107 When one should sever, not doing so

Li really made her angry."Prince Ding was also present at the time" Xu Hongyan folded the letter without waiting for an answer from the expectant Xu Qingyan and put it into his sleeve. He wanted to go...Failing to make a decisive move when necessary

107. Failing to make a decisive move when necessary

"My Lady, you have excellent skills," Ye Liye complimented Wangfei after she casually dealt with the last assassin. The assassin had been too close to Yaoji and his position relative to Wangfei’s was somewhat inappropriate. Wangfei threw her jade pendant at just the right angle to deflect the weapon without harming Yaoji, which absolutely could not have happened by chance alone. It required excellent eyesight, technique, and strength. However, Ye Liruo had no time for such compliments from Ye Liye. She hadn’t had anything suitable as a throwing weapon near her then, so she casually ripped a jade pendant off of Mo Xiuyao’s body and threw it out to save Yaoji. Now that the person was saved, she could finally worry about Mo Xiuyao's jade pendant. After all, he wouldn't be carrying around something ordinary. She took a step toward where the jade pendant had landed when Mo Xiuyao grabbed her arm and raised an eyebrow at her, asking, “What are you doing”

Ye Liruo said apologetically, "I want to look at that jade pendant… Is it okay"

Mo Xiuyao smiled indulgently and asked with a smile, "If it isn’t, what should we do" Ye Liruo frowned, distressed. If it was just expensive, she could still handle it, but if it had special uses or sentimental value, then that would be troublesome indeed. Looking at her pitiful expression, Mo Xiuyao felt even more pleased. He pulled her into his arms and said with a grimace, "Although it’s not something important, it is my most cherished jade pendant. My wife, what do you think we should do" Ye Liruo looked up at him and asked, “Shall I buy you a new one” Mo Xiuyao nodded magnanimously.

“That sounds great. You have to choose it personally.” Seeing how happy he was about this, Ye Liruo felt even more guilty. She reflected on whether she had neglected him too much lately. Ever since their marriage, every aspect of her life, from food and clothing to daily necessities, was handled by Mo Xiuyao. But… Ye Liruo remembered vaguely that it seemed like last year’s birthday, she had given him a piece of clothing only after being reminded by someone around her. Thinking about this made Ye Liruo feel even worse. She nodded seriously and said, “Alright, I’ll choose one myself.”

"My wife is so considerate…" Mo Xiuyao smiled satisfactorily.

Although Mo Xiuyao had said it wasn’t important, Ye Liruo still went over to pick up the shattered pieces of jade from her pouch. While they were exchanging warm words and emotions here, the atmosphere on the other side turned cold as ice, so much so that even Ye Liye who was watching felt compelled to stand further back. Yaoji’s face was deathly pale; she no longer exuded the charm she had shown earlier onstage. The night wind in early June made her shiver involuntarily as she hugged herself tightly; the colorful cloud-like clothing only emphasized how frail and withered she looked. Mu Yang silently watched the woman before him, a complex glint flashing in his eyes. He sighed deeply and said gravely, "Let’s go, I’ll see you back." Yaoji took a step backwards, her tone cold as ice. “No need for Young Master to trouble himself; Yaoji knows my way home.”

"Yaoji!" Mu Yang called out in a deep voice with an additional hint of displeasure. "Are you done being unreasonable Throwing your handkerchief like this… Do you want to ruin yourself"

Yao Ji raised her head and forced a bitter smile onto her pale face, "Do you mean that it wouldn't be an issue for me to throw繡球in the Charm City District The people here are ordinary citizens, but those who come and go in the Charm City District are all officials and wealthy merchants. At least this doesn't tarnish my reputation as the first dancer of the capital city, right" Mu Yang's eyes flashed with regret as he said softly,

“You know I didn’t mean it that way.” Yao Ji was highly respected in the capital not only because she had the support of Young Master Feng Sanzi from Marquis Mu Yang’s mansion behind her but also due to her exceptional dancing skills. More importantly, she never accepted private clients and maintained a reputation for self-preservation. If Yao Ji really… Then starting tomorrow, those officials and wealthy young men who lusted after Yao Ji would likely break into the Charm City District. At that time, no one could help her because even Marquis Mu Yang’s mansion and the Feng family wouldn’t dare to confront all of the powerful figures in the capital over a courtesan.

Yao Ji glanced at Ye Li standing by the side with sorrow and envy in her eyes. She took a few steps forward, bowed slightly towards Mu Yang, and said, "I am deeply grateful for Young Master’s care and support over these years. However… Please don’t come to see me after this."

"Yao Ji!"

But Yao Ji no longer looked at him; she nodded at Ye Li and turned around, walking towards the end of the street step by step. Ye Li frowned and signaled silently for her Dark Warriors to follow and escort Yao Ji back to the Charm City District. Although it was past curfew, a woman wandering alone in the capital city late at night could be dangerous. Mu Yang furrowed his brow and wanted to go after her, but Ye Li called out to him, "Young Master, please stay."

Mu Yang turned around with puzzlement and looked at Ye Li. Ye Li said solemnly, “What do you intend to do by chasing after her” Mu Yang frowned and replied, "Of course I want to see her home." Ye Li said, "Even if I send her back myself, what difference does it make I have met Yao Ji Lady a few times and can ask someone else to escort her. Or… Do you not trust me"

Mu Yang hesitated as he looked at Ye Li, “But…”

“If Young Master is unable to give Yao Ji Lady the future she wants, it would be better to cut ties decisively. Although amputating a limb is painful, I believe Yao Ji Lady’s proud nature will enable her to withstand it. But if you continue to vacillate, who knows what damage it might cause in the future” Ye Li said calmly, emphasizing her words when she mentioned two women, reminding him that he was not just responsible for Yao Ji but also for Miss Sun from the Sun Family with whom he had an engagement.

Mu Yang’s body trembled slightly as he glared at Ye Li angrily, "You don’t understand anything!" Ye Li remained silent; she indeed knew nothing about the relationship between Mu Yang and Yao Ji or his connection to Miss Sun. However, if the Young Master's mansion was willing to accept her or if Yao Ji herself wanted it, entering Marquis Mu Yang’s mansion as a concubine should be possible. But given the current situation, whether it was due to Yao Ji’s unwillingness, Marquis Mu Yang’s objections, or Miss Sun’s family disapproval, it was clearly unfeasible. Under such circumstances, Mu Yang's indecision was obviously not beneficial.

"Let's go back." After a moment of silence, Ye Li raised her head and said to Mo Xiyr.

Mo Xiuyao nodded and looked at Mu Yang with a faint expression, saying, "Given the relationship between Mu Yang Hou’s residence and Sun Family, Mu Yang Hou definitely won’t accept Yao Ji." Finished speaking, he didn't care about Mu Yang's reaction. Instead, he nodded to Ye Liye and pulled Ye Li in the direction of Ding王府. It seemed that Mo Xiuyao's words made Mu Yang look even uglier. He stood there for a long time before finally turning around and leaving in the opposite direction. Seeing how the man alone left, Ye Liye raised an eyebrow with interest. "Fascinating woman. Seems like Mo Xiuyao really is deeply in love with Dingwang Fei…" That jade pendent was as clear as day to Ye Liye. It was a gift from Taizu Emperor to Ding Wang during the founding of Da Chu and could be considered the symbol of Ding Wang's identity. However, later on, as Ding Wang’s residence grew more powerful, there really wasn’t any need for a jade pendent to represent his position. Thus, it had gradually become an ordinary decorative jade pendant. But for the Dingwang family, this piece of jade still couldn't be compared to regular jades.

"Mo Xiuyao… Is exposing such obvious weaknesses in front of others really fine Or … Are you simply not considering me"

Under the night sky hung a slender crescent moon like an eyebrow, making the quiet streets look dark and cold. The two walked hand-in-hand; Mo Xiuyao lightly said with a smile, "Is Ahli still worried"

Ye Li was stunned, looking at him in puzzlement. Mo Xiuyao smiled, saying, "Isn't Ahli worried about Yao Ji" Ye Li sighed helplessly and said, "Such an outstanding woman like Yao Ji is too unfortunate to be born into the dust of the wind. Otherwise, her life wouldn’t have been so full of hardships." Mo Xiuyao looked down at her, saying, "Does Ahli want to help her If there’s someone to speak on her behalf, Mu Yang Hou might accept her." Ye Li shook her head and said, "Let alone whether Yao Ji is willing or not; for Dingwang Fei to force Mu Yang Hou’s residence to accept a person they don’t want, even if Yao Ji enters Mu Yang Hou’s residence, she won't have an easy life. Besides… Isn’t that Miss Sun the rightful fiancée of Mu Yang What has she done that would make her forced to accept someone who is her rival in love If Mu Yang truly loves Yao Ji more than anything else, he’ll naturally take care of everything. But if not… How many things are there where one can be on both sides and still get along well As I said before, when it’s time to let go, you should let go; when it’s time to make a decision, you should make a decision." Mo Xiuyao sighed softly, saying, "Ahli is truly heartless. If Ahli speaks up for her, Mu Yang Hou and Sun Family would definitely give face."

Ye Li looked at him with disdain and said, "If someone comes to me asking me to take in a woman as a concubine for the王爺 based on her favor, I will only send them flying. Since the王爺 is so concerned about this issue, it’s also because of such concerns No problem… I’m easy-going; just tell me yourself." With a smile that seemed mocking, Ye Li smiled very kindly and amicably at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao helplessly touched his nose, saying, "I won’t ever have such worries in this life, so Ahli can rest assured." Ye Li made a soft sound of disapproval without commenting on his promise.

The moment they returned to the residence, Mo Xiuyao was invited to attend a meeting. Clearly, Ding王府 had received news that Yelvye had appeared in the capital city. As soon as Ye Li turned around and went back to her room, Qin Feng appeared before her with a strange expression on his face. Ye Li raised an eyebrow in confusion, smiling at him and saying, "What Have you been training too easily lately Aren’t you going home to rest" Qin Feng hesitated for a moment before opening his mouth, "Your Excellency, that Yao Ji…"

Ye Li raised her eyebrows, suddenly enlightened. "You sent Yao Ji back Commander Qin really has time on your hands; I should talk to An San and have him advance your training even further. What happened with Yao Ji"

Qin Feng looked miserable but still reported, "She fainted by the roadside before we reached Qincheng Street."

"So what" Ye Li said with a smile, her eyes carrying obvious ridicule. Qin Feng had to steel himself and say, "There's no so… I sent her back and only came here to report this to Your Excellency."

Ye Li sighed softly, looking at Qin Feng and saying, "Do you think she’s very pitiful" Qin Feng remained silent, while Ye Li said in a solemn voice, "I also find her pitiful, but many things aren’t something we can do simply because of our sympathy. Because perhaps there are others who might become as pitiful as us due to our so-called kindness." Qin Feng understood and nodded, saying, "I know I was wrong; please forgive me, Your Excellency." Ye Li smiled gently, raising her eyebrows slightly and asked, "The moon rises bright, the beautiful person shines. Graceful and delicate, my heart is filled with longing"

Qin Feng was stunned for a moment before quickly turning around and rushing out, shouting, "I take my leave!"

Sighing softly as she recalled the stiff and upright figure of Yao Ji leaving, Ye Li could not help but smile at Qin Feng’s frantic escape. The next day, after promising Mo Xiuyao that she would personally select a jade pendant for him, Ye Li remembered his approaching birthday and went out with several maidservants. After checking around in several shops they often visited without finding any special jade pendants or stones, Ye Li did not rush as true top-grade jade was always hard to come by. The good jade either had already been carved into shapes that she disapproved of or were not satisfactory in coloration and luster. It would lack sincerity if she simply found one from the household’s storeroom. While walking on the streets, Ye Li pondered with a headache.

"Lady Ding Wangfei, it's quite a coincidence to meet you again" Just as she stepped out of a jade shop, a cheerful voice came from behind her. Ye Li arched an eyebrow and turned around to nod at the man standing nonchalantly nearby his arms crossed, saying: "Prince Yelü. Hasn't Prince Yelü paid homage to His Majesty yet" Yelü Ye smiled indifferently, "The wedding procession won’t arrive in the capital for a few more days. I'll just take this time off to relax privately and will not trouble Your Majesty." Ye Li nodded and said with a smile: "In that case, I’ll let Prince Yelü have his private time." Coincidence With such a vast city like Chang’an, wasn’t it rather coincidental to meet the prince right here after having seen him last night Prince Yelü didn’t seem to notice Ye Li’s coldness and smiled: "To be honest, my first visit to Chu Jing is quite unfamiliar. I wonder if Lady Wangfei could do me a favor as the hostess and show me around"

Ye Li smiled with an apologetic expression on her clear face, "I’m really sorry, but I rarely go out. I might even be less familiar with Chu Jing than Prince Yelü is. It’s unlikely that I can guide you. As it turns out, my lord was specially waiting for your visit at home this morning. It seems he won’t get to meet you."

Yelü Ye twitched the corner of his mouth and smiled: "Lady Wangfei, please forgive me. But I felt that it would not be proper to privately pay a visit before paying homage to Your Majesty since it might cause trouble for Lady Wangfei and Lord Dingwang."

Ye Li replied calmly with a smile: "Prince Yelü is very considerate. I still have some matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave first."

As Ye Li turned around without hesitation and left, Prince Yelü narrowed his eyes and smiled faintly as he said, “A few days ago, I obtained a top-grade jadeite. Would Lady Wangfei be interested”

Hearing him, Ye Li didn’t turn back or even pause in her footsteps. Prince Yelü’s eyebrows rose slightly and continued: "Lady Wangfei isn't curious about what happened to the jade pendant that you smashed yesterday"

Slowly turning around, Ye Li said calmly as a look of triumph appeared on Prince Yelü's face, “If my lord doesn’t mention it, then he must not mind. It’s already broken regardless of what kind of jade pendant it was. If I’m interested to know about it, I will just ask Lord Wang himself instead of asking from others. Don't you think so, Prince”

Prince Yelü gradually wiped the smile off his face as he watched her leave and thoughtfully observed her retreating figure: "No wonder Mo Xiuyao favors Lady Ding Wangfei. Interesting. We will meet again, Lady Wangfei."

—— Excerpt ——

Ahem… Yao Ji isn't a mistress, at least I haven’t set him up as one. Mu Yang is also not an unfaithful man. All these will be explained later, but they might not end up together~g threw. "Stop right there, where do you think you’re going"“I’m going to Lingjiu Mountain!”"If you go looking for A Li, I’ll break your legs," said Moxiu Yao with a cold voice: “Alright, that’s it fo...