308 Beauty Grace Host Study

er 100,000 taels, but Ye Li knew that most of that money had either been squandered or used for bribes to further the Wang Family’s political careers. Now demanding six ten thousand taels from Lady Wa...308. Beauty's Favor, Sleeping in the Study Room

“Ye Li, I want to challenge you!”

The moment these words were spoken, there was a sudden silence in the grand hall. After a while, one could hear Feng Zhirao's laughter echoing through the hall. At first it started as low and restrained chuckles but ended up with him bursting out laughing openly. Princess Lingyun became furious with embarrassment and glared at Feng Zhirao: "What are you laughing at!"

Feng Zhirao wiped away tears from his eyes, smiled sweetly, and waved a hand saying, "Nothing much, I just felt like laughing." Then he turned to Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li, moved his lips silently for a few words. Ye Li, who was proficient in lip reading, could clearly see what Feng Zhirao said: 'Fair men are curses.' Although Mo Xiuyao did not know what Feng Zhirao had said, he guessed from the look on his face that it was something dangerous and shot him an ominous glance without saying anything.

Actually, Princess Lingyun's challenge was just a moment of impulsiveness. Once she had spoken out, however, she felt more relaxed about it. Tilting her chin up, she looked at Ye Li and asked: "How about it Are you brave enough"

Ye Li was somewhat helpless and smiled as she asked Princess Lingyun, “Princess, why would I accept your challenge” Back then, she had accepted the challenge both for Mo Xiuyao's sake and to uphold her dignity as the wife of the Prince of Ding. But now, Ye Li really could not think of a reason for accepting Princess Lingyun’s challenge. Most people knew that she was already married; it was unlikely that she still harbored feelings for Mo Xiuyao. As for upholding the dignity of the Prince's Manor, there was no need any longer for her to defeat a princess from a defeated nation to prove anything.

"You dare not" Princess Lingyun sneered at Ye Li.

Ye Li smiled and said: "I don't have to." She did not need to accept the challenge of Princess Ling Yun. No one dared say that she was unworthy of Mo Xiuyao or incapable of being his wife.

Hearing this, Princess Lingyun's expression became even more displeased. Ye Li was right; she didn't have to accept her challenge. To be more precise, given the reputation and status of Princess Ling Yun now, she simply did not have the qualification to challenge a prince's wife.

Seeing that the atmosphere was becoming awkward, Emperor Xi Ling quickly said: "Princess Lingyun has always been spoilt by this emperor since childhood. Please forgive her lack of self-restraint."

Princess Lingyun opened her mouth to say something more but was glared at fiercely by the emperor who yelled loudly: "Can't you see where we are Get out!"

Mo Xiuyao tugged Ye Li up and stood. He smiled at Emperor Xi Ling, saying: "Emperor Xi Ling, since we have agreed on everything, this prince and my wife will now take our leave to rest in the inn. Miss Ye has been rather tired these past few days." Emperor Xi Ling hurriedly smiled and said: "Prince Ding and his wife may stay temporarily in the palace. I have already ordered people to clean up a portion of the palace for Prince Ding's group to reside in." Mo Xiuyao waved his hand, smiling and saying: "There is no need. This prince does not mind where he stays. We will take our leave now."

"But… this emperor hasn't prepared a welcoming banquet for Prince Ding and his wife yet…"

Ye Li smiled slightly and said, “Thank you very much for your concern, Your Majesty, but I am indeed quite tired today. I have to turn down the kindness of His Majesty.”

Seeing that both Prince Ding and his wife had declined, Emperor Xi Ling did not want to insist on it either. He could only send them out. When Mo Xiuyao took Ye Li’s hand and walked past Princess Lingyun, he hesitated slightly but continued walking forward. Seeing that all of Mo Xiuyao's group had left the main hall, Emperor Xi Ling finally sighed in relief and turned his gaze to a displeased Princess Lingyun who was frowning: "Ling Yun, you!"

She saw Princess Lingyun turn pale and suddenly spurt out a mouthful of blood. Emperor Xiling was taken aback and quickly ordered someone to come over to support the princess, asking, "What’s going on" Although this daughter had just made him lose face, she was still his own flesh and blood after all. Seeing her spit blood, Emperor Xiling naturally felt concerned.

The imperial physician arrived very soon and took Princess Lingyun's pulse. He seemed puzzled as he said, "How did the princess suffer an internal injury" Others were also clueless. After all, although Princess Lingyun had said she wanted to challenge Duchess Dingwangfu, they didn’t really fight. No one in the palace had touched her either. How could she suddenly get injured

"Duke Ding!" Princess Lingyun wiped off the blood from the corner of her mouth and whispered through gritted teeth.

These days, there was a lot going on under the surface in Xiling’s imperial capital. The inn the people from Duke Dingwang's manor occupied had become much quieter since it was guarded by soldiers from the Black Family Army outside. However, every day, all kinds of people would come to visit or even watch with various reasons. Although Emperor House and court still held power in the city, everyone knew that Xiling’s imperial capital now belonged to Duke Dingwang's manor. People who were flexible-minded and didn’t plan on going south with Emperor Xiling wouldn't fail to think of ways to ingratiate themselves with Duke Dingwang for a better future.

Inn: In the ninth month, there was already an autumn feel in the air in Xiling’s imperial capital. Luckily, since there were few plants at the residence itself, it didn’t look desolate. On one side of the artificial hill in the courtyard, Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingbo were sitting opposite each other playing chess. Ye Li sat next to Mo Xiuyao watching them play. Even Feng Zhirao and Xu Qingfeng who usually loved moving around were seated beside them watching too. Neither Mo Xiuyao nor Xu Qingbo had a grand style of play, but their casual game gave off an air of leisure. Finding the game boring, Feng Zhirao turned his head to look at Ye Li sitting next to Mo Xiuyao and asked with a smile, "Duchess, have you heard about something strange that happened in Xiling’s imperial capital recently"

Ye Li looked up and seemed puzzled.

Feng Zhirao laughed, "I heard it was the Moon Festival of Xiling’s imperial capital yesterday. It's probably a festival for noblewomen to gather together in the city. Didn’t they send you an invitation" Feng Zhirao found this rather surprising because those nobles in Xiling’s imperial capital wouldn't be so blind as not to see things, especially those who had no intention of going south with Emperor Xiling.

Ye Li thought for a moment and said, "I did receive several invitations, but I declined them. Is something wrong"

"Good thing you declined then. It seems that yesterday Princess Lingyun went to the Moon Festival but was barred from entering," Feng Zhirao’s smile was filled with glee at her misfortune. Who could blame people for hating that woman who looked down on everyone else and had a nose high in the air Third Young Master Feng wasn’t exactly a generous person.

"Barred from entering Why is that" Ye Li raised an eyebrow, finding this interesting. No matter how arrogant Princess Lingyun was as the princess of Xiling, she did have reason to be proud. Generally speaking, nobles wouldn't compete with her for supremacy and certainly not in such a deliberate way to humiliate her. Feng Zhirao laughed, "I don’t know what happened, but news that Princess Lingyun had challenged Duchess Dingwangfu in the palace has spread all over the city. Back then when Princess Lingyun was in Dachu, those nobles in Xiling knew about it too. Now they’re talking about it again. Coincidentally, this year’s Moon Festival is being organized by the wealthy businessman family Sun from the city. The Sun Family rose to power quickly after the destruction of the Mu Family and could now be called the richest family in the imperial capital. Furthermore, since they were former officials who had quit their posts for business, they’ve never really been on good terms with Princess Lingyun. How could they still care about her when the city has changed hands"

"Family Sun" Xu Qingbo asked as he looked up from his game of chess.

Feng Zhirao raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Do you know them Young Master Four." Xu Qingbo nodded and said, "I hadn’t been in Xiling long when the head of the Sun Family sent someone over to present gifts. These last few days, the Sun Family must have also been sending a lot of gifts here"

Mo Xiuyao lowered his head again to think about his chess moves while Ye Li and Feng Zhirao looked at Zhuo Jing standing beside them. All these matters were being handled by Zhuo Jing and Lin Han. Zhuo Jing thought for a moment before saying, "These last few days, the head of the Sun Family has indeed sent lots of gifts over. In addition, Young Master Zhang from the Sun Family came to request an audience with His Excellency and Her Excellency once. But since you refused to meet anyone, I told them no."

Ye Li asked in puzzlement, "Brother Four, is there something wrong with the Sun Family"

Xu Qingbo shook his head and said, "No problem, but I just thought that the head of the Sun Family has good eyesight. When I first came to Xiling, they were the only ones to come forward to befriend me." Feng Zhirao didn’t think much of it as he said indifferently, "Perhaps he’s trying to please both sides. As a businessman… he wouldn't put all his eggs in one basket." Xu Qingbo shook his head and said, "With the Sun Family's wealth and status now, they can’t afford such a casual approach. If you hadn’t arrived so quickly, perhaps the Sun Family would have been in trouble sooner or later. Even now… do you think Emperor Xiling will leave all of the Sun Family’s property to Duke Dingwang"

Ye Li pondered for a moment and said, "So this means that the head of the Sun Family will come again very soon to request an audience with us Yesterday was just their way of making a statement towards our manor" Xu Qingbo placed another chess piece down and smiled. "That’s right."

"What does Your Highness think about this" Feng Zhiyao looked at Mo Xiuyao with a smiling face. These days, they had received various gifts that were not few in number, and among them, the precious gems and antiques were common to see. However, there were still many beautiful women who made people laugh bitterly. Among these beauties, some of them were famous courtesans and dancers, but more were indeed the sisters and daughters of wealthy merchants from Xi Ling. Although it was well known that Ding Wang had deep feelings for his wife, some people might try to take a chance on this hope. As a result, Prince Ding got treated by his wife to sleep in the study for the first time in his life. Feng Zhiyao who watched from the side also expressed: "Your Highness is really wronged."

Mo Xiuyao glanced at Feng Zhiyao indifferently and tossed the chess pieces he was holding casually, saying calmly, "Didn't I tell you that Qing Bai should be in charge of such trivial matters" He then glanced subtly at Ye Li who was sitting next to him. Xu Qingbai was his wife’s cousin, so naturally, he knew how to handle things without upsetting her. Actually, Mo Xiuyao thought about killing those people directly for their impudence and eagerness to present beautiful women as gifts, but his subordinates wouldn’t agree with such a plan either.

Seeing that Mo Xiuyao had no intention of continuing the game, Xu Qingbai also put down the chess piece smilingly. He glanced at Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao with a smile. Of course, he knew about Prince Ding being kicked out to sleep in the study for two days. He was surprised too as this couple always lived happily together without any conflict over these years. Mo Xiuyao’s status made it impossible for him not to be attracted by such beautiful women. However, Ye Li had never eaten out of jealousy. This time… could it be that Mo Xiuyao really had some thoughts about them Xu Qingbai’s clear eyes twinkled and he asked smilingly, "Your Highness is speaking too harshly, I would never dare to take charge in such an important matter. Third Young Master Feng looks so delighted, did something truly amazing come"

Feng Zhiyao twitched the corner of his mouth slightly. What was it called that he looked happy It seemed as if he were some kind of evil spirit obsessed with women. However, the feeling of watching Mo Xiuyao being mocked instantly overcame the slight discomfort in his heart and he said smilingly, "Fourth Young Master, don’t mention it, there really are such beauties. A few days ago, Xi Ling’s Long Ning Marquis sent a pair of beautiful sisters with exquisite looks. Although they were not as stunning as the beauty who could captivate an entire country, they were definitely rare to see. More importantly, this was a set of twin sisters, and we couldn’t tell apart from each other."

On one side, Zhuo Jing touched his nose secretly criticizing: Third Young Master Feng had seen them for so long but still failed to distinguish the two people. Could he not bring innocent outsiders like him into the matter They were specially trained by the princess and would never fail to distinguish a set of twins.

Listening to Feng Zhiyao enthusiastically introducing these beauties to Xu Qingbai and Xu Qingfeng, Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li’s smile on his lips which was almost identical to that of Xu Qingbai. He felt an icy chill in his heart. Actually, he didn’t know why Ye Li suddenly got angry, but he knew it wasn’t just because of some insignificant women. These years, she had never gotten angry with him and even if there were times when they argued, it was more like a joke. However, this time… Mo Xiuyao really felt that his wife was unhappy. But why

Seeing Ye Li’s faint smile on her lips, Mo Xiuyao felt increasingly uneasy.

He glanced at the excited Feng Zhiyao with indifference and said coldly, "Third Young Master, you seem to be very pleased…" Feng Zhiyao blinked his eyes blankly at the smiling Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao’s voice sounded cool as he continued, "Those twin sisters sent by Long Ning Marquis are a gift for you. Although they are far from royal blood, they still belong to the royal family of Xi Ling, and I should give them some face. You should treat those twin beauties well." Feng Zhiyao’s heart suddenly dropped as Mo Xiuyao said the four words “treat well” in a low voice.

When joy turned into sorrow, it was not such an enjoyable thing to watch one's superior suffer. Ancient people were indeed right about this. Feng Zhiyao mournfully thought silently.

Making a decision after giving out the two sisters, Mo Xiuyao started thinking of how he should deal with other women who didn’t want to accept favors from him. It was because Ye Li did not like it when he killed people casually; yet leaving them in the inn would make her unhappy too. Mo Xiuyao thought about this contentedly and said to Feng Zhiyao, "Inform the others below that they should reward these women according to their military achievements."

On one side, Xu Qingfeng and Qin Feng’s expressions changed slightly as Xu Qingfeng hurriedly said, “Your Highness, I don’t need them.” He was going back to get married with Tian Xiang soon; what would it be like if he brought another woman home Even if Tian Xiang didn't blame him for this, his parents would break his legs. Qin Feng coughed slightly and followed up saying, “Thanks Your Highness for your kindness.”

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow looking at Qin Feng, "Qingfeng is still acceptable, but you don’t want them either You’re already in your thirties; it’s time to get married and have children. I remember one of the women comes from a famous family with literary traditions; shall I give her to you through Third Young Master Feng" Qin Feng shook his head repeatedly and said with a bitter face, "Thanks Your Highness for your kindness." Watching the superior suffer wasn't really enjoyable.

"Qingbai" Mo Xiuyao looked at Xu Qingbai smilingly. Xu Qingbai smiled calmly and replied, “Thank you for your kindness, but according to our family rules, a man can’t take concubines before marriage or within 40 years after marriage without any children.”

Mo Xiuyao nodded with a smile as he said, "I know that. It’s not bad if I send them back home and make them servants."

"But my work requires me to travel all over the place; it might offend these ladies," Xu Qingbai replied smilingly.

After sending away his unwilling subordinates, Mo Xiuyao turned around and looked at Ye Li. He gently lifted her small face up and asked softly, "Are you still angry, A-li" Ye Li looked at him calmly with a smile and said, “Where did Your Highness get this idea from When was I ever angry” Mo Xiuyao hugged her into his arms and buried his face in her fragrant hair as he mumbled angrily, "A-li, don’t be angry… if you’re unhappy, I’ll kill all those women!" His voice tightened involuntarily when mentioning “kill”.

Ye Li’s heart quivered slightly as she sighed helplessly, "Don't cause trouble. We’ve just settled in the Western Capital Imperial City; we don’t want to clash too much with the local nobility. If you kill them all, it would be even worse than sending them back." In fact, Ye Li didn’t understand why she was unhappy herself. She knew how Mo Xiuyao felt about her and believed that he was devoted to her alone. But seeing so many beauties sent over by others, and seeing the admiring glances they cast at Mo Xiuyao made a displeasure well up within her heart that she couldn’t hide.

Maybe she had never thought before that her husband would attract so much attention from women. Although there were people like Su Zuodie, Lady Liu, and Princess Lingyun in the past, Ye Li didn’t feel that these people could harm her relationship with Mo Xiuyao in any way. Perhaps because of his future status, more and more women would be attracted to him, and even more people would keep sending different kinds of beauties over. Or if one day he ruled as emperor… The ministers wouldn’t tolerate only Ye Li being in the harem. Maybe it had nothing to do with all that seemed far away; she just felt irritable and weary toward the situation.

"If you don’t like them, kill them. What else can be done" Mo Xiuyao muttered gloomily as he raised his head and caressed Ye Li’s pretty face. With a deep and resolute gaze, Mo Xiuyao said, "If those so-called nobles make Ahli unhappy, then why not send them all away Here, in the Ding王府, who dares to speak against me Ahli, don’t get angry with me…."

Ye Li sighed softly and leaned into Mo Xiuyao’s embrace as she said quietly, "I’m not upset about this matter. Actually…" With a sigh of frustration, Ye Li continued, “I don’t know why; I just feel irritable.” Ye Li was also troubled by her uncontrollable emotions. In both lifetimes, it was rare for her to lose control like this. Mo Xiuyao raised his hand and touched Ye Li’s forehead, concerned. "Is there something wrong Should we call a doctor"

Ye Li shook her head. “I’m fine; don’t worry.”

"Are you really okay" Mo Xiuyao asked worriedly, but looking at Ye Li’s normal expression, it didn’t seem like she was unwell.

“Really, I am fine,” she said.

“Then… can this husband go back to our room tonight” Mo Xiuyao asked.

Ye Li looked at him for a while before standing up and shaking her head. "I’m still in a bad mood. So... you’ll have to endure another two days sleeping in the study." Watching Ye Li walk away, Mo Xiuyao’s usually calm eyes had a hint of warmth mixed with helplessness.

“My lord.” In the silent garden, only Mo Xiuyao remained. The warm look slowly faded, replaced by coldness and menace. Qin Feng appeared behind Mo Xiuyao silently.

Moi Xiuyao asked in a low voice, "Has anything troubled the lady recently"

Qin Feng thought for a moment before shaking his head. “No, my lord. The Lady is fine and hasn’t encountered any bad things.” Although it was unusual that the lady had sent their lord to sleep in the study, Qin Feng didn’t think much of it. There wasn’t a married couple who never quarreled, right Though he hadn’t married, he’d heard stories from some married soldiers. Men sometimes slept on desks or even knelt on counting boards; it was quite normal.

"Go and protect the lady well. She hasn’t been in good spirits recently…" Mo Xiuyao instructed.

“Yes, my lord,” Qin Feng replied.

“My lord, Bai Family just sent over some things.” Lin Han reported as he entered.

Moi Xiuyao raised his eyebrows. If it was something ordinary, there wouldn’t be a need to report it specially. "The Bai Family sent quite many gifts, including… four beauties and four... maids." When mentioning the word ‘maids’, Lin Han’s face twisted slightly. The Bai Family was indeed one of the famous families in Western Capital; they considered everything thoroughly. Perhaps hearing that the Prince did not show interest in beauty, they had instead sent a few good-looking boys under the pretense of being attendants.

"Bai Family" Mo Xiuyao said icily.n the future, some people will understand what true princess manners are like. After all… The Crown Princess is an example for women in our dynasty."Meng Yu angrily approached them. She was scared to...