Yao Hua Palace catches fire

in the number of troops on both sides. However, unlike the Western Ling army focusing solely on an attack at one place, the Mo army needed to defend the entire northwest region. Therefore, in terms of...72. Fire at Yao Hua Palace

72. Fire at Yao Hua Palace

Standing in front of the magnificent palace, Ye Li sighed inwardly. This was her third time entering the imperial palace. Considering her previous two unpleasant experiences, being summoned by the emperor this time made her even more cautious and vigilant. As the Queen Consort of Ding Kingdom, she should normally be called to see the Emperor through the names of Empress or Consort Ye.

"Your Excellency, His Majesty is inside. Please come in," said the eunuch leading the way with a slightly fawning tone. Ye Li glanced at him and remembered that he was the one who had delivered the imperial edict for her marriage to Ye family's residence.

Ye Li nodded, leaving Qing Luan and Qing Yu outside. Darkguards would not be able to move freely within the palace either, so she could only enter alone into this golden and splendid symbol of power and wealth.

"This is Queen Consort Ye of Ding Kingdom paying respects to His Majesty," Ye Li said calmly as she entered the spacious hall where Emperor Mo Jingqi sat high up on his throne. The hall felt cold and empty due to its lack of occupants, but he was looking down at her with a stern gaze.

"Queen Consort Ye, you may rise." After a long moment, Mo Jingqi said: "How is the health of King Ding these days"

Ye Li lowered her eyes and replied softly: "Thank you for Your Majesty's concern. The weather has been getting warmer lately, and although His Highness still isn't well, he is better than during the severe winter." Mo Jingqi narrowed his eyes slightly as he observed her calmly composed demeanor. She looked like an ordinary gentlewoman, but such composure in front of a king was not ordinary at all. Moreover, according to the information he had received, King Ding valued his queen consort greatly. Could it be that someone who did not react instinctively could make the king care It seemed… that back then, I really underestimated her.

Mo Jingqi smiled and said: "Managing the Ding Kingdom's residence and taking care of His Highness, Queen Consort Ye must be very hardworking."

"Your Majesty is too kind. These are things I should do," replied Ye Li in a cool tone.

The two exchanged pleasantries for quite some time, but Mo Jingqi felt increasingly agitated as he looked at the calm and composed woman before him. It seemed everything had started to go wrong after he arranged the marriage between King Ding and her. Originally just making small moves from behind the scenes, Prince Li was now getting bolder with his actions. And because of the Empress Dowager and Prince Li's influence, there were signs of unrest in court. His trusted officer Guan Ting who had been sent to defend Suixue Pass mysteriously got kicked by a horse, resulting in the need for a new commander at Suixue Pass. He had dispatched his trusted officer there partly because he was wary of Prince Li and partly because he wanted someone to watch over against Nan Zhao's advances. The newly appointed Muyang Shen might be a capable warrior, but Mo Jingqi did not trust him as much as Guan Ting. Entrusting such an important position to someone who wasn't his trusted officer made him uneasy.

Thinking about the news he had just received—that Prince Li secretly colluded with the Holy Maiden of Southern Frontier—Mo Jingqi felt a surge of anger in his chest, but he had no choice but to endure it. Prince Li was his brother and there wasn't any evidence that could prove their connection to the Holy Maiden of Southern Frontier. Neither Empress Dowager nor court officials related to Prince Li would agree on punishing him.

Mo Jingqi suddenly asked abruptly: "Queen Consort Ye, did you resent being married to King Ding"

Ye Li was taken aback but quickly replied calmly: "Imperial marriage is a favor bestowed upon me. How could I possibly be resentful"

"Oh You were originally the Empress Dowager's personal choice for Prince Li, one of our most distinguished princes in the capital who excels both in literature and martial arts. But now you have become Queen Consort Ye due to an imperial edict, a woman pitied by everyone. Could there really be no resentment" Mo Jingqi looked down at her with interest.

Ye Li's eyes flickered slightly as she said calmly: "Before Prince Li renounced the marriage proposal, you arranged it for me. Your Majesty's decision perfectly resolved my predicament."

"Not resenting me… then are you resentful towards Prince Li" Mo Jingqi replied with a knowing tone.

Ye Li said: "Your Majesty jests. What right do I have to make Prince Li suffer May I ask, what does Your Majesty want from this meeting today"

"Very well," smiled Mo Jingqi. "I like clever people." He continued: "King Ding, does he know about your involvement with the Holy Maiden of Southern Frontier"

Ye Li lowered her eyes and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, I'm sorry but I don't understand."

"Don't understand" Mo Jingqi raised an eyebrow, looking at Ye Li with a mix of amusement and something else. "King Ding trusts you very much. During his illness, many affairs in the Kingdom were managed by yourself. Now you say you are unaware Do you know what is the crime of deceiving your king"

A cold light flashed across her half-closed eyes as she said: "Deceiving a king merits death, but Your Majesty, why not ask His Highness directly if he knows about Prince Li's affairs" Ye Li was merely a woman and even though she managed the Kingdom, she wouldn't involve herself in court matters.

"Insolence!" Mo Jingqi shouted angrily. A cruel gleam flashed across his eyes as he stared at her.

Rising gracefully, Ye Li let herself be brazen and asked for the Emperor's forgiveness.

Mò Jǐngqí snorted lightly and stared at Ye Li, saying, "Your Majesty knows as much about King Ding’s manor as you do. Ye Li, Mo Xiuyao can’t protect you forever. You may not know Jiè Lí’s temper but Mo Xiuyao definitely does. Why don’t you go back to him and ask whether he’s willing to think about the problems that I’ve brought up" Ye Li smiled inwardly. Was His Majesty threatening her

"Thank you for reminding me, Your Majesty," said Ye Li. "I will give it some thought."

Seeing how tactless Ye Li was being, Mò Jǐngqí’s anger only increased. However, he knew that it wasn’t possible for him to do anything to the Princess Consort of King Ding in the imperial palace. He stared at her silently before finally snorting and sending someone to lead Ye Li out.

“Your Majesty.” After watching Ye Li leave, Mò Jǐngqí’s eyes flickered with different emotions. A young man who didn’t look like much walked out of the back palace and looked up at Mò Jǐngqí respectfully. “It seems that giving Ye Li to Mo Xiuyao was a mistake,” said Mò Jǐngqí, trying to calm his anger. "What happened Why is this Ye Li more troublesome than all four of her sisters combined" "If she stays by his side, Xu Family may not be willing to support Mo Xiuyao," the young man replied softly. “Actually, there hasn’t been much interaction between them and King Ding’s Manor yet. Moreover, it wouldn’t be good for us to offend Xu Family right now,” he added, sighing inwardly. His Majesty was very suspicious of everyone around him. This wasn’t a time to make more enemies since they were already at odds with the Crown Prince and Empress Dowager.

The young man’s words weren’t lost on Mò Jǐngqí; however, his inability to control the situation made him feel anxious. “What do you think of Huaguo Gong’s proposal” asked Mò Jǐngqí as he waved a hand dismissively and frowned.

The young man thought for a moment before nodding. "Huaguo Gong is devoted to his country, so his suggestion isn’t harmful to us in any way. However, we don’t have to rush into helping the South Zhaou royal family suppress the rebellion. If we stay out of it and let them fight amongst themselves, I’m sure that the king will remember Your Majesty’s kindness.” Mò Jǐngqí frowned as he thought about his words. "You make a good point. I’ll see what my brother wants to do once this is all over." The young man frowned when he saw how ruthless and cold His Majesty looked, but ultimately suppressed his unease. He hoped that the Emperor wouldn’t focus too much attention on South Zhaou.

Imperial Consort Ye came in after Princess Consort Ding left.

The moment she stepped out of the palace hall, a eunuch from her palace appeared beside her. Ye Li frowned slightly as she realized that this was likely the same eunuch who had been waiting for her before. Empress Dowager Yè Yuē had given birth to an imperial prince in October; he was Emperor’s sixth son. Yet, her status hadn’t risen as expected and she still remained as an Imperial Consort. Moreover, she was also the only one among all these women giving birth to princes who wasn’t a consort rank or above. This made her position quite awkward since she had two sisters who were consorts of the Crown Prince and King Ding respectively. Despite being related to them, Yè Yuē’s life in the palace had become more difficult due to the lack of support. Ye Li believed that this was probably Mò Jǐngqí’s way of warning the Yè Family.

After a moment’s consideration, she said, "I’m feeling slightly unwell and would like to return home for some rest." She hoped that Imperial Consort Yuē would understand her decision.

The eunuch was clearly taken aback by Ye Li’s blunt refusal. He hurriedly asked her to reconsider saying that the Imperial Consort only requested a brief meeting out of sisterly affection. "I don’t think it will be beneficial for either you or the imperial prince," said Ye Li as she frowned.

Yè Yuē smiled bitterly and waved off the people around her, before looking at Ye Li who had clearly become more refined since the last time they met. She felt somewhat sad when she realized that her younger sister seemed to have lost interest in helping her. “I thought that you wouldn’t be willing to meet me,” said Yè Yuē as a smile appeared on her face. "But, now I see that there’s no way for me to stay out of this mess." Ye Li looked down and replied quietly, "Sister, it won’t benefit either the imperial prince or you if we do anything.”

Yè Yuē lowered her head as she looked at the baby in her arms. She smiled sadly as she said, “I know that. But, what else can I do when my situation is like this” Ye Li frowned and suggested that Yè Yuē focus on taking care of their child while leaving everything to Mo Xiuyao and Mò Jǐngqí since the Emperor wouldn’t do anything to harm his own son. She didn’t advise her sister to get involved in her father’s matters since she had no ability or intention to help with them.

Yè Yuē held the baby as she looked at Ye Li silently for a moment, before saying quietly, “Mother and Father were wrong. Yíng’er is too young and naive; even if Jiè Lí wins, I won’t be able to do much. If Your Majesty can make his own decisions in the future, my father’s actions today will bring our family down.”

Ye Li replied quietly, “Did His Majesty not promote you because of your father”

Yè Yuē smiled sadly and said, "What else could it be When I first entered the palace, I was full of ambition. But, reality is different from what I imagined. The Emperor loves Lady Liú who’s incredibly beautiful and talented; he respects Empress Dōng because she comes from a respectable family. I thought that I was better than them but they’re all more beautiful or talented than me. And the only reason why I received some favor in the beginning is because of my father.”

Ye Li knew that it was pointless to feel sorry for Yè Yuē given how ruthless emperors were, so she asked her what she wanted.

Yè Yuē shook her head when she saw Ye Li’s expression. “I shouldn’t have expected too much,” said Yè Yuē quietly. "Even if I ask you to help us now, it won’t change anything." Ye Li nodded and said that even the sisters couldn’t do anything for each other right now since they were in similar situations.

Yè Yuē sighed before admitting that she was jealous of how smart her younger sister was.

Ye Li slightly frowned and said, Since my second sister is fine, I will return first.

Ye Yue sat quietly on a soft couch holding the child, her gaze toward Ye Li was filled with faint regret. Suddenly, Ye Li felt alarmed and got up abruptly only to feel dizzy and fall down with a thud. Ye Yue silently watched as Ye Li fell onto the ground and softly said, Sorry, Third Sister. I am a mother of a son now. I have to think for my child.

In the twelfth year of Pingdi’s reign in Great Chu, a fire broke out at Yao Hua Palace. Imperial Concubine Ye and Prince Liuyang perished in the fire. At that time, Princess Consort Ye who was visiting Imperial Concubine Ye went missing from Yao Hua Palace.

Your Excellency… Your Excellency! Something terrible happened… In Ding Kingdom Mansion, Chief Manager Mo, known for his composure and steadiness, ran toward the study in a disheveled manner.

Fei Zhiyao had a look as if he was looking forward to watching a show. He lazily smiled and said, Yao, only something terrible could have frightened Chief Manager Mo so much… His words were cut short when Chief Manager Mo arrived at the study’s door, pale-faced. He reported to Mo Xiuyao, Your Excellency, Princess Consort went missing in the palace!

Fei Zhiyao was taken aback and immediately jumped up and asked, How can this be Why would she go missing so suddenly

The two turned their heads toward seated Mo Xiuyao. It seemed as if he had been stunned for a moment, but when they looked at him, he slowly put the scroll back onto the table before asking in a stern voice, What happened

Chief Manager Mo trembled and said, After Princess Consort finished seeing Emperor, Concubine Ye summoned her to Yao Hua Palace. She was asked there for some matter. When our dark guards arrived, Yao Hua Palace had already caught fire. Concubine Ye and Prince Liuyang perished in the flames… Princess Consort… Princess Consort went missing.

Mo Xiuyao leaned against his wheelchair, closed his eyes, and asked in a low voice, Where are Qing Luan and Qing Yu

Qing Luan and Qing Yu also seem to have gone missing. Chief Manager Mo said solemnly. Qing Luan and Qing Yu did not go into Yao Hua Palace with Princess Consort… But our dark guards could not find them.

Very good. Mo Xiuyao’s voice was low and calm, seemingly without any anger; however, it made people feel as cold as ice. The entire study seemed to freeze in an instant, becoming eerily chilly. Princess Consort missing, two maidservants gone without a trace, dark guards in the palace knew nothing… Very good indeed… Should I praise them for their loyalty over these years

Your Excellency, please calm down. Fei Zhiyao and Chief Manager Mo’s faces changed instantly, both kneeling to apologize.

Mo Xiuyao did not look at the two of them but waved his hand indifferently. Prepare everything, I need to go into the palace immediately. Fei Zhiyao, seal all exits leading out of Jingdu secretly; I don’t want to see any suspicious people leaving the city. Fei Zhiyao stood up and said obediently, Yes, Your Excellency.

Chief Manager Mo hesitated for a moment before saying, Your Excellency’s health… Fei Zhiyao cut him short with an indifferent glance, his sharp eyes making Chief Manager Mo shudder inwardly. The rest of the words got stuck in his throat.

Fei Zhiyao quickly pulled Chief Manager Mo out and said worriedly, Your Excellency’s body can’t take this kind of turmoil now… Princess Consort went missing, so he is anxious… But if Your Excellency falls ill too, there won’t be any need for others to plot against us; the Ding Kingdom Mansion will fall on its own.

Fei Zhiyao shook his head and said, Your Excellency’s personality is well known. No use talking now. Go fetch Mister Shen as quickly as possible. It would be best if he accompanies us into the palace.

Chief Manager Mo realized Fei Zhiyao was right and sighed heavily before heading toward the temporary guest quarters where Shen Yang resided. Fei Zhiyao turned to look back at the silent study, sighing in his heart for Ye Li’s safety.

In the study, Mo Xiuyao silently stared down at his hands on the armrests of his wheelchair. His hands were unusually pale due to prolonged illness, and a thin layer of frost had formed on them. Mo Xiuyao watched as if he hadn’t noticed anything amiss about his own hands. Gradually, the frost began melting into fine droplets before evaporating into faint wisps of warm vapor that disappeared into the air. A thread of dark red blood slowly trickled down from the corner of Mo Xiuyao’s lips. Mo Jingqi… You are asking for death!

The palace was already in chaos at this time, with Emperor Mo Jingqi looking grim as he stared suspiciously and fiercely at everyone present. He could ignore Ye Yue and the newborn Prince Liuyang being burned to death, but if Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom also went missing, then he couldn’t turn a blind eye.

Mo Jingqi hadn’t expected people to find an opportunity in his own palace for their scheme. Indeed, Mo Jingqi immediately realized that this was no ordinary fire; it was a plot aimed directly at him. Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom went missing in the palace… and she had been summoned there by himself… Mo Jingqi couldn’t even imagine how much commotion would be stirred up if his family army and Black Cloud Cavalry were to clash over this matter.

He had already sent a trusted aide to watch over Jingdu’s defense, but he was still uneasy.

His eyes fell on Dowager Empress sitting aside, making Mo Jingqi’s gaze even more complex and indiscernible. If asked who Mo Jingqi suspected the most, it would be his own mother—the Dowager Empress. Having grown up around her, he was well aware of her ruthless nature to achieve her goals. From adoring respect to intolerable hatred… Mo Jingqi didn’t want to admit that he still feared the Dowager Empress.

As for Prince Mo Jingli sitting aside as if it had nothing to do with him, anger slowly receded from Mo Jingqi’s eyes. He couldn't afford to be disoriented now; there were more formidable people waiting in the wings. As an emperor, he could not retreat.

Ding Kingdom Prince arrives!

Among those present, the last time they saw Mo Xiuyao was half a year ago. Back then, although it was known that he suffered from poor mobility, he seemed otherwise normal; this made many people worry for a moment or two. But not long after, news of Ding Kingdom Prince’s illness resurfaced. The Ding Kingdom Mansion shut its doors once again to guests as usual, leaving the minds of many at ease.

Now in early spring, the climate of Chu Jingdu still had lingering coldness. Mo Xiuyao was wheeled in by Ah Jin on his wheelchair, wearing a light blue silver-threaded cloud-patterned cloak and white dragon-embroidered royal court dress peeking out from the collar. Despite being partially concealed by a mask, it was obvious that Mo Xiuyao looked unwell; he had an unusually pale complexion indicating he was still ill.

I am Ding Kingdom Prince Mo Xiuyao, bowing to Your Majesty and Empress Dowager.

The people in the hall looked at each other uneasily. Mo Jingqi glanced at the unresponsive Empress Dowager and Mo Jingli’s gaze darkened as he turned his head to look at the empress. The empress gave Mo Jingqi a cold look, sighed inwardly, and said: "Prince Ding, Consort Ding was also present in Yao Hua Palace at that time. She might have already… I hope Prince Ding can try not to take it too hard."

Not take it too hard Mo Xiuyao swept the people in the hall with a detached glance and asked heavily: "My wife came to court according to imperial summons, yet she has disappeared without a trace. You all are asking me to calm down"

"A fire broke out at Yao Hua Palace, and Ye Yingyi, the sixth prince, as well as the palace attendants have already been found. However, Consort Ding of Prince Ding is missing. Perhaps she might have escaped unharmed. The Empress Dowager sat up straight and said solemnly: "At present… Consort Ding has neither appeared alive nor dead. This fire at Yao Hua Palace is really strange."

Ye Ying was sitting beside Mo Jingli, her eyes red from crying. She indeed envied Ye Yue and detested Ye Li. But she hadn't expected that both of them would suddenly disappear like this. And while Ye Yue had treated her well when they were in their hometown, her relationship with Ye Li had also improved over the past half a year. Being the wife of Prince Li taught her many things that the Wang clan did not teach her. Therefore, she knew clearly that the death of Ye Yue and Ye Li would be detrimental to her. Empress Dowager, Emperor, how could my second sister's Yao Hua Palace suddenly catch fire How come Lady Yingyi was in it too at such an opportune moment I beg for Empress Dowager and Your Majesty to do something for my sisters.

Mo Jingli glanced at Ye Ying with a sneer: "Blame Ye Li's bad luck. She wasn’t supposed to be out of the palace, yet she ended up accompanying Lady Yingyi and the sixth prince in their death."

Sitting beside Mo Jingqi was Concubine Liu who asked coldly after hearing what Mo Jingli said: "Do you mean someone wanted to harm Lady Yingyi and the sixth prince, while Consort Ding of Prince Ding is merely an unfortunate victim" Mo Jingli sneered coldly: "Isn’t that obvious Who has the guts and ability to set fire in the palace and kill people And also happened to burn Lady Yingyi and the sixth prince to death Perhaps Ye Li witnessed something she shouldn't have seen and was silenced. Even if she hasn't died from the fire, isn't it likely that she's still somewhere in the palace"

Mo Jingqi narrowed his eyes as he stared at Mo Jingli: "What is Prince Li's opinion"

"I don’t have any opinions," Mo Jingli replied with a smile. "But since Consort Ding of Prince Ding has neither appeared alive nor dead, we must give the ministers and common people an explanation. We can't just say that she disappeared in the palace. If that is the case, who will dare to enter the palace again Empress, what does your brother mean"

"Brother-in-law," Mo Jingli replied: "What I mean is that we should search the palace thoroughly. If Consort Ding of Prince Ding is still alive, she must be somewhere in the palace, and we may even find the arsonist as well. With so many people here doing nothing, wouldn’t the murderer come to us by himself I reckon Prince Ding shares my opinion. Mo Xiuyao, do you agree"

Mo Jingqi did not want to search his own harem, but facing Mo Jingli's seemingly upright suggestion and Mo Ding's indifferent agreement, he could not help agreeing. He could almost imagine that this matter would be turned into a laughingstock before the next day and spread throughout the Great Chu Kingdom. Mo Jingqi was secretly furious. His beloved younger brother had never missed an opportunity to smear his reputation.

Mo Xiuyao did not participate in the massive search but stayed in the side hall, citing illness as an excuse. He knew that Mo Jingli's so-called search would not find any useful clues; instead, it might dig up a bunch of scandals about Mo Jingqi’s harem. If it were normal times, he wouldn’t mind following along to see what happened, but now his mood was terrible, and enduring calmness in the hall had already reached its limit.

"Your Highness…" Shen Yang and Old Eunuch Ma stood on either side of Mo Xiuyao, asking with concern: "How’s your health"

Mo Xiuyao waved his hand to stop them from speaking as he shook his head and said: "I’m fine. Tell Feng Zhiyao to abandon the palace search; Ye Li is not in there."

"Your Highness, are you sure that Consort Ding is still alive" Shen Yang asked with an arched brow.

Since Ye Li went to visit Lady Yingyi, she should have been together with her. Even the remains of the sixth prince were found, but Ye Li was missing… With Ye Li's skills, it would be impossible for her to escape from Yao Hua Palace. Then again… Mo Xiuyao furrowed his brows in thought. The fire at Yao Hua Palace burned everything clean; there was no way to find any clues now. The bodyguards immediately felt outside the palace after the fire started but did not see Ye Li coming out. Moreover, the fire spread too quickly…

"Bring someone."

“Your Highness.” An old eunuch who looked ordinary appeared at an inconspicuous side door of the side hall and waited respectfully for Mo Xiuyao’s orders.

Mos Xiuyao said calmly: "Go to Yao Hua Palace and see if there are any secret passages or hidden chambers. Also, find out who Lady Yingyi used to interact with during her lifetime. Lastly… send someone skilled in medicine to examine the bodies of Lady Yingyi and the sixth prince."

The old eunuch showed no surprise at Mo Xiuyao’s orders; his wrinkled face remained calm as he said respectfully: "Your subordinate will follow your order and not disappoint Your Highness."

Mo Xiuyao let out a light snort and said coldly: "I won’t pursue this matter further this time. But if you fail to handle the remaining tasks properly, there’s no need for any of you to come see me again. Southern Jiangnan would be captivated here.Ye Li sat in a private room on the second floor of Ningxiang Pavilion, leaning by the window looking outside. It was night now, the whole Ruyang City lit up...