Secluded Life in Leisure

ind."Yaogui couldn't help but chuckle lightly as she covered her mouth and said with a smile, "It seems that Feng San and Muyang are quite optimistic about Miss Ye San."The two of them didn’t reply. I...73. A Leisurely Imprisonment Life

73. A Leisurely Imprisonment Life

Ye Li woke up from the darkness, feeling a throbbing pain in her forehead. She couldn’t help but smile bitterly; she had been too careless. Although she knew that Mo Jingqi feared the King of Dingguo's Mansion, she was still certain he wouldn't dare to harm Princess Consort of Dingguo inside the palace. However, she didn't expect Ye Yue would take action against her.

Ye Li didn’t immediately open her eyes and got up; instead, she lay quietly in bed for a while to ensure that there was no one around before slowly opening them.

The situation seemed better than Ye Li had originally anticipated. At least she wasn't imprisoned in some dark and gloomy dungeon but rather in a room that looked fairly decently furnished. The room was set up like the bedrooms of the noble ladies in the capital, with all the furnishings being elegant and luxurious. Even the windows were covered with smoke gauze, which was the favorite of noble ladies in the capital. Sitting up by the bedpost, Ye Li smiled bitterly; her body felt weak and limp, indicating that Ye Yue had indeed given her a potent poison. It was no wonder they dared to leave her unguarded.

The door creaked as someone pushed it open from outside a screen, revealing a green-dressed maiden carrying something inside. Seeing Ye Li sitting by the bed, she exclaimed happily: "Miss! You’re finally awake!"

Ye Li looked at her and frowned slightly. Where was this place How long had she been asleep

The green-dressed maiden put what she carried onto a table and said with a smile: "Miss has been here for more than two days now, without eating anything. You must be hungry, right Xiaoyun prepared some porridge for you—would you like to have some" Ye Li watched calmly as the girl deftly poured a bowl of fragrant rice porridge and brought it over to her. She raised her hand with an arched brow: "How am I supposed to eat this" She could only sit up by leaning on the bedpost, even lifting her arm was quite strenuous—how would she manage to hold her bowl while eating The green-dressed maiden apologetically smiled at Ye Li and said: "Xiaoyun forgot; let me feed you."

Ye Li lowered her eyes, softly saying: "This is so much trouble for you."

"You don’t need to be so courteous," the girl named Xiaoyun replied with a serene smile. She sat beside Ye Li’s bed and carefully fed her some porridge. Though not pleased at being treated as an invalid, Ye Li wasn’t someone who would punish herself by fasting for two days. As for this maid claiming to be just a servant, if she were truly just an ordinary maid, she’d be a fool.

After eating, Ye Li still hadn't regained her strength. Xiaoyun called in another girl to take away the bowl and chopsticks, but stayed herself bustling around inside the room. Noticing that she was not actually doing anything despite appearing busy, Ye Li said indifferently: "If you're free, why don’t you sit down somewhere Your coming and going makes me dizzy." Xiaoyun wasn't embarrassed at all; she laughed brightly: "Our young master is worried that Miss might feel bored alone, so he asked Xiaoyun to accompany her." Ye Li smiled faintly: "Your young master is thoughtful. I’ll thank him on his behalf." Xiaoyun nodded and said with a playful wink: "He will surely be happy when he hears you say this."

Ye Li smiled but remained silent, listening quietly as Xiaoyun chattered about idle matters without interrupting or asking more questions. This maid named Xiaoyun was definitely well-trained; it would be hard to get any information out of her and might even make her wary. Since she currently lacked the strength to act on her own, Ye Li decided not to trouble herself with that.

After two days in the room obediently, the caution and defense in Xiaoyun's eyes finally diminished somewhat. After breakfast one morning, Ye Li casually asked: "I want to go out for a walk—can I" She had lain down for two days and felt stiff already. Xiaoyun hesitated briefly before agreeing, calling over two maids to help escort Ye Li around the garden.

Finally stepping outside after two days, she couldn’t help but deeply breathe in some fresh air; her previously somewhat depressed mood lifted considerably. Letting the two young maids support her through the little garden, Ye Li casually observed this courtyard. The yard wasn’t large; seeing new buds sprouting on tree branches visible from over the wall, Ye Li smiled faintly and said: "Help me sit in the garden for a while." Pointing at a stone table ahead, she asked if their young master was there—clearly instructed beforehand by Xiaoyun, the two maids obediently helped her to sit down but didn’t answer her question. Ignoring this, Ye Li leaned against the table and examined the flowers in the garden.

It was still early spring, with no blossoming flowers yet. Being colder than southern regions, many plants had just started budding. Curiously watching a small patch of yellowish flowers nearby, Ye Li bent down to pick one. A cool hand caught her wrist; she looked up at Xiaoyun who suddenly appeared before her, puzzled.

Xiaoyun smiled: "Miss, those little flowers may look beautiful, but they're poisonous. So it’s best not to touch them."

Ye Li frowned and looked at the flower buds: "I see only this one blooming in the entire garden. Though unremarkable, it looks rather delicate; I didn’t expect it could be toxic."

Xiaoyun proudly smiled: "Sometimes, the less noticeable flowers are more poisonous. Compared to those eye-catching ones that raise suspicion, these unassuming flowers are actually better treasures." Ye Li shook her head with a smile: "Poisonous plants aren't considered valuable…

What a treasure. If Miss Xiao Yun likes flowers, my family has several pots of top-grade orchids that are in bloom right now. I could give one to her as a gift.

A strange light flashed across Xiao Yun's eyes when she heard this. She smiled at Ye Li and said, "Miss Xiao Yun forgot about your noble status. You naturally wouldn't take interest in such trivial things. But the flowers and plants here are somewhat dangerous for you. If you like them, I'll have my servants replace them with something more suitable tomorrow."

Ye Li smiled as she shook her head. "That's unnecessary. Rare flowers and grasses each have their own unique beauty, as do common ones. Besides, I don't plan on staying here for long, so there is no need to bother yourself with the garden."

Xiao Yun laughed and said, "My lord ordered us to take good care of you. If you like something, just tell Xiao Yun, okay Otherwise, if my lord finds out that you're not comfortable in your stay here, I will be held accountable."

Ye Li turned her beautiful eyes towards Xiao Yun and smiled faintly. "Although I haven't met your master yet, I still want to thank him. Originally, my husband and I had planned on watching the peach blossoms this year. But now that I can’t go there...

Could you please ask someone to pick a few branches for me when they bloom" Xiao Yun was clearly not expecting Ye Li's request to be so simple. She smiled generously in response, "Of course, Miss. Xiao Yun guarantees it will be the earliest peach blossoms of this year that I'll bring back for you. Is there anything else that you need"

Seeing as Xiao Yun agreed with her request, Ye Li's smile seemed to become more sincere. She smiled and said, "If possible, could you also bring me some face powder I want the best scented jasmine ones from the capital."

"Jasmine" Xiao Yun was taken aback for a moment as Ye Li smiled apologetically. "This might be quite common, but I really like this scent. Please pardon my trouble."

Xiao Yun shook her head and replied, "No need to say that. If you want it, I’ll make sure to get it for you."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Then please do so then."

Afier seeing Xiao Yun off, Ye Li leaned against the stone table by the flower bed and took a deep breath of fresh air. She looked at the sparse flowers in the garden with a smiling gaze that became even more pleased.

In the study of Prince Ding’s residence

Mos Yao looked calmly at the documents spread out before him as he asked Feng Zhiyao standing nearby, "Has there been any news from the palace"

Feng Zhiyao said seriously, "Someone has already investigated the Palace of Yaohua. It was newly built during the previous emperor's reign and doesn't have any secret passages. However, the lotus pond in the Palace of Yaohua is not man-made and connects to the palace’s waterways. The bodyguards suspect that Princess Consort Wang might have been taken away through the waterway. Furthermore... it likely happened before the fire at Palace Yaohua."

Anything else

Feng Zhiyao continued, "The bodies of Lady Ye and Prince Liuyang are also missing. Although their faces were burned beyond recognition, the bodyguards who checked them secretly confirmed that it is not Lady Ye's body. As for Prince Liuyang... if Lady Ye was a decoy, then Prince Liuyang might still be alive."

Mos Yao sneered and said coldly, "Very well, two people have died in the palace, including Lady Ye and Prince Liuyang, and five are missing. But my bodyguards know nothing about it.

Feng Zhiyao sighed inwardly as he thought that ever since Princess Consort Wang went missing, the prince had become more terrifying than ever. Although his tone was calm and without any trace of anger, whoever heard him would feel a chill run down their spine. It was no wonder that everyone else hesitated to enter and push him towards death in the palace. How is everything going in the capital

Mos Jingqi had sent people secretly searching everywhere but still didn’t know Princess Consort Wang's whereabouts. Mos Jinglei hadn't done anything either; he returned home straight after leaving the imperial city that day, and these past few days have been like any other. The others haven't shown any signs of movement, and there hasn’t been anyone suspicious moving in or out of the capital recently. Ye Li seemed to vanish without a trace. Feng Zhiyao was also helpless; no one could imagine someone daring to burn down a palace building and abduct Princess Consort Wang. Things happened too suddenly for them to find any useful clues.

If Ye Yue hasn’t died, she must still be in the imperial city. I want to see her within three days. It might not be hard for an adult to hide inside the imperial city, but it wouldn't be easy for an infant who doesn’t know anything about it. Mos Yao said sternly.

Understood, Your Highness.

Feng Zhiyao replied respectfully as he hesitated and added: "There is one more thing… The bodyguards around Princess Consort Wang have also gone missing—Dark One to Dark Four."

Mos Yao was stunned. Missing

Feng Zhiyao nodded and said, “Two days ago after the disappearance of the princess consort, they went to the leader of the secret agents to receive their punishment as a result of her missing status; but today when we found out, they are all gone. The prince pondered for a moment before saying: Leave them alone.

Understood, Your Highness.

In a hidden courtyard outside the capital city

Ye Li was bored as she sat beside the flower bed staring at the newly planted peach tree. The two mute-looking maids who accompanied her stood by some distance away waiting for orders. Ye Li poked at one of the buds on the peach tree and pulled up a nearby weed to play with it. She had been here for five days, everything as Xiao Yun said was taken care of very well except that she had been drugged in each meal since coming here. However, the need to constantly drug her meals indicated that the effect did not last long. And Xiao Yun, who was an expert in medicine, seemed unaware that some people were incredibly resistant to drugs. Perhaps she knew this but didn't believe Ye Li would be one of them. Although Ye Li's body was no longer as it had been after specialized antitoxin training, since she knew from a young age that she would join the Prince’s mansion later in life, she had undergone some targeted training and conditioning.

Xiao Yun and her master apparently did not intend to harm her seriously so they used drugs that were not too harmful to her body. This limited their effectiveness but was still enough for ordinary people. Now, there would be at least half an hour between each time Xiao Yun drugged her during which she could move freely. But Ye Li didn't rush to escape yet; even though she only saw Xiao Yun and a few silent maids regularly, she sensed that several more people were watching her from the shadows. With her body still recovering from the drug's effects, it would be challenging for her to escape.

"Miss," said Xiao Yun who appeared in the garden and noticed Ye Li pulling out weeds. "I heard you didn't eat much today. Is there something wrong with your food"

Ye Li looked up at her, holding a weed she had just pulled and said, "This It would affect the peach tree’s growth if I don’t pull it out. Since I have nothing else to do...

Is there anything you need

Xiaoyun smiled nonchalantly and said, "Master isn’t in the residence right now. No matter how big my courage is, I wouldn’t dare to neglect Master’s guests擅自怠慢了公子的客人 should be ‘neglecting Master’s guests’ but it's written in a way that shows she wouldn’t do anything without explicit orders from her master. Therefore, if Miss wants to leave, you would still have to wait for Master to return."

Ye Li understood and said coolly, "I haven’t had much appetite these past few days. No need to bring me snacks點心 should be translated as ‘refreshments’ or ‘sweets’, but in this context, the translation 'snacks' is more colloquial and fits better with the tone of the story.曉雲姑娘自去忙吧 can be directly translated as "Xiaoyun, you may go back to work." but in English it sounds more natural to say "you are free to go about your duties."

Xiaoyun stared at Ye Li for a while, seemingly assessing the truthfulness of her words. She finally nodded and said, "If that’s the case, they will bring food if you’re hungry. When Master returns, I’ll inform him immediately to come see you." After bowing slightly, Xiaoyun turned around and left, making sure to close the door behind her. Ye Li couldn’t help but laugh out loud; she guessed Xiaoyun wouldn’t be able to hold back for much longer since it would only take two more days before all the precious wild grass in her courtyard was pulled up.

What’s so funny

Sitting against the chair, Ye Li gazed at the shadow behind the semi-transparent screen with a warm smile. "I just feel like smiling when I’m happy."

Happy Aren’t you worried at all Don’t you want to know why you’re here, and aren’t you afraid that I’ll kill you

Ye Li replied lazily, "If you wanted to kill me, you would have done it already instead of wasting our time. As for why I’m here… it seems quite impressive how you managed to bring me out from the palace without anyone noticing神不知鬼不覺的把我從皇宮裡帶出來 should be translated as 'without being noticed by anyone' or 'secretly,' but in this context, 'without anyone noticing' is more fitting.你毀容了？墨景黎。 can be directly translated as "Are you disfigured Prince Li," but to make it sound more natural and to maintain the tone of the story, a better translation would be "Have you disfigured yourself"

The man behind the screen seemed taken aback for a moment. The room was silent for quite some time before bursting into unrestrained laughter. He sat up straight and laughed loudly, “Ye Li, it seems I’ve always underestimated you.” The tall and imposing figure that walked out from behind the screen had a handsome face that still appeared cold even when he smiled. Who else could this be but Prince Li

Ye Li sat up straight and coolly looked at Mo Jingli. "Most people in the capital city have always underestimated you, Your Highness."

Ming Jingli sneered and said, “You don’t seem surprised. It looks like you’re not among those most people.” Ye Li frowned helplessly at him and said, “Obviously I’m one of them; otherwise, I wouldn’t have provoked your highness to begin with. Perhaps it’s because of this that my current situation has come about.” Mo Jingli snorted and leaned down to look directly into her eyes. "Do you regret anything I’ve told you before, there won’t be any good outcome if you oppose me. Mo Xiuyao can’t save you."

Did Your Highness give me a choice Ye Li raised an eyebrow. In your heart, breaking the engagement and ruining my reputation is just what’s expected, while I finding a better place for myself is hitting back at your face黎王殿下…你以為你是誰？ can be directly translated as "Your Highness Prince Li, who do you think you are" but to maintain the tone of the story, it would sound more natural if translated as "Prince Li, may I ask who exactly do you think you are"

Humph! Mo Jingli swept his sleeve and stepped back. He stared at Ye Li with a fierce and domineering gaze. “You’re always very good at making me angry!”

Ye Li sighed and raised her soft hand. "Your Highness, after all this mystery-acting, you should finally tell me why you brought me here."

When did you figure out who I am Mo Jingli asked instead of answering.

Ye Li smiled. “Well… there aren’t many people in the capital city who have grudges against me, and even fewer would dare to kidnap someone from within the palace京城裡跟我有仇的人不多，跟我有仇還有膽子在皇宮裡綁人的就更少了 should be translated as "There are not many people in the capital who bear a grudge against me, and even fewer would have the audacity to abduct someone inside the imperial palace," but to maintain the tone of the story, it sounds better if translated as "there aren’t many people in the capital city who have grudges against me, and even fewer would dare to kidnap someone from within the palace."願意冒這個險去做還能做成的，我思來想去似乎就隻有王爺一人。 should be translated as "those willing to risk it and manage to succeed are none other than Your Highness."而我為自己找一個更好的歸屬就是打了王爺的臉麼？黎王殿下…你以為你是誰？ can be directly translated as "and me finding a better place for myself is hitting back at your face, Prince Li Prince Li, may I ask who exactly do you think you are" but to maintain the tone of the story, it would sound more natural if translated as "and me looking out for my own interests must have offended you, didn’t it, Prince Li Prince Li, may I ask what gives you the right to speak to me this way"

Ming Jingli seemed in a rather good mood. He raised his eyebrows and said, “Yes, Emperor Brother has lost everything this time. Do you think I don’t know that Mo Xiuyao wants to pit me against my brother so he can benefit from it I’ll make him be the first one to move. The disappearance of the King Consort in the palace; do you think he can sit still anymore”

Are you very pleased with yourself

Am I not allowed to feel pleased Mo Jingli sneered and smiled at Ye Li, “Does Mo Xiuyao really believe that I’ll be a fool like the one he played around when we were kids for the rest of my life Even if he knows it wasn’t his brother, what can he do about it He has to find fault with me for both King’s dignity and reputation黎王的名聲和麪子 should be translated as "the reputation and face of the Li King," but in this context, "King's fame and honor" sounds more natural.他定王的名聲和麪子他也得替本王找皇兄的麻煩。 can be directly translated as "he has to find fault with my brother for the sake of his own title’s dignity and reputation," but it sounds better if translated as "even the Li King would have to look for something wrong with me because of the reputation and face of both kings."黎王殿下…你以為你是誰？ can be directly translated as "Prince Li, who do you think you are" but to maintain the tone of the story, it would sound more natural if translated as "Prince Li, may I ask who exactly do you think you are"

Do you think he suspects me already

I don’t think Mo Xiuyao has given him any such opportunity. Ye Li thought silently.

You seem uninterested in how I plan to deal with you Mo Jingli looked at her skeptically and frowned. Ye Li raised her eyes to look at him and said, "Using me as leverage against Mo Xiuyao I don’t think… I’m that important." Mo Jingli sized her up while nodding. “Honestly speaking, I also doubt your worth in Mo Xiuyao’s heart. Therefore, for the time being, I won’t make a deal with Mo Xiuyao using you. Furthermore, I suddenly thought of an even more interesting plan.

Let me hear it then. Ye Li looked at him with mild interest.

Ye Li, don't you think this is a good idea Mo Jingli looked at Ye Li with more amusement in his eyes, as if he was looking at a little kitten trapped in a cage. To be honest, the monarch feels somewhat regretful for giving you to Mo Xiurao, but it's all your fault. If you hadn't pretended to be mediocre and tricked me, how could I have abandoned you to marry Ye Ying, that clueless fool Isn't this perfect now Everything is still the same as before; you will always belong to me. While muttering to himself, Mo Jingli's body slowly moved closer to Ye Li, making his large figure seem even more imposing against her weak and feeble appearance.

My Lord, I don't advise you to do this. Ye Li said softly with a clear and pleasant voice. Mo Jingli chuckled quietly: I don’t need your advice; all I want is for you to obediently listen to me. Although you have always made me unhappy in the past, I am generous enough not to blame you. Ye Li smiled coldly, raising her hand slowly towards Mo Jingli's shoulder and curved her lips into a faint smile, her breath sweet as orchid scent: Is that so Then… can I assume that my lord wouldn’t be angry with me for this

The cool fingertips landed on Mo Jingli’s neck, making it look like Ye Li was sitting in the chair and reaching out to embrace his neck. But this scene of tenderness and intimacy suddenly made people feel a hint of killing intent. Mo Jingli felt extremely clearly that there was something sharp dangerously pressing against his throat; with just a slight force, it could break through. Ye Li smiled: I advise My Lord to refrain from making any rash movements. I had spent quite some time pulling herbs in the garden earlier. If you happen to get cut on your esteemed neck by mistake, would Xiao Yun be able to provide an antidote for you

Ye Li!

Mos Jingli growled silently through gritted teeth.

Ye Li raised her eyebrow and waved the hand that was free. Her nails were well-cared for, long and hard with a faint touch of red from henna, but there was an ominous blue color at the edges. Ye Li, even if you hurt me, you won’t escape. Mo Jingli suppressed his anger, saying calmly.

Ye Li sighed helplessly: It's as if hurting you would make My Lord release me.

Ye Li, let go of this lord now and I won't blame you! Mo Jingli warned sternly.

The finger pressing against his neck pressed down slightly, successfully silencing him. Ye Li frowned: Your Highness, I really dislike your arrogance. I hope this is the last time we deal with each other like this.

Never!

Mos Jingli sneered coldly.

You're being silly. Anyone else might gamble on who can act faster, but I don’t think you would because… You never want to die; you still wish to live and achieve your grand ambitions, right Ye Li smiled.

Mos Jingli drew a deep breath and suppressed his anger: What do you want

I just want to go. Ye Li smiled gently with her hand snapping in the air—dark one, dark two, dark three, dark four.

Subordinates pay respects to Lady Consort.

The door was pushed open and a figure quickly flashed in before closing it again. Another figure silently landed from the roof, circling around behind Mo Jingli on either side. Dark one, dark three, we pay respects to Lady Consort.

Ye Li nodded approvingly: Where are the other two

Dark three replied: Ah two and ah four are outside.

When did you find me Ye Li asked.

Yesterday afternoon.

Dark one cleared his throat, asking: Lady Consort… shouldn’t we first release Prince Li

Dark three looked up at the roof where he hadn't seen any intimate contact between the consort and the prince. Ye Li raised her eyebrow, Your Highness

Mos Jingli snorted coldly: Let go.

Ye Li released him without much concern; two swords pointed behind Mo Jingli, and if he wasn't crazy, he would know what to choose. As soon as Ye Li's fingers left his neck, Mo Jingli immediately got up and stepped back facing dark one and dark three: How did you get in

We walked in.

Dark three answered straightly. Mos Jingli narrowed his eyes and started reassessing the capabilities of these two shadow guards. He knew that Dingguo's shadow guards were indeed very capable, but he had set up many layers of defense in this courtyard; how did four people manage to enter silently

Lady Consort, now... dark one glanced at his unreliable brother and stepped forward.

Ye Li stood up and stretched: Tell dark two and dark four to leave. By the way, could your highness accompany us for a while

Xiaoyun's medicine doesn't work on you Mos Jingli stared at her; Ye Li shook her head: It did work, but it has worn off now.

She didn’t tell him that she had also prepared an antidote from the herbs she pulled out in the garden. Although not fully matched to the symptoms, such as a softening muscle potion wouldn't be too different either.

The moment just before...

Ye Li smiled gently and looked at Mos Jingli with satisfaction: If you had made any rash movements back then, I would have taken off your hands. As for this... don’t worry; there is no poison on my hand. Do you think I wouldn’t be worried about accidentally cutting myself

Mos Jingli was silent for a long time before finally gritting his teeth: This lord concedes!

Actually, Your Highness doesn't need to be so concerned with winning or losing; in any case, I haven’t won either. Now, Your Highness pleaseangrily at Ye Li who smiled kindly at him and said, "This is Third Boss’ gratitude for inviting me to die with you."The sick scholar knew he was in the wrong and gave a snort without saying anything f...