Chapter 10: Concubine Zhao’s Request

 

Concubine Zhao knelt low upon the cold floor, her voice trembling yet soft:

“This servant begs Third Miss to show me a way to survive…”

Ye Li arched a brow, her slender fingers idly toying with the jewelry in the box before her. Her tone was light, almost mocking:
“What are you saying, Concubine Zhao? Everyone in this mansion knows Father favors you most. Aside from Old Madam and Madam, are not all the finest things yours first? Could it be… you are still unsatisfied?”

A bitter smile tugged at Zhao’s lips.
“I would not dare. Though I come from humble origins, I studied a few years and know well that glory is fleeting. I fear… once Madam has time to deal with me, it will mean my death.”

Qingshuang frowned, her voice sharp.
“Concubine Zhao, how can you speak so before our Miss? Miss will soon be married—what help could she offer you? Better to seek Old Madam or Master’s aid.”

Ye Li’s gaze was cool, her words cutting:
“Qingshuang is right. In two months I leave this household. Even if I helped you now, it would be of little use. Moreover… why should I offend Noble Lady Zhao in the palace for your sake? With Ye Noble Lady and Fourth Sister present, neither you nor I can bring down Madam.”

Concubine Zhao bit her lips until they turned pale. Logic she understood, yet what use was understanding? She had thought bearing a child would secure her place, but Madam Wang would not allow it. Servants whispered, shadows moved. If not for the sudden imperial marriage arrangement, Madam Wang would already have struck.

Her voice broke:
“Third Miss, I ask for nothing else—only that you help me protect my child. I will forever be grateful for your kindness!”

“You…” Ye Li began, but Zhao pressed on tearfully:
“I have been here only months, yet already lost one child. This one must be protected. I beg Third Miss to lend me aid.”

Ye Li sighed, signaling Qingshuang. The maid helped Zhao to a chair, discreetly touching her wrist before nodding imperceptibly to her mistress.

Ye Li handed over a handkerchief. Her voice softened, yet remained distant:
“It is not unwillingness, but I truly cannot. In two months I leave. From your condition, it will be months before you give birth, is it not?”

Disappointment flashed across Zhao’s face. She clutched the handkerchief, crying:
“Does this mean… this child is fated never to see the world? I only wish for the child to be born safely, to live well—even if not in the Ye mansion, even if not as a young master of the Ye family.”

Ye Li studied her anguish. For once, Zhao’s words rang sincere—she cared for the child’s life, not wealth.

“Third Miss! If only I can give birth, I am willing to have him registered under the late Madam’s name, to continue her lineage. I swear I will never acknowledge him as mine in this lifetime!”

Ye Li’s expression did not change.
“My mother passed years ago. I care little for lineage. Moreover, we do not know if the child is male or female. Even if you never acknowledge him, will he not guess the truth when grown? As my mother’s registered child, he would outrank Madam Wang’s son. Do you think Madam Wang would allow that? He would not survive long.”

Zhao lowered her head, regret burning in her eyes.
“This servant spoke wrongly. I beg Third Miss to save me. After all… this child is Third Miss’s blood relative…”

Ye Li’s gaze sharpened.
“Father’s favor or this child—choose.”

Zhao froze, then understood. After a long silence, determination hardened her face.
“I choose the child. As long as the child lives well, it matters not if I never see him.”

Ye Li’s voice drifted like cold wind:
“Some fates are so ill‑starred they taint marriages and offspring.”

Zhao’s eyes widened. “Third Miss means for me to…?!”

“Do not do it yourself. Leaving traces would backfire.”

Now Zhao understood. If she gained a reputation for ill fortune, she would lose the Master’s favor forever, perhaps be sent away to a villa or temple. Yet with the family’s upcoming marriage alliance, they would not expel her outright. Yunzhou…

Ye Li’s tone was final:
“This is all I can do. Our family has a villa in Yunzhou. If you go there, I will ensure the safety of mother and child. Think it over. Once decided, inform me.”

Concubine Zhao rose, knelt again, tears streaming.
“This servant thanks Third Miss for her great kindness!”

Ye Li paused mid‑step, her voice cool:
“This is your own choice.”

Her graceful figure vanished behind the screen.

Later, Ye Li sat reading. All women are pitiful, but I cannot save them all.

Qingshuang entered with tea. “Miss, why are you reading again? We’re not preparing for the imperial examinations.”

“Has she left?”

“Yes. She made quite a scene at the gate before leaving.”

Ye Li smiled faintly. “Concubine Zhao is clever. She may even complain to Father.”

Qingshuang worried. “The Master won’t punish Miss, will he?”

“Even if Father favors others, he will not punish a daughter about to be married over a concubine’s words.”

Qingshuang brightened. “That’s right. Soon you will be Princess Dingguo. Even Princess Li must pay respects. But Miss agreed to help her so quickly—what if she turns against us?”

Ye Li’s smile was cold. “She is too favored; Madam will not tolerate her. She knows the price of using me.”

Qingshuang bowed. “As long as Miss knows what she’s doing.”

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