227. The Princess’s Wedding News
Mo Xiaobao, sadly packing his favorite belongings, went to seek solace with his beloved great-grandfather. Despite losing the battle for his mother’s attention once again, Mo Xiaobao firmly believed this was because he was still very young and his father was oppressing him tyrannically. He made a secret determination in his heart—since his father unashadly bullied him for his small stature, he would not hesitate to disrespect his elders when he grew up.
After leaving Mo Xiaobao at the newly built Lishan Academy, not far from the outskirts of Licheng, under the care of Mr. Qingyun, Ye Li felt distressed looking at the pitiful expression on her son’s face. As a mother, she felt a pang of guilt, thinking she had been sowhat negligent. Luckily, Xiaobao had always been close to her. Ye Li decided to co and see her son every day and bring so of her homade cakes that he liked. Once Xiaobao grew older and didn’t have to worry about traveling every day, she would let him return to Prince Ding’s Mansion. It was not good for a child to be apart from his parents.
"Ah-Li, haven’t we agreed that you would visit Xiaobao once every other day? Mr. Qingyun will teach him well, so you don’t have to worry," Mo Xiuyao comforted Ye Li softly. "I will double the number of hidden guards at Lishan Academy, and a squadron of the Qilin unit is stationed in this vicinity. You don’t have to worry about Xiaobao’s safety."
Ye Li sighed helplessly. She really didn’t understand why Mo Xiuyao was so prejudiced against Xiaobao. As soon as he saw him sticking to her, he would invariably go and tease the child. Although she knew Mo Xiuyao was only playing and would not really harm Xiaobao, seeing him bullied and his little face turning red, Ye Li was utterly speechless. "Xiuyao, do you really hate Chen’er that much?"
Mo Xiuyao stared innocently at Ye Li and smiled. "Xiaobao is my son; how could I hate him? Ah-Li, I’m doing this for his future. It’s said that a strict teacher produces outstanding students, and an obedient child is brought up through discipline. If I am not strict with Xiaobao, what if he grows up to be like Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli? Wouldn’t you be heartbroken?"
Ye Li was left speechless gazing at him, finally retorting, "So, you were also brought up by your father and elder brother with regular beatings?"
Mo Xiuyao remained silent with a smile. His father was too busy to bother about them during his childhood, but his elder brother was indeed harsh. Compared to how I was disciplined, I don’t think I’m being too strict with Mo Xiaobao. For instance, at the age of five, I was made to practice martial arts in the heart of winter before dawn. Mo Xiaobao should be content with his life. Hmm... I truly am a benevolent father. It’s Ah-Li who is too indulgent with the child; that’s why she has objections. It’s wrong for parents to spoil their children.
As they descended the mountain hand-in-hand, they ran into Xu Qingchen, who was coming up. He was almost thirty, dressed in white, and seed sowhat more mature yet otherworldly than before. In recent years, his mother had beco anxious about his marriage, although she now had a grandchild. Xu Qingchen, however, seed indifferent to the topic and did not show interest in any girl. It was understandable if he did not want to marry early; apart from Xu Qingze, who got engaged early, none of the other Xu brothers were married. But his lack of emotional attachnt looked odd. Sotis Ye Li even wondered if her talented cousin was planning to lead a monastic life.
"Big Brother, are you here to visit Grandfather?" greeted Ye Li.
Xu Qingchen glanced at the couple’s entwined hands and chuckled. Unfortunately, Mo Xiuyao’s skin was thicker than he imagined—he kept holding Ye Li’s hand as if nothing happened. Xu Qingchen shook his head helplessly. He lifted a purple-gold petition from his hand, embroidered with intricate patterns, and said, "I have so work. Since I heard that the Prince and Princess Consort won’t be returning to town for a few days, I had to co personally. Fortunately, I t you here."
Ye Li looked quizzically at Mo Xiuyao. She wasn’t aware that they wouldn’t be returning to the city. Mo Xiuyao, keeping a straight face, looked at the petition in Xu Qingchen’s hand, asking, "Is it from Nanzhao?"
"How did you know?" Ye Li asked in surprise.
Mo Xiuyao pointed to the elaborate designs on the petition. "Those are the exclusive patterns of the Nanzhao royal family."
Ye Li furrowed her brows as she recalled. It seed as if she had seen such a pattern in Nanzhao, and she couldn’t help feeling ashad of her own ignorance. She took the petition and asked, "Big Brother, are you going down the mountain with us, or are you going to pay respects to Grandfather first?"
Xu Qingchen shook his head and sighed. "I just saw Grandfather yesterday, and he’s annoyed and doesn’t want to see . Let’s go down the mountain together."
Ye Li was sowhat surprised. Her big brother was the most outstanding son of the Xu family and supposedly his grandfather’s most beloved grandson. How could Grandfather be so angry that he refused to see him?
Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, smiling teasingly. "I’m afraid it’s because Eldest Young Master Xu is too picky about marriage and has finally angered everyone. Even the well-mannered Mr. Qingyun couldn’t stand it, right?"
Xu Qingchen cast a detached glance at Mo Xiuyao. When it ca to angering the masses, who was more excessive than Prince Ding? He refused to do what he should and insisted on doing what he shouldn’t. Not only did he dump his son with Grandfather, but he even planned to secretly elope with Li’er. If I hadn’t gotten the news so quickly, that man would have already taken Li’er off to who-knows-where to have a good ti.
"Speaking of which, Big Brother, you should get married. My aunt has ntioned this to many tis. It’s a pity that the young ladies in the Northwest don’t catch your eye, shattering the hearts of many girls... Huh?" As Ye Li joked, she casually flipped through the purple-gold petition and couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.
"What’s wrong?" Mo Xiuyao asked with concern.
Ye Li held up the petition and glanced at Xu Qingchen. "Princess Anxi is getting married. She has invited us to attend the wedding in Nanzhao."
Mo Xiuyao was not surprised. "Princess Anxi is already twenty-four. Even by the standards of the Southern Border, she should have married long ago. What’s so surprising about that?"
Ye Li nodded in agreent. Ever since Princess Anxi had stayed in Licheng for a few days five years ago and left dejectedly, I knew that there was likely no hope between her and Xu Qingchen. I rember the day I personally sent Princess Anxi out of the city; seeing her dejected figure leaving, even I couldn’t help but want to give Xu Qingchen a beating. However, I also understood that none of this could be blad on Xu Qingchen, as matters of the heart are never up to anyone.
Mo Xiuyao flipped through the petition, which turned out to be an official dispatch from Nanzhao. "It’s still early. The wedding date is set for July. If we hurry, we can set off at the beginning of July." After reading, he lost interest and casually returned the petition to Xu Qingchen, smiling. "As for these matters, I’ll have to trouble you, Big Brother. Ah-Li, Qing Bo and Qingyan wrote a few days ago saying that the wheat in the north is growing exceptionally well this year. It’s the earing season. How about we go take a look?"
Only then did Ye Li understand why Big Brother said if he arrived a step later, he might not find them. It turned out that Mo Xiuyao sent Xiaobao to Grandfather’s place, intending to take her out.
Xu Qingchen held the petition and looked at Mo Xiuyao calmly. "Prince, I’m afraid you can’t go on a long journey for a while."
"Why?" Mo Xiuyao was disgruntled, his snowy hair fluttering in the gentle breeze. "I have worked hard for several years and finally managed to raise Mo Xiaobao. I have also finally solved the problems in the Northwest. Can’t I rest for a while?"
Upon hearing this, Ye Li and Xu Qingchen both cast dismissive looks at him. He actually had the nerve to say he raised Mo Xiaobao? Perhaps without his occasional ddling, Mo Xiaobao would have grown up even more healthily.
Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "Informing the Prince, in ten days, it will be the first ti the Northwest holds the state examination for selecting talents. We have been preparing for it for four full years, and the Prince can’t possibly be absent for the first one, can he? Otherwise, it might give people the impression that you don’t value scholars. Or, does the Prince think he can make it back from Fourth Brother’s place in ten days? Besides, Father has ntioned the Northwest tax reform plan, which was reported a few days ago, several tis. He asked to inquire if there’s any negligence on your part that has delayed your response. Also, the annual Licheng Trade Association is about to start, and rchants from various countries have begun to arrive in Licheng, Prince..."
Mo Xiuyao stared, dumbstruck, at Xu Qingchen, who seed to have an endless list of matters. He couldn’t help but feel his teeth ache with frustration. He wanted to stride forward, grab Xu Qingchen’s collar, and shake him vigorously. I’ve delegated all Northwest affairs to your Xu family, haven’t I? Why, oh why, are there still so many things that require my personal attention?!
Seeing the defeated look on Mo Xiuyao’s face, Ye Li couldn’t help but cover her mouth to stifle a chuckle. She threw Mo Xiuyao a helpless look. It’s not that I’m unwilling to go out with you; it’s just that you’re too busy. Actually, Xu Qingchen deliberately created part of this unending pile of matters. Perhaps he wished to avoid the kind of difficult situations the Xu family had faced over the years—those predicants where, once committed, it was hard to back down.
Even though the entire Xu family was deeply trusted by Mo Xiuyao, they were always cautious when it ca to power. Aside from Xu Qingfeng, who was an exception, none of them would interfere with the Mo Family Army’s military affairs. Although they heavily relied on Xu Hongyan, Xu Hong Yu, and Xu Qingchen for everyday administrative affairs, they rarely participated in high-profile matters that would bring them fa. If such occasions arose, they would rather use Mo Xiuyao, the Prince, as a front, attributing all achievents and reputation to him. Xu Hong Yu even consulted Mr. Qingyun and established a new family rule: Xu family descendants holding official positions must retire by the age of fifty-eight at the latest.
Furthermore, to prevent Lishan Academy from becoming too dominant, Xu Hongyan had actively supported the establishnt of several other academies in the Northwest over the past two years. This changed the previous situation where there wasn’t a single good academy in the entire Northwest. The Xu family’s actions clearly demonstrated their stance. Observing all this, I can only sigh softly in my heart and accept their well-aning intentions.
"If Your Highness finds this to be too much, why not take a longer rest while traveling to Nanzhao? After all, once Your Highness reaches Nanzhao, you’ll hardly have any concerns anyway." After Xu Qingchen finally finished, he glanced at Mo Xiuyao’s disgruntled expression before leisurely adding this.
"Ah-Li, it’s not that I’m being inconsiderate and not accompanying you out. It’s just that... your elder brother is too fierce. You have to stand up for ," Mo Xiuyao said, looking at Ye Li pitifully.
Ye Li laughed. With his snow-white hair, Mo Xiuyao didn’t look old at all. In fact, though he was over thirty, he seed even younger than when they first t. "Alright, my dear, don’t be upset. We’ll spend a few extra days in Nanzhao and leave all these matters to Big Brother and the others."
Upon hearing this, Mo Xiuyao shot a challenging look at Xu Qingchen. Xu Qingchen, pretending not to notice, looked up at the sky and said calmly, "Li’er, it’s fine to dote on your husband. However, too much coddling might spoil his mind. Your grandfather, uncles, and I will all be heartbroken. Those who don’t know better might think you gave birth to twins back then! Listen to your big brother: a husband... should be wise and valiant."
Ye Li looked from one to the other, wisely deciding not to interfere. It wasn’t just n who found it difficult being caught between their wives and mothers; won, too, found it hard to diate between their husbands and elder brothers. She gave a gentle smile. "Big Brother, Prince, please continue your chat. I think I see Qin Feng with sothing to tell ." With that, not waiting to see their expressions, she headed down the mountain first.
Behind her, Xu Qingchen smiled, his expression as warm as a spring breeze. Mo Xiuyao, however, was lost in thought. Could it be that Ah-Li left so quickly because she truly prefers when I’m wise and formidable? He cast a sidelong glance at Xu Qingchen, who looked as elegant as a banished immortal. Prince Ding sneered inwardly with cold fury: You dare try to ruin things between Ah-Li and ? If I don’t get you married off soon, I, this Prince, will have let down not only you but your entire family!
anwhile, Young Master Qingchen, his smile elegant and ethereal, inexplicably shivered. He looked up, puzzled, at the cloudless sky.
「 」
Although there was still so ti before Princess Anxi’s wedding, they actually had very little ti for preparations. As Xu Qingchen had pointed out, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had many matters to deal with. Moreover, the journey to the Southern Border would take at least a month. The absence of both the Prince and the Princess Consort during that ti ant there were even more affairs to arrange and clarify. Sure enough, as soon as they returned to the Prince’s Mansion, Mo Xiuyao was promptly invited to the study by Xu Hong Yu, who was already waiting.
Smiling as she watched Mo Xiuyao head to the study, Ye Li returned to her own courtyard, only to find soone else waiting for her.
"Elder Aunt, why are you here? Is sothing the matter?" Ye Li asked as First Madam Xu rose upon her entry. Ye Li went forward, helped her sit down, and said with a smile, "Aunt, please sit and speak freely. There are no outsiders here; why be so formal with Li’er?"
"I ca by unannounced. I hope I’m not disturbing you, Li’er?" First Madam Xu asked with a hint of concern. Although she was a woman of the inner courtyard, First Madam Xu knew that her niece, as Princess Consort Ding, was different from other won of the inner court, or even other princess consorts. In the eyes of the Northwest’s common people, Princess Consort Ding’s na was held almost as high as Prince Ding’s. Not to ntion, all of Prince Ding’s subordinates, even the generals of the Mo Family Army, were respectful and obedient to Ye Li.
Ye Li smiled. "Aunt, what are you saying? Li’er is usually so busy she doesn’t even have ti to visit your estate. If Elder Aunt and Second Aunt don’t co see Li’er, I’ll start thinking you’ve spent all your attention on my three cousins and don’t dote on Li’er anymore."
At Ye Li’s teasing, First Madam Xu managed a laugh, but worry soon clouded her brow again. She sighed in frustration. "Your Second Aunt is truly content now with her grandchild; all her attention is on Rui’er. But I, on the other hand, am worried sick every day."
Ye Li understood and asked softly, "Is it about Big Brother?"
"Who else could it be but him?" First Madam Xu sighed. "Qingchen is almost thirty, yet he hasn’t even found a young woman he fancies. Your big brother never caused us any worry when he was growing up, but on this particular matter, he’s the most worriso. If I had known it would be like this, I should have followed your Second Uncle’s example and arranged a child betrothal for him back then. Good or bad, at least he would have brought a wife into the family by now."
Ye Li also sighed. Big Brother’s situation was indeed troubling. By most standards, the Xu family was exceptionally open-minded. Apart from Xu Qingze, who was betrothed to Qin Zheng from a young age, none of the other brothers had their marriages arranged early. This was naturally to allow them to carefully choose their daughters-in-law, to avoid their sons marrying wives they didn’t like or who weren’t virtuous. Even when Xu Qingchen was in his late twenties and unmarried, no one in the Xu family pressured him. But now that he was approaching thirty, it was no wonder First Madam Xu was anxious.
"Big Brother’s standards are too high; it can’t be helped that ordinary won don’t catch his eye," Ye Li sighed gently. Not to ntion Xu Qingchen himself, even I feel that there are few won who could be considered a match for my big brother. The only one who seed sowhat suitable, Princess Anxi, was unfortunately not to his liking.
"High standards?! Does he expect to marry a celestial fairy?!" First Madam Xu wiped her tears and complained angrily, "Does he think he’s so great just because people call him the ’Number One Young Master in the World’? Does he believe no woman on earth is good enough for him? He’s still just an ordinary mortal with two eyes and a nose! Look at him! Never mind his current age; if he delays another two years, what decent girl from a good family would want to marry a man so much older than herself? And because he’s setting such a bad example, now your Second Uncle’s sons—Qingfeng, Qingbo, and Qingyan—are all refusing to get married! It’s all his fault as the eldest brother!"
Ye Li sighed inwardly. With Big Brother’s looks and bearing, forget thirty; even if he were forty, there would be no shortage of young won eager to marry him.
First Madam Xu was furious. Ye Li could only console her softly, "Aunt, please don’t be angry with Big Brother. He’s always been very filial; he would be distressed if he knew you were this upset. Matters of fate are unpredictable. Who knows? Perhaps tomorrow Big Brother will et a young woman and will be chasing after her, eager to marry her." Though the probability of that happening was almost zero. I really can’t imagine Xu Qingchen pursuing and trying to please any woman.
"Aunt, do you have any plans in mind?" Ye Li asked. She knew First Madam Xu wouldn’t have co all this way just to vent her frustrations.
First Madam Xu nodded and said firmly, "We can’t let him continue this way any longer. Your Second Aunt is planning to look for a wife for Qingfeng. I’ve also picked out a couple of young won for him. Li’er, you must help think of a way to make him et these girls. That boy is too shrewd; as soon as I ntion it, he vanishes. One day he says he’s busy with this, the next day with that. I don’t go out often, so where am I supposed to catch him?"
Ye Li couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly. So, Aunt wants to arrange matchmaking etings for Big Brother but can’t even get hold of him? She tilted her head, thought for a mont, then nodded firmly. "Aunt, please rest assured. Li’er will definitely make sure Big Brother cos back to et them."
First Madam Xu was overjoyed. "Then I’ll be counting on you, Li’er!"
Ye Li, beaming, replied, "Aunt, what are you saying? There’s no need for thanks. Li’er also wants to have an elder sister-in-law soon!"
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