Power66. Ambition and Power"Consort" In the chaotic palace, there was a moment of silence before a small palace maid who had been kneeling for a long time cautiously called out.The Lady Consort Guì’s...255. Princess Changle's Plans

Back at the residence, Ye Li was amused yet exasperated as she held Little Baobao, who looked pitifully at her, and pleaded with Mo Xiuyao on his behalf. Although Mo Xiaobao missed his mother dearly, he wasn’t so distracted that he couldn't do anything else. In fact, during these months away from the strict supervision of Mo Xiuyao, Teacher Qingyun doted on this great-grandson extra, in sharp contrast to how he treated Xu Qingchen and others.

As a result, Mo Xiaobao was like an unleashed wild horse, having fun without restraint. He even forgot about the homework his father had assigned him before leaving last night, which he said he would check when he returned.

This time, Mo Xiuyao didn’t deliberately make things difficult for Mo Xiaobao and only gave him assignments within his capability. However, the problem was that Mo Xiaobao was too clever; smart people tend to be more cunning than others. Thus, he procrastinated until it dawned on him that his father would return soon, by which time he had barely completed a third of his homework.

"Alright, starting tomorrow you have ten days to catch up with your father's assignments," Ye Li gently patted the child’s head and said. In fact, Ye Li didn't think it was good for such a young boy like Mo Xiaobao to be burdened with too much homework; but once assigned, he must complete them without shirking or hoping for leniency.

Mo Xiaobao knew he was in the wrong and carefully raised his eyelids to look at Ye Li, softly saying, "Mother, your child knows he was wrong." Ye Li nodded with a smile, "A child who can admit their mistakes is good."

"Then… Can I go see Grandpa after a few days" Mo Xiaobao asked hesitantly. Ye Li couldn't help but chuckle and said, "Alright, tomorrow we'll visit Grandpa, then tell him that in a few days you will attend the academy again. However, this shouldn’t happen again; when studying with your grandfather, you must understand perseverance, and cannot let other matters interfere with your studies, got it" Mo Xiaobao nodded obediently. Mo Xiuyao sat to one side and said teasingly, "If you don't know something in the future, then there's no need for you to study with Grandpa; should I have your great-uncle teach you instead" The expression on Mo Xiaobao’s face instantly fell. Compared to his courteous but somewhat intimidating Great-Uncle, he preferred the kind and amiable demeanor of his grandfather.

Ye Li helplessly looked at this father-and-son duo; she could feel their mutual dislike from meters away. "Xiuyao, you haven't fully recovered from your injuries yet, so rest today and deal with matters tomorrow," Ye Li said to Mo Xiuyao as he softened his expression and nodded in agreement.

Mo Xiaobao's eyes lit up, looking at Ye Li with big innocent eyes. "Mother, Little Baobao wants to sleep with you." Before Ye Li could respond, Mo Xiuyao decisively picked up Mo Xiaobao and placed him on his lap, sternly saying, "Kid, you're almost six years old now. Still want to share a bed with Ahli Want people to laugh at you"

Mo Xiaobao was displeased and argued back, "Father, you’re already in your thirties, why do you still sleep with Mother"

"Haha..." Finally unable to resist, Ye Li burst into laughter. Seeing the two turning their gazes towards her simultaneously, she waved her hand and said hastily, "It’s fine… I have some matters to attend to in my study; you can continue discussing." With that, she fled from their glares.

"I want to sleep with Mother," Mo Xiaobao declared resolutely.

"Ahli is my wife, if you want someone to accompany you then find your own wife," said Mo Xiuyao.

"Mother is my mother, go find your own mother," said Mo Xiaobao with big round eyes.

The corner of Mo Xiuyao's mouth twitched. He looked ferocious as he declared, "Only wives can sleep together. Anyone who sleeps with mothers are just spineless and useless brats."

Mo Xiaobao was in a dilemma. "Where is my wife then"

Calmly, Mo Xiuyao said, “Wait until you grow up before looking for one yourself.”

Outside the door, Ye Li heard their nonsensical conversation and turned away with a black line on her face.

The moment Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao returned to City of Glass (L city), a pile of government affairs poured in. Although Xu Hongyu was in charge, there were still many issues that required Mo Xiuyao's personal handling. The first matter at hand was the large amount of information about Ren Qining sent from the Great Chu and the military exercise already being prepared by Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao before they left City of Glass.

In the study, Mo Xiuyao glanced at the thick stacks of documents in front of him. The efficiency of the intelligence network under the Duke of Ding’s mansion was still quite impressive. Within a month, information about Ren Qining had already been sent to the Duke's study. After reading through the reports, even Mo Xiuyao couldn't help but marvel at how deeply Ren Qining concealed himself. Though he looked like a young man in his twenties, he was actually thirty-seven or thirty-eight years old—this age wasn't considered young for an ordinary person, but it was still quite youthful for someone who aspired to conquer the world. Since he was twelve years old and went to a certain tribe in Northern Jin, he hadn’t set foot in Central Plains even once. In these twenty-some odd years, Ren Qining gradually consolidated his position in the northern borderlands and continuously subjugated various tribes in Northern Jin on a real basis until he became an actual ruler of the entire north. Without anyone's notice, including that of the Duke of Ding’s mansion, he quietly turned the northern borderlands into what it is today—a place with over ten thousand elite soldiers. To put it bluntly, even if Ren Qining couldn’t succeed in reviving his nation, his current strength was enough for him to become a king in Northern Jin by himself. In this regard, Tan Jizhi who was causing trouble between Great Chu and Nan Zhao could be seen as an intentionally or unintentionally deployed smoke screen.

"Just now Leng Haoyu sent us news that Mo Jingqi is preparing to move troops northward," said Xu Hongyu calmly.

“Moving troops northward” Mo Xiuyao frowned and asked the generals beside him, such as Lu Jinxian, "Can Chu’s army defeat Northern Jin’s army" After a moment of contemplation, Lu Jinxian replied, “If we consider national strength and military power, there is no reason for Chu's army to not be able to defeat Northern Jin. However, over the past few years, internal turmoil has erupted in Northern Jin, with various tribes engaging in warfare. Although Northern Jin only has tens of thousands of troops, they are all seasoned veterans who have survived hundreds of battles. Meanwhile, although Great Chu fought a battle several years ago, their performance was truly worrying.”

Feng Zhirao sneered and said, "What's the point in you being worried about whether he can triumph or not Even if you want to send troops to help him stabilize Northern Jin now, he wouldn't dare let Mo’s army enter the pass. He currently has a large portion of his forces stationed at Feihong Pass." Mo Xiuyao said with an unusually good temper, "I just hope that Mo Jingqi isn’t too incompetent. If Northern Jin's troops come southward, it won’t be beneficial for us either." If he was truly worried about Chu’s safety, then he wouldn't have deliberately provoked Mo Jingqi in Ancheng. He could only hope that the generals under Mo Jingqi didn’t disappoint him.

Thinking deeply, Xu Qingchen said, "If there are no unexpected events, within three months at most, both sides will be engaged in battle. What does Your Highness plan to do"

Mo Xiuyao smiled and replied, “Plan We should prepare for our military exercise, right Xiling is fighting with Nan Zhao; Great Chu is fighting Northern Jin; we can just play against ourselves.” Everyone was speechless—playing against themselves indeed showed the Duke’s good nature.

After finishing discussing Ren Qining’s matters, they naturally turned to the military exercise that had been prepared for months. This was certainly an exciting new thing not only for officials like Xu Hongyu but also for generals such as Lu Jinxian and Zhang Qilan. In this era, it wasn't unusual to wage wars every now and then, so there were some people who doubted the real significance of such military exercises. However, after months of preparation, everyone still looked forward to them. Mo Xiuyao asked a question, and Zhang Qilan immediately answered, “Your Highness can rest assured that according to Your Highness’s and Lady’s instructions, everything has been well-prepared. The location is set within the three hundred li radius centered around Hong Prefecture.” Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "The area is big enough. Good. Prepare as instructed.

"Then, when does the prince plan to act" Lü Jinxian asked.

Mosixiao lazily raised his eyelids and glanced at him. "Will an enemy tell you when they are going to attack Prepare yourself."

"Yes, I will follow your orders."

"Princess Changle has arrived," Ye Li said as she was sitting in her small study reading through some documents. ZHUO Jing entered and reported to her. Ye Li was somewhat surprised; upon returning home, there were already a lot of things for her to handle. She had almost forgotten about Princess Changle's matter. Putting down the brush, Ye Li instructed, "Please ask her in."

Shortly after, Princess Changle entered the study. It had been two months since they last met; the originally petite princess seemed a bit thinner and had grown taller as well, but her once bright eyes now held some dullness and sorrow.

"I greet Lady Dingwang," Princess Changle bowed respectfully. Ye Li pulled her up and observed her from head to toe before saying, "Princess seems much slimmer. Has the staff been neglectful" Princess Changle hurriedly shook her head and said, "Lady, you overestimate their inattention; the people of the Wangfu are very kind to Wuyou." After returning to Li City with Feng Zhirao and others from Nanzhao, Princess Changle had given up her former royal privileges and adopted a common name used by the Empress. So other than Feng Zhirao, Zhuo Jing, and those who had accompanied them to Nanzhao, everyone in Dingwang's residence called her Miss Wuyou, even refraining from mentioning her surname.

Seeing how much Princess Changle had grown up, Ye Li sighed with a mixture of helplessness as she pulled the princess over and sat down next to her. "I'm glad you haven't suffered any injustice. If there's anything that needs improvement or if something isn't handled properly, please let me know directly or talk to Master Mo and Zhuo Jing. Please don't hurt yourself; do you understand" Princess Changle's eyes were slightly red as she looked at Ye Li with gratitude and said, "Everyone treats me very well; how could I suffer any injustice Today, I've come to bid farewell. I want... I want to move out."

Ye Li was taken aback and frowned slightly. "Why is that" Princess Changle replied, "I know everyone treats me well, but Wuyou is still an outsider, and Dingwang's residence isn't like other places; moving out would give me more freedom." Ye Li smiled gently and said, "Could it be that you think I or Prince Dingwang will restrict your freedom here"

"No... That wasn’t what I meant..." Princess Changle was at a loss for words, unsure of how to explain herself. In fact, Ye Li understood her reasons; even though she and Mosixiao had absolute trust in Princess Changle, she was still the daughter of Emperor Jingqi. Living within the Wangfu would inevitably require caution and consideration. Moreover, there were only a few people who knew about Princess Changle in Li City, but if news spread that she was living in Dingwang's residence, it might cause complications down the line. However, seeing this child as young as thirteen or fourteen having to think of such matters made Ye Li feel somewhat heartbroken.

Perhaps understanding Ye Li’s thoughts, Princess Changle raised a bright smile and held Ye Li’s hand, saying, "Lady Dingwang, I know you're worried about me. But I have grown up; leaving my mother and maternal grandfather behind, I need to act more mature if they are to rest assured. I'm not completely helpless either; Mother gave me enough silver for a lifetime of luxury, and she left two trusted servants from the Hua family with me when she went away. Besides, I’m right here in Li City, so Lady Dingwang surely wouldn't let anyone bully me, right"

Ye Li smiled softly, reaching out to ruffle the little girl's hair. "You really have grown up; but what are your plans for the future as a young lady"

Princess Changle tilted her head and thought for a moment before looking at Ye Li firmly and said, "I want to study medicine. I know that women in the Northwest aren’t restricted like they are in Great Chu; once I master it, maybe I can open my own clinic." Ye Li smiled as she looked at her, raising an eyebrow and asked, “So who will you learn from How do you plan on拜師？要知道現在的大夫可是少有收姑孃家做學徒的。醫術這東西也不是你看幾本書就能無師自通的。”長樂公主正色道：“我可以男扮女裝去醫館裡當學徒，要不然…我花錢請一個厲害的大夫叫我。母後說，隻要想學總是有辦法能夠學到什麼的。而且我也不是什麼都不會，我會背草本經也認識很多藥材。總比一點都不會的人強一些吧，容易被師傅接受的吧。”” (Note: The original text repeats the same sentence in Chinese, which seems to be a mistake or typo, so I’ll translate it only once.)

Seeing that the little girl was truly determined, Ye Li looked at her with a smile and whispered, "Given your sincerity, let me tell you a secret."

Princess Changle blinked curiously as she looked at her. Ye Li softly said, "There are two divine physicians in Dingwang’s residence.

"Ah Is it the Divine Physician Shen who cured Prince Ding But I haven't seen him around for so long," Princess Changle's eyes lit up, but she was also somewhat puzzled.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Mr. Shen and Mr. Lin found the residence in the estate boring and moved to the city to open a clinic. If you can get them to teach you, then there’s no need to worry about your medical skills."

Although Princess Changle did not know who Dr. Lin was, she knew that Shen Yang's name was well-known throughout the world. Hearing Ye Li say this, she made up her mind and nodded, "Thank you, Lady of Prince Ding. I know what to do now."

Raising an eyebrow, Ye Li said with a smile, “Mr. Shen and Dr. Lin may not necessarily take you on.”

Princess Changle spoke resolutely, “I will definitely try my best to get Mr. Shen to accept me!” Seeing that she was determined, Ye Li did not try to dissuade her anymore and sighed as she patted Princess Changle's hand gently. "Since you have made up your mind, I won’t say anything more. Later on, I’ll arrange a suitable place for you near the Prince’s estate; this is something you cannot refuse. It will still be easier and more convenient to handle things in the city since it is familiar territory." Princess Changle did not reject it anymore and smiled with slightly red eyes, "Then thank you very much, Lady of Prince Ding."

The two chatted for a while before Princess Changle got up to take her leave. After seeing off Princess Changle, Ye Li pondered for a moment and called Zuo Jing over to ask, “Has Third Young Master Feng been treating Princess Changle well these days”

Zuo Jing was stunned for a moment but still answered truthfully despite not understanding the meaning of his lady's question. "Nothing much happened good or bad. Princess Changle resides in the guest residence and does not often meet with Third Young Master Feng." Ye Li frowned slightly, thought about it, and then asked, “Then… on their way back”

Zuo Jing said, "On their way back… Third Young Master Feng seems to be unwilling to approach Princess Changle. I remember that once we missed a town due to traveling in the wilderness and Lin Han requested that Third Young Master Feng bring some food for Princess Changle. In the end, Third Young Master Feng threw it to me instead. However, Third Young Master Feng did not behave rudely towards Princess Changle."

Ye Li nodded and said, “I see. Later on, tell Third Young Master Feng to come over once he’s finished with his work.”

"Third Young Master Feng seeks an audience with the Lady," in less than half an hour Feng Zhirao appeared at Ye Li's study door.

“Come in,”

Hearing Ye Li’s words, Feng Zhirao entered the study and smiled, “To be called by your lady as soon as she returned is truly a great honor for me. What does my lady wish to instruct”

Ye Li was too lazy to deal with his frivolous attitude and put down her documents before taking a sip of tea from beside her hand. Then, in a calm tone, she said, “Princess Changle is moving out.” Feng Zhirao was taken aback, but he did not have time to speak as Ye Li continued, "I’ve already agreed."

Feng Zhirao frowned and somewhat disagreed, saying, “Why Lady, Princess Changle is still a young girl. How can she manage living by herself”

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, “Young girl Princess Changle is already fourteen years old. Although Prince Ding’s estate and the Great Chu royal family come from the same lineage, they are no longer blood-related. They aren’t even relatives or friends; how can a young lady stay in the prince's residence”

Feng Zhirao stared at Ye Li without blinking, clearly not believing her reason. But Ye Li did not mind and raised an eyebrow with a smile saying, “Alright, actually, this duchess feels that Third Young Master Feng seems to have some reservations about Princess Changle. Since this is the case, Princess Changle is just a minor figure; Third Young Master Feng is also the prince’s trusted aide. This duchess naturally has to first cater to your feelings.”

Feng Zhirao had an unpleasant expression, “When did I have any reservations about Princess Changle…” Meeting Ye Li's ambiguous smile, Feng Zhirao could only scratch his nose silently, “Then there’s no need for the lady to make her move out either. After all, she is still a child.”

“I said that it was her own wish to move out,” Ye Li replied. "A girl who relies on others naturally becomes sensitive and nervous. You have been sarcastic throughout the journey; can you blame her for feeling uncomfortable living in the residence Even though she is still a child, adults’ grievances should not affect her. Not just you, it’s likely that everyone in the estate who knows her identity has some reservations about her."

Even if they wouldn’t be impolite to her, how could girls with sensitive hearts not notice others' attitudes towards them It was no surprise that Princess Changle came to say goodbye on her second day back. However, this couldn't be blamed on anyone else; who made her father King Mo Jingqi While it’s wrong to take out one's anger on someone else, how many people can actually do that

“I know I’m at fault in this matter, Lady should keep her here,” Feng Zhirao said.

Ye Li shook her head and said, “Princess Changle plans to study medicine, so it’s more convenient for her to live outside. I asked you over just to ask you to find a suitable place for her to stay at and take care of her from time to time when she's out there. There are many people in the prince's residence with complicated matters; even if we give instructions, they might still cause her distress.”

Feng Zhirao was silent for a moment before nodding, "I understand, my lady can rest assured.eally thinks highly of me to send such an expert." Mu Qingcang's expression was cold as he replied indifferently, "I don't understand what Her Highness means. Nightkill takes money for his work; who i...