Consort Xian Zhao was the current mistress of Prince Li's Palace, though she was not Prince Li Mo Jingli's birth mother. Mo Jingli and the current emperor were both born to the Empress Dowager, while Consort Xian Zhao was the Empress Dowager's cousin. The two women had entered the palace around the same time but, unlike other imperial consorts who schemed against each other, they had supported one another throughout their lives. Consort Xian Zhao had once had a daughter, Princess Lin'an, who had married the Great General of the Nation a few years prior and followed him to the borderlands. Consort Xian Zhao, however, had been taken out of the palace by Prince Li to be cared for. In truth, this was because the Empress Dowager was uneasy about her youngest son living alone outside the palace and had thus asked Consort Xian Zhao to look after him.
Ye Li changed her clothes and followed the stewardess to the Hall of Glory and Joy, where Ye Laofuren resided. Inside, the atmosphere was warm and lively. Ye Laofuren sat with Consort Xian Zhao, while Wang Shi naturally accompanied Ye Ying on the side. Several noblewomen, dressed in formal attire, also sat respectfully below them. What surprised Ye Li the most was that Mo Jingli was seated below the consort as well. It took her a moment to recall that, in this world, the separation between men and women was not as strict as in the ancient times she had heard of in her past life. There were no rules forbidding unmarried couples from meeting before marriage, though noble young ladies were still expected to be accompanied by maids and matrons when meeting their betrothed. If not for this, how would Ye Ying have had the chance to become entangled with Mo Jingli?
"This humble girl greets Consort Xian Zhao and pays respects to Li Wang Dianxia. Greetings to Grandmother. My respects to all the noble ladies."
The noblewoman seated at the head of the room exuded an air of dignified grace, her phoenix eyes slightly upturned. Though her youth had faded, her well-maintained face showed no trace of wrinkles. Consort Xian Zhao was not a peerless beauty, but her noble bearing was captivating, drawing one's gaze.
"Laofuren, is this the Third Miss?" Consort Xian Zhao glanced at Ye Li and turned to ask Ye Laofuren.
Ye Laofuren smiled deferentially. "Indeed, this is my third granddaughter."
The consort nodded with a smile. "What a lovely girl. What a pity... It seems our Jing Li lacks the fortune for her." She pulled Ye Li closer in praise and casually slipped an ice-jade bracelet from her wrist onto Ye Li's hand, instantly darkening Ye Ying's eyes where she stood beside Wang Shi.
Ye Li dared not accept such a precious gift from the consort and quickly declined. "Thank you for your kindness, Consort. Such a valuable item suits you far better. This humble girl does not dare accept such a generous gift."
Consort Xian Zhao pressed down on Ye Li's hand as she tried to remove the bracelet, feigning displeasure. "Silly girl, do you disdain my bracelet? This was bestowed upon me by the late emperor. At my age, it looks far better on young ladies like you, and it brings me joy to see it worn. Since it was a gift from the late emperor, would refusing it not imply disrespect?"
Realizing she could not decline further, Ye Li curtsied gracefully and smiled. "Thank you for your generous gift, Consort. This humble girl will treasure it carefully."
Consort Xian Zhao seemed very pleased with Ye Li's response and nodded approvingly before releasing her. Ye Li then stepped back properly behind Wang Shi, standing side by side with Ye Ying.The ladies who had accompanied the consort were somewhat surprised upon seeing Ye Li. The reputation of the Third Miss Ye was almost as well-known in the capital as that of Ye Ying, hailed as the number one beauty. However, while one was praised for her talent, beauty, and virtue, the other was said to lack all three—so much so that it was hard to believe they were from the same family. Yet, this Third Miss Ye was also an oddity, rarely attending gatherings of noble ladies in the capital. It was said that since the passing of the Ye family's first madam, the third young lady's health had been poor. Today, seeing her delicate and elegant appearance, refined speech, and graceful demeanor, faintly reminiscent of the late Madam Ye, who hailed from the prestigious Xu family, left them puzzled. How could such a lady be so maligned, not only losing the advantageous marriage to Prince Li but also being betrothed to Prince Ding—her life seemingly ruined?
Ye Li stood respectfully behind Wang Shi, completely unaware of Mo Jingli's darkening expression as he glared at her the moment she entered. While listening to the flattering words exchanged with the consort, her mind raced as she stared at the crystal-clear jade bracelet on her wrist. If anyone believed the consort favored her or felt guilty enough about the marriage annulment to gift her an heirloom of the late emperor upon their first meeting, not only would she not believe it, but neither would anyone else present. Moreover, the consort had just casually mentioned Prince Li, with both Ye Ying and Mo Jingli present—clearly intending to embarrass her. So, what was the consort really up to?
"Young people must find our old women's chatter quite dull. Why don't the Third and Fourth Misses take Jingli out for a stroll?" Consort Xian Zhao suddenly shifted the conversation, smiling warmly.
At this, Wang Shi and Ye Ying stiffened slightly, while Ye Laofuren was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered, laughing, "The consort is right. It was thoughtless of me to keep Prince Li here with us, wasting his time. Ying'er, Li'er..."
Ye Li's heart skipped a beat as she stepped forward and said to Ye Laofuren with a playful grin, "Grandmother, since Fourth Sister and His Highness Prince Li are deeply in love, they must long for each other's company. I wouldn’t dare to be a glaringly unwelcome third wheel." She even stuck out her tongue mischievously, adopting a girlish charm that left the usually composed Ye Laofuren and Wang Shi momentarily stunned. Ye Ying, her secret exposed, flushed crimson, shooting Ye Li a glare before stealing a shy, adoring glance at Mo Jingli, her beautiful face glowing with a captivating blush. Mo Jingli, however, grew even more displeased at Ye Li's words, standing abruptly and sneering, "At least you know your place!"
Ye Li arched an eyebrow, her smile unwavering. "Your Highness misunderstands. I’m simply being considerate. How could I intrude on Fourth Sister and her beloved’s time together? I’d much rather stay and accompany Grandmother, the consort, and the other ladies. I deeply admire the consort’s grace and humbly beg her not to dismiss me."
The consort studied Ye Li intently before smiling. "Very well, Li'er may stay."
With a cold snort, Mo Jingli left with Ye Ying, who followed him eagerly, her heart brimming with joy. Watching them go, the consort’s brow furrowed imperceptibly before smoothing over as she resumed her conversation with Ye Laofuren.Ye Li stood idly behind Madam Wang, half-listening to the noblewomen of the capital chatter while silently reciting a few chapters from The Art of War —a habit she had cultivated in her previous life. In that life, Ye Li had been born into a military family. Her great-grandfather, a man of humble origins, had fought in the War of Resistance Against Japan and was, to put it bluntly, a rough man. Yet this rough man despised nothing more than being called uncultured, so from her father’s generation onward, the family had been groomed in the manner of scholar-generals. The old man’s greatest pleasure was punishing the younger generation by making them memorize texts—always those archaic, classical tomes filled with "zhi hu zhe ye." The younger generation, unable to endure the torment, had mostly chosen to study as far from home as possible, refusing to return even during holidays. But after more than a decade of this ordeal, it had ultimately benefited them greatly.
The ladies present were all prominent figures in the capital. Though they chatted with perfectly composed expressions, none had failed to notice Ye Li standing behind Wang Shi. The longer they observed her, the more they felt this Third Miss Ye differed from the rumors. No matter the topic, her face showed neither curiosity nor surprise—not even when the conversation turned to Prince Li and Fourth Miss Ye Ying’s marriage. Whether her composure was genuine or feigned, the fact that even these seasoned women, well-versed in reading people, couldn’t discern the truth spoke volumes. Such equanimity was rare, not just among young ladies of the inner chambers but even among men.
"Come to think of it, we seldom see Third Miss in the capital. Will she be attending this year’s Hundred Flowers Festival?" a matron suddenly asked while Ye Li was silently reciting.
Before Ye Li could respond, Ye Laofuren smiled and said, "Li’er’s health has improved greatly these past two years. Naturally, she will attend this year." The old madam understood Wang Shi’s past reluctance to let Ye Li participate, but now that both girls’ marriages were settled, it would be unreasonable—both emotionally and socially—to continue excluding her. Though she favored Ye Ying more, the shrewd Ye Laofuren had no intention of letting this granddaughter, soon to become Princess Ding, grow resentful toward the Ye family.
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