Glory

The person in charge of contacting Zhennan Wangfu reported: "The Third Young Master of the prince's household is in increasingly poor health. Previously, he would suffer a major illness every six months and a minor one monthly; now it's almost as if he has a major illness every five days and a minor one every three. The imperial physicians shake their heads as soon as they leave the residence. Princess Consort Zhennan used to weep frequently, but now it seems grief has numbed her heart—she weeps less often, spending her days in a daze instead."

Lu Guanyi and Ye Yaming exchanged a glance.

Lu Guanyi rewarded the messenger and dismissed him. The couple, however, did not discuss the matter further.

Such matters could not be rushed; it was best to act according to the situation. For now, they could only monitor these developments and wait for the most opportune moment.

Two days later, Xuanwu Marquis Household hosted a banquet, and Lu Guanyi and Ye Yaming reciprocated by inviting the guests who had previously entertained them.

At this gathering, Ye Yaming encountered Princess Consort Zhennan once more. As stunning as ever, with only a thicker layer of powder on her face, she showed no outward signs of the exhaustion and worry she endured day and night for her ailing son. Seated among the noblewomen, she conversed and socialized appropriately, only occasionally revealing traces of weariness and anxiety.

For this banquet, Ye Yaming had not only invited her parents, Da Bo, and her two younger sisters but also extended invitations to Ye Ruhui’s family and Ye Yaxiu’s family.

With its numerous residences, Xuanwu Marquis Household arranged guests in separate courtyards according to their social status, where they also dined. This prevented any awkwardness or offense due to significant disparities in rank.

Ye Yaxiu had known her cousin married into a wealthy and powerful family, but without direct exposure, she hadn’t fully grasped what that meant. Now, seated in the lavishly decorated hall of Xuanwu Marquis Household, surrounded by opulent furnishings and hearing announcements like "Princess Consort Kang has arrived" and "Princess Yu'an is here," she truly felt the chasm of social class.

"Cousin-in-law, I heard you and Princess Yu'an opened a shop together—that famously exquisite pastry shop in the capital, isn’t that right?" Ye Ruhui had been urged by her mother-in-law and sisters-in-law to inquire about this before coming. Seeing Yin Shi enter, she seized the opportunity to ask.

Ye Yaxiu immediately pricked up her ears.

Yin Shi smiled. "Yes. You know I run one in Lin'an. Since I won’t be staying here long, I hadn’t planned on opening another. But Princess Yu'an grew bored at home and wanted something to pass the time. She asked Ming'er, who then encouraged us to partner in opening a shop. It was just a casual venture for amusement, not to be taken seriously."

"Then..." Ye Ruhui said hesitantly, "My husband’s family runs embroidery workshops—the largest ones in the capital are their businesses. Cousin-in-law, would you be interested in opening an embroidery workshop? Perhaps we could partner in one as well?"

Before arriving, Yin Shi had been cautioned by Ye Yaming: her aunt was honest, but her uncle’s family was shrewd, and Ye Yaxiu herself was prone to taking advantage. They might covet the success of the pastry shop, especially its connection to Princess Yu'an, and try to find a way to get involved.

Regardless of whether Ye Ruhui genuinely wanted to collaborate on an embroidery workshop or had ulterior motives regarding the pastry shop, Yin Shi firmly declined: "No, no, I’m returning to Lin'an the day after tomorrow. Even the pastry shop is managed by a Housekeeper sent by Princess Yu'an. How could I possibly open another shop?"Ye Yaxiu chimed in from the side: "Aunt, the recipes you hold are the most profitable assets. Why don't we partner to open a few shops? You wouldn't need to manage them—just contribute the recipes as shares and wait for dividends."

She smiled warmly and linked arms with Yin Shi: "If you're worried about offending Princess Yu'an, we could invite her to take a stake too. She could hold the majority share without needing to oversee operations, simply receiving dividends. You provide the recipes, the Princess's prestige deters troublemakers, and we handle management. With this three-way collaboration, our business is bound to flourish."

Having been coached by Ye Yaming, Yin Shi faced them with composure.

She replied with a smile: "I've no patience for such ventures. The Second Master and Ming'er are busy as spinning tops all day—I can barely keep up with worrying over them, let alone arranging marriages for Yin'er and Yu'er. Still, since you've proposed this, I can't refuse. After all, we're family, and helping you connect with nobility would be ideal. When everyone benefits, that's true success, isn't it?"

These words greatly pleased Ye Ruhui and Ye Yaxiu.

"However, this isn't my decision to make—I must consult Princess Yu'an. As you know, she's a Princess who lacks for nothing. Opening shops is merely a pastime for her, something to do when bored. The profits we'd earn wouldn't even catch her eye. If she declines, there's nothing I can do. Please don't blame me later."

"Of course not, of course not. Just asking on our behalf would already be a great favor," Ye Yaxiu said cheerfully.

Ye Ruhui then inquired: "Have you found matches for Yin'er and Yu'er yet?"

"We're still considering candidates," Yin Shi replied. Having engaged in business daily, she had honed her skills in reading people and navigating conversations.

Regardless of Ye Ruhui's intentions, Yin Shi cut off any follow-up by detailing the conditions of the Li and Chen families.

"These are just neighbors near our residence who sent intermediaries to test the waters. There are other, more suitable families, including some from established noble houses."

"Noble houses?" Ye Yaxiu exclaimed in surprise.

"Indeed," Yin Shi smiled. There are scions from such families willing to become brothers-in-law to the Heir of Xuanwu. Moreover, our dowries are substantial."

This explanation made everything clear to them.

Of course. Those noble scions seemed unattainable only to families like theirs. But in a Count's or Marquis's mansion, there were countless legitimate and illegitimate children and grandchildren. If a lesser son lacked scholarly talent, he held little value.

Having the Heir of Xuanwu as a brother-in-law made marrying a Ye girl respectable; coupled with a generous dowry, it offered practical benefits and security after family division. Many would eagerly seek such matches.

Once they understood, any attempt to promote their own eligible male relatives died on their lips.

Despite Ye Yaming's intensified exercise regimen over the past two years, after a full day's work, her back and legs ached as she saw off the last guests.

"You've worked hard," Lu Guanyi approached and massaged her shoulders, joking, "Shall I carry you back?"

Ye Yaming's eyes sparkled: "Really?"

Without another word, Lu Guanyi crouched down before her.Xia Momo quickly interjected, "Young Master, our lady has already sent someone to fetch the sedan chair. It will be here shortly."

For a noble lady to be carried on a man's back with her bottom in the air—if word got out, who knows how much ridicule it would invite. She was absolutely against letting the young couple do such an improper thing.

Ye Yaming shrugged and said to Lu Guanyi, "There's no helping it. I have to listen to Xia Momo."