339 Meet but Do Not Recognize

nt smile and said, "I see. It has been quite troublesome for Viceroy Qi." Hearing Ye Li's words, even in the chilly tenth month, Qi Anrong couldn't help wiping sweat off his forehead; his bluish-gray...339. Meeting Without Recognition

339. Meeting without recognition

Seeing Ye Ying leave無情地離去, Ye Yue wanted to chase after her but the injuries all over her body made it impossible for her to move. She could only hold onto and weep bitterly while rocking the unconscious child in her arms. If she hadn’t been unwilling to accept defeat and had not tried to gain a more prestigious status through Mo Jingli, how would she have ended up like this However, no amount of regret could change her situation now.

Soon after, a fierce fire broke out in the most secluded corner of the Ye residence.

In front of the main hall, Ye Wenhua and Lady Ye Wang were politely seeing Mo Jingli off. Although Ye Wenhua was being courteous on the surface, he wished that Mo Jingli would never come to their home again. Originally, when Mo Jingli had returned unexpectedly, Ye Wenhua did not want to agree to his request to see Ye Yue, but Lady Ye Wang insisted that Mo Jingli should meet her one last time as a favor. At this moment, seeing the sinister expression on Mo Jingli’s face and the disappointed look on Lady Ye Wang's face, Ye Wenhua didn’t know what to say.

"Sir! The back courtyard is on fire!" A servant hurriedly called out from behind. Ye Wenhua was taken aback and asked, "Where did it start"

The servant replied, "It’s... It's the courtyard that Prince Li and his concubine visited earlier." This answer was strange; if it had been the courtyard where Miss Second was being held, everyone might have hesitated to associate it with Mo Jingli. But when they were told it was the courtyard that Prince Li and Lady Wang visited before catching fire, even a fool would think it had something to do with Prince Li.

Everyone turned around and indeed saw thick smoke billowing from the direction of the back courtyard.

Lady Wang screamed, "Yue-er!"

Ye Wenhua said in a low voice, "Hurry up and send people to put out the fire!" He then turned away without waiting for any response from Mo Jingli, bowed hastily, and left towards the back courtyard. Lady Wang came to her senses and followed Ye Wenhua towards the back courtyard as well. Mo Jingli standing at the entrance felt his heart sink, glanced at the silent Ye Ying beside him, and said firmly, "Back to the inn." Ye Ying obediently nodded, "Yes, Your Highness."

In an instant, what was originally a tense scene turned deathly quiet. Lady Ye Wang was momentarily stunned; how could this...

When news of the fire at the Ye residence reached Prince Ding's mansion, Mo Xiuyao simply smiled indifferently and said, "This time it’s for sure That woman won’t come back to life again, right"

Ajyn standing by the door nodded seriously and replied, "Rest assured, Your Highness. Ajyn personally checked. It is definitely Ye Yue." Mo Xiuyao smiled in satisfaction, "Very good. You’ve been busy since you returned. Thank you for your efforts. Go back to see Uncle Mo now." Ajyn nodded without asking any more questions and left. From behind came a faint voice from Mo Xiuyao, “No need to tell the princess about this matter.”

Ajyn paused briefly before continuing on his way out; His Highness must think that such trivial matters don’t need to be informed to the princess

The study was quiet. Looking at the letters on his desk, Mo Xiuyao revealed a pleased smile.

At this moment, Ye Li's courtyard was bustling with activity; not only were Lady Xu and Qin Zheng there, but also Lady Xu Senior, Empress Hua’s close female relatives, and Mu Song Ting. Also present to add to the commotion were Xiaobao (Prince Mo), Leng Junhan, Xu Zhirui, and the two newborn twin babies just past their one-month mark.

There were only two days left until Mr Qingyun's birthday, and all preparations in Li City had been made. The whole of Prince Ding’s mansion had worked hard for this event; now that it was over, they finally got to relax a bit. A group of female relatives gathered at Ye Li’s place to visit the two babies. Both Lady Xus held one baby each, finding them too adorable to let go. In this generation of the Xu family, there was only Xu Zhirui as a child so far; it was natural for both ladies to be fond of the little ones. Moreover, since they had opened their eyes, these two babies were especially well-behaved and intelligent— one always smiling when seeing people, while the other was quieter but equally obedient. They were actually easier to take care of than Xiaobao was in his young days. Even Mo Xiuyao had to admit that the two together did not cause as much trouble as Xiaobao had alone back then.

"Oh my, my little Lin'er. He really looks like..." Lady Xu was particularly fond of the child and wouldn't let him go once she held him. Although he was still just a young boy, it was already clear that Xiao Lin'er looked more like his Xu family relatives. As Grandmother Xu had never been able to hold her grandson before, she naturally doted on this little rascal even more. Mrs. Xu also liked the lovely girl in her arms. She might have grandsons but no granddaughter yet. Not only were there no daughters, there wasn’t a single daughter in the entire Xu household. Seeing such an obedient and beautiful little girl made Mrs. Xu fond of her as well.

Ye Li looked at the baby lying obediently on his back with big eyes in the arms of the two ladies and covered her mouth and said, "Since Aunties like children so much, why not hurry up your brothers to get married"

The moment she spoke, Hua Tianxiang and Mo Wuyou both blushed. Mo Wuyou hid behind Empress Hua while Hua Tianxiang had nowhere to hide and could only glare at Ye Li with her cheeks flushed. "Li’er, you…" Qin Zheng covered his mouth and chuckled lowly, “What Li’er said is right. Tianxiang, I’m waiting for you to come into the Xu family too.”

Meng Tong held her darling son and smiled. "That’s true. My Junhan is already four years old."

"You guys… you’re so shameless!" Hua Tianxiang was embarrassed to stomp her feet in anger. Mrs. Xu also thought that the future daughter-in-law was satisfactory, seeing her embarrassment, she quickly said, "Alright, why are you talking about such things in front of their daughter I’ve already consulted with your uncle and grandfather as well as Lady Yang. As Prince General died on duty, there’s no time to get married during mourning period. We can only postpone the wedding till next year. Then Tianxiang and Wuyou will both marry into our Xu family, it’ll be a good story." Although Mo Wuyou was still young, Hua Tianxiang wasn’t anymore. Originally if they could delay their marriage during the mourning period that would also be fine. But at that time Xu Qingfeng was far away in Chu Capital fighting the war; there was no way to do anything except wait until after a year of mourning. Mrs. Xu had been worried about not finding a suitable daughter-in-law, but now that she has decided on who they will marry, it’s much better. Plus when they finish celebrating Qingyun’s birthday banquet and start preparing the wedding, then slowly till next year, everything would be ready.

Empress Hua pitifully looked at her niece and daughter who were blushing; being able to join Xu family was certainly a rare good marriage for them. She could finally rest easy now. Although the reputation of the Hua Family was quite large, their background is also noble. But everyone knew that after Prince General’s death, the Hua Family has declined. Even if descendants are talented, it wouldn’t be able to rise again in less than two or three decades. Xu family had few people and didn’t care much about lineage. Hua Tianxiang and Mo Wuyou marrying into Xu household won’t suffer much.

Hua Tianxiang was okay; she and Xu Qingfeng were both interested in each other as well, so it’s mutual affection. However, the reason between Mo Wuyou and Xu Qingbo was more due to Lady Grandmother Xu's influence. Also, unlike Xu Qingfeng who showed his anger clearly on his face, it was difficult to see Xu Qingbo's intentions. Even though Mo Wuyou wasn’t old, even if she had just started having feelings for Xu Qingbo, she was also confusedly engaged by both families. It’s not that she didn't want to marry him; it was just a bit awkward and unclear.

Ye Li saw the expression of Mo Wuyou but didn’t say anything. Xu Qingbo certainly had some affection towards her; otherwise, he wouldn’t follow Lady Grandmother Xu’s wishes given his temperamental personality. When Mo Wuyou mentioned Xu Qingbo's name, it also wasn't like she disliked him at all. Both were young and there was still time to get along.

"Your Highness Consort, Longxing King and Princess Zhenning request an audience," said Qingfeng as they were chatting when she came in with the news.

Everyone was surprised; Empress Hua and Mo Wuyou's expressions were even more complicated. Others might just find it odd but since they had closer ties to Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning, it made them more confused. Meng Tong said curiously, "Why would they come to Ding王府 at this time" Since moving to Li City, both Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning have been staying indoors; apart from the initial visit to welcome Ye Li upon their arrival, they haven't set foot in Ding王府 which was why it surprised Meng Tong.

Ye Li thought for a moment before saying, "Let them come in."

Qingfeng left after receiving instructions. Lady Grandmother Xu asked, "If Longxing King and Princess Zhenning have something to say to you, should we leave" Ye Li shook her head and said, "They will be living permanently in Li City; how can everyone not see each other They probably came here for the matter of Empress Liu."

"Empress Liu!" All the women were startled. To them, Empress Liu had already passed away long ago.

Ye Li nodded and said after a moment’s thought, "Empress Liu is still alive and she's currently in Li City. Longxing King and Princess Zhenning probably received the news and came to seek confirmation from me." Soon, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning were brought in. Both looked well enough but seeing the gashes on half of Princess Zhenning’s face made one sigh.

"Greetings Your Highness Consort," said both without any airs befitting a prince or princess and greeted Ye Li respectfully. Ye Li smiled and said, "Longxing King and Princess Zhenning don’t need to bow. Come over and sit down. How have you been getting along in Li City" Mo Xiaoyun nodded calmly and said, “Thank Your Highness Consort for caring; my sister and I are well.” Although they were merely powerless prince and princess in Li City, after the hardships and suffering of these two years, it wasn’t so hard to live a life like this. Besides, Ding王府 had not treated them badly either. Though Mo Xiaoyun was young, he could see clearly; there was no place for him and his sister other than Li City and Ding王府 in this world. He was still too young and lacked the ability to build up strength to protect himself against various powers.

Ye Li nodded with satisfaction at Mo Xiaoyun’s clear-mindedness.

The two thanked Ye Li before sitting down on a seat beside her, when they saw their familiar people there, they were also surprised. "Mother… Eldest Sister…" Although Empress Liu and Empress Hua had never gotten along well but Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning didn’t have any ill feelings towards Empress Hua either. The most that could be said was that Princess Zhenning used to envy Mo Wuyou greatly, but all this jealousy now seemed meaningless. Originally because of Empress Liu’s sake, Mo Wuyou also disliked these two siblings very much. However, she knew they had been living a worse life than hers for the past two years in Li City. Looking at their appearances and how they behaved when Chu Capital was under siege, it was still hard to be completely indifferent as sisters despite everything that happened between them. Mo Wuyou couldn’t help but feel a little soft-hearted and nodded, "Are you alright

Princess Zhenning had red eyes and bit her lip, bowing her head in even greater shame. Back then when she heard that Mo Wuyou was sent to King Nan Zhao, she felt a little pleased at his misfortune. Now seeing that despite being disfigured, he did not look at her with disdain or mocking eyes nor give her the most detested pity, she actually felt more ashamed.

“Imperial sister…”

Mo Wuyou smiled and said, "You can just call me Wuyou, I am no longer a princess now."

Moxiao Yun nodded knowingly at Mother Empress Hua and Mo Wuyou. “Mother, Wuyou.” It was somewhat strange for Hua to be called mother but it wasn’t inappropriate either. After all, she had once been the legitimate wife of Emperor Jing Qi; all her sons and daughters were supposed to call her Mother Empress. She was thus the legitimate mother of Moxiao Yun and others. Empress Hua nodded slightly and said in a light tone towards Mo Xiao Yun, "It must have been hard on you these past two years. Since you’ve already made it through, forget about the past and live your life with your sister."

Mo Xioayun bowed his head and replied, “Thank… mother for her guidance.”

"Why are King Changxing and Princess Zhenning visiting Duke Ding’s manor What do they want" Ye Li asked. Mo Xiao Yun looked at the many ladies beside him but did not hide anything from Ye Li. He nodded his head and said, “Replying to Duchess, my sister and I heard that there is another woman beside the Seventh Prince of Beirong who resembles… Mother Empress very much. We wonder if it’s true.” Ye Li looked at both of them staring fixedly at her and sighed softly before nodding her head. "Indeed, a lady named Qing Yina accompanied the seventh prince of Yeli. It is said that she is his fiancée. Although I have not seen her face myself, but according to Princess Ronghua’s description, it looks exactly like Concubine Liu. If you are unsure in your hearts, you can go and ask her at the inn."

Mo Xiao Yun looked slightly disconcerted as he said in a deep tone, "My sister and I have visited Qing Yina twice but were refused each time. That’s why… we seek an audience with Duchess to request for Duchess to look into it…" Ye Li thought about it before saying, “Qing Yina is someone that the prince of Beirong brought along; she can be considered a guest here too. It won’t be convenient for me to send people over directly and question her. However, you can go ask Princess Ronghua first. She used to frequently enter the palace when young and should know better than me about that person.”

Actually, from Ye Li’s words alone, both of them had already confirmed Concubine Liu’s identity. Mo Xiao Yun looked gloomy enough but Zhenning held a handkerchief so tight that it turned white as she trembled slightly.

Ye Li said to the two seriously, "No matter what, you must think things through before acting rashly. Do not take any action without considering the consequences. If there’s anything troubling you, come to the manor and speak with me or His Excellency. Although this is Licheng, Yeli Ye has great power as he is a prince who holds an army in Beirong; do not act recklessly."

Mo Xiao Yun fell silent for a moment before nodding his head. "Thank you Duchess for your advice; we will take note of it. We shall no longer trouble Duchess and bid farewell first." Ye Li nodded lightly, saying softly to Princess Zhenning, “You don’t have to stay in the room all day long. Go out more often, things aren’t that bad outside.” Princess Zhenning bit her lip before nodding her head and hurriedly left beside Mo Xiao Yun.

Seeing them off, everyone’s mood turned somber. Hua Tianxiang furrowed her brows as she asked, “Is it true that Princess Zhenning’s face was ruined by Concubine Liu” She often moved around in the palace before but had little impression of Princess Zhenning. In fact, none of Concubine Liu’s three children looked like her. As a daughter who wasn’t favored by her mother, and with Mo Jingqi preferring Mo Wuyou more, Princess Zhenning was practically non-existent in the palace—she didn’t seem to be the daughter of an empress who dominated the harem. Upon seeing those terrifying scars on her originally beautiful face now, Hua Tianxiang could not help but feel sympathy for her.

Ye Li shook her head and said, “No one knows what really happened then. When we rescued her from the Cold Palace, Concubine Liu had already disappeared. She was the only person in there at that time. If we did not manage to rescue her in time, everyone would have thought she was dead.” Hence regardless of the truth, Princess Zhenning could only view it as if her mother threw her into a fire and died in her place.

Empress Hua frowned slightly and said, “I think Princess Zhenning hates Concubine Liu very much. Will something happen to them when they look for the truth”

"With King Changxing around, it shouldn’t be a problem," Ye Li said with furrowed brows.

When talking about Concubine Liu, everyone could not help but feel disgust too. Of course they knew that she had once harbored feelings for Mo Xiu Yao and forced him to marry her. After what happened with Princess Zhenning, their hatred of the woman rose another level. Mu Gonghan hugged Mungou Ting angrily as she said, “I would give a beating if I ever met that woman.”

Sitting beside Ye Li eating snacks obediently, Mo Ba opened his eyes and asked, "Mother, are you talking about that white-robed auntie in Zhujing" Upon hearing this, Ye Li looked at Mo Ba with surprise. “You still remember Concubine Liu”

Mo Ba pouted unhappily, "That auntie is the one I hate the most. She always looks at me and Mother with strange eyes. I wanted to tell Father that if she looks again, I would gouge out her eyes. Who knew she died Did she really die" Ye Li felt a headache upon hearing his excited tone; when did she teach him such vicious thoughts He was not even seven years old back then.

In the Bei Rong Inn, Princess Ronghua received news that King Changxing and Princess Zhenning wished to see her. A strange smile appeared at the corner of her lips. She instructed the attendants beside her to immediately bring them in. Previously, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning had come twice but were dismissed by the inn's staff without even entering the premises. This time they changed their approach and requested an audience with Princess Ronghua; as expected, someone brought them in shortly after.

Princess Ronghua specially received them in the main hall of the inn. When she saw Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning, she smiled warmly and invited them to sit down. "When I was still in Chu Jing City, you two were just children. It's surprising that after so many years without seeing each other, both of you have grown up." Looking at the young man and maiden before her, Princess Ronghua felt a sense of regret. Although she wasn't old herself, watching former children grow into adults couldn't help but make one feel time flies.

"How is Honored Lady Ronghua in Bei Rong" Mo Xiaoyun asked.

Princess Ronghua smiled and said, "The Crown Prince treats me very well. Everything is good. I've heard about the matters of these past few years but it's unfortunate that you two had to suffer."

No longer a naive child, Mo Xiaoyun smiled faintly in response, saying, "My Imperial Sister and I are doing fine too. The Ding Wang Estate treats us very well."

"That's good then. The Ding Wang has benevolent intentions. Although not as wealthy and honored as members of the royal family, life is more comfortable than dealing with palace intrigue every day. Since you've managed to get out of there now, don't dwell on those matters anymore. Not everyone can have such luck." Princess Ronghua felt compassion for them and offered this advice. Mo Xiaoyun nodded in agreement and said, "Nephew understands, thank you Lady Aunt for your guidance."

"Princess Ronghua…" Princess Zhenning looked at Princess Ronghua with something unsaid on her mind. Princess Ronghua naturally understood their purpose of visit. She gently patted her hand and whispered softly, "I have heard about what happened to you; I'm sorry for your hardship. Do you wish to see Qing Yina" Mo Xiaoyun hesitated but still nodded his head in agreement. They had previously heard that Princess Ronghua was arrogant and domineering, yet seeing her so amiable now made them somewhat dislike her. Since they were born into the royal family, no one was innocent or pure-hearted; naturally there was some suspicion towards this kind Princess Ronghua.

Princess Ronghua immediately saw through their doubts and smiled lightly, saying, "Foolish child, who can remain young forever In truth, I am not certain either. But I have asked her to come over; let's see if you two can recognize each other. Don't act impulsively." The two silently nodded.

In no time at all, Consort Liu came in wearing a white gown. Without even looking around the hall, she coldly addressed Princess Ronghua, "What do you want me for" These past couple of days, Consort Liu was in bad spirits. Not only because after running into Mo Xiurao and Ye Li on the street two days ago, upon her return to the inn she was harshly reprimanded by Yelü Ye. But also due to yesterday's visit by Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning. Before coming here, she never imagined these two children would be in Li City. More importantly, she had no idea how to face them or even wanted to see them.

Princess Ronghua raised her eyebrows and said, "What do I want Someone wants to meet you."

"Who…" Consort Liu's voice faltered as she stared in shock at the two young men looking back coldly. In just a couple of years, Mo Xiaoyun had grown taller than before and looked much more mature. Sitting beside him, Princess Zhenning's face was covered by a veil but her eyes outside were like ice, chilling cold. Consort Liu's heart trembled, "You… who are you!" After some time, Consort Liu regained composure and forced herself to speak.

However, that moment of shock in her gaze and the familiar appearance could not be hidden from her own children. Seeing Consort Liu completely refusing to acknowledge them, pain and resentment flashed across both their eyes. Upon meeting Princess Zhenning's cold eyes, Consort Liu immediately averted her gaze and turned around to glare at Princess Ronghua, "Crown Princess Consort, what are you trying to do"

Princess Ronghua leisurely sipped her tea and said with a faint smile, "What am I doing This is the orphan of my Imperial Cousin. King Changxing and Princess Zhenning wish to meet you. Qing Yina, don't you recognize them"

"Of course I do not." Consort Liu replied, "Since there's no business here, I will return to my room now." Saying that, she turned around without looking at Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning, heading inward. Princess Ronghua put down her teacup and said with a smile, "Don't leave yet, Qing Yina. These two children have been diligently searching for their mother; it's admirable of them. Even if you truly don't recognize them, you should still explain to them."

Consort Liu was taken aback and hastily glanced at them before turning around again to say, "You've mistaken someone."

Mute, Mo Xiaoyun and Princess Zhenning watched as Consort Liu turned to leave. Princess Zhenning clenched her teeth and asked, "Mother, do you really not recognize us" "Mother, your child knows he was wrong." Ye Li nodded with a smile, "A child who can admit their mistakes is good.""Then… Can I go see Grandpa after a few days" Mo Xiaobao asked hesitantly. Ye Li cou...