When Princess Imperial Yuning heard this, she also felt that what Ye Yaming said made sense.

“That’s true. The Capital is full of people who envy talent and ability. Seeing you come from a humble background, yet married to the handsome and capable Young General Lu, while also running such a large business, who knows how many people look at you with jealousy. When they inadvertently learned about this matter, they probably thought they had found your weakness. But with you openly admitting it, you’ve left them speechless.”

Given her high status and seniority in both age and rank, she spoke without much reservation.

Ye Yaming nodded: “Exactly. Walk the path of your opponents, and leave them with nowhere to go.”

Everyone was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Princess Imperial Yuning laughed the hardest, clearly appreciating the comment.

She slapped the table and exclaimed: “Oh my, that was so satisfying to hear! That’s exactly how it should be.”

Princess Pingyang’s eyes were practically gleaming as she looked at Ye Yaming. Oh goodness, she truly adored this Lady Lu.

Since Ye Yaming herself didn’t mind, everyone’s curiosity was piqued, and they had many questions they wanted to ask.

Madam Chen inquired: “So Young General Lu knows about this adopted son-in-law arrangement? What did he say about it?”

Ye Yaming smiled: “Didn’t he have an aunt in Lin’an and stay there for quite some time? We knew each other before my family arranged my marriage. He frequently visited Master Zhineng for tea, and the tea I made was Master Zhineng’s favorite. We would occasionally meet there. After he learned about this matter, he sought me out and said that all the men who come to be adopted sons-in-law are misfits. Rather than subjecting myself to that, I might as well make do with him.”

This comment elicited another round of laughter from everyone.

“So you agreed to his proposal?” Princess Imperial Yuning asked.

“I told him that I was to be the next head of the Ye family and needed to manage the family business, so I couldn’t marry out. He said that wasn’t an issue, that I could continue with my affairs. After all, he would be at the border for at least two years out of three, so we could each do our thing. I thought this was acceptable, and after discussing it with my family elders, I agreed.”

Upon hearing this, the women in the room displayed various expressions. Some sympathized with her for having a husband yet living like a widow; others envied her for having Lu Guanyi’s love and devotion. As long as a man’s heart belongs to you, what does it matter if he’s not by your side? Many women have their husbands physically present, yet wish they were dead.

There was no jealousy, however. The only person in the room who previously had some feelings for Lu Guanyi was An Jingning. After interacting with Ye Yaming, she realized she couldn’t compare in any way, and whatever lingering discontent she had dissipated.

“Then how did the imperial marriage decree come about?” This question came from An Jingning, who had been silent since entering.

Princess Imperial Yuning glanced at her. An Jingning seemed oblivious, her eyes fixed intently on Ye Yaming.

She had no resentment and had completely given up any thoughts of Lu Guanyi. But she just wanted to know the answer.

Ye Yaming spread her hands: “I don’t know! I was quite shocked at the time.”

Princess Imperial Yuning smiled.

Probably finding Ye Yaming’s cheeks particularly smooth and pleasant to touch, she couldn’t resist pinching them again: “It’s clear that your young lord truly cherishes you. He was elevating your status.”

Princess Yuan nodded: “Lady Lu is a fortunate woman.”

Princess Yuan was recently widowed, making it difficult for Ye Yaming to respond appropriately, especially with An Jingning present. She could only lower her head, feigning shyness.

At this moment, Princess Imperial Yuning’s maid entered to report: “Lady Lu, the wife of Chancellor Li, says she has matters to attend to at home and cannot stay long. She wishes to take her leave.”

Ye Yaming quickly stood up: “Please continue enjoying your tea. I’ll go see her off.”

“Go ahead,” Princess Imperial Yuning said.

Madam Li was a thin woman in her fifties, rather serious and not given to smiles or laughter.

Ye Yaming came out to see her off. After exchanging a few polite words, Madam Li boarded her carriage and left without mentioning anything about the tea and pastry recipes.

By now, it was getting late, and with Madam Li’s departure, others began to leave as well.

After this busy period, Ye Yaming returned to the previous reception room only to learn that the remaining guests had gone to stroll around the garden in small groups.

Ye Yaming had no intention of seeking them out and planned to sit in the front hall for a while. When guests were ready to leave, she could directly see them off without having to rush back and forth.

A large garden did have its inconveniences.

But she hadn’t walked far when she encountered An Jingning.

“Fourth Miss An, why are you alone? Where is Princess Pingyang?” Ye Yaming recalled that this Fourth Miss An was usually inseparable from Princess Pingyang.

“She went to freshen up,” replied An Jingning.

Ye Yaming noticed she seemed to have something to say but was hesitant. However, Ye Yaming didn’t want to engage in much conversation with An Jingning.

Regardless of what might have transpired between An Jingning and Lu Guanyi in the past, it was all over now. According to the customs of this era, they wouldn’t have any future interaction either.

Given that the Northern Marquis and Lu Guanyi still maintained a superior-subordinate relationship, and that An Jingning had caught the eye of Princess Imperial Yuning, suggesting she wasn’t of poor character, Ye Yaming didn’t want to create any unpleasantness with her.

She smiled and said: “Then please wait at your leisure. I need to go to the front courtyard.”

She was about to turn away when An Jingning called out to her: “Lady Lu, please wait.”

Ye Yaming had no choice but to turn back and look at An Jingning.

An Jingning instructed her maid: “Go stand watch at a distance.”

Seeing this, Ye Yaming waved to Zi Yuan and Qingzhi.

Once both their maids had moved away, An Jingning took a deep breath and said: “People in the Capital used to joke about me and Young General Lu, saying our two families would be joined in marriage. I admire you and want to be your friend, but I worry that others might use this gossip to make you uncomfortable. That’s why I wanted to clarify things with you.”

“I once admired him, but he showed no interest in me. Now that he’s married, I won’t have any other thoughts. I have my pride and won’t cling to someone who doesn’t care for me. Meeting you today, I’ve let go of the last bit of discontent in my heart. You’re more outstanding than I am; he made the right choice in marrying you.”

Ye Yaming raised an eyebrow.

She looked steadily at An Jingning for a moment.

An Jingning felt uncomfortable under her gaze.

The reason she had spoken these words to Ye Yaming was simple—she wanted to be friends with her. She didn’t want Ye Yaming to be guarded or hostile toward her because of rumors.

Now that she had said what she wanted to say, she was about to leave with a parting remark when she saw Ye Yaming step forward and lower her voice: “Have you ever wondered why people joked about you two? Did you take the joke seriously? Do you realize that even if there were no me or anyone else, it could never have been you? Because the Emperor and the court officials would never allow your two families to be joined in marriage.”

An Jingning had repeatedly given her complex looks and now came over to say these things, claiming she had let go when she hadn’t. Ye Yaming wanted to erase that last bit of reluctance from her heart.

There were some things she never spoke about, but that didn’t mean she didn’t understand them.

The Emperor was wary of powerful families. Lu Zhongyong currently commanded military power, and if Lu Guanyi were to marry a daughter from an established family, the Emperor would likely be sleepless with anxiety.