Glory

"One last question, if we set such a high price, will we still have the opportunity to become Imperial merchants?" Ye Chongming asked again.

"Whether we become Imperial merchants has nothing to do with the price. Unless you don't charge anything, others will assume you're making a profit from this deal. Rest assured, we're doing business with the imperial court, and this transaction concerns border security. We're essentially performing the duties of 'Imperial merchants.' If the court doesn't grant us the title this year, they'll have to next year."

Ye Chongming felt relieved: "Then there's no problem."

When Ye Yaming returned from the front courtyard to the rear courtyard, she was still quite far from the Moon Gate when the enthusiastic voices of the gatekeepers reached her: "Oh, Third Young Miss is here."

As the voices sounded, the women came forward to greet her, curtsying: "This old servant congratulates the young miss, we offer our felicitations."

Ye Yaming smiled: "Thank you, both nannies. Bai Rui, give them rewards."

Bai Rui quickly took out some copper coins to reward them.

After passing through the Moon Gate and moving away from the two women, the straightforward Lve E couldn't help but curl her lips: "Look at them, they're such opportunists."

Originally, the rear household was managed by the eldest madam, Tao Shi. After Ye Yaming became the next head of family, Old Madam Ye had asked if Yin Shi should participate in household management, but Ye Yaming refused.

Firstly, Yin Shi wasn't particularly capable. If she were put in charge of household affairs, Old Madam Ye, despite her age, would have to clean up the mess behind her, and Tao Shi would laugh at the spectacle.

Secondly, Ye Yaming had already taken the family head position from Ye Hongchang. If the management of the rear household were also taken over by Yin Shi, Tao Shi wouldn't just be dissatisfied—she would absolutely despise Ye Yaming.

They were all family—why create such strife? Household harmony and peace were more important than anything. Ye Yaming didn't think managing the rear household was particularly important anyway. With her around, Tao Shi couldn't throw her weight around in front of Yin Shi.

Therefore, the rear household remained under Tao Shi's management.

The gatekeepers at the Moon Gate were all carefully cultivated and promoted by Tao Shi over the years, loyal to her. After Ye Yaming became the next head, these women didn't dare offend her, but they also didn't dare show any fawning behavior, for fear of angering Tao Shi and losing their good positions.

Thus, they had always been lukewarm toward Ye Yaming.

Now, however, they were as enthusiastic as fire.

Bai Rui shot Lve E a glare, but after doing so, she couldn't help herself and said to Ye Yaming: "Young Miss, they act according to their mistress's attitude."

This wasn't an excuse for those women, but a statement of fact.

Ye Yaming understood her meaning and smiled: "Indeed, this can be considered a good thing."

Tao Shi had been dissatisfied with her recently, so the maids and women under her management didn't dare fawn over Ye Yaming. Now that these people were openly trying to curry favor, it meant Tao Shi's attitude had changed as well.

When two people's statuses are relatively close, the slightly inferior one might envy and resent the slightly superior one. But if the status gap becomes so vast it's like an unbridgeable chasm, then the inferior one can only feel admiration and seek to please, no longer capable of envy or resentment.

People are just that complex and pragmatic.

When she reached the Second Branch's courtyard gate, the gatekeeper also congratulated Ye Yaming and said: "Young Miss, the Eldest Madam and Fourth Madam are both in Second Madam's courtyard. Second Madam instructed that you should go there first when you return."

Ye Yaming had no choice but to change course and head to Yin Shi's courtyard.

As soon as she entered, she was inundated with flattering words.Tao Shi managed to maintain the dignified restraint of the senior madam and her precarious aloof persona. After all, she had previously held a grudge against Ye Yaming, and changing her attitude too quickly might invite ridicule.

Knowing her mother-in-law disliked Ye Yaming, Guan Shi dared not speak much even if she wished to befriend her.

In contrast, Zhang Shi was effusive in her praise, practically lifting Ye Yaming to the heavens: "...I’ve praised your capabilities to your fourth uncle before, but I never imagined you were this remarkable—even capable of producing tea valued by the imperial court, attracting a third-rank official to negotiate business with our family. How many merchants ever receive such an honor? So when the imperial marriage decree arrived, I wasn’t surprised in the least. A girl as capable and clever as you being admired and sought in marriage by the Lu heir is only fitting, isn’t it?"

She added, "When I return, I’ll tell Rui’er, Xuan’er, and Ning’er that they’re benefiting from their third sister’s influence. Their best days are yet to come."

The three siblings, Ye Jiarui and his sisters, seemed to have been coached by Zhang Shi. Hearing their names, they crowded around, chattering eagerly: "Third Sister, you’re so capable! Mother says we must study hard to be as clever as you."

"Third Sister, you’re so beautiful. I wish I could grow up to look just like you," said Ye Yaxuan, the only girl among the three.

The youngest, Ye Jianing, had been a six-month-old infant when Ye Yaming first arrived, often wailing in the wet nurse’s arms. Now, he was already running around mischievously.

His big, dark eyes wide, he sucked on his index finger, seemingly struggling to recall the words his mother had taught him but failing utterly.

He turned to Zhang Shi and called out, "Mother..." looking on the verge of tears.

Tao Shi scoffed at the scene, taunting Zhang Shi, "Fourth sister-in-law, why put the child through this? Look how distressed Ning’er is! Ming’er values loyalty and affection above all. Even if the children don’t flatter her, she’ll still support and care for them as needed. There’s truly no need for this."

Zhang Shi, embarrassed by her youngest son’s blunder, flushed and was about to explain to Ye Yaming when the latter waved her off.

Ye Yaming scooped Ye Jianing into her arms, pinched his chubby cheeks, and said to Zhang Shi, "I’ve always known Fourth Aunt has a soft spot for me. Though I’m often busy and don’t have much time to play with my younger cousins, I’ll help wherever I can. We’re family, after all."

Turning to Ye Jiarui and Ye Jiaxuan, she added, "Do you like the snacks Fourth Sister and Fifth Sister have the kitchen prepare daily? You should visit them often—I’m sure they’d love your company."

From what she knew, Zhang Shi disciplined her three children strictly, and they were all well-behaved and sensible, far from unruly.

Under Ye Yayin’s influence, Ye Yayu had made significant progress lately, though she remained somewhat socially anxious. Human children were as endearing as kittens, and Ye Yaming believed more interaction with the three youngsters would help Ye Yayu become more outgoing.

Recognizing Ye Yaming’s goodwill, Zhang Shi was delighted and promptly promised to send the three little ones to play with Ye Yayin and Ye Yayu regularly.

Not to be outdone, Tao Shi interjected, "Ming’er, when do you and the Lu heir plan to marry?"

Ye Yaming glanced at her and replied, "Zi Mo said we’ll discuss the date with Grandfather after the court finalizes the Dark Tea purchase."Tao Shi's smile remained unchanged on her face, but a flicker of disappointment flashed in her eyes.