Glory

With wealth and a desire to befriend Ye Yaming, the fourth branch gifted two shopfronts in Lin'an City, worth four to five thousand taels.

Other relatives also contributed dowry gifts.

The Yin family was represented by Yin De'an himself, accompanied by his eldest son and daughter-in-law. He presented Ye Yaming with a treasured set of the Four Treasures of the Study, saying, "Now that you're marrying into such a family, your maternal grandfather can rest at ease."

When he had learned of Song Yifeng's true character, he was filled with regret and self-reproach for misjudging the man and causing his granddaughter such suffering.

Though he never spoke of it, he had constantly worried about Ye Yaming's marriage prospects. After her engagement to Lu Guanyi was settled, Yin Shi's vague explanations only heightened his concerns, fearing the Ye family might sacrifice his granddaughter's happiness for wealth and status. It was only his daughter's firm assurances that kept him from confronting Ye Chongming about it.

Now, knowing Ye Yaming was marrying a young fourth-rank general, the heir to a marquis household, who matched her in character and appearance and treated her well, the old man's heart was finally at peace.

"Thank you, Grandfather," Ye Yaming said, accepting the gift with a deep bow.

Though she hadn't interacted much with Yin De'an and their bond seemed tenuous, the genuine kindness and affection in the old man's eyes were unmistakable, and she felt the connection of blood ties.

...

Time flew by, and soon it was the sixteenth of September.

Although Ye Yaming planned to reside in Lin'an long-term, the dowry represented a woman's dignity and was to be taken along. She initially intended to purchase furniture in the capital to furnish the new residence at the Xuanwu Marquis Household. However, after Old Mrs. Ye and Yin Shi consulted with Qi Furen, it was decided to have the furniture crafted by the Ye family in Lin'an and transported to the capital.

After all, Jiangnan furniture styles differed from those in the capital, and buying locally would appear insincere, with inferior wood quality. Having already provided a substantial dowry, the Ye family saw no issue with covering the cost of materials and craftsmanship, so they commissioned a full set of furniture to be sent to the capital.

Preparations had begun days earlier, with items carefully packed onto carts. In the end, the dowry filled eight horse-drawn carriages.

Seeing that Ye Chongming and Old Mrs. Ye planned to accompany her to the capital, Ye Yaming quickly dissuaded them: "We have no relatives in the capital, and there's no need to host banquets or entertain guests there. The journey is arduous, and if either of you falls ill, what then? Please stay home. Let my parents, my fourth uncle, and my eldest cousin escort me. Da Bo is already in the capital—that's more than enough to see me off."

After much persuasion, the two agreed to remain.

However, Ye Yayin insisted on attending her sister's wedding. Unable to refuse her, Yin Shi and Ye Yaming relented.

Ye Yayu and Ye Yayin were inseparable companions, and with Ye Yayin likely staying away until the New Year, Ye Yaming worried that Ye Yayu's recently improved temperament might regress without her sister's influence.

After careful consideration, Ye Yaming decided that Ye Yayin should bring Ye Yayu along.

"Let Zhang Shi accompany you as well," Old Mrs. Ye suggested. "We don't know what's fashionable in the capital for clothing and jewelry—you'll need to purchase some. Your mother rarely goes out and wouldn't be of much help. It's better to have Zhang Shi guide you. After the wedding, you'll likely receive invitations to social gatherings, and you must be dressed in the latest styles."Ye Yaming shook her head. "No need. Qi Furen will be going to the capital with us. I'll ask her to help me find out what's currently fashionable and where it's best to shop, then I'll go buy things myself. There's no need to trouble Da Bo's wife."

The main reason was that there were many people in the capital who harbored ill will toward Ye Jia and her—most notably Min Fei, the Third Princess, the Meng family, and others.

Although the Meng family was no longer an Imperial merchant and Meng Chengwei would remain imprisoned for life, his parents were still alive. Who knew how much they hated her? If they learned she was coming to the capital, they might do something utterly insane.

She wasn't afraid for herself. She always had Yi Wu and Chen Xiu, given to her by Lu Guanyi, guarding her, along with two skilled Manor Guards. She could also keep Yin Shi in check—if they went out, they would go together.

But if Tao Shi went to the capital, Ye Yaming couldn't control her. If Tao Shi wanted to go shopping or visit Ye Yaxiu, how could she stop her? If something happened then, it would be troublesome.

Old Madam Ye didn't insist upon hearing this.

When Tao Shi learned about it, she came to Ye Yaming and said, "Ming'er, for your wedding, Da Bo's wife should accompany you to see you off. Your Fourth Aunt has been clamoring to go too, but her children are young and she can't leave. I, however, have no such ties. I can stay in the capital for as long as needed."

Last time, because Ye Yaxiu had spoken carelessly, Ye Hongchang had severely reprimanded both mother and daughter upon returning, especially Tao Shi, to whom he had spoken harshly.

Tao Shi also knew that her previous words and actions had likely displeased Ye Yaming, and she had been trying to repair their relationship during this time.

Now, having the opportunity to accompany the bride, she was naturally very willing.

She went to Ye Yaming and talked for a long time, eventually wiping her tears. "Ming'er, do you still hold a grudge against Da Bo's wife? I know my words earlier were unpleasant and made you unhappy. But I just couldn't get over that hurdle. If it were you, surely you wouldn't be entirely unaffected either. Ming'er, you can understand, can't you?"

"First, I don't hold a grudge against you. Second, if it were me, I would clearly know what I want."

Since Tao Shi wanted to bring up this topic, Ye Yaming didn't hold back and had something to say.

In her previous life, no one dared to make sarcastic remarks in front of her. In this life, if Tao Shi said such things once or twice, it was tolerable. But if it continued, she wasn't sure she could refrain from breaking ties with her.

"On one side, there's the head of a family that's constantly at risk of being framed and gradually declining; on the other, there's the master of an Imperial merchant family with Tribute Tea, able to do business with the court. How would you choose?"

"You want both the benefits and glory I bring to the family and are unwilling to give up the position of family head. How can such a good thing exist in this world? Da Bo is clearer-headed than you and knows how to choose. Da Bo's wife, you're just a bit too greedy, wanting it all."

Tao Shi's face flushed red at Ye Yaming's words.

"If you can't figure this out, or if you understand in your heart but can't let go, and feel the need to jab at me when you're in a bad mood, then come sweet-talking when you're in a good mood—you really don't need to come near me. I may not hold a grudge now, but that doesn't mean I won't in the future. I'm not a person with a good temper. So, Da Bo's wife, you need to think this through properly."

She added, "As for the capital, don't go. What Grandmother mentioned, I can handle it myself. There's no need to trouble you."Tao Shi felt both embarrassed and annoyed by her words, with a trace of fear lingering in her heart.

Off-topic

Not in good condition, stuck with writing, one update today.

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