Marriage of the Princess

hange that. What can I do" Alright, not being prepared for contraception was indeed a shortcoming on her part. "Does Feng San have any suggestions""I need to report this immediately to the Duke!" That...227. The Princess's Marriage Announcement

227. The Princess's Marriage Announcement

Moxiaobao, carrying her usual luggage with a sad heart, went to live with her most beloved great-grandfather. Although she had lost another battle for her mother’s affection, Moxiaobao firmly believed that it was because she was too young and her father had bullied her using his authority. She secretly resolved in her heart that since the old man shamelessly bullied him when he was small, then after growing up, he wouldn't mind bullying the elders either.

Moyouxiao sent Moxiaobao to a newly built Li Shan Academy outside of Li City and left her with Mr. Qingyun. Seeing his son standing beside Mr. Qingyun, pitifully looking at him, Ye Li felt uncomfortable in her heart as well. To be honest, she wasn't being very responsible as a mother. Fortunately, Xiaobao has always been close to her since he was young. Ye Li thought for a moment and decided that it would be best if she visited her son every day, bringing pastries he likes eating. When Xiaobao is older and doesn’t have to worry about the daily commutes anymore, she could let him return to Ding王府 (Prince's Manor) to live each day. It’s not good for a child to never see his parents.

"Alily, haven't I said that I will come to visit Xiaobao every other day Mr. Qingyun will properly teach him; there is no need to worry." Mo Xiuyao comforted Ye Li softly while embracing her. "I will increase the number of secret guards at Li Shan Academy by double and also have a team of Qilin stationed nearby, so don’t be worried about Xiaobao's safety."

Ye Li sighed helplessly; she really couldn't understand why Mo Xiuyao had such an opinion against Xiaobao. Each time when he saw Xiaobao clinging to her side, he would inevitably mess with him afterwards. Although she knew that Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t hurt Xiaobao, seeing the child’s red face and pitiful look made Ye Li speechless. "Xiyao, do you really hate Chényé so much"

Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li innocently and said with a smile: "Xiaobao is my son; how could I hate him Alily, it's for Xiaobao’s future that I am doing this. People say strict teachers produce outstanding disciples and a rod produces filial children. If you don’t be strict with Xiaobao now, what if he grows up to be as bad as Mo Jingqi and Mo Jinglei brothers Wouldn't you feel heartbroken" Ye Li looked at him speechlessly for a moment before saying: "So are you saying that Your Highness was beaten by your father and elder brother when you were young"

Mo Xiuyao smiled without speaking. His late father had been too busy to care about them, while his elder brother truly disciplined him severely. Mo Xiuyao didn’t think he was being overly strict with Xiaobao at all. Compared to how he used to get up before dawn in winter when he was only five years old to practice martial arts, Xiaobao should feel grateful indeed… Yes, I am really a kind father. With this comparison, Prince Ding felt psychologically relieved that he was very affectionate towards his son and it was Alily being too indulgent with the child that caused problems. Indulging children is not good for parents.

The two of them walked down the mountain but encountered Xu Qingchen who came up the mountain. The gentleman, now in his mid-twenties, was still dressed in a white robe that gave him an aura of maturity and etherealness. Although his aunt had already become a grandmother this year, she became even more anxious about her son’s marriage situation. However, he seemed to be completely indifferent to it and hadn’t shown any special interest in any young lady yet. It was normal for someone not to want to marry early, but Xu Qingchen was the only one among them who had been engaged since childhood while the others hadn't married yet. His lack of emotional response made him seem strange sometimes. Even Ye Li often thought that her outstanding older cousin might be preparing to become a celestial being.

"Elder Brother, are you coming here to pay your respects to our grandfather" Ye Li greeted him first.

Xu Qingchen looked at the two of them holding hands and a teasing smile appeared on his lips. Unfortunately, Mo Xiuyao’s face was thicker than he imagined; he pulled Alily's hand without changing his expression as if nothing had happened. Xu Qingchen shook his head helplessly and raised a scroll with intricate floral patterns in purple and gold: "I have something to do. I heard that the prince and princess won't be returning to the city for the next two days, so I had no choice but to come here myself. Fortunately, I met you here." Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao curiously; she didn’t know they were not going back to the city these two days Mo Xiuyao looked at the scroll in Xu Qingchen’s hand without changing his expression: "Is it from Nanzhao"

"How do you know" Ye Li asked strangely. Mo Xiuyao pointed to the pattern on the scroll, "That is a special pattern used by the royal family of Nanzhao."

Ye Lye frowned as she recalled that she had seen such patterns in Nanzhao, feeling ashamed of her lack of knowledge. Ye Lye accepted the memorial and asked, "Will Brother Xi go down the mountain with us, or should he pay respects to Grandfather first" Xu Qingchen shook his head and sighed, saying, "I just saw my grandfather yesterday; he's still angry and doesn’t want to see me. Let’s go down the mountain together." Ye Lye was somewhat surprised, as Brother Xi is said to be the most outstanding descendant of the Xu family and Grandfather’s favorite grandson. Why would Grandfather refuse to see him

Murong Xiu Yao raised an eyebrow and said with a smirk, "Perhaps it's because the First Young Master of the Xu Family is too picky about his marriage that he has caused everyone's ire, even causing Mr. Qingyun’s good temper to break" Xu Qingchen glanced at Murong Xiu Yao with a faint expression; who would cause more trouble than the Determined Prince Doing what should not be done and neglecting what should be done. Leaving his son to his grandfather was one thing, but he even wanted to secretly take Ye Li away. If it weren’t for him getting the message quickly, someone would already have taken off with Ye Li.

"Speaking of which, Brother Xi really should get married soon. Auntie has mentioned this many times before. Unfortunately, none of these grand ladies from Northwest are to his liking. How many maiden hearts have been shattered... Eh" As she talked and joked, Ye Lye casually flipped through the purple-gold memorial and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise.

"What's wrong" Murong Xiu Yao asked with concern. Ye Lye waved the memorial and glanced at Xu Qingchen, saying, "Princess Anxi is going to get married soon and has invited us to attend her wedding in Nanzhao."

Murong Xiu Yao was not surprised, "Princess Anxi is already twenty-four years old. It's time for her to marry even if she’s from Southern Frontier."

Ye Lye nodded in agreement; ever since Princess Anxi left Jicang City five years ago without much fanfare after staying there briefly, Ye Lye knew that there was no hope between her and Xu Qingchen. She still remembered the day when she personally escorted Princess Anxi out of the city as she departed with a downcast look, even making her want to beat Xu Qingchen up. But in the end, she understood it wasn’t his fault; matters of love are never under one’s control.

Murong Xiu Yao took over the memorial and flipped through it—sure enough, it was a state letter from Nanzhao. "It's still early. The wedding is scheduled for July, so if we leave earlier in the month, we will make it in time." After reading it, he lost interest and handed it back to Xu Qingchen with a smile, saying, "I’ll let Brother Xi handle these matters then. Ye Li, Qiongbai and Qingyan wrote that the wheat is growing exceptionally well up north this year. It's now the flowering period—why don’t we go and take a look" Ye Lye finally understood why Brother Xi said earlier that if he delayed any longer, it might be too late to find someone; Murong Xiu Yao must have taken Xiao Bao to Grandfather with the intention of taking her out.

Xu Qingchen held the memorial in his hand and looked at Murong Xiu Yao calmly. "Your Excellency, you probably won’t be able to go far away anytime soon."

"Why" Murong Xiu Yao was displeased; his snow-white hair fluttered slightly in the breeze. "After years of hard work pulling up Xiao Bao and finally resolving matters in Northwest, can I not take a break"

At this, Ye Lye and Xu Qingchen both looked at him with disgust. How could he have the nerve to say that he raised Xiao Bao He probably made it easier for Xiao Bao to grow up by causing trouble.

Xu Qingchen replied calmly, "Your Excellency, in ten days, it will be the first time we hold the imperial examination in Northwest. We’ve been preparing for four years—could you really not attend on this occasion If so, people might think that Your Excellency doesn’t value scholars. Or do you have confidence of returning from Fourth Brother’s place within ten days Furthermore, Father has already mentioned several times about his proposal to reform the tax system in Northwest. Has something not been considered carefully leading to Your Excellency's delay in responding Also... The Jicang City Chamber of Commerce is set to begin next month, and merchants are already arriving in the city from various countries. Your Excellency..."

Murong Xiu Yao stared dumbfounded as Xu Qingchen continued listing matters needing his attention; it made him want to grab hold of Xu Qingchen’s collar and shake him vigorously. Haven’t I left all affairs in Northwest to you Why do so many things still need my personal approval

Seeing Mo Xiuyao's miserable expression, Ye Li couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh quietly. She gave him a helpless look. It wasn't that she wouldn't accompany him out to play; it was just that he didn't have the time himself. Actually, there were so many things because Xu Qingchen deliberately caused them to happen. Perhaps learning from the Xus' past experiences of being in an awkward situation, although everyone in the Xu family deeply trusted Mo Xiuyao, they had always been cautious about power matters and avoided getting involved. Apart from Xu Qifeng who was the odd one out, no other person questioned the military affairs of the Mo Family Army. Although they heavily relied on Xu Hongyan, Xu Hongyu, and Xu Qingchen in daily politics, they rarely participated in things that would make them famous; otherwise, they would use Mo Xiuyao as a cover-up for their achievements and fame. Xu Hongyu even consulted Qingyun Scholar and set down a new family rule: henceforth, when members of the Xu family became officials, they had to retire at most by age 58. To avoid letting Lishan College dominate alone, in recent years, Xu Hongyan tried his best to support it while building several colleges in Northwest China, changing the situation where there wasn't a good college in the region back then. These actions of the Xu family clearly showed their attitude; Ye Li could only sigh silently and accept their kindness.

"If Your Highness truly finds things too tiring, why not take some rest during your next visit to Nanzhao After all, there won't be much for you to do when you get there," after Xu Qingchen finally finished speaking, he glanced at Mo Xiuyao's discontented expression and added indifferently.

"My wife, it’s not that I don’t consider your feelings; I just can’t accompany you out to have fun. It's because… my elder brother is too fierce. You need to stand up for me," Mo Xiuyao gazed at Ye Li with a resentful look. Looking at the snow-white-haired man who didn't appear old in the least, Ye Li found it amusing. He was already over 30 years old but looked even younger than when they first met. "Alright, husband, you don’t need to be upset. We’ll stay longer in Nanzhao and leave everything else to my elder brother and others."

Hearing this, Mo Xiuyao shot a challenging look at Xu Qingchen. Ignoring him, Xu Qingchen looked up to the sky and said calmly, "Ling, it’s fine if you indulge your husband, but being too indulgent could damage his brain. My elder brother and your grandfather would be upset about that. People who don’t know might even think you gave birth to twins before. Listen to my advice; this husband of yours should remain wise and formidable." Ye Li looked around and wisely decided not to speak up. It wasn't just men who found it hard being in a difficult situation between their wife and mother-in-law, women found it tough too when caught between their husband and elder brother. She smiled gently, "Elder Brother, you may talk with Your Highness slowly then; I seem to see Qin Feng has something to tell me." Saying that, she left without looking at either of them.

Behind her, Xu Qingchen’s smile was warm like the spring breeze while Mo Xiuyao thought deeply. Could Ah Li really leave so quickly because she liked him being wise and formidable Glancing back at some celestial-like person, King Ding sneered in his heart: breaking up my relationship with Ah Li I’ll feel guilty to you and your whole family if I don't marry you off as soon as possible!

The elegant Qingchen smiled faintly but suddenly shivered; he looked up at the cloudless sky curiously.

Although Princess Anxi's wedding was still some time away, they didn’t actually have much time to prepare. As Xu Qingchen said, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had a lot of matters to handle, and their trip to Nanzhao would take at least over a month; King Ding and his wife needed to clear up many things before leaving. Indeed, the moment they returned home, Mo Xiuyao was invited into Xu Hongyu’s study by him who waited there for him.

Smiling as she watched Mo Xiuyao leave, Ye Li went back to her courtyard where someone was waiting for her already.

"Auntie, what brings you here Do you have something on your mind" Upon seeing Ye Li enter, Lady Xu hurriedly stood up. Ye Li met her and helped her sit down with a smile, "Auntie can tell me whatever she wants while sitting down. No one else is around; why be polite to me"

"Did I come over too abruptly Did I disturb you, Ling" Lady Xu asked somewhat worriedly. Although she was an inner chamber woman, Lady Xu knew her niece, the Consort of King Ding, was different from other women in the family and even other consorts. The name of King Ding’s consort was almost as famous as his among all common people in Northwest China. Just to mention those under King Ding or the Mo Family Army generals, who wouldn’t obey Ye Li without question Smiling, Ye Li replied, "Auntie is too kind; Ling usually doesn’t have time to visit you and Auntie Two. If I know that Auntie cares more about my three brothers than me, it must be because she has spent all her thoughts on them."

Amused by Ye Li’s teasing, Lady Xu couldn’t help but laugh too, but soon a worried look appeared again. She said regretfully, "Your aunt really does have everything she needs since having a grandchild; all her thoughts are now on Dao Rui. But I’m still so troubled."

Ye Li understood and asked softly, "Is it because of something related to my elder brother

"Besides him, who else" Madam Xu sighed. "Before long, Qingchen will be thirty and still hasn’t found a suitable girl. Your eldest brother has never caused us any worries since he was young, but this is the one thing that causes us the most worry about him. If I had known it would be like this, I should have followed your second maternal uncle’s example back then and arranged a childhood engagement for him. Regardless of whether it’s good or bad, at least he could have brought home a wife." Ye Li also sighed; her eldest brother's situation was indeed troubling. The Xu family was definitely an enlightened household. Apart from Xu Qingze being engaged to Qin Zhen since childhood, the other brothers had no early arranged marriages. This was naturally to ensure they could carefully choose their future wives and avoid marrying someone they dislike or someone who is not virtuous. Even though Xu Qingchen did not marry at twenty-something years old, nobody in the Xu family pressured him. But now that he’s about to turn thirty, it's no wonder Madam Xu is anxious.

"My eldest brother has too high standards; there’s nothing we can do if he doesn’t find ordinary girls appealing," Ye Li said softly.

Without mentioning Xu Qingchen himself, even Ye Li felt that few women were worthy of her own eldest brother. The only one who seemed to have potential was Princess Anxi, but unfortunately, her eldest brother didn't fancy her either.

"Too high standards Is he trying to marry a celestial being!" Madam Xu couldn’t help wiping away tears and angrily complained, "Do you think that just because people call him the number one gentleman in the world means everything is fine Do you think all women are beneath his eyes He’s still just an ordinary person with two eyes and one nose! Look at him. Not only is he old for his age, but if he delays for another two years, who would be willing to marry a man much older than themselves Because of what he did, now your second maternal uncle's Qingfeng, Qingbai, and Qingyan are all refusing to get married too! It’s all his fault as the eldest brother!" Ye Li sighed inwardly. Even if her eldest brother were forty, there would still be girls eager to marry him.

Madam Xu was extremely angry. Ye Li could only comfort Madam Xu softly while saying, "Auntie, don’t get so upset with my eldest brother. He’s the most filial son. If he knows you are this distressed, wouldn’t he be sad too The matter of緣分 (fate) is something nobody can predict clearly; it’s possible that tomorrow, my eldest brother will meet a girl who chases after him to get married."

Although the possibility was almost zero. Ye Li really couldn't imagine Xu Qingchen pursuing and flattering any woman.

"Does Auntie have any plans" Ye Li knew that Madam Xu wouldn’t specially come over just to complain.

Madam Xu nodded determinedly, "We can’t let him continue acting recklessly. Your second maternal aunt is planning to find a wife for Qingfeng. I’ve also introduced two women to him. Please think of a way to get him to meet the girls. This child has many ideas; as soon as I mention this matter, he disappears without a trace. Today, he says he’s busy with one thing, tomorrow, he says he’s busy with another. As I don’t often go out myself, how can I catch him"

Ye Li was delighted at once— it seemed that her aunt wanted to arrange a marriage for her eldest brother but couldn't find the right person She thought about it and firmly nodded, "Auntie, you can rest assured. When the time comes, I will make my eldest brother come back."

Madam Xu was overjoyed, "Then we’ll rely on Miss Li."

Ye Li smiled and said, "What’s this about relying on me Miss Li also wants to have a big sister-in-law sooner rather than later."

-- Interlude --

Ah~ The number one gentleman is worried about finding a wife… No wait, it should be worrying about finding a husband! I’m sorry, Sir. If you aren’t married off soon, you’ll become an uncle forever!received news from Xi Yang; they had only just received the message to welcome Ye Li at the city gates. Hearing that Ye Li burned down Xi Yang now caused them a great shock, but none of them wished to...