102 Only You

o yet."What do you want to do in Nanjiang" Xu Qingze looked at Ye Li and asked directly.Ye Li shot him an annoyed glance but still replied honestly, "The situation in Nanjiang is even worse than the c...102. Only You

"Li'er..." Upon hearing this, Hua Tianxiang was momentarily stunned, biting her crimson lips as she looked at Ye Li. In Ye Li's usually bright eyes were flickers of moisture. She knew that Ye Li found it difficult. The emperor fully entrusted the Royal Family of King Ding to handle such a major matter, which appeared to be placing great trust in the family, but in reality, it was pushing the Royal Family of King Ding into a precarious situation. Ye Li's easy agreement with Princess Changle made Hua Tianxiang both happy and worried.

Ye Li reached out to hold her hand tightly clutching onto the sleeve, gently patting it as she smiled: "Human hearts are always somewhat biased. Moreover, regardless of how many people I offend, why can't I choose one that makes me feel better in my heart"

Changle Princess did not understand where the difficulty was and happily threw herself into Ye Li's arms, smiling: "You really are a good person, this princess likes you." Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly as she smiled: "If I don’t agree to your request, will you dislike me" Changle Princess looked at her with hesitation. After much deliberation, she said: "King Ding Uncle said that you would agree with him. However... even if you really do not agree, this princess won't blame you either, because Mother Empress said... Mother Empress said regardless of who I send to be married off in a political marriage, it's not my fault. Because these things don’t concern me."

Ye Li was surprised by the words spoken by the empress and was stunned for a moment before smiling while pinching Changle Princess' little face: "Please thank Empress Dowager on my behalf. What the Empress Dowager said is correct, so regardless of who is sent to be married off in a political marriage, it's not this princess’s fault. This princess doesn’t need to feel too sad." Changle Princess blinked her eyes and hesitantly nodded: "If I grow up, I will go on my own."

Ye Li had never liked the impression of royal princesses and duchesses from the imperial family before but didn't expect that this little princess was not only adorable but also thought like this. Kneading her tender face, Ye Li smiled: "Empress Dowager and Empress won’t let you go on a political marriage. And... do you know what a political marriage is Going to another country will be much less comfortable than staying in the Great Chu."

Changle Princess bared her teeth at Ye Li, grabbing the hand that had been pinching her face and sullenly said: "I know. Mother told me that although being a princess brings honor and wealth, one cannot choose their own marriage as they wish, even mother can't do so. If in the future I need to be married off in a political marriage and my father chooses me for it, Changle mustn’t act rashly because this is the responsibility of a princess."

Hearing Changle Princess's words, Ye Li and Hua Tianxiang could only sigh inwardly.

The palace was not a good place to talk. Even if the three of them hid in a secluded area, they couldn't avoid being sought out by groups of eunuchs and maidservants. Ye Li pulled Changle Princess up: "We're done talking about business, let's go outside." It would look better for her to walk out on her own than wait to be found. A dignified princess consort hiding with a little princess behind some rocks in the palace grounds wouldn't have any face if seen by others. Changle Princess naturally also heard the approaching calls from afar and frowned slightly: "Mother Empress won’t always confine me like this, these people are most annoying, as if they’re afraid that I’ll say too many words to someone else." Ye Li led the way down the rocks, turning around to stretch out her hand to pick up Changle Princess. Then she helped Hua Tianxiang down.

Seeing palace servants running towards them when they walked out, Hua Tianxiang smiled helplessly: "Now I am not in a convenient position to come find you, originally thought that we could talk, looks like the palace is truly no place for peaceful conversation."

Ye Li smiled and said: "What’s inconvenient about it If you have free time just come over to me." Hua Tianxiang pondered for a moment before shaking her head: "Forget it. I know that you are busy now and can't spare the time to play around." Ye Li thought back to the fact she had only been back in the capital city for two or three days, indeed very busy. She smiled helplessly and said: "Being away from the city for too long means there’s inevitably more things to do. I haven’t even seen Sister Zeng yet." Hua Tianxiang pursed her lips and said: "You’re going to be family soon anyway; Zeng is confined at home by her mother waiting for marriage preparations, you might not even see her if you want to."

Ye Li cast a glance towards the approaching maidservants and smiled softly under her breath: "If only you weren’t so picky, settling your marriage early wouldn’t cause any problems"

Hua Tianxiang was stunned. Her pretty face immediately flushed red, and since the maid servants searching for them were already in front of them, she could only shoot a resentful look at Ye Li without being able to speak.

When they returned to the pavilion, Cloud Consort and Concubine Wang had already left. Empress looked at Hua Tianxiang’s slightly flushed face, then glanced at Changle Princess who was winking at her with understanding, nodding gratefully towards Ye Li. Ye Li smiled faintly, pulling Changle Princess into the pavilion to sit down. In the pavilion were only Zhao Yang Princess, Concubine Zhao Ren and Duke Consort Rong Hua left. The other noble ladies, even if they wanted to plead for their daughters’ sake, also knew that the palace was not a place for casual dealings and did not come forward to disturb them.

As soon as Ye Li sat down, she noticed two unfriendly gazes from across the table. Princess Zhao Ren was still being critical and dismissive as usual, but Lady Rong Hua glared at Ye Li with even more resentment than her mother did. Just after Ye Li lifted the lid of a cup of tea that a palace maid had just served her, Qingyu suddenly spoke up:

"Your Excellency, Your Excellency has been overworking and your body is weak. Mr. Shen instructed Your Excellency to avoid drinking green tea recently." Ye Li’s hand paused for a moment as she held the teacup, then sighed in regret before taking a deep breath: "This Dragon Well tea grown before the rain is such a waste of Empress Dowager's good tea." The empress dowager glanced at her with a flicker in her eyes and said coldly, smiling at Ye Li: "This Dragon Well tea is indeed very good. But after all, your health comes first. If you like it, I will have someone send some to Duke Ding’s residence."

Ye Li was not being polite either, and she smiled gratefully: "Then Empress Dowager, thank you very much. Please don’t blame me for being greedy."

Sitting in Ye Li's arms, Princess Chang Le blinked her clear eyes before standing up and saying: "Mother, I am going to practice my calligraphy."

The empress dowager looked at her daughter fondly as she nodded in agreement: "Go ahead then."

After the princess had run out of sight, Lady Rong Hua cast a critical glance at Ye Li and snorted: "Is not Duke Ding’s wife both skilled with literature and martial arts When did she become so weak that she can't even drink a cup of tea" Ye Li looked at Lady Rong Hua with a smile and said: "Lady, you are joking. But if there is anything wrong with the body, it's best to see a doctor as soon as possible. It’s not good to hide illness or dislike medicine, don’t you think”

Lady Rong Hua raised her eyebrows haughtily and took a sip of tea from her cup: "I’ve never heard that one cannot drink tea if they are feeling unwell."

"Alright, Lady Rong Hua," seeing how aggressive she was, Princess Zhao Yang frowned slightly, annoyed. She said: "You are an unmarried girl; would it not be better to speak properly What does charging ahead like this look like"

“I am about to marry into the Northern Rong! Who cares if I know how to behave properly or not!” Lady Rong Hua angrily retorted. After saying that, she glared fiercely at Ye Li, obviously having been holding back for a long time. Ye Li sighed inwardly; it was an imperial decision to arrange this marriage, what did she have to do with it She turned around and handed her teacup to Qingyu behind her, making up her mind not to say anything more.

Princess Zhao Ren also could no longer contain herself and said: "Duke Ding’s wife, who are you going to choose for the marriage"

Inwardly shaking her head, Ye Li knew that Princess Zhao Ren and Lady Rong Hua were both of the same disposition. Probably because they had been accustomed to being in the royal family with a haughty attitude, even their words at such times carried an imperative tone: "The list of candidates whom the Emperor favors was just brought back by Duke Ding yesterday; I haven't had time to look through it yet. Princess’s question is something that I cannot answer."

"Doesn’t everyone know that the person the emperor wants for this marriage is Hua Tianxiang" Lady Rong Hua blurted out, "By saying so, you are clearly trying to exclude her from being a candidate! Do you think I don't know about it"

Ye Li smiled and raised her head to ask in confusion: “The emperor favors Miss Hua If that’s the case, why doesn’t he just issue an order for her to marry instead of making me choose someone suitable In this case… all of us are currently in the palace. Why don't we have Lady Rong Hua go and inquire from His Majesty whether or not he actually favors Miss Hua This way I can avoid choosing someone who doesn’t meet his expectations later on. What do you think, Lady Rong Hua”

"I… " The lady’s face turned pale with anger; although she didn't understand matters of statecraft, that did not mean she knew nothing about them. As a close relative of the imperial family, someone would have told her if the emperor hadn’t directly issued an order for Hua Tianxiang to go marry into the Northern Rong instead of asking her to choose someone suitable. If she went and asked the emperor herself, she might be the only candidate left! This Ye Li dared to scheme against her No wonder that woman named Ye Ying was also like this; anyone with the surname Ye was no good!

"Duke Ding's wife," Princess Zhao Yang glanced at Lady Rong Hua who had a look of resentment on her face and sighed helplessly. She didn’t have any heirs, and Princess Zhao Ren only had one daughter, so she tended to indulge in Lady Rong Hua excessively; but she hadn't expected this girl to end up being arrogant and headstrong without any sense. Although Duke Ding’s wife had lost her mother at a young age and was half a year younger than Lady Rong Hua, from the way she acted it was clear that she was not someone whom Lady Rong Hua could match: "Lady Rong Hua is impetuous and doesn’t know how to speak properly. I hope Duke Ding’s wife won't be offended."

Ye Li knew that Princess Zhao Yang doted on this niece of hers, so she smiled politely in return: "Princess, you are overthinking things. Actually, although the Emperor entrusted me with handling the marriage alliance matter, I am still very young and inexperienced at dealing with such matters; there are many places where I do not understand either. Therefore, I cannot make a hasty decision. As for Princess Zhao Ren’s question earlier on, I couldn’t answer it in time, so please forgive me."

Princess Zhao Yang smiled: "Zhao Ren was just worried about Rong Hua and that is why she asked more questions. There's no need for Duke Ding’s wife to be troubled."

"Your Excellency, Duke Ding is here," a palace maid outside the pavilion reported.

The empress dowager turned around and smiled at Ye Li: "Everyone says that Duke Ding and his wife are very affectionate. I originally didn’t believe it, but now I am convinced of it. How long has it been since you met It seems Duke Ding can't wait to take your Excellency home already; please have him join us."

Soon after, Mo Xiuyao arrived slowly and stood outside the pavilion, glancing at everyone inside before smiling faintly: "Empress dowager is disturbed by my presence."

The empress dowager smiled: "Is Duke Ding here to take his wife home"

Mo Xiuyao nodded slightly with a smile in his eyes as he looked at Ye Li and said, “I have some matters that I need to settle with my wife first. We just came over here to disturb your Excellency’s enjoyment. Please forgive us.” The empress dowager waved her hand with a laugh and said: "It's alright; Duke Ding and his wife are newly reunited after being apart for so long, it’s no wonder that they can't wait to see each other again. Today I just wanted to take a look at Your Excellency and find out how you are doing. Now that we’ve seen each other, Duke Ding should take your wife home." Mo Xiuyao thanked her softly before taking Ye Li's hand; he nodded respectfully towards Princess Zhao Yang before leaving.

The two of them walked hand in hand through the Imperial Garden, where ladies admiring flowers were tactful enough to give them space. Although Mo Xiuyao was already healthy again, the mask on half his face still made many people fear him. After all, there had once been rumors that one of Ding Wang's fiancées died from fright after seeing his disfigured half-face. Furthermore, the political situation in court was delicate; even if someone admired Ding Wang’s charisma and demeanor, they would not approach him in the Imperial Garden.

Ye Li felt pleased to be able to leave the palace early. Enjoying the faint fragrance wafting through the Imperial Garden, she strolled beside Mo Xiuyao, enjoying this tranquil moment while still asking about his mood: "What’s wrong What did the Emperor say that made you look so unhappy" Mo Xiuyao turned to glance at her and asked, “Did anything unusual happen in our tea just now”

Ye Li looked at him in surprise. Had he already known what happened under the pavilion

"There were probably musk and safflower mixed into it." Ye Li explained reluctantly as she saw his expression was not good. She was also curious about what these herbs might do to her. These things definitely had some effect on one's body, but their impact on her was limited. She really couldn’t understand why someone would take the risk of putting such things in her tea and thought that even laxatives would be more useful.

"You don't know what effects those herbs have" Mo Xiuyao stopped walking, turned to Ye Li, and asked.

“They promote blood circulation… relieve pain…”

“Lily, after we get home you’ll study medicine with Doctor Shen for a month.” After a long silence, Mo Xiuyao finally spoke up.

Medicine Ye Li’s lips quivered slightly. Okay, she did know that these two herbs had another effect, but… the rumors about them weren’t reliable at all. Furthermore, it didn't matter to them anyway, right Mo Xiuyao was angry, but he still didn’t let go of Ye Li’s hand as he pulled her out of the Imperial Garden.

Seeing that Mo Xiuyao wouldn’t talk to her and just kept walking forward, she found it odd. She had never seen him so angry before — or rather, she had never seen him get angry at her like this before. Pulling his hand gently, "Xiuyao…" He turned to look at her but still didn’t say anything.

Ye Li sighed helplessly. Alright, it was her fault for acting so nonchalant about the matter.

"You really are angry I am concerned, of course… just that this doesn't affect us much so we don't need to be overly worried…" Ye Li couldn’t help but feel ashamed at herself in her heart. Mo Xiuyao had only stopped talking to her, what was she explaining for She was clearly upset about being drugged in the palace and could guess who would have done it. She already had a gift of sorts prepared as well. But since what they put into her tea was unexpected, she just acted casually.

Why did Mo Xiuyao get angry at her instead of getting mad at those people And why did she feel that she needed to explain herself

"No effect" Mo Xiuyao lifted Ye Li’s pretty face up to his and looked into her slightly troubled eyes with deep, dark ones. Ye Li didn’t like being in such a disadvantaged position and struggled uncomfortably for a moment: "Yes… I know those herbs are said to have some effect… but we haven't… And that theory doesn’t seem very reliable anyway. Besides, I didn’t drink it."

Mo Xiuyao wasn’t really worried that she might be unable to bear children in the future if they mixed those herbs into her tea, was he Glancing at Mo Xiuyao’s still gloomy aura, Ye Li thought with a belated sense of realization.

"Lily…"

"Ding Wang, why are you here" Just as Mo Xiuyao was about to speak, a cold female voice cut him off. They turned around simultaneously and saw Concubine Liu, dressed in white like an ice maiden under the nearby tree of white crabapple blossoms.

Concubine Liu’s gaze swept over Ye Li lightly before lingering on Mo Xiuyao for a moment, finally falling onto their entwined hands. Mo Xiuyao seemed to not care about Concubine Liu’s glance and answered indifferently: "Concubine Liu. My wife and I are leaving the palace now; farewell." A complex expression flashed quickly over her pale face as she bit down on her red lips while staring at Mo Xiuyao for a long time before turning to Ye Li with furrowed brows, saying: "Ding Wangfei, there is something I want to talk about with Ding Wang alone."

Ye Li raised an eyebrow in surprise. Shouldn’t she have asked Mo Xiuyao if she wanted to speak privately Did Concubine Liu hope that Ye Li would step aside willingly No wonder the most favored concubine in the palace had such a commanding presence.

About to speak, Mo Xiuyao squeezed her hand tighter. Lifting her eyes and meeting his angry gaze, she turned to apologize to Concubine Liu: "Sorry, my husband and I need to leave the palace now. We don’t have time to chat with you today." Concubine Liu frowned, looking at Mo Xiuyao who said coolly, “Farewell.”

Concubine Liu’s face paled as her hand clenched tightly under her sleeve. She gave Ye Li a long look before turning away without another word.

Watching the resolute figure of Concubine Liu walking away, Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao with some worry: "Is she… going to be alright" Ye Li had heard about the feelings that Concubine Liu harbored for Mo Xiuyao. Although these two people seemed never to have met alone in her knowledge, it was undeniable that his cold rejection made her feel much better.

"Let’s go home." Mo Xiuyao ignored her question and turned around, pulling her with him.

When they left the palace gates and returned home, Ye Li sighed at the still sulking Mo Xiuyao: "Are you still angry" Did people who rarely got mad become so difficult to deal with when they did He hadn’t said a word on their way back, and his cold demeanor was so different from his usual gentle smile that she felt extremely uncomfortable. She knew he was worried about her but admitted that she should not have acted so nonchalant.

"I know you're concerned for me, I’m sorry."

Mo Xiuyao glanced at her indifferently before walking to sit on the side and ignored her further.

Ye Li felt a vein twitching in her forehead. She had heard of men flattering women but never seen this happen to herself. Mo Xiuyao, you’re being so childish!

"Xiuyao… You still aren’t angry Then... I’ll go and handle things from today’s meeting. We can talk when you’ve cooled down."

Ye Li decided it was best to retreat as she usually had no idea how to soothe him. It wasn't because she lacked patience or bravery, but seeing Mo Xiuyao angry made her extremely uncomfortable. His normally gentle and refined face now wore a mask of indifference that made her feel he would be heartbroken rather than angry. Fearing something bad might happen if she stayed any longer, Ye Li decided to leave quickly.

“Lily…”

A hand grabbed hers as Mo Xiuyao pulled the girl back into his arms. Realizing their position was a bit too intimate and finding herself sitting on his lap with no choice, she felt awkward despite having been in bed together for some time now.

"That is… Can you let me go first" Ye Li swallowed hard as tears welled up in her eyes. She didn’t want to act like this but could feel her wits leaving her whenever she was with Mo Xiuyao.

Mo Xiuyao looked at her silently, his gaze deep and somber: "Lily, what do you think of me"

"What… What do you mean" Ye Li felt like crying. She knew he could never be upset over something so trivial. She should get away from him right now; a soldier's instinct told her that something bad might happen if she stayed.

“We’ve been married for a long time, of course I see you as my husband…”

"Forget... what" Ye Li seemed puzzled, and Mo Xiuyao leaned against her neck; his warm breath blew onto her smooth neck, making her feel a surge of heat and weakness.

"To consummate our marriage," Mo Xiuyao whispered softly in her ear.

Boom!

Ye Li's mind felt like it had exploded, instantly turning blank. But Mo Xiuyao did not give her time to think; he gently raised her delicate chin and lowered his head, covering that soft, fragrant lip with a kiss.

"Mo... Mo Xiuyao..." Compared to their first kiss outside of Suixue Pass, this one was much gentler. But it was precisely because of such tenderness that Ye Li found it even harder to resist him. Among married couples who had not consummated their marriage within a year, they were probably the only ones. Ye Li knew very well that Mo Xiuyao gave her time to mentally prepare herself. She just didn't know if she was ready to accept him. Or rather, whether... she had fallen in love with him...

"Ah Li..." Fragile kisses lingered around Ye Li's lips, brushing over her jade-like cheeks and gently touching the small earlobes, graceful neck. "Ah Li..."

Perhaps it was the suggestive atmosphere in the room, perhaps Mo Xiuyao's low, pleasant calls, or maybe it was because of those intimate kisses. Ye Li disliked always being at a disadvantage when facing Mo Xiuyao, so she made a bold decision. She sat up, stretched out her hand to wrap around Mo Xiuyao’s neck and then proactively offered her crimson lips. "Mo Xiuyao... do you like me"

Mo Xiuyao was slightly taken aback but smiled candidly, saying, "Yes, didn't Ah Li know that long ago"

Ye Li tilted her head to look at him and smiled sweetly. Sparkling stars filled her eyes. "If so, this Queen Consort permits you to like me."

A wave of dizziness swept over Ye Li as she vaguely realized they had moved from the table by the bed onto the bed itself. Mo Xiuyao chuckled softly into her shoulder and only after a long time did he raise his head to look down at her, "Ah Li, just liking me is not enough."

Ye Li felt a stirring in her heart as a beautiful smile bloomed on her lips. She raised her hand to hook behind Mo Xiuyao’s shoulder and lifted an eyebrow. "Then this Queen Consort permits you to love me."

"If the price is that I can never leave you, would you allow it too Ah Li" Mo Xiuyao asked softly.

Ye Li was stunned for a moment. "Forever... perhaps I could accept that. Then similarly, do you belong solely to me" Ye Li raised an eyebrow and asked.

"Then... I love you, Ah Li... Just as you wish, in this life only you..." He lowered his head once again and claimed the lips that belonged uniquely to him. As if all passion was ignited in a moment, the silk curtains were tossed about amidst their lovemaking. Soft moans and gasps seeped through the heavy curtains, causing the servant girl outside to quickly shut the door for her mistress with a smile.

After a long time, the storm had passed.

Mo Xiuyao lay on his side watching the woman still sleeping next to him. Her shoulders were slightly exposed, revealing faint marks; her usually delicate and radiant face was tinged pink, looking especially serene and appealing. Mo Xiuyao reached out his hand gently stroking the small cheeks of the woman. He lowered his head and gave a soft kiss. The deep frown between his brows seemed to have completely dissipated as an exuberant air flew from his gentle eyes, showing how pleased he was at this moment.

"Ah Li... Ah Li..." Remembering their recent intimate embrace, Mo Xiuyao couldn't help but lower his head and kiss the sleeping face of his woman. His Ah Li, finally... belonged to him. How many nights had he spent hating heaven's injustice and cursing his enemies A broken body left him unable to touch the incomparable beauty in this world. Now, he could completely own her. For that, he was willing to pay any price...

"Mm... Xiuyao..." Ye Li vaguely opened her eyes; she had spent too much energy on their lovemaking and half-asleep looked at the man before her.

Mo Xiuyao gently kissed her lips. "It's okay, sleep now. We can talk about anything after you wake up."

"Mm." Ye Li nodded randomly, nuzzling into his cool embrace and fell back asleep.

Ah Li... In this life only for you...

——— Interlude ———

The chapter seems a bit abrupt; those who can't bear it please endure. I'll think about revising later, but it won't affect the subsequent plot much. Who knows if it will just get sappier... Looking back at my previous writings, it seems all brief mentions of that topic were within 100 characters. Even if I wanted to reference something, there isn't anything available. Ah Yao is so deep in love; this guy's definitely irredeemably conniving. I'll tell you guys later about this, hahaha. Feng nodded silently. After returning, he had already met Zhuo Jing and Lin Han, so he naturally knew who Moxiu Yao was talking about. A cold light flashed through his eyes, but he didn’t know if he...