Princes Trace the Heart of a Mother

ighed lightly, "Fortunately, Emperor Dachu doesn’t trust Dingguo Mansion very much."No officer behind him asked why because they too were relieved. If the ministers of Great Chu trusted their sovereig...369. Young Master's Movements, A Mother's Heart

Seeing Yaoyi's pale face, Qin Feng's gaze softened slightly as he calmly asked her, "Do you have any questions" Yaoyi was startled and forced a smile, saying, "I... What could I possibly have to ask" Qin Feng said indifferently, "Just now, what Mu Lie said, I heard. He wasn't wrong. If it makes you uncomfortable, I'll report back to the Princess Consort and let you leave."

Yaoyi hurriedly shook her head, "No need for that, I'm fine."

Qin Feng looked at her seriously, "You'd better think clearly. If in the future, because of your momentary compassion, you ruin things for His Excellency and Princess Consort..." Facing Qin Feng's calm gaze, Yaoyi felt a shiver go through her heart; when she opened her eyes again, they were peaceful. She nodded, saying, "I understand. My son is still in Li City. I won't do anything that would hurt him."

"That's best," Qin Feng gave Yaoyi a deep look before turning and leaving the Mu Yang Marquis Manor.

Not far from the Mu Yang Marquis Manor, Lin Han was hanging off the eaves like a bat, swaying as he looked at himself. Seeing Qin Feng approach, Lin Han slid down from the roof and shook his head at Qin Feng, saying, "Why go to such lengths This will only make her hate you." He had thought that Qin Feng would come here to confess his feelings to Yaoyi or something like that, but instead, he used a mix of threats and warnings. Did Qin Feng really like Yaoyi Lin Han was somewhat puzzled.

Qin Feng said indifferently, "The Princess Consort is right, it's better to clear things up now than to lose your life later."

"In the end, you still don't believe her" Lin Han raised an eyebrow and asked.

Qin Feng turned his head thoughtfully for a moment before saying, "What should I believe Should I believe that Yaoyi has no intention of betraying Ding王府 (Ding Manor) At present, I believe that Yaoyi won't betray Ding Manor. But...I don’t know if Yaoyi still loves Mu Yang." As long as Yaoyi had even a shred of feeling for Mu Yang, no one could guarantee what she might do at the time; "At this moment, we just need to ensure that Princess Consort's plan and safety don't go wrong."

Seeing Qin Feng walk ahead without hesitation, Lin Han shrugged and followed him while asking, "Do you want someone to watch her"

"Mu Lie will keep an eye on her," came Qin Feng’s indifferent voice.

The following Lin Han sighed; emotions were such a hassle. Fortunately, he didn't have this sort of trouble right now. Otherwise, being like Qin Feng and Yaoyi or the Third Young Master Fei would be truly agonizing. Perhaps it was best to wait for several years when things are peaceful before finding an appropriate good woman to marry.

Inside the Mu Yang Marquis Manor, Yaoyi was alone in her room, lost in thought. Today's events had indeed given her a great shock; besides the initial panic at the beginning, Yaoyi gradually understood Princess Consort Ding’s intentions. At the same time, she couldn't help but admire how thoroughly Princess Consort Ding considered even these small matters. She had never intended to betray Ding Manor, just as she hadn’t ever imagined being restored to her original self with Mu Yang. But similarly, she had also never imagined that there would come a day when she'd want Mu Yang dead. Perhaps the Princess Consort didn't intend for Mu Yang's life; however, someone like him destroying the Mu Yang Marquis Manor was hardly different from taking his life.

The Princess Consort thought about everything very thoroughly, so Yaoyi didn’t blame her for testing her. She even felt grateful to her because if she only knew these things when it mattered most, she wasn't sure she could handle them. Although it was difficult and painful now, she had enough time to think and decide. Although painful, the risk of unexpected incidents decreased.

"Yaoyi, I heard you aren't feeling well" From outside came Mu Yang's voice. Yaoyi quickly composed herself, turning around calmly and looking at the man at the door. No longer was he a young nobleman from the capital who was charming and gentle; no longer did he suffer between his lover and parents, only to compromise helplessly as a Marquis Manor heir. Now, there was more dominance and arrogance in him.

Yaoyi stood up with a faint smile, "It's nothing, just not feeling well."

Mu Yang looked at her with concern, apologetic, “Did the lady give you trouble I’ll talk to her later. She will be more restrained and won’t bother you anymore,” Yaoyi smiled slightly, a hint of derision on her lips as she said calmly, "After all these years, do you think it would make any difference"

"Yaoyi..." Mu Yang sighed helplessly, “Are you still angry at me Liè is already grown up. Can’t we live together in peace Whatever you want, I’ll give you; no one will bully you and your son anymore.”

Yaoyi's smile was somewhat bitter; after so many years, she had heard these words too many times to feel anything about them. Although her return to the Mu Yang Marquis Manor wasn't out of any special motive at first, gradually she began to thank fate for that motive. If she hadn’t been saved by Qin Feng and instead returned directly to the Mu Yang Marquis Manor; if it were not Liè who had been trained from childhood in Ding Manor but her own son, would they have survived until now with Mu Yang’s attitude

Mu Yang loved her very much, but he also loved other things. Even for her and their child, he wouldn’t be willing to give up anything, no matter how small a part of it was. Despite having long lost the right to blame him, she still felt heartache for his attitude’s sake, for her child's.

"Do you remember Two years ago, Liè fell seriously ill" Yaoyi asked calmly.

Mu Yang frowned slightly, "Yaoyi, what is wrong with you"

Ignoring him, she continued, "And last year when he fell off his horse. And this spring when he fell into the lake..." Yaoyi recounted the various dangers Liè had faced over the years, along with some of her own actions. Although Liè wasn’t truly her son, what he suffered was indeed for her child’s sake. What made Yaoyi even more disheartened was that Mu Yang never punished anyone who orchestrated these things behind the scenes; only those directly involved.

"Yaoyi, are you alright Liè is fine now, why bring this up today You know... it's our fault..." He hadn’t finished when Yaoyi coldly said, "It isn't us, but you. Mu Yang, you wronged those women. If I had never returned to the Mu Yang Marquis Manor, you wouldn’t have needed to apologize to anyone. It was your choice to fight with your parents and neglect your wife. Over time, you feel you owe them something. But... even if it’s my fault, my son hasn't wronged them."

"Yaoyi..." Mu Yang looked at the woman before him in shock; since a few years ago when Yaoyi and Liè were brought back to the Manor, her nature had changed from what it was. He thought she still blamed him for their suffering, so he treated her with care and consideration. But now, he realized that Yaoyi wasn't the same girl with beautiful eyes and a charming smile in Qingsheng Street anymore; there was coldness and determination on her face instead. Mu Yang suddenly felt a bit frightened; did he never truly understand Yaoyi all these years

Yaoyi looked at him indifferently for a long time before sighing softly, "Auntie Liu sent word that she seems to be pregnant. You should go and check on her."

Mu Yang’s expression softened as if he understood something; with a smile, he embraced Yaoyi's slender shoulders, somewhat embarrassed but also pleased, saying, “I was wrong not to tell you... But you know Auntie Liu’s father…” Yaoyi lowered her eyes and said calmly, "Yes. With only two girls in the house besides Liè now, it's good news that she's pregnant."

Examining Yaoyi carefully and making sure she was fine before releasing her, he said, “I'll go see her then. I’ll be back later for dinner.” Yaoyi nodded listlessly as Mu Yang left.

Mu Lie immediately jumped in through the window when Mu Yang had just left. He shook his head at Yaoyi and said, "I don't understand why you always worry about him It only makes people think you're overly fond of him. There are plenty of women here too. Without us protecting you both, who knows what would have happened."

Muyue rolled his eyes as he climbed onto the chair and sat down, saying: "This young master doesn't like to take the conventional path. I know what you're thinking. Even if you've stopped having feelings for him, he is still the father of my yet-to-be-unmasked younger brother. If the child finds out when they grow up that his own father was killed by their mother, how would you explain it to them Why don't you just not tell him"

“There’s no wall that doesn’t leak,” Yaoji said gloomily. Muyue replied: "I never got to know my parents and I still lived happily enough. Besides, didn’t you say his adoptive parents were very kind to him" Yaoji silently looked at Muyue; could a child who had never been a parent really understand the feelings of a mother Muyue waved his hand and said: "Alright then, the worst that can happen is that you and Commander Qin have another baby. As for my little brother, as long as he knows he’s doing well, isn’t it better than letting him know about his current identity Didn't you say he's now a nobleman’s son"

Over the past few years, Muyue knew exactly how awkward this situation was. On one hand, he was the eldest son of the Mu Yang Marquis Manor and currently their only child. If things went smoothly, there was a possibility that he would inherit his father's title in the future. But on the other hand, he was an illegitimate son born out of wedlock to a dancer mother. Had it not been for the lack of male heirs in the Mu Yang Marquis Manor, he wouldn't even have made it into their family tree. This led him to being ostracized by his peers who were legitimate sons from other families. Fortunately, he didn’t need to stay here pretending to be a young lord of the Mu Yang Marquis Manor all the time. Otherwise, in a few years’ time, his marriage would also become awkward; no high-ranking family would want to marry their eldest daughter to a dancer's son, and a minor or an illegitimate daughter from another household wouldn’t be suitable for a future heir either. If Yaoji's youngest son had grown up alongside him in the Mu Yang Marquis Manor, Muyue was certain that he would have either been killed by someone, spoiled by Mu Yang, or ended up with a twisted personality.

“What are you saying” Yaoji glared at him irritably. The child seemed to become more and more outspoken as she grew older. Muyue smiled and said: "Don't be embarrassed. Commander Qin came to see you just now, didn’t he"

Yaoji looked at him indifferently; the moment his name was mentioned, her expression became even more gloomy. Feeling sympathetic for her, Muyue patted her shoulder and said: "Actually, back then when you ran to the Mu Yang Marquis Manor, it was self-inflicted suffering. If you had married Commander Qin right away, our prince would have been less likely to bother your brother despite his dislike of the Mu Family."

Yaoji smiled bitterly; things were not as simple as he thought. Even if Prince Ding didn’t care much about her, he certainly wouldn't let go of the Mu Family so easily. He could have killed Mu Yang long ago but chose to torment and destroy him instead. How could she expect a prince who used her as a pawn to spare her The Mu Yang Marquis Manor had not been destroyed in recent years, but it was far from peaceful.

“Lye, don't worry about me; I know what to do,” Yaoji said with a faint smile. No one could be more important than her sons in this world. Even if she couldn’t watch them grow up personally, she would make sure they had no worries for the rest of their lives.

In the Li王府裡，葉瑩帶著身邊兩個人往外走去。卻剛走到大廳就被攔住了。

Yue Mansion, Ye Ying was leading two people outside when someone stopped her in the hall.

葉瑩皺眉看著眼前的東方幽問道：“你乾什麼？”

Ye Ying frowned as she looked at Dongfang You and asked irritably: "What are you doing"

“你要去哪兒？"

Dongfang You sized her up from head to toe before asking, "Where are you going"

"這跟你有什麼關係？"

Ye Ying’s pretty face darkened as she snapped back: "What does it have to do with you where I'm going"

"現在黎王府我說了算，冇有我的允許誰也不能出去。"

Dongfang You replied coolly, “At Li Yue Mansion now, my word is law. Nobody can leave without my permission.”

葉瑩冷笑一聲，“你以為你是誰？你也是王妃我也同樣是王妃，本王妃要出門你管的著麼？更何況…我請示過太妃娘娘了，太妃娘娘都同意了，你憑什麼不同意？”

Ye Ying sneered, "Do you think who are you You're a princess and so am I. Can you stop me from leaving Besides...I have already asked Princess Dowager for permission, and she agreed. Why shouldn't I leave"

這些日子，黎王府的方嚮明顯有所轉變。原本萬事不管的東方幽突然接過了許多事務，並且似乎有意架空賢昭太妃。

In recent days, the direction of Li Yue Mansion had changed somewhat. Dongfang You, who used to be indifferent to everything, suddenly took over many duties and seemed to want to sideline Princess Dowager.

賢昭太妃確實不喜歡葉瑩，但比起現在的東方幽，乖巧無害的葉瑩反而顯得可愛多了。所以有時候葉瑩來求她一些事，她多半都會答應。

Xianzhao Princess Dowager disliked Ye Ying, but compared to the domineering Dongfang You, she found Ye Ying's docility endearing. Thus, whenever Ye Ying asked for something politely, Xianzhao Princess Dowager often agreed.

“我說了，現在黎王府我說了算。彆說賢昭太妃，就算是太後親自來也冇用。”聽到這話，東方幽冷笑道。

"I said it, and I mean it. Even if Empress Dowager herself comes to Li Yue Mansion, she won't be able to change anything," Dongfang You sneered.

“你敢！”葉瑩硬聲道。“我偏要出去，你又能怎麼樣？”

"How dare you!" Ye Ying said fiercely. "I want to leave, and what are you going to do about it"

東方幽挑眉，“你以為這裡是璃城？還有定王妃姐姐給你撐腰麼？”

Dongfang You raised an eyebrow in surprise at how headstrong Ye Ying had become. She scoffed, "Do you think this is Li City Do you still have your sister-in-law to protect you"

“你敢！”葉瑩掙紮尖叫道。“王爺…王爺救命啊。”

"How dare you!" Ye Ying shrieked as she struggled. "Prince... Prince, save me!"

墨景黎進來，見狀皺眉看向東方幽問道：“你又在鬨什麼？彆太過分了。”

Mojinglie walked in and scowled at Dongfang You. "What are you up to now Don't go too far."

“我怎麼過分了？我隻是讓人送她回房而已。王爺若是厭倦瑩兒，不如就此休了我算了。”

"How am I being unreasonable I only asked them to take her back to her room. If you are tired of Ying, just divorce me."

“這幾日你頂撞母妃的事情本王還冇跟你算賬，你彆不識抬舉！”墨景黎看向東方幽寒聲道。

"I haven't even punished you for your disrespect towards my mother these past few days, and now you think I'll let this go" Mojinglie glared at Dongfang You.

“那是你母妃，關我什麼事？本姑娘用不著遷就那個老太婆。”東方幽冷冷一笑說道。

Dongfang You sneered. "Your mother, what does she have to do with me I don't need to cater to that old woman."

“你不讓瑩兒出門，總要有個理由吧？”墨景黎瞪著她問道。“我高興。不說她不許出門她就不許出門！”

"You can’t just stop Ying from leaving without a reason," Mojinglie snapped. "I don't need one."

“給我抓起來！”身後東方幽冷聲道。

Dongfang You commanded behind her, “Arrest her!”

兩名男子從兩邊出現，攔住了葉瑩的去路。“把這女人帶回她院子裡。”東方幽傲然道。

Two men appeared and blocked Ye Ying's path. "Take this woman to her room," Dongfang You commanded.

“王爺…王爺救命啊。東方幽要打斷我的腿！”葉瑩尖叫著躲到墨景黎身後說道。

"Prince... Prince, save me! Dongfang You is going to break my legs!" Ye Ying shrieked as she hid behind Mojinglie.

“這是在鬨什麼？”墨景黎看向東方幽皺眉道。“瑩兒想出門走走跟你有什麼關係？母妃都答應了你鬨什麼？”

"What's going on" Mojinglie asked, scowling at Dongfang You. "Why are you causing trouble Ying wants to go out and Mother has already agreed."

“現在黎王府我說了算，冇有我的允許誰也不能出門。”東方幽冷聲道。

Dongfang You replied coldly, “At Li Yue Mansion now, my word is law. Nobody can leave without my permission.”

墨景黎的臉也黑了下來，“東方幽，你彆太過分！是不是本王出門去哪兒也要你同意了？”

Mojinglie’s face darkened. "Dongfang You, don't go too far! Do I need your approval to leave the mansion"

“那你說怎麼辦？送王妃出門，本王看誰敢攔！”墨景黎一把拉起葉瑩往門外走去。

"Then what do you want me to do Escort the princess out and see who dares stop us!" Mojinglie pulled Ye Ying toward the door.

No matter how powerful Oriental You was, Mo Jingli would always be the true ruler of the Regency王府. Eventually, Ye Ying naturally left the Li王府 under the escort of Mo Jingli's personal guards.

In the grand hall, Mo Jingli threw a displeased remark at Oriental You and then went back to his study without turning around.

Oriental You stared gloomily at the empty doorway for a long time, not saying anything. Those who were with her felt somewhat alarmed. These people used to be under Mount Cangmang before it fell; they naturally followed Oriental You as their young master. Many of them had grown up alongside Oriental You on Mount Cangmang. But seeing how she looked now, almost none of them could believe this was the same sharp yet innocent and naive young master from Mount Cangmang. In the end, everyone could only sigh inwardly, believing it must have been a sudden change that caused such an impact.

"Princess Consort, Princess Rong has left. Should we..." The man in green who had just entered to take Ye Ying away whispered.

Oriental You let out a soft snort and said, "Forget it. If we do too much, it will likely arouse Mo Jingli's suspicion. Send someone to keep an eye on Ye Ying. If she dares to contact anyone from the Ding王府, kill her!"

The man in green asked doubtfully, "Everyone knows that Princess Consort Ding and Princess Rong don't get along well. Even if people from the Ding王府 do come looking for Qingchen Scholar in the future, they likely won't go to Princess Rong. Besides, even Prince Li doesn't know much about her. What could she possibly know"

Oriental You was silent for a moment before saying, "True, but it's always better to be cautious. People from the Ding王府 are notoriously cunning. That stupid woman Ye Ying might not even realize when she's being sold."

The man in green nodded and said, "Understood. I'll send someone to follow Princess Rong."

After leaving Li王府, Mo Jingli's guards went back as planned. They were only supposed to escort Ye Ying out of the王府 to prevent her from being bullied by Oriental You. Naturally, they wouldn't continue following her. Ye Ying walked around Nanjing City and then turned towards a bustling temple in town. Every month, she came here to pray for her missing child. When she arrived, the abbot immediately greeted her warmly and escorted her into the temple. As usual, Ye Ying made an offering of incense and dismissed the young monks attending her before praying alone.

In the past two years, Ye Ying often visited the temple, so everyone knew that the Li王府's princess consort was here to pray for her missing son. Although it seemed odd that she prayed as if her child were still alive despite his death, no one said anything about it.

In the tranquil prayer hall, Ye Ying knelt on a mat and sincerely prayed before the Buddha statue in her heart. A soft sound behind her startled her; when she turned around, she saw a young man dressed in white coming out of the back chamber. He was exceptionally handsome with a smile that made him seem approachable rather than intimidating. Ye Ying had seen many good-looking men, but none were as easy to like as this one. Even the elegant and distant Qingchen Scholar seemed more distant compared to him.

"Fourth Sister, are you well" asked the young man in white with a smile.

Ye Ying was taken aback; surprised she said, "Third... Third Sister How can this be" Looking closely at his face, it bore a resemblance to Ye Li's, but he seemed more refined and elegant than her usual gentle demeanor.

"Isn't it me" Ye Li asked, smiling with the fan in hand.

Ye Ying smiled awkwardly; this version of Ye Li was quite different from what she remembered. If they had met on the street, she might not have recognized her. "Third Sister, why are you here in Nanjing" She had thought that Yao Ji wanted to meet her but instead it was Ye Li herself.

Ye Li's smile faded slightly upon hearing this and sighed softly, “Something happened. A few days ago, you sent Yao Ji a secret letter back to Li City. What did you write in there"

Ye Ying was taken aback and asked, "What's wrong"

"It's not your problem." Ye Li shook her head. "The letter was delivered to Big Brother but now... he went missing. I want to know what the letter said.” Hearing this, Ye Ying let out a sigh of relief and explained quickly: “After Eastern Hu died, Mo Jingli went to see Oriental You. Now all remaining forces from Mount Cangmang are under Oriental You's control. Mo Jingli made a deal with her; she will do everything for him in exchange for his help in getting Qingchen Scholar."

“Getting” Ye Li frowned at the word, it seemed awkward when used to describe Xu Qingchen. Thinking about it, she asked, "Is there any possibility that Mo Jingli kidnapped Big Brother"

Ye Ying thought for a moment and shook her head: "Shouldn't... Mo Jingli did send people across the river but they came back empty-handed. Mo Jingli was furious afterward and had an argument with Oriental You. These days, she's been quite arrogant in the王府, even disregarding Lady Xianzhao too much. Mo Jingli has argued with her several times; today she wouldn't let me leave."

Ye Li frowned thoughtfully for a while before asking: "Has Oriental You left the王府 recently"

Ye Ying shook her head and after a moment, looked at Ye Li in surprise. "Do you think it's Oriental You who kidnapped Qingchen Scholar"

"Just speculation," sighed Ye Li.

“Oriental You hasn't left the王府 recently. But she has many subordinates; there are quite a few people from Mount Cangmang in the王府 right now. Mo Jingli didn’t say anything, so others couldn't interfere either." Hearing this, Ye Ying was shocked by Oriental You’s audacity. Capturing a man one likes but who doesn’t like them back, she knew she wouldn't be capable of such an act.

Ye Li played with the fan while pondering. After some time, she said, "When you go back, try to make Mo Jingli believe that Oriental You kidnapped Qingchen Scholar."

Ye Ying was taken aback: "How should I tell him And how would he believe me"

The truth is Ye Ying had become somewhat afraid of Oriental You these days. After Eastern Hu’s death, every time she saw Oriental You, it gave her a chilling feeling. However, she knew she needed to follow Ye Li's instructions for the sake of her child and even if not for that, life without Ye Li’s covert protection would be unbearable.

Ye Li thought about it and decided Ye Ying wasn’t the best person to tell Mo Jingli. Not only did she not know where the news came from, but also, she wouldn't think of such a complicated scheme. The first one to arouse suspicion might be her. After thinking for some time, Ye Li asked: “How is Princess Qi霞 doing now"

Ye Ying sniffed and said with some satisfaction, "Her life must have been harder than mine." Recalling how Princess Qi霞 had overshadowed her all these years without official recognition, she felt a sense of righteousness when thinking about the way Oriental You treated her.

Ye Li remained calm and said: "But Mo Jingli still favors her more." Regardless of his feelings towards Princess Qi霞, she was better at pleasing men than Ye Ying. The jealousy in Ye Ying’s eyes confirmed that Princess Qi霞 hadn't completely lost favor. And as long as Oriental You was around, Princess Qi霞 wouldn’t lose all her privileges either. Although Oriental You might be powerful, she was too easy to irritate men like Mo Jingli. Ye Li believed the more Oriental You bullied Princess Qi霞, the more he would cherish her.

"You can arrange for Princess Qi霞 to know about this and then she will willingly inform Mo Jingli of it. But be careful not to arouse suspicion towards yourself," instructed Ye Li.

Ye Ying thought about it and agreed despite the fact that many people from Ding王府 could no longer be used due to Oriental You's control over Li王府. She nodded in agreement.

Seeing her hesitant look, Ye Li said: "When you return, find a way to make Mo Jingli believe Oriental You kidnapped Qingchen Scholar."

Ye Ying was bewildered and asked: “How should I tell him And why would he believe me”

Ye Li sighed. "Princess Qi霞’s situation"

“Her life is harder than mine.” Ye Ying snorted with some satisfaction.

"But Mo Jingli still favors her," said Ye Li, remaining calm. Regardless of his feelings towards Princess Qi霞, she was better at pleasing men than Ye Ying. The jealousy in Ye Ying’s eyes confirmed that Princess Qi霞 hadn't completely lost favor. And as long as Oriental You was around, Princess Qi霞 wouldn’t lose all her privileges either. Although Oriental You might be powerful, she was too easy to irritate men like Mo Jingli. Ye Li believed the more Oriental You bullied Princess Qi霞, the more he would cherish her.

"You can arrange for Princess Qi霞 to know about this and then she will willingly inform Mo Jingli of it," instructed Ye Li. "But be careful not to arouse suspicion towards yourself."

Ye Ying thought about it and agreed, despite the fact that many people from Ding王府 could no longer be used due to Oriental You's control over Li王府.

"Right, there has been news about your child," said Ye Li seeing Ye Ying’s indecisive look.

“What” Ye Ying trembled with shock and looked at Ye Li. Tears of joy shimmered in her eyes as she grabbed Ye Li’s hand: “There is news Is he really still alive”

Ye Li nodded calmly, feeling a wave of pity for Ye Ying who was so agitated. Softly, she said, "Indeed there is news; Mo Jingqi did not kill that child back then. In a few days, we will have definite information."

How could Ye Ying care about such things at this moment She nodded repeatedly and said, "I understand. I'll wait for it. Third Sister, thank you... whatever you need me to do, I’ll help you accomplish it as long as it allows me to see my child."

Ye Li sighed softly and replied, “I won’t ask you to do anything dangerous. Don't worry; once we find Eldest Brother, I'll take you to meet the child.”

The tears that had been welling up in Ye Ying’s eyes finally fell as she cried into a prayer mat with heartrending sobs. She felt nothing but indifference towards the child when he was still around, even using him to vie for favor. But once she realized it wasn’t her own child and that her son's whereabouts were unknown without ever having seen him, Ye Ying truly felt a sharp pain in her heart. She would do anything—regardless of how much it cost—to find her son.

Ye Li patted her back gently and said, "Alright, wipe your tears and go back. There are people watching outside, so you shouldn’t stay too long." Ye Ying finally stopped crying and wiped her face before getting up to leave.

Sitting alone in the empty temple, Ye Li looked up at the Buddha statue above with a wistful smile.

"My Lady," ZHUO Jing appeared silently inside the temple and reported softly, "someone is following Princess Li. They are from Cangmang Mountain." Ye Li nodded and said, “We’ll leave later; we don’t need to pay attention to them.”

ZHUO Jing nodded without a word. After some time, he asked, “My Lady, do you want Prince Mo Jinglei and Dongfang You to quarrel Would that work”

Ye Li sighed and said, "Whether it works or not, we’ll give it a try. We all think Dongfang You captured Eldest Brother. But since she hasn’t moved either and we can’t find him… why don’t we provoke her to reveal something Prince Mo Jinglei is more familiar with Nanjing than us. If it’s really Dongfang You who has Eldest Brother, I doubt she would hide him too far away from herself. Even if he isn't in the city, he must be nearby."

ZHUO Jing nodded in agreement. This was their only option now. Jiangnan is neither big nor small, and Cangmang Mountain has been operating for hundreds of years; who knows where Dongfang You would hide Qingchen.

"Send people to follow Princess Li’s residence," Ye Li ordered softly.

"Understood," ZHUO Jing replied quietly.

Regent's Manor

Dongfang You sat alone in the study, lost in thought while staring at a painting spread out on her desk. Her eyes were filled with infatuation and resentment. One could not deny that Dongfang You was skilled at painting; the man depicted wore white clothes and black hair, his expression serene like an immortal from the heavens.

She reached up to lightly touch the handsome face in the painting, a smile of delight passing through her eyes.

"Bang!" The study door was kicked open from outside. Dongfang You’s gaze turned cold as she looked up at the furious man standing by the doorway, "What are you doing"

Mo Jinglei strode into the room and saw the painting on the desk with disdain. He grabbed Dongfang You's clothes angrily and shouted, “Woman! How dare you deceive this Prince!”

Dongfang You was taken aback but brushed off his hand, "I don’t know what madness has come over you! Mo Jinglei, don’t think I’m afraid of you. Do you really believe I wouldn’t kill you right now"

Mo Jinglei sneered, “Kill me With the current state of affairs, where else in Jiangnan could you hide after killing this Prince And do you honestly think you can leave Li Manor alive Moreover… with a handsome man at your fingertips, how willing are you to die"

Dongfang You’s expression changed slightly, "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

Mo Jinglei sneered coldly, "Don’t know I sent people to capture Xu Qingchen for you. But instead of helping, you sent someone to ambush them halfway through I took the blame while you got all the benefits! And then… when everything’s over, you run away and live happily ever after, leaving me to fight until my death with Li Manor What a clever idea. Dongfang You, if you were as smart back in Li city, how could you have ended up like this"

Dongfang You's heart skipped a beat but she remained calm, “I don’t know where you heard such nonsense. Ambush You couldn't capture Xu Qingchen yourself; I consider it merciful not to break our agreement. Don’t be greedy!”

Mo Jinglei’s expression twisted in anger and he grinned savagely, "Do you think I still believe you From today on, stay within the Manor where no one can find you."

"You want to imprison me" Dongfang You said coldly.

Mo Jinglei raised an eyebrow, “Tell me where Xu Qingchen is” He wasn't going to grab Xu Qingchen just for her infatuation. Dongfang You remained unmoved, "I don’t know what you’re talking about."

Mo Jinglei didn’t care and pushed her away to pick up the painting from the table, mocking her as he said, “These days you haven’t left the Manor, right How is it, too afraid to meet Qingchen Of course… Qingchen is known for his aloofness; how could he possibly fancy someone like you You can only stare at the picture with longing.”

Dongfang You’s expression changed slightly as she reached out to grab the painting from Mo Jinglei, "Mo Jinglei, give it back!"

Mo Jinglei sidestepped her and knew he wasn’t a match for Dongfang You. He left with a warning, “I advise you stay inside Li Manor; don’t make rash moves. Do you think Xu Qingchen knows you captured him Afraid to meet him, huh Ha… Qingchen is the most intelligent man in the world; how could he not guess Would Xu Qingchen rather die than have someone like you If I were Qingchen, I wouldn't want a woman who disgraces the Xu family’s reputation for hundreds of years. Ha…”

"Mo Jinglei!" Dongfang You was furious and threw an inkstone at him from the table. Mo Jinglei was prepared; he dodged out of the door as the inkstone smashed against it, making a loud noise.

Staring at the swinging door she had smashed, Dongfang You’s expression twisted with chilling malice before gritting her teeth and spitting out two words, "Qixia…e and outside the city. The air was still filled with a thick smell of blood. As they walked through the streets, soldiers clearing the streets would bow respectfully.Feng Zhirao frowned in puzzlement...