The First Jasmine - Chapter 56
Chapter 56: The Return to the Parental Home
Qing Luan and the other maids followed behind Ye Li, watching their usually mild-tempered young lady march away with a dark, sullen expression, and could not help but look at one another in bewilderment. The lake-center water pavilion was simply too far from the shore, making it utterly impossible for them to hear what the Prince and Princess Consort had actually said. Qing Xia asked with a trace of uncertainty, "Could it be that the Prince bullied the Princess Consort?" Qing Shuang's face instantly fell. "What? The Prince bullied Milady?"
Qing Luan and Qing Yu helplessly held back Qing Shuang, who looked ready to burst into a rage. Qing Luan could not help but twitch the corner of her mouth. She had witnessed the Princess Consort's martial skills with her own eyes—knocking a grown, strapping man unconscious with absolute ease without even breaking a sweat. Given that the Prince was confined to a wheelchair, could he truly manage to bully the Princess Consort? Qing Yu thought for a moment and said, "Let's go ask Ah Jin in a little while. He will definitely know." Qing Shuang curled her lip. "He stayed on the shore just like us. What could he possibly know?" Qing Xia agreed with the suggestion, "He has followed the Prince since childhood; he will certainly know how the Prince managed to make the Princess Consort angry. Let's move quickly, the Princess Consort has already walked far ahead."
As Ye Li walked briskly toward her own courtyard, she cursed Mo Xiu Yao to high heaven in her heart. She must have been absolutely blind to think that fellow possessed a mild temperament—had she actually thought him innocent and pure-hearted at one point? That scoundrel had actually dared to flirt with... no, tease her! Jealous! Jealous... What an idiot; how could she possibly be jealous over a man she had only recently met? At the very most, she simply disliked other people coveting her possessions, that was all.
"What is the matter, Princess Consort?" Upon returning to the courtyard, Nanny Wei came out from inside to welcome her. Seeing Ye Li's sullen face, she quickly inquired with concern. Having been separated for several years from the young lady she had raised since infancy, Nanny Wei was pouring all the missing affection of those past years onto Ye Li, caring about her mood and health more than anyone else. Being asked by her nanny in such a manner made Ye Li feel somewhat embarrassed instead. Realizing that she had overreacted a bit, she lacked the face to admit she had left in a huff because she was teased by Mo Xiu Yao. She quickly took hold of Nanny Wei's hands and said, "Nurse, didn't I tell you to rest well? If you keep revolving around me every single day like this, be careful that your little grandson might end up not recognizing you." Nanny Lin's and Nanny Wei's entire families had accompanied Ye Li to the Prince's manor. Ye Li had placed the capable male members of their households as managers in her external shops or estates, while keeping the female family members to serve in her own courtyard. Ordinarily, she also tried her best to minimize the amount of active service the two elderly nannies performed before her. Nanny Lin, in particular, was no longer young; running back and forth behind a young person like herself was by no means an easy feat.
Nanny Wei looked at her with a touch of melancholy and said, "The young lady has grown up and is starting to disfavor her nurse, is that it?"
"Nurse..." Ye Li felt a headache coming on. Using this trick again! But at the very least, it successfully diverted the topic from what had just occurred. Pulling Nanny Wei into the room, Ye Li offered another round of gentle words and soft whispers of comfort, quickly causing Nanny Wei's face to break into a wide, joyous smile.
"Princess Consort, Ah Jin has arrived," Qing Shuang said as she walked inside, her charming little face still puffed up with lingering irritation. It was evident she had been throwing a tantrum at Ah Jin outside.
"Let him enter." Ye Li smiled and teased, "Who has managed to offend our little Shuang'er?"
Qing Shuang's little face flushed red as she stamped her foot and cried, "Milady! Who else but that dreadful Ah Jin? Just because he is someone close to the Prince, he keeps a dead-man's face all day long, looking as though everyone else owes him five hundred taels of silver and refuses to pay it back." Ye Li sighed helplessly, "Qing Shuang, you must be the one making trouble out of nothing. Ah Jin simply dislikes talking, that is all; he is a far cry from having a dead-man's face. Mo Jing Li's expression is what you call a dead-man's face. At the very most, Ah Jin can only be described as a man of few words. That cold face of his, which still carries a hint of youthful softness, cannot even compare to Second Brother's."
Ah Jin entered holding a box, glancing expressionlessly at Qing Shuang. Knowing she had been caught red-handed badmouthing someone right in front of the person involved, Qing Shuang guiltily turned her little face away. Ye Li laughed inwardly, but maintained a solemn expression on her face as she looked at Ah Jin, "Ah Jin, is there a matter?" Ah Jin placed the box onto the table, took two steps back, and only then spoke, "This was sent by the Prince's command. The Prince... the Prince says he did not intentionally make the Princess Consort angry. He begs the Princess Consort to be magnanimous and possess a broad mind, and not to take offense." The sentence was delivered with stutters. Ye Li understood perfectly in her heart, looking at Ah Jin with a pleasant smile as she asked, "Ah Jin, who taught you that last sentence?"
Ah Jin's face flushed crimson as he stared blankly at Ye Li, utterly at a loss for what to do. Both the Prince and Princess Consort were highly intelligent individuals; attempting to lie before them would invariably result in being exposed. Ah Jin silently committed this fact to memory deep within his heart.
Ye Li added with a smile, "Your Prince would certainly never utter such words. Besides, I am not angry. I shall accept the item; you may return."
Ah Jin silently withdrew. In an excellent mood, Ye Li opened the box, and sure enough, the portrait she had been deeply longing for lay inside. Just a moment ago, she had been pondering what sort of excuse she would need to employ later to retrieve the painting; she hadn't expected Mo Xiu Yao to be so perceptive as to immediately dispatch Ah Jin to deliver it. Unfurling the scroll across the table surface, Ye Li stared at the woman in the portrait and let out a soft, gentle sigh. Mo Xiu Yao's voice could not help but echo within her mind—I feel that this is the true Ah Li.
"So beautiful..." standing beside her, Qing Shuang cried out with excitement, "Milady, was this painted by the Prince? It is truly gorgeous."
Nanny Wei also nodded with immense satisfaction and smiled, "The Prince truly holds deep regard for the young lady. It seems the Master and the Eldest Young Master indeed did not misjudge the man. Haha..."
Ye Li was left speechless. Was a mere portrait truly worth all this fuss?
In the blink of an eye, the day for the traditional return visit to her parental home arrived. Over these past three days, Ye Li could be said to have adapted exceptionally well to life within the Prince of Ding's Manor. Even Nanny Lin and Nanny Wei, who had originally held their hearts in their throats, had completely put their worries to rest. The only issue causing the two nannies immense dissatisfaction was the fact that the Prince and Princess Consort had still not consummated their marriage up to this point. However, the ones worried and dissatisfied about this were not limited to just them—Nanny Sun of the Prince of Ding's Manor shared the sentiment. Nanny Sun had also watched Mo Xiu Yao grow up from childhood and deeply understood her master's temperament; she held not a shred of dissatisfaction toward the new Princess Consort. She had even dropped subtle hints to Nanny Lin and Nanny Wei that she would find a way to assist. The entire household of the Prince of Ding's Manor lived in perfect harmony and treated their young lady with utmost respect; once the return visit was completed, their young lady would officially take charge of the manor's affairs, so what else could the two nannies possibly find to be dissatisfied about? Consequently, during the journey back to her parental home, the smiles on their faces looked bright enough to blossom into flowers.
The reception prepared by the Ye family was also exceptionally grand and solemn. Not only were Minister Ye, Madam Wang, Ye Shan, Ye Lin, and Ye Rong present to welcome them, but even the already married Ye Zhen and Ye Ying had returned with their respective husbands. Ye Li was not at all surprised that Ye Ying would return to join in the bustle, but the fact that Ye Zhen—as a mere side consort to the Heir of the Southern Marquess—could have the Heir of the Southern Marquess accompany her back was truly intriguing and worth pondering. The moment they stepped through the gates and paid their respects to the Old Matriarch Ye, Ye Li was pulled away by several of her sisters to have a private conversation in isolation, while Mo Xiu Yao remained in the main hall to converse with Minister Ye and Mo Jing Li.
The Qing Yi Pavilion where Ye Li had formerly resided was still preserved exactly as it was. The sisters sat together around the stone table in the pavilion's courtyard to converse. Ye Zhen glanced at the maids standing in attendance not far away, then looked at Ye Li—who was clad in a light purple gown, her hair adorned with a pearl tassel hairpin, bright pearls dangling from her ears, and a supreme-grade warm jade bracelet carved with lotus patterns gracing her wrist. Her demeanor was utterly serene with a faint smile playing at the corners of her lips, looking as though she carried an even greater aura of nobility and prestige than when she had been at home in the past. She could not help but let out a soft sigh of envy, "It appears Third Sister is living an exceptionally smooth and content life within the Prince of Ding's Manor?" Ye Li smiled, "Thank you for your concern, Eldest Sister. Everything is perfectly well." Ye Shan pulled at Ye Li, chattering away without pause to ask questions—such as whether the Prince of Ding's Manor was vast, whether it was beautiful, what sort of people resided within the manor, and whether they were easy to get along with. Ye Li displayed no impatience, waiting until she had asked her fill before selecting a few choice questions that were suitable to answer. Failing to obtain the comprehensive answers she sought, Ye Shan wanted to open her mouth to inquire further, but she was tugged back by Ye Lin sitting beside her, leaving her with no choice but to close her mouth in disappointment.
"I have heard that the Prince of Ding's Manor still houses a previous Princess Consort and a Side Dowager Consort. Has Third Sister met them yet?" Seeing Ye Shan asking questions continuously, Ye Ying found herself somewhat unable to interject. She could only sit beside them with a cool, detached expression, and only now did she stare fixedly at Ye Li to pose her inquiry.
Ye Li scrutinized Ye Ying with a trace of surprise, knitting her brows slightly as she asked, "Has Fourth Sister been in poor health recently?" Having not seen her for just a short period of time, Ye Ying's appearance had actually altered quite drastically. She felt significantly more emaciated and even more fragile against the wind. Back when she was at the Ye family, though Ye Ying was delicate, her health had actually been quite well-regulated by Madam Wang, and her complexion had always possessed an alluring, rosy flush. But now, lacking that trace of rosy color, her entire being had suddenly grown dark and somber. Although rouge had been applied to her face, it was ultimately devoid of the beautiful, natural grace she possessed in the past when she wore no makeup whatsoever. Ye Ying's gaze shifted slightly, and she lowered her eyes calmly, saying, "Thank you for Third Sister's concern. It is merely that I am a bit fatigued, nothing more."
Ye Li let out a quiet sigh in her heart. Ye Ying had truly changed a great deal; it appeared the Dowager Consort Xian Zhao's ability to discipline and train people was indeed far beyond what Old Matriarch Ye could ever hope to reach. "If you are fatigued, then rest more. No matter what, one's health is the most important asset. Without a healthy body, one possesses nothing at all." After offering a few brief words of advice, Ye Li finally addressed Ye Ying's question, "Sister-in-Law spends the entire year meditating and reciting Buddhist scriptures; I only went to pay respects to her after returning. As for the Side Dowager Consort..." Recalling that peculiarly tempered Side Dowager Consort within the manor, Ye Li could not help but knit her brows slightly, stating calmly, "As she is the side consort of the late Prince, there is no requirement to meet frequently." Ye Shan blurted out, "In that case, doesn't the Prince of Ding's Manor possess only Third Sister and the Prince as the sole masters of the house?" The moment these words were uttered, not only Ye Shan, Ye Zhen, and Ye Lin, but even Ye Ying could not resist revealing a sliver of envious longing in her eyes. To have no elderly matrons or lords pressing down upon one's head from above, no sisters-in-law or brothers' wives to contend with, and not even a sister-in-law of the husband's side to placate—this was simply the ultimate dream of every newly wedded bride. However, the moment she recalled Mo Xiu Yao's physical condition, Ye Ying felt a faint sense of psychological balance return to her. Compared to walking outside only to be ridiculed and pitied by others, enduring a bit of grievance within the confines of one's home could be considered entirely bearable, right?
"Seeing that the affection between Third Sister and the Prince also seems exceptionally good, Third Sister truly possesses wonderful fortune," Ye Zhen sighed, speaking in a melancholy tone.
Ye Ying was somewhat incredulous, asking suspiciously, "Is the Prince of Ding's temperament truly that good? I have heard others say that people with physical disabilities generally possess highly eccentric tempers." Ye Li knitted her brows slightly and stated, "The Prince is by no means difficult to get along with." Whether Mo Xiu Yao possessed a good temper or not she did not fully know, but at present, they coexisted in perfect harmony. Ye Ying also realized that Ye Li was somewhat displeased by her words, but she had never been accustomed to bowing her head before Ye Li, causing the atmosphere to turn stiff and awkward for a moment. Ye Zhen looked at the two of them and had no choice but to open her mouth to alter the topic, "The palace will be hosting a banquet in a few days to see off the envoys of various nations. Have Third Sister and Fourth Sister received your invitation cards yet?"
Ye Li shook her head and replied, "No."
Ye Lin smiled and said, "The envoys of various nations originally came specifically to celebrate the grand wedding of Third Sister and the Prince. Even if others do not attend, the Prince and Third Sister will certainly be present. However, how is it that Eldest Sister has learned of this even faster than Third Sister and Fourth Sister?" Ye Zhen smiled and replied, "The Emperor has entrusted our Heir with the responsibility for this matter this time, so I naturally came to know of it a bit earlier." Ye Shan's eyes lit up, and she asked, "Then will Eldest Sister be going as well?" Ye Zhen nodded with a touch of bashfulness and a hint of delight, "The Heir mentioned that he would bring me along into the palace this time." After speaking, she even cast a grateful glance toward Ye Li. It was entirely evident that the Heir of the Southern Marquess had decided to bring a mere side consort like her to attend a grand palace banquet solely because she was the biological elder sister of the newly minted Princess of Ding. Though she was only a side consort, Ye Zhen now felt she could finally gain a steady foothold within the Marquess's Manor. After all, even the principal wife of the Heir did not possess one younger sister serving as an Imperial Consort and two younger sisters serving as principal princesses consort. Looking at it from this perspective, if she could give birth to a male heir, she would even possess a complete opportunity to contend on equal footing against the principal wife of the Heir in the future.
"Hmph, even if Eldest Sister is able to go, you certainly won't be able to go," Ye Ying glanced at Ye Shan, speaking coldly. Ye Shan's face instantly flushed crimson as she said sheepishly, "Fourth Sister, I... I did not think that way." Without so much as looking at her, Ye Ying said, "Who has the spare time to care about what you are thinking? It is merely that some people simply cannot see their own status clearly."
"You!" Ye Shan's eyes turned red, tears swirling within her eye sockets. In the end, she could only stand up and run outside. The words Ye Ying spoke were far too harsh; though they were directed at Ye Shan, Ye Lin also felt somewhat uncomfortable. Looking at the departing figure of Ye Shan, she also stood up to chase after her, and even Ye Zhen's expression turned rather unsightly. Ye Li looked at Ye Ying with strangeness, then glanced at Ye Zhen. Ye Zhen let out a helpless sigh and said softly, "Fourth Sister, even if you are in a poor mood, you should not vent your temper onto Sixth Sister." Clutching the handkerchief in her hand, Ye Ying let out a cold laugh and said, "I am in a poor mood? Eldest Sister, why don't you ask whether Third Sister would be able to maintain a good mood if she were in my position?"
"This servant pays respects to the three young ladies. The Old Matriarch requests the presence of the Princess of Ding to come over and chat." A maid from the Rong Le Hall arrived to deliver the message.
Ye Ying stole a glance at Ye Li and sneered, "Doesn't Third Sister wish to know what has happened to me? Once you go there, you will find out."
Ye Li shook her head, stood up, looked at Ye Ying, and said, "Fourth Sister, displaying this temper of yours at home is one thing. You have already married out, yet you still behave this way... Do you truly believe Mother can still shield you at all times and in all places?"
Ye Ying's expression darkened, and she stubbornly averted her head, remaining silent. Ye Li did not force the matter either. Although they were biological sisters bound by blood, she held nowhere near the depth of affection for these sisters as she did for her former cousins of her previous life, nor did it match her feelings for her several maternal cousins of the Xu family. She would offer a word or two of counsel if she could, but if they refused to listen, she had no alternative solutions either.
Upon arriving inside the Rong Le Hall, Old Matriarch Ye sat within the flower hall clad in auspicious, celebratory attire. Seeing Ye Li enter, her face instantly blossomed into a wide smile, "Li'er, come quickly and let Grandmother take a look at you..."
Ye Li walked over and sat down beside Old Matriarch Ye. The Old Matriarch scrutinized Ye Li thoroughly from top to bottom, nodding with immense satisfaction as she said, "Have you grown accustomed to life within the Prince of Ding's Manor these past few days? Do the servants of the manor follow your commands smoothly? Has anyone made things difficult for you?" Ye Li smiled and replied, "Thank you for causing Grandmother worry; Li'er is perfectly well. The servants of the manor are also exceedingly respectful." Old Matriarch Ye nodded repeatedly, saying, "That is good, that is excellent. Then, regarding you and the Prince..." Ye Li stated, "The Prince is also very easy to get along with." Old Matriarch Ye appeared somewhat hesitant, looking at Ye Li for a moment before finally saying, "Grandmother is referring to you and the Prince... you and the Prince, when do you two plan to have a child? The Prince is no longer young, after all." Ye Li felt a mild embarrassment; it turned out the Old Matriarch had been pondering for so long simply because she wished to inquire whether they had consummated their marriage. Old Matriarch Ye stared fixedly at her and said, "Do not even think of deceiving Grandmother. If Grandmother could not even discern this much, I would have lived all these years in vain. You and the Prince have still not consummated your marriage, is that not so?" Old Matriarch Ye evidently also understood that this granddaughter was somewhat distinct from the others, quickly abandoning the notion of beating around the bush with her and posing the question directly.
Even this could be discerned? Ye Li thought for a moment before replying with absolute composure, "Grandmother need not worry. Both the Prince and I feel that we are not yet well-acquainted with one another. It will not be too late to... after we have coexisted for a period of time. Furthermore, we get along exceptionally well at present, so there is no immediate rush."
Looking at Ye Li's completely serene and composed countenance, Old Matriarch Ye shook her head secretly in her heart. "Then... who handles the administrative affairs of the Prince's manor?"
"External affairs are naturally managed by the Prince, while the internal affairs of the manor will be handed over to me upon our return," Ye Li answered.
Old Matriarch Ye's expression softened slightly; at the very least, this granddaughter still understood the importance of grasping the administrative power of the Prince's manor. Old Matriarch Ye felt a profound sense of helplessness regarding her two legitimate granddaughters, Ye Li and Ye Ying. Ye Ying appeared intelligent but was in truth devoid of wisdom; since marrying into the Prince of Li's Manor, she failed to secure her grasp on authority and instead spent every single day consumed by petty jealousy and fighting against concubines, turning herself into a thoroughly resentful woman. In comparison, Ye Li, who kept her talents hidden, was patently far more clever. Judging solely by the attitude of the servants who had accompanied her from the Prince of Ding's Manor, one could tell she was living a decent life there. However, she was altogether far too indifferent toward the Prince of Ding. One must realize that even as the Princess Consort of Ding, if one desired a lifetime of glory, splendor, wealth, and status, one still had to rely upon the Prince of Ding.
"Li'er, speak honestly with Grandmother. Are you... is it because of the Prince's legs that you have..." Old Matriarch Ye waved her hand to dismiss the attendants serving before her, grasping Ye Li's hand as she inquired in a low whisper.
Ye Li was left utterly speechless, but in the eyes of Old Matriarch Ye, this reaction firmly cemented the suspicion. Old Matriarch Ye let out a heavy sigh and said, "Poor child, Grandmother knows your life is bitter... but matters have already reached this point, and you have already married into the Prince of Ding's Manor, so what else can be done? Even if you are the Princess Consort of Ding, you must still firmly grasp hold of the Prince. The most vital element is offspring; as long as you possess an heir, no one will ever be able to shake your position as the Princess Consort. Do you understand? Does the Prince possess any concubines?" Ye Li shook her head. The smile on Old Matriarch Ye's face grew even more radiant as she said, "From the looks of it, the Prince still holds you in high regard. Having no concubines is for the best; as long as you are the first to bear a child with the Prince, the matters of the future..." Witnessing Old Matriarch Ye's expression of unspeakable nuance, Ye Li pondered for a good while before finally comprehending the Old Matriarch's underlying meaning. It turned out the Old Matriarch was advising her that even if she looked down upon Mo Xiu Yao due to his physical disability, she absolutely must give birth to a child first. As long as an heir existed, if she truly found herself unable to accept Mo Xiu Yao, she could simply push him toward other women. In any case, she would hold the status of the Princess Consort, and possessing an heir would suffice. A man's affection and favor were mostly unreliable assets anyway.
Why didn't she suspect that Mo Xiu Yao was physically incapable instead? Ye Li thought to herself with a touch of dark humor.
"Thank you for Grandmother's instruction; Li'er understands perfectly in her heart." In order to prevent Old Matriarch Ye from continuing her tedious lecture on her life experiences, Ye Li swiftly opened her mouth to accept the advice.
Regarding her submissive acceptance of instruction, Old Matriarch Ye was also highly satisfied, nodding as she said, "Good child, Grandmother knew you saw matters more clearly than Ying'er. Originally, these words should not be spoken on the day of your return visit, but since you will be the Princess Consort of Ding in the future, you won't have much spare time to return home. Grandmother shall speak with you about it now. In the coming days, if you find yourself with nothing to do, bring your Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister over to the Prince's manor to keep you company."
Ye Li went rigid for a moment, her brows knitting together subtly. Old Matriarch Ye continued, "Shan'er and Lin'er are both good children, and you sisters grew up together from childhood. If they could... it would also serve as a source of support for you and Ying'er. Grandmother's intention is that Lin'er is more stable and mature, so it would be best if she could accompany Ying'er to the Prince of Li's Manor. Shan'er possesses a lively personality, and your temperament is fully capable of keeping her under control. What do you think?"
What do I think? What do I think? Ye Li could not help but want to lose her mind. This old lady was altogether far too presumptuous in her assumptions, wasn't she? She had actually gone so far as to allocate the personnel completely—precisely one for the Prince of Li's Manor and one for the Prince of Ding's Manor? No wonder Ye Ying's expression had been so unsightly just now. She was already suffocated enough fighting against Mo Jing Li's concubines within the Prince of Li's Manor, yet her maternal family was actually sending her own sister over to add to her distress; anyone would turn utterly depressed in her shoes. Letting out a soft cough, Ye Li straightened her expression and said with a gentle smile, "Grandmother, is it not a bit too premature to speak of this at present? The Prince and I have still not... yet we are already rushing to have the younger sisters of the family enter the manor; what sort of thoughts would the Prince form?"
Old Matriarch Ye laughed and said, "Grandmother never said for you to carry it out right this instant. In any case, Shan'er is still young; waiting another year or two won't cause any harm either. As long as you keep a fundamental awareness of it in your heart, that is enough."
The corner of Ye Li's mouth twitched slightly as she inquired, "Though Fifth Sister and Sixth Sister are concubine-born, the threshold of our Minister's Manor is by no means low either. For them to enter a Prince's manor merely to serve as side consorts would inevitably slight them."
Old Matriarch Ye waved her hand with complete indifference, saying, "Marriages are decided by parents; what grounds do they have to feel slighted? Entering a Prince's manor to serve as a side consort—is that not far more noble and prestigious than marrying a minor official or a concubine-born son to serve as a principal wife? Li'er need not worry about the two of them; Shan'er and Lin'er have always been obedient and well-behaved, so they won't voice any objections."
But I possess objections. Ye Li thought for a moment, then deliberated, "Li'er comprehends the intentions of Grandmother and Father. However... among the daughters of our household, apart from Second Sister who has entered the imperial palace, the remaining daughters have all married into princes' manors. Behaving in this manner... brings not a single benefit to Second Sister. Regarding this matter... have Grandmother and Father discussed it thoroughly?" In truth, upon careful consideration, Ye Li understood exactly why Old Matriarch Ye was exerting so much effort; it was entirely for the sake of that imperial bloodline within the palace whose gender remained unknown. Putting aside the fact that she had already married into the Prince of Ding's Manor, even if she were still awaiting marriage within her maiden quarters, Ye Li had never harbored any intention of cooperating with Old Matriarch Ye's wildly imaginative schemes. She truly could not comprehend how Minister Ye—who was considered a long-standing veteran of the official world—could actually agree to a plan devised by an elderly person who sat at home all day without ever stepping foot outside.
Old Matriarch Ye blanked for a moment, narrowing her aged eyes to scrutinize Ye Li for a good while before asking, "What is the meaning of those words?"
Ye Li offered a shallow smile and stated, "Li'er is also a daughter of the Ye family; if Second Sister fares well, it naturally follows that Li'er fares well. However... Grandmother cannot solely cast her gaze upon the two princes' manors. One must realize... the Prince of Ding has consistently removed himself from administrative affairs, and the support of the officials within the imperial court is also of vital importance."
"This..."
Ye Li smiled calmly and said, "Regarding Fourth Sister's situation, Li'er does not know. However, if it concerns the Prince of Ding's Manor, Grandmother should rest assured that Li'er stands in absolute need of no such assistance whatsoever."
Old Matriarch Ye fell into deep contemplation for a long moment, also realizing that what Ye Li said carried perfect administrative sense. Setting aside the fact that Ye Li possessed the absolute confidence to control the Prince of Ding's Manor—meaning there was indeed no requirement for the Ye family to sacrifice another daughter into the mix—if Ye Li were unwilling and they forced one over anyway, it would instead turn unsightly if it triggered a conflict between the sisters. Furthermore, in Old Matriarch Ye's estimation, whether it was Ye Shan or Ye Lin, they were patently incapable of besting Ye Li in a contest of wits. Having thoroughly comprehended this juncture, Old Matriarch Ye no longer persisted, saying with a smile, "What Li'er says makes perfect sense; it was Grandmother whose considerations were flawed. You may treat it as though Grandmother never brought up those words." Although the Prince of Ding's Manor possessed a illustrious and monumental reputation, the successive generations of the Princes of Ding had indeed never participated in the matters of the imperial family. Looking at it from this angle, the utility of the Prince of Ding's Manor was instead nowhere near as vast as that of the Prince of Li's Manor.
"Yes, Grandmother said nothing at all, and Li'er heard absolutely nothing either," Ye Li responded softly. Being able to dispel Old Matriarch Ye's notions was naturally the best possible outcome. In the future, the Prince of Ding's Manor would be her home, and she had no desire to witness any existence there that would make her feel deeply uncomfortable.
After keeping Old Matriarch Ye company to chat for a while longer, a servant arrived to invite the two of them to partake in the meal. As it was a family banquet, there were no outsiders present at the scene. There was only Old Matriarch Ye leading Minister Ye and Madam Wang, the couple of Mo Jing Li and Ye Ying, the couple of Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li, as well as the Heir of the Southern Marquess, Fu Zhao. Throughout the dining table, Ye Li could distinctly perceive a frosty, chilling gaze sweeping across her body from time to time. Without even needing to raise her head to look, Ye Li could easily guess exactly who that person was. Ye Ying attentively served dishes to Mo Jing Li, while Mo Jing Li continued to wear an expression as though someone owed him several thousand taels of silver without returning it, staring fixedly at Ye Li every now and then. Mo Xiu Yao and Ye Li dined with leisurely, unhurried composure, occasionally placing pieces of food they knew the other favored into each other's bowls. Fu Zhao watched the scene with a highly thoughtful expression, looking here and there as he casually consumed his wine and dishes as though nothing were amiss. In stark contrast, Minister Ye's expression appeared somewhat awkward and comical; it was entirely evident he was striving to make the atmosphere at the banquet become harmonious and natural, yet he could simply not afford to offend a single one of his three sons-in-law. Apart from the Heir of the Southern Marquess who still afforded him a modicum of face, Mo Xiu Yao was inherently not a difficult person to coexist with, while Mo Jing Li's face basically had his profound displeasure written across it with absolute clarity.
"Ahem, speaking of which, Prince, it has been several years since we last met. Allow me to toast you a cup." In the end, it was Fu Zhao who broke the bizarre atmosphere, standing up to propose a toast to Mo Xiu Yao, "I also toast the Princess Consort, wishing the Prince and Princess Consort a harmonious union lasting a hundred years."
Mo Xiu Yao raised his wine cup, offering a gentle smile as he said, "I accept your auspicious words. When your grand wedding took place, this Prince was unable to journey over to offer congratulations; please do not take offense." He tilted his head back and drained the wine offered by Fu Zhao. The smile on Fu Zhao's face grew a fraction truer as he laughed, "No matter, we have all known one another since childhood after all. Now we are relatives as well. Prior to my departure, my mother also specifically instructed me to invite the Princess Consort to visit the Marquess's Manor whenever she finds herself at leisure." This Heir of the Southern Marquess was patently highly adept at navigating social conduct; everyone within the capital city was well aware that although the Heir had not yet inherited the noble title, the administrative affairs of the Marquess's Manor were already completely controlled by the principal wife of the Heir. At this moment, however, he completely refrained from mentioning the principal wife of the Heir, speaking solely of the Dowager Marchioness of the Southern Marquess.
Ye Li raised her cup in return, saying with a smile, "I thank the Dowager Marchioness through the Heir."
Mo Jing Li watched the crowd before him conversing and laughing with such ease, letting out a soft snort as he stood up and said, "Since Fu Zhao has already offered a toast, Mo Xiu Yao, this Prince shall also toast you a cup."
Mo Xiu Yao raised an eyebrow with a calm smile, stating, "This Prince has indeed not consumed wine with Jing Li for a long duration of time. Shall I also toast you and the Princess Consort of Li together?"
Mo Jing Li let out a cold snort, waving away a maid who stepped forward intending to pour the wine, and personally filled a cup for both Mo Xiu Yao and himself. He tilted his head back and drained it in a single gulp, then stared provokingly at the wine cup resting before Mo Xiu Yao. Mo Xiu Yao remained smiling without a word, lifting his cup and draining it completely.
"Again!" Mo Jing Li lifted the wine pitcher and filled the cups to the brim once more, and the two men actually began to compete in a drinking match right there at the dining table.