Mo Li

"This servant thanks Third Miss for saving my life."

Zhao Yiniang knelt before Ye Li, dressed in plain and elegant attire, a stark contrast to her usual flamboyant style. Ye Li motioned for Qingluan to help her up and said calmly, "No need for formalities. Once you reach Yunzhou, there’s no need to worry—everything will be arranged for you."

Zhao Yiniang nodded. "This servant believes Third Miss’s word is as solid as a mountain. I will also abide by our agreement and raise this child in peace." She lowered her head and gently caressed her still-flat belly, her expression filled with tenderness and maternal love. From now on, this child would be her everything.

Ye Li nodded and instructed Qingshuang beside her, "Fetch five hundred taels in silver notes for Zhao Yiniang as travel expenses." Qingshuang acknowledged and left. Zhao Yiniang looked at Ye Li with gratitude. The entire Ye household was under Wang Shi’s control, including the manors in various regions. It was inevitable that Wang Shi would secretly withhold her allowances. Though Zhao Yiniang had saved some money, it wasn’t much. In the entire Ye family, apart from Old Madam and the master, only Third Miss could produce such a large sum at once.

Zhao Yiniang understood clearly—though Third Miss was not warm or affectionate, she was reliable and trustworthy as long as one remained obedient. "Many thanks for Third Miss’s kindness."

"Someone will be responsible for your and the child’s safety there. With Father present, she wouldn’t dare act too brazenly. But if you want to live well there, it will depend on your own methods," Ye Li reminded her indifferently. After all, the manor wasn’t hers. If Zhao Yiniang had the means to manage it, it would be better for the child.

Zhao Yiniang was startled, inwardly surprised that Ye Li could discern her thoughts. However, since Ye Li had spoken, it meant the Xu family would support her to some extent. As long as she had the ability to take control of the Yunzhou manor, it could become a secure place for her and her child. Thinking this, Zhao Yiniang hurriedly thanked Ye Li again, her heart filled with even deeper reverence.

"Miss, Prince Ding’s Estate has come to present the betrothal gifts!" Qingyu entered with a joyful smile. "Old Madam and the master have asked you to go over at once."

Ye Li nodded, then raised a brow at Qingyu’s odd expression. "Is there something else?"

Qingyu’s cheerful look twisted slightly as she glanced at Ye Li. "Prince Li Dianxia and Fourth Miss have also returned. Today is the day for Ye Ying’s bridal return. Whether it was intentional or just a coincidence, Fourth Miss’s return and Third Miss’s betrothal gifts have landed on the same day."

Ye Li was momentarily stunned—she had nearly forgotten that Ye Ying was returning today. "Did something happen?"

Qingyu pouted. "Prince Li and the groom arrived almost at the same time, and Prince Li’s face was as dark as if someone owed him tens of thousands of taels. What terrible luck!"

"Impudent," Ye Li chided mildly. Qingyu blinked, realizing her mistress wasn’t truly angry, then playfully stuck out her tongue and covered her mouth as she retreated to the side.

Qingshuang returned with a plain pouch and handed it to Ye Li. Ye Li turned and placed it, along with a golden lock pendant, into Zhao Yiniang’s hands. "Consider this a gift for my little brother. I won’t be seeing you off later."

Zhao Yiniang’s eyes reddened, but remembering that today was the day for Prince Ding’s Estate to present the betrothal gifts, she held back her tears and bid Ye Li farewell before carefully storing the items and leaving.

Ye Li turned back. "Let’s go. We must see Grandmother."Since there were no elders in the Ding Royal Palace who could truly be considered Mo Xiuyao's seniors, he specially invited two highly respected elders from the capital to accompany him. One was Su Zhe, the Grand Academician of the Imperial Academy whom Ye Li had met once before, and the other was Old Duke Hua, father of the current empress. Both were influential figures in the capital, making Lord Ye feel greatly honored. The lengthy betrothal gift list from the Ding Royal Palace inevitably reminded people of the previous occasion when Prince Li's Palace had presented their gifts. What had seemed decent at the time now appeared lacking in sincerity by comparison. Thus, with a beaming face, Lord Ye invited Grand Academician Su, Old Duke Hua, and Prince Ding to his study for conversation, inadvertently somewhat neglecting Ye Ying and Mo Jingli, who had arrived at about the same time.

"Li'er pays respects to Grandmother, greets Old Madam Hua, and greets all the ladies," Ye Li said as she stepped into the Hall of Glory and Joy. She saw Ye Laofuren chatting happily with Old Madam Hua, while some familiar-looking ladies joined in the lively conversation. In contrast, Mo Jingli, Ye Ying, and Wang Shi sat to the side with rather unpleasant expressions. Wang Shi and Ye Ying clearly couldn't get a word in, and Mo Jingli's expression likely deterred anyone from speaking to him.

"Li'er, come here quickly. Let everyone see how wonderful my granddaughter is," Ye Laofuren warmly beckoned to Ye Li, her somewhat clouded elderly eyes filled with affectionate smiles, as if Ye Li were her most treasured granddaughter. Ye Li obediently stepped forward, "Grandmother." Old Madam Hua pulled Ye Li to sit beside her and said with a smile, "Old Madam, don't blame me for stealing your granddaughter. I find this Third Young Miss utterly delightful. No wonder my Tianxiang keeps talking about coming to play with her." Ye Li smiled and replied, "Old Madam flatters me. Li'er misses Tianxiang as well." Old Madam Hua nodded repeatedly, "Good child, you truly have your mother's grace. No wonder Xiu Yao, who hasn't stepped out for years, made a special trip to invite our old man to propose marriage."

Ye Li lowered her head, her delicate face tinged with a faint blush, and said softly, "Old Duke Hua has stayed out of worldly affairs for many years. To trouble him like this... Li'er truly..."

Old Madam Hua nodded inwardly. Even when shy, she remained dignified and composed, unlike the typical delicate young ladies from noble families. Only such a woman could uphold the vast household of the Ding Royal Palace. Patting Ye Li's hand affectionately, she said, "What's the trouble? The old man has nothing to do these days anyway. Naturally, he wants to fuss over the younger generation's marriages. Xiu Yao grew up under our old man's watch..." As if recalling Mo Xiuyao's current situation, Old Madam Hua sighed softly and advised Ye Li, "From now on, you'll be family. You must live well together..."

Ye Li pretended to be bashful and silently acquiesced, though inwardly she was already making a big "WTF" face.Seeming to remember the other newlywed couple had been neglected, Old Madam Hua turned to Mo Jingli with a smile and said, "This old woman hasn't yet congratulated Prince Li and Princess Li. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and Consort Xian Zhao have long been looking forward to holding a grandchild. Surely their wishes will soon be fulfilled." Once Old Madam Hua spoke, the assembled guests quickly followed suit with their own congratulations to Mo Jingli and Ye Ying. Truth be told, Mo Jingli's chilling aura had been so intimidating that those who had initially wanted to offer their congratulations hadn't dared to speak. Now that Old Madam Hua had broken the ice, everyone naturally seized the opportunity to express their well-wishes. Mo Jingli regarded them all with a cold expression but ultimately couldn't afford to slight Old Madam Hua too much, so he gave a faint nod.

Seated beside Old Madam Hua, Ye Li had a clear view of Ye Ying's expression. Ye Li found it rather odd—although there had been some incidents on the wedding day, they had nothing to do with Ye Ying herself. Given Mo Jingli's affection for Ye Ying, one would expect him to feel even more guilty and treat her with extra kindness. Yet the expressions on their faces were far from what one would expect from a loving newlywed couple. Perhaps due to Ye Ying's barely concealed gloom, Wang Shi's expression wasn't much better either. Fortunately, she still had enough sense to read the room and merely kept a sullen face without causing a scene.

"Prince Ding has arrived."

The announcement came from a maid outside the door. Lord Ye entered alongside Old Duke Hua, Elder Su Zhe, and Mo Xiuyao. Before they even stepped inside, Old Duke Hua's booming laughter rang out, "Hah! After all these years, I finally get to drink to Prince Ding's wedding. What's a little trip compared to that? I must see for myself how remarkable the future Princess Ding is, to make even my granddaughter admit defeat."

"A Li is still young. Please don't frighten her, Old Duke," Mo Xiuyao's voice was calm, carrying a gentle warmth.

"Good lad, already protecting your wife before the wedding's even happened!"

The hall fell into a brief silence. Old Madam Hua nudged Ye Li with an amused smile and said, "Our family's old man is a bit rough around the edges. Don't take it to heart, Li'er." Ye Li shook her head with a smile and looked toward the entrance, where she saw a white-haired, white-bearded man leading the group. Though nearing seventy, he moved with the vigor and commanding presence of a much younger man. Coming from a military family herself, Ye Li immediately recognized this elder as a seasoned general who had spent half his life on the battlefield, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration.