nything. The Xu Family does have good household education." Lady Wang looked even worse when she heard this; if the Xu Family had good household education, then that meant her own Wang Family did not...117. Princess Ronghua

Over the next few days, Ye Li would personally go to the valley at the foot of Black Cloud Cliff every day to instruct those she had chosen. Qin Feng, who had been following her and learning alongside her since the beginning, benefited greatly from this experience and grew increasingly impressed with Ye Li's abilities. No matter how intelligent he thought himself to be, he could not deny that it would take him at least ten or twenty years to master everything Princess Consort taught them, let alone understand things they had never even heard of before.

Ye Li also paid attention to the psychological and mental states of these soldiers who were being groomed as spies. She therefore added some stories about legendary agents from her past life during their training sessions, though without any specific names or details. Nevertheless, this made the clever soldiers understand the importance of the tasks they would be responsible for in the future, and that being a spy did not mean they were as worthless as they had thought; sometimes these individuals could even decide the outcome of wars. Any lingering disappointment or dissatisfaction they may have harbored was buried under all the new knowledge and skills Princess Consort taught them.

"Princess Consort, do you already have plans for this batch" Qin Feng asked curiously while following her around as she wrote swiftly at a desk.

Ye Li looked up at him and said, "They can only be considered an experiment. I'm not sure what kind of effect they'll have. Training one qualified spy is more difficult than training a hundred elite soldiers; it also requires more time. Furthermore, I’m still quite unfamiliar with this area." Qin Feng chuckled and replied, "I don't see how Princess Consort could seem unfamiliar with something like this. The things she has taught us over the past few days have been eye-opening. There are many things I never even thought of before, let alone understand where Princess Consort got them from." Ye Li looked at him with a smile playing on her lips and asked, "Do you really want to know" Qin Feng was taken aback for a moment, then shook his head vigorously, saying, "I was joking." The Xu family had produced many prominent scholars throughout the generations; wasn't it normal for them to have such an extraordinary woman as Princess Consort Looking at the stack of documents on the table beside him, Qin Feng frowned and said, "Princess Consort, if you want to train spies, why not choose both men and women After all, women are less likely to arouse suspicion." Ye Li gave him a sour look and said, "Do you think I haven't thought about it It’s difficult enough finding suitable men, let alone women. Men don’t need to be as talented or handsome as women; even if they’re mediocre in appearance and learning, people are less likely to be suspicious of them. But for women, extraordinary talent, beauty, and cunning is a must; otherwise, they wouldn't even be able to get close to the enemy’s side, let alone anything else."

"Princess Consort is right," Qin Feng agreed.

Ye Li said, "In the future, I'll probably have you handle this. Keep an eye out for suitable candidates. And those few of them, I’m heading back to the capital in a couple of days. These are some things they still need to learn; take a look at them as well. After this is done, I’ll hire someone else to instruct them privately on other matters. There are two spots available at Li Shan Academy for admission; once their training is finished, choose two and send them there." Qin Feng was taken aback; Li Shan Academy was one of the most prestigious schools in Chu that even many wealthy families found difficult to get into. Their soldiers’ family backgrounds were not particularly impressive; regardless of what Princess Consort wanted to do, sending these people to Li Shan Academy would be a great honor for them. "Thank you very much, Princess Consort." Ye Li waved her hand and said, "No need to thank me. Try to choose younger ones. Also, if they don’t pass the entrance exam at Li Shan Academy, it won't matter how good their other skills are." Qin Feng laughed and replied, "These families have all received some education; they’re different from those rough soldiers in our army. Knowing this kind of honor, they would kill themselves to get into Li Shan Academy."

Ye Li nodded approvingly, intending to give him further instructions when a sharp voice suddenly rang out outside the door, "Ye Li, come out here for me!"

"Who is so bold as to cause trouble in Her Royal Highness’s private villa" Qin Feng said unhappily.

Ye Li immediately recognized the shrill voice and smiled wryly. "It's quite a feat for her to cause trouble so many days later. But everyone is probably tolerating her, so let her have her tantrum. Tell someone to lead her here without disturbing Princess Dowager’s rest."

"Is it Graceful Beauty County Princess"

Ye Li corrected him: "It's actually Graceful Beauty Imperial Princess." Although she didn't live in the capital, everything that happened there was promptly reported to her. Emperor had elevated Graceful Beauty County Princess to Imperial Princess and sent her off to marry the Northern Rong. These days, Zhaorui Princess Manor was in chaos as Graceful Beauty thought her mother and aunt would help her, but upon realizing they were powerless, she started throwing tantrums, even going on a hunger strike until Zhaorui Princess's hair had turned white with worry. But no matter how much of a nuisance Graceful Beauty could be, how could she defy the Emperor’s order She was still forced to learn palace etiquette daily by ladies-in-waiting sent from court. As Graceful Beauty was born into the royal family, her requirements for etiquette weren't as strict as those in the imperial harem; however, it didn’t mean she wasn’t suffering a bit. But why did she come here today

Hearing the commotion outside, Ye Li put down her brush and went out. She saw Graceful Beauty Imperial Princess approaching with her entourage. Upon seeing Ye Li, hatred and anger filled her eyes as she yelled, "Ye Li, you vile woman! I'll kill you!" As if seeing an old enemy, Graceful Beauty rushed towards Ye Li without hesitation. Ye Li frowned slightly; Qin Feng stepped forward to block the imperial princess from getting too close to Ye Li, saying coolly, "Princess, please restrain yourself."

The title of Princess made her pretty face twist in anger as she retorted, “Shut up! Why should I heed your words, you servant”

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow and said calmly: "Sorry, Your Imperial Highness. I am a subordinate of Prince Ding's household; I am not your servant."

"Y-you...!" Graceful Beauty was used to her arrogant behavior but never expected the servants of Prince Ding’s household would be so rude to her. She couldn’t speak for half an hour, and only then did her followers react, rushing forward to calm her down.

The noise around her made Graceful Beauty feel agitated; she turned around and slapped one of her attendants hard, shouting, "All of you shut up!" The courtyard fell silent as the people around Graceful Beauty stayed quiet, not daring to anger their mistress again. Ye Li waved dismissively at Qin Feng: "Qin Feng, you may go tend to your duties."

Qin Feng frowned worriedly and said, "My Lady, this might not be a good idea..."

Ye Li smiled calmly and replied, "Don’t worry. Graceful Beauty Imperial Princess won't do anything to me."

Even though she was concerned about the insane Graceful Beauty Imperial Princess, Qin Feng still trusted his mistress's judgment, given they were in Grand Princess’s manor where it would be difficult for her to act without permission. As for fighting, Qin Feng wasn’t sure if he could defeat his mistress; a dozen of such imperial princesses wouldn't stand a chance against the Lady.

Once Qin Feng left, Ye Li turned and smiled at Graceful Beauty Imperial Princess: "Princess, please come in."

Graceful Beauty was caught off guard by her amiable attitude; she eyed her warily and asked, "What trick do you have up your sleeve"

Ye Li replied coolly, "You don’t need to worry. I wouldn’t use tricks on a princess going into marriage. Why would it be worth my while

"You!" Princess Ronghua's face turned red with anger. Ye Li smiled and said, "Princess, why don't you come inside and sit down to talk"

In the end, Princess Ronghua obediently entered the flower hall and sat down, but her almond-shaped eyes still glared mercilessly at Ye Li. After taking a sip of tea, Ye Li asked, "What are you here for today Just to vent your anger If that's all, I won't retaliate; go ahead and do whatever makes you happy. But... what does this achieve Can it change the current situation Besides, Princess, do you really think that your marriage alliance with Beirong is because of me" Ronghua was taken aback for a moment but soon retorted indignantly, "Of course, it's because of you! Who made me part of this arrangement How can you claim that you're not out to seek personal revenge" Ye Li raised her eyebrows and said, "Personal revenge If you want to see it that way, fine. However, the order came from His Majesty; I merely chose whom I deemed most suitable for the role. The final decision wasn't made by me." Ronghua angrily retorted, "Why didn’t you strike my name off" Ye Li looked at her with a somewhat amused expression and asked in return, "Why should I have struck your name off" Were they so familiar Did they have such a close relationship

"I don't want to go on the marriage alliance. The Beirong barbarians are so coarse and ugly..."

Seeing a hint of fear and vulnerability cross Princess Ronghua's proud face, Ye Li sighed inwardly. "Who wants to go on a marriage alliance"

Ronghua was stunned for a moment, at a loss for words. Indeed, Beirong wasn’t a desirable place; who would willingly go there Besides, she barely knew Ye Li and had even harbored some animosity towards her. Why should Ye Li help her by striking her name off the list Seeing Ronghua’s stubbornness as she bit down on her lip to hold back tears, Ye Li shook her head slightly in her heart; though she disliked Princess Ronghua, she didn’t hate her either. Princess Ronghua was indeed domineering and haughty, but she also had a straightforward character, which made it somewhat easier to deal with her than those who were constantly plotting. "Why did you come out of the city today Surely not just to beat me up"

"Are you asking for me to hit you" Princess Ronghua asked.

Ye Li smiled and shook her head, causing the porcelain cup in her hand to shatter. She said coolly, "You can't win against me."

"You!" Princess Ronghua glared at her angrily, feeling like this woman was mocking her. Ye Li calmly looked at her and said, "The marriage alliance is now a fait accompli; instead of wasting your time venting anger at me, why don't you think about what to do next"

A look of despair and helplessness flashed across Princess Ronghua's eyes as she snorted. “What can be done Wait for the day when I’m forced onto a carriage bound for Beirong, then either become a prisoner in the cold palace or be used as a sacrifice.” Although she was spoiled and capricious, she came from a royal family and wasn't unaware of many things; she just didn’t need to know before. Ye Li’s eyes flickered momentarily as she casually placed the broken tea cup back on the table and said, “Once you’re in Beirong, you’ll become its Crown Prince's consort. As long as Beirong hasn’t officially severed ties with Great Chu, nobody will harm you on the surface. If you're shrewd enough, you might have a chance to return to Great Chu one day.” Princess Ronghua naturally didn't believe this and snorted coldly, “Return to Great Chu You talk easy but when that time comes, who would remember a mere princess sent as a marriage alliance” Ye Li frowned and thought for a moment before taking out an exquisite jade pendant, breaking it in half, and handing one piece to Princess Ronghua. "Princess, take this; should you ever find yourself in mortal danger in Beirong, the Dingguo Manor can save your life. This is a token of trust."

“What do you want me to do for you” Princess Ronghua wasn’t foolish; as Ye Li said, their relationship hadn't reached the point where she could expect help from her.

Ye Li said, "Take on the responsibility of a princess for a political marriage and as the wife of the Crown Prince of Northern Rong. Do your best to assist the Northern Rong Crown Prince."

"Me… Assist the Northern Rong Crown Prince Are you joking" Princess Ronghua had some self-awareness about her capabilities. She could be an ordinary princess consort, but to help a country's crown prince... Wasn't Ye Li overestimating her

Ye Li calmly said, "Don’t worry. Since I’ve said this, I’ll definitely help you. If you trust me, when someone comes with the other jade pendant in the future, just trust him. Also, once you arrive in Northern Rong, you can subtly share some information with the Northern Rong Crown Prince to make him believe that you can assist him. Otherwise… He might have you killed as soon as you get there. The Northern Rong Crown Prince definitely won’t be happy about having a princess consort from Greater Chu."

Princess Ronghua looked at Ye Li with a complicated expression. She had been raised in the imperial family since childhood and was even older than Ye Li, but she had never thought so much about things. Was this the difference between being the Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom and an ordinary princess

"If the Northern Rong Crown Prince knows that I’m related to the Ding王府 (Ding Royal Manor), how can he trust me" asked Princess Ronghua.

Ye Li smiled, "Find a way to let him know that you can help him deal with Ye Liye. When Xiu Yao sends you to Northern Rong, I’ll ask him to communicate with the Northern Rong Crown Prince on your behalf. Furthermore… What do you need the trust of the Northern Rong Crown Prince for Do you really think Northern Rong would accept a future Empress from Greater Chu Although Northern Rong is a barbaric land, they value bloodlines more than other places; there has never been an empress from another country in Northern Rong’s history. No one has royal blood outside of their nobility. Of course, if you manage to attract Ye Li Hong and change everything for you, I can support your plan."

Thinking about the allegedly abhorrent people of Northern Rong, Princess Ronghua wrinkled her nose in disgust. Although that Ye Liye was well-looking, he was just average. In Greater Chu, there were thousands upon thousands of handsome men who outshone him; she didn’t know how Ye Li Hong looked like. The previous Prince Ye Li Ping had been as ugly as a pig. Princess Ronghua took the jade pendant from Ye Li’s hand without good grace and said, "This is just a fair transaction. Don’t think that I’ll thank you for it." Ye Li smiled with pursed lips, "No need to thank me. However, shouldn’t a princess know that some things can't be known by too many people"

"I’m not stupid," Princess Ronghua coldly snorted. She wasn’t foolish; she knew that Ye Li was using her. How many envoys of political marriages throughout history had good fates And especially in a place like Northern Rong. Even if Ye Li was using her, at least it provided her with some means to survive. What did her high-and-mighty cousin do for her He only sent someone to teach her etiquette she already knew and didn’t even give her an ounce of advice. She was merely seen as a discardable pawn. Given this situation, she couldn’t blame herself for helping the Princess Consort of Ding Kingdom; she wanted to live too.

Ye Li nodded, "There’s still some time before your departure. Princess, you should try to meet with Grand Princess Zhaoyang and Empress Dowager more often these days."

Princess Ronghua looked at her in confusion, and Ye Li smiled, "Those two are intelligent people. If you sincerely seek their advice, they’ll teach you a lot of things. I don’t know what Princess Zhaorén taught you, but it’s been many years; there shouldn't be much left to learn" Regarding Ye Li's blatant mockery of her mother, Princess Ronghua didn’t get angry and instead thought for a moment before saying, "I understand. I’ll take my leave now… If you have nothing else to do, why don’t you return to the capital earlier Be careful that your Duke Consort isn’t kidnapped by someone." With these words, Princess Ronghua left with her head held high, leaving Ye Li standing in shock in the flower hall, pondering whether what Princess Ronghua had said was a joke or if she really meant something. as her return. She told me Father had already decided to send Fifth Miss into Jingli Manor next month to become a concubine in order to help strengthen Fourth Miss’s position and prevent Princess Qix...