continue practicing medicine and serving the world due to some past incident...

"Thank you, Yunge," said Xu Qingchen with a smile.

Yunge gave a slight smile. "There’s no need to thank me. I don’t even know if I will be able to cure him. Just don’t blame me later if my medical skills prove insufficient. I’ll do my best!"

Xu Qingchen nodded. "Well then, as it happens, I need to take you to meet someone. We can go to the city together afterward."

Without objection, Yunge nodded obediently. "I’ll go and prepare."

Returning to the Chu Mansion was clearly out of the question, so Ye Li stayed the night at Yunge’s house. The next day, the group silently packed their bags before quietly returning to Nanjing City. This time, however, they lodged in an inconspicuous mansion in a somewhat noisy part of the city. Ye Li could not return as Chu Junwei; instead, she assumed the appearance of a delicate and beautiful lady, accompanied by her sickly older brother and younger sister, ostensibly in Nanjing City for her brother to recuperate.

This area was the most bustling and also the most chaotic part of Nanjing City. Their low-profile arrival at the mansion naturally wouldn’t attract any attention. After settling in, Qin Feng and Lin Han accompanied Yunge to Prince Li’s Mansion that same night for her to treat Mo Suyun.

In the evening, Ye Li and Xu Qingchen were playing chess in the study. Ye Li slowly placed a piece, glanced at Xu Qingchen opposite her, and chuckled, "Brother, your injury hasn’t fully healed; you should go rest. I can wait here for Yunge to return."

Xu Qingchen shook his head. "It’s no bother. They should be back soon. I’ll wait a little longer to see what’s happening. For the next few days, try not to go out. I suspect Mo Jingli’s men might still be investigating secretly."

Ye Li laughed. "I know, Brother, don’t worry. Qin Feng and Lin Han are both reliable, and Yunge is also a master. Nothing will happen."

Xu Qingchen slowly placed a piece on the board, then lifted his head and looked at her with a half-smile. "Who said I was worried?"

Ye Li shrugged nonchalantly. "It was I who was a little worried."

Xu Qingchen shook his head and said no more.

A soft sound came from outside, and soon the study door was pushed open. Qin Feng and the other two entered in single file. Yunge’s large, clear eyes seemed especially bright, and her small face was flushed; clearly, she was nervous, having never done anything like sneaking into someone else’s mansion late at night before.

Ye Li pulled Yunge to sit down, personally poured her a cup of tea, and said, "Yunge, you must be tired. Did you encounter any danger?"

Yunge laughed. "Not at all! Brother Qin Feng and Brother Lin Han are incredibly skilled. Those guards at the Regent Prince’s Mansion didn’t even see us."

In truth, when it came to lightness skills, Qin Feng and Lin Han might not surpass Yunge, but their experience in nocturnal infiltration was leagues beyond hers. If Yunge, a novice, had gone alone, she probably would have been chased all over the place long ago.

Ye Li gently patted the young girl’s head. "And how is the child’s condition?"

Hearing Ye Li’s question, Yunge’s small face immediately fell. With tears welling in her eyes, she gazed at Ye Li. Ye Li pondered for a moment before asking, "Not good?"

Despondently, Yunge nodded. "The child was inherently weak from birth and probably had a difficult childhood. The poison in his system has completely ruined his body. Even without the poisoning, he might not have lived past twenty. But now... the child has suffered many shocks over a long period. Even if I detoxify him, he’ll need to be nursed with extreme care. The slightest additional shock could be fatal. But Brother Qin and Brother Lin said we can’t bring him back here."

Whenever a patient was mentioned, Yunge would become a little agitated. Especially since she had lived in seclusion in the deep mountains for many years and hadn’t experienced much of the world. Seeing such a pitiful child, she couldn’t help but feel sympathy and compassion.

Ye Li nodded. "That child is the current Emperor. Taking him from Prince Li’s Mansion would cause a major incident."

Yunge nodded. Although she was pure-hearted, she wasn’t clueless. After thinking for a while, she said, "Tonight, I’ll make some pills. Sister Li’er, you can take them to the child tomorrow. While they can’t cure his illness, they can at least make him a bit more comfortable."

Ye Li said softly, "You must be tired tonight. There’s no need to rush; preparing them tomorrow will be fine. I’ll have someone prepare the medicinal herbs you need shortly."

"Alright... Xu Qingchen..."

Among everyone in the room, Xu Qingchen was the one Yunge was most familiar with, so she couldn’t help but look towards him. Ultimately, her trust in Ye Li, Qin Feng, and Lin Han, whom she had only met twice, was built upon the fact that they were acquaintances of Xu Qingchen.

Xu Qingchen smiled faintly. "Yunge, you’re tired as well. Go and rest early."

"Oh. Then... you all should also rest early." Yunge nodded obediently and followed the maid waiting at the door back to her room.

Watching Yunge leave, the study door was closed again, and silence descended upon the room.

After a while, Xu Qingchen finally said, "Li’er, don’t overthink it. Things being as they are... Prince Ding’s Mansion has done no wrong by that child."

Mo Suyun was indeed innocent and pitiful, but in these chaotic times, which commoner wasn’t innocent and pitiful? At least Ye Li had given Mo Jingli and Ye Ying a chance to make amends.

Ye Li managed a light smile. "You don’t have to comfort me, Brother. I understand."

「That night」

A note silently appeared at Ye Ying’s bedside. On the paper were just three simple words—Mo Suyun.

Holding the note, Ye Ying was lost in thought for a long time, her complexion gradually turning paler.

「Early in the morning」

Ye Ying’s urgent shouts echoed outside Mo Jingli’s study. Mo Jingli, who was dealing with official matters, frowned in displeasure.

He was already upset about Chu Junwei’s sudden disappearance in Nanjing City and was in no mood to deal with Ye Ying. He had originally thought Nanjing was firmly under his control, but in less than a month, both Chu Junwei and Dongfang You had vanished right under his nose. How could this not enrage and alarm him?

"Princess Consort, the Prince has given orders not to see anyone," a guard outside refused.

"Make way! I have important matters to discuss with the Prince!" Ye Ying angrily retorted.

"Princess Consort..."

Listening to Ye Ying’s persistent voice, as if she wouldn’t give up until she achieved her goal, Mo Jingli frowned, set down his brush, and said loudly, "Let her in."

Upon entering, Ye Ying dispensed with the usual formalities of greeting Mo Jingli and hurriedly walked up to him. "Prince! I have found our child!"

Mo Jingli was taken aback but quickly regained his composure, replying indifferently, "What nonsense are you spouting now?"

It wasn’t that Mo Jingli didn’t believe Ye Ying, but rather that she spent all her time in Prince Li’s Mansion and had no power or influence. How could she possibly know something that even he had no clue about?

Ye Ying anxiously said, "It’s true! My Prince, please believe me."

Mo Jingli frowned, visibly impatient. "Fine, speak. Where is the child?"

Ye Ying said, "It’s His Majesty... Prince, please save him. He is our child."

"You must be insane!" Mo Jingli pushed her away impatiently. Yet, Ye Ying pounced on him again, grabbing his sleeve. "It’s true! Please believe me. He really is our child... Sob... I beg you, save him. He’s dying..."

"How do you know he is our child?" Mo Jingli asked darkly.

Ye Ying was speechless. She knew the note was from Ye Li, but she couldn’t reveal it. If she mentioned Ye Li’s involvement, not only would Mo Jingli not spare her, but the people from Prince Ding’s Mansion would also never let her off. Terrified, she shook her head. "No... I can’t tell you..."

A cold glint flickered in Mo Jingli’s eyes. He chuckled coldly. "You can’t say? Then why did you come to me? Get out."

Ye Ying stiffened, biting her lip. "But the child..."

Mo Jingli impassively answered, "What child? Mo Suyun is Mo Jingqi’s son."

"No! He is our son, Prince, your only son!" Ye Ying cried in panic.

If Mo Jingli refused to acknowledge the child, then the child, as Mo Jingqi’s son and the current emperor, would be doomed. Seeing Mo Jingli’s cold indifference, his expression utterly devoid of change, Ye Ying felt a chill. For some reason, she recalled the day Princess Qixia died and shivered uncontrollably.

"Guards, escort the Princess Consort back to her chambers. Without my command, no one is to see her," Mo Jingli declared in a somber tone.

Unable to resist, Ye Ying was forcibly taken back to her courtyard by the guards. Once in her room, she collapsed onto the bed and finally burst into loud sobs.

Now she finally understood why Ye Li had said she would regret it. Because at this moment, she truly was beginning to feel regret.

In his study, Mo Jingli’s face was dark and unsettled. Although he had mercilessly driven Ye Ying away, her words had nevertheless left a deep impression on him. Ye Ying wouldn’t fabricate such a thing without reason. But to say Mo Suyun was their long-lost child... For some reason, Mo Jingli felt no joy at finding a lost son. Instead, he felt mostly irritation and anger.

Simultaneously, Mo Jingli began to ponder why Mo Jingqi had passed the throne to Mo Suyun. Among all of Mo Jingqi’s sons, Mo Suyun had the humblest maternal lineage and was the weakest in terms of health and potential. To pass the throne to such a prince seemed like deliberately giving Mo Jingli an opportunity to seize power. Could it be... Mo Jingqi actually wanted them, father and son, to destroy each other?

Thinking this, Mo Jingli shook his head vigorously. In his heart, he had already subconsciously acknowledged Ye Ying’s claim. "Someone, bring the Empress Dowager to Prince Li’s Mansion for me!"

The guards outside couldn’t help but feel a chill. The Empress Dowager he referred to was naturally the young emperor’s birth mother, Ms. Li. But even if Ms. Li was timid and incapable, she was still the Emperor’s birth mother and an Empress Dowager of the nation. For the Prince to so casually order her brought from the palace to Prince Li’s Mansion was truly somewhat...

"Aren’t you going to hurry!" Mo Jingli thundered.

"Yes, your subordinate will go at once!"

The Imperial Palace was very close to Prince Li’s Mansion, so Ms. Li was brought over shortly. However, she did not come alone; the Empress Dowager, who was supposed to be under house arrest, accompanied her. Although furious that the Empress Dowager had once again disobeyed his orders and left the palace without permission, Mo Jingli also knew that for her to be able to leave safely while under his surveillance meant she still had a considerable number of loyalists in the palace. However, at this moment, he had no inclination to deal with the Empress Dowager, merely staring darkly at Ms. Li, who was already trembling visibly.

"Grand Consort Wise Zhao has arrived." Before anyone could speak, a eunuch announced sharply from outside.

Mo Jingli stood up in surprise and went to greet her. "Mother Consort, why have you come?"

Grand Consort Wise Zhao had been made ill by Dongfang You’s actions some days prior and hadn’t fully recovered even after resting for so long. She was being supported as she walked in, still looking somewhat gaunt. Seeing the Empress Dowager already seated in the study, she paused for a moment, then smiled faintly. "Sister is also here?"

The Empress Dowager, deeply dissatisfied that her son showed such solicitude towards Grand Consort Wise Zhao while keeping her, his own mother, under house arrest, merely gave Grand Consort Wise Zhao a cold look and did not reply. Grand Consort Wise Zhao paused, then seemed to smile magnanimously and took a seat opposite the Empress Dowager.

Everyone took their seats, leaving only Ms. Li, an Empress Dowager herself, standing forlornly in the middle of the study, unsure what to do.

Since Mo Suyun ascended the throne and she became an Empress Dowager, Ms. Li had always stayed quietly in her own palace. Not only were palace affairs controlled by the other Empress Dowager (Mo Jingli’s mother), but even knowing her own son was being mistreated by Mo Jingli, she dared not utter half a sentence in his defense. Now, suddenly seized by Prince Li’s guards and brought to Prince Li’s Mansion, Ms. Li was utterly bewildered, having no idea how she had offended Prince Li.

Mo Jingli stared at Ms. Li with a somber expression, causing her face to grow even paler. She looked as if she might sway and fall.

The Empress Dowager frowned slightly, cleared her throat, and said, "Prince Li, why have you brought Ms. Li to your mansion? After all, Ms. Li is your imperial brother’s widow. It is not proper for her to stay too long in your residence."

Mo Jingli snorted, his gaze fixed on Ms. Li. "When I ask you questions, you had best answer truthfully."

Ms. Li nodded repeatedly in fear. Mo Jingli asked lightly, "When was His Majesty born?"

Ms. Li was taken aback, clearly not expecting Mo Jingli to ask such a strange question.

Mo Jingli said coldly, "You had better think clearly before answering me."

Frightened by his sinister expression, Ms. Li involuntarily took a step back before stammering, "Rep-replying to the Prince, His Majesty was born on the second day of the ninth month in the twelfth year of Emperor Jing’s reign. This... doesn’t the Prince already know this?"

The birth dates of imperial princes were recorded in the imperial family’s genealogical records. If Prince Li wanted to know, he could simply have someone consult the jade tablets.

Mo Jingli hummed coldly. Mo Suyun was born on the second day of the ninth month, while Ye Ying’s child was born on the thirtieth day of the eighth month—a difference of less than three days.

The Empress Dowager paused, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. Looking at Mo Jingli, she asked, "Prince Li, why are you asking about His Majesty’s birthdate now?"

Mo Jingli acted as if he hadn’t heard the Empress Dowager, his gaze never leaving Ms. Li. He continued, "After Mo Suyun was born, did you see him?"

Ms. Li nodded, somewhat fearfully. "I... I was in good health and didn’t... didn’t faint. So, after His Majesty was born, a palace maid brought him for me to see."

"Very good," Mo Jingli nodded in satisfaction. "From what I know, His Majesty should have been born at full term. Why, then, do the imperial physicians tell me His Majesty was born prematurely, with inherent deficiencies?"

Actually, the imperial physicians hadn’t said Mo Suyun was premature, only that he was congenitally deficient, which *could* be due to premature birth. Back then, Ms. Li was not favored. If not for giving birth to a young prince whom Mo Jingqi later designated as his heir, both mother and son would likely have been forgotten by everyone inside and outside the palace. Who would have cared whether Mo Suyun was premature or not?

Ms. Li’s face went pale, and she mumbled, too scared to speak.

Mo Jingli’s eyes grew colder. He slammed his palm heavily on the armrest, and the sturdy red sandalwood armrest shattered with a crack. "Still not telling the truth!"

Ms. Li panicked. "I don’t know... I don’t know what to say... His Majesty really is my son."

Mo Jingli sneered. "Is he? Guards, drag this woman out and kill her."

"Mo Jingli!" The Empress Dowager, both shocked and enraged, glared at him, finally understanding his intentions. She fumed, "Ms. Li is, after all, His Majesty’s birth mother! How can you order her execution so casually? If you kill an Empress Dowager, Prince Li, how will you answer to the entire imperial court?"

"No... Prince, I am wronged!" Ms. Li shrieked. Even the dullest, most wooden person would know the gravity of the crime of confusing the imperial bloodline. Ms. Li’s legs buckled, and she immediately crumpled to the floor. "Prince, I am wronged! I... This consort is wronged..." She had lived her whole life quietly, never dreaming she would become an imperial consort, nor that she would bear a prince, let alone become an Empress Dowager. She never expected that after this series of bewildering and terrifying events, such a fate still awaited her.

"Since you refuse to speak the truth, then go to your death," Mo Jingli’s voice was cold and merciless.

"No... I don’t want to... I really don’t know..." Ms. Li wailed. "It has nothing to do with me... His Majesty... His Majesty..."

Grand Consort Wise Zhao, who had remained silent all along, frowned at the terrified and incoherent Ms. Li and finally spoke. "You just need to clearly state whether His Majesty is your son or not."

Ms. Li stared blankly for a moment, looked at the three figures seated above, and finally said timidly, "I... I don’t know... When His Majesty was born, I wrapped him... When he was a month old... the late Emperor once had someone bring the child to him for a look. After the child was sent back, his health seemed to decline. I thought young children often get sick, so I didn’t pay much mind..."

"Foolish!" the Empress Dowager rebuked. "The child was already a month old! When he was brought back, could you not tell if it was your own child? A month-old infant has already changed; how could you not recognize his features?"

Ms. Li bit her pale lips and dared not speak. A trace of understanding flashed in Grand Consort Wise Zhao’s eyes, and she said lightly to Mo Jingli, "Prince, it seems she doesn’t know much. Let her return. After all, she is an Empress Dowager of the nation..."

Mo Jingli originally had more questions, and even if he had finished, he hadn’t planned on letting Ms. Li live. But he had always respected Grand Consort Wise Zhao and was unwilling to go against her wishes, so he nodded and had someone escort Ms. Li out.

Only the Empress Dowager, Mo Jingli, and Grand Consort Wise Zhao remained in the study. The Empress Dowager frowned. "Sister, what do you mean by this?"

Grand Consort Wise Zhao sighed faintly. "This matter cannot be blamed on Ms. Li. She was merely a low-ranking consort from a palace maid background, and the child was personally taken away by the late Emperor’s order. Even if she knew that child wasn’t the original one, how could she have dared to speak out at the time? If she had, not only would the child have been lost, but her own life would have been forfeit as well."

Although Grand Consort Wise Zhao’s words were spoken very calmly, the Empress Dowager somehow felt there was an underlying meaning, and a strange expression flickered across her face. Turning to Mo Jingli, she sneered, "In that case, Prince Li must now understand the Emperor’s identity. What do you intend to do now?"

She stared at Mo Jingli, a strange sense of satisfaction rising within her. Of course, she knew what Mo Jingli wanted to do. Although she could still barely protect herself, she no longer had the power to interfere with his decisions. But now... if Mo Suyun turned out to be Mo Jingli’s son, she was very curious to see what decision her own son would make.

Mo Jingli calmly said, "This matter does not concern the Grand Empress Dowager. Please return to the palace and live out your days in peace."

"You!" The Empress Dowager was furious, but upon meeting Grand Consort Wise Zhao’s calm, smiling gaze, she somehow swallowed her anger, huffed, and turned to leave the study.

"Jingli..." In the study, Grand Consort Wise Zhao softly called out to Mo Jingli, whose face was grim. "This matter was Mother Consort’s mistake. Never mind... I will have the imperial physicians treat His Majesty thoroughly. There must still be hope. After all, His Majesty is your only son."

Mo Jingli remained silent for a long while before saying, "This does not concern Mother Consort; you were also acting for my sake. Let me think about this carefully."

Grand Consort Wise Zhao nodded and rose. "Then Mother Consort will take her leave. Don’t overthink it. His Majesty will be fine..."

"Mother Consort, take care."

Grand Consort Wise Zhao turned and walked out. At the doorway, she glanced back at Mo Jingli, who sat with his head bowed behind the desk, lost in thought. A faint smile touched her still-elegant lips.

「In the small courtyard where Ye Ying was temporarily residing」

Ye Ying sat alone in her room, dazed. Her beautiful eyes were red and swollen from crying, and her pale, haggard face bore no resemblance to the once-renowned First Beauty of the Capital of Great Chu.

The door was suddenly kicked open from the outside. Ye Ying, startled, looked up towards the entrance. Mo Jingli stood there, exuding a chilling aura, staring at the woman inside. However, with the light behind him, Ye Ying couldn’t clearly see the expression on his face. Upon seeing Mo Jingli, Ye Ying seemed to snap back to her senses, frantically scrambling off the bed and rushing towards him. "Prince, the child... my child... I beg you, save Suyun!"

Observing Ye Ying’s disheveled state, a flash of disgust crossed Mo Jingli’s eyes. He grabbed her hand, dragged her into the room, and threw her to the ground. Looking down at her, he demanded, "Ye Ying, who told you Mo Suyun’s identity?"

Ye Ying bit her lip, refusing to speak.

Mo Jingli, enraged, pulled her up from the ground again. "Still won’t speak?!"

Mo Jingli would never believe Ye Ying had discovered this herself. Ye Ying had never even seen that child; how could she possibly know if Mo Suyun was that child or not? Someone else must have told her. This also meant that others knew Mo Suyun’s true identity, and perhaps... this was all a trap. A meticulously laid trap by someone using the news of his missing son.

"You think... if you don’t speak, I can’t deal with you?" Seeing Ye Ying’s stubborn expression, Mo Jingli felt not a shred of pity. Leaning close to her ear, he whispered, "Ye Ying, do you believe I can have Mo Suyun killed right now?"

"Beast!" Ye Ying finally lost her composure, glaring fiercely at Mo Jingli and cursing, "He’s your own son!" She simultaneously reached out, trying to claw at Mo Jingli’s face.

Mo Jingli raised a hand and easily subdued her. "Will you speak or not?"

Ye Ying gritted her teeth. "Mo Jingli, Suyun is your son too."

Mo Jingli stared at her, then suddenly laughed. Coolly, he said, "I can have more sons if I wish. Besides... even if I save Mo Suyun, he’ll just be a sickly weakling for the rest of his life."

Mo Jingli had originally said this to frighten Ye Ying. But the moment the words left his mouth, he suddenly felt a sense of epiphany. That’s right, he could have other sons in the future. Although none of the women in his household had yet announced a pregnancy, the imperial physicians had said it was because he had been poisoned for too long and still needed conditioning. But his poison was, without a doubt, completely cured. With time, he would naturally have other children. Why bother with such a weak, sickly son and bring trouble upon himself?

Furthermore, in recent years, Mo Jingli had treated Mo Suyun quite poorly. Therefore, ever since he had inwardly accepted that Mo Suyun was his long-lost son, Mo Jingli couldn’t help but feel a trace of guilt and discomfort. However, what he felt more strongly was a sense of vexation at being toyed with by Mo Jingqi before his death. Thus, he wasn’t particularly eager to see this recovered son. Moreover, Mo Suyun’s identity was truly problematic; acknowledging him or not were both troublesome. Mo Jingli was certainly even less willing to let Mo Suyun remain on the throne. Although, if he acknowledged Mo Suyun, he could technically be considered the Grand Emperor, the title of Grand Emperor hardly sounded as good as Emperor, did it?

Ye Ying stared at Mo Jingli in shock. She had thought he simply refused to believe her words. She never imagined he would say something so heartless. But then she quickly understood. She only had Mo Suyun, one son. But Mo Jingli could have many sons with other women. Now... Mo Suyun’s existence was merely an obstacle in Mo Jingli’s path!

"Speak, or not?" Mo Jingli asked leisurely.

"I’ll talk..." Ye Ying closed her eyes in despair, her voice laced with pain. Crystal tears slid from the corners of her eyes, yet they failed to evoke the slightest pity from the man before her. "It was someone from Prince Ding’s Mansion who told me."

"What did you say?!" Mo Jingli exclaimed sharply.

Now that Great Chu had allied with Xiling and Beirong, it was effectively in direct opposition to Prince Ding’s Mansion. Consequently, Mo Jingli had become increasingly sensitive to any news concerning Prince Ding’s Mansion. Hearing Ye Ying say that Prince Ding’s Mansion was involved in this, how could he not be furious?

She had already started; there was no point in holding back now. Ye Ying gritted her teeth. "I said it was Prince Ding’s Mansion that told me Suyun’s identity."

"Vile woman!" Mo Jingli slapped Ye Ying hard across the face. "You actually dared to collude with Prince Ding’s Mansion behind my back! Such audacity!"

Tearfully, Ye Ying said, "I only wanted to find my son, what was wrong with that? If Prince Ding’s Mansion could help me find my son, why couldn’t I help them?"

Mo Jingli bent down and pulled Ye Ying up. "Tell me, what information did you give to Prince Ding’s Mansion? Who do you usually contact? How do you pass messages?"

Ye Ying was not someone who could withstand much pressure. With just a little effort from Mo Jingli, she confessed that a senior maid who usually attended her, several guards in the mansion, and a steward were all agents of Prince Ding’s Mansion. Unfortunately, by the time Mo Jingli dispatched men to apprehend them, they had long since fled.

In Ye Ying’s room, Mo Jingli sat in a chair, staring at Ye Ying, who was slumped on the floor, battered and bruised. Enduring the pain, Ye Ying said, "I’ve told you everything I know... Suyun..."

Mo Jingli indifferently responded, "Mo Suyun is the son of the late Emperor, not yours."

Ye Ying froze, staring at Mo Jingli in disbelief.

Mo Jingli frowned. "Prince Ding’s Mansion deceived you."

The moment he uttered these words, Mo Jingli had already decided to abandon this son. Not only because of the throne and his complicated feelings towards Mo Suyun, but also because this information had come from Prince Ding’s Mansion. Mo Jingli couldn’t help but suspect the information itself was a conspiracy, and that his missing child had actually been killed by Mo Jingqi long ago. Since so many years had passed without finding him, why not just... pretend this son never existed?

"No!" Ye Ying shook her head fiercely. "They wouldn’t! Prince Ding’s Mansion wouldn’t lie to me about this. I know... Suyun and my child were born only three days apart; how could it be such a coincidence? I know you just brought Ms. Li out of the palace for questioning. She must know! I’m going to ask her!" So saying, she stood up and tried to walk out.

"Stop!" Mo Jingli commanded coldly. "The Empress Dowager is indisposed and has already returned to the palace to rest. You will stay put in this mansion! I don’t have the time to deal with you now, so you’d best behave yourself!"

"No... Jingli!" Ye Ying froze, stunned, shaking her head in terror. Suddenly, she rushed to Mo Jingli, fell to her knees, and clung to his legs, weeping. "Jingli, you know! You know Suyun is our child! I beg you, spare him! He’s your child, your only child right now!"

Seeing Ye Ying’s tear-streaked, desperate face, Mo Jingli’s expression softened slightly. He reached out, gently stroked her hair, and said in a low voice, "He was born with deficiencies and wasn’t properly cared for. He won’t live long. Be good, and we will have other children in the future."

"No... we won’t..." Ye Ying shook her head.

Her scalp suddenly stung. Mo Jingli grabbed Ye Ying’s hair, forcing her to meet his gaze, and said lightly, "We will, as long as you are obedient. After I ascend the throne, I will make you the Empress."

Ye Ying’s eyes flickered, and she murmured softly, "Make me the Empress?"

Mo Jingli nodded. "Correct. As long as you are obedient. I will not hold your previous contact with Prince Ding’s Mansion against you. However... you must do one thing for me. Tell me, who else do you know in Nanjing City that are spies for Prince Ding’s Mansion? It certainly can’t be just within this mansion."

"..."

"I really don’t know any more," Ye Ying said, lowering her gaze.

Mo Jingli said gently, "Think carefully. I know I haven’t treated you well in the past. But look, now you are the only one left in the mansion. Ultimately, you are still the Princess Consort of Prince Li’s Mansion, aren’t you? How did those people send messages out? I recall that those individuals were not permitted to leave the mansion or the city freely. They must have had other contacts, mustn’t they?"

「Half an hour later」

Mo Jingli walked out of Ye Ying’s room, satisfied. The guards who had been stationed outside Ye Ying’s courtyard also withdrew.

In the room, Ye Ying sat on the ground in a daze. After a long while, a faint, bitter smile appeared on her lips. "Mo Jingli... you are so cruel... Since it’s like this, don’t blame me either..."

Even before Mo Jingli had come to find her, the undercover agents of Prince Ding’s Mansion who had been following Ye Ying and were placed within Prince Li’s Mansion had already withdrawn. Before leaving, they had relayed a few words from Ye Li: "Seven parts truth, three parts falsehood. If you want to save Mo Suyun, you’d best know what to say and what not to say."

This time, Ye Ying had done well. What Mo Jingli learned amounted to only a few insignificant spies in Nanjing City, most of whom had probably already evacuated. She hadn’t revealed a single truly important contact. She didn’t know if Ye Li could actually save her son. Mo Jingli was right; the child wouldn’t live much longer. And all of this... was her fault, his mother’s fault. Because she, too, coveted the vanity of that lofty Empress position, she had not only failed to stop Grand Consort Wise Zhao from poisoning the child but had also not informed anyone from Prince Ding’s Mansion, even though she knew. She had harmed him... Ye Li had said she would regret it... She had never regretted anything as much as she did now... Now, all she hoped for was for someone to avenge her son.

Mo Jingli said they would have other children? No, she would never have other children. Even if she did, they would never be *this* one.