Chapter 51: Uncle’s Guidance

ve or ambitious, which made her believe that Ye Li was someone who could be easily manipulated to yield. However, she heard Ye Li say, "Before Mother passed away, she mentioned that when she first mar...51. Uncle's Teachings

"Greetings, two princesses."

Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao had just walked out of the inner room when a servant welcomed them at the door with respect. The shopkeeper was startled but quickly bowed to the couple before stepping forward to greet others who entered the doorway. He saw Ye Li and Mo Xiuyao, and Princess Changyang was taken aback for a moment as she exclaimed: "Xiyao" She walked over and stopped a few steps away from Mo Xiyao, softly asking: "Xiyao, are you here with Miss Ye to buy things"

Mo Xiuyao's eyes flickered slightly. He nodded, saying, "Indeed, it has been many years since I last saw the princess."

Princess Changyang had a hint of sadness on her face as she acknowledged: "It truly has been a long time. You are well now… After your wedding, if Miss Ye has nothing else to do, feel free to visit my residence more often and keep this old woman company."

Ye Li nodded gently with a smile, saying, "I will definitely come by at the princess's behest."

The princess sighed softly as she pulled Ye Li closer and said: "Although I have only met Miss Ye twice, we were acquainted when you were young. Look around for anything that pleases you; consider it a gift from this elder." Ye Li was somewhat helpless but was about to refuse when Mo Xiuyao interrupted with: "Aunt Changyang… don't scare Ahli. We need to leave now, aren't you with Princess Zhangren"

The magnificently dressed woman standing aside had been Princess Zhangren whom they met at Prince Jingli's wedding banquet earlier; she merely snorted coldly upon hearing Mo Xiuyao’s words. Princess Changyang frowned and could only sigh: "Never mind, Miss Ye can simply send a messenger to my residence for anything in the future." Ye Li thanked her gently before leaving Fenghua Tower with Mo Xiuyao.

Once on the carriage, Mo Xiuyao's mood was clearly not stable. He did not speak much and casually picked up a book from atop the carriage to read quietly instead. However, Princess Changyang’s words and expressions in the shop seemed strange for some reason. Her attitude towards Mo Xiuyao resembled that of Han Mingyue: she wished to be close but could only maintain a certain distance due to unknown reasons, always showing regret and a desire to compensate. Yet, such compensation was clearly not something Mo Xiuyao desired to accept; hence it turned into something for her alone.

“Sorry, Ahli,” Mo Xiuyao said softly in the carriage, with a hint of remorse in his eyes. Ye Li raised an eyebrow questioningly as Mo Xiuyao helplessly smiled: "I originally planned to take you out to relax…" Only then did Ye Li understand that he was apologizing for being unhappy earlier. But such encounters couldn’t be avoided; or maybe she appeared like an unreasonable little girl, which made him feel the need to apologize

“It's fine, if you aren't in the mood we can head back now and go out another day,” Ye Li said matter-of-factly. In fact, she was also not in the mood for shopping with a gloomy man; she was unable to console others. Instead of spending time here, it would be better to do something else since she had realized from yesterday that there were still many things left undone.

Mo Xiuyao remained silent before nodding and saying: "I'll send you home." Ye Li nodded as Ji Jin was instructed to drive the carriage towards Shangshu Mansion. Seeing Ye Li's calm demeanor, Mo Xiuyao’s expression relaxed somewhat; he smiled: “Ahli doesn't seem worried at all.”

Ye Li shrugged and said: "There wasn't anything to worry about anyway… but I guess grandmother might be very anxious." If she were returned by Dingguo Mansion again, the old lady would probably send her off to a convent. This not only ruined Ye family's reputation but also resulted in losing the large dowry from Dingguo Mansion that they already had. It was enough to make both the old lady and Lady Wang upset for some time.

“Nothing will happen; this matter will pass in one or two days at most.”

Ye Li nodded without further comment. If she really met with an accident last night, what would have happened Ye Li didn't ask and Mo Xiuyao didn't bring it up either, both tacitly understanding each other. Perhaps even if something had occurred, Mo Xiuyao would still cover it up and marry her; or perhaps he might kill Han Mingyue. Or maybe Ye Li herself might kill Han Mingyue but refuse to marry him again. Who was the mastermind behind this Mo Xiuyao didn't plan on telling her while she wasn't interested in asking either. They were prepared to spend their lives together, yet they did not intend to place each other as the most important and beloved person in their life. Just like how Ye Li would never consider Mo Xiuyao more important than her kin, there must also be someone else he considered more significant.

Upon reaching the Ye residence gate, Mo Xiuyao watched until Ye Li entered before lowering the curtain and instructing Ji Jin: "Head back to the mansion."

Ji Jin silently observed as the door slowly closed. After a moment of hesitation, he whispered, "Your Highness, why didn't you tell Miss Ye…"

"Ji Jin, head back," Mo Xiuyao cut him off.

"…Yes, Your Highness."

— This isn’t a misunderstanding; it’s a worse dividing line than any misunderstanding. Aoyao, you’re in trouble now —

The moment Ye Li entered the gate, Qingxia and Qingshuang who had been waiting reported that both uncles were here and eager to see her. Ye Li was puzzled: "Is it Uncle One or Uncle Two" She had just returned from Xu’s home this morning; could something else have happened

Qingshuang said, "Both uncles are here. They’re talking with grandmother in Rongle Hall."

Ye Li looked at her attire and sighed: "Never mind then, let's go straight there."

When she entered Ronglue Hall, she indeed saw her two uncles sitting and drinking tea. The venerable lady and Secretary Ye’s wife Madam Wang were also seated beside them, their expressions seeming somewhat strange. When they saw Ye Li come in, the venerable lady finally let out a sigh of relief and smiled at Ye Li: "Lily, your maternal uncles specially came to visit you. Why did you run off Don’t you want to pay your respects" As instructed, Ye Li went forward to perform her kowtows. Xu Hongyu waved his hand and said, "Forget about it. Lily just returned from the Xus’ today. How can there be anything like a special visit" Xu Hongyan also nodded solemnly and said, "Indeed. Yesterday my elder brother and I had some matters that we needed to instruct Lily on before taking her over, but I never expected this kind of mess to happen. It seems our family didn’t consider all the possibilities."

The venerable lady and Secretary Ye exchanged a somewhat awkward glance at each other. Although Xu Hongyan was speaking about his own family’s mistakes, how could they fail to hear the implied criticism towards the Yehs After rumors started spreading, the Yehs did absolutely nothing, not even sending someone over to inquire of the Xus. How could it be anything but heart-wrenching for the Xus However, looking at the upright and graceful girl before her, the venerable lady still couldn’t help but feel somewhat uncertain. She was really unsure whether Ye Li had truly gone over to the Xus’ home yesterday or if she had been kidnapped by bandits as the rumors claimed. If something did indeed happen…

Xu Hongyan gave a dissatisfied snort when he saw the venerable lady and Secretary Ye exchange glances, but Xu Hongyu only cast his brother a cool look before smiling at Ye Li: "Didn’t someone say that Lily was out with Miss Hua and Miss Qin When your uncles came over, we heard that those two girls were being dragged along by Lady Meng’s daughter to give Second Young Master Leng some trouble. Could it be that you also went to join them in their antics" Ye Li hadn’t expected that Meng Ting would cause such a ruckus either and hastily shook her head: "I went with Prince Ding to Fenghuai Tower, met Princess Changyang and Princess Changren there, and then came back home. I kept my uncles waiting for too long; Lily is truly in the wrong."

"Oh Went to Fenghua Tower with Prince Ding No problem, young people should go out more often. It’s not a bad thing," Xu Hongyu seemed quite pleased with Ye Li’s answer. Even Xu Hongyan nodded and complained offhandedly: "Your aunt often reminds Qingze to take Miss Qin on outings, but that boy is as stubborn as wood! As if half a word would hurt him!" Thinking back on the cold expression of Xu Qingze, Ye Li couldn’t help smiling slightly too. Zeng’er was clearly the most gentle and amiable person among them, yet she had such an indifferent fiancé who never smiled or spoke much. Since coming to the capital, they hadn’t even formally met each other once except for one occasion when Zeng’er was sent by Second Auntie to bring gifts to Miss Qin’s family.

Not noticing the changes in their expressions, Xu Hongyu directly turned around and said to Secretary Ye: "I have some matters that I need to speak with Lily alone about. Would it be alright if…" Secretary Ye always feared this brother-in-law, so how could he dare say no when he spoke He hurriedly replied: "Then, let Lily take her brothers to your courtyard for a drink. Afterward, we’ll prepare a banquet and ask my two brothers to honor us with their presence." Xu Hongyan got up indifferently and said, "I have agreed on some hand games with Old Su tonight, so the banquet is unnecessary," Seeing how indifferent Xu Hongyu was, Secretary Ye could only reluctantly give in and let Ye Li take her uncles aside for a private talk. The venerable lady disapproved of her son’s lack of initiative but could only glare at him helplessly as the current head of the Xus’ family had too much authority.

When she returned to Qingyi Pavilion, Xu Hongyan sized up both the interior and exterior arrangements before nodding in satisfaction and leaving. He left the room for his elder brother and niece to talk privately.

"Did Great Uncle and Second Uncle specially come here with something important to instruct Lily about" Ye Li asked as she helped Xu Hongyu sit down while serving him tea herself.

Xu Hongyu sized her up before smiling: "You look well, and it seems the rumors haven’t affected you. Is that correct"

Ye Li served a cup of clear tea to him as she sat down and smiled helplessly: "One still has to go on with one’s life even when there are so many rumors swirling about. Besides, things now have already improved much more than what was originally expected."

Xu Hongyu looked at her seriously and asked, "Then, if the situation turned out worse than you thought it would be, how would you deal with it Last night’s complete escape from harm is indeed a stroke of luck. But if something really happened… Lily, have you given that any consideration" Ye Li quietly gazed at the clear tea in her cup and nodded: "Lily has caused Great Uncle to worry. However, no matter what happens, one still needs to live on. Lily isn’t necessarily afraid of death, but as long as there is hope, she will certainly continue living. At least, she won’t die because of rumors." Speaking up to this point, Ye Li couldn’t help biting her lip. Even in the more enlightened Great Chu, a woman’s chastity was still far more important than their lives. She didn’t know if what she said would be accepted by Great Uncle, but it was truly what she believed in. Ye Li would never give up her life for someone else’s mistake.

"Very well, this is the sort of person that a daughter of our Xu family should be," after some time passed, Xu Hongyu placed down his teacup and said calmly.

Ye Li was startled and quickly looked up at Great Uncle. The gaze with which he looked at her held more sorrow: "Although the men in our Xu family have always valued literature, they’re also sufficiently resilient. No matter how many difficulties we face, it won’t make us give up on what belongs to us. However… although girls from our Xu family are smart and clever, they’re still far more fragile than ordinary women. Like your mother… If Little Sister had been as strong-willed as you, she wouldn’t have ended up like this."

"Great Uncle…" As usual, when it came to her mother, Great Uncle was deeply affected by the memories of the past and Ye Li couldn’t help sighing too. Her mother had always been frail but beautiful; since being married off so well-protected as a young girl, the realities of marriage later on were something she could never accept.

Xu Hongyan waved his hand: "Prince Ding is an excellent man, and I still hold this view even now. But in any case, he isn’t a good match for you to marry. Lily, do you know why our family didn’t object to this marriage" Ye Li looked into the gentle but strict gaze of Great Uncle, hesitating before she said, "It’s because it was an imperial decree"

"That can be considered one reason," Xu Hongyan replied. "But if we really were against it, there would still be ways to handle this matter. Your grandfather has some influence in court; if he personally went to the capital and asked the emperor to rescind his order, he wouldn’t refuse."

Ye Li was startled by these words, but she quickly said: "That mustn’t happen. Grandfather is already elderly, and it’s been hard enough for him to stay away from court after all this time; how could you ask him to enter the fray again just for Lily" Setting aside everything else, her grandfather was already over seventy years old. She couldn’t bear the thought of asking such an elderly person to endure a long journey through mountains and rivers all the way to the capital.

Xu Hongyan gave Ye Li an approving look before patting her shoulder: "Your grandfather knows that Lily is a filial good girl."

Ye Li lowered her head in thought, frowning uncertainly as she said: "Lily hasn’t figured it out. Please enlighten me."

"It’s because of your identity," Xu Hongyan sighed and explained, “If you were surnamed Xu, the Xu family could have officially refused the emperor’s match for you, even sending you off to marry into a common scholar’s family in Bingzhou. But since you’re named Ye, only the royal family or the Ye clan can decide on your marriage. Moreover, before this, there was also the previous emperor’s arrangement involving Princess Li. Although the current emperor has rescinded your engagement with Prince Li but then gave Ye Ying to him. If she were truly his eldest daughter, that wouldn’t be a problem, but Ye Ying is actually only an adopted daughter. The emperor wishes to favor and promote your father as well as Consort Ye. He also wants to satisfy all the upright officials in the realm. As such, you can’t marry someone of lower status than Ye Ying. In other words… If you don't marry Prince Ding, there's a possibility that another prince would be arranged for you, or even worse, you might become an imperial concubine."

"Going to court is out of the question," Xu Hongyan added with a satisfied look on his face. "Your grandfather and I have considered all unmarried princes and came to the conclusion that Prince Ding was the only suitable choice."

Ye Li nodded in agreement, saying: "Actually, Prince Ding is much better than what Lily originally expected. Although there are more complications now compared to before, it’s still bearable, isn’t it Great Uncle also mentioned that Prince Ding is an excellent man."

Xu Hongyan looked at her curiously and asked: "What did Lily originally think of Prince Ding"

Ye Li smiled awkwardly as she answered: "There were rumors saying Prince Ding was disabled, disfigured, and suffering from a grave illness." Anyone could imagine how tragic such a person would be, so the current Mo Xiuyao truly surpassed expectations.

Xu Hongyan seemed to understand her thoughts but frowned at her anyway. He said: "If he really were like that, it might have been better if we had found a way to poison him. Even if you remained unmarried for life, it would be better than marrying someone who is incapacitated."

Ye Li didn’t mind whether she could marry an invalid or not; with Prince Ding’s family background, there was no way she would personally take care of Mo Xiuyao. She could just live alongside him and consider it a partnership. Though the man wasn't as disabled anymore, the complications were still more than expected.

"Your eldest brother mentioned me last night, causing me to realize that your family has been acting foolishly for these years!" Xu Hongyan glared at Ye Li with displeasure. "And you, having lived in the capital for so long, not even a bit do you understand court politics!"

Ye Li immediately hung her head in shame and pretended to reflect on it. Not only was her father afraid of Great Uncle, she was too. In fact, other than her eldest brother, no one dared to defy Great Uncle. Hmm... Perhaps Mo Xiuyao could be considered an exception.

The eldest uncle was right to scold her. Over the years, she had hardly ventured out and had indeed deliberately isolated herself from her surroundings. Of course, Lady Wang also played a role in this, but ultimately, she bore the main responsibility. Even though she had long since accepted her current life, deep down, she still felt that her previous life was more real, while her present existence seemed like an unexpected game or dream. However, last night's risk had added some sense of reality to it.

"How much do you understand about what Hongyan gave you" Xu Hongyu asked directly.

Ye Li knew that the eldest uncle was referring to the information given by her second uncle regarding the relationships and important figures among the nobility in the capital city. She hurriedly replied, "I've remembered it all." Xu Hongyu shook his head and said, "Remembering those things won't help you much; you need to understand the relationships involved. You know everyone from the House of Duke Guo, and you’ve also met Empress Liu in the palace. Can you tell me how you see the relationship between the current empress and Empress Liu Also, what do you think about the ties between the House of Duke Guo and the Liu family"

Ye Li was surprised; this seemed a bit too far-fetched. Nevertheless, she carefully pondered over Xu Hongyu's question for some time before answering, "I have never met the empress, but I am quite familiar with the people from the House of Duke Guo and have also seen Princess Changle once. The current empress is the original consort of the emperor, though she may not be favored by him, she must still be a generous and virtuous woman. As for Empress Liu, she seems to be rather arrogant and aloof. Yet, Emperor has great affection for her, and they have two sons and a daughter together. Hence, these two are unlikely to get along well. However, I haven’t heard of any conflicts between the House of Duke Guo and the Liu family."

Lord Chancellor Liu and Minister Ye were indeed rivals in court at this point, but their power seemed equally balanced. Yet, it appeared that Empress Liu held more sway within the palace.

Xu Hongyu nodded and reminded her, "That's correct, but people’s hearts are fickle, especially those inside the palace. You need to put in more effort to understand these dynamics. It seems that Hongyan only gave you current information, perhaps thinking that you already knew about earlier times."

Ye Li felt somewhat ashamed. A few years ago, particularly when Mo Xiuyao had his troubles, it was also the time when her memories were chaotic and she was physically weak. After recovering, she paid little attention to matters outside again; those old events from adulthood were indeed unknown to her. Her second uncle probably didn't expect that she would even be unaware of the widely publicized incidents.

"How much do you know about Prince Regent’s House"

Ye Li realized that her eldest uncle had come over specifically to teach her some basic knowledge, "The first owner of Prince Regent's House is Duke Emperor Mo Chengtian's brother, Mo Lanyun. At the founding of the dynasty, the Duke Emperor granted him a title as an 'Equal Rank' heir apparent prince and gave him the designation of ‘Dingguo’. The third generation from this lineage was the current late emperor’s time when power ministers bullied the young ruler; at that time, the then Prince Regent Mo Liufang returned to the capital city from the borderlands, killed the power ministers, supported the young ruler, and was appointed as a regent prince. At sixteen years old, the late emperor passed on his rule back to him; in his twenty-ninth year, Mo Liufang died of illness, and his eldest son Mo Xiwen inherited the title. The following year, the late emperor passed away. In the current reign’s third year, Mo Xiwen was ordered to campaign against the nomadic tribes but died en route due to illness without a successor. Eighteen-year-old Mo Xiuyao inherited the title and led troops against the nomadic tribes; he encountered an ambush, suffered losses, and nearly perished on the battlefield. Although he ultimately won with unexpected tactics, it came at great cost. Three months later, his betrothed died of illness, after which Prince Regent's House virtually disappeared from the capital."

"Anything else"

Ye Li frowned slightly and continued, "Each generation of Prince Regent’s House has produced remarkable talents with both martial and scholarly prowess. However, compared to their royal lineage counterparts, they seem relatively inferior. The most outstanding figures are the first-generation Prince Regent Mo Lanyun, who might have had a better chance at becoming emperor if he hadn't married a princess from the previous dynasty. Then there's Mo Liufang, who could both stabilize and govern the country; also, Mo Xiuyao was once regarded as an unparalleled genius compared to his ancestors. If not for him being only thirteen when Mo Liufang passed away, perhaps the title would have been inherited by him."

The room fell silent, Ye Li quietly poured some tea for Xu Hongyu before he asked, "Indeed, in just a few years, Prince Regent's House collapsed and its legendary status was shattered. Do you know that your grandfather made the assessment about Mo Xiuyao being an unparalleled genius compared to his ancestors He has regretted it for over ten years."

"What does eldest uncle mean by this" Ye Li wondered; political intrigue has never ceased throughout history. Even now, despite Prince Regent's House’s decline, people still speculate privately. Hearing this from her uncle shocked her momentarily, but she quickly composed herself and said, "It is said that Mo Xiuyao was a brilliant young general with remarkable achievements in his early years. Even without my grandfather saying so, people would still target them anyway; he only admired Mo Xiuyao's talent rather than foreseeing the future. There’s no need for him to feel guilty."

Xu Hongyu nodded approvingly and said, "It’s impressive that you can understand this at your age. I tell you these things so that you may comprehend Prince Regent’s House’s situation. Although now it appears as if they have fallen from grace with only a name left, …"

Ye Li looked up at him and finished his thought, "But Prince Regent's House still has a card that the royal family dare not easily play"

"Indeed. If not for this factor, Mo Xiuyao would have died long ago as illnesses killed previous generations of the prince regents. The current emperor hesitates to act against him due to fear of repercussions should something happen to Mo Xiuyao."

Ye Li sighed softly and gripped her cup to warm her hands. "Does Emperor choose me because he also fears Xu Family Does he not worry about a marriage alliance between them …"

Xu Hongyu’s gaze turned cold, “The Xu ancestors have sworn that as long as the royal family does not harm the Xu family, they will never betray the throne.”

"Does anyone believe such words" Ye Li was puzzled. Even treaties could be broken anytime; what about vows Unhappy with her question, Xu Hongyu glared at her. Ye Li shrank back and asked curiously, "Uncle… did the Xu Family make any oaths to the previous emperor"

"Cough…" Xu Hongyu coughed dryly and glowered at Ye Li. Ye Li shrugged and remained silent. How could a prominent family that had lasted for centuries be so rigid We’re not against betrayal, just that the price isn't high enough yet. After another glare at her, Xu Hongyu said seriously, "In any case, under no circumstances will the Xu Family betray the royal family." The Xu Family doesn’t lack status or wealth; they aren’t overly obsessed with power either. Emperor’s position What use is it To be a virtuous ruler means being prepared to exhaust oneself for duty and preparing to leave a bad name if one wants to act recklessly.

“I understand, Eldest Uncle,” Ye Li said. "Who do you think might want to disrupt my marriage with Prince Regent If not the emperor"

Xu Hongyu shook his head, “That’s hard to say. Qingchen only mentioned a woman, but we’ve filtered through all women related to Prince Regent and can’t identify who it is. The prince regent should know himself. Has he said anything” At this mention, Xu Hongyu's usually composed face showed some displeasure. Seeing Ye Li shake her head, he huffed, “He needs to be responsible for his own actions. If something inappropriate happens again, I don’t need such a husband.”

“I think it might be a woman who admires Prince Regent,” Ye Li said frankly.

Xu Hongyu smiled at her and replied, “A woman who admires the prince regent If you mean when he was young. At that time, almost half of the city's gentlewomen were infatuated with him. But… none of them could bribe Tianyi Pavilion. Han Mingyue might love money dearly but as a close friend in his youth, he wouldn’t provoke Prince Regent’s fiancée for mere wealth.”

“Then what about someone who both admires Mo Xiuyao and is on good terms with Han Mingyue”

Xu Hongyu raised his eyebrows and said, "There is one possibility, but it can't be her."

Ye Li blinked. Xu Hongyu calmly put down the tea cup and said, "Imperial Concubine Liu."

This time it was Ye Li's turn to cough, "Imperial… Imperial Concubine Liu"

"What’s strange about that Imperial Concubine Liu was known as the first talented lady in Jingcheng back then. Even your big brother never looked at her properly once. But he spoke kindly with the Prince of Ding at that time. Unfortunately, the Prince of Ding already had someone special to him by then; otherwise they would have been an ideal couple. Moreover, Imperial Concubine Liu is good at painting and so was Han Mingyue when he was young. The second volume of his paintings, which depict the beauty of Chuzhou, features Imperial Concubine Liu. It’s still worth a fortune to this day. However, after Imperial Concubine Liu entered the palace, the emperor bought that painting from her at a high price." For some reason, Xu Hongyu put aside those heavy topics and started talking about old gossip with Ye Li.

Ye Li recalled the woman in the palace who looked at others coldly like a pear blossom. She was indeed worthy of being called a beauty that could rival flowers, "Why did Uncle say it’s not her"

"Your big brother knows Imperial Concubine Liu. Although he didn’t see that woman’s face and many years have passed since then, your brother is still certain that she isn’t Imperial Concubine Liu. Moreover, what kind of place do you think the palace is Could a concubine just casually take a group of people out for a midnight stroll outside" Ye Li nodded to show her understanding. She didn't really believe it was Imperial Concubine Liu either. Although she could feel the disdain in the woman’s eyes when she met Imperial Concubine Liu, there wasn’t any obvious enmity or murderous intent.

"Who was Mo Xiuyao’s original fiancée" Ye Li asked. She really wanted to know what kind of woman could defeat a beauty like Imperial Concubine Liu and win Mo Xiuyao’s heart. Moreover, as per normal custom, the one who became Mo Xiuyao’s fiancée must have come from a distinguished family. However, after searching through her memories for quite some time, she didn’t find any famous noble families that had such an alluring but short-lived daughter seven years ago. Xu Hongyu looked at his niece with disappointment and said, "Su Zuidie."

Ye Li nodded, “She sounds like a very beautiful woman.”

Xu Hongyu stared emotionlessly at his niece. He silently regretted not insisting on bringing the girl back to Xu Manor for upbringing again. How had she been raised by her family She was talking about her future husband’s ex-fiancée, for heaven’s sake! Even if that woman was already dead, shouldn’t she show some interest in her Mr Xu, renowned throughout the land, only remembered now that when his niece mentioned either the Prince of Ding or the Prince of Li, she had never shown any bashfulness. Not even a blush!

"Whose daughter is this Miss Su" There were no distinguished noble families with the surname Su in Jingcheng.

"Do you think Lord Su was there for nothing on the day when the Prince of Ding sent out his betrothal gifts"

“Lord Su”

"Miss Su Zuidie is Lord Su’s granddaughter," Xu Hongyu replied blandly.

“Then what did he come for”

"To see who his grandson was going to marry. Miss Su Zuidie's death had a great impact on the already sick Prince of Ding at that time, and Lord Su treated him like his own son. That’s why he came to support them."

Looking at her uncle’s displeased face, Ye Li smiled helplessly, "Uncle, I understand what you mean. I get along very well with the Prince of Ding; don’t worry about that." Xu Hongyu looked disapprovingly at her and said, "How can you call it getting along well when he would be the first to abandon you in situations where a choice is necessary" Ye Li smiled slightly, “But if I have to choose between you, Grandfather, Cousin, and the Prince of Ding, I wouldn’t pick him either. How long has it been since we met Of course my family members are more important.”

"You two are husband and wife! In the future, you’ll be with him for a lifetime, not your uncle or grandfather."

"Does Uncle think the Prince of Ding is someone who can give up everything just because he cares"

"… Yes, as long as you manage to capture his heart."

— Author’s note —

I always thought there was nothing much to talk about this chapter. But it seems I managed to clarify one thing: Imperial Concubine Liu is not Zhu Nanzhu's ex-girlfriend. Although the personality of Imperial Concubine Liu might be a bit annoying and she isn't exactly a good person, she doesn’t have the means to personally harm the main character. The empress dowager and Consort Ye are all waiting for an opportunity to catch her in the act. I thought that after seeing everyone discussing this, even I started thinking that Imperial Concubine Liu was the bad guy.

Feng isn't a setting control fan, but this chapter did provide some information on Zhu Nanzhu's family background and his ex-girlfriend. That’s all for now!hat; I only found out after separating from them. He took my antidote against hallucinogens and softening powder; those were the ones you gave me on the mountain.”Han Mingxi rolled her eyes. "So later...