Ye Qingyu turned her gaze toward Marquis Ye, her clear eyes brimming with tears, her expression tinged with guilt. “Father, it is Qingyu’s failing. I could not persuade Grandfather to follow your wishes. I truly did try, but you know his temper—he listens to no one.”
Marquis Ye fell silent. He knew very well what his father-in-law was like—the kind of man who dared ignore even the emperor’s words. To think he could make him comply was nothing but a daydream.
Frustrated and stifled, Marquis Ye dared not scold Ye Qingyu too harshly. “I understand. Don’t be upset. It was wrong of me to blame you.”
Ye Qingyu dabbed at her tears. “I know Father and Grandmother only wish the best for me. It is I who failed to live up to your good intentions.”
“Enough, Qingyu. This is not your fault.”
Ye Qingyu calmed herself, her voice soft. “Grandmother, I also agree with Grandfather’s opinion. I grew up alongside Eldest Cousin, and he has always cared for me. Moreover, as the eldest grandson of the Marquis’ household, with Father having no sons, it is only right that the heirship falls to him. If he were adopted under Mother’s name, it would be perfectly fitting.”
“Eldest Cousin is capable—he already works in the Ministry of Revenue. His conduct is noble, his character upright and incorruptible. He is regarded as an exemplary descendant. With such an heir, the Marquis’ household will surely rise higher in the future.”
Ye Qingyu lavished praise on Ye Yanzhi, her words and demeanor full of admiration and respect.
Old Madam Ye and Marquis Ye exchanged glances, silent for a moment.
“Yes, Yanzhi is indeed excellent. But your second uncle may not agree. Grandmother explained this to you before.”
Ye Qingyu pouted slightly. “But Grandfather insists on Eldest Cousin.”
She used the Duke’s authority to press back against them.
Old Madam Ye, rebuffed, could no longer speak.
Marquis Ye suppressed his anger. “Since it is your grandfather’s wish, then I will go and persuade your second uncle.”
Ye Qingyu’s face lit up with joy. “Thank you, Father.” She left happily.
Old Madam Ye’s expression could no longer hide her displeasure. “Eldest son, what are we to do? Are you truly going to adopt Ye Yanzhi?”
Marquis Ye’s face darkened. “Impossible!”
“In a few days, we’ll just tell her that her second uncle refuses to agree.”
Old Madam Ye hesitated, her expression uncertain. “But the Duke has already spoken—he insists on Ye Yanzhi. If you tell her that your younger brother disagrees, the matter will fall apart.”
Marquis Ye’s face was as black as soot. “Mother, don’t worry. Shuwen is my son. The heir of the Marquis’ household can only be Shuwen. Tomorrow I’ll summon the clan elders and declare that the Duke also agrees to adopt Shuwen under Madam Gu’s name. We’ll handle this privately. Once Shuwen’s name is entered into the genealogy, I can petition for him to be granted the title of heir.”
His expression was cold and resolute. “This is the Marquis’ household’s affair. Even the Duke’s household has no right to interfere.”
Seeing that her son had a plan, Old Madam Ye said no more. What mattered most to her was that her eldest grandson would return to the Marquis’ household.
Meanwhile, Ye Qingyu returned to Wanyan Pavilion and summoned Mo Shū.
“Mo Shū, keep watch on the Marquis’ movements these next few days.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Ye Qingyu’s lips curved into a mocking smile. She did not believe for a moment that they would give up.
The very next day, Marquis Ye sent word to her: her second uncle did not agree to adopting her eldest cousin into the main branch. She should wait a little longer—he would try again to persuade him.
Ye Qingyu paid no mind to Marquis Ye’s words—she had already anticipated them.
Meanwhile, Marquis Ye hurriedly summoned the clan elders in secret to the ancestral hall of the Marquis’ household, where he explained the matter of adoption.
At Wanyan Pavilion, however, things were lively.
Ye Shuwen arrived with attendants, ostentatiously carrying a jade Buddha, his face full of smug pride. “Cousin, this jade Buddha is the one you wanted. I have brought it to you.”
Ye Qingyu looked surprised. “Young Master Ye, what are you talking about? When did I ever ask for such a thing?”
Ye Shuwen smiled broadly. “Ah, I misspoke. I heard from a maid that you were looking for a jade Buddha as a birthday gift for Old Madam. What do you think of this one? I went through great effort to obtain it. It’s my sincerity—please don’t refuse it.”
Ye Qingyu shook her head, her expression stern. “You misunderstand, Young Master Ye. I never sought a jade Buddha. I have already prepared Grandmother’s birthday gift. If you wish to show filial piety, you may present it to her yourself.”
Her serious demeanor unsettled Ye Shuwen, making him doubt himself. Could he really have been mistaken? If Ye Qingyu hadn’t asked for this, then he had flattered her in vain.
Ye Shuwen forced a smile, trying to please her. “Perhaps I inquired wrongly. Don’t hold it against me, Cousin. I was simply too eager to make amends, and I erred. Since you don’t care for this, I’ll find another gift that suits you better.”
Ye Qingyu’s face hardened, her voice sharp. “There’s no need for apologies or gifts, Young Master Ye. If there’s nothing else, please leave. Nian Chun, see the guest out.”
Ye Shuwen’s face stiffened as he was escorted out of Wanyan Pavilion.
At that moment, Mo Shū slipped back inside.
“Miss, the Marquis has already summoned the clan elders to the ancestral hall. Old Madam has gone as well.”
Ye Qingyu’s brows arched slightly. It seemed they truly couldn’t wait any longer.
“Miss, just now I saw the steward by the Marquis’ side call Ye Shuwen away,” Nian Chun reported after returning.
Ye Qingyu drew out a letter and handed it to Nian Chun. “Go through the back gate to the Duke’s household. Deliver this letter to Grandfather. If he isn’t there, give it to Third Aunt.”
Nian Chun accepted the letter and hurried out of Wanyan Pavilion.
“Wan Qiu, quietly go and notify everyone in the second branch, especially Second Uncle and Eldest Cousin. If they’re not at home, go to the yamen to find them. Make sure they’re brought to the ancestral hall as quickly as possible.”
Wan Qiu received the order and hurried out.
“Mo Shū, Mo Huà, you two come with me.” Ye Qingyu’s clear eyes gleamed with cold light as she strode swiftly toward the ancestral hall.
The real show was about to begin.
Inside the ancestral hall.
Old Madam Ye held Ye Shuwen’s hand, her face full of benevolence. “Clan elders, Shuwen is an outstanding child. This autumn, he will sit for the exams, and with his talent, passing as a *jinshi* will not be difficult. This child has a loyal and righteous heart, is kind and filial, and already at such a young age has achieved the rank of licentiate. His temperament is good, and he is very obedient. Our Marquis’ household does not have many descendants. Adopting such an excellent child as Shuwen will allow our line to flourish and prosper.”
The clan elders all looked troubled. “If he is adopted under the Marquis’ name, that means he will be the heir, the future Marquis. We do not know this child well, but Yanzhi, we have watched him grow up. In both ability and character, he is exemplary. Why abandon what is near for something distant? Wouldn’t Yanzhi be the more suitable choice?”