44 Aunt's Destination

ould actually let you come alone to deal with matters in Southern Nian The Prince is such a good person. My father only nags about how girls who are married should stay at home managing the household,...The Imperial Capital Ode 44: Where Auntie Is Going

44. Where Auntie Is Going

"Miss, Madam has arrived."

In the elegant and secluded Qingyi軒 (Pavilion), Ye Li was holding a needle and thread, contemplating her embroidery when Qingxia came in with news.

Ye Li put down her work and raised her head. "Why does she have time to come here" Ever since the mix-up during Ye Ying's wedding two days ago, Lady Wang had been busy. And now, rumors were spreading that the child Ula (a concubine) was carrying was incompatible with both Ye Ying and Ye Rong. This only added fuel to the fire. The Minister of State Ye’s head was spinning too. On one hand there was his daughter becoming a princess-consort of Li Prince, and on the other his most favored concubine and their future son. As for which mattered more, the Minister wasn’t blind, but he couldn't bear to see Ula's tear-streaked face. Unfortunately, Ye Rong had inexplicably been frightened when going to school on the second day of Ye Ying’s wedding and lay in bed for two days after being scared by a carriage accident. This only made Lady Wang more agitated.

When Wang Shi walked in, she looked at Ye Li with an unusually amiable expression. Unfortunately, Ye Li wasn’t one to live her life based on Wang Shi's whims or a young and helpless girl who didn't understand anything. So she simply rose politely and greeted her, "Fourth Miss is returning home tomorrow, why does Mother have time to come over" Wang Shi said with what she thought was an amiable smile, "Ding Prince's王府 (Palace) has already picked the date to send betrothal gifts. Li’s wedding isn’t far off either, so I’ve come to see if there is anything that hasn't been prepared properly."

Ye Li invited Wang Shi to sit down and said, "With Auntie and Senior Lady coming over several times already as well as Lin Nanny and Wet Nurse in charge of preparations, everything has been taken care of. Mother needn’t worry so much."

The smile on Wang Shi’s face froze; what Ye Li had just said sounded to her ears like she was accusing her of failing in her duties as a legitimate mother. In reality, Ye Li didn't think that way at all because in her heart she never believed Wang Shi owed her anything for arranging the wedding. As long as it looked good on the surface, that would be enough.

"Actually... I have another matter to discuss with you today." Wang Shi quickly recovered and looked at Ye Li earnestly.

Ye Li's eyebrows lightly rose as she looked at her questioningly.

Madam Wang sighed heavily. "Liyu, have you heard about what has been happening these past few days It's not that I can't tolerate people; it's just that Zhao Yi's child is incompatible with the legitimate offspring of our Ye family. The other day, I specially went to consult Daoist Master Lingxu at Shuiyun Temple. He said that Zhao Yi's child from a previous life bears grudge against our family and was born to cause us harm. Look... ever since news of her pregnancy spread, everything has been going wrong for our Ye family. But Father keeps protecting her..."

Ye Li listened calmly as Madam Wang ranted on about Zhao Yi and Minister Ye's shortcomings. She deliberately brought up the issue that Zhao Yi's child is incompatible with the legitimate offspring of the Ye family, but who could be more legitimate than Liyu in terms of being a legitimate offspring If it weren't for knowing beforehand, anyone would likely develop a prejudice against Zhao Yi and her illegitimate child after seeing how ill-fated Ye Ying's wedding was.

"What do you mean, Madam" Regardless of what happens, that child is still the flesh and blood of our Ye family and Liyu's younger brother. Father naturally feels pity for him." Ye Li casually threw the question back to Madam Wang. If it weren't for Zhao Yi being cautious and giving her no opportunity to take action, she wouldn't have come to seek advice from her. If she really fell into the trap and offered any suggestions, the consequences would only be borne by herself. Madam Wang was stunned, gritted her teeth, and forced a smile. "No matter what, that child is probably... The incident with Ying'er has already cost our Ye family its reputation; if Liyu's marriage were to run into problems, we'd truly lose all face."

Ye Li smiled faintly as she said, "I can't make this decision. Madam should really discuss it thoroughly with Father and Grandmother." Once married, I'll change my surname to Mo; even if that child truly brings misfortune upon someone, wouldn’t it affect those who still bear the Ye surname first

Seeing how Ye Li was unresponsive to her attempts at persuasion, Madam Wang realized she would not get what she wanted here. She put on a show of comforting Ye Li and left with her handkerchief almost crumpled.

"Miss, that Wang氏 is so treacherous in her intentions; you mustn't fall for her trap," Elder Nurse Lin and Elder Nurse Wei emerged from the inner room after Madam Wang's departure. Elder Nurse Wei said angrily.

Ye Li smiled as she raised an eyebrow and asked, "Did Mother Nurse discern what she meant"

Elder Nurse Wei replied, "What else could she mean She herself intends to harm Zhao A Yi but drags Miss into it. If Miss were truly gullible and listened to her, spreading such rumors about a daughter meddling in Father's household affairs or being cruel to a stepmother and stepsibling would tarnish Miss's reputation."

Elder Nurse Lin said with a smile as she comforted Elder Nurse Wei, "Sister shouldn't be too anxious. I believe Miss must have her own plans." Ye Li nodded and said, "Wang氏 can't tolerate Zhao A Yi; it's just that there are many things happening in the mansion currently, giving her no chance to act."

Elder Nurse Lin thought for a moment before saying, "Does Miss mean to help that Zhao A Yi" Ye Li shook her head and said, "Helping isn't quite accurate. It's about mutual benefit. These days, Zhao A Yi has helped me a lot. Besides, I think Rong'er is being taught improperly by Madam; the Ye family must leave behind some descendants."

Elder Nurse Lin said, "Perhaps Zhao A Yi will have great ambitions in the future.

Ye Li waved her hand and smiled, "If she were smart, she would know that there is no conflict of interest between us."

Mother Lin thought for a moment and said with a smile, "Young Miss has considered everything thoroughly. This old servant was overthinking it."

Ye Li shook her head with a smile, "I am still young and there will always be things I haven't considered. In the future, I should rely more on Aunties like you to guide me."

In the evening, Lady Wang somehow persuaded Secretary Ye to agree to send Aunt Zhao back to the Ye Family’s ancestral home for her confinement. Naturally, Aunt Zhao cried and pleaded desperately. The other consorts in the mansion could not help but show pity at her miserable appearance. It was no secret that the Ye family's hometown was far from being a prosperous place; it was actually Bingzhou, located near the border of Great Chu’s southwest region. Not only was it an impoverished area with harsh terrain and waterways, but it was also over a thousand miles away from the capital city. Since Secretary Ye had brought his mother to the capital when he took up office, the Ye family hadn’t returned home once. Even earlier years ago, they moved their ancestral temple to the capital as well, leaving only an old residence and a small piece of land in Bingzhou under the care of distant relatives. It was uncertain whether Aunt Zhao could even survive such a journey while pregnant.

Secretary Ye also seemed somewhat reluctant but seeing his former concubine’s desperate pleas, he did not budge. As she watched Aunt Zhao's expression change from sorrow to hopelessness, Ye Li remained indifferent despite the obvious genuine emotion and theatrics involved. It must have been chilling for Aunt Zhao to see such a cold-hearted response from Secretary Ye.

"Father," seeing that the fuss had gone on long enough, Ye Li spoke up, "the journey to Bingzhou is not only lengthy but also extremely arduous. Even an ordinary person might struggle with it; how much more so for Aunt Zhao who is pregnant"

Secretary Ye's expression changed slightly as he looked at Ye Li and asked, "Then what does Leye have in mind"

Ye Li lowered her gaze and said calmly, "Since Madam’s intention was to move Aunt Zhao out of the capital for care, why go all the way to Bingzhou What if something were to happen on the road... Senior Consort Xiao is currently carrying His Majesty's heir. We should be praying for their well-being."

Lady Wang's face paled as she was filled with anger that made her heart tremble. How could Ye Li say it was Madam’s idea And then curse her beloved daughter and grandson!

Mrs. Ye frowned and asked, "Then where does Miss Li think would be suitable"

Ye Li smiled gently and said, "While we should not entirely dismiss the predictions of fate, we also cannot take them too seriously. After all, Aunt Zhao is carrying a child from our family. If others find out and say that we don’t care about blood relations would be detrimental to us. As for where Aunt Zhao will go, I believe Father and Grandmother already have plans."

Secretary Ye looked deeply at Ye Li with an obvious probing gaze and said, "Our family has a villa in Yunzhou, which has pleasant weather. How about sending Lady Zhao to Yunzhou"

"Of course everything will be decided by Father and Grandmother."

Mrs. Ye sized up Aunt Zhao and then smiled at Ye Li as she said, "Your father is right. Yunzhou is a land of talent and culture where many sages have come from throughout history. Perhaps the child’s destiny can be tempered there."

Ye Li respectfully replied, "Grandmother is correct. As long as our family prospers, we will benefit too." (Fate What fate could an unborn child possibly have)

Mrs. Ye nodded in satisfaction at Ye Li’s big picture thinking and said, "You’re such a sensible girl. In that case, let it be decided."

Aunt Zhao knelt on the main hall floor, glanced with resentment towards Lady Wang who was looking resentful as well, then respectfully bowed to Mrs. Ye, “Granny’s kindness is overwhelming. I also thank Master and Miss for their benevolence.”

Ye Li smiled and said, "Aunt Zhao should rise quickly. This is all due to Grandmother's and Father’s kindness; we as juniors can only follow along. Your journey will be long, so please take care of yourself on the road. After your son is born, I hope you’ll raise him well so as not to disappoint Grandmother’s and Father’s expectations."nsort truly jealous Lord would surely be very happy if he knew, wouldn’t he Seeing Ye Li’s expression, Qin Feng quickly explained, "It’s not a northern Rong princess… it’s Helian Huiduan's stepdaughte...