Mo Li

"What did you say?! Ye Li won the Hundred Flowers Festival's top honor?!"

In the Huixue Pavilion of the Ye residence, Ye Ying's usually gentle and elegant voice carried a sharp edge. The maids in the elegantly decorated flower hall knelt trembling on the floor, replying fearfully, "Y-yes, Miss. That's the rumor outside. Third Miss has already returned to the manor, and... the Qin family from the Censor's manor, the Xu family, Duke Hua's residence, the Yangwei General's manor, the Prime Minister's residence, and the Ministry of Rites' manor have all sent gifts to congratulate Third Miss on her victory."

A crack finally appeared in Ye Ying's delicate beauty as she swept everything off the table beside her with a furious gesture. The maid kneeling closest was struck but dared not cry out in pain, quickly pleading, "Miss, please calm your anger..."

"Calm what anger?! That wretch Ye Li... How could she possibly become the Hundred Flowers Festival's top honor?!" Ye Ying shrieked in disbelief. She had pushed Ye Li forward precisely because she knew her mother had never arranged specialized training for her. Against Qixia Princess—whom even she wasn't confident of defeating—Ye Li was bound to humiliate herself. At that time, though she wouldn't have won this year's top honor, she would have withdrawn without competing, saving face. More importantly, everyone would have known that she, Ye Ying, was the most outstanding daughter of the Ye family. Even if Ye Li was the granddaughter of the Xu family, she still couldn't compare!

Though furious, Ye Ying quickly regained her composure, returning to her usual grace and gentleness. She stood and said, "All of you, rise. Let's go see Mother."

The maids in the flower hall secretly sighed in relief. Some began cleaning up the mess while others hastily straightened their appearances and followed Ye Ying to see Wang Shi.

Hall of Glory and Joy

Ye Li sat quietly, enduring the scrutinizing gazes of Ye Laofuren, Lord Ye, and Wang Shi. Ye Laofuren smiled affectionately at her and said, "Lier truly lives up to being the Ye family's legitimate daughter. Now you've astonished everyone with a single brilliant feat—our Ye family has produced two top honors of the Hundred Flowers Festival. Who in the capital wouldn't praise us for raising such accomplished daughters?"

Ye Li pursed her lips into a faint smile. "Grandmother flatters me. It is all thanks to your and Father's guidance."

Lord Ye's expression was complicated as he observed his composed and dignified daughter. Unlike the other daughters in the household, she seemed unremarkable at first glance, but upon closer inspection, she carried an air of noble elegance and dignified grace unique to aristocratic families. It reminded him irresistibly of his first meeting with his late wife—the same refined tranquility, breathtakingly beautiful yet dignified enough to make others feel inferior.

Even without growing up in the Xu family, even without the finest upbringing, the Xu bloodline still makes my other children pale in comparison? Lord Ye thought silently, recalling the accounts of his daughters' performances at the Hundred Flowers Festival. When he thought of Ye Rong, spoiled by his mother and Wang Shi, his regret deepened. Why couldn't Lier have been a son?

"The Qin family, the Xu family, Duke Hua's residence, the Liu family... We must prepare the return gifts carefully for all those who sent congratulations," Ye Laofuren instructed, glancing at Wang Shi, who sat with downcast eyes.

Wang Shi quickly concealed the glint in her eyes and replied respectfully, "Rest assured, Mother. This daughter-in-law understands."Ye Laofuren nodded in satisfaction. As for the congratulatory gifts, send them all to Qingyi House. Let Li'er see if there are any head ornaments, jewelry, or clothes she likes and purchase some more. Invitations have been sent from various families. Although we don’t need to attend all, we can’t decline every one. When the time comes, don’t let the dignity of Lord Ye’s household be compromised. Before Ye Li could respond, a maid outside announced the arrival of the Fourth Miss.

Ye Ying had changed into a thin white dress, her pale face making her appear even more delicate and frail. Leaning on her maid’s arm, she entered and paid respects to Ye Laofuren, Lord Ye, and Wang Shi before saying weakly, "Ying has brought shame upon the Ye family. Please punish me, Grandmother and Father."

Ye Laofuren raised her graying eyebrows slightly and glanced at Lord Ye without speaking. Ye Ying had always been Lord Ye’s favorite, even more so than Ye Zhaoyi, who had already entered the palace. How could he bear to punish her? Wang Shi quickly pulled her daughter into her arms and comforted her softly, "Silly child, how could this be your fault? If not for the accident, you would surely have been this year’s Flower Queen again." Lord Ye nodded and echoed Wang Shi’s words, "Your mother is right. It was an unforeseen circumstance, and no one blames you. Quickly get up—the floor is cold, and your health is weak."

Watching the harmonious trio before her, Ye Li remained composed, her expression calm and respectful. But inwardly, she had already begun thinking about the new friends she had made that day, especially Qin Zheng, her future sister-in-law. She also needed to consider what gifts to send in return. With so many matters at hand recently, she had little time to indulge in this tedious family drama. Then her thoughts turned to her future married life—perhaps she would have a husband who was neither too good nor too bad. If possible, she could build a peaceful and happy family, maybe even have one or two children of her own...

By the time Ye Laofuren turned her scrutinizing gaze toward the composed young woman in blue sitting quietly to the side, Ye Li had already drifted far away in thought, pondering the tasks she needed to handle soon.

Ye Laofuren observed the scene before her and sighed inwardly. In the past, she had thought Ye Yue and Ye Ying were the promising ones, but now she realized that Ye Li was the truly remarkable one, hiding her depths well. With such poise and composure, Ye Laofuren believed that if Ye Li had entered the palace instead, she might have gone much further. But alas, fate had played its hand—Ye Li was now betrothed to Prince Ding, a cripple with no prospects. How cruel destiny could be...

"Grandmother," Ye Ying said sweetly as she approached Ye Laofuren after the trio had finished their affectionate exchange, "since Elder Sister has won the Flower Queen title, shouldn’t we share this joyous news with Second Sister to make her happy too?"

Lord Ye chuckled. "How rare for Ying’er to be so magnanimous. She’s absolutely right. Mother, what do you think...?"

Ye Laofuren nodded. "What you say makes sense. In a few days, it will be time to visit the palace to pay respects. We can share this good news with Zhaoyi Niangniang then." She turned to Ye Li with a smile. "Your Second Sister has always been kind to her younger sisters. Once you each have your own households, you should visit her often."

"Grandmother!" Ye Ying covered her face shyly, a faint blush coloring her pale cheeks. In contrast, Ye Li showed none of the bashfulness typical of young maidens. Lord Ye gazed fondly at his youngest daughter and chuckled along.

Ye Ying glanced at Ye Li, her beautiful eyes glimmering, and said softly, "Third Sister hasn’t seen Second Sister in a long time, has she? Mother, you must prepare a fine gift for Third Sister to give to Second Sister."Wang Shi was taken aback, frowning slightly as she looked at Ye Ying. Meanwhile, Ye Laofuren's heart stirred, and she turned her gaze back to Ye Li, hesitating for a moment but ultimately remaining silent. Ye Li observed the expressions of both Ye Laofuren and Ye Ying, quickly discerning the latter's intentions. She remained composed, quietly anticipating Ye Ying's next move.

Noticing that Wang Shi hadn't grasped her meaning and that Ye Laofuren remained impassive, Ye Ying frowned slightly and softly reminded, "Sister Zhaoyi is now with child. I’ve heard that when women are pregnant, their appearance..."

No one present was truly dull-witted. At the mere mention of "appearance," Wang Shi immediately understood, her gaze toward Ye Li growing more eager. "My lord..."

Ye Li sighed inwardly. Truly, no one in this household was a fool.

"Ying'er makes a valid point. Li'er, send the Beauty Pearl into the palace as a gift for Zhaoyi Niangniang. Whatever you desire in return, just ask your mother." Lord Ye saw no issue with Ye Ying's suggestion and swiftly made the decision.