Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 44. The Whereabouts of the Concubine

44. Concubine’s Whereabouts 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

"Miss, Madam is here."

In the comfortably and elegantly furnished Qingyi Pavilion, Ye Li was thoughtfully fiddling with her needle and thread, examining her embroidery, when Qingxia came in to report.

Ye Li put down her embroidery and looked up. "Why does she still have time to come here?" Ever since the fiasco at Ye Ying’s wedding a couple of days ago, Ms. Wang had been in utter disarray. These past two days, news that Concubine Zhao’s unborn child was in conflict with Ye Ying and Ye Rong had spread through the residence, causing an even greater uproar. Minister Ye also had a splitting headache; on one side was his daughter, who had become Princess Consort Li, and his only son, and on the other, his most favored concubine and his future son. Minister Ye wasn’t confused about which side held more weight; it was just that seeing Concubine Zhao’s tear-streaked face made him somewhat reluctant to abandon her. Unfortunately, the day after Ye Ying’s wedding, Ye Rong was inexplicably frightened when his carriage was startled on the way to the academy, leaving him bedridden for two days. Ms. Wang then made an even greater fuss.

When Ms. Wang entered, her face, as she addressed Ye Li, wore a rare, gracious expression. However, Ye Li was neither one of Ms. Wang’s concubine-born children who had to live by her moods, nor a pitiful, naive youngster. Therefore, she merely rose and greeted her calmly, "Fourth Sister is about to make her bridal return visit. How does Madam find the time to come over?"

With a smile she deemed amiable, Ms. Wang said, "Prince Ding’s Mansion has chosen a day to present the betrothal gifts in the next few days. Li’er, your wedding date is also approaching, so I came to see if there’s anything that hasn’t been fully prepared."

Ye Li invited Ms. Wang to sit down, saying, "With Nanny Lin and my wet nurse in charge, and my maternal aunt and cousin-aunt having come over several times, there are no problems. Thank you for your concern, Madam."

Ms. Wang’s smile stiffened. To her, Ye Li’s words practically accused her, the main wife, of dereliction of duty. Actually, Ye Li genuinely held no such thought, because in her heart, she never considered Ms. Wang obligated to arrange her wedding. As long as appearances were maintained, it was fine.

"Actually... I came today because there’s something I want to discuss with you, Li’er." Ms. Wang quickly regained her composure and looked earnestly at Ye Li.

Ye Li raised a delicate eyebrow, looking at her with puzzlement.

Ms. Wang sighed deeply. "You must have heard about what’s been happening these past few days, Li’er. It’s not that I, as the official wife, cannot tolerate others; it’s truly that Concubine Zhao’s child clashes with the legitimate children of the Ye Family. The day before yesterday, I specifically went to seek out Daoist Lingxu of Shuiyun Temple. He said that Concubine Zhao’s child held a grudge against our family from a past life and was born to bring disaster upon the Ye Family. You see... ever since news of her pregnancy got out, our family has faced one misfortune after another. And yet, the Master insists on protecting her..."

Ye Li calmly listened to Ms. Wang’s grievances against Concubine Zhao and Minister Ye. Ms. Wang had deliberately brought up how Concubine Zhao’s child clashed with the legitimate offspring of the Ye Family. When it came to legitimate birth, who in the Ye Family was more legitimate than Ye Li herself? If she weren’t already aware of the truth and didn’t believe in such superstitions, anyone else, after witnessing Ye Ying’s disastrous wedding, would likely have developed resentment towards Concubine Zhao and her unborn child.

"What does Madam mean? Regardless, that child is still of the Ye Family’s blood and is Li’er’s biological younger brother. It’s natural for Father to dote on him," Ye Li lightly tossed the question back to Ms. Wang. If Concubine Zhao weren’t so heavily guarded, preventing Ms. Wang from finding an opportunity to strike, why would Ms. Wang come to consult her? If she were to fall for this and suggest some plan, any resulting trouble would naturally be hers to bear.

Ms. Wang paused, then forced a smile through gritted teeth. "Regardless, that child... Ying’er’s situation has already caused the Ye Family to lose all face. If something goes wrong with Li’er’s wedding as well, our family will truly have no face left."

Ye Li lowered her gaze and smiled faintly. "I’m afraid I cannot make decisions on this matter. Madam should discuss it thoroughly with Father and Grandmother. A daughter, once married, follows her husband. Besides... I don’t think there’s any ’face’ to be concerned about regarding my wedding." After all, once married, she would take the surname Mo. If that child were truly to bring misfortune to anyone, wouldn’t it first affect those who still bore the Ye surname?

Seeing that Ye Li was impervious to persuasion, Ms. Wang knew she wouldn’t get what she wanted there. She offered some perfunctory words of comfort to Ye Li, then left, clutching a handkerchief that was nearly twisted out of shape.

"Miss, this Ms. Wang is so malicious! You mustn’t fall for her trap," Nanny Wei said angrily, emerging from the inner room with Nanny Lin as soon as Ms. Wang had gone.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and smiled. "Wet Nurse, you discerned her intentions?"

Nanny Wei said, "What else could her intentions be? She wants to harm Concubine Zhao but intends to use you, Miss, as a scapegoat. If you were easily swayed and truly listened to her, word would spread that a daughter interfered in her father’s household affairs, was disrespectful to her father’s concubine, and uncharitable to her younger half-brother. It would needlessly ruin your reputation, Miss!"

Nanny Lin smiled and soothed Nanny Wei, "Sister, don’t be anxious. I believe Miss has her own plans."

Ye Li nodded. "Ms. Wang will certainly not tolerate Concubine Zhao. It’s just that with so many matters in the residence recently, she hasn’t found an opportunity to act."

Nanny Lin pondered this and asked, "So, Miss, your intention is to help Concubine Zhao?"

Ye Li shook her head. "It wouldn’t be accurate to say ’help.’ It’s more like a mutually beneficial arrangement. Concubine Zhao has helped me considerably these past few days. Moreover, I believe Rong’er is being poorly raised by Madam; the Ye Family must, after all, ensure the continuation of its line."

Nanny Lin said, "I’m just worried that Concubine Zhao might become too ambitious in the future."

Ye Li waved her hand and laughed. "If she’s smart, she’ll understand that there’s no conflict of interest between us."

Nanny Lin thought for a moment, then smiled. "Miss is very thoughtful; this old servant was overthinking."

Ye Li shook her head with a smile. "I am still young, after all, and there will always be things I overlook. I will continue to rely on Nanny and Wet Nurse for your guidance in the future."

By evening, Ms. Wang had somehow persuaded Minister Ye to agree to send the pregnant Concubine Zhao back to the Ye Family’s ancestral home to await childbirth. Concubine Zhao naturally caused a great scene, crying and begging. The other concubines in the residence couldn’t help but show pity at Concubine Zhao’s miserable appearance. Everyone knew that the Ye ancestral home was no land of ease and plenty; it was in Bingzhou, a remote region in the southwest of Great Chu, bordering the frontier. Not only was it a place of impoverished mountains and treacherous waters, but it was also thousands of miles from the Capital City. Ever since Minister Ye had come to the Capital City for his official post and brought Old Madam Ye over, the Ye Family had never returned to their ancestral home. Years ago, even the ancestral hall had been moved to the Capital City. All that remained in Bingzhou was an old house and a little land, managed by distant clan relatives. It wasn’t just a question of whether Concubine Zhao could live well there; it was a test of whether she, in her pregnant state, could even survive the journey.

Minister Ye’s expression showed a hint of pity, but he did not yield to the pleas of his once-favored concubine. Ye Li watched as Concubine Zhao’s initial sorrow gradually turned to despair. Though there was an element of performance in her display, there was also genuine feeling within it. Minister Ye’s heartlessness must have truly chilled Concubine Zhao’s heart.

"Father," Ye Li spoke once the commotion had somewhat subsided. "The journey to Bingzhou is not only long but also exceptionally arduous. Even an ordinary person might not endure it, let alone Concubine Zhao, who is with child."

Minister Ye’s expression softened slightly as he looked at Ye Li. "Then what are Li’er’s thoughts?"

Lowering her gaze, Ye Li said calmly, "Since Madam’s intention is to send Concubine Zhao away from the Capital City to recuperate, why must it be Bingzhou? What if something were to happen on the journey... Sister Zhaoyi is now carrying an imperial heir; we should be accumulating good fortune for her."

Ms. Wang’s face turned white, her heart trembling with rage. What did she mean it was *her* idea? And was she cursing her precious daughter and future grandchild?!

Old Madam Ye frowned. "Then where does Li’er think would be suitable?"

Ye Li smiled faintly. "Though one cannot entirely disbelieve in matters of fate, one cannot wholly believe in them either. Regardless, the child Concubine Zhao carries is still a descendant of our Ye Family. If outsiders were to learn of this, they might say our Ye Family disregards ties of kinship. As for where Concubine Zhao should go, I am sure Father and Grandmother have their own considerations."

Minister Ye looked deeply at Ye Li, a hint of probing in his gaze. "Our family has a villa in Yunzhou. The climate there is also pleasant. How about sending Concubine Zhao to Yunzhou?"

"Naturally, Father and Grandmother will decide everything."

Old Madam Ye appraised Concubine Zhao for a moment, then looked at Ye Li and smiled. "Your father is right. Yunzhou is a place of outstanding people and auspicious land, known for producing scholars and sages throughout history. Perhaps it can indeed suppress this child’s supposed ill-fated destiny."

Ye Li responded respectfully, "Grandmother is correct. As long as the Ye Family prospers, we all will prosper, will we not?" Destiny? What destiny could an unborn child possibly have?

Greatly pleased, Old Madam Ye nodded, appreciating Ye Li’s perceptiveness. "Li’er is indeed sensible. Since that’s the case, this matter is settled."

Kneeling in the hall, Concubine Zhao glanced at the resentful Ms. Wang, then kowtowed respectfully to Old Madam Ye. "This humble servant thanks Old Madam for your grace. Thank you, Master, and Third Miss, for your grace."

Ye Li smiled. "Concubine Zhao, please rise. This is all due to Grandmother’s and Father’s grace. We of the younger generation can only listen and obey. You will be undertaking a long journey; please take care. Once my younger brother is born, I hope you will raise him well, so as not to disappoint Grandmother’s and Father’s kind intentions."

Concubine Zhao nodded repeatedly. "This servant thanks Miss for your thoughtful words."