Glory

"Moreover, I'm not reporting to the imperial court right now, but giving Zi Mo the full picture."

She used to call Lu Guanyi "Young Master Lu." Given the distinction between men and women, the ancients strictly adhered to etiquette, and their status and positions were vastly different, so she had always addressed him with such formality.

Later, their engagement was hastily arranged, and after it was settled, Lu Guanyi left immediately, leaving her no opportunity to dwell on the issue of how to address him.

Now that the Emperor had bestowed the marriage, this wedding had to take place no matter what. Besides, Ye Chongming's teachings still echoed in her ears, and Ye Yaming was willing to make an effort for a harmonious married life, so she changed the way she addressed him.

Lu Guanyi was clearly very pleased to hear Ye Yaming call him "Zi Mo."

He beamed at Ye Yaming, revealing a set of bright white teeth: "Exactly, I'll oversee it."

Ye Yaming silently averted her gaze.

The Lu Guanyi of the past was such a steady and restrained person, usually serious and unsmiling. Why did he seem a bit foolish now, even comparable to Qi Ji?

Had she misjudged him after spending several months together day and night in Huizhou?

Ye Yaming composed herself and continued, "Tea production is affected by temperature and rainfall—it's still dependent on the weather. Two hundred thousand jin is the output without significant climate impact. So, Zi Mo, what do you think would be an appropriate amount to report?"

This was the advantage of having connections on the inside.

Since the imperial court would base rewards on production volume, naturally, the higher the reported figure, the better; but reporting too high also carried risks.

Determining the exact value required someone like Lu Guanyi, who was well-versed in both sides, to make the decision.

"We can provide a rough range, say between one hundred fifty thousand and two hundred fifty thousand jin," Lu Guanyi said.

"Is that acceptable?"

"Yes."

"Then let's report it that way," Ye Yaming nodded.

Ye Chongming naturally had no objections.

"What about the price?" That was what concerned him now.

Lu Guanyi glanced at Ye Yaming: "Didn't you originally tell me that purchasing directly from Lin'an would cost four hundred and fifty wen? I informed the court at the time, and they found that price acceptable."

"However..." He shook his head, "Minister Chen is an extremely formidable figure. He handles many large-scale procurement matters for the court and is exceptionally skilled at driving down prices. Whatever price is negotiated tomorrow will depend on you."

Ye Yaming smiled faintly: "Deal."

In her previous life, she had rarely suffered losses at the negotiation table. On the contrary, most of her opponents left the table looking ashen-faced, unwilling to face her again.

Her only concern was whether Ye Chongming could hold his ground.

To outsiders unaware of the circumstances, a young girl like her was seen as a junior and a woman, not to be taken seriously. If she stepped forward rashly, it would be perceived as disrespectful and reflect poorly on Ye Jia's propriety.

Therefore, the negotiation still had to be led by Ye Chongming as the head of the family.

The reason Lu Guanyi could stay and share some insider information with the Ye family was solely because Chen Zhen valued the great contributions Marquis Xuanwu had made during the political upheaval, his command of military power, and Lu Guanyi's promising future. It was worth noting that Shi Kun, the heir of Duke Wei, had once offended Chen Zhen, nearly costing him his official position.

Lu Guanyi knew his limits well. After hastily briefing the Ye family grandfather and granddaughter, he took his leave.

"Ming'er, please see Zi Mo out for me," Ye Chongming said understandingly, wanting to give the engaged couple a chance to be alone.

Ye Yaming then went to escort Lu Guanyi out."Once the Dark Tea trade is settled tomorrow, I intend to come discuss our marriage arrangements." Lu Guanyi looked at Ye Yaming. "I've had someone select several auspicious dates—the two nearest ones are the ninth day of the tenth month and the sixth day of the twelfth month. After returning to the capital with Minister Chen's party to complete my duties, I'll be free until the New Year. What do you think about us marrying on the tenth month's ninth day?"

"Ah? Marriage?"

Though Ye Yaming had known her marriage to Lu Guanyi would likely happen soon, the concrete date still startled her.

Modern people already feared marriage, let alone in this ancient era.

Although Shi Shi's father and brothers had been executed, her empress sister deposed and confined to the cold palace, her maternal family confiscated, and the Shi family's male members beheaded with their womenfolk sold into servitude, Shi Shi herself—as a married daughter—remained unaffected. She was only divorced due to the enmity between the Shi family and Lu Zhongyong. At least her personal safety was guaranteed. Though Lu Zhongyong had been forced into marrying Shi Shi back then, and his first wife had been killed by the Shi family, they'd still been husband and wife. Since Shi Shi had borne him a son, he didn't act too harshly, allowing her to take all her dowry with her.

Given the Duke Wei's mansion's immense power at that time, Shi Shi's dowry was undoubtedly substantial. Had she wished, she could have remained in the capital enjoying wealth and status.

But as the daughter of a disgraced official involved in rebellion, staying in the capital would only draw the Emperor's displeasure. She might even be assassinated someday, not to mention the many enemies the Shi family had made over the years. Even with only women left, there were fears of others taking revenge on them.

Thus Shi Shi promptly returned to her hometown, using connections to repurchase the sold Shi women, planning to live out their remaining years keeping a low profile together.

Therefore, after marrying Lu Guanyi, Ye Yaming wouldn't need to endure a mother-in-law's scrutiny. She'd immediately become the wife of the heir apparent, directly managing the household.

Lu Zhongyong remained stationed at the border. Lu Guanyu—Shi Shi's son, two years younger than Lu Guanyi—might resent his father and brother, but he could only scheme covertly, not openly oppose Ye Yaming.

Yet Ye Yaming still felt some resistance toward marriage.

However reluctant, reason prevailed. She knew delaying wouldn't change the inevitable.

She said, "Then let it be the ninth day of the tenth month." Better to get it over with sooner.

Lu Guanyi was overjoyed, flashing his bright white teeth: "Excellent! I'll have people start preparations immediately."

It was already mid-seventh month, leaving less than three months until the ninth day of the tenth month.

Ye Yaming agreed so readily because her main concern came next.

"After marrying, must we live in the capital? I still have responsibilities with Ye Jia—the court's Dark Tea requires my supervision during production."

"After the New Year when I depart for the border, you can return to Lin'an," Lu Guanyi said. "The residence next to the government office was bestowed upon me by the Crown Prince. You may live there."

Ye Yaming felt instantly reassured, her resistance to marriage diminishing.

She gave Lu Guanyi a smile: "That's good."

The front courtyard was very close to the main gate. In just those few sentences, they had reached the entrance.

Taking the reins from An Tai, Lu Guanyi turned to glance at Ye Yaming.

She smiled at him: "Go on. See you tomorrow."

After seeing Lu Guanyi off and returning to the front courtyard study, Ye Chongming was still there. He asked immediately upon seeing her: "Did Zi Mo mention when you'll marry?"

"Yes, he did."Ye Yaming told him about the two wedding dates proposed by Lu Guanyi and said, "He suggested getting married in October, so he can stay in the capital until the New Year."