Palace Refusal of the Marriage

d weakly against Ye Li. Ye Li’s originally short figure struggled to support Han Mingchi’s tall frame. Han Mingchi looked at the man across from them who was almost identical to him and mockingly smil...119. Refusal of Marriage in the Palace

119. Refusal of Marriage in the Palace

"Miss Helian, are you unable to get married"

The atmosphere in the hall suddenly turned heavy, and Helian Huimin's face, still flushed with embarrassment, was filled with astonishment that she couldn't hide. Such a statement would be an absolute insult to any unmarried woman. Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao somewhat surprisedly; she knew his temper wasn’t good, but he had never deliberately humiliated a woman before. Even the outrageous Princess Lingyun from Western Xiling last year didn’t receive such harsh words. But as a woman and wife, Ye Li couldn't help feeling a slight sweetness in her heart when Mo Xiuyao treated Helian Huimin so coldly.

"Prince Ding, you're going too far!" Ye Lye said angrily, fixing his gaze on Mo Xiuyao.

Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and looked at him with a slight smile. "Where is Prince Yelü getting this from"

"Huimin agreed to marry into the Great Chu for diplomatic reasons between our two countries. Even if Your Royal Highness doesn’t appreciate Northern Rong’s noble ladies, you shouldn't speak so shamefully of her! I will report this matter to your emperor and insist on justice for Huimin," Prince Yelü said indignantly.

"Justice" Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and spoke with a mocking tone. "I also want justice. In the Golden Hall, I personally rejected the imperial decree of marriage. I have repeatedly stated that there is only one matriarch in the Palace of Prince Ding. Yet, Prince Yelü and Miss Helian keep coming to bother me and even slander my wife and our relationship right before her eyes. Doesn't Prince Yelü know how important it is for a prince's household to have a proper matriarch If Ahli becomes estranged from me because of this incident, who am I supposed to seek justice from A woman in the Great Chu, if subtly rejected, would naturally retreat and not cause trouble. But you two have been visiting daily and spreading rumors that tarnish Ahli's reputation. It makes me question whether Miss Helian is being forced upon me due to her inability to marry elsewhere in Northern Rong. The Palace of Prince Ding will only have one mistress. If Miss Helian insists on staying, she can be a servant maid, but she won't become a first-class concubine, as the lowest rank of our palace’s first-class concubines are refined and virtuous women who know propriety.

"Prince Ding, you…" It seemed that only now did Helian Huimin recover from her shock. She turned red with anger upon hearing Mo Xiuyao's words again. Even tears formed in her beautiful eyes, but she didn’t retreat or cry; instead, she turned to face Ye Li and said, "Since the Princess Consort is so favored by Prince Ding, doesn't she want to say something Or does the Princess Consort of Prince Ding only hide behind him to enjoy his favors"

Ye Li sighed inwardly. This girl was indeed not ordinary. A common woman would cry uncontrollably after being humiliated openly like that, but this Miss Helian not only didn't back down but showed some backbone. Blinking her eyes, Ye Li smiled innocently, "Miss Helian, isn’t it natural for men to protect women With the Prince around, I don’t have to worry about anything. Our relationship is harmonious, and we don’t want any interference from others. Please understand."

Prince Yelü said, “It’s common for a man to take multiple consorts, and your Great Chu also expects women to be virtuous and chaste. Won’t the Princess Consort face criticism for saying such things”

Ye Li smiled, "Our Great Chu requires women to understand propriety, righteousness, integrity, and chastity. Proactive suitors are simply unacceptable. Furthermore… I particularly don't like Prince Ding taking concubines. Let anyone who wants to criticize do so."

Huimin clearly hadn’t expected Ye Li to be so different from the average Great Chu woman, and she bit her lip in frustration: "Doesn’t Princess Consort fear that Emperor will blame Prince Ding's Palace"

"Blame" Ye Li raised her eyebrows slightly. Just when everyone thought she would waver, she bit down on her teeth and said, "I will enter the palace to take responsibility shortly. As for Miss Helian... no, anyone who wants to marry into Prince Dinging's residence can do so. I'll just slit my throat and give up the position of Consort." At that point, Lord Wang could take whoever he wanted!" Finished speaking, she looked at Mo Xiuyao with a smile and asked, "What do you think, Your Highness" The fierce expression on Mo Xiuyao's face vanished instantly. Ignoring the two strangers present, he embraced Ye Li in his arms and said with a smile, "My beloved, you mustn't. If anything happens to my beloved, I will feel it too. At that time, the only way I can ease my hatred is by crushing all those who harm my beloved."

Ye Li nodded contentedly and turned around to look at Helian Huimin, saying, "Miss Helian, you've seen for yourself. Even if this Consort dies, Your Highness wouldn't marry you." Helian Huimin wanted to say something but was stopped by Ye Naiye. Ye Naiye stood up and said, “Since that’s the case, we have disturbed Prince Dinging and his consort today. I will take my leave now.”

"No need to see us off," Mo Xiuyao said indifferently.

After sending away the two unwanted guests, Ye Li turned around to appraise Mo Xiuyao with a half-smile. "It seems that Your Highness has great luck in having such a beautiful woman vying for his affection."

Moo Xiuyao helplessly looked at her and said, “To me, only A-li is the beauty. This one... is just an unexpected trouble.”

Ye Li frowned and asked, "Why did the Northern Rong not mention this so-called marriage alliance previously" The amount of preparation required for a formal marriage alliance between two countries could be seen from how busy the Ministry of Rites had been these past two months. No one would simply send someone like Helian Huimin over to propose an alliance; it was more like child’s play. Mo Xiuyao said, "It wasn't until after the Northern Rong's marriage envoy arrived in the capital that Ye Naiye proposed this idea. It should not be the will of the Northern Rong King but rather Ye Naiye’s own spur-of-the-moment decision." Ye Li was puzzled and asked, “Spur-of-the-moment If his intention is to plant spies within Prince Dinging's residence, isn't that too obvious" Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "Planting spies Ye Naiye wouldn’t do something he knows won’t work. Even if he did want to do it, he would certainly not be so incompetent. He’s simply creating a big commotion to block me up for a while. Anyway, Helian Huimin is just the adopted daughter of Helian Zhen; who knows what her true background is Whether she's dismissed or dead, it won't matter to him at all."

Ye Li harrumphed lightly and asked, "If that’s the case, shouldn’t Your Highness explain why such rumors are spreading in the capital now"

Moo Xiuyao smiled and said, "Are you referring to the rumors about my beloved not being virtuous I had them spread."

"So Prince Dinging has been unhappy with me for a long time" Ye Li cast him an oblique glance and asked lightly.

Moo Xiuyao smiled and said, "How could that be This prince is extremely fond of my beloved’s lack of virtue."

Ye Li raised her eyebrows. “So I will be summoned to the palace soon”

"A-li can go ahead and answer any questions she wants to," Mo Xiuyao said. "I’ll take full responsibility. This prince wants everyone in the world to know that even if Consort Dinging is not virtuous, she remains my only beloved." With a deep voice, he held Ye Li's slender waist.

Ye Li was silent as she leaned against Mo Xiuyao’s chest and slowly calmed her tumultuous heart.

The news from the palace came very quickly, and even before the next day someone was sent to summon Ye Li into the palace. The two people who were admiring flowers in the garden did not feel surprised either; since they had set up such a fake marriage proposal, the palace would naturally make some move. Mo Xiuyao put down his brush and prepared to go to the palace together with Ye Li, but was stopped by her as she reached out to hold him back. "The Empress Dowager summoned me into the palace; what are you going to do" Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "Does that mean I am not allowed to enter the palace if the Empress Dowager did not summon this prince" Ye Li sneered. "If they want to talk to me, why do you have to tag along This time when they finish talking about it, they will plan on their next move. If so, it's better that we let them get everything off their chest in one go. I would like to see what exactly they have to say!" She was extremely frustrated whenever this subject came up; she had thought she married a husband no other woman wanted to snatch away, but look at the year that had passed—first there was Princess Lingyun, then Lady Liu who was banished by Mo Xiuyao, and now Miss Helian. Were these women bored Or could it be that Mo Xiuyao’s face did not get disfigured enough

Seeing Ye Li looking at his face intently, Mo Xiuyao innocently rubbed his brow as he said with a smile, "Since this is the case, Ah Li should always be careful. And by the way, stay away from that Yelü Yeyuan."

Ye Li blinked in surprise and looked at Mo Xiuyao in confusion. He felt slightly awkward under her gaze and harrumphed before pulling her into his arms to kiss her red lips lightly. "In short, you should keep your distance from him."

Ye Li smiled. "Is Your Highness jealous"

Mo Xiuyao did not conceal it as he nodded and said, "That’s right, so Concubine Wang has to maintain some distance with him. Uh huh"

Ye Li exited his arms and covered her mouth as she giggled secretly. "Your Highness, eating too much out of jealousy is bad for health." Without waiting for Mo Xiuyao to react, she turned around and left in a hurry. Mo Xiuyao smiled helplessly; how could he not feel jealous with such an outstanding wife If possible, he would even hope that Ah Li never went anywhere or did anything and stayed at the estate every day just to keep him company. Unfortunately, he knew this was impossible—both the situation and the status of the Prince of Ding’s Estate did not allow it, and Ye Li was also someone who could not be truly restrained by anyone else.

Watching as Ye Li’s figure disappeared at the end of a corridor, Mo Xiuyao’s smile faded away gradually and turned into an expression of coldness. Marriage alliance Forced marriage Does Yelü Yeyuan think that he did not know what was going on in his mind Yelü Yeyuan, it is not such a good idea to offend this prince. It seems that the lessons from Yelü Ping’s experience were not enough for you to remember.

“Get me someone.”

"Your Highness."

"Tell Yelü Hong’s people that I agreed with their proposal."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The Changde Palace was still as magnificent and splendid as before, but Ye Li knew that the Empress Dowager had been suppressed by Emperor Chu since Prince Li rebelled. The Empress Dowager’s status in the palace was far from what it used to be. However, even though she favored Prince Li, she was still the emperor’s mother. In Chu, filial piety came first, and even if mother and son were estranged, the emperor had to give her superficial respect. Re-entering Changde Palace, Ye Li’s state of mind was a lot calmer than before.

"Concubine Wang pays respects to Empress Dowager and Empress." After stepping into the hall, Ye Li bowed respectfully toward the Empress Dowager and Empress.

“Princess Consort Ding, you don’t need to pay respects. Take a seat.” The Empress said softly.

Ye Li thanked her before sitting down in the most prominent empty spot, looking at the ladies-in-waiting who occupied the hall and Miss Helian Huimin opposite of her with some confusion. She could not help but admire this woman; she had no trace of despair or resentment on her face when the Prince of Ding’s Estate left, and even her gaze was calm and composed. “What day is it today Why are all of you here Did I arrive late” Once they reached a certain status, there was no need to be so formal with each other. As long as Ye Li did not say she wanted to rebel, no one would dare to criticize even if she said something wrong.

Ye Liru smiled and said, "Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. I just went to stay at my aunt’s place for a few days."

The Empress seemed not to say anything, but Ye Liru understood her meaning. She barely nodded and the Empress gave a slight smile before turning away from her and talking with one of the concubines beside her.

The Dowager Empress said calmly, "You rarely come to the palace. I can only take this opportunity to invite you here for some company. Is the Grand Princess doing well"

"My aunt is in good health; thank Your Majesty for your concern," Ye Liru replied with a faint smile.

A warm gaze fell upon Ye Liru, and she gave Lady Xu, who looked worried, an assuring smile. However, inwardly, she smiled coldly. These people had made such good calculations; did they think that because her aunt was present, she would take into consideration her status and agree to their demands Calmly withdrawing her gaze, Ye Liru raised her head to look at the other pair of eyes staring at her. Unlike Lady Xu's worried expression, this gaze was filled with complex scrutiny and resentment. Without looking, she knew it was Concubine Liu sitting on the opposite side of the Dowager Empress. These days, not only had the Dowager Empress become more haggard and aged, even Concubine Liu seemed different too. Her usual icy coldness now seemed to have something else mixed in, making that plum blossom-like woman somewhat unpredictable. Ye Liru gave her a slight nod, but she just stared at Ye Liru as if she hadn’t seen anything, which made Ye Liru frown slightly.

"Princess Consort Ding, Miss Helian is now part of the Princess Consort Ding household. Miss Helian has come from North Rong to a far distance; you must treat her well," as expected, the Dowager Empress opened her mouth and smiled before sitting down and having a chat with someone for just a few sentences.

Ye Liru didn’t plan on being polite. She certainly did not want to have to deal with unwanted concubines sent over by others every now and then. Setting aside the cup of tea in her hand, Ye Liru blinked curiously and said, "Miss Helian Is Your Majesty referring to Miss Helian agreeing to be a maid who sweeps the floors at Princess Consort Ding’s household Don’t worry; we don’t bully our servants at the Princess Consort Ding Household, nor do I recklessly quarrel with them."

"A maid" Even experienced Dowager Empress was momentarily stunned and said in confusion.

Ye Liru looked at Helian Huimin curiously and asked, "Isn’t that so The prince just explained everything clearly to me and Prince Yelü when he agreed to let Miss Helian serve as a maid who sweeps the floors. Is Your Majesty talking about something different now, or am I mistaken"

The Dowager Empress was momentarily speechless before saying solemnly, "Princess Consort Ding, you are joking. How could someone of Miss Helian’s status do such menial work."

Ye Liru said in confusion, "Status Is she the adopted daughter of General Helian Indeed, that would be a waste of her status to take on such work. However, our prince said so himself; even as his consort, I can’t defy him either. It seems Miss Helian and the Princess Consort Ding Household have no destiny."

The Dowager Empress could naturally tell that Ye Liru was dodging the issue, so she frowned and said, "Princess Consort Ding, how dare you speak of matters concerning a marriage arranged by his Majesty in court. His Majesty just asked me to inquire about when Princess Consort Ding plans to hold the wedding ceremony; it must be before North Rong’s ambassador leaves."

Ye Liru smiled slightly and said calmly, "May I report to Your Majesty The Princess Consort Ding Household has no plan for a marriage celebration."g conditions to the common people is like their reborn parents. Therefore, hearing about the safe birth of Ding Wang's son brought joy to the northwestern populace that was no less than during New Yea...