Glory

Seeing Yin Shi once again trapped in her own thoughts, Bai Momo sighed inwardly and said, "The Old Master's intention was simply for you not to restrain the Third Young Lady. The Old Master holds the Third Young Lady in particularly high regard and doesn't wish her to suffer any grievances, which is why he spoke that way—there was no intention of blaming you at all."

Originally a maid by Old Madam Ye's side, Yin Shi had no accompanying servants when she married into the family and was unfamiliar with the rules of a large household. Having never managed servants before, Old Madam Ye assigned Bai Momo to handle internal affairs for her while also taking on the responsibility of guiding Yin Shi.

Having served Yin Shi for over a decade, Bai Momo understood her better than anyone.

She continued, "Think about it—normally, such matters would only require Old Madam to speak with you. Yet the Old Master personally addressed you and even explained how our family collaborates with Young Master Lu and Qi Gongzi. Such matters aren’t even disclosed to Old Madam, let alone you. But for the sake of the Third Young Lady, the Old Master patiently explained everything clearly to you."

Hearing this, Yin Shi’s mood immediately lifted.

Indeed, she had felt deeply honored at the time.

The privilege of being summoned for a talk by her father-in-law had only been extended to her elder sister-in-law, Tao Shi, and even then, it was merely to inquire about preparations for New Year’s gifts. As for business matters, even Old Madam Ye would be rebuffed if she tried to intervene.

Bai Momo went on, "Why did the Old Master act this way? Isn’t it precisely because he values the Third Young Lady?"

She glanced at Yin Shi. "Second Madam, you’ve always regretted not having a son. Now that the Third Young Lady has broken off her engagement with Young Master Song, and the Old Master has decided to arrange a matrilocal marriage for her, the Third Young Lady will essentially become the son of the second branch. But a daughter is different from a son—a son might forget his mother after marrying a wife, while a daughter who stays home through matrilocal marriage will only be more devoted."

"Besides the reason I just mentioned, there’s another: the Old Master hopes that the money the Third Young Lady earns will motivate her to focus more on tea-making. After all, who would be willing to work day and night without seeing a single coin for themselves? Since the Third Young Lady is staying with the family, the money she keeps won’t be taken away by a husband’s family—it will stay within the pot and eventually remain in the second branch to honor you, Madam."

There was another reason she didn’t mention.

Although Yin Shi had injured her body while giving birth to Ye Yayin and had not conceived again, she was only thirty-two. What if, after some recuperation, she became pregnant and gave birth to a boy? Or what if Ye Hongsheng took a concubine and had a son? In that case, wouldn’t all the wealth Ye Yaming earned end up belonging to that hypothetical Fourth Young Master of the Ye family?

How heartbroken the Third Young Lady would be.

Not only the Old Master and Old Madam but even she, a momo who had watched the Third Young Lady grow up, would hate to see such a situation.

And this reason was one no one would ever mention to Yin Shi.

With Bai Momo’s persuasion, Yin Shi felt completely at ease.

She nodded and said, "You’re right. I was indeed trapped in my own thoughts."

No matter what, the Old Master’s high regard for Ye Yaming was a good thing.

Previously, the second branch’s prestige had come from their son-in-law, Song Yifeng. But now, that ungrateful wretch Song Yifeng had proven unreliable, looking down on the Ye family as soon as he gained some success. Fortunately, Ye Yaming’s outstanding performance ensured that the second branch wasn’t blamed by the Old Master and Old Madam for Song Yifeng’s betrayal.

Moreover, Ye Yaming staying home for a matrilocal marriage completely resolved Yin Shi’s regret over not having a son.

From now on, the second branch would also have an heir.

With this thought, Yin Shi no longer held any resentment about Ye Yaming keeping her earnings—instead, she felt genuinely pleased.But thinking about her daughter being rejected by Song Yifeng made her uncomfortable again. Leading Bai Momo toward the second household, she cursed Song Yifeng and Yu Shi all the way.

Upon returning to the second household, instead of going to her own main courtyard, she went to Ye Yaming’s residence.

While still walking along the path in the courtyard, she saw Bai Rui and Lve E standing like door gods in front of Ye Yaming’s room from afar.

Seeing her approach, Bai Rui hurried down the steps to greet Yin Shi and whispered, "Madam, ever since the young lady returned from the main courtyard, she has locked herself in her room and said no one is allowed to enter."

Yin Shi frowned and was about to step forward when Bai Rui added, "The young lady said that if you come, I should tell you to let her be alone for a while."

Yin Shi stopped in her tracks.

She asked worriedly, "Will she be alright?"

Bai Rui shook her head, "She should be fine. Actually, some time ago, the young lady had already noticed something amiss with Young Master Song. She was mentally prepared for the broken engagement. Right now, she’s probably just a bit sad and doesn’t want to talk to anyone, which is why she’s locked herself in her room." If anyone knew whether Ye Yaming was truly heartbroken, it was Bai Rui.

It seemed that ever since falling ill, the young lady had grown distant toward Young Master Song. Not only did she stop visiting the Song family, but she also showed no trace of sorrow when planning the annulment later.

Perhaps it was like this: after facing death once, she suddenly gained clarity and let go, no longer caring about certain things.

Seeing this, Bai Momo quickly advised Yin Shi, "Madam, why not let the young lady have some peace?"

Lately, Yin Shi had actually been somewhat intimidated by Ye Yaming.

Somehow, ever since falling ill, her third daughter had grown distant from her and developed an inexplicable air of authority, becoming entirely more formidable.

In the past, her daughter would confide in her about everything; now, after experiencing the broken engagement and returning from the main courtyard, she remained silent and didn’t mention a word, leaving Yin Shi to learn about it from Old Master Ye and Old Madam Ye.

She didn’t insist any further. After instructing Bai Rui a few more words, she led Bai Momo away.

Once outside the courtyard, she stopped, turned back, and remained silent for a long while before asking Bai Momo, "Have you noticed? Ming’er seems to have changed a lot recently."

"If Third Young Lady hadn’t changed, how could she have earned Old Master’s such high regard and admiration?" Bai Momo said with a smile. "Third Young Lady has grown up. People always change as they mature, especially after going through something like a broken engagement."

Recalling Ye Yaming’s recent behavior, Yin Shi sighed, "It seems Ming’er really did notice something off about the Song family early on."

Stimulated by the experience, she had worked so hard to improve herself, actively participating in the family business to gain Old Master Ye and Old Madam Ye’s recognition and favor. Fortunately, she had truly succeeded.

Thinking of this, Yin Shi felt somewhat comforted.

Back in the courtyard, Bai Rui waited until Yin Shi and her entourage had left the courtyard gate before knocking lightly on Ye Yaming’s door and saying softly, "Young lady, the Madam has left."

Ye Yaming was sitting at her desk, engrossed in writing something.

Without looking up, she said, "Come in."

When Bai Rui entered, Ye Yaming set down her brush and scrutinized the paper she had been writing on, frowning as she confirmed she couldn’t recall anything more.

Seeing the ink had dried, she picked up the paper and handed it to Bai Rui, "Take a look and see if I’ve missed anything?"

She silently felt grateful that the original owner, being a literary young lady, had taught Bai Rui and Lve E how to read. Otherwise, things would have been quite troublesome after she arrived.