Glory

Ye Yaming discovered that although he had no connections to the capital, he spoke with a capital accent and was exceptionally capable. After having him accompany Zan'er for a period, she assigned him to the capital.

Thus, Yun'er had never served by her side before. The relationship between mistress and servant remained somewhat unfamiliar.

Previously, there had been no alternative. Now that Ye Yaming had come to the capital, she would frequently summon Yun'er for conversations, aiming to cultivate their bond and help Yun'er develop a stronger sense of belonging.

After the two pages departed, Ye Yaming rose to her feet: "I shall go check on Madame."

Yin Shi had always been one who cherished tranquility back in Lin'an. With limited funds at her disposal originally, she seldom indulged in shopping excursions, rarely venturing out more than a few times a year. The farthest she had ever traveled in her life was accompanying Old Mrs. Ye outside the city to offer incense at a temple.

Accustomed to a life of ease, the arduous journey to the capital proved too much for her. Upon arrival, she complained of feeling unwell.

In response, Ye Yaming arranged for a herbalist to examine her and prescribed some medicinal ointments.

Fortunately, aside from Yin Shi, everyone else in their party remained in good health. The elderly clansfolk, who likely engaged in daily labor, possessed robust constitutions that surpassed even Yin Shi's.

Before Ye Yaming could step out, Ziyuan—standing beneath the corridor—spotted Yin Shi approaching and hurried back inside to announce: "Young mistress, Madame has arrived."

Ye Yaming rose and went to the doorway to welcome Yin Shi inside.

Trailing behind Yin Shi were her two little shadows, Ye Yayin and Ye Yayu.

"Mother, how are you feeling? Shouldn't you be resting more?" Ye Yaming inquired.

"I'm perfectly fine," Yin Shi replied. "It's just the soreness from the long carriage ride. Yesterday the herbalist administered acupuncture and provided medicinal wine for Bai Momo to massage me with. I'm feeling much better now."

"And how is Seventh Aunt Zhou?"

"Despite her advanced years, she's sturdier than I am! She recovered after just one good sleep here. Yesterday she even teased me for being delicate." Yin Shi chuckled at the mention of Seventh Aunt Zhou.

This Zhou woman was an elder of the Ye clan, invited to serve as the family's "Complete Blessings" matron.

At fifty years old, she possessed the rare fortune of having both her own parents and parents-in-law still living—an exceptional circumstance in ancient times when "seventy years was a rare lifespan." Moreover, shortly after marriage she bore a son in her first childbirth, followed by two more sons, and finally a daughter, thus achieving the ideal of having both sons and daughters. Now her household enjoyed four generations under one roof, harmonious family relations, and modest prosperity. Consequently, whenever a clan member married, she would be invited to serve as the Complete Blessings matron.

Originally, Tao Shi could also qualify as such: her own birth parents remained alive, Ye Chongming and Old Madam Ye continued in good health, she had both sons and daughters, and the Ye family fortunes were rising—making her appear quite blessed in outsiders' eyes.

Yet compared to Zhou, Tao Shi fell slightly short. Her firstborn had been a girl, Ye Yaxiu, before she produced Ye Jiaxing. With only one son among three children—in an era of high child mortality—this was considered somewhat precarious. Naturally, the older Zhou, with her living parents-in-law and multiple sons, was deemed more auspicious.

This was why Old Madam Ye and Yin Shi had selected Zhou for the role.

As for Ye Yaming herself, even without Zhou's availability, she would have refused Tao Shi. Tao Shi harbored resentment toward her. Who could guarantee that while dressing her hair and offering blessings, Tao Shi wouldn't secretly curse her instead of sincerely wishing her well?

Having traversed worlds and been reborn—this very life gifted to her by the original owner at the Naihe Bridge—Ye Yaming naturally believed in the existence of divine beings.She might have no expectations for her own marriage, but she absolutely would not allow anyone to curse her at her own wedding.

This was also why she not only refused to let Tao Shi serve as the "Complete Blessing" person but didn't even allow her to accompany the bridal procession.

"That's good then." Ye Yaming felt relieved.

"Since we're free tomorrow, let's go shopping. I've already asked Bai Momo to investigate—the silk shops and jewelry stores on Suzaku Street are the best in the capital. We'll go there tomorrow," said Yin Shi.

Before Yin Shi came, Old Mrs. Ye had repeatedly instructed her to accompany Ye Yaming to buy the most fashionable jewelry and dresses in the capital, so that she wouldn't be looked down upon by noble ladies when attending banquets after marriage.

"Mother, it's best if we don't go out during this period," Ye Yaming said seriously.

Her demeanor startled Yin Shi. "What's wrong?"

Ye Yaming beckoned to Ye Yayu. When Ye Yayu approached and sat down beside her, she handed her a piece of pastry, patted her back gently, and then slowly recounted the matter of the Meng family to the three of them.

Ye Yaming had always been very attentive to Ye Yaqing, let alone her own younger sister Ye Yayin and the pitiable child Ye Yayu. Over the past two years, she had arranged for two matrons to frequently take the two girls out, allowing them to see the hardships of life outside. She also had the matrons explain various scams, deceptions, and tricks used to exploit young girls to them.

Of course, considering Ye Yayu's sensitive nature, some particularly disturbing matters were discussed away from her, lest the child become even more timid and afraid to step outside the mansion.

Her efforts were not in vain. Ye Yayin was no longer the naive and ignorant girl she once was. As for Ye Yayu, frequently going out and experiencing the outside world had helped her improve significantly—at the very least, she could now communicate with others normally.

After hearing Ye Yaming's account, Ye Yayin said indignantly, "The Meng family is truly despicable! Back then, they..."

She listed all the vile deeds the Meng family had committed and added, "Even after ending up in such a state, they still refuse to reflect on their actions and continue to cause trouble. How can some people be so hopeless?"

Ye Yayu was quite talkative when alone with Ye Yayin, but she usually remained quiet. Upon hearing Ye Yayin's words, she nodded in agreement.

Yin Shi, who had long been confined to the inner household, had even less experience with such matters than the two girls. Hearing this directly startled her.

She quickly said, "We won't go then. Let's just stay safely at home."

Then she grew worried again. "But what about your clothes?"

"No rush, we still have over ten days. I'll teach them a lesson first—perhaps they won't dare to harbor any more wicked ideas. If it really doesn't work, I'll have Xia Momo, Bai Rui, and Lve E go out and buy them for me. My figure is similar to Lve E's, and they know my preferences well."

Both Lve E and she were tall, while Bai Rui was slightly shorter by half a head.

Yin Shi nodded. "You decide."

Ye Yayin asked curiously, "Sister, how do you plan to deal with the Meng family?"

Ye Yaming smiled. "Allow me to keep it a secret for now. Once the matter is resolved, I'll have Zan'er tell you all about it."

"Alright then," Ye Yayin pouted.

Just then, the gatekeeper came to report, "Madam, young ladies, the Aunt has arrived."

Both Ye Yaming and Yin Shi were momentarily stunned before realizing that the "Aunt" the gatekeeper referred to was Ye Hongsheng's sister, Ye Ruhui.

"Please invite her in quickly," Ye Yaming said promptly.Several people stood up and went out to welcome them.