115 Farewell

In the martial arts arena of Prince Dingguo's Palace, Yelu Ye stared intently at the woman in white opposite him with a frown. Neither of them took the initiative to attack. Looking at the calm and sharp woman in front of him, Yelu Ye remained calm on the surface but was secretly shocked in his heart. Now he may understand why Princess Lingyun, who was an outstanding archer last year, was defeated by the Princess of Dingguo who was not even proficient in holding a bow. When masters fight, it is not only physical strength, speed, moves and internal strength that are tested, but more importantly, the determination to win and the momentum to overwhelm the opponent. Yelu Ye didn't know how good the martial arts of the woman opposite him was, but he only relied on her calm demeanor and the momentum flowing in her calm eyes like a sharp blade. The state of mind of Prince Dingguo's Palace is already enough to rank among the top masters.

The atmosphere in the martial arts arena gradually became solemn. Yelu Ye frowned and pulled out a soft sword from his waist and said, "Princess, please!"

Ye Li stood with her hands behind her back and said calmly, "Prince, please go first."

Yeluye couldn't help but smile bitterly in his heart. It seemed that the Princess Dingguo was determined to let him make the first move. Before, she said that she wanted to compete with Ye Li. In fact, she just wanted to talk to her, except that she wanted to come in and take a look. But now it has become real and she can't even compete. Reluctantly shrugging, Yeluye smiled and said, "In this case, I won't be polite." The soft sword in his hand shook and drew a sword flower in the air. Yeluye started to stab Yeli with a very ordinary starting move. Yeli frowned slightly, quickly turned sideways, and a cold light flashed from her sleeve. The dagger that could cut iron like mud stabbed straight into Yeluye's heart. After just a few moves, Yeluye finally put away the relaxed look in his eyes. He finally understood why Ye Li dared to let him go so generously. It was not because of her self-righteous arrogance and ignorance, but because she really had the strength to match her opponent. After a few moves, Yelu Ye had already found that if he insisted on using such a mediocre swordsmanship, it would be impossible to defeat the seemingly petite and weak woman in white in front of him. Ye Li's moves were sharp and agile, and each move was full of murderous intent. Completely different from the moves of ordinary women who always had a bit of softness, she didn't care whether the moves were good-looking or not, the only thing she cared about was whether the moves were useful. The initial elimination of the enemies made Yelu Ye feel a little restrained.

Knowing Ye Li's strength, Yeluye no longer wanted to give in, and he shook the soft sword in his hand and his moves became more powerful. The people of Beirong were brave by nature, and were not originally suitable for learning a feminine weapon like a soft sword, but Yeluye learned the swordsmanship very well. However, from the fight between him and Mu Yang that night, Ye Li also saw that Yeluye was not just a feminine one, but also had great skills in the hard and masculine style. He could be said to be a rare martial arts master who combined hardness and softness.

In the martial arts arena, the two men were fighting hard. Outside the martial arts arena, Chief Steward Mo was watching the two men fighting intently, his deep old eyes were filled with both worry and relief. The current Dingguo Palace seemed to be prosperous, but in fact, it was fraught with danger, which required a decisive and wise princess. Now it seemed that the princess was not only wise and resolute, but also had first-class martial arts skills, which made Chief Steward Mo very happy and grateful in his heart that it was the blessing of the ancestors of the Dingguo Palace.

In the blink of an eye, the battle was over a hundred moves. Yeluye couldn't help but sigh inwardly as he looked at the woman opposite him, whose expression was calm and whose breath was not even a bit disturbed. It seemed that the woman in front of him would always surprise him again and again. He originally thought that although Ye Li's moves were powerful, she was still a woman after all, and her physical strength was destined to be inferior to that of men. Moreover, Yeluye also saw from the beginning that Ye Li's internal strength was not that deep. As long as time dragged on, no matter how exquisite her moves were, it would be useless. But he didn't expect that after such a long time, she didn't even look tired, as if she could continue to fight endlessly. Yeluye's eyes dimmed, and the long sword in his hand quickly drew a long rainbow, and the whole person retreated backwards. Ye Li's eyes flashed, and she stood still without chasing after him. Seeing her stop, Yelu Ye secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He could neither hurt nor kill anyone. If they continued to fight like this, he would be the one who would lose or win.

"I didn't expect that Princess Ding is so physically strong. I admire her." Putting the software back to his waist, Yelu Ye laughed out loud.

Ye Li frowned and said, "Since Prince feels that's enough, please go to the front hall for tea. We can discuss business later."

Yelu Ye nodded indifferently, and then Chief Steward Mo, who was standing aside, came forward and invited Yelu Ye to the front hall.

Ye Li went back to her room and changed her clothes. Naturally, she had another verbal battle with Yelu Ye. This prince of Beirong did not match the image of Beirong people in the minds of the people of Dachu at all. Instead, he looked more like a person from Dachu and Xiling. Cunning, sharp, and unyielding when it came to interests. The two of them discussed the list of names that Ye Li had prepared in advance for a long time, and finally decided on Princess Ronghua, Liu Yu, the niece of Concubine Liu of the Liu family, and Princess Qingyi, the youngest granddaughter of Mo Jingqi's only uncle, Old Prince Jia. However, Princess Qingyi was the only granddaughter of Old Prince Jia who was still alive, and she was only thirteen this year. The reason why she was added was just to make the list look better, because the royal family of Da Chu has always had more men than women, and there are no princesses or princesses who can be shown off. But this is probably the case, whether it is for the sake of the old prince's face or because Princess Qingyi is too young and not in good health. The final candidate will probably still have to be chosen between Princess Ronghua and the daughter of the Liu family.

Of course, Yeluye would have to see the last three people in person before he could decide. Ye Li didn't care about this. It was already good enough that she could persuade Yeluye to select only three people to see. If Yeluye had seen all the daughters in the selection, the rich and powerful families in the capital would have no way to live. I guess once the Beirong wedding procession leaves, there will be many more happy events in the capital.

After seeing Yeluye off, Ye Li hadn't had time to get up and go back to her room when someone came to report that Miss Yao Ji wanted to see her. With Yao Ji's status, it was impossible for her to be invited into the mansion first like Yeluye and wait to report to the prince and princess. She could only wait at the side door outside the mansion to see the princess or not. Ye Li was stunned when she heard this. She had been so busy these two days that she had forgotten about Yao Ji. She frowned and said, "Please let her in."

After a while, Yao Ji followed the maid who led the way in. Unlike her usual coquettish attire, this time Yao Ji was only wearing a usual autumn-scented dress, which made her look less gorgeous and more delicate, like an ordinary good-family girl.

"I've met the princess." Yao Ji bowed slightly.

Ye Li waved her hands and said, "No thanks, but if you have anything to say, please sit down and talk."

Yao Ji looked up at her, thanked her in a low voice, and said, "I really didn't expect that you would still be willing to see me, Princess." Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "If you were really sure that I would not see you, why would you come?" Although they didn't get to know each other much, Ye Li could see that Yao Ji was an extremely proud woman, and would definitely not come to ask for trouble. Yao Ji was startled, smiled bitterly and nodded, saying, "Princess, that's right." Ye Li looked at her thin and pale face, hesitated for a moment, and then asked, "Are you okay?" Yao Ji smiled faintly and said, "Is there anything else? I came here today with such audacity because I really want to ask Princess for help with something."

Ye Li nodded and said, "Tell me, if I can help, I will definitely do it."

Yao Ji said, "I plan to close Qingchengfang, but... it's okay for me alone, but there are still many girls in Qingchengfang... they are all miserable people. If I don't take care of them, the good ones may go to other brothels, and some of them don't know where they will end up. It's originally me who is sorry for them... so I want to ask the princess, is Dingwang Mansion willing to buy Qingchengfang? Yao Ji is willing to sell it at half price as long as you can take care of the old people in Qingchengfang a little bit." Ye Li frowned slightly and said, "Qingchengfang is known as the number one brothel in the capital. As long as you want to sell it, there will be many people scrambling to buy it. Why do you..."

Yao Ji smiled bitterly, looking at Ye Li and said, "How could I not know what kind of people are capable of doing brothel business in the capital? Who knows how badly Qingchengfang will be ruined if it falls into the hands of those people. In addition... I hope that the news of Qingchengfang's change of owner can be spread at least half a year later."

Ye Li frowned, and immediately understood Yao Ji's intention, "What... are your plans?"

Yao Ji lowered her head and unconsciously stroked her still flat belly. She smiled and said, "Let's go to the south. The climate in the south is much more comfortable than the capital, isn't it? I have saved a lot of money over the years, so it's no problem for me to live a life of luxury."

Ye Li frowned slightly. She was not asking about money. Even a dancer as skilled as Yao Ji would not have to worry about money. But not to mention that the south was not stable at the moment, Yao Ji's body was not suitable for traveling thousands of miles to the south of the Yangtze River. Rubbing her brows, Ye Li changed the subject and asked, "Feng San has returned to Beijing. You haven't seen him yet, have you?" Yao Ji smiled and said, "He came to see me yesterday morning, but he was also very busy. So...Princess, you don't need to tell him about these messy things of mine." Ye Li said, "I thought you had a good relationship with Feng San."

Yao Ji smiled and said, "Mr. Feng San is my friend, the only...real friend. Princess, you don't have to test me. Mr. Feng San doesn't have that kind of intention towards me. Of course, I really treat him as a friend. We are just...sympathetic to each other."

Ye Li said sorry softly. She knew that Feng Zhiyao had someone in his heart, but she had never heard Feng San or anyone else mention this person. Maybe Mo Xiuyao knew, but this was Feng San's private matter after all. Mo Xiuyao would not take the initiative to tell her and she would not ask. Yao Ji shook her head and smiled generously: "I know that the princess cares about me, but there is really no need to tell Feng San about this. Although Master Feng San seems to be nonchalant about everything, he is the most jealous and vengeful. He was going to find Master Mu, but I told him that we had already made it clear, so the marriage between the Marquis of Muyang Mansion and the Sun family has nothing to do with me."

"You want to keep the child?" Ye Li frowned. Yao Ji had said so much, if she still didn't understand what she meant, then her life these years would have been wasted. It wasn't that she was cruel, but in this era, not to mention Yao Ji's identity, it was not easy for an ordinary woman to have a child out of wedlock, and it would be even worse for the child in the future.

Yao Ji looked at her, a hint of gentleness crossed her beautiful face, and nodded, "Yes, this is my child. Princess, don't worry, since I have already said that I will break off all ties with Mu Yang, I will definitely not use this child as an excuse to get entangled with him in the future. After leaving the capital this time... I don't plan to come back. I will find a place where no one knows me and live in anonymity for the rest of my life."

Ye Li shook her head and said, "That's not what I meant. It's just that have you considered what to do after the child is born? What about your future life? Even if you raise the child alone, you will have enough money to spend. But after the child grows up, the daughter will get married, and the son's future, which one does not require a clean family background? Yao Ji, this world is not tolerant of women." In fact, what she said was still far-reaching. To be more specific, with Yao Ji's appearance and talent, it would be impossible to hide it in a remote place. If she were a beautiful woman alone in a prosperous city, she would not be able to survive.

Yao Ji looked gloomy, her eyes filled with sadness and helplessness. Her jade-like hands gently stroked her abdomen and she gritted her teeth and said, "I know all this, but... but this is my child..."

Ye Li was speechless. Women in this era were not like those women in the past who took abortion as easy as eating. Even though Yao Ji was in the dust, she would still be soft-hearted towards her own child, not to mention that this was the child of her and her beloved. With Yao Ji's personality, she must have loved Mu Yang very much if she was willing to devote herself to him. Unfortunately, even such a woman could still be irrational at times.

After a moment of silence, Yao Ji raised her head and said to Ye Li: "I understand what the princess said. Thank you for your concern, but... I have already decided on the child. I don't know if Qingchengfang..."

Ye Li sighed slightly and nodded, "I've bought Qingchengfang. Since you've made up your mind, I won't say much. Take care of yourself. I'll have someone send the banknote to you later."

Yao Ji said gratefully: "Thank you, Princess."

Ye Li shook her head gently, "Take care."

"Goodbye."

After seeing Yao Ji off, Ye Li was still sitting in the flower hall in a daze, not even noticing Mo Xiu Yao walking in.

"Ali, what are you thinking about so absent-mindedly?" Mo Xiuyao asked with a smile.

Ye Li shook her head and told him about the purchase of Qingchengfang, but she concealed the fact that Yao Ji was pregnant. Mo Xiuyao naturally didn't care about a brothel girl, he nodded and smiled: "Qingchengfang is a good place. Although Feng San often used Qingchengfang to collect information in the past, it was someone else's and he had to consider his relationship with Yao Ji. We can buy it, but... it can't be registered under the name of Ding Wangfu." Ye Li nodded. She didn't plan to buy it from Ding Wangfu. "I'll let Mingxi do it later." Registering it under Chu Junwei's name will not attract too much attention and will not arouse suspicion. If someone were to investigate, they would naturally find out that Chu Junwei had several shops of varying sizes in various places, and the most profitable of them was in Guangling City.

Mo Xiuyao naturally didn't care about such a small matter. He sat next to Ye Li and asked, "Did Yeluye fight with you today?"

Ye Li smiled and said, "It's just a casual remark. But this Yelu prince really doesn't look like a Northern Rong person."

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and said, "Being in the royal family, whether it is Beirong or Da Chu, intrigue is inevitable. He can stand out among the many sons of the King of Beirong, so his scheming and tactics are naturally not comparable to Xian. However... he dared to be presumptuous in Prince Ding's mansion. I underestimated him. I just don't know if he is ready to offend me?"

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiuyao in surprise, then immediately understood his thoughts. She just smiled faintly and didn't persuade him, "The candidate for the marriage has probably been decided. It's either Princess Ronghua or Miss Liu, but I think Princess Ronghua is more likely. There will be a lot of trouble then." Princess Ronghua is higher in status than Miss Liu, and in terms of appearance, Princess Ronghua is also one of the most beautiful women in the capital. Moreover, with the Liu family now in its heyday, I'm afraid they won't want to marry off a legitimate daughter. After all, even if she becomes the Crown Princess, the emperor is far away and won't be able to provide much substantial help to the Liu family. What the Liu family needs now is probably to marry into various powerful families. Princess Ronghua is the beloved daughter of Princess Zhaoren, but so what? Princess Zhaoren can't decide her own marriage, let alone a daughter.

Mo Xiuyao said calmly: "They can make as much noise as they like, you don't have to pay attention to them. If it really doesn't work, just pass it on to the one in the palace. If you are annoyed, you can go see the imperial aunt, or we can stay out of the capital for a few days."

Ye Li thought of the elites she had left behind in the Black Wind Valley, and couldn't help but smile and said, "Alright, I'm going to go out and do something in a few days."