The Virtuous Dowager Consort presided as the matriarch of Prince Li’s residence, though she was not Prince Mo Jingli’s birth mother. Both Mo Jingli and the current Emperor had been born to the Empress Dowager. The Virtuous Dowager Consort, Empress Dowager’s cousin, shared a rare bond of mutual support rather than rivalry with her relative. She had a daughter, Princess Lin’an, married to the Great General of National Defense, stationed at the frontier. Prince Li had invited the Dowager Consort to leave the palace and live under his care, a request made at the Empress Dowager’s behest, concerned for her younger son’s well-being.
After changing her attire, Ye Li followed the housekeeper’s wife to Old Madam Ye’s Hall of Glory, where a harmonious gathering was underway. Old Madam Ye sat with the Virtuous Dowager Consort, while Madam Wang accompanied them with Ye Ying at her side. Several other noble ladies filled the lower seats. What startled Ye Li most was seeing Mo Jingli seated below the Dowager Consort. After a brief pause, she recalled that in this world, the segregation between men and women was not as strict as in ancient times. Young ladies from noble families still required chaperones but otherwise could meet unmarried men freely.
“This humble subject pays respects to the Dowager Consort and His Highness Prince Li. Greetings to Grandmother. I also pay respects to all the ladies present.”
The Dowager Consort, dignified and composed, surveyed Ye Li. Her face bore no wrinkles despite her age, and though not extraordinarily beautiful, her presence exuded elegance and nobility.
“Old Madam, is this the Third Young Lady?” the Dowager Consort inquired.
Old Madam Ye smiled apologetically. “Yes, Dowager Consort, this is my third daughter.”
The Dowager Consort nodded warmly. “She’s lovely and spirited. It’s just unfortunate… our Li’er wasn’t as fortunate.” She drew Ye Li closer and removed an ice jade bracelet from her wrist, placing it on Ye Li’s. Ye Ying’s eyes darkened beside Madam Wang.
Ye Li attempted to decline politely. “Thank you for your praise, Dowager Consort, but such a precious item is better suited for you. I dare not accept such a generous gift.”
The Dowager Consort held down her hand, feigning slight anger. “Child, could it be that you look down on my bracelet? This was bestowed upon me by the Late Emperor himself. I’m getting old, and it would look far better on young people like you. It would bring me joy.”
Realizing the diplomatic weight of the gift, Ye Li accepted gracefully, curtsying with a gentle smile. “Thank you, Dowager Consort. I will carefully preserve your gift.”
Pleased, the Dowager Consort released her hand and smiled. Ye Li took her place behind Madam Wang, alongside Ye Ying.
The noble ladies were intrigued. Third Young Lady Ye’s reputation in the capital was almost as notable as Ye Ying’s, though for opposite reasons: virtue, talent, and beauty in Ye Li, and rumored deficiencies in Ye Ying. Yet Ye Li’s refined manners and serene demeanor subtly reflected the grace of the late Madam Ye from the prestigious Xu family. How could a lady of such bearing have been considered unfortunate, losing a marriage to Prince Li and engagement to Prince Ding?
Ye Li stood composedly behind Madam Wang, ignoring Mo Jingli’s dark glare. She studied the jade bracelet, contemplating its implications. The Dowager Consort had mentioned Prince Li in a way clearly meant to unsettle her. What was the meaning behind this performance?
Sensing the young ladies’ growing discomfort, the Dowager Consort suggested, “Why don’t Third Young Lady and Fourth Young Lady take Li’er out for a walk?”
Madam Wang and Ye Ying stiffened, and even Old Madam Ye was briefly startled.
Ye Li’s heart skipped, but she stepped forward with a smile. “Grandmother, Fourth Sister and Prince Li are in love and naturally wish to be together. I wouldn’t dare intrude.” She added a playful gesture toward Old Madam Ye, catching the older lady off guard. Ye Ying blushed, stealing a glance at Mo Jingli.
Mo Jingli frowned and snorted coldly. “It’s good that you know your place!”
Unfazed, Ye Li replied with cheerful composure, “Your Highness speaks true. I am indeed sensible. I would rather stay and accompany Grandmother, the Dowager Consort, and the ladies. I admire the Dowager Consort’s bearing and hope not to disappoint her.”
The Dowager Consort gave Ye Li a long, appraising look, then smiled. “In that case, Li’er shall stay.”
Mo Jingli left with Ye Ying, who followed him joyfully, while the Dowager Consort observed Ye Li, subtly furrowing her brow before smoothing it away.
Ye Li, left behind, listened to the capital’s noble ladies while mentally reciting chapters from The Art of War, a habit inherited from her military family. Despite the casual conversation, the other ladies couldn’t help but notice her. Third Young Lady Ye’s composure, unaffected by both favor and disgrace, left a remarkable impression. Even seasoned observers found her calm, unreadable demeanor extraordinary.
One lady finally asked, “Third Young Lady, will you be attending this year’s Hundred Flowers Festival?”
Before Ye Li could respond, Old Madam Ye answered, “Li’er’s health has improved greatly. She will naturally attend this year.” With marriages arranged, preventing Ye Li from participating would be unreasonable, and the shrewd Old Madam Ye had no desire to alienate this granddaughter destined to be Prince Ding’s consort.
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