”"Qingxia expresses her gratitude for Miss's kindness." After performing the bow, Qingxia stood規矩地站在一邊垂手恭立。"Hanqing... do you know how to embroider" Ye Li asked.A trace of arrogance flashed across Han...The Imperial Capital Ode 27. The Face-Preserving Pearl

27. The Face-Preserving Pearl

"What did you say Ye Lüe actually won the title of Baihua Queen!"

In the Huisnow Pavilion in the Ye residence, Ye Ying's usually gentle and elegant voice had a sharp edge to it. In the refined and tranquil floral hall, the kneeling maidservants trembled with fear as they replied: "R-rumors are circulating that Miss Third has indeed won the title. Third Miss has returned home, and gifts congratulating her have been sent from the Qin family of the Censorate Office, the Xu family, the Duke Huaguo's residence, the Yangwei General’s mansion, the Chancellor's residence, and the Minister of Rites' residence."

Ye Ying's beautiful face showed a hint of cracks as she swept everything off the table with one wave of her hand. The maid at the forefront was hit squarely but did not dare to cry out in pain; instead, she quickly said: "Miss, please calm down..."

"What is there to be calm about! How could that despicable Ye Lüe possibly become the Baihua Queen" Ye Ying called out incredulously. She had pushed Ye Lüe forward knowing that over the years her mother hadn't specially arranged for tutors for her, and she was confident in herself against even Princess Qixia. Therefore, Ye Lüe would certainly lose to Princess Qixia and be humiliated. Even though she didn’t win this year’s Baihua Queen title, it wouldn’t count as a loss since she had lost without fighting. What's more important is that everyone will know that only she, Ye Ying, was the most outstanding daughter of the Ye family. Even if Ye Lüe is Xu family's granddaughter by marriage, she still can't compare to her!

Though furious, Ye Ying quickly regained her composure and returned to her usual elegant demeanor. Standing up, she said: "Get up everyone, let’s go see Mother."

The maids in the flower hall all secretly heaved a sigh of relief. Those who needed to clean up did so, while others quickly tidied themselves up and followed Ye Ying to see Lady Wang.

In Rongyue Hall

Ye Li sat quietly and calmly as Grandmother Ye, Secretary Ye, and Lady Wang examined her. With a loving smile, Grandmother Ye said to Ye Li, "Our Li Ernü is truly the pride of our Ye family. Now she has become famous overnight with two ladies crowned as the queen of the Hundred Flowers Festival. Who in the capital doesn’t praise us for raising our daughters well" Ye Li smiled faintly and replied, "Grandmother overpraises me. It’s all due to Grandmother's and Father's teachings." The expression on Secretary Ye's face was rather complex when he looked at his daughter sitting calmly before him. This daughter who had never received much attention from him was completely different from the rest of his daughters. She seemed unremarkable, but if one paid close attention, there was a kind of grandeur and elegance that set her apart as a lady of high society. It reminded Secretary Ye of when he first met his deceased wife; she too had exuded such grace and poise. Her beauty was heart-stopping, yet also so elegant that it made people feel inferior. Even without growing up in the Xu family or receiving their best upbringing, could the Xu bloodline still make all her other children pale in comparison Secretary Ye thought back to his daughters' performances at the Hundred Flowers Festival and felt a deep sense of regret: Why wasn't Li Ernü a boy

"For families like the Qin Family, Xu Family, Huagong Mansion, and Liu Manor who sent gifts, we must reciprocate properly," Grandmother Ye instructed Wang Shi as she looked at her with approval.

Wang Shi quickly hid the gleam in her eyes and respectfully said, "Grandmother, rest assured. I’ll take care of it."

Satisfied, Grandmother Ye nodded. “As for these gifts, send them all to Qingyi Pavilion. Li Ernü can choose whatever she likes from among the jewelry and clothes there. We’ve sent invitations to everyone; we don’t have to visit every single one, but we also shouldn’t neglect any of them either. It’s important not to lose face as a family of the secretary-general.” Before Ye Li could respond, a maid reported that Fourth Miss had arrived.

Ye Ying changed into a thin white robe and her face looked pale, making her appear even more delicate and feeble. Supporting herself with the help of a servant girl, she entered to pay respects to Elder Lady Ye and Secretary Ye, as well as Madam Wang. She then said with a pale face, "Ying has disgraced the Ye family; please allow Grandmother and Father to punish me."

Elder Lady Ye raised her graying eyebrows but did not speak, watching Secretary Ye instead. Ye Ying was always favored by Secretary Ye more than even Imperial Concubine Ye who had already entered the palace. How could he bear to punish her Madam Wang quickly held her daughter in her arms and comforted her softly, saying, "Foolish child, how can this be your fault If it weren't for the accident, Ying would have surely been crowned the Queen of a Hundred Flowers once again." Secretary Ye nodded in agreement and followed up with his wife's words, "What you said is right. Since there was an unforeseen incident, we cannot blame you. Quickly get up; your body is weak, and the floor is very cold."

Seeing the harmonious trio before her, Ye Li maintained a composed expression of solemn respect on her face as she thought about the new friends she had made today. Especially Qin Zeng, who would become her future sister-in-law—she needed to think about what gifts to send them in return. With so much going on recently, she didn't have time for such trivial family dramas. Thinking about her future marriage life, perhaps she could obtain a husband who was neither too good nor too bad and form a peaceful and harmonious household. She might even be blessed with one or two of her own children...

While Elder Lady Ye continued to scrutinize the young girl dressed in black sitting quietly by the side, Ye Li's mind had already wandered off, contemplating the tasks ahead.

Elder Lady Ye sighed inwardly as she observed the scene before her. She used to believe that Ye Yue and Ye Ying were good children, but now she could see clearly that Ye Li was truly someone who concealed her true nature. With such poise and composure, Elder Lady Ye believed that if it had been Ye Li entering the palace instead of Imperial Concubine Ye, perhaps the path ahead would have been smoother. Unfortunately, now that Ye Li had chosen to marry the disabled Prince Ding with no prospects, fate seemed cruel...

"Grandmother," Ye Ying said sweetly as she approached Elder Lady Ye, "Since Sister has won the title of Queen of a Hundred Flowers, shouldn't we inform Second Sister so that she can share in our joy"

Ye Shangshu smiled and said, "It's rare for Ying'er to have such magnanimity. That is exactly right. Mother, what do you think..."

"What you two are saying is correct," Old Lady Ye nodded and looked at Ye Li with a smile on her face, "Your second sister has always been very kind to her sisters. In the future, when each of you will be in charge of your own households, do visit her more often."

"Grandmother!" Ye Ying blushed shyly and covered her face while calling out softly. Compared to her, Ye Li was less bashful as a lady. Ye Shangshu lovingly looked at his youngest daughter who giggled along with him.

Ye Ying glanced at Ye Li, her beautiful eyes twinkling as she said in a soft voice, "It has been quite some time since Third Sister has seen Second Sister, hasn't it Mother should prepare a good gift on behalf of Third Sister to give to Second Sister."

Wang Shi was taken aback and frowned at Ye Ying. However, Old Lady Ye seemed to have thought of something and turned her gaze towards Ye Li again but hesitated before saying anything. Seeing the looks of Old Lady Ye and Ye Ying, Ye Li quickly understood what Ye Ying meant. She watched silently without revealing anything, waiting for Ye Ying's performance. Seeing that Wang Shi was momentarily unable to understand her words while Old Lady Ye remained silent as well, Ye Ying frowned slightly and softly reminded, "It is said that a woman’s appearance changes when she is pregnant… Senior Consort Zhao has now fallen pregnant."

No one in the room was truly foolish. Hearing 'appearance', Wang Shi instantly understood what they meant, and looked at Ye Li with more eagerness, "My lord…"lected on whether she had neglected him too much lately. Ever since their marriage, every aspect of her life, from food and clothing to daily necessities, was handled by Mo Xiuyao. But… Ye Liruo remem...