they returned to the capital, Mo Xiuyao was summoned by the emperor to discuss matters in the palace. Without bothering about how Mo Xiuyao would explain her disappearance and reappearance in Yonglin...The Initial Summer Lake Tour

67. The Initial Summer Lake Tour

Whether the Empress Dowager and her sons and brothers were secretly vying for power was none of Ye Li's concern. However, when someone from the Ye family came to invite her back home, she would usually find an excuse not to return. Although Secretary Ye was unhappy with his daughter who clearly couldn't be controlled, Ye Li's status as the Queen Consort of Duke Ding prevented him from saying or doing too much about it. In a normal situation, if the Empress Dowager and Emperor Mo Jinglei were fighting for the throne, they would all want to win over Mo Xiuyao’s support. However, since Mo Xiuyao was seen by outsiders as an invalid, and Mo Jingqi probably wanted to get rid of Duke Ding’s mansion as soon as possible, life in Duke Ding's mansion remained peaceful and calm. Neither side expected Mo Xiuyao to take their side, nor did they believe he would stand against them.

"Your Excellency, Your Lady, the young Miss requests an audience," Ye Li put down her needlework and looked up with some surprise, asking: "Young Miss Is it… Yang Qianru Why is she at the main courtyard" Duke Ding's mansion was huge; in fact, very huge. And not every area could be accessed just by going there. So although there were two unpleasant people living here, Ye Li rarely felt their presence. Since Mo Xiuyao moved into the main courtyard, its defenses had been significantly increased. Without permission, no one could even get close to the outer perimeter of the mansion. After being rebuffed twice and given a stern warning by Commander Mo sent by Mo Xiuyao, Lady Concubine Yang never again attempted to challenge the new Queen Consort’s authority. Mo Xiuyao had always treated Ye Li well; she was aware of this. Not only did he grant her power over everything from the moment they got married but also made it clear in front of the servants that he supported her as his queen consort. Otherwise, even a regular family's servant wouldn’t be so easily tamed by a newly arrived bride. So… having someone backing you up was very important, especially when that person held the highest authority in this residence.

"I don't know," Jinger said as she entered to report, "But Young Miss has been standing outside the outer courtyard for some time now. That's why the guard brother asked me to inform Your Excellency and Your Lady." As per the duke’s instructions, no one was allowed in the inner court without a reason. Normally, they would just send them away. However, today, it seemed Young Miss wasn’t going to leave easily. The guards couldn't touch her because she was a guest; thus, they asked Jinger, who happened to be passing by, to come and report.

"What do you think, Your Excellency" Ye Li turned and asked Mo Xiuyao, who was sitting at the half-open window reading a book.

Mo Xiuyao didn't even glance at her; he flipped a page of his book and said indifferently, "If Aili wants to see her, let her in. If she doesn’t, send her back home. Or… there’s another residence outside the city where we can send her to stay with Lady Concubine Yang for a few years."

Hmph... Ye Li rolled her eyes; this man had no heart at all. Although they didn't meet often, every time she saw him, he would look at her with such longing and sorrow that it was hard to believe he could say something so cold-hearted. Yet… She liked it!

"Let her in," Ye Li said somewhat worriedly after placing the almost-finished clothes aside. "Lady Concubine Yang mentioned finding a good match for Young Miss before, but…" I've never been a matchmaker! Mo Xiuyao replied coolly, “No need to worry about it. You won’t find one.”

"What do you mean" How could she not be able to find someone

Mo Xiuyao said, "Commander Mo suggested this three years ago, but the candidates weren't satisfactory for Lady Concubine Yang and herself. Since you're unfamiliar with the capital city, I don’t believe you can come up with a better match than Commander Mo’s list." Ye Li couldn’t help wiping her brow; it seemed even Mo Xiuyao had been a matchmaker before. However, he'd simply instructed Commander Mo to handle it; she would be foolish to worry about attending more banquets. "The people Commander Mo found weren't good enough"

Mo Xiuyao looked up at her and said, "Commander Mo listed the best options based on Young Miss’s conditions. And now she's seventeen years old; there are fewer unmarried young men of her age."

"Then what should we do Can’t we just let this go" Besides not wanting to delay a life-long marriage for someone, Ye Li really suspected that if it continued to be delayed, Mo Xiuyao might take the blame.

“If she wants to marry, have Commander Mo send over the list. If not, don’t bother. Once she turns eighteen and is still unmarried, send her to Moonless Nunnery.”

Ye Li couldn't help feeling sympathetic for Young Miss; what was the saying about distance making a difference Just look at how Mo Xiuyao acted!

Soon, Yang Qianru arrived, gracefully escorted by two maidservants. One of them carried an unrecognizable box. Ye Li glanced at her sudden eagerness to see something behind her and felt a rather unpleasant premonition.

"Young Miss, please sit," Ye Li greeted her with a smile.

Yang Qianru quickly looked over her shoulder, shook her head hurriedly, and said, "Thank you, Your Lady. No… It's fine if I just stand."

Ye Li was speechless; what did she mean by 'just standing' Was it necessary for a guest to act like an abused concubine After assessing Yang Qianru’s elegant white dress with blue flower patterns and her clear, delicate hairstyle adorned with a pearl tassel hairpin, Ye Li noticed that the girl had finally changed from her perpetual white robe image but was still following a refined noble path. "Young Miss, please sit," she said in a slightly stern voice.

Yang Qianru visibly panicked and carefully sat down under Ye Li’s gaze, looking so pitiful that Ye Li felt a lump rise to her throat; it was both unpleasant to spit out or swallow back down. She hadn't bullied her!

"Young Miss, what brings you here" Ye Li asked with a forced smile.

Yang Qianru looked up, nervously twisting the handkerchief in her hands while her face turned red: "I… I…"

Ye Li smiled patiently as Yang Qianru glanced at Mo Xiuyao and finally summoned courage to say: "Tomorrow is Brother’s birthday. I came to give him a gift."

Ye Li looked at the box carried by the maid behind her, then turned to look at Mo Xiuyao who seemed engrossed in his book; she smiled and said, “So you’ve come with a gift May I have a look”

"Well…" Yang Qianru started.

“It’s inconvenient for you, then let Your Excellency check it.” She waved at the maid to give the box to Mo Xiuyao. Upon hearing Ye Li’s words, Yang Qianru's eyes lit up and she looked expectantly at the person by the window reading a book. The maid handed the box to Mo Xiuyao; suddenly, a hand from outside reached in and grabbed it. Ah Jin appeared beside the window and carefully opened the box, lifting out its contents for inspection. From Ye Li’s angle, there was an elegant blue robe inside, and although only one corner was visible, the embroidery was exquisite and meticulous: "No poison."

"Ah Jin, step aside; you're blocking the light," Mo Xiuyao said calmly.

"Alright." Ah Jin acknowledged him, holding the box and disappearing from view. Throughout the process, Mo Xiuyao didn’t even see a corner of the robe. Yang Qianru was stunned and quickly asked: "Where did he take it

"This..." Ye Li considered whether to tell him that all the things Mo Xiuyao didn't want had been taken by Ah Jin to play with, and once played with, they were discarded.

Mo Xiuyao put down the book in his hand and raised his head. In Yang Qianru's surprised and expectant gaze, he calmly said, "If there's nothing else, go back to your own courtyard. Tomorrow, this prince will have Jingzong send over a list of suitable candidates for trial marriage. You can choose one." Yang Qianru’s delicate face turned as pale as snow, tears rolling down her cheeks like crystal droplets, "No... Cousin, I don’t want to leave the Prince's Manor... I don't want to get married... Don't drive me away..." Mo Xiuyao frowned but soon nodded and said, "Alright then. Pack your things up tomorrow and go to Wuyue Monastery to accompany my sister-in-law." The maidservants by Yang Qianru’s side were all from the Prince's Manor and naturally did not dare to defy Mo Xiuyao’s will. Even though they knew their mistress was unwilling, they still helped her leave.

"Cousin... W-wah... Don't drive me away, Cousin... I'll be good... I won't do anything that makes you angry..." Yang Qianru sobbed and struggled to stay as the two maids tried to support her.

“Take her out,” Mo Xiuyao said coolly with a frown.

No matter how much she struggled, Yang Qianru couldn’t be the match of two taller maids. Finally, she was practically dragged out. Seated by the side, Ye Li silently watched Mo Xiuyao's indifferent face while faintly hearing Yang Qianru’s heart-rending cries and couldn't help but feel that this man was truly merciless. Most men would have at least felt a bit of pity seeing a beautiful, weak maiden cry like that. But there was no emotion in Mo Xiuyao’s eyes; it seemed he viewed the girl who had just been dragged out as nothing more than an unwanted object.

"Jade, why are you sighing" Mo Xiuyao asked.

Ye Li couldn't help but sigh again. "Whoever falls in love with you must have sinned in their past life. Otherwise, they must owe you something and haven’t paid it back." Mo Xiuyao’s gaze shifted as he stared at Ye Li's silhouette and asked, “Why do you say that”

Ye Li said, "You don't need to explain; just look at Yang Qianru. Falling in love with someone who doesn't love you or even exists, isn't it like owing a debt from the past life Is one destined for tragedy"

"Then... What kind of person would Jade fall in love with" Mo Xiuyao asked.

While doing some embroidery, Ye Li replied nonchalantly. "Love Don't know, probably won’t fall in love with anyone. Even the most moving romance turns into family affection over time; why not just live happily from the start" Who can maintain sweet words and romantic dates forever Eventually, it all boils down to daily necessities.

"So Jade hasn't loved anyone yet" Mo Xiuyao asked softly.

The needle in Ye Li's hand paused for a moment before she resumed working. "Perhaps." Of course, she had dated before but never felt the bone-deep love that some people talked about.

"If Jade falls in love with someone, will you live and die together"

Ye Li turned curiously to look at the man lounging on his wheelchair for once. "Does Your Highness mean if I fall in love, I should share life and death with him"

"Perhaps."

"I probably won't. Do I have to drag someone else into my grave when I die It's unrealistic," Ye Li thought. "Even a regular liking isn’t reason enough to do so; are they friends or enemies then"

Under the sun, Mo Xiuyao seemed deep in thought before saying softly, “What you said is right. If I were dead, I still hope she can live well.” Finished speaking, he ignored Ye Li and returned to reading his book. Ye Li was somewhat surprised that the cold-hearted yet seemingly indifferent Mo Xiuyao could be so tender; shrugging her shoulders, she turned back to continue embroidering. After a while, Mo Xiuyao's words echoed in her mind: “If I were dead, I hope she can live well.”

She Ye Li was stunned and nearly pricked herself with the needle. Has Mo Xiuyao fallen for someone

This made her mood extremely poor, though she couldn't pinpoint why. She felt inexplicably gloomy; this was very rare in her decades of life. Even when parting from her first love or before her first mission, she didn’t feel such despondency. So after venting at the martial training ground without improvement, Ye Li decided to go out and clear her mind.

By chance, Hua Tianxiang invited her to appreciate lotuses in early summer; thus, Ye Li readily agreed.

The capital city is in the north, with few places to admire lotuses. Therefore, during June and July, the lakes would be crowded with tourists every year. Unopened lotuses already drew a horde of young ladies from noble families to the lake. When Mo Xiuyao heard that Ye Li wanted to go out to see lotuses without inviting him along, he simply told her the Prince’s Manor had its own boat and she could invite friends over. Since Ye Li was annoyed with him these days, she promptly left the palace with a few maids. Ah Jin silently observed his lord: Why didn’t Your Highness tell Her Ladyship directly that he wanted to go along

On Prince Ding’s manor boat, Ye Li leaned against the window daydreaming while Hua Tianxiang admired the interior decoration and said enviously, “Unsurprisingly, this is a unique layout for the boat of Prince Ding. But tell me, Lily, was this ship specially arranged by Prince Ding for you It's been years since anyone from Prince Ding’s Manor has left; this boat looks different.”

Ye Li looked at her lazily and said, "Your family's boat isn’t worse than this one. Why the fuss"

Hua Tianxiang gave her a wry look, “You don't know much do you There are so many people in my house; it’s noisy and crowded. You’re lucky to have your own boat. If Prince Ding were here too... No, I wouldn’t be comfortable borrowing the boat if he was.”

Ye Li looked at all the boats on the lake and said puzzledly, "With so many boats floating around, are we looking at lotuses or admiring other people’s vessels"

Hua Tianxiang chuckled and replied, “We enjoy both flowers and people. How can I not come when it's a perfect day for the blooming lotuses You wouldn't believe how many scholars have found their beloveds here.”

"Lotus Beauty Lake" Ye Li glanced at the broad lake; after seeing West Lake, Taihu, Qiandao Lake, etc., this small Lotus Beauty Lake seemed unrelated to beauty.

Hua Tianxiang helplessly said, "Are you really that clueless Don't tell me you don’t know why Zeng Er didn’t come with us today"

"Please enlighten me," Ye Li said.

"Because she's with the Second Young Master Xu today!" Hu Tianxiang gritted her teeth and glanced at Ye Li, saying: "Actually, I find it rather strange that you came alone. I thought you should be out together with Prince Ding." Ye Li gave her a displeased glare, asking: "Who invited me to come along"

"I was just worried you wouldn't know and wanted to remind you! Who makes you hide at home all year round and refuse to go outside" Hu Tianxiang grumbled unhappily. Then she looked around the obviously redecorated boat arrangements nervously, saying: "Remember that it's the王爺’s birthday in a few days; you must invite him out to appreciate lotus flowers then. This boat was definitely prepared for him to be with you on such occasions. Prince Ding might even be thinking of how to kill me without drawing attention!"

Ye Li blinked, looking at Hu Tianxiang's worried expression and couldn't help but smile: "You're overthinking it."

"Tianxiang, Ahli!"

The weather was splendid today, with everyone on both the lake and its shore singing and laughing. But the only one who would make such a scene was none other than Mu Tong. Ye Li and Hu Tianxiang saw Mu Tong standing outside another boat, waving her hands vigorously at them. A good-looking young man stood beside her, seemingly talking to her but she looked rather impatient with him. Following behind Ye Li, Hu Tianxiang whispered: "That's the Second Young Master of the Cold Family, Leng Haoyu."

"Mu Tong's fiancé" asked Ye Li.

"Yes. Since childhood, Ting'er has always disliked him but he loves to stick by her side. After she followed her father to the borderlands, he still intentionally irritates her when they return," Hu Tianxiang said with a smile, clearly not disliking Leng Haoyu very much. On the other boat, both of them had already started fighting because Mu Tong wanted to use her lightness kung fu to reach their side while Leng Haoyu did not want that. They struggled on the deck and Mu Tong's temper flared up.

Aside from them, there were many other boats around too, all drawn in by the commotion. Many of those who recognized both Mu Tong and Leng Haoyu also joined in the teasing.

Hu Tianxiang laughed: "Guess how long Second Young Master Leng can last this time"

Ye Li observed for a moment before saying, "Mu Tong can't defeat Leng Haoyu." Although it seemed like he was losing badly, his footing was far more stable than Mu Tong's. His handsome face wore an arrogant look but the eyes staring at Mu Tong were serious and sincere: "Do you think he’s letting her win"

Ye Li smiled: "General Mu loves Ting'er dearly; how can he marry her off to a good-for-nothing playboy like him"

"That..." Hu Tianxiang thought for a moment, not having seriously considered the question before.

Tired of watching the commotion, Ye Li smiled and said: "Let them move their boat away. We won’t be playing with Mu Tong today."

Hu Tianxiang grabbed her: "Don't do that! Do you believe she’d jump into the water even if we leave"

Thinking of Mu Tong’s character, Ye Li did think it possible and smiled at Leng Haoyu's boat: "Second Young Master Leng, Mu Ting, may I invite you over for a chat"

Mu Tong stopped fighting, turned around and called out: "Ahli, I’m your friend, why do you call him here too"

Hu Tianxiang said with a smile: "Then will you come Otherwise we’ll move our boat away."

Mu Tong glared fiercely at Leng Haoyu, pushed his hand aside and kicked hard before flying over to Ye Li's boat on the water. Leng Haoyu smiled bitterly and bowed to Ye Li as he got onto her boat too: "Thank you, Lady Consort." Ye Li instructed her sailors to move their boat away then invited them in.

After sitting down, Qing Luan served tea and snacks before leaving. Mu Tong sat beside Ye Li eating snacks while shooting glares at the accompanying Leng Haoyu. Ignoring her fierce looks, Leng Haoyu smiled at Ye Li: "Today's weather is quite nice; I haven't seen Prince Ding and Lady Consort out together."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked with a smile: "Second Young Master Leng has a close relationship with our prince"

Leng Haoyu paused for a moment, smiling: "I’m just a playboy; how could I have the chance to be close to Prince Ding"

Mu Tong snorted in disdain and mocked him: "You know you’re a good-for-nothing playboy!"

"Ting’er…" Leng Haoyu looked at her pitifully, “What's wrong with being a playboy I have food to eat and fun to enjoy; I can be by your side every day. My elder brother worries about family matters so it’s great!"

"Spit!" Mu Tong was almost jumping up in anger. "I hate useless young masters the most. Stay away from me or I’ll beat you every time we meet."

“You already hit me every time…” Leng Haoyu muttered quietly, but his voice could be heard by everyone inside the cabin. Ye Li and Hu Tianxiang covered their mouths to hide their laughter while Mu Tong was so angry that her face turned red; she wished she had a dagger to stab this shameless rogue to death. However, it seemed Leng Haoyu feared Mu Tong because he only begged for mercy but his eyes were full of affectionate amusement. Ye Li and Hu Tianxiang smiled at each other seeing how Mu Tong was still hopping in anger. Indeed, love affairs were always confusing when one was involved in them. As her friends, they hoped that Mu Tong would be happy in the future, but ultimately it was up to her to decide.

"Lady Consort, Li王府's boat is ahead," Qing Xia reported just as they were talking.

Hu Tianxiang frowned: "Li, how did we run into Li Wang again

Ye Li smiled and said, "Who told you not to pick a good day Or perhaps it's just that the capital isn't big enough."

Meng Ting pursed her lips and said, "I think it’s more like meeting an enemy on a narrow road."

Before Ye Li could speak, Qing Niao entered with a displeased expression. "My Lady, Li Prince and his consort are here to see you."

"Please let them in," Ye Li sighed.

Soon after, Mo Jingli brought Ye Li inside the cabin. But the person following Mo Jingli made Ye Li frown. Although the woman beside Li Wang wore a light yellow dress and had slightly altered her appearance with makeup and a veil over her face, to Ye Li’s eyes such alterations were meaningless—anyone who saw her in person would recognize her as Southern Zhou's Qixia Princess. Just how many days had passed since then Was Mo Jingli challenging his imperial brother now The palace hadn’t announced the death of Qixia Princess yet.

"Greetings, Li Prince and Consort," Hua Tianxiang and others stood to greet them.

Mo Jingli swept his gaze over everyone in the cabin before finally turning his eyes from Ye Li to Leng Haoyu. "Leng Haoyu"

Leng Haoyu smiled and said, "Your Highness actually recognizes me What an honor."

Of course Mo Jingli knew about Leng Haoyu's reputation. He glanced at the expression on Meng Ting’s face which was slightly relaxed before lightly snorting and asking Ye Li, "Why isn’t Mo Xiyaou accompanying you"

"What does it have to do with Li Prince" Ye Li felt aggrieved and immediately retorted without hesitation.

Indeed, Mo Jingli's face immediately darkened as he angrily said, “A woman who doesn't know when she is being treated well!” Ye Li rolled her eyes in her mind and was too lazy to care. Leng Haoyu observed Mo Jingli with interest before smiling as he said, "Your Highness, this lady is...” He was pinched from behind by Meng Ting and his originally suave smile immediately turned into an amusing grimace. Mo Jingli coldly stared at him, saying, “Didn't your elder brother teach you that you shouldn’t ask unnecessary questions”

Leng Haoyu shrugged indifferently and said, "My elder brother is very busy, so he has no time to teach me these things."

Ye Li rubbed her temples and said coolly, "Li Prince, Fourth Sister, let’s sit down and talk."

Meng Ting snorted coldly and said, “I don’t want to sit with some people. A璃, Tianxiang and I will go out for a walk first.” With that, she shot Mo Jingli a sidelong glance before pulling Hua Tianxiang up and heading outside. Her expression was as if she didn't want to be in the same place as him. Hua Tianxiang gave Ye Li an apologetic look, letting Meng Ting drag her away. She also did not wish to interact with Li Prince. Leng Haoyu saw Meng Ting leave and looked uncertainly at Ye Li and Mo Jingli.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Leng Young Master, you should go keep an eye on Meng Ting; don’t let her drag Tianxiang around recklessly." Leng Haoyu nodded before leaving. Soon after, Qing Niao and the rest brought tea and snacks in but didn't leave again afterward. They stood respectfully at different corners of the cabin, waiting for their mistress’s instructions. Understanding their thoughts, Ye Li smiled inwardly without saying anything.

"You all can go out first; I have something to talk with her," Mo Jingli ordered.

Ye Ying bit her lip and quietly stood up to leave, while Qixia Princess glared at Ye Li but followed silently. However, Qing Niao and the others did not listen obediently. They stayed where they were, ignoring Mo Jingli as if he hadn’t spoken. Mo Jingli said sternly, "I told you all to go out; didn't you hear"

Qingshuang replied crisply, “We heard, Your Highness. However, His Royal Lord instructed us to protect our mistress’s safety, and we must follow his orders."

The cold light flashed in Mo Jingli's eyes as he glared at Qingshuang. "So you’re saying I would do something bad to her"

Qingshuang said, “I don’t know that, but we must be prepared for the worst. Please forgive us."

Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Li Prince, there doesn't seem to be anything private between us that needs to be discussed, and they are people I trust. You might as well speak freely."

Meng Jingli fell silent, staring unwaveringly at Ye Li without speaking. Ye Li also did not speak, allowing him to look at her as he pleased. After some time, Mo Jingli finally said coldly, "Ye Li, you are lying to me!"

Ye Li was stunned—lying What was she supposed to have lied about

"Your Highness, what nonsense is this Maliciously defaming my lady isn’t a good habit," Ye Li said coolly.

Meng Jingli snorted and said coldly, "You purposely acted so useless just to get me to break off the engagement first, right You’ve already been involved with Mo Xiyaou for a long time, haven’t you"

Ye Li calmly held her cup of tea, restraining herself from pouring water into Mo Jingli's face. "Your Highness, I have told you before. Overthinking is an illness; it’s best to treat it early. Your low moral character does not mean others are also morally corrupt."

Meng Jingli’s face turned pitch black but he did not lash out like usual instead staring at Ye Li for a long time before smiling wickedly.

Ye Li stared blankly, inwardly on guard.

Suddenly, Mo Jingli lowered his voice and smiled at Ye Li. "Ye Li, you haven’t consummed with Mo Xiyaou yet, right Could it be…Mo Xiyaou has really become impotent" If that was the case, he could勉強...

Crack!

Before Mo Jingli had finished his sentence, a hard fist struck his nose. Two streams of blood immediately dripped down. Mo Jingli’s eyes widened in shock, but Ye Li had already risen and pressed his head against the table by the time he came to his senses.

"Damn Ye Li!" The pain on his forehead finally brought Mo Jingli back from the shock of being attacked again; "I won’t let you off this time!"

Ye Li signaled Qing Niao to stop as a cold smile curled her lips. Seeing Mo Jingli charge at her, she flipped backward and avoided him. By the time he charged again, she was already near another window.

A second unsuccessful attempt combined with his previous attacks made Mo Jingli realize that Ye Li wasn’t an ordinary woman. This time, using all his strength, he pounced toward Ye Li, determined to seize this mocking woman. However, as soon as Ye Li crouched down, Mo Jingli felt excruciating pain in his armpit and was unable to dodge; before he knew it, his head crashed into the cabin window—

"Help! Li Prince has fallen overboard!away in its scabbard with restrained sharpness, now he was like a blade eager for blood.Han Mingyue had seen Moxiu Yao at every stage of his life from the time when he was full of vigor as a young man...