“This servant begs Third Miss to show me a way to survive,” Concubine Zhao knelt on the ground and pleaded softly.
Ye Li raised an eyebrow, looking down as she toyed with the jewelry in the box, asking with feigned confusion, “What are you saying, Concubine Zhao? Everyone in our mansion knows that Father favors you the most of all. Besides the Old Madam and Madam, aren’t all the finest things in this mansion yours first? Could it be… you’re still unsatisfied with something?”
A bitter smile crossed Concubine Zhao’s face, “I wouldn’t dare. Though I come from humble origins, I did study for a few years and understand well that my current glory is fleeting. I fear… once Madam has time to deal with me, it will be my death.”
Qingshuang frowned, “Concubine Zhao, how can you say such things? How can you speak of this in front of our Miss? Besides, our Miss will soon be married – what help could she offer you? You’d be better off seeking help from the Old Madam and Master.” Qingshuang was displeased with Concubine Zhao’s intention to use her miss against Madam Wang. This concubine was truly bold to try manipulating her miss.
“Qingshuang is right. You know I’ll be leaving the household in two months. Even if I could help you temporarily, it wouldn’t be of much use. Moreover… why should I offend Noble Lady Zhao in the palace for your sake? As long as Ye Noble Lady and Fourth Sister are there, neither you nor I can bring down Madam,” Ye Li said coolly, staring at her.
Concubine Zhao bit her reddened lips until they paled. How could she not understand this logic? But what good did understanding do? She had originally thought having a child would give her security, but Madam Wang wouldn’t even allow her that. Recently, she had noticed something amiss among her servants. If not for this sudden imperial marriage arrangement, Madam Wang would likely have already moved against her. “Third Miss, I ask for nothing else, only that you help me protect my child. I will forever be grateful for your great kindness!”
“You…”
Concubine Zhao nodded tearfully, “I’ve only been in the mansion for a few months, yet I’ve already lost one child. This child must be protected no matter what. I beg Third Miss to lend me your aid.”
Ye Li sighed softly and nodded to Qingshuang. Qingshuang stepped forward to help Concubine Zhao to a chair. She briefly touched Concubine Zhao’s wrist before letting go, giving an imperceptible nod to Ye Li.
Ye Li took the handkerchief Qingshuang offered and passed it to Concubine Zhao, saying softly, “It’s not that I’m unwilling to help, but I truly cannot. I’ll be leaving the mansion in two months, and from your condition, it will be several months before you give birth, correct?” Hearing this, disappointment flashed across Concubine Zhao’s face as she clutched the handkerchief tightly, crying, “Does this mean… this child is fated never to see the world? I… I only wish for the child to be born safely and live well, even if not in the Ye mansion or as a young master of the Ye family.”
Ye Li quietly observed her anguished expression. She could see clearly that Concubine Zhao’s current words were sincere – she truly cared for the child’s life rather than her prospects of wealth and glory. Ye Li wasn’t heartless, but neither was she one to act rashly on emotion.
“Third Miss! If only I can give birth to this child, I’m willing to have him registered under the late Madam’s name to continue her lineage. I swear I’ll never acknowledge him as mine in this lifetime!”
Ye Li’s expression remained unchanged as she replied coolly, “My mother passed away several years ago, and I don’t particularly care about continuing her lineage. Moreover, firstly, we don’t know if the child will be male or female, and secondly, even if you never acknowledge him, won’t he guess the truth when he grows up? As my mother’s registered child, he would be a legitimate son, ranking above Madam Wang’s son Young Master Rong. I fear even if he’s born, he wouldn’t survive long.” Since her mother’s death, no children had been born in the mansion. With Madam Wang’s nature, how could she allow anyone to outrank her son?
Concubine Zhao knew she had spoken rashly and lowered her head in regret, red-eyed as she said, “This servant spoke wrongly. I beg Third Miss to save me. After all… this child is Third Miss’s blood relative…”
Ye Li pondered for a moment before asking, “Father’s favor or this child – which do you choose?”
Concubine Zhao started, not understanding why Ye Li would ask this. But she quickly understood, and after some thought, determination flashed across her face as she gritted out, “I choose the child. As long as the child lives well, it doesn’t matter if I never see him!”
“I’ve heard some people’s fate is so ill-starred it affects their family’s marriages and offspring.” After a moment of silence in the room, Ye Li’s voice drifted out.
“Third Miss means for me to…?!” Concubine Zhao looked in surprise at the composed young woman before her.
“Don’t do it yourself. Leaving traces would backfire.”
Concubine Zhao finally understood why Ye Li had asked if she wanted the child or the Master’s favor. Now Fourth Miss was to become Prince Li’s primary wife, and Madam Wang’s only son – the Ye family’s only son – had always been sickly. If she gained a reputation for bringing ill fortune, she would never regain the Master’s favor in this lifetime. She would likely be expelled from the family or sent to a villa outside the city or a temple to recuperate. With the upcoming happy event in the family, they certainly wouldn’t easily expel her from the family, so she would be sent away. If they were harsh enough to send her far away, she might never return to the capital in this lifetime.
“This is all I can do for you. You’re right – this child would be my sibling after all. Our family has a villa in Yunzhou. If you go there, I will ensure the safety of both mother and child. Go back and think it over. Let me know once you’ve decided.” With that, Ye Li paid no more attention to Concubine Zhao’s reaction and walked toward the inner chamber.
Though of humble birth, Concubine Zhao had been raised in a scholarly family. She naturally knew what Yunzhou was – the location of Da Chu’s finest academy, Lishan Academy. And Lishan Academy belonged to the Xu family. Ye Li’s promise of protection in Yunzhou wasn’t mere placation. Given her status, she could never become the primary wife even if Madam Wang fell from power. Yunzhou was a center of culture and learning – if she had a son there… it would be better than waiting to die at Madam Wang’s hands. Having thought it through, Concubine Zhao rose and knelt again, “This servant thanks Third Miss for your great kindness!”
Ye Li paused mid-step and said coolly, “This is your own choice.” Her graceful figure disappeared behind the screen.
Ye Li sat down and casually picked up a book to read. There were better ways to resolve Concubine Zhao’s situation, but they would have caused her much trouble. All women in this world were pitiful, but she couldn’t help them all, nor did she have such great ability. Shortly after, Qingshuang entered with tea, “Miss, why are you reading again? We’re not preparing for the imperial examinations.”
“Has she left?” Ye Li asked, putting down the book.
Qingshuang nodded, “She made quite a scene at the courtyard gate before leaving.”
“Concubine Zhao is clever. She might even complain about me to Father when she returns,” Ye Li said with a smile, taking the teacup from Qingshuang.
Qingshuang worried, “The Master won’t punish Miss, will he?”
“Even if Father favors others, he won’t punish a daughter about to be married over a concubine’s words.”
“That’s right. I forgot – our Miss will be the future Princess Dingguo.” Even someone like Princess Li would have to greet and pay respects to their miss. “Miss agreed to help her so quickly – what if she turns against us in the future…” Qingshuang said worriedly.
“She’s too favored; Madam won’t tolerate her. She’s clever enough to know the price of using me.”
“As long as Miss knows what she’s doing.”