233 Princess Anxi's Fiancé

has been..."Ah!"Hearing something is one thing, seeing it with one's own eyes is another. The ladies finally couldn't help but scream shrilly after snapping out of their daze. Ye Li felt helpless and...233. The Fiancé of Princess Anxi

233。 The Fiancé of Princess Anxi

Originally, Ye Li had thought that after the incident at the tavern, Empress Liu would surely hate them and stay as far away from them as possible. Therefore, when her group left the inn early in the morning and encountered Chancellor Liu's group heading out of town, Ye Li’s frustration rose to a new level. Especially when she saw Empress Liu calmly approaching them as if nothing had happened, Ye Li was speechless.

Princess Changle, standing beside Empress Liu, shrugged at Ye Li discreetly and gave her an odd smile. Ye Li raised an eyebrow slightly and glanced at Empress Liu without leaving any trace. Princess Changle shook her head slightly and rolled her eyes skyward. Ye Li could only無奈地跟著望向天空。

“Prince Ding, did you rest well last night” Empress Liu walked up to Mo Xiuyao and asked softly. Although she still wore a cold expression, it was clear that there was genuine concern in her voice.

Princess Changle stood spontaneously at some distance from Empress Liu, pretending to admire the scenery. Is my father as suspicious as mother says If so, why has he never suspected his beloved concubine of making him wear a green hat and letting her糾纏一個有家室的男人？

“Nauseous,” Mo Xiuyao replied coldly. His silver hair shimmered faintly in the morning light as he turned around and left Empress Liu, who was genuinely looking at him with longing and sorrow.

Ye Li turned to look at Empress Liu and smiled lightly: "Chancellor Liu, Empress, please forgive us. Our prince doesn't usually have such a bad temper. He just felt nauseous yesterday afternoon and morning, hence his behavior." Mo Xiuyao then directly lifted Ye Li onto the horse and mounted behind her, urging the horse forward to leave the city.

Behind them stood a group of people with varied expressions, especially those on Empress Liu's and Chancellor Liu's faces, which were particularly ugly. Without need for explanation about Empress Liu, even though Chancellor Liu wasn't present yesterday, he knew what had happened at the tavern and thought his daughter had overstepped her bounds. However, Mo Xiuyao’s ruthless behavior in public also displeased him. He glanced at Empress Liu and said solemnly: "Empress, it's time for us to leave." With a reluctant look back at the city gate where Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao were no longer visible, Empress Liu finally turned around and got into her carriage.

Feng Zhiyao and others who were left behind exchanged glances. After a while, Zhuo Jing frowned and said: "Eldest Brother, the Liu family seems to be acting strangely."

Xu Qingchen's gaze faintly swept over the carriage that had already started moving ahead. The smile on his lips was as warm as spring breeze, yet it made people feel a chill. "Indeed something seems amiss. I heard long ago about Duke Ding riding by an inclined bridge and having all red-robed beauties in the pavilion vying for attention. Never did I expect that now at his prime he would be even more sought after by ladies" Though spoken gently, elegantly, and casually, those who listened felt a chill down their spines.

Feng Zhiyao looked at the elegant carriage with a desire to defend his superior and friend but knew it was futile. He could only silently bite back any comment. Could it be that even a high-ranking official like Lady Empress of Great Chu was caught by her infatuation as well Seeing everyone tacitly agree, Xu Qingchen nodded in satisfaction before changing the topic, "Where do you think something is amiss" Zhuo Jing thought for a while and frowned, saying, “It’s already odd enough that Emperor sent Lady Empress Liu to Nanzhao. Moreover… Lady Empress Liu has been rather bold these days. If her actions are reported back to the Emperor, even if he loves her dearly, he will likely turn against her.”

Xu Qingchen nodded and said, "That's correct. She’s so audacious that she must be certain no one would report it back to him. Therefore… there is no one from the Emperor in this delegation from Great Chu."

"How could that be possible" Feng Zhiyao asked. They had all witnessed how suspicious Mo Jingqi was, and Feng Zhiyao seriously doubted if Mo Jingqi actually trusted anyone at all. Even though he may trust Chancellor Liu and Lady Empress Liu, it was impossible for him not to have someone watching over them. Xu Qingchen pondered silently before saying, "Then it must be that Mo Jingqi believes he has placed someone under surveillance, but in reality… those people are not his own men. What does the Liu family want" Feng Zhiyao shook his head; he was even more confused about what Cleanliness Young Master thought of than him. He pulled a horse and hopped on its back saying, "Let’s think about it later. If we don’t hurry now, the Duke and Duchess are going to cross Suixue Pass."

Moxiurao's group didn't encounter any difficulties when they crossed Suixue Pass. They left the pass after Chancellor Liu’s group. Once past Suixue Pass, it was the territory of Southern Frontier. The people there were fierce and adept at handling poisonous creatures. Though they weren’t afraid, they also didn’t want to cause trouble. They continued their journey without stopping for rest until they arrived in Nanzhao capital city a few days later.

The bustling scene of the Nanzhao capital remained as it was years ago. Various tribespeople dressed differently could be seen at the gate. Perhaps because Princess Anxi’s wedding was approaching, even though there were many remote tribes that did not belong under the rule of Nanzhao, many tribal leaders would still come to give their respects. Thus, the city was more crowded than before. Likewise, more guards watched over the city. When Mo Xiurao and Ye Li arrived, Princess Anxi naturally went out to welcome them herself. As soon as Ye Li dismounted her horse, Princess Anxi led a group of people up to greet them with a smile, saying, "From Duke Ding's house, it’s been long since I last saw the Duchess; she looks even more magnificent than before."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Your Highness is flattering me. Congratulations on your wedding."

A slight smile was still on Princess Anxi’s face as she accepted Ye Li's congratulations. She then looked at a young man beside her and introduced him to Mo Xiurao and Ye Li, “Duke Ding, Duchess, this is my fiancé Poa.”

Ye Li looked up to the young man. He was about Princess Anxi’s age. Tall and slender, almost as tall as Mo Xiurao. However, his skin tone was different from that of a Central Plains man; it had an olive tint making him look more robust and handsome. His face looked rigid with a bit of embarrassment, Ye Li instinctively felt the young man was straightforward and simple-minded – not quite Princess Anxi’s type.

The youth nodded at Mo Xiurao and Ye Li, saying something that Ye Li couldn’t understand; it didn't sound like the common language in Nanzhao. But Mo Xiurao nodded back to him and replied a few sentences. The young man clearly was surprised that the white-clothed man understood his language as he looked at Mo Xiurao with much more enthusiasm.

Princess Anxi smiled at Ye Li, "Poa is the only son of a tribe leader in the south who had been friendly with my grandfather's tribe for generations. I met him several times when I was young; they have their own language and always exclude outsiders so his Nanzhao language is still not very fluent. You probably don't understand what he said just now, but it’s something like a welcome message,"

Princess Anxi's conversation with Ye Li was heard by others as well. Pu A looked at Princess Anxi, a hint of confusion flashing across his face. After the princess whispered something to him, Pu A nodded and smiled at Ye Li, saying in somewhat stiff Zhongyue: "Welcome." Listening to Pu A’s awkwardly mispronounced Zhongyue, which was even stiffer than her own, Ye Li thought it was indeed a newly learned language. She replied with a nod, “Thank you, congratulations.” The young man clearly understood Ye Li's words and looked more amiable towards everyone. He chattered something to Princess Anxi. With a smile, the princess told Ye Li, "He says you are all my friends; he thinks you’re great." Unable to help herself, Ye Li smiled slightly, thinking that this young man wasn’t so unworthy of Princess Anxi after all.Once their greetings were over, Xu Qingchen and others who had been following behind them caught up. Xu Qingchen said with a smile to the princess: "Congratulations, Your Highness." Princess Anxi’s eyes flashed with a bitter smile as she lowered her gaze slightly and replied, “Thank you for coming.” Xu Qingchen smiled and responded, “I’m also delighted to attend your wedding.” Quickly recovering herself, Princess Anxi nodded and said, “It has been many years since we last met; I am glad to see you here. This is my fiancé, Pu A.”Princess Anxi then introduced Xu Qingchen to Pu A in another language.Xu Qingchen was rightly called the First Nobleman of Great Chu for a reason. According to Ye Li’s words, if Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen stood together, people would first notice Mo Xiuyao because of his white hair. But their gaze would eventually be drawn to Xu Qingchen, who wouldn’t lose to Mo Xiuyao in any way.In terms of appearance alone, Xu Qingchen may not necessarily surpass Feng Zhirao’s extraordinary looks or Han Mingxi’s meticulously carved beauty. He was also rather indifferent about clothing and accessories. The most ordinary white robe, with no gold-embroidered fan like Feng Zhirao's, would occasionally be a simple folding fan from his study. A jade pendant gifted by his grandfather hung at his waist, unchanged for years. However, whenever he stood in front of people, their eyes were irresistibly drawn to him and reluctant to leave. Xu Qingchen always seemed detached yet refined and graceful, not haughty like an immortal but warm and comfortable, making others involuntarily admire and feel close to him. Most outstanding men were intimidating and made one subconsciously wary and distant; only Xu Qingchen was different.Pu A looked startled when he saw Xu Qingchen, his eyes flashing with surprise as well as relief and sadness mixed together. He nodded at Xu Qingchen and greeted him in a similar manner. Although Pu A’s knowledge of Zhongyue language was limited, Xu Qingchen smiled warmly and greeted him in the latter's tribal language. While Mo Xiuyao spoke in a standard foreign accent similar to Princess Anxi, Xu Qingchen sounded different yet pleasant like someone from the same tribe.Seeing the young man's faint sadness, Ye Li leaned her head on Mo Xiuyao’s shoulder, unwilling to look up and meet anyone's gaze. Big brother, can you be even more despicable You don't care about Princess Anxi, but now you're going out of your way to discourage her fiancé"Are you tired, Ah Li" Mo Xiuyao asked concernedly; he didn’t care who Xu Qingchen was discouraging—no one could touch him anyway.Ye Li nodded weakly and felt sorry for the young man standing next to Xu Qingchen with a lost look. Seeing Ye Li’s hand clasped in Mo Xiuyao's, Princess Anxi flashed an envious glance and said with a smile: "We’ve been chatting here long enough; let’s head into town soon. I have already arranged accommodations at the inn. If we stand here any longer, we might even attract the girls of our Zhongyue City, which would cause trouble later on.

The Princess of Anxi was right. Although their group did not stand in the center of the city gate, they were still eye-catching due to their appearance. From Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen, down to Feng Zhirao, Zhuo Jing, Qin Han, and Qin Feng, any one of them would be enough to make a lot of girls swoon. At this moment, there were already many young beauties standing at the city gate. The people from the Southern Frontier were usually very enthusiastic, but if it weren't for the guards blocking the way, they might have rushed over to declare their love.

Entering the city, Princess Anxi directly led them to an inn not far from both the royal palace and the princess's residence. The group had traveled a long distance, so naturally, they wouldn’t enter the palace immediately upon entering the city to meet King Nanzhao. Princess Anxi personally brought them into a courtyard in the inn that was already prepared for their arrival, then instructed the servants there to take good care of them. Seeing how much effort Princess Anxi put in, Ye Li felt even more embarrassed about her brother's lack of consideration.

Receiving Ye Li’s apology, Princess Anxi helplessly smiled. She looked back at Pu Ah who was talking with Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen nearby. Both Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen were proficient in many dialects from the tribes of the Southern Frontier, so they had no trouble communicating with Pu Ah. From Ye Li's perspective, it seemed that the three of them got along quite well. However, the young man between Mo Xiuyao and Xu Qingchen could only become even more inconspicuous. Princess Anxi helplessly sighed: "Dingwang and Xu Qingchen are both too outstanding. It’s really hard to find someone as excellent as them. Pu Ah has been known to me since childhood; he isn’t a bad person, and always treats me with kindness. Marrying him wouldn't be so bad."

Ye Li nodded and said, "Princess, your choice is correct."

From Pu Ah's demeanor and actions, it was clear that he valued Princess Anxi greatly. Moreover, he also knew about Princess Anxi’s feelings for Xu Qingchen, but the look in his eyes when looking at Xu Qingchen only contained a hint of regret and admiration, without any jealousy or resentment. This indicated that this person had an open-minded heart. As the crown princess of King Nanzhao, if Xu Qingchen was originally from Nanzhao and felt affection for her, they would indeed be perfectly matched. However, although Xu Qingchen liked to travel around since his youth, he would eventually return to his own family in the end. And as Princess Anxi, who is the crown princess, it’s impossible for her to leave Nanzhao to follow Xu Qingchen back to his home. Furthermore... First Young Master Xu was a literary genius and a heartbreaker admired throughout the land. It's unlikely that he would be comfortable living in a place like Nanzhao all his life. More importantly… although Xu Qingchen seemed warm and approachable, he was actually indifferent towards others. Unless it’s someone who is important to him, he will do everything possible to protect them, but for those who aren’t important to him, he is very cold. Many times when you’re still immersed in his warmth like the spring breeze, he might already be thousands of miles away from you. Ye Li thought that if Princess Anxi truly married Mo Xiuyao, she wouldn't necessarily feel happier than marrying Pu Ah. Isn’t it always better to be loved rather than loving someone Of course, being loved by someone whom one loves is even better.

The Princess of Anxi looked at Ye Li with pursed lips and smiled: "In fact, what I envy the most is Consort Dingwang. Perhaps all women in this world envy Consort Dingwang."

Ye Li glanced at Mo Xiuyao who just happened to be looking back at her as well. They exchanged a glance and shared a warm smile between them. Ye Li turned back to look at Princess Anxi and said with a smile: "Princess, you can also choose the same path as me; Pu Ah will surely make a good husband." Looking at Princess Anxi, Ye Li held her hand sincerely and said: “Since you’ve made your decision, let go of past matters and cherish this moment. There’s a saying in Central Plains that if there are flowers to be picked, pick them now before they wither; it doesn’t fit here exactly, but still has its meaning. Pu Ah clearly likes you, and since you chose him, it means you trust him. So why not put effort into building this marriage People’s hearts can grow cold over time; once that happens, regret will be too late. Back then, my husband and I only met once or twice before our wedding, but your situation is certainly better than ours.”

The Princess of Anxi nodded and said: "I understand what you mean, Consort Dingwang. Thank you."

Ye Li shook her head and glanced at the elegant Xu Qingchen on that side with a raised eyebrow, saying: “As for that person, don’t take him too seriously. My aunt-in-law scolds him every day back home, and in City of Glass, there must be countless girls who are ignored by him. I reckon half or more of the girls in City of Glass curse him at home each day.” The Princess of Anxi found it amusing and asked curiously: “What do they curse him for”

Ye Li laughed and said: "Not that he’ll never marry, but probably something like cursing him to fall for a girl who looks down on him. Anyway, if I were ignored by someone like this, I’d curse him the same way!" you.""Little smartass," Senior Princess chided with a laugh, looking at Murong Xiaobao with regret as if wishing the royal family had such a clever child."Imperial Great Aunt, this is my new friend....