Glory

Old Mrs. Ye finally realized that from the moment they collectively decided to make Ye Yaming the next head of the Ye family and aspired for the family's tea to become Tribute Tea, Ye Yaming's personal matters had become an enormous dilemma.

"Then... what should we do?" she stammered, avoiding Ye Yaming's gaze. "I don't think everyone is that heartless, do you?"

Ye Yaming shook her head: "It's not about being heartless—it's simply human nature to seek advantage and avoid harm. Even if someone were willing to share hardships with me, it would only be the closest of companions. As for others, like Licentiate Zhang's parents and his elder brother and sister-in-law you mentioned, do you think they would?"

"Do you think Licentiate Zhang would disregard his parents for my sake? His parents and siblings spent so much money to support him, and he finally passed the imperial examination to become a Licentiate. If he were to abandon his future and even risk his life for me, would such a person be considered loyal and righteous or fickle and ungrateful? Either way, he would be seen as heartless."

Old Mrs. Ye fell silent.

"So, there's no need to arrange any marriage for me," Ye Yaming declared. "Rather than forcing myself to marry someone inferior in every way, bringing a large dowry only to deal with endless family conflicts and complicated relationships—and then being discarded with a letter of divorce when trouble arises, or putting others in a difficult position—I'd prefer not to marry at all. I'd rather live quietly on my own."

"How can that be?" Old Mrs. Ye couldn't accept this.

Unless a woman was truly unmarriageable, no one remained unmarried. Moreover, everyone should enjoy the happiness of family life. How could her granddaughter—who had sacrificed so much for the family—end up lonely and isolated in her old age? She would never allow such a thing to happen.

Noticing the guilt and helplessness in Old Mrs. Ye's eyes, Ye Yaming stepped forward and took the old woman's hands.

"Don't blame yourself or anyone else. Given my intelligence, do you think I couldn't foresee how things would develop before your discussion that day? Of course I could. So when everyone made the decision and I calmly accepted the outcome, it meant I had made my choice too. No one forced me. This was voluntary."

"Compared to serving a husband and raising children, enduring the moods of a mother-in-law and husband, and dealing with trivial matters at home, I'd rather make tea, purchase tea mountains abroad, and do what men do. Ever since I considered a matrilocal marriage, I've seen myself as a man. I find fulfillment in accomplishments."

"Besides, in our Great Jin dynasty, the normal marrying age is fifteen at the earliest and eighteen at the latest. I'm only fifteen and a half now—there are still two and a half years until I'm eighteen. It's too early to worry about this."

She added in a lighter tone: "It's not that I'm determined never to marry—it's just that I haven't met the right person. Since Heaven has bestowed so much tea knowledge upon me, perhaps it will also grant me a suitable man? So don't worry, Grandma. Some matters resolve themselves with time. Who knows—I might meet someone unexpectedly.This child, facing such difficulties herself, was instead comforting her.

Old Mrs. Ye felt both guilty and deeply moved. She pulled Ye Yaming into her arms and began to cry: "My poor granddaughter."

Ye Yaming patted her back gently in comfort.She knew that her grandfather Ye Chongming was accustomed to protecting the eldest branch of the family, always prioritizing his eldest son and grandson; Old Mrs. Ye also favored her youngest son, Ye Hongrong. Even Yin Shi might place her husband, her natal family, and her younger daughter ahead of her. Only her father, Ye Hongsheng, consistently put her first.

Yet it was undeniable that they all cherished her deeply, and this affection was genuine.

Seeing that Old Mrs. Ye had calmed down, Ye Yaming released her and said, "Next, I'll need you, Grandmother, to help me turn down all these marriage proposals. It's quite a troublesome matter, and I'm afraid it will be a burden on you."

Old Mrs. Ye shook her head. "This is the least I can do for you."

Rejecting marriage proposals was complicated; a single misstep could easily offend people.

Yin Shi lacked sufficient insight and was rather simple-minded. A few flattering words would make her lose her bearings. Although she wouldn't dare to rashly agree to any marriage arrangements, she was easily coaxed into revealing information. Therefore, Ye Yaming's marriage matters had always been handled personally by Old Mrs. Ye, who did not allow Yin Shi to interfere.

If nothing else, Yin Shi's obedience and lack of meddling were qualities that both Old Mrs. Ye and Ye Yaming appreciated.

Hearing Zan'er call out "Old Master" from outside, Ye Yaming knew that Ye Chongming had returned.

She said, "I need to discuss some matters with Grandfather. I'll head to the outer study."

"Go ahead," Old Mrs. Ye replied. She actually wanted very much to pull her husband aside and talk about the issues surrounding Ye Yaming's marriage prospects, to see if there was any solution. But she also knew that Ye Yaming had only just come down from the mountain and would have to return soon. She couldn't monopolize her granddaughter's precious time—their serious discussions took priority.

Ye Yaming left the room and accompanied Ye Chongming to the outer study.

"You've been working too hard lately," Ye Chongming said, looking at Ye Yaming, who seemed to have grown even thinner, with deep concern.

Ever since the Pre-Qingming Tea was produced, Ye Yaming had been rooted at the mountain villa. After finishing the Pre-Qingming Tea, she moved on to the Pre-Rain Tea, and as early summer approached, she began training apprentices without any break.

"I'm not tired," Ye Yaming said with a smile.

Since her transmigration, she had deliberately exercised to strengthen her body. During her time on the mountain, she practiced martial arts with Guan Ting and even went on weighted runs in the mornings. Before her transmigration, this body had been as delicate as a willow, but now it was much stronger and well-proportioned.

As for being thin—it was purely the elders' perception that she had lost weight.

To protect her reputation, the apprentices all lived in a manor several hundred meters away from the villa. Ye Hongsheng doted on his daughter. Although her running seemed peculiar by the standards of the time, after a couple of days, no one paid it any mind.

Out of curiosity, Guan Ting initially joined her in running, while Bai Rui and Lve E were compelled by Ye Yaming's strict requirements to follow suit. This had become an unusual sight at the villa.

"How are the apprentices performing?" Ye Chongming asked.

"They're all doing well," Ye Yaming replied.

These so-called apprentices ranged in age from their early thirties to around seventeen or eighteen—all older than her. Initially, when they learned they would be learning tea-making from such a young girl, they didn't show it outwardly, but inwardly, they were somewhat dismissive.

However, after she roasted a batch of tea and let them taste it, their attitudes changed. Not only did they study with seriousness and respect, but they also treated her with great reverence.They all understood the importance of Dragon Well Tea. Those who could become tea-making masters for Dragon Well Tea saw their value multiply; whether in Ye Jia or elsewhere, they were highly sought after. With such an opportunity before them, no one would be foolish enough to put on the airs of an experienced tea master in front of her.

This was the principle of strength being respected.

"How is their progress?" Ye Chongming asked again.

"A few are quite good—their roasting skills are excellent, and the quality is consistent, comparable to my father. Zhao Daquan, in particular, has earned your praise, Grandfather. Some, however, are not up to par. The remaining dozen or so just need more practice to reach an acceptable level," Ye Yaming said.

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