Ye Qingyu looked at Old Madam Ye. “Grandmother, do you already have someone in mind?”
“Grandmother thinks Shuwen would be suitable.”
Seeing Ye Qingyu’s expression change, Old Madam Ye quickly explained, “Qingyu, listen to Grandmother. Our Marquis’ household has few descendants—only your eldest cousin and your second cousin. But your second cousin is useless; he could hardly protect you in the future. Your eldest cousin is capable, and he is the eldest grandson of the Marquis’ household. But your second uncle is stubborn and may not agree. Shuwen, however, is a distant relative, a branch of the Ye family. He’s already a licentiate at such a young age, and this year he will sit for the exams—he’s bound to pass as a *jinshi*. He has the ability. And since he wronged you before, he knows he owes you greatly. Naturally, he would be more attentive in protecting you and wouldn’t dare slack off.”
“Think about it, Qingyu—doesn’t that make sense?” Old Madam Ye coaxed her gently, her voice soft and persuasive.
“Perhaps…” Ye Qingyu replied, sounding uncertain.
“Qingyu, go back and think it over carefully. Grandmother believes Shuwen is the best choice. If you agree, tell me, and I’ll ask Shuwen for his opinion.”
Ye Qingyu appeared hesitant, as though wavering. “I may need to ask Grandfather’s opinion first.”
Old Madam Ye nodded quickly. “Yes, yes, of course. It’s right to consult your maternal grandfather. I believe the Duke will not oppose your wishes.”
Ye Qingyu nodded, saluted, and turned to leave. The moment she stepped out of Chunhui Hall, her expression turned cold.
Back at Wanyan Pavilion, Wan Qiu immediately spoke up. She had held her tongue in Chunhui Hall, but she couldn’t stay silent now. “Miss, you’re not truly going to agree, are you? That old lady is clearly trying to trick you. Ye Shuwen is no good—if he became your brother, he would never treat you well.”
Ye Qingyu’s tone was calm. “I only said I would consider it.”
Wan Qiu let out a breath of relief. “That’s good. I thought you really meant to let Ye Shuwen become your brother. You nearly scared me to death.”
Ye Qingyu smiled indulgently. “Silly girl, do you really think your mistress has gone senile?”
Wan Qiu stuck out her tongue playfully. “It’s just… you seemed to agree with Old Madam’s words, and she even invoked Madam Gu’s name. I was afraid you might be swayed for a moment.”
Ye Qingyu’s gaze turned cold, her eyes frosted with anger. “She should never have used Mother as a pretext.”
Wan Qiu knew her mistress was truly upset. Anything concerning Madam Gu always weighed heavily on her heart. And Old Madam Ye had never treated Madam Gu kindly—if not for Madam Gu being the Duke’s daughter, she would surely have been tormented endlessly.
“Prepare the carriage. I’m going to the Duke’s household,” Ye Qingyu ordered.
No sooner had her carriage left the Marquis’ estate than someone rushed to Chunhui Hall to report.
Chen Yinyin, still uneasy, asked, “Aunt, will Ye Qingyu really agree to let Shuwen be adopted under Madam Gu’s name?”
She remained worried. After all that had happened, Ye Qingyu surely bore resentment toward Ye Shuwen. Would she truly agree? A vague unease lingered in her heart.
Old Madam Ye, however, looked completely confident. “Don’t worry. Since I’ve persuaded her, she will naturally go to convince the Duke. Once Ye Qingyu is settled, the Duke’s household won’t be an obstacle.”
Chen Yinyin’s expression eased slightly. “If that’s truly the case, then it’s wonderful.”
Lu Qianqian thought her mother was worrying too much. “Mother, you needn’t fret. Grandmother knows Ye Qingyu’s temperament better than anyone. We may not understand her, but Grandmother does. We should simply trust her judgment.”
Old Madam Ye was displeased with Chen Yinyin’s doubts. “Don’t worry. That wretched girl can’t escape my grasp.”
“Hmph! When she’s no longer useful, just wait and see how I deal with her!”
The thought of the hundred thousand taels Ye Qingyu had taken from her made her heart ache. But she was confident she would find a way to reclaim it.
Meanwhile, Ye Qingyu returned to the Duke’s household. She did not mention anything about adopting a brother to her grandfather. Instead, she simply shared a meal with him before returning to the Marquis’ estate, spending the afternoon in Wanyan Pavilion reviewing account books.
The next day, having promised Ye Qingya to treat her to pastries at Tianfu Restaurant and go shopping, Ye Qingyu went to the second branch of the family after breakfast to fetch her. As was customary, the two first went to pay respects to Old Madam Ye and inform her of their plans to leave the estate.
Old Madam Ye nodded with a kindly smile. Seeing Lu Qianqian’s envious, eager expression, she spoke up.
“Qianqian is your cousin. She’s been in the capital for some time now. Since you’re going out shopping, why not take her along? Let her get familiar with the city. That way, she won’t make mistakes out of ignorance and embarrass herself.”
Ye Qingya naturally didn’t want to agree, but since Old Madam Ye had spoken, Ye Qingyu couldn’t refuse. She had no choice but to accept.
Thus, what was meant to be two became three. Ye Qingya shot Ye Qingyu a look, her delicate face showing displeasure.
Ye Qingyu patted her hand affectionately, her gaze reassuring.
Lu Qianqian, on the other hand, was excited, her eyes sparkling. “Elder Sisters, where shall we go first?”
Ye Qingyu smiled warmly. “I promised Qingya we’d start with pastries at Tianfu Restaurant. Cousin Qianqian, you haven’t been there yet, have you? Their pastries are delicious.”
Lu Qianqian shook her head, looking pitiful. “Since coming to the capital, I’ve only visited the Zhao family. I haven’t been anywhere else.”
Ye Qingyu’s expression remained unchanged. “Is that so? Then you should go out more. The capital is vast, with many places to eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.”
“Then, Eldest Cousin, could you take me around more often?” Lu Qianqian asked eagerly.
Ye Qingya rolled her eyes and snapped, “Eldest Sister is busy. Do you think she’s like you, with nothing better to do all day?”
Lu Qianqian shrank back, frightened by Ye Qingya’s glare. “I was presumptuous,” she whispered timidly.
Ye Qingyu said calmly, “Cousin, you can ask Grandmother to find you a governess. She can guide you and your mother around the capital.”
Lu Qianqian’s expression dimmed. “Thank you, Cousin. I’ll speak to Grandmother.”
Tianfu Restaurant was located southeast of the Marquis’ estate, on Baihu Street. The carriage ride took less than half an hour.
Ye Qingyu had already sent servants the day before to reserve a private room. The waiter politely led the three of them upstairs.
Ye Qingyu handed the menu to Ye Qingya, letting her order freely.
Ye Qingya, unrestrained, quickly ordered more than ten kinds of pastries.
Ye Qingyu then encouraged Lu Qianqian to order something she liked, but Lu Qianqian shyly declined, saying she wasn’t picky.
Tianfu Restaurant was famous for its speed, and soon the table was filled with steaming, fragrant pastries. Lu Qianqian’s eyes widened in amazement at the sight.