hat beauty abounds in Nanzhao; this Princess Qixia certainly lives up to her reputation," Ye Li said.Hua Tianxiang blinked and looked at Ye Li as if she wanted to say something but hesitated. Raising...416. Human Hearts Chase Profit

416. Human Hearts Chase Profit

Watching Ye Li leave, the three of Hua Tianxiang exchanged worried looks and sighed helplessly. Every family has its own troubles; even a powerful couple like Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao sometimes find themselves in situations beyond their control.

Meng Mu Ting sighed, saying, "Fortunately, Cold Second (referring to the second son) isn't very capable, and no one is forcing him to marry or take concubines." As for those who insist on offering their daughters despite lacking discernment, she naturally has ways of dealing with them. However, situations like those at Ding王府 (Ding Prince's Manor) aren’t as simple as dismissing people.

Qin Zeng also sighed softly. Meng Mu Ting paused and looked at Hua Tianxiang, saying, "Is it really because of this that the Ding Prince is遲遲不肯登基 (delaying his enthronement)” Hua Tianxiang glanced at her and said, “Even if not entirely so, there should be some truth to it. But... don’t spread these words outside; you mustn't even mention them to Cold Haoyu!

Meng Mu Ting rolled her eyes at him and said, "Of course I know that! Do you think me a fool These people are truly annoying; when Ding王府 (Ding Prince's Manor) was in decline, why didn’t they rush to marry their daughters off to the Ding Prince Now that he’s about to grasp power over the entire realm, they’re all clamoring to come forward with talk of propriety and clan law... squeezing the Xu family for favoritism while secretly undermining them—truly..."

Qin Zeng smiled gently as she patted her hand, saying, "Alright, I’m not even angry. Why should you be Since Li'er has a clear plan of action, there's nothing we can do to help but watch.

Meng Mu Ting giggled and said, "Who says we can't offer any help I’ve convinced several ladies that they don’t want to marry the Ding Prince."

Hua Tianxiang raised an eyebrow. “You have such persuasive skills” The future emperor isn’t someone one can decide to marry based on personal preference; even if Meng Mu Ting had exceptional eloquence, she wouldn't necessarily convince those who insist on becoming imperial consorts.

Meng Mu Ting harrumphed and said, "They've lost their minds, forgetting what kind of person the Ding Prince is. The Ding Prince doesn’t refrain from killing women. I told them about the various fates met by women who adored the Ding Prince, and several immediately declared they didn't want to be consorts.

Qin Zeng was at a loss for words. "Ting'er, do you think marrying or not marrying the Ding Prince is within their control What good does scaring them achieve"

Meng Mu Ting was taken aback and also felt somewhat dejected as she lowered her head. Wasn't it true that in this world, how many things could women decide for themselves Women who wanted to marry the Prince Dìng as a consort naturally yearned for wealth and honor, but what if they didn’t want to marry him Ultimately, whether or not they could make their own choices about marriage was out of the question.

Ye Li stood outside the study without immediately entering. Even before she stepped into the room, she heard Mo Xiuyao's voice coming from inside. When Mo Xiuyao truly lost his temper, he remained calm, but this kind of calm often came with shocking bloodshed and turmoil. Perhaps it was because of this reason that Xu Qingchen had secretly sent someone to invite her over. After all, now that the war was just beginning to settle down, peace had yet to be truly restored across the land. Xu Qingchen did not want news of the Prince Dìng's cruelty towards his vassals and generals after a victorious campaign to spread at this time. Although many of them were not recognized as having any merit by the young noble.

"What’s wrong with not ascending the throne Do you all think that without an emperor, no one can live" Mo Xiuyao said coolly. "Can a country survive a day without a ruler If so, what use are you all then"

"Your Highness…" Clearly, some people were still not giving up and wanted to continue persuading him.

Seeing that if she didn’t go in right away, Mo Xiuyao would truly erupt, Ye Li pushed open the study's large door and walked in slowly. "What’s wrong with Your Highness I heard you getting angry even before I entered."

Mo Xiuyao glared at Xu Qingchen unhappily; Xu Qingchen smiled but remained silent.

"Ah Li, why did you come" Mo Xiuyao walked down from his seat and pulled Ye Li close to ask softly. Ye Li said coolly, "I remembered some things I wanted to discuss with Your Highness, so I came over. Was this not the right time for me to arrive"

Mo Xiuyao pulled her forward and said, "There’s nothing much happening. Sit down and talk about it. You all can leave now."

The crowd below could not help but frown when they saw Mo Xiuyao pulling Ye Li to sit at the main position, with some even showing signs of discontent. As for those trusted by the Prince Dìng’s residence, they quickly lowered their heads as if wishing a hole would open up for them to bury themselves in, feeling resentful: If you all want to die, wait until we leave before doing so.

"Your Highness, your minister is discussing matters with Your Highness!" An elderly man with gray hair stepped forward and said solemnly. Ye Li glanced at him and found him somewhat familiar yet not entirely recognizable. She recalled that he was from a prominent family of the Former Chu Dynasty and had been an old official in both dynasties. When the northern Rong invaded, because it was close to Northwest, he came over to seek refuge under the Prince Dìng’s residence. However, having done little since then, Ye Li not knowing his name was quite natural.

Mo Xiuyao glanced at him unhappily and said coolly, "Discussing matters This morning I’ve been sitting here only hearing your idle chatter. Do you all think that I’m free"

The old scholar was nearly choking when Mo Xiuyao confronted him, "How can the coronation ceremony be nonsense!" In his eyes, after having read books all his life and boasting of being a scholarly family, what could possibly be more important than the king of a nation

Standing beside him, several trusted aides of Prince Dìng gave the old scholar a sympathetic look before stepping back to avoid getting caught in any crossfire. For Prince Dìng, the coronation wasn't a big deal. If he wanted to be the emperor, he would have ascended the throne years ago.

Mo Xiuyao impatiently said, "Who told you there was going to be a coronation ceremony Two years ago, they were crying and shouting that they were loyal subjects of Great Chu. How could they suddenly want to claim credit for being with him as soon as the country isn't destroyed yet If you want a coronation… Just right, in Jiangnan there's currently a coronation ceremony going on. I'll send people to escort them there so maybe they can get some free drinks"

"Y-Your Highness" These words were absolutely heart-stabbing to the ears of these former high officials of Great Chu. But Mo Xiuyao was currently in a foul mood and didn't care about their expressions turning green and white as he said with a cold laugh, "Wanting to send your daughter into Prince Dìng’s mansion Fine! My beloved concubines are short on maids who can serve tea and pour water, clean feet and fold bedding. If that doesn’t work out, there's also the task of washing laundry in my household."

"But Your Highness, having three wives and four concubines is quite normal throughout history. In the past, Prince Dìng was too busy to have time for these matters, but now with peace reigning over the world, if his mansion only has one consort… it might tarnish Prince Dìng's reputation," someone still not content said. This person had once been a high-ranking official in Great Chu and used to be considered an important minister as well. But he always kept a neutral attitude, neither offending Prince Dìng nor offending Mo Jingqi. When the southern migration happened, he brought his family northwards. He could be considered someone who made a good choice.

Ye Li didn't pay any attention to these people. What she was truly concerned about were those former generals of the Mo Family Army whose eyes were similarly filled with ambition.

Many of them had been following Prince Dìng's family generation after generation and, though they weren't as close to Mo Xiuyao as Feng Zhiráo and Leng Haoyu, who had grown up together with him, their relationships within the household and army were even more complex. They had long suffered under the suppression of the Great Chu royal family and could be considered loyal. Now that Prince Dìng was finally about to unify the world, it was naturally time for them to rise in status as well. Such thinking wasn't wrong since throughout history hadn’t all founding heroes of dynasties thought like this Was there any dynasty whose founding benefits had been monopolized by one family But these people happened to encounter a master who didn't play by the rules, Mo Xiuyao.

Ye Li sighed softly and patted the back of Mo Xiuyao’s hand that was brimming with rage, calming him down. Although Mo Xiuyao hadn’t shown any signs of anger, Ye Li could feel the coldness emanating from his body while sitting beside him.

But to these old officials, such a situation wasn't proper at all. These scholars were not soldiers on the battlefield and valued propriety and rules above anything else. From their perspective, it was utterly rebellious for a consort like Ye Li to barge into the study where matters of state were discussed and even sit beside Prince Dìng.

"Your Highness, as a woman, the Consort should adhere strictly to her teachings and remain in the women’s quarters. How can she sit so boldly in the grand hall where important affairs are deliberated" An old scholar with white hair said shakily, "The Consort also comes from the Xú family of scholarly tradition, acting like this… is it not disgracing the reputation of Qingyun Scholar"

"Teachings for women" Mo Xiuyao sneered and looked down at the old scholar with a stern expression as he asked, “When Thunderclap Li led his army in rebellion, no one thought about how my beloved consort was a woman who should follow her teachings. When I had something happen to me this time around, why didn’t you all think that the Consort is just a woman and wonder where she went Now that peace reigns over the world, you suddenly remember that she’s a woman again So… Your so-called loyalty, filial piety, propriety and rites are actually about hiding behind women when danger comes and sitting comfortably while enjoying the prosperity they fought for, then pointing fingers at them for not adhering to women's teachings Truly admirable thinking. I am greatly impressed…”

This simple statement caused the few gentlemen who had just been righteous to blush. These people were not loyal supporters of the Prince Ding, and naturally did not understand his character and personality. They merely relied on their status and reputation.

Moshouyao waved his hand coldly at everyone, "What the Princess Consort wants to do is none of your business. You lot should remember that whatever the Princess Consort says or does is my wish. If you dare go against it, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Everyone in the study felt a chill run down their spines and quickly said, "We understand."

Moshouyao dismissed everyone but his anger had yet to dissipate. He glared at Qingchen angrily as he sat beside Ye Li. The refined Qingchen sipped his tea calmly and asked, "Why are you looking at me If you don't call Lier over, do you really want to kill a few people to establish your authority"

Moshouyao harrumphed, "Do you think I'm not brave enough" Those old men were useless; they could neither speak nor act. They just made life difficult for him and he didn’t know what was the point of keeping them around. He would rather exchange them for a few commoners who knew how to farm or work.

Qingchen smiled calmly, "These people may be useless at times, but you really can't do without them. Although these old men are indeed corrupt and out-of-touch, each one has an extensive network of connections throughout the land. They are like foxes in their old age. If they were to conspire against you, it would be worse than a thousand armies." A scholar's pen was more troublesome than a soldier’s sword.

Of course, if Moshouyao wanted to act like an autocratic tyrant who burnt books and buried scholars alive, then he could just do as he pleased.

Sitting beside Moshouyao, Ye Li frowned slightly, "Is it still about persuading you to ascend the throne sooner"

Qingchen looked at Moshouyao with a smile and teased, "If it were only about ascending the throne, there would be even more of these things. Those old officials had nothing better to do and they even thought about setting up a large harem for the new emperor. They were just about to present a list of suitable women to Princess Consort Ye for consideration. If the new emperor ascended the throne with only one consort, wouldn't it look odd It would be best if we could appoint all the consorts at once. Look, even the ranks have been listed out. After the queen comes two imperial concubines and four noble ladies…."

Ignoring Moshouyao's murderous gaze, Qingchen smiled as he handed Ye Li the list of women.

Moshouyao had become furious because these people had foolishly planned to directly submit the list to Princess Consort Ye. Luckily, Moshouyao had intercepted it first.

Ye Li took a look and saw that it was indeed several pages long. She smiled slightly as she looked at Qingchen with a frown, "Has someone been bothering my aunties recently"

"These are trivial matters," replied Qingchen gently. "The wives of these officials can’t just be ignored when they visit us and they wouldn't dare cause trouble in front of your mother or aunt."

Ye Li frowned, "I’m worried that before long, they will start bothering my grandfather."

Xu Qingchen didn't seem to mind and said coolly, "Grandfather is so old now, he shouldn’t still be bothered by such matters. Li’er, you should know what Father and Uncle want from you. Whatever decision you make, the Xu Family will support you."

Ye Li nodded and softly replied, "I understand, Brother."

After saying all that needed to be said, Xu Qingchen stood up and remarked, "Now it seems not ascending the throne is right. Before even becoming an emperor… many people are already impatient. Besides, this matter happened too quickly. There might be those working behind the scenes trying to hinder you. It’s time for me to clean house in the Ding王府. As your father, don’t just sit back and expect your son to handle everything. Your son won’t be able to deal with major issues for a few more years." The last sentence was naturally directed at Mo Xiuyao.

Mo Xiuyao said grumpily, "I know that. I wouldn’t hesitate to cut their limbs off if they dare raise their hands in front of me!"

Xu Qingchen left and the study now only contained Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li. Smiling gently, Ye Li pulled Mo Xiuyao’s handsome face closer and asked, "Are you still angry" Mo Xiuyao coldly replied with a sneer, "If they really want an emperor, I wouldn’t mind letting them see what a tyrant is like!"

"I don’t want my husband to become the infamous tyrant," Ye Li laughed.

Mo Xiuyao hugged her and smiled. “If this Wang becomes a tyrant, A’li could be an evil empress.” Relying on Mo Xiuyao, Ye Li couldn't help but twitch her lips. Being a new-age soldier who sacrificed for the country was too much of a challenge to her worldview. Besides, even though they said so, they both knew that neither of them would really act recklessly without any consideration. Although Mo Xiuyao could be ruthless to his enemies and never hesitate to deal with them, he had always been soft-hearted towards people close to him.

They couldn’t challenge the views and traditions of this era that had lasted for centuries, which is why Mo Xiuyao chose not to address this issue. Not ascending the throne meant there wouldn’t be an imperial harem problem. As a prince, having heirs was already considered his duty towards Ding王府. The previous generations of kings in Ding王府 never required him to have numerous consorts. On the other hand, Mo Xiuyao had no interest in the throne; he enjoyed the process of conquering the world rather than sitting on that golden dragon-throne. He didn’t want to be tied down to that position, but once he sat there, many things would become beyond his control.

Mo Xiuyao affectionately nuzzled Ye Li’s hair and said with a smile, "A’li only needs to be happy while playing with Xing’er and Lin’er. I’ll take care of all these unpleasant matters. When Xiao Bao grows up, we can travel the world freely and live happily."

"Alright," Ye Li gave a gentle smile and lowered her gaze as she softly added, "If those people continue to bother the Xu Family and my grandfather…"

Mo Xiuyao said in a deep voice, “A’li can deal with them if you want. I’ve said before, whatever A’li does is my decision.” Even if Ye Li wanted to kill everyone, he would take responsibility for her actions. But Mo Xiuyao didn’t say this out loud because he knew that she wouldn’t act recklessly due to her compassionate nature. If there were things you couldn't bring yourself to do… I will do it for you!

Ye Li’s guess was correct; after Mo Xiuyao ruthlessly demoted a few people who had been causing trouble, the clamor for his enthronement and establishment of consorts immediately subsided. But soon enough, others came up with new schemes to gain what they wanted. In front of benefits and titles, there were always countless people willing to resort to any means without hesitation.

In the bamboo forest behind Li Mountain Academy outside the city, Mr. Qingyun was sitting across from Su Zhe playing chess. Su Zhe held a black piece and looked at the board while pondering; he then smiled and said, "With Duke Ding's great cause about to be accomplished, why does Old Master Xu still look so troubled"

"It is often said that maintaining peace is harder than building an empire. With Duke Ding’s intelligence and character, as long as there are no unexpected incidents, unifying the realm won’t be difficult. But throughout history, many have gained power yet failed to maintain it. Take Tai Huang of ancient times for example—was he not a peerless emperor Yet after unification, his dynasty barely lasted thirty years; how could this not leave us later generations sighing with regret" Mr. Qingyun was old and had a slender appearance that exuded the ease of a hermit, but as someone who has dedicated their life to nurturing talent and spreading education for the benefit of the world, could he truly transcend worldly affairs

Su Zhe sighed too and slowly placed another piece on the board. "Putting aside other matters, Duke Ding’s reluctance to ascend the throne or take a consort is ultimately detrimental to the stability of the realm." Becoming emperor, establishing an empress, and expanding the royal lineage not only marks the beginning of a dynasty but also sends a reassuring message to the people that ensures their peace of mind. "Duke Ding's temperament... too closely resembles that of the first generation Duke Ding back then."

Mr. Xu insisted on marrying the princess from the previous regime, which could have jeopardized the founding emperor’s rule had he not succeeded in his wish. Now… there isn’t even a chance to replay those events. Currently, no one else can maintain stability except for Duke Ding; whoever sits on the throne will struggle to win over the people.

"Old Master Xu, shouldn't we advise Duke Ding" After hesitating, Su Zhe finally spoke up. Although they were far from the city, they still knew about all the major and minor events happening in Li City. It wasn’t a good sign for a kingdom when there are conflicts between sovereign and minister even before it was established.

Mr. Qingyun waved his hand with a smile: "No need to worry; their hearts know what’s best. Things might seem chaotic now, but those who understand their positions are astute enough to handle it. It's better to deal with these issues now than to pass them on to future generations."

Su Zhe paused and said, "Isn't this too risky" Stability is paramount in a newly established kingdom. That’s why many founding emperors grant extensive territories to their ministers only to face difficulties later when those territories become too powerful to control. These wise monarchs understand the risks involved but are often compelled by circumstances. Starting to eliminate ministers before establishing stability would indeed be very risky; one misstep could plunge everything into chaos once more.

Mr. Qingyun chuckled and said, "We're getting old, so we naturally consider things carefully. If Duke Ding has the courage for this approach, why not see how it plays out"

Su Zhe shook his head with a bitter smile: “If you, as his grandfather, aren’t concerned, what am I to worry about However, those old pedantic scholars are probably coming here next.” These individuals lack ability but have reputations; they have small minds yet big tempers. After being rebuffed by Duke Ding and his consort, it’s odd that they would still come to seek Mr. Qingyun.

"Sir, there are several old sirs outside requesting an audience, saying they’re old friends of Master Qingyun and Sir Su," a pageboy entered the bamboo forest and reported respectfully. The two exchanged glances and smiled. Su Zhe said with amusement, "They really do come when spoken about."

Mr. Qingyun casually tossed his chess pieces aside and said with a smile, "Since they won’t be put off, it’s probably best to meet them after so many years without seeing each other." They had visited Li City several times upon arrival but were turned away by various excuses from Mr. Qingyun. Thus, it has indeed been many years since they last met. With his age and prestige, no one would dare offend him if he didn’t wish to see someone. However, these individuals are determined to meet him this time; Mr. Qingyun isn’t afraid of them but rather dislikes dealing with people who have ulterior motives. "Let them in."

"Yes. standing beside him, his sword-like eyebrows furrowing.Originally, he had thought that obtaining the treasure map was a secret matter. But after finding the place, he discovered that this so-called t...