Glory

"Oh my, isn't that like pouring out the God of Wealth? How could you bear it? Your grandfather is quite clear-headed," Princess Yu Ning said.

Ye Yaming nodded with an air of cheerful indifference: "Exactly."

"I can't be bothered with managing so many business affairs. I only enjoy making tea. Seeing everyone appreciate the tea I create makes me especially happy. Having my uncles, father, and cousins sell the tea I produce allows more people to enjoy fine tea, doesn't it? So when grandfather asked me to become the next family head, I agreed."

"What about the profit distribution? Surely the earnings can't all go to your maternal family?" Miss Wan interjected.

At this point, she looked somewhat embarrassed: "My question might be abrupt, please don't take offense, Madam Lu. I'm mainly..." She blushed slightly, "I'm mainly just curious."

Birds of a feather flock together. Ye Yaming knew that Princess Yu Ning and Consort Fan Yu were both sincere at heart. Having grown up in royal and aristocratic families, what demons and monsters hadn't they seen? Those with ill intentions couldn't escape their discerning eyes.

Although she hadn't interacted much with Madam Chen and others, because of Princess Yu Ning, she felt no need for caution and wanted to build friendly relations with them.

She waved her hand: "There's nothing that can't be discussed. Originally, my Da Bo was the next family head. After my grandparents pass away, when we divide the family assets, his branch would take seventy percent, while our second branch and third and fourth uncles' families would each get ten percent."

"Now that I've become the next family head, when the family divides in the future, our second branch will take sixty percent, the first branch twenty percent, and third and fourth uncles ten percent each."

The situation with the third branch was complicated and involved family shame, so she didn't intend to mention it. Though Third Uncle had passed away and Third Aunt had been expelled, Ye Yayu from the third branch remained. When the family divided in the future, as the sole heir of the third branch, Ye Yayu would still receive her share of the property. So her explanation wasn't incorrect.

Miss Wan looked at Ye Yaming with furrowed brows: "But wouldn't the money you earn ultimately go to your brothers? Is that really worth it?"

"My parents have no sons. I'm the eldest daughter, with a younger sister below me," Ye Yaming said with a smile. "I don't mind telling you - I originally planned to have a matrilocal marriage. Our family's heir knew about this. It was only after he proposed that I decided to marry out."

This statement made everyone gasp in surprise.

Their surprise came from both the unexpected nature of the revelation and Ye Yaming's unusually frank and straightforward manner of speaking.

Ancient people valued subtlety, aristocratic families even more so, and women from noble families were the epitome of reserve. Because even minor matters could affect family reputation and bring disaster to the clan, everyone was cautious - careful with every word and step.

Even legitimate daughters from proper aristocratic families behaved this way, let alone Ye Yaming, who came from a merchant background and had married up the social ladder to Lu Guanyi.

She should have been even more prudent in speech and action.

Yet here she was speaking so bluntly. If word got out, where would Young General Lu save face? Would he become angry and directly divorce her? Oh right, he couldn't divorce her because it was an imperial marriage. But a man could simply neglect his wife and take several concubines, which would be enough to make her life miserable.Princess Yu Ning genuinely liked Ye Yaming—not merely because of the "divine revelation in a dream" that hinted at her extraordinary origins, but because during their days in Lin'an, Ye Yaming's character and temperament had truly won her admiration and affection.

She glared at Ye Yaming and scolded, "What nonsense are you spouting? How can such words be uttered carelessly? Fortunately, there are no outsiders in this room. If this were to spread, where would your family’s young master hide his face?"

Then she continued instructing, "The capital is nothing like Lin'an. The cleverest people from across the entire Great Jin converge here—the city is filled with the shrewdest of shrewd people, their minds more intricate than a sieve. A single misstep could cost you your life. From now on, think carefully before every word you speak and every action you take. If it’s better left unsaid, don’t say it."

Ye Yaming had already risen to her feet, listening respectfully before offering a deep bow, her expression full of humility. "Yaming acknowledges her mistake."

Only then did Princess Yu Ning relax, beckoning her to sit down again.

Turning to the others, she said, "Yaming is a straightforward child, guileless and sincere. Let what was just said remain here—do not spread it outside. If I catch wind of any rumors…" She swept a glance over the group. "I will not be lenient."

Madam Chen and the others immediately shed their earlier lighthearted demeanor. Madam Chen replied solemnly, "Your Highness, rest assured. We understand and will not gossip idly. Besides, what did Madam Lu say earlier? She only mentioned her responsibilities as head of household—nothing more." By the end, she had lightened her tone, chuckling softly.

"Exactly, I didn’t hear a thing," Madam Yuan chimed in cheerfully.

The tense atmosphere in the room instantly eased.

Miss Wan then lifted her teacup and said sincerely to Ye Yaming, "It was my fault. If I hadn’t asked carelessly, Madam Lu wouldn’t have spoken of such matters. The blame lies entirely with me. Come, let’s drink tea. This tea is far too exquisite—let us simply enjoy it."

Seeing their reactions, Ye Yaming could only smile wryly.

During her time in Lin'an, she had sensed that Princess Yu Ning, likely having emerged from the depths of the palace, harbored a weariness toward scheming individuals. Thus, the princess preferred the company of those who were simple-hearted, kind, and frank.

Though Ye Yaming herself possessed cunning and tactics, she believed her intentions were upright and her nature pure. She genuinely wished to befriend Princess Yu Ning and integrate into this circle of friends.

People are multifaceted. No doubt Princess Yu Ning and Madam Chen also employed shrewdness when dealing with others. As long as one’s heart remained righteous and their nature kind, they were kindred spirits.

She said, "Your Highness’s guidance is wise. However, I’d like to explain—my earlier bluntness stemmed from knowing that all present are close to Your Highness. And I know Her Highness’s character well. Those she befriends are all virtuous and pure-hearted, certainly not the type to stir up trouble."

Her words warmed the hearts of everyone in the room.

Princess Yu Ning reached out and pinched Ye Yaming’s smooth cheek. "Such a sweet talker you are. I’ll grant you know how to speak well."

Ye Yaming gently pulled away the mischievous hand and continued, "Moreover, what I said was the truth and no secret. Anyone who visits Lin’an would learn of it."She said with some embarrassment, "Back when my grandmother was trying to find a suitable groom who would live with our family, she practically turned the entire Lin'an City upside down. So many matchmakers were searching everywhere for decent-looking men with good character who were willing to become live-in grooms. Rather than letting others gossip about it behind my back, I'd rather bring it up openly myself."

Besides, this would help establish her naive and sweet persona, making Madam Li and others feel more at ease.

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