Capital Rhapsody 27: Pearl of Retaining Youth

  Pearl of Retaining Youth

  "What did you say?! Ye Li won the Hundred Flowers Crown?!"

  Ye Manor, in Ye Ying's Huisu Pavilion, Ye Ying's usually gentle and elegant voice had a hint of unspoken bitterness. The maidservants kneeling on the floor in the tastefully decorated and serene flower hall replied with trepidation: "Miss... Miss said that outside, it is indeed rumored to be so. Third Miss has already returned to the manor, and... the Imperial Censor's Manor Qin family, Xu family, Hua Guo Gong Manor, Yang Wei General's Manor, Chancellor's Manor, and the Ministry of Rites' Shangshu Manor have all sent people with gifts to congratulate Third Miss on her triumph." Ye Ying's beautiful face finally showed a crack, and with a wave of her hand, she swept everything off the table beside her onto the floor. The maidservant who was hit directly didn't dare cry out in pain and hastily said: "Miss, please calm down..."

  "What nonsense! Ye Li... how could that wretched woman Ye Li possibly become the number one of the Hundred Flowers?!" Ye Yin exclaimed in disbelief. She had pushed Ye Li out precisely because she knew that her mother had not specially invited anyone to instruct her, and even Ye Li herself did not have confidence in defeating the Princess Xiaya who was bound to lose face. At that time, although she would not be able to obtain this year's Hundred Flowers number one, it would be an undefeated defeat, which wouldn't be considered losing face. More importantly, at that time everyone would know that only she, Ye Yin, was the most outstanding daughter of the Ye family. Even if Ye Li was the granddaughter of the Xu family, she still couldn't compare to her!

  Although she was furious, Ye Ying quickly calmed down and regained her usual elegance and gentleness. She stood up and said, "Let's all get up and go see Mother."

  The maids in the flower hall all secretly let out a sigh of relief, and those who should clean up the remaining mess cleaned it up. Those who should follow Ye Ying hastily tidied up their appearance and followed Ye Ying to see Madame Wang.

  Rong Le Tang

  Ye Lian sat quietly, allowing Ye Old Madam, Ye Shangshu, and Wang Shi to examine her. Ye Old Madam smiled warmly at Ye Lian and said, "Lian'er is indeed the eldest daughter of our Ye family. Now she has made a name for herself, and our Ye family has produced two top beauties. Who in this capital city would not praise us for teaching our daughters well?" Ye Lian pursed her lips and smiled faintly, "Grandmother is overpraising me, it's all thanks to Grandmother and Father's teachings." Ye Shangshu looked at his daughter with a complex expression. This daughter he had never paid much attention to was different from the other daughters in their household. She seemed unremarkable at first glance, but upon closer inspection, she possessed a unique elegance and refinement that was characteristic of noble families. This made him think back to when he first met his late wife, who also had this same elegant demeanor. Her beauty was breathtaking, yet it also made one feel inferior. Even if she hadn't grown up in the Xu household, even if she hadn't received the best upbringing, did the Xu family's bloodline still make her other children pale in comparison? Thinking about his daughters' performances at the Hundred Flowers Banquet, Ye Shangshu thought to himself. And thinking about Ye Rong, who had been spoiled by his mother and Wang Shi, Ye Shangshu felt even more regretful: Why wasn't Lian'er a boy?

  "The Qin family, the Xu family, and the Hua Guo Gong Fu, the Liu Fu... these families that sent congratulatory gifts must be carefully reciprocated." Old Lady Ye instructed, looking at Wang Shi who was sitting with her head bowed.

  The Wang family hastily covered up the light in her eyes and respectfully said: "Don't worry, old lady, I'll be frugal."

  Mrs. Ye nodded in satisfaction, "As for those gifts, send them to Qingyuxuan. Lili can take a look and buy some hair accessories, jewelry, and clothes that she likes. Each family has sent out invitations, although it's not necessary to go to all of them, but we also can't ignore any one of them. At that time, don't lose the face of the Shangshu Mansion." Before Ye Lili could respond, a maid outside the door announced that Fourth Miss had arrived.

  Ying changed into a thin white dress, her face also somewhat pale and looked even more delicate and weak. Supporting the maid's hand, she came in to pay respects to Old Lady Wang and Ye Shangshu, then pale-faced said: "Ying'er has disgraced the Ye family, please grandmother and father punish me."

  Mrs. Ye's white eyebrows slightly raised, looking at Ye Shangshu without speaking. Ye Ying had always been deeply favored by Ye Shangshu, more so than Ye Zhaoyi who had already entered the palace. Where would he dare to punish her? Madame Wang hastily pulled her daughter into her arms and softly comforted her, "Foolish child, how can this be blamed on you? If it weren't for the unexpected event, I suppose this year's flower crown would still be yours." Ye Shangshu nodded in agreement, following Madame Wang's words: "Your mother is right, since it was an accident, it can't be blamed on you. Quickly get up, your body is weak and the ground is very cold."

  Looking at the harmonious family of three in front of her, Ye Li's expression was calm and unruffled, with a respectful face, but she had already started thinking about the new friends she had made today. Especially Qin Zheng, her future sister-in-law, she also needed to think about what gifts to give them. Lately, things have been busy and there hasn't been much time to participate in this dull family ethics drama. Thinking again about her future married life, perhaps she could get a husband who is neither too good nor too bad. If possible, form a peaceful and happy family. Maybe even have one or two children of her own...

  Mrs. Ye was sizing up the young girl in green who sat quietly on one side, while Ye Li had already drifted off into a daydream to think about her recent tasks.

  Mrs. Ye looked at the scene in front of her and sighed secretly. In the past, she thought Ye Xuan and Ye Ying were good, but now she finally understood that Ye Li was actually the one who was truly reserved. With this composure and calmness, Mrs. Ye believed that if Ye Li had entered the palace, perhaps the road would have been smoother. Unfortunately, Ye Li was given to the crippled and ill-fated Prince Ding, a man with no future. It's really fate playing tricks on people...

  "Grandma, sister stole the first prize of the hundred flowers is our Ye family's great joy, shouldn't we tell second sister to let her be happy too?" After the three finally got tired, Ye Ying walked to Ye Lao Furen's side and said in a soft voice.

  Ye Shangshu smiled and said: "It's rare for Ying'er to have such a broad mind, what she said is right. Mother, look..."

  "You said that in a few days, it will be the day to enter the palace and pay respects. At that time, we will report this good news to Consort Shao," said Old Lady Ye with a nod, smiling at Ye Li as she turned her head: "Your second sister has always been very kind to her sisters, so in the future when you each manage your own household, it would be best if you often go accompany her."

  "Grandma!" Ye Ying called out shyly, covering her face, a blush rising to her pale cheeks. In comparison, Ye Li seemed less like a young lady, lacking in shyness. Ye Shangshu couldn't help but smile lovingly at his younger daughter as well.

  Ye Ying glanced at Ye Li, her beautiful eyes sparkling as she smiled softly and said: "It's been a long time since Third Sister has seen Second Sister too, Mother should prepare a nice gift for Second Sister on behalf of Third Sister."

  The Wang family was taken aback, looking at Ye Ying with a furrowed brow. However, Old Lady Ye's heart skipped a beat as she turned her gaze back to Ye Li, hesitating for a moment before remaining silent. Ye Li observed the expressions of Old Lady Ye and Ye Ying, quickly understanding what Ye Ying meant. She quietly watched Ye Ying, expecting her performance. Seeing that Wang Shi was momentarily confused by her words, and Old Lady Ye remained expressionless, Ye Ying furrowed her brow and gently reminded, "Elder Sister Shao's pregnancy has brought about a change in her appearance..."

  Everyone present was not a fool, and as soon as they heard the two words "容貌", Wang immediately reacted, looking at Ye Li's expression also became more eager, "Master..."

  Ye Li let out a helpless sigh in her heart, this family really has no fools.

  "Ying'er's words make sense. Li'er, let's send the beauty pearl to the palace as a gift for Consort Shao. You can ask your mother for whatever you want." Ye Shangshu apparently didn't think there was anything wrong with Ye Ying's suggestion and immediately agreed.