Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 32: Cousin is here.
Chapter 32: The Cousins Arrive
Rongle Hall
Like always, Ye Li sat quietly in her own spot, indifferent to the varied expressions of everyone present, seemingly oblivious to anything. Minister Ye looked at his calm third daughter and his aggrieved fourth daughter, feeling a throbbing headache. He had initially planned to reproach Ye Li as he usually did, but seeing Ye Li’s indifferent demeanor, the seasoned minister suddenly sensed this might not be the best course of action. Moreover, it might lead to consequences he was unwilling to face.
The Elder Mrs. Ye still held her head high, taking in everyone’s expressions. She recalled the report that a carriage from Prince Ding’s Mansion had personally brought her granddaughter to their very doorstep. Even though no one had seen Prince Ding himself, it was almost certain that he had personally escorted Ye Li home. Looking at Ye Ying’s resentful face, the Elder Mrs. Ye felt a fresh wave of disappointment toward this pampered granddaughter. Ever since the marriage between Li’er and Prince Ding was decreed, Prince Li’s attentiveness to Ying’er had noticeably waned, no longer resembling the legendary affection. Of course, this might also be due to Ye Ying’s recent reputation. But even she, a cloistered old woman, could detect such an obvious shift; could her clever and resourceful granddaughter truly not sense it? Instead of focusing on securing Prince Li, she’s constantly stirring up trouble with her sisters. Doesn’t she understand that regardless of how unfavored Li’er might be, she is still a daughter of the Ye Family and a potential source of support in the future? For the first time, the Elder Mrs. Ye truly wondered if arranging for Ye Ying to replace Ye Li in the marriage to Prince Li had been a mistake.
"Enough! Ying’er, Li’er is your elder sister. Mind your conduct as her younger sister," the Elder Mrs. Ye finally said.
Ye Ying was stunned, finding it hard to believe that the Elder Mrs. Ye would actually speak up for Ye Li. Her eyes reddened with grievance, and biting her crimson lip, she said, "But Grandmother... how could she humiliate Prince Li in public like that... This puts me in such an awkward position..."
BANG! The Elder Mrs. Ye slammed her hand on the table, her voice cold. "Humiliate Prince Li! When Prince Li embarrassed Li’er in front of so many people, did he ever consider whether it would embarrass the Ye Family? Or does he think the Ye Family absolutely cannot do without him?" The Elder Mrs. Ye looked with disappointment at Ye Ying, who still seemed to want to argue. A granddaughter who disregards her family’s reputation and interests for a man—can we really expect her to bring any benefit to the Ye Family in the future? I’m afraid she might even sell out the Ye Family for Prince Li someday. Or does she think that if Li’er’s reputation is ruined, hers will improve? We rise and fall together. If she doesn’t even understand this, what on earth has Ms. Wang taught her all these years? Her cold gaze swept over Ms. Wang, who involuntarily flinched, not daring to meet the Elder Mrs. Ye’s eyes directly.
"Father..."
Minister Ye frowned, troubled. He, too, was somewhat displeased with Mo Jingli. Prince Li wanting to make things difficult for Li’er—I could pretend not to know, but that must be done privately. To openly torment and ridicule her like this wasn’t just an affront to Ye Li; he was trampling the Ye Family’s dignity underfoot. If it weren’t for my second daughter in the palace and my soon-to-be-born grandchild, so what if he’s the Emperor’s own brother? Would I have tolerated so much from him?
"Ying’er, your grandmother is right. Even if you become Princess Consort Li, you are still a daughter of the Ye Family. Do you think that without the Ye Family and your second sister’s backing, you could stand firm in Prince Li’s Mansion? Whether it’s your second sister, your eldest sister, third sister, fifth sister, or sixth sister, as long as you sisters live in harmony and support each other, no one will be able to bully you in the future. Do you understand?"
"But... Third Sister didn’t just offend Prince Li today; she also offended Princess Qixia. Maybe even the Eldest Princess will hold a grudge against us now." Ye Ying cast a resentful look at Ye Li. She hadn’t taken Minister Ye’s words to heart at all. In my heart, apart from Second Sister in the palace, the other Ye Family daughters are simply not worthy of being compared to me. I am the future Princess Consort Li; why would I need their support?
Ye Li looked up and said softly, "Fourth Sister, don’t worry. On my way back, I already arranged for letters of apology and gifts to be sent to Eldest Princess’s Mansion. King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion will also send someone to explain to the Eldest Princess. The Eldest Princess is magnanimous and renowned for her strong sense of justice; I’m sure she won’t blame us juniors over such a small matter." Of course, apologies will also be sent to Qin Mansion, Murong Mansion, and State Duke Hua’s Mansion.
Upon hearing this, the Elder Mrs. Ye showed an approving smile. "Li’er handled this matter very well. Since it was Princess Qixia who was at fault first, and in public, Eldest Princess Zhaoyang has always been discerning and fair; she won’t hold it against juniors. His Highness Prince Ding is also very considerate. Later, send a return gift to Prince Ding’s Mansion, saying it’s to thank Prince Ding for personally bringing Li’er back. This... let Li’er handle it herself. As for what to send, you can just take anything you need directly from the storeroom." After a moment’s hesitation, the Elder Mrs. Ye still entrusted this task to Ye Li. She truly didn’t have much confidence in Ms. Wang. Although the Ye Family didn’t necessarily need to curry favor with King Ding’s Mansion at present, they couldn’t afford to let the relationship deteriorate further.
"Li’er understands. Please rest assured, Grandmother," Ye Li replied, rising to her feet.
Ms. Wang’s face turned pale. Managing social courtesies is the responsibility of the Madam of House. If it were in Ye Li’s private name, it would be one thing, but to have Ye Li handle it in the Ye Family’s name is clearly meant to embarrass me, the current Madam of House.
The Elder Mrs. Ye didn’t even give her a chance to speak, frowning as she said, "If you have the time, you should properly organize Ying’er’s dowry. Don’t forget, the wedding day is not far off."
"Yes," Ms. Wang complied meekly.
"Master, Old Madam..."
Elder Mrs. Ye’s nanny rushed in anxiously. She deliberately glanced at Ye Li before hurrying over to Elder Mrs. Ye and saying, "Old Madam, Eldest Young Master Xu, along with the Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Young Masters of the Xu Family, have come to pay a visit."
"What?!" Minister Ye was so shocked he shot up from his chair. The young masters of the Xu Family visiting all at once—doesn’t that mean my troublesome brother-in-law has already arrived in the Capital City? Of course, given Eldest Young Master Xu’s haughtiness, he would never personally visit the Ye Family, whom he holds responsible for the death of his only beloved sister.
Elder Mrs. Ye reacted more quickly. "Quickly, invite the Young Masters Xu in."
Ye Li was also somewhat surprised. I didn’t even know Uncle and my cousins had arrived in the Capital City; I should have gone to greet them. This realization made Ye Li feel slightly guilty. When Eldest Uncle was still in the Capital City, he doted on me the most. After so many years apart, I feel a little at a loss.
"Grandmother, may Li’er personally go to welcome my cousins?"
Elder Mrs. Ye nodded. "Go ahead. Ying’er, and Shan’er, Lin’er, you go with her too."
Ye Li ignored the looks of pleasant surprise from Ye Lin and Ye Shan, who were clearly anticipating some drama, as well as Ye Ying’s dissatisfaction. Nor did she concern herself with whatever Elder Mrs. Ye might be scheming. She simply rose, excused herself, and quickly walked out. Ye Lin and Ye Shan hurriedly followed, leaving Ye Ying staring somewhat resentfully at Minister Ye. I am the future Princess Consort Li. Why on earth should I go and greet Ye Li’s cousins?
"Ying’er!" Minister Ye was somewhat troubled. This daughter of mine is truly too spoiled. Seeing Minister Ye’s expression, Ye Ying knew her father was truly about to lose his temper. Biting her lip, she reluctantly turned and followed Ye Li and the others.
"Before Ying’er’s wedding, have her come to Rongle Hall every day to attend to me, her grandmother," Elder Mrs. Ye said coldly to Ms. Wang.
"This... This daughter-in-law still has many things to teach Ying’er. I’m afraid..." Ms. Wang said, somewhat anxiously.
"You teach?" Elder Mrs. Ye retorted coldly. "Look at what you’ve taught her over these years! Lacking discretion, arrogant from being spoiled. Just because she has some talent and good looks, she doesn’t know her place and behaves recklessly. These things might not matter while she’s an unmarried maiden, but once she’s married, she’ll need to manage an entire household. Do you think the poetry, songs, dances, and petty scheming you’ve taught her will be enough to uphold the dignity of Prince Li’s Mansion?" 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮
Minister Ye nodded. "Mother is right. Her Highness Zhaoyi was personally taught by Mother. If Mother is willing to guide Ying’er a little, it would be her good fortune." Seeing her husband agree so readily with an expression that brooked no argument, Ms. Wang had no choice but to swallow her protests. Besides, those few little wretches have been causing trouble lately, especially that Concubine Zhao. I don’t really have the time or energy to manage Ying’er’s affairs.
