lazily and said, "Your family's boat isn’t worse than this one. Why the fuss"Hua Tianxiang gave her a wry look, “You don't know much do you There are so many people in my house; it’s noisy and crowde...434. Settling Down - Grand Finale

Settling Down

The Princess Anxi and others entered together, with the little prince in her arms. Her beautiful face was filled with tenderness and joy. Ye Li smiled at them and asked, "So late at night, how did you come here" Lei Tengfeng looked at Ye Li and then at the couple of Princess Anxi and smiled, saying, "Everyone is still not resting yet, this王爺, 王妃。 南詔女王和王夫求見。門外，秦風沉聲稟告道。

Mos Yao nodded and said: Let them in.

Soon after, Princess Anxi and others came together, with the little prince in her arms. Her beautiful face was filled with tenderness and joy. Ye Li smiled at them and asked, "So late at night, how did you come here" Lei Tengfeng looked at Ye Li and then at the couple of Princess Anxi and smiled, saying, "Everyone is still awake, I came out for a walk because I can't drink much wine. Just happened to meet Queen and King of Nanzhao who are seeking an audience with Your Excellency and Lady, so I came over for some tea, please don't blame me."

Ye Li smiled and said: No need for that, please take a seat. Then she ordered tea.

Holding the child in her arms, Princess Anxi did not let go even for a moment. The reunion of her son made the usually strong-willed Princess Anxi almost shed tears. Ye Li smiled at Princess Anxi and asked, "How is Little Prince doing"

Princess Anxi nodded repeatedly and said: Shuo is fine, we came... just wanted to thank Young Lord for bringing him back, did he come back

Ye Li laughed and said: He played all day outside and went back to rest. Princess Anxi nodded with a smile and said: I will personally thank the young lord today.

Looking at the baby in Princess Anxi's arms who was looking curiously at her with big round eyes, Ye Li smiled and asked: May I hold the child Princess Anxi gently placed the child in Ye Li’s hands. The little one looked at Ye Li wide-eyed without crying. Princess Anxi couldn't help but smile and said: This child... after being gone for a while, his courage has increased quite a bit. Usually he is very shy. At this point she thought of her son's suffering recently and felt sad again. A baby who hasn't been around long can’t express their suffering even if they have it, which makes people more worried and heartbroken.

Ye Li looked at Princess Anxi and gently comforted: Little Prince seems fine, has someone checked him

Princess Anxi nodded repeatedly and said: Doctor Shen Yang personally examined Shuo, no problem. He might have been a bit shocked, but he should be fine after a few days.

That's good then.

Sitting beside them, Lei Tengfeng looked at Mos Yao and Ye Li in surprise, is it Young Lord who brought back the Nanzhao Prince Mos Yao smiled indifferently: That kid was causing a ruckus. He happened to meet Mo Jingli putting Little Prince and him together. So he set fire and took Little Prince away when everyone was distracted.

Mos Yao spoke casually as if Mo Xiaobao really caused trouble by setting fire and leaving. But Lei Tengfeng and others understood how difficult it was for an 11-year-old boy to set fire under the tight security of Mo Jingli and escape during chaos. If he were a child from another family, he might have just cried.

Young Lord is truly talented at his young age; there really are no dogs among tiger cubs. Lei Tengfeng praised.

Anxi Princess and Pu A nodded repeatedly in agreement, feeling deeply grateful to Mo Xiaobao who saved her son. As Lei Tengfeng drank tea, he casually asked: Prince Ding, Lady, do you know about Mo Jingli... Hearing the question, Anxi Princess and Pu A couldn't help but look at Ye Li and Mos Yao. Once bitten by a snake, afraid of ropes for ten years; to them, Mo Jingli has become an object that must be eliminated immediately.

Mos Yao raised his eyebrows and smiled faintly: Soon we will have an answer.

LeiTengfeng raised his eyebrows, looking at Mo Xiuyao with some disbelief. With the capabilities of Prince Dìng and Princess Consort, it was impossible for Mo Jingli to have caused so much trouble. Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "He's just a petty clown; Prince Zhannan needn't worry about him. This is such a trivial matter that leaving it to Xiao Bao would be sufficient. If I were to get involved… It might seem like bullying someone weaker than me." Bullying others was something that Prince Dìng wasn't unfamiliar with, but using it on Mo Jingli felt somewhat beneath him.

Surprise flashed across LeiTengfeng's eyes; he didn't expect the Dìng王府 to start cultivating Young Master’s abilities so early. In his opinion, although Mo Xiuyao might be a strict father, Ye Li would surely be a soft-hearted mother who loved her children dearly. Recalling how he still basked in the glory of being under his father's wing at twenty, LeiTengfeng could only silently shake his head and feel ashamed for himself.

Anxi Princess had also started handling political matters from an early age as Crown Princess, so she wasn't surprised by Mo Xiuyao’s words. She was just especially grateful because of Xiao Bao saving her son.

Meng Xiaobao lived in a yard located in the southeast corner of Dìng王府's inner palace. To give him enough private space, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had assigned one of the largest courtyards next to the main courtyard and its small garden as his domain after he reached an age where he could live alone. They generally didn’t interfere with what Meng Xiaobao did or how he arranged things in his yard. The size of this courtyard was comparable to that of a large noble family’s estate, with numerous rooms; many times, Xu Zhirui and Leng Junhan would stay here for several days.

When Meng Xiaobao returned to his yard, both Leng Junhan and Xu Zhirui had already gone to sleep. They were the youngest, so they'd been running around with Mo Xiuyao and Qin Lie all day long, leaving them exhausted. After washing up, they went straight to bed, and Meng Xiaobao didn't disturb them but returned directly to his room.

As soon as he pushed open the door of his room, Meng Xiaobao paused in surprise. A cold and sharp object was pressing against his waist, and an odd osmanthus fragrance came from behind him. Meng Xiaobao wrinkled his nose; it smelled familiar—it was Mo Jingli.

A hand swiftly pressed on several acupoints on his body, paralyzing them. Then, another hand pulled him over. In the dimly lit room, a tall and sinister-looking man glared at him with vicious eyes—indeed, it was Mo Jingli.

Mo Jingli dragged the paralyzed Meng Xiaobao into an inner chamber, then lit a candle. The room gradually brightened, and Meng Xiaobao curiously observed the man dressed in Dìng王府's secret guard attire. His overly pale complexion and sinister gaze made him look like a specter from hell.

"Meng Yuchen, you really have some skill," Mo Jingli said coldly, staring at Meng Xiaobao.

Meng Xiaobao shrugged with a smile, "You're not bad either; managing to sneak into my courtyard without making a sound. Who helped you You alone wouldn't be able to bypass Dìng王府's secret guards and enter my yard undetected."

Mo Jingli laughed strangely, saying, "Unfortunately, you'll never know."

Meng Xiaobao raised an eyebrow, looking at Mo Jingli and said, "I was wondering… aren't you planning to kill me right now"

"You guessed it," Mo Jingli grinned wickedly. "If I had known how cunning this little brat would be, I should have killed him on the spot when he was captured. It would save me all this trouble."

Meng Xiaobao immediately dropped his head gloomily; if you kill me, you won't get out either.

Mo Jingli smiled and said, "I can get in, so I can also get out." Meng Xiaobao was silent for a long time before sighing resignedly, "What you say is true. Go ahead and do it."

If he hadn't spoken like that, Mo Jingli might have acted immediately. But after hearing his words, Mo Jingli hesitated, staring suspiciously at him and asked, "Do you still have some plan" Meng Xiaobao rolled his eyes; what kind of plot could I possibly have when I'm about to die Can I mourn my short life

Mo Jingli remained silent. Meng Xiaobao thought for a moment and then raised his head and said, "Right, remember to stay far away from me after I’m dead. No, it’s better if you stay far away from death.

What's the meaning of attending a wedding banquet for the third and fourth young masters of the Xu family, which will be held in ten days Although the third and fourth young masters of the Xu family may not hold as high positions or have as prominent fame as the first young master, they are still legitimate members of the Xu family, being the maternal uncles of Consort Ding Wang. Moreover, the fourth young master is an influential official with power over a region. Especially since he came from the Western Regions accompanied by envoys, their relationship can be considered quite close, leading all the envoys to agree to attend the wedding before leaving.

The two Xu family ladies are eager to marry off their daughters-in-law, and the two young masters also wish for their brides. The two brides include a former Princess of Great Chu and the granddaughter of Duke Huo who sacrificed her life for the country, who is also Consort Ding Wang's close friend from girlhood. Naturally, this return gift ceremony would be unprecedentedly grand.

Before long, it was the wedding day. Guests were bustling in the reception courtyard of Ding Wang Fu early on. In a spacious room, two beautiful brides dressed in red bridal attire sat side by side. Ye Li led a group of ladies to busily help the brides get ready for their wedding.

Whether it's Hua Tianxiang or Mo Wuyou, they are undoubtedly exceptionally beautiful in appearance. Hua Tianxiang is vividly charming and, despite being over twenty years old, she still retains her youthful beauty. With a light makeup on, she appears even more alluring. Mo Wuyou resembles Hua Tianxiang to some extent, but she has a more refined and gentle demeanor than when she was young. Perhaps due to long-term medical studies and experiences in helping patients, there is a kinder expression around her eyes.

Oh, Consort Ding Wang, your makeup looks really nice. Princess Helan, wearing bright red attire, curiously walked around the room. Being from the Northern Frontier, this was her first time seeing a genuine Central Plains wedding ceremony. Looking at the two brides in their embroidered dragon and phoenix auspicious patterns bridal clothes with light makeup on, she couldn't help but feel envious of the faint happiness radiating from them.

Ye Li smiled as she glanced at Princess Helan, saying with a smile: If you like it, why don't you find someone to marry in Central Plains Would it be alright if this concubine personally does your makeup then

This was obviously just a joke. Ye Li knew that Princess Helan wouldn't mind such humor. Pretending to ponder for a while, she shook her head regretfully and said: Unfortunately, I still prefer our Northern Frontier men. When I get married in the future, please invite Consort Ding Wang to attend my wedding too; at that time, you will have to do my makeup.

The crowd couldn't help but laugh together, gaining a greater appreciation for this open and straightforward princess.

Hua Empress carefully inserted the gold hairpin into Hua Tianxiang's hair, then examined it with satisfaction: Very beautiful, stunningly beautiful. Princess Helan is right; Consort Ding Wang’s makeup truly looks marvelous. Looking at her lovely niece before her, Hua Empress couldn't help but have tears well up in her eyes. Such a remarkable child, yet she hasn’t married until this age, wasting the best years of her life locked away.

Auntie. Holding onto Hua Empress' hand with a gentle smile, Hua Tianxiang asked: Auntie, do I really look beautiful Smilingly, Hua Empress said: My Tianxiang is the most beautiful bride.

Mother, what about me You forgot your own daughter. Seeing her mother's melancholy mood, Mo Wuyou promptly interrupted with a pout. Smiling gently, Hua Empress pinched her daughter’s cheek and said: My Wuyou is also the most beautiful new bride. Stay still and let mother fix your hair.

Mo Wuyou remained motionless as her mother arranged her hair, mirroring her mother's focused expression in the mirror with a sweet smile.

Dinner time! The brides should eat… Yun Ge and Mu Rong Ting carried several small dishes and pastries over, saying with big smiles: Come eat something; once everything is done, there won't be anything left to eat. You'll starve for the whole day today. This was based on Mu Rong Ting's own experience. Back then, she had even brought a large apple when getting married but ended up exhausted by the end of her wedding ceremony.

Hua Tianxiang turned around and smiled: Mu Rong, Yun Ge, thank you.

Mu Rong Ting waved dismissively, while Yun Ge said with pursed lips: No need to thank us. Your mother told me secretly yesterday that she would prepare some food for you two; otherwise, you might starve. Not being able to eat on your wedding day is so pitiful… But Hua Senior Sister and Wuyou are both so beautiful!

Ye Li smiled as she helped them set out the food, saying with a smile: Yun Ge likes how Hua Senior Sister and Wuyou look

Yun Ge blinked her eyes and nodded: I do like it. I’ve never worn such pretty clothes before.

Meng Mu Ting covered her mouth and laughed, saying: That's easy. If Yun Ge gets married too, she can wear such wedding attire.

Huh Yun Ge blinked and was a little confused, but… Who will Yun Ge marry Meng Mu Ting smiled even more mysteriously as she whispered: How about Qingchen公子

Qing… Qingchen公子! Yun Ge's expression changed greatly. She shook her head repeatedly, no, no! Everyone was bewildered; would Qingchen公子 be so disliked by others The little girl was scared to the point of changing color. Ye Li patted Yun Ge with a somewhat amused expression and asked in a gentle voice: Why not Don't you like Brother Number One Yun Ge cautiously looked at Ye Li once, saying with some apprehension to Shi Jiejie (Sister Glass): Jiejie, don't tell Qingchen公子 okay Ye Li nodded seriously, indicating that she would never casually pass on messages. Only then did Yun Ge droop her little face and say: Qingchen公子 is too fierce… He makes me copy books every day. Two days ago he made me copy the Records of Rites. I've already asked Qin Zheng Jiejie (Sister Zheng) and Uncle Xu's mother, and Qin Zheng Jiejie clearly said that she never copied those before either. But if I don't copy them, Qingchen公子 would keep staring at me… As though I'm very naughty and bad or something. …But I actually have to follow Daddy to learn medicine too… Yesterday night I didn’t go to sleep until the wane hour.

Hearing Yun Ge's small complaints, everyone exchanged glances with each other. What was Qingchen公子 trying to do Scaring a little girl like this. Seeing Ye Li and others looking at her strangely, Yun Ge hurriedly reassured them: Jiejie, don't worry, I'm not afraid of Qingchen公子 anymore.

Oh Why Ye Li asked nonchalantly.

In joyous delight, Yun Ge said: Daddy told me that Third Young Master and Fourth Young Master's wedding ceremonies are over after which he will go out to travel. He'll take me along too. Then we can travel around the world and help people in need. By the time Yun Ge comes back, she’ll become the most famous medical god of the land. Most importantly, I won’t be forced by Qingchen公子 to copy books every day anymore. Thinking about the incomplete books still lying in her study room, Yun Ge’s little hands couldn't stop from trembling a bit. Her small delicate lips also pouted cutely as though she was aggrieved. Qingchen公子 too bad! Qin Zheng Jiejie said that she never copied so many books in her lifetime before; it's fine as long as I can understand and remember them well enough, but Qingchen公子 actually says that I’m too stupid and insists on copying them. But I already know them by heart!

Do you hate Qingchen公子 so much Hua Tian Xiang sat to the left and asked curiously while she ate.

No, it's not like that either… If Qingchen公子 wasn't so fierce, then fine. Qingchen公子 taught me a lot of things and brought me back home to let me live with them. He treats me as well as my father and adoptive father do.

Cough cough… Hua Tian Xiang and Meng Mu Ting were simultaneously choked by the food. Mo Wuyou who was sitting at his dressing table also tilted his neck involuntarily; his hairpin immediately fell off crookedly. Only Ye Li sat calmly to one side sipping tea.

Sister Fragrance and Sister Ting, what's wrong Yun Ge asked worriedly.

Cough cough, it’s nothing. Hua Tian Xiang smiled with a blush on her cheeks and said: Qingchen公子, rest in peace.

When Hua Tian Xiang and Mo Wuyou were done dressing up, the time was about right as well. Ye Li held Hua Tian Xiang's hand with a smile and said: Soon you'll be my sister-in-law, I wish you happiness.

Hua Tian Xiang’s fair face blushed red; she nodded her head and said: Li Er (Li), thank you.

Foolish girl, what are you thanking me for Ye Li smiled and said: As long as you live happily and Third Brother is happy too, everything will be fine, isn’t it Hua Tian Xiang nodded her head and agreed: Yes, everything’s over now. We’ll all get better from here on out.

To the Empress Dowager, a retinue of people has come to welcome the bride.

Ye Li smiled as she nodded her head and said: I know. Come in then. She got up and took the phoenix and dragon headdress that was placed beside her and put it on Hua Tian Xiang's head by herself, while Empress Dowager Hua also took the headdress to place it on Wuyou’s head. The matchmaker and maids outside who had been waiting hurriedly came in and carefully led both brides out of the room. Ye Li turned around and smiled and said: There you go, we also need to prepare ourselves to go over to Xu Family as well. Hurry back to change clothes. Because of the relationship between Ding Wangfu (Ding Prince’s Manor) and Xu Family, this wedding was set up together. Once the brides left the room, all guests would head over to Xu Family for a banquet. This way, it avoided everyone's embarrassment. After all, if a girl from Ding Wangfu gets married, although she is not the sister of Ding Wang or something similar, she always marries out of Ding Wangfu. Nobody dared not show up. In this case, wouldn’t there be nobody to congratulate Xu Family Now that they had set it together like this, everyone was more convenient and even noisier.

The night at Xu Manor was brightly lit and full of festivities; in the officiant’s high call for entering the bridal chamber, two pairs of newlyweds who just performed the wedding ceremony were carried into the east. Then the banquet began, making Xu Manor even more festive. The main hall was filled with music and dance as well as the fragrance of wine. Even the usually solemn and scholarly Xu Family patriarchs couldn’t help but drink a few extra cups; their refined faces also became rosy. Both Xu madams accompanied Qin Zheng in turning around among the female guests, smiling broadly and taking care of everything very attentively. Outside the main hall’s courtyard, banquet tables were similarly set up for those who did not have high enough status to sit inside the main hall. Although they sat outside, it was decorated so brightly that it seemed like daytime. Although people sitting outside could not enjoy the music and dance inside, there was a magnificent colorful firework display in the sky above them. Not to mention Xu Family’s Second Young Master and Fifth Young Master personally attending as well.

Amidst the bustling celebration, two figures were sitting closely on a rooftop of Xu Manor. The man's long white hair shimmered with silver under the moonlight, gently entangling with the woman’s jet-black silky hair in the breeze. Ye Li sat beside Mo Xiuyao, gently resting her head against his leg, her eyes reflecting tranquility amidst the lively commotion.Mo Xiuyao gazed at her tenderly and softly touched her slightly flushed cheeks, saying with a chuckle, "Are you so happy for them getting married" Ye Li opened her eyes, still smiling faintly. She had consumed more alcohol than usual earlier and her face was even rosier; her eyes twinkled with additional joy.Third Brother and Fourth Brother are getting married, of course I’m happy about that. But isn’t there something else that makes me happierMo Xiuyao brushed aside a strand of hair from beside her cheek affectionately and asked, "What’s that"Ye Li replied with a smile, "We can finally live our lives happily, right"Mo Xiuyao smiled warmly and leaned down to touch his forehead gently against hers. He said softly, "Yes, we don’t have to fight anymore or engage in covert struggles. No one will dare to bother us again in this world. From now on, whatever kind of life Ah Li wants to lead, that’s the life we’ll live." Ye Li nodded and added, "It's great not having to wage wars anymore; ordinary folks are pitiable when there is chaos. Now that peace reigns across the land, I won’t feel guilty if I don't do anything."No matter how the world changes, Ah Li doesn’t have to feel guilty. Mo Xiuyao said gently, "There’s no woman who can outdo you in this world."Ye Li smiled and said, “If the world is still chaotic and I insist that you put everything aside to accompany me, then I would feel guilty about it. Hmm… That’d be unreasonable.” Mo Xiuyao raised an eyebrow and chuckled softly, "Ah Li can do whatever she wants without reason; no matter what Ah Li desires is right. So did Ah Li get drunk"Leaning against Mo Xiuyao’s embrace, Ye Li shook her head slightly before closing her eyes in fatigue. This moment was perfect, and things will only be better in the future.Mo Xiuyao held her gently within his arms and asked softly, "What's so good now"Ye Li replied, "This is very nice now; it’ll get even better… The rivers will be clear and the sea tranquil. When we go on excursions to enjoy nature, all we'll see are contented people living their lives…"Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, “I know you don't like war. I remember a poem Ah Li once wrote: 'Pitiful bones amassed in lonely graves, all for generals seeking battle glory.'"It’s not about you.Do you not want the rivers to be clear and the seas tranquil… Hand this goal over to Little Ink then, okay Mo Xiuyao said with a smile as he lowered his head, planting a soft kiss on her flushed face.Bang!In the distance, several large fireworks bloomed in the sky, bursting into brilliant light and colorful petals. Ye Li had opened her eyes sometime ago; within her gentle gaze was the man’s tender expression.Xiu Yao, I love you… As she gazed at his handsome countenance, warm eyes, and snowy white hair, Ye Li suddenly spoke out. It's not hard to say "I love you," but what is difficult is to walk hand in hand through life and death, still deeply loving each other even after attaining the world.

Mosius Yao was slightly taken aback, his handsome eyes flashing with pure joy and fulfillment. Ah Li... Ah Li, life after life, I love only you. Bowing his head, he gently covered her crimson lips. Ye Li raised a hand to support her shoulder, "Life after life, I will love you." If it weren't for me, you would have ascended the throne long ago and established an era of peace and prosperity.

Mosius Yao steadfastly refused to ascend the throne, and Ye Li understood that this was largely for her sake. Because he knew she had no heart for palace intrigues, and because he had promised her something in this life.

Mosius Yao chuckled softly, Ah Li, without you, how could there be peace and prosperity at Ding王府 (Ding Prince's Manor)

Sparkling fireworks lit up the night sky as the two sat side by side, leaning against each other and quietly enjoying the dazzling scenery...

When Little Treasure grows up, this prince will accompany Ah Li to travel across rivers and mountains, free and easy.

As long as we are together as a family, I feel free and at ease no matter where or when.

Meeting Ah Li is the best thing in Mosius Yao's life.

In this life and past lives, meeting you is also my greatest happiness.

If it means meeting you, enduring hardships and risking death is nothing.

If it means meeting you, transcending time and space through the ages is worth it.

Red fireworks bloomed in mid-air like magnificent peonies, transforming into the auspicious characters for a long-lasting happy marriage.

In this life, having met you, I only wish for a long-lasting happy marriage and a peaceful life.

Five years later, Prince Ding abdicated to his son, Mo Yuchen, and left with his consort. From then on, they roamed freely in the mountains and rivers, no longer concerning themselves with affairs of state.

Mo Yuchen ascended the throne as Prince Ding, once again rejecting ministers' requests for him to be crowned emperor. With diligence and determination, he ruled well, strengthening his forces under the Ding Prince's Manor.

Thirteen years later, Mo Yufeng, fourteen-year-old brother of Prince Ding, was granted the title of Supreme Commander of Ding Prince’s Army. He swept across Xi Ling, which submitted to him in submission. Prince Mo Yuchen personally led troops against the nomadic tribes and retreated to the extreme western icy plains. The Mo Family Army advanced to Yun Lan River; Mo Yufeng personally went south to persuade the Southern Chu emperor to voluntarily submit to Ding Prince’s Manor. Thus began an era of peace throughout the realm.

Mo Yuchen ascended the throne at thirty, establishing his state as Li Dynasty. At age thirty, Mo Yuchen ruled over the whole world, thus beginning a unified world and one of the most powerful eras in history.

—— End of Main Text ——

—— Outro —— to take that hundredth step.” Mo Xiuyao was silent for quite a while before he looked at Ye Li and smiled as he said, "Ah Li is right. Then… from now on I’ll trouble you.""I am the wife of Prince Din...