45 Presenting the Bridal Gifts and Returning to the Bride&ap

aside the harm that a Western Capital invasion would bring to the Chu Dynasty's territory, just mentioning the threat posed by hundreds of thousands of troops to the Mo Family Army in the pass was eno...The Imperial Capital Ode 45. Dowry and Returning to the Bride's Home

45. Dowry and Returning to the Bride's Home

"Servant thanks Third Miss for saving my life."

Zhao Concubine knelt before Ye Li, dressed in plain garments unlike her usual seductive attire. Ye Li raised a hand to signal Qing Luan to help her up and said calmly, "No need for formalities. When you reach Yunzhou, don't worry; everything will be arranged properly."

Zhao Concubine nodded, saying, "Servant believes Third Miss keeps her word. Servant will abide by the agreement and raise this child in peace." Lowering her head to gently stroke her still flat abdomen, Zhao Concubine's expression was entirely soft and loving. This child would be everything to her from now on. Ye Li nodded and instructed Qing Shuang beside her, "Fetch 500 silver notes for Zhao Concubine; it will cover your expenses." Qing Shuang responded promptly. Grateful, Zhao Concubine looked at Ye Li. The entire Ye Manor was under Lady Wang's control, including the properties in various regions. It was inevitable that she would be secretly deprived of her allowance by Lady Wang. Although she had saved some money herself, it wasn't much. Apart from Elder Madam and Master, only Third Miss could provide such a large sum at once within the Ye Manor. Zhao Concubine understood clearly; although Third Miss isn't warm or approachable to others, as long as one remains obedient, she is absolutely reliable and trustworthy. "Thank you for your kindness, Third Miss."

“Once there, someone will be responsible for your and the child's safety. With Father around, she won’t dare act too overtly. But to live comfortably there depends on your own abilities.” Ye Li reminded her coolly. Since the properties weren't hers anyway, if Zhao Concubine had some means, it would be better for the child.

Zhao Concubine was taken aback but secretly amazed that Ye Li could discern her thoughts. However, since she had spoken up, it naturally meant that the Xu family would help to a certain extent. As long as she had enough means to control the Yunzhou properties, they would become a safe haven for herself and her child. Upon this thought, Zhao Concubine quickly thanked Ye Li again while deepening her sense of awe.

"Miss, the Ding King's Mansion has come with the betrothal gifts," Qingyu happily entered and said smilingly, "Old Lady and Master have invited Miss to go over quickly."

Ye Li nodded her head. Seeing Qingyu's somewhat odd expression, she raised an eyebrow and asked, "Is there anything else"

The joyful look on Qingyu’s face was a bit conflicted as she looked at Ye Li and said, "His Highness Li Prince and Fourth Miss have returned." Today was officially the day that Ye Ying visited her mother's family. It was unknown whether it was intentional or just a coincidence, but Fourth Miss returning to visit her mother's side coincidentally fell on the same day as Third Miss receiving betrothal gifts.

Ye Li was also taken aback; she had almost forgotten that Ye Ying should be coming back today too. "What happened"

Qingyu pouted slightly and said, "His Highness Li Prince and son-in-law arrived at about the same time, both with gloomy faces as if someone owed them tens of thousands of silver taels they hadn't repaid. How unlucky!"

"Reckless," Ye Li rebuked coolly. Qingyu blinked her eyes and hearing no anger in Miss’s words, she cheekily stuck out her tongue, covered her little mouth with her hand, and hid to the side.

Qingshuang came out holding a simple sachet and handed it to Ye Li. Ye Li turned around and placed both it and a gold lock together in Auntie Zhao’s hands, saying, "This is my gift for Brother; when the time comes, I won't be giving anything to Auntie."

Zhao Aiyang's eyes turned red as she remembered that today was the day when Dingwang Mansion would send over the betrothal gifts. She hurriedly held back her tears and said farewell to Ye Li before leaving with the items.

Ye Li turned around and said, "Let’s go, we’re going to see Grandma."

Since there were no elders in Dingwang Mansion that could be considered as relatives of Mo Xiuyao, Mo Xiuyao specially invited two respectable seniors from the capital. One was Grand Scholar Su Zhe whom Ye Li had met before and also Huo Laogong (Elder National Marquis), the father of the current empress. These two men were significant figures in the capital that even made Minister Ye feel proud to know them. Dingwang Mansion’s long list of betrothal gifts easily reminded people of the last time Liewang Mansion had sent over their betrothal gifts. What was originally considered decent now seemed less sincere when compared with it. Therefore, Minister Ye happily invited Grand Scholar Su and Huo Laogong along with Dingwang to his study for a chat, unintentionally neglecting Ye Ying and Mo Jingli who had arrived at roughly the same time.

"Liyi greets grandmother, also greets Lady Huo and all the other ladies," said Ye Li as she entered Rongle Hall and saw that Old Lady Ye was chatting happily with Lady Huo. There were a few familiar-looking ladies below them who had gathered around to be part of the fun. Mo Jingli and Ye Ying along with Wang Shi (Madam) sat on one side, their expressions not very pleasant. Clearly, Wang Shi and Ye Ying felt out of place as they could not join in the conversation. As for Mo Jingli's expression, it was enough to deter anyone from talking to him.

"Liyi come over here quickly, let everyone see how good my granddaughter is," said Old Lady Ye warmly, beckoning her granddaughter over with a hand. Her slightly cloudy eyes were filled with warm smiles as if Ye Li was the most beloved granddaughter she had ever seen. Ye Li obediently walked forward and respectfully greeted her grandmother.

Lady Huo pulled Ye Li to sit beside her and smiled, saying, "Old Lady, don’t be angry that I am taking your granddaughter away from you. I have such a liking for this Third Miss that it’s hard to put into words. No wonder my Tianxiang keeps pestering me to come find Third Miss."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Lady Huo is too kind with her praise; Liyi misses Tianxiang very much as well." Lady Huo nodded repeatedly and said, "What a good child! Truly has the grace of your mother. No wonder that Xiuyao boy wouldn’t leave home for so many years but still made time to specially invite my father over to ask about marriage."

Ye Li lowered her head, the clear beauty of her face tinged with a slight blush as she softly said, "Elder National Marquis has not been involved in worldly affairs for such a long time; it’s truly... difficult for me..."

Lady Huo nodded inwardly. Even though Ye Li was bashful, she still handled herself gracefully and appropriately, unlike the usual spoiled young ladies from prominent families. A lady like her could support the vast estate of Dingwang Mansion. She kindly patted Ye Li on the back with a warm smile and said, "What’s there to be difficult about After all, my father is now idle and has nothing much to do. He naturally wants to take care of the marriage affairs of his juniors. Xiuyao was also raised by my father..." It seemed that she recalled Mo Xiuyao's current situation, so Lady Huo couldn’t help but sigh lightly as she instructed Ye Li, "In the future, you two will be a family. You need to live well together...

Ye Li pretended to be shy and quietly accepted it, her heart filled with a big sense of embarrassment.

Suddenly remembering that she had neglected another newlywed couple, Madam Hua turned back to smile at Mo Jingli: "This old woman hasn’t congratulated Prince Li and his wife yet. Empress Dowager and Lady Zhaoyang have been eagerly waiting for their grandsons. I believe it won't be long before they fulfill your wishes." Upon Madam Hua's words, the others present quickly offered their congratulations to Mo Jingli and Ye Ying as well. It was simply that Mo Jingli’s cold demeanor was so intimidating that those who wanted to congratulate him were too afraid to speak up. Now that Madam Hua had spoken first, everyone naturally followed suit with their congratulations. Mo Jingli watched the people with a cold face but ultimately couldn’t slight Madam Hua completely and nodded faintly.

Sitting beside Madam Hua, Ye Li could clearly see Ye Ying’s expression. Ye Li also found it strange; although there were some issues on the day of the wedding ceremony, they had nothing to do with Ye Ying herself. Given Mo Jingli’s fondness for her, he would only feel more remorseful and take extra care of her as a result. However, these two people's expressions didn’t resemble those of newlyweds who were in love with each other. Perhaps because Ye Ying couldn't hide the gloominess in her expression, Lady Wang’s face wasn’t looking too good either. Fortunately, she knew to pick her moments and only frowned without acting out.

"Dingwang is here."

A maidservant’s voice announced from outside the door that Dingwang had arrived. Ye Shangshu accompanied Old Grand Duke Su Zhe along with Mo Xiuyao into the room. Before they even entered, Old Grand Duke Su's loud laughter was heard: "Haha! After waiting for so many years, I finally get to drink Dingwang’s wedding wine. What’s a little trouble Just let me see how formidable future Princess Ding is that she makes my little girl submit."

"A Li is still young; Grand Duke, don’t frighten her."

"Good lad, you already know to protect your wife before you even get married."ss can go in now and take a look.” Mo Xiuyao lightly huffed and turned to push the door open and enter.Outside, Xu Qingyan discontentedly said, "Mr. Song, why is Your Highness allowed to go in but we...