The First Jasmine - Chapter 47

Chapter 47: The Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and the Noble Consort

Mo Xiuyao’s prediction proved entirely correct. Less than two days after the betrothal gifts were delivered, an emissary from the palace arrived with a decree from Lady Zhaoyi, claiming she dearly missed her third sister and requesting her presence in the palace for a visit. Ye Li knew perfectly well who actually wanted to see her. When Ye Yue was still at home, her relationship with Ye Li might not have been so bad that everyone knew about it, but it was certainly no better than her relationship with Ye Ying. Unfortunately, although Ye Yue was still only a Zhaoyi, Ye Li had not yet officially become the Princess Consort of Prince Ding and thus had no right to refuse her. She had no choice but to accept the decree, return to her courtyard to change into proper attire, and enter the palace accompanied by Qingluan and Qingyu, following the lead eunuch.

Chu Capital was located in the north of Great Chu, and its palaces were overwhelmingly grand, majestic, and extraordinary. The moment Ye Li stepped off the carriage, the magnificent aura of the imperial family hit her directly. Unlike the delicate, meticulously crafted estates of standard nobles, the imperial city placed its emphasis heavily on sheer scale and vastness. The five-clawed golden dragons coiled around massive stone pillars seemed to warn the world of the absolute invulnerability of imperial power. A first-time visitor would bound to be intimidated by its grand splendor. However, having long been accustomed to hundred-story skyscrapers and famous historical ruins both at home and abroad, Ye Li could only offer it a trace of shallow admiration. Dismounting from the carriage at the palace gates, she followed the guiding eunuch into the inner palace, memorizing her route and surreptitiously observing the environment as they walked.

After traversing one heavy palace gate after another, they finally stopped before a magnificent residence. Ye Li raised her head to look at the sign: Yaohua Palace. She recalled that Ye Yue had indeed been granted residence here.

"Third Miss Ye, please wait a moment. This old servant shall step inside to report your arrival," the guiding eunuch announced in a high-pitched voice.

Ye Li nodded. "Please do as you must, Eunuch."

Yet, after the eunuch went inside to report, he did not emerge quickly. Ye Li stood outside for nearly fifteen minutes without a single soul coming out. Qingyu whispered under her breath, "Miss, what exactly does Lady Zhaoyi mean by this?!" Qingluan sharply rebuked her in a low tone, "Cease your mindless chatter! If the Miss hasn't spoken, why are you wagging your tongue?" Qingyu also understood that the imperial palace was not like their own household where one could speak freely. Blinking with a touch of shame, she closed her mouth. Ye Li offered a shallow smile. "Do not be anxious." Qingluan hesitated for a brief moment, scanning their surroundings before whispering, "Miss, is it possible that Lady Zhaoyi is deliberately..." Ye Li shook her head, laughing softly. "Lady Zhaoyi would not employ such a low-class tactic." Both Qingyu and Qingluan were exceptionally intelligent; hearing Ye Li’s words, they understood immediately. They closed their mouths and refrained from speaking further. If it was a matter of standing and waiting, so be it. One was a martial artist and the other had studied medicine since childhood; neither was a fragile, delicate maiden.

Another seven or eight minutes passed, yet no one emerged from Yaohua Palace. Instead, a procession of people approached from a short distance away, swaying elegantly as they walked. Judging by the sheer size of the entourage, it was evident that a person of high nobility was traveling. Ye Li and her maids stepped aside to avoid causing a collision. A crowd of palace maids and eunuchs crowded around two women in splendid imperial attire, stopping a short distance from Ye Li. One of the women, dressed in a blue gown, evaluated Ye Li with a face full of curiosity. "Oh? This young lady looks quite unfamiliar. Why are you standing out here?" Ye Li could only step forward, offering a graceful curtsy. "Ye Li, third daughter of the Minister of Revenue, pays respects to the two noble ladies."

"So you are the future Princess Consort of Prince Ding. We certainly dare not accept your respects," the woman in the pink imperial gown hastily stepped aside, concealing a smile with her sleeve. "Why is Third Miss Ye standing out here? Have you come to visit Lady Zhaoyi?"

Ye Li nodded, smiling. "Precisely. I am here to seek an audience upon Lady Zhaoyi’s command."

"Since that is the case, let us simply head inside together," the blue-clothed woman reached out to pull Ye Li. Ye Li replied with an amiable smile, "Ye Li has entered the palace for the first time and does not understand the regulations. Without Lady Zhaoyi’s summons, I dare not enter. I shall not delay the time of the two noble ladies, and offer my thanks once more." The two women exchanged a glance. The pink-clad woman laughed, "In that case, we shall head inside first. Sister Zhaoyi currently carries a pregnancy and tires easily; she has likely fallen asleep, and the servants below dare not disturb her. Third Miss Ye, please wait a moment."

"Many thanks."

"Miss, why did we not follow them inside?" Qingyu inquired softly. Whether it was her imagination or not, the number of people passing through this pathway seemed to have increased compared to when they first arrived.

Ye Li turned her head to look at her, asking with a gentle laugh, "Guess whether we would have been thrown out if we followed them inside?"

"Surely... they wouldn't?" Qingyu spoke with a trace of uncertainty. "If a daughter of the Ye family were thrown out, it would certainly be humiliating for you, Miss, but things wouldn't look any better for Lady Zhaoyi either."

"Psst... Over here, over here..."

Ye Li turned her head. Beneath a flowering tree at the corner of the courtyard not far away, a tiny head peeked out, smiling brightly as it waved at her. Ye Li looked around before pointing a finger at herself. The child, whose body was mostly hidden within the bushes, nodded at her. "Come over here!"

"Miss?"

Ye Li waved her hand dismissively and walked over with measured steps. "Are you the future Princess Consort of Imperial Uncle Ding?" Squatting within the bushes was a meticulously beautiful and adorable little girl, roughly seven or eight years of age, her hair styled into cute double buns. Two strands of crystal-clear pearls were wound into her hair, and her finely crafted clothing was embroidered with golden phoenix patterns—instantly revealing her extraordinary identity.

"I am. And who are you?"

"I'm not telling you," the little girl blinked her bright, large eyes, looking at her with a beaming smile.

Ye Li did not mind, laughing, "Then do you know Prince Ding? Have you seen him? Lying makes one a bad child. Everyone knows Prince Ding hasn't stepped out of his manor for many years—roughly about as many years as your current age."

The little girl gave her a look of utter disdain. "Just because I haven't seen him doesn't mean I haven't heard others speak of him! Cousin Xiangxiang told me that Imperial Uncle Ding has the best martial arts in the world, and is the smartest, most beautiful, and most powerful person. When I grow up, I am going to marry him!"

"Cousin Xiangxiang?"

Looking at the incredibly serious little girl, Ye Li could not resist wanting to laugh. However, she had no desire to crush the little girl’s fragile heart. "Do you know how old Prince Ding is? By the time you grow up, he will already be old. At that time, there will be people with higher martial arts, people who are smarter, and people who are more beautiful than him. He won't be the most powerful person anymore. What will you do then?"

"Huh?" The little girl fell into a daze. "Then... then what should I do? No, you're lying to me. You want to marry Imperial Uncle Ding yourself, which is why you're tricking me!"

"I am not lying to you. Look at me, I am much older than you right now, correct? You have to grow to my age before you can marry. By that time, I will already be old. Prince Ding is older than both of us combined; think about how things will look then..."

The little girl let out a deeply melancholic sigh. "By then, Imperial Uncle Ding will definitely be even older than Maternal Grandfather. If I marry him, I will definitely be ridiculed by Eldest Imperial Sister. Fine, I shall yield Imperial Uncle Ding to you."

Suppressing her laughter, Ye Li nodded with utmost sincerity. "Very well. Thank you, Princess Changle."

"How did you know I am a princess?"

Ye Li blinked. "Not only do I know you are a princess, I even know which princess you are."

"I don't believe it. You've never met this Princess before."

Ye Li smiled gently. "I guess that you are Her Majesty the Empress's daughter, Princess Changle. Am I correct?"

The little princess tilted her small head, evaluating Ye Li for a long duration before nodding. "Fine, I agree with Cousin Xiangxiang's words—you are indeed very smart. This Princess shall reluctantly accept you as a friend."

Watching the tiny girl exert her absolute best effort to mimic the demeanor of an adult and the grandeur of a princess, Ye Li bloomed into a radiant smile. "Very well. Many thanks for Princess Changle’s appreciation. Why has the Princess come here, and... why are you hiding?" She pointed toward the bushes. Princess Changle squirmed her body without a shred of concern, continuing to conceal herself within the greenery. "This Princess heard that the Ye family breeds beauties. Lady Zhaoyi and that Ye Ying—who looks like she could be blown away by a single gust of wind—are famous big beauties. So, this Princess came to see if the Ye family truly consists entirely of beauties. Now, this Princess admits that you look far more pleasing to the eye than Lady Zhaoyi and Ye Ying. You can reluctantly count as a beauty. I guess you still have a very long wait ahead of you. How about it? Come and play with this Princess!"

"How do you know I still have a long wait?"

Princess Changle curled her small lips. "My Imperial Mother said that the women in the palace are all so idle they have nothing to do, so they exert all their efforts to find trouble for others. Whenever they find someone unpleasing to the eye during morning greetings, making them wait a bit longer or kneel a bit longer is their absolute favorite thing to do. But do not worry, my Imperial Mother would never do such a thing."

Ye Li maintained a gentle smile without speaking. Princess Changle glared at her with dissatisfaction. "Are you coming out to play with me or not?"

Ye Li shook her head helplessly. "I still have to wait for Lady Zhaoyi’s summons. You know that if she wishes to see me and I cannot be found, it will cause immense trouble. Furthermore... someone is coming."

Princess Changle peeked outside and immediately retracted her small head. "Noble Consort Liu is here. Do not say you've seen me! She is the most annoying." Ye Li nodded, shifting the branches back into place to conceal her. "Understood. Hurry back, and do not cause Her Majesty the Empress to worry." Once the bushes were restored, Ye Li stood up and walked back to where Qingluan and Qingyu were standing, waiting for an entourage far grander than the previous one to approach.

A faint floral fragrance could be smelled from a distance. The woman approaching amidst a dense crowd of palace maids and eunuchs wore a goose-yellow imperial gown embroidered with hibiscus and phoenix patterns. Her slender figure was enveloped within the perfectly tailored gown, revealing elegant curves. Her skin was as flawless as a painting, her cherry lips lightly tinted, carrying seven parts coquettish charm and three parts icy aloofness. Among the many beautiful women Ye Li had encountered recently—Qin Zheng possessed the quiet elegance of an orchid, Hua Tianxiang held the majesty of a peony, and Princess Xixia carried the absolute brilliance of a peach blossom—this Noble Consort Liu resembled a pear blossom: a pure white allure that appeared fragile, yet carried a sliver of unapproachable frost.

"Are you Ye Li?" Noble Consort Liu stopped directly in front of her, inquiring flatly.

"This minister's daughter is indeed she. Pays respects to Noble Consort Liu." Ye Li bent her knees slightly in a curtsy.

Noble Consort Liu’s exquisite, willow-leaf brows arched slightly. "You ought to have never entered the palace before. How did you know who this palace is?"

Ye Li replied with a shallow smile, "A few years ago when His Majesty offered sacrifices to Heaven, this minister's daughter had the good fortune to glimpse Your Ladyship's beautiful countenance, so I still remember."

Noble Consort Liu froze slightly, letting out a soft sigh of lament. "That... must have been an affair from five or six years ago? To think you could remember despite your young age back then."

"Your Ladyship is peerlessly brilliant; naturally, you leave an unforgettable impression on people," Ye Li smiled.

"You are indeed far more likable than that second sister of yours. Why are you standing out here? Come inside together with this palace. Lady Zhaoyi has likely fallen asleep, to actually leave the future Princess Consort of Prince Ding unattended at the palace gates," Noble Consort Liu stated flatly, her tone carrying an air that brooked no refusal. Ye Li paused for a fraction of a second before offering a small curtsy. "In that case, I must ask Your Ladyship to lead the way."

Inside the palace, when Ye Yue beheld Ye Li entering alongside Noble Consort Liu, she could not avoid freezing in astonishment. Noble Consort Liu looked at her flatly. "This elder sister saw Third Miss Ye waiting outside the gates, so I invited her to come inside together. Younger sister won't blame this elder sister for being meddlesome, correct?" Though she spoke these words, her expression held not a single trace of fear regarding any blame. Ye Yue’s lips twitched as she forced a smile. "Noble Consort Sister must be joking. It is all to blame on this younger sister’s complete lack of energy over these past days, causing me to constantly forget things. If Sister hadn't brought Third Sister inside, wouldn't Third Sister have suffered grievances for a long duration? It is all because of you useless servants—why did you fail to remind this palace?!" Her charming phoenix eyes swept across the hall of palace maids and eunuchs, immediately filling the chamber with frantic cries for mercy.

Noble Consort Liu knit her brows with slight impatience. "Enough, younger sister. Since it was forgotten, it is forgotten; what utility is there in tormenting the people below? Surely Third Miss Ye won't blame you either, correct?"

Ye Li could only follow her lead, stating, "Noble Consort Liu jokes. This minister's daughter merely waited for a brief moment; how could there possibly be any blame?"

Only then did Ye Yue bloom into a smile, pulling Ye Li to sit beside her. "Third Sister does not fond of leaving the manor; ever since I entered the palace, I haven't seen you. Now I can finally layout my eyes upon you. Having not met for a year or two, Third Sister has grown increasingly outstanding. Is everything well at home?" Ye Li answered each question systematically. Ye Yue consistently chose casual household topics to inquire about, and Ye Li replied with absolute respect. Strangely, Noble Consort Liu acted as though she completely failed to realize that the sisters were having a family reunion; she simply sat there elegantly, listening. Even though there was no place for her to interject, she minded it not at all, maintaining a slightly cold smile. Ye Yue also seemed accustomed to this behavior from Noble Consort Liu, making no attempt to ask her to withdraw or to move elsewhere with Ye Li.

"I was unable to attend Fourth Sister's wedding. Are she and Prince Li faring well?" Ye Yue gently caressed her slightly protruding abdomen, inquiring with a smile.

 

Ye Li recalled Ye Ying’s utterly despondent countenance when she returned to the manor two days ago; it truly could not be considered well. However, she had no intention of voicing it to add to Ye Yue’s distress at this moment, replying with a smile, "Fourth Sister and Prince Li are newly wedded, so naturally things are well. I... have been somewhat busy recently, and haven't found the time to speak in detail with Fourth Sister." Ye Yue had long known that the relationship between Ye Li and Ye Ying was poor, so she did not mind. She merely squeezed Ye Li’s hand and laughed, "We are all biological sisters. Once married, it won't be like when we were at home, capable of meeting and playing together at all times. It would be beneficial to visit one another more often. I have no choice within the palace, but you sisters outside ought to look after one another, so as to keep Father and Grandmother from worrying. Wouldn't you agree?"

Ye Li nodded. "What Your Ladyship says is absolutely correct."

As the sisters conversed about the affairs of the Ye manor, a palace servant entered from outside to deliver word: The Empress Dowager requests the presence of Third Miss Ye. Ye Yue froze for a second before turning to smile at Ye Li. "Since the Empress Dowager has summoned you, Third Sister must hurry along. The Empress Dowager’s virtue commands the world, and she is exceptionally affectionate toward the younger generation. Third Sister need not fear. I... find it inconvenient in my current state, so I shall not accompany you." Ye Li nodded, watching Ye Yue’s beautifully maintained jade fingers caress her abdomen rhythmically. She replied flatly, "This minister's daughter thanks Your Ladyship for the guidance. In that case, I shall take my leave." Ye Yue smiled. "Safe travels, Third Sister. Someone come, escort Third Miss out on my behalf."

"Younger sister, it just so happens that this palace also intends to pay respects to the Empress Dowager. I shall walk along with Third Miss Ye," Noble Consort Liu stood up and announced.

Ye Yue nodded. "Since that is the case, I must trouble Noble Consort Sister."

Noble Consort Liu nodded flatly. "Third Miss, let us depart."

Ye Li followed Noble Consort Liu out of Yaohua Palace, casting a backward glance at the lavishly decorated palace gates. When the summons from the Empress Dowager was mentioned just now, if she hadn't looked erroneously, Ye Yue had grown tense. As for Noble Consort Liu... She looked toward the woman walking ahead with her entourage. Even now, she could not discern whether this Noble Consort Liu's attitude was hostile or friendly. Accompanying her into Yaohua Palace, and now accompanying her to see the Empress Dowager? Ye Li could guarantee that if Noble Consort Liu hadn't been sitting there the entire time, the matters Ye Yue wished to speak of absolutely wouldn't have been limited to today's casual chatter. Yet if she were to say Noble Consort Liu harbored goodwill toward her... let alone the fact that they had never met before, the slight arrogance that didn't even bother to conceal its disdain made it impossible for Ye Li to believe. Shrugging her shoulders helplessly, she followed serenely. The people in this palace were truly a massive headache...

The palace where the Empress Dowager resided was located in the northwest portion of the imperial city. Its area—comparable to two Yaohua Palaces—and its magnificent, gold-and-jade pavilions displayed the supreme status of this Emperor's biological mother.
"Zhangde Palace was specifically constructed for the Empress Dowager by His Majesty after he ascended the throne," standing before the palace waiting for the summons, Noble Consort Liu turned her head to look at Ye Li, speaking flatly. "Furthermore, do not listen to that sister of yours babbling nonsense. The Empress Dowager does not possess a good temper. Look out for yourself." Ye Li pressed her lips into a shallow smile. "Many thanks for Your Ladyship's guidance." Noble Consort Liu let out a light snort, flicking her sleeve as she stepped into Zhangde Palace ahead of her. Ye Li followed behind, her face as tranquil as undisturbed water, though her mind had already spun hundreds of calculations. Although she hadn't been inside the palace for long, the sheer bizarre nature of the relationships here exceeded her current understanding. It was said that the current Emperor had been single-handedly lifted onto the throne by the Empress Dowager, and the Empress Dowager herself was famous for being a virtuous consort and a wise empress. Yet, as the Emperor's favored consort, Noble Consort Liu possessed not a single shred of respect for the Empress Dowager. Furthermore... Ye Li raised her head to look at the three large characters inscribed upon the placard beneath the eaves. Zhangde—she hoped the Emperor had written this out of his own absolute willingness.

"This minister's daughter, Ye Li, pays respects to His Majesty and the Empress Dowager." Entering the grand hall, upon beholding the upright man clothed in bright-yellow imperial robes, a trace of surprise flashed across Ye Li’s countenance, though she quickly knelt and bowed with absolute respect.

 

"Rise. Shang'er, why have you come?" Mo Jingqi cast a brief glance at Ye Li before quickly shifting his gaze entirely onto Noble Consort Liu. He rose from his throne, walking down the hall steps to pull Noble Consort Liu to his side. Noble Consort Liu let out a light snort, stating flatly, "What? Does His Majesty believe this servant cannot pay respects to the Empress Dowager?" Mo Jingqi let out a sigh, speaking softly, "You clearly know that is not what this Prince meant."

"Your Majesty!" A voice laced with severity and displeasure echoed from the upper dais. Ye Li took a surreptitious glance. In her youth, the Empress Dowager must have been a peerless beauty. Though she was the elder sister of Grand Dowager Consort Xianzhao, her appearance seemed even younger than her sister's. However, her pair of phoenix eyes currently exuded an indescribable sharpness. Ye Li knew that in her youth, those eyes must have been incredibly seductive and beautiful. At this moment, the Empress Dowager paid no attention to Ye Li, instead fixing her sharp gaze onto Noble Consort Liu—a gaze that even carried a hidden sliver of killing intent. Clearly, the Empress Dowager intensely detested Noble Consort Liu.

"Imperial Mother," Mo Jingqi knit his brows, pulling Noble Consort Liu up toward the dais as he spoke. "Imperial Mother, Shang'er came to pay respects to you. It seems she happened to encounter Third Miss Ye, so they came together."

The Empress Dowager stated flatly, "Pay respects? It is truly rare for Noble Consort Liu to remember to pay respects to this old body today."

"Imperial Mother, you know that ever since Shang'er gave birth to Jing'er, her health has consistently been poor," Mo Jingqi’s expression was somewhat awkward, yet he remained steadfast in shielding Noble Consort Liu by his side. Glimpsing the dark, grim countenance of the Empress Dowager, Ye Li could not resist feeling a touch of sympathy for her in her heart. She had endured immense hardship to give birth to two sons, outlived the late Emperor’s original Empress to become the Empress herself, and exerted all her strength to push her eldest son onto the throne so she could finally enjoy her blessings as the Empress Dowager. Who could have foreseen that her younger son would occasionally suffer from brainlessness, while her eldest son—the Emperor—was the type to value his wife over his own mother?

"Imperial Mother, did you not state you wished to see Third Miss Ye? Let us first look over how the Princess Consort selected for Xiuyao fares, shall we?" Beholding that the Empress Dowager’s expression was genuinely unsightly, Mo Jingqi hastily shifted the topic.

A series of black lines formed across Ye Li’s mental forehead. Your Majesty, can this be considered diverting the disaster onto an innocent bystander?

Sure enough, the Empress Dowager quickly shifted her gaze onto Ye Li. Ye Li silently resolved that it was indeed best to believe Noble Consort Liu’s words. The sheer weight of the Empress Dowager’s gaze was not something an ordinary person could easily endure.

"Are you Ye Li?" After a long silence, the Empress Dowager finally inquired.

Ye Li respectfully lowered her eyes, replying, "Replying to the Empress Dowager, this minister's daughter is indeed Ye Li."

The Empress Dowager knit her brows, commanding, "Raise your head and allow this old body to look upon you."

Ye Li complied, raising her head to allow the Empress Dowager and the Emperor to evaluate her.

"This old body did indeed encounter your mother a few times years ago. The Xu clan's maternal granddaughter is indeed not something those who cannot be brought out to presentable company can compare to. What a pity..." What exactly was a pity, the Empress Dowager did not say; naturally, nobody was foolish enough to inquire. Ye Li’s sharp eyes caught that Noble Consort Liu’s expression—seated beside the Emperor—had turned somewhat unsightly. A faint sense of bewilderment arose in her heart. The Empress Dowager shouldn't be pointing at the mulberry tree to curse the locust tree regarding Noble Consort Liu; after all, the daughter of Prime Minister Liu was absolutely not an identity that could be considered "unpresentable."

"My Li'er was ignorant; Miss Ye must not take the previous matters to heart," the Empress Dowager’s sharp phoenix eyes stared unblinkingly at Ye Li.

Ye Li replied with an amiable smile, "The Empress Dowager speaks too heavily. It is merely that this minister's daughter and Prince Li lacked the destiny to be together. Compared to discovering one is disliked after the wedding ceremony is complete, for His Highness Prince Li to raise the issue prior to the wedding is a good thing for both himself and Ye Li. This minister's daughter is deeply grateful."

"Oh? Regarding the occurrences during Prince Li's grand wedding, how does Miss Ye view the matter?"

"This... this is His Highness Prince Li's private affair. This minister's daughter ought not to presumptuously speculate."

"What if this old body insists on hearing your perspective?" the Empress Dowager pressured.

Ye Li put on a harmless, shallow smile, coupled with a subtle trace of dread as she looked toward the Empress Dowager. "This minister's daughter thinks... perhaps His Highness Prince Li was too excited for the grand wedding and failed to rest well the night before? Prince Li and Fourth Sister are mutually in love; who in the entire capital does not know this? To finally be able to bring the beauty home, it is entirely understandable for the Prince to experience a touch of agitation."

"Miss Ye, this palace heard that you claimed Prince Li purchased items without paying money a few days ago, and demanded quite a bit of silver from him?" Noble Consort Liu suddenly interjected with a smile.

The temperature within the grand hall plummeted instantly. Ye Li blinked her eyes with utter bewilderment, her face flooding with shame. "This minister's daughter was ignorant; I must ask the Empress Dowager and His Majesty to grant forgiveness. I... ever since my late mother passed away, I have rarely stepped out of the manor. Managing affairs for the first time caused me to lose my sense of propriety. Afterward, Grandmother also disciplined me, and I sent people to return the silver to the Prince Li Manor and offer apologies to the Prince. However..." She had been thrown out alongside the silver. Afterward, Ye Li had gifted two hundred taels to the manager she had dispatched as mental compensation, and comfortably pocketed the remaining silver into her own purse.

This affair was fundamentally Mo Jingli's fault to begin with; even the imperial family could not truly find a justifiable reason to blame her. Beholding Ye Li's face full of shock and shame, Mo Jingqi let out a light cough, casting a warning glance at Noble Consort Liu before comforting her, "Enough, this matter was due to Jingli's lack of consideration; it is not Miss Ye's fault. Imperial Mother has no intention of blaming you either."

Ye Li offered her thanks with joy. "This minister's daughter thanks Your Majesty and the Empress Dowager for your absolute magnanimity."

The Empress Dowager nodded flatly, stating, "Very well, this old body had no intention of assigning blame to begin with. Grant Miss Ye a seat."

Two palace maids carried a small embroidered stool forward, placing it behind Ye Li. After offering her thanks, Ye Li meticulously sat down on only two-thirds of the stool. She harbored not a single shred of gratitude toward the Empress Dowager for granting a seat. If she could choose, she would prefer to remain standing. Sitting down not only caused an already lower-positioned individual to appear even shorter, but it also severely impacted her field of vision. Furthermore, the seating posture of a young lady from a grand household required far more effort than practicing a horse stance; at least with a horse stance, your legs could leverage force, whereas sitting this elegantly and upright required years of training just to ensure one wouldn't tumble off the stool.

"Miss Ye, is Master Qingyun faring well?" Mo Jingqi looked at Ye Li, his eyes carrying a faint trace of scrutiny.

Ye Li replied with a shallow smile, "Many thanks for Your Majesty's concern. My uncle mentioned that Maternal Grandfather's health remains quite robust."

Mo Jingqi laughed, "There is no need to be this tense. Years ago, this Prince also witnessed Master Qingyun's brilliant demeanor and could not help but feel immense yearning. It is merely that we haven't met for many years."

Ye Li lowered her head with shame. "Ever since my mother passed away, this minister's daughter has also not seen Maternal Grandfather for many years. Unable to serve at his knees on my mother's behalf, I am truly ashamed to face my grandfather's deep affection."

"Oh? Miss Ye is wedding Prince Ding; surely Master Qingyun would not miss his sole maternal granddaughter's wedding?"

"Maternal Grandfather is advanced in years and cannot endure the fatigue of travel. I am afraid he cannot personally witness this minister's daughter... however, Grandfather has already dispatched Eldest Maternal Uncle to the capital to preside over the wedding on his behalf. This minister's daughter is also deeply overjoyed."

Mo Jingqi's eyes flickered slightly. "Oh? Master Hongyu has already entered the capital? Then... the Eldest Young Master Xu..."

Ye Li replied with an open, honest smile, "Eldest Cousin and several other cousins have entered the capital together. Uncle does not hold an official rank, which is why we did not make any public announcements."

Mo Jingqi laughed heartily. "The Xu clan has consistently disdained hollow fame and prefers tranquility. It is merely that Master Hongyu can also be counted as this Prince's former instructor; for him to enter the capital without this Prince dispatching people to welcome him is truly somewhat impolite." Ye Li hastily stated she dared not think so, though she felt entirely otherwise in her heart. Her eldest uncle had merely pointed out a few academic matters to him upon the late Emperor's command; who was his instructor? Furthermore, if he truly possessed the heart to welcome him, he would have done so long ago. She absolutely refused to believe Mo Jingqi truly didn't know when her eldest uncle had entered the capital.

 

Mo Jingqi clearly had no intention of entangling himself further in this topic. Looking toward Ye Li, he stated, "Miss Ye seized the title of the Flower Festival's champion this year; even Princess Ronghua has praised Miss Ye before the Empress Dowager several times. I wonder if Miss Ye can allow this Prince and the Empress Dowager to feast our eyes?" Without giving Ye Li any opportunity to decline, he waved his hand. Palace maids and eunuchs immediately carried over a carved writing desk, complete with brushes, ink, paper, and an inkstone.

"This minister's daughter shall display her clumsy skills."

Standing behind the writing desk, Ye Li dipped her brush into the ink to begin her painting, while mentally cursing the Emperor on the dais a hundred times. She genuinely could not comprehend the pleasure these ancient emperors derived from randomly catching people to write poetry and compose lyrics. After all, not everyone possessed a talent for composing verses on the spot. What if one were called upon by the Emperor and failed to produce a poem?

Ye Li followed the rules precisely, painting a standard picture of an orchid and inscribing a poem regarding secluded orchids composed by her maternal grandfather years ago. The sole aspect that could be considered outstanding was her calligraphy. Watching the gazes of the individuals on the dais shift from scrutiny to surprise, and ultimately to disappointment, Ye Li stood respectfully behind the desk without a shred of concern, awaiting the Emperor's evaluation.

"Secluded Orchids? Is this Master Qingyun's poem?" Noble Consort Liu knit her brows and inquired.

Ye Li replied with shame, "This minister's daughter is truly not adept at poetry and lyrics; I must ask Your Majesty to grant forgiveness."

A trace of light contempt flashed across Noble Consort Liu’s eyes as she glanced at the painting. "Miss Ye's calligraphy is written quite well."

The Empress Dowager also rare agreed with Noble Consort Liu's words. Ye Li's work from the Flower Festival was currently kept within the palace. The painting truly could not be considered stunning—it was merely proper—and as for the poem... the three individuals on the dais unanimously suspected that the stunning peony poem from the Flower Festival was absolutely not Ye Li's own work. After all, the Xu clan lacked nothing except talented scholars. Randomly finding a ghostwriter for Ye Li was an absolute breeze for figures of their caliber; it was not surprising for her to possess such a poem. "Miss Ye's calligraphy is indeed excellent."

Ye Li clearly perceived that the interest the three individuals held toward her had diminished substantially. Although she didn't quite comprehend why ancients believed proficiency in the arts equated to a person's intelligence and capability, at least this outcome was not bad for her.

It wasn't until the afternoon that Ye Li was escorted out of the palace gates by the Empress Dowager's servants. During her stay, she had contributed her calligraphy to copy a volume of scriptures for the Empress Dowager. Because absolutely nobody remembered the matter of her going to Yaohua Palace to bid farewell to Lady Zhaoyi, Ye Li felt embarrassed to trouble the palace servants, so she simply pretended to have forgotten as well. Accompanied by the palace attendants and carrying the rewards bestowed by the Emperor, the Empress Dowager, and Noble Consort Liu, she exited the imperial city. Only when she sat securely within her carriage did Ye Li slowly exhale the breath that had been stifled in her chest for the better part of the day.

"Miss, rest for a moment. Your expression doesn't look very good," Qingyu reached out to check Ye Li's pulse, speaking softly.

Qingluan stated helplessly, "It is Miss's first time entering the palace, so she was likely a bit tense. It is a pity we couldn't enter the Empress Dowager's palace to accompany you."

Qingyu smiled gently. "If you had entered, you would likely have merely frightened yourself and added trouble for the Miss."

Ye Li leaned against the carriage, closing her eyes to rest her spirit while systematically reviewing the occurrences within the imperial palace in her mind. While inside, she had to remain cautious at all times, leaving many areas impossible to ponder deeply. The Emperor, the Empress Dowager, Noble Consort Liu... each person seemed entirely normal, yet each seemed to conceal some hidden, convoluted relationship. And Ye Yue...

Something is incorrect!

Ye Li snapped her eyes open. Qingluan and Qingyu were startled. "Miss, what is the matter?"

"The carriage is traveling along the incorrect path!" Ye Li stated. Before her voice could even fade, a sharp swoosh echoed through the air as a long arrow pierced through the carriage frame and shot straight inside.