Crowned Consort in Golden Age-Chapter 45. Engaging and Returning door

45. Betrothal Gifts and Homecoming

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

Concubine Zhao knelt before Ye Li, dressed simply and elegantly, a stark contrast to the flamboyant attire she used to wear. Ye Li raised her hand, motioning for Qingluan to help her up, and said softly, "There’s no need for such formality. When you reach Yunzhou, you need not worry; everything has been arranged."

Concubine Zhao nodded. "This servant trusts that Third Miss’s word is her bond. This servant will also abide by our agreement and raise this child properly." She gently stroked her still-flat belly, her expression filled with pure gentleness and love. The child would be everything to her in the future. Ye Li nodded and instructed her maid, Qingshuang, "Fetch five hundred taels in silver notes for Concubine Zhao, for her travel expenses." Qingshuang acknowledged and left. Concubine Zhao looked at Ye Li gratefully. The entire Ye Mansion was under Ms. Wang’s control, including all the manors. It was inevitable that Ms. Wang would secretly reduce Concubine Zhao’s allowance, and although Concubine Zhao had saved some money, it wasn’t much. Apart from the Old Madam and the Master, only Third Miss could produce such a large sum at once. Concubine Zhao understood that while Third Miss wasn’t overtly warm, she was undeniably reliable and trustworthy, as long as one remained obedient. "Thank you, Third Miss, for your kindness."

"When you arrive, someone will ensure the safety of you and the child. With Father there, she won’t dare to act too blatantly. But if you want to live well there, it will depend on your own capabilities," Ye Li reminded her calmly. The manor isn’t mine anyway. If Concubine Zhao has the means, taking control would be better for the child.

Concubine Zhao was taken aback, secretly amazed at Ye Li’s perceptiveness. Since Ye Li had brought it up, it implied the Xu Family might assist her to some extent. If she could gain control of the Yunzhou manor, it could serve as a refuge for herself and her child. At this thought, Concubine Zhao quickly thanked Ye Li again, her respect and awe for her deepening.

"Young Miss, representatives from the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion have arrived to present the betrothal gifts," Qingyu reported enthusiastically. "The Old Madam and the Master are requesting you to hurry over."

Ye Li nodded. Seeing Qingyu’s odd expression, she raised an eyebrow. "Is there something else?"

Qingyu, her joyful expression somewhat conflicted, looked at Ye Li and said, "His Highness Prince Li and Fourth Miss have also returned." Today was Ye Ying’s homecoming day. It was rather a coincidence—or perhaps intentional?—that Fourth Miss’s homecoming and Third Miss’s betrothal gift ceremony fell on the same day.

Ye Li paused. She had almost forgotten Ye Ying was returning today too. "What happened?"

Qingyu pouted. "Prince Li, our son-in-law, also arrived around the same time, looking as grim as if someone owed him tens of thousands of taels and wouldn’t pay. Such bad luck!"

"Impudent," Ye Li rebuked lightly. Qingyu blinked, realizing her young mistress wasn’t truly angry. She cheekily stuck out her tongue, covered her mouth, and scurried to one side.

Qingshuang returned with a simple pouch and passed it to Ye Li. Ye Li turned and handed it, along with a gold amulet, to Concubine Zhao. "Consider this my gift to my younger brother. I won’t see you off then, Concubine."

Concubine Zhao’s eyes reddened. Remembering that today was the day Prince Ding’s Mansion was to present the betrothal gifts, she quickly blinked back tears, said her goodbyes to Ye Li, carefully stowed away the items, and exited.

Ye Li turned and said, "Let’s go see Grandmother."

As there were no true elders of Mo Xiuyao’s in the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion, he had specially invited two highly reputable elders from the Capital City to accompany him. They were Lord Elder Su Zhe, the Grand Academician whom Ye Li had met once before, and Old State Duke Hua, the father of the current Empress. Both were influential figures in the Capital City, which greatly pleased Minister Ye. The lengthy list of betrothal gifts from the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion easily brought to mind when Prince Li’s Mansion had presented their betrothal gifts. What had seemed decent then, now paled in comparison, making Prince Li’s Mansion appear somewhat lacking in sincerity. Thus, Minister Ye, all smiles, invited Lord Elder Su Zhe, Old State Duke Hua, and Prince Ding into the study for a discussion, inadvertently somewhat neglecting Ye Ying and Mo Jingli, who had arrived at nearly the same time.

"Li’er pays her respects to Grandmother, to Old Madam Hua, and to all the ladies." As Ye Li stepped into Rongle Hall, she saw Old Madam Ye and Old Madam Hua engaged in a lively conversation, with several other ladies, some of whom looked familiar, chiming in. However, Mo Jingli, Ye Ying, and Ms. Wang were sitting to one side, their expressions somewhat displeased. Ms. Wang and Ye Ying clearly couldn’t get a word in, while Mo Jingli’s expression probably deterred anyone from speaking to him.

"Li’er, come over here! Let everyone see my lovely granddaughter," Old Madam Ye warmly beckoned to Ye Li, her somewhat cloudy old eyes filled with a kind smile. It was as if Ye Li were her most treasured and beloved granddaughter. Ye Li obediently stepped forward. "Grandmother." Old Madam Hua drew Ye Li to sit beside her, chuckling, "My dear Old Madam, don’t blame me for snatching your granddaughter. I’ve taken such a liking to this Third Miss. No wonder my Tianxiang is always pestering me about coming to find Third Miss to play." Ye Li smiled and said, "You’re too kind, Old Madam Hua. Li’er misses Tianxiang very much too." Old Madam Hua nodded repeatedly. "Good child, truly taking after your mother. No wonder that boy Xiuyao, who hasn’t been willing to leave his home for years, specifically came to ask our Old State Duke to help him propose marriage."

Ye Li lowered her head, a light blush dusting her fair cheeks as she said softly with a smile, "Old State Duke Hua has been retired from worldly affairs for many years. For him to go to such trouble, Li’er is truly..."

Old Madam Hua nodded inwardly in approval. Even in her shyness, she maintained her composure and grace, unlike the typical pampered young ladies from noble families. Such a woman was needed to manage the vast household of the King of Ding Kingdom’s Mansion. Old Madam Hua patted Ye Li gently and smiled. "What’s the trouble in that? The Old State Duke is quite idle these days anyway. Naturally, he wants to concern himself with the marriages of the younger generation. Besides, the Old State Duke watched Xiuyao grow up..." Perhaps recalling Mo Xiuyao’s current condition, Old Madam Hua couldn’t help but sigh softly as she admonished Ye Li, "From now on, you two will be family. You must live well together..."

Ye Li feigned shyness and silently assented, though inwardly, she was cringing immensely.

As if remembering she had neglected the other newlywed couple, Old Madam Hua turned to Mo Jingli with a smile. "This old one has yet to congratulate Prince Li and Princess Consort Li. Her Highness Empress Dowager and Grand Consort Wise Zhao have long been hoping for a grandson. I trust their Majesties’ wishes will soon be fulfilled." Once Old Madam Hua spoke, everyone present quickly offered their congratulations to Mo Jingli and Ye Ying. It was just that Mo Jingli’s icy demeanor was so intimidating that those who had initially wanted to congratulate him hadn’t dared to speak up. Now that Old Madam Hua had broken the ice, everyone naturally followed suit. Mo Jingli, his face still cold as he looked at the crowd, ultimately couldn’t show too much disrespect to Old Madam Hua, so he gave a faint nod.

Sitting beside Old Madam Hua, Ye Li had a clear view of Ye Ying’s expression. She found it rather strange. Although there had been some incidents on the wedding day, it wasn’t Ye Ying’s fault. Given Mo Jingli’s affection for Ye Ying, he should feel even more guilt towards her and treat her doubly well because of it. But their expressions were hardly those of a blissfully infatuated newlywed couple. Perhaps because of Ye Ying’s almost unconcealable gloom, Ms. Wang’s expression was also quite unpleasant. Fortunately, she was still mindful of the occasion and merely looked grim without causing a scene.

"Prince Ding has arrived."

A maidservant announced from outside the door. Minister Ye, accompanied by Old State Duke Hua, Lord Elder Su Zhe, and Mo Xiuyao, walked in. Before they even entered, Old State Duke Hua’s hearty laughter boomed into the hall. "Haha, after waiting all these years, I’m finally going to drink Prince Ding’s wedding wine! What’s a bit of trouble for that? It’s a good chance to see just how remarkable the future Princess Consort Ding is, to make even that girl of mine, Tianxiang, admit defeat."

"Ah-Li is still young. Old State Duke, please don’t frighten her," Mo Xiuyao’s voice was gentle, carrying a hint of a warm smile.

"Good lad! Not even married yet, and already so protective of his wife-to-be."

A hush fell over the hall. Old Madam Hua gently nudged Ye Li, smiling as she said, "Our Old State Duke is a bit unrefined, Li’er, don’t mind him." Ye Li shook her head with a smile and looked towards the doorway. She saw at the forefront a man with white hair and a white beard. Though nearly in his seventies, he still walked with the vigor of a dragon and the stride of a tiger, his presence imposing. Coming from a military family herself, Ye Li could tell at a glance that this Old State Duke must also be a renowned general who had spent half his life on the battlefield. A sense of admiration welled up in her heart.