neck, she placed a soft kiss on the scar on his left cheek. Mo Xiuyao was startled, hugging Ye Li and seemingly unable to react for a moment as he froze there. Kissing his cheek, Ye Li whispered soft...278. Feng San's Remarkable Feat

In the Ding王府, after hearing what Ye Li brought back from her visit, Feng Zhirao remained silent for a long time without being able to say anything in return. As for Ye Li, there was nothing she could do either. From Feng Zhirao’s perspective, it would be natural to blame Empress Zhao's obstinacy for holding back Feng Zhirao. However, this couldn’t actually be blamed on the empress herself. She had never given Feng Zhirao any hope. And what Ye Li was currently doing could indeed be considered something that women of her time and era, especially as an empress, could do to their best ability. It wouldn't be right for Ye Li to demand that from a woman who received traditional education on loyalty towards the emperor and feminine virtues.

"Xiu Yao, Feng San…" asked Ye Li with concern.

Mosiyao lifted his head up from the book he was reading. "There's no need to worry about him; he knows how to handle himself."

Seeing Mosiyao like this, Ye Li shook her head and put the matter out of mind. She talked with Mosiyao about meeting Prince Ten in the palace and sighed at last: "That child is too timid and worried. I wonder what was Empress Dowager Mo’s intention when she left behind the will." Mosiyao put down his book, walked to Ye Li's side, hugged her from behind, letting her lean on him, and said softly: "This has nothing to do with us; it concerns only Mo Jingli and others. Why are you worrying about them so much"

Ye Li smiled slightly and shook her head: "I'm not worried about them, but..." It was just that seeing the innocent child who was fated to be sacrificed made her feel a bit heartbroken. The child wasn't even older than Mo Xiaobao by many months. Perhaps after becoming a mother, she truly had become softer at heart.

Mosiyao said gently: "Although there is now strict security all over the city, no one would dare to stop someone from the Ding王府. If you feel bored, you can walk around; don’t worry about those trivial matters in the palace."

Ye Li nodded and said: "I understand." Knowing that Mosiyao wanted her not to be troubled by such trifles, Ye Li naturally agreed without hesitation. They were a family, while others, no matter how pitiful or innocent they were, still remained outsiders. She didn't want to make Mosiyao worry about her either.

"Mom! Mom…" Mo Xiaobao's voice rang through the long corridor as he ran over cheerfully. Mosiyao frowned unhappily and looked at Mo Xiaobao, who had just reached the door and was about to step in. Behind him followed Leng Junhan, slightly out of breath.

Ye Li sighed: "Chen'er, slow down a bit; see how tired Junhan is…"

Moxiaobao turned back to look at Leng Junhan, who was still puffing but smiling at him, and huffed lightly before snuggling into Ye Li's arms. Looking at the slightly annoyed face of Mo Xiaobao, Ye Li couldn't help but laugh softly. She patted Mo Xiaobao gently and said: "Leng Junhan is younger than you; as an older brother, you should be considerate towards him in future. Understand"

"Understood," whispered Mo Xiaobao. He looked up at Leng Junhan and said: "Cold Stupid, if you can’t walk any further just say so. I... I’m not going to wait for you." Leng Junhan touched his little head and smiled sweetly at Mo Xiaobao. This made Mo Xiaobao even more embarrassed. Seeing her son in such a predicament, Ye Li smiled and beckoned to Leng Junhan: "Junhan, come here."

Leng Junhan cheered up and rushed over to Ye Li's arms, rubbing them happily. He also liked Little Brother Moxiaobao’s mom; she was warm and fragrant, just like his own mom. Unfortunately, Little Brother Moxiaobao didn't like him clinging onto Aunt.

Mosiyao stood behind Ye Li with a dark expression. Originally, if it had only been Mo Xiaobao alone, he could have tolerated it, but now that there were two little devils monopolizing her time, the daily moments of privacy between them decreased significantly as well. At this thought, Mosiyao began to regret his decision to send Leng Haoyu out earlier.

Moxiu Yao thought Feng Zhirao had self-control, but was taken aback when Feng Zhirao caused a huge commotion that very day.

In the dead of night, the entire Ding王府was silent. Only the candlelight in the study remained lit as Moxiu Yao and Ye Li sat inside, reviewing documents while occasionally engaging in light conversation. Even though it seemed leisurely living in the capital, they still had countless matters that required their personal attention each day. Although immediate decisions were not always necessary, they needed to stay informed to prevent unexpected changes.

"Has Feng San returned yet" After finishing the last document in his hand, Ye Li glanced at Moxiu Yao's stack of papers and casually picked up one to read while asking.

Moxiu Yao replied, "He probably went out somewhere to vent." Although Feng Zhirao appeared charming and easy-going, he was actually quite temperamental. Years of experience had taught him to hide his emotions in public.

Ye Li's delicate brows furrowed slightly as she said, "I feel that something was off with Feng San when he left earlier."

"After waiting so long, it would be strange if there were nothing wrong," Moxiu Yao remarked. In fact, he never believed in Feng Zhirao's feelings for the empress and had subtly advised him a few times during his youth. However, their arguments always ended with them fighting until they were exhausted. As they grew older, they respected each other's emotions more and it became harder to advise against their relationship. So this situation dragged on for years until Feng Zhirao was already in his thirties. By normal standards, a son of a wealthy family would likely be grandfather by now.

"Those two..." Ye Li sighed but suddenly stood up from her seat, "Someone has intruded!"

Moxiu Yao had already disappeared like a wisp of smoke out of the study, leaving behind a low voice: "Aly, watch over those two rascals." Ye Li watched the disappearing figure with a hint of regret. This was the difference between expert and mediocre in terms of agility.

When Ye Li arrived at Mo Xiaobao's and Leng Junhan's courtyard, Zuo Jing was already guarding the door. He bowed to her respectfully upon seeing her: "Your Excellency."

Ye Li nodded and said, "Thank you for your hard work. Are the children okay" Zuo Jing replied solemnly, "This is my duty. Young Lord Mo and Leng Junhan少爺are fine."

As they spoke, Mo Xiaobao rushed out: "Mother, what happened" Ye Li saw the eager look in his eyes and gently tapped him on the forehead: "Stay with Zuo Jing and take care of Junhan. I'll go check on your father."

Moo Xiaobao was disappointed at not being allowed to join but still nodded obediently: "Mother, be careful."

Ye Li smiled: "Small body, big heart."

After settling the children, Ye Li hurried towards the front courtyard. She found there had been no actual fight and realized that the intruder was someone they knew. Shaking her head, she headed to the flower parlor in the front yard where everything before her eyes made her forehead ache.

In the parlor, Feng Zhirao sat on the ground with a pool of dark red blood beside him. The wetness indicated it had been recently spilled by someone who had just vomited. Moxiu Yao stood with his hands behind his back in the center of the room, but the look on his face was chilling. Ye Li didn't doubt that Feng Zhirao sitting on the ground and vomiting was due to Moxiu Yao's doing. What made her headache even more was the figure wrapped under a black broad screen in another chair. Though she couldn’t see the face, from the shape she could tell it was a woman. Who would be a night visitor of Feng Zhirao’s Ye Li thought about it and found herself with an even bigger headache.

The woman leaning against the chair was clearly still unconscious. Ye Li walked over and pulled off the cloak covering her face, revealing a beautiful and dignified countenance. Who else could it be but the Empress whom she had seen today

"Nonsense!" Ye Li turned around, glared at Feng Zhirao, and whispered sternly.

Feng Zhirao didn't care either; he smiled teasingly at her. However, his eyes no longer held the playful mockery of old but instead reflected deep helplessness and sorrow. Even Ye Li found herself unable to say more. Sighing, Ye Li asked, "Did she agree for you to bring her out like this" Feng Zhirao remained silent, indicating that he had disregarded the Empress's wishes and brought her out unconscious.

Seeing Mo Xiuyao's anger growing even fiercer, Ye Li silently walked over to him, took his hand, and pulled him aside to sit down. Otherwise, Ye Li couldn't guarantee that a raging Mo Xiuyao wouldn't hit Feng Zhirao again.

"You’ve become quite brave. Never before have I known the Young Master Feng to be so reckless," Mo Xiuyao seated himself next to Ye Li and suppressed his anger as he coldly stared at Feng Zhirao.

Feng Zhirao smiled indifferently, but no longer was there any carefree charm—only a faint sense of helplessness and boredom. "I will take responsibility for my own actions. I won’t drag the Ding王府 into this."

Bang! Mo Xiuyao slammed his palm onto the table beside him; though the table remained intact, everything on its surface shattered instantly. Mo Xiuyao’s rage turned to laughter. "Very well... very well indeed! Your Highness Young Master Feng is so capable that he won’t drag Ding王府 into trouble Then why didn’t you just take her and flee from the capital"

Feng Zhirao fell silent. Now, with the city gates tightly shut and the capital under strict security, it would be impossible to leave alone with an unconscious person. Exhausted, Feng Zhirao closed his eyes for a moment. "Xiuyao, I am sorry. But... I don’t regret doing this."

Mo Xiuyao let out a soft scoff and said coolly, "Given how clever you claim to be, did it never occur to you before acting that there might not be an escape plan"

Feng Zhirao felt awkward; he truly hadn’t thought much. After being utterly rejected by the Empress when sneaking into the palace, his thoughts grew increasingly desperate and he had acted without further consideration.

"Then... what should we do now" Realizing Mo Xiuyao’s thoughts, Feng Zhirao didn’t pretend any longer; in terms of strategy and ability, he indeed lagged far behind Mo Xiuyao. He could accept this fact.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. "How about taking her back while no one has noticed"

"No!" Feng Zhirao quickly said. After all the trouble to bring her out, he couldn’t bear sending her back again. Moreover, bringing her out wasn't just because of his feelings but also because she would have a hard time in the palace; even if she still refused him, he wished for her ease and happiness at least.

Mo Xiuyao looked at the sky—already nearly dawn. He shook his head. "It’s too late. Someone will discover the Empress is missing within half an hour."

Ye Li frowned and said, "Then what should we do Send her out of the city now" It wasn’t a good time to leave since it was still dark; if they missed this opportunity, once the news spread about the Empress’s disappearance, getting into the capital might be even harder.

"She can't go right now. We all know her character—she won't just disappear forever. If we send her out, she will return on her own." Mo Xiuyao shook his head and suggested, "Let her stay in Ding王府 temporarily for now. Even if the Empress is missing, no one would dare search the Ding王府 grounds." Thankfully, all of the guards and servants at Ding王府 were trustworthy confidants, and Feng Zhirao had returned late at night; otherwise, tonight’s events could have spread across the capital by dawn just like Prince Jingli kicking his son to death.

"Thank you, Your Highness. Thank you, Princess Consort."

Feng Zhiyao was delighted and said.

Ye Li waved her hand and said, "Forget it. Find a place to settle them down yourself. You've been busy all day long. Take some rest while there's still time."

Feng Zhiyao thanked again and carried the sleeping empress out of the door. In the flower hall, Ye Li turned around and raised an eyebrow at Mo Xiuyao, "This is what Your Highness means by having a sense of propriety Even kidnapping a country's empress is still within one’s sense of propriety What else would be considered as lacking in restraint"

Mo Xiuyao smiled helplessly and said, "For this Feng Zhiyao, it was the most reckless time in his life."

After allowing Feng Zhiyao to settle down the empress, Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao did not go to check on them. Less than an hour had passed before someone knocked on their door.

"Your Highness, Princess Consort, Duke Huaguo wishes to see you."

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao exchanged glances, then Mo Xiuyao stood up and said, "Please bring the duke to the study. I will go there right now." Ye Li reached out to hold back Mo Xiuyao with a faint smile and said, "Let's go together." Mo Xiuyao did not object either. The two of them changed their clothes and headed toward the study.

However, Duke Huaguo who was invited into the study seemed restless and his old face looked even more haggard than before. His turbid eyes were filled with anxiety and concern. When he saw Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao come in hand in hand, he hurriedly stood up to greet them, "Your Highness, Princess Consort."

Mo Xiuyao held Duke Huaguo by the arm and said with rare warmth, "What brings you here so early in the morning Is there anything wrong"

Duke Huaguo sighed sadly and said with a bitter smile, "Of course something is wrong. Otherwise, this old man wouldn’t be so tactless as to come unannounced."

The two of them held Duke Huaguo by his arms on both sides and helped him sit down before sitting down themselves. Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "What are you talking about We welcome your arrival no matter when it is. Old Duke, what's the matter"

Duke Huaguo did not have time for pleasantries either as he solemnly said, "The empress is missing."

Although they had known that Duke Huaguo must have come here for this reason, but when it came to talking about it, it was still hard to start the conversation. After a while, Ye Li slowly opened her mouth and said, "Old Duke… The Empress... is in Duke Ding's mansion."

—— Author’s Note ——

Well… It's not that I'm being lazy... This chapter was hastily written before leaving. So it's somewhat short...ws and asked: "Could it be that Tan Jizhi lied to us" Feng Zhirao shook his head and said, "No way. The Holy Maiden of Nanjiang is still being held captive in the northwest. If the holy maiden died, T...