Around the corner came an elderly man, vigorous and commanding, his white hair and beard lending him dignity, his stern expression radiating authority that made others avert their gaze.
Ye Qingyu stared at him, whispering softly, “Grandfather.”
Seeing him alive, tears welled uncontrollably in her eyes.
The Duke strode forward and embraced his granddaughter. “Ah, Qingqing, don’t cry. It breaks my heart. Whatever grievance you have, tell me—I’ll stand for you.”
His voice was strong, though it trembled with emotion. This was his daughter’s only child, the only girl in the family, cherished by all in the Duke’s household. He had been at court and knew nothing of what had happened, only that he could not bear to see her cry.
“What’s wrong? Who upset my Qingqing?”
Ye Qingyu choked out, “Nothing. I just missed Grandfather.” She didn’t want her aunts to tell him what had happened. She would handle it herself. She signaled to her cousin and them not to speak, and they understood.
Madam Xu smiled. “Qingqing hasn’t visited in some time. She missed her father.”
The Duke nodded. “If you miss me, just come. It’s been two months since you last visited, hasn’t it? Crying at your age—shameless!” He knew she had reduced her visits because of the Marquis’s household, but he hadn’t forced her.
Madam Zhong ordered more dishes. “Father, lunch is ready. Qingqing insisted on waiting for you.”
The Duke looked at her fondly. “Ah, my granddaughter loves me best. Unlike that rascal son of mine.” He shot Gu Huaizhi a glare, full of mock disdain.
Gu Huaizhi sighed helplessly at the undeserved jab.
The family ate together merrily.
Later, Ye Qingyu returned to Haitang Residence, her mother’s former chamber. It felt unfamiliar, and her heart ached. Since marrying Shen Mingxiu, she had rarely stayed there.
Nian Chun saw her reclining, exhausted. “Miss, rest a while.” She had witnessed her mistress escape danger and confront the Marquis’s household, draining her strength.
Ye Qingyu nodded and soon fell asleep. When she awoke, the sun was setting. She stayed at the Duke’s estate for three days. Her grandfather learned of the incident, but she coaxed him into letting her handle it, calming his fury.
When her second and third aunts came to fetch her back, Madam Xu sent them away, claiming Ye Qingyu was ill and needed quiet.
After breakfast one day, a servant delivered an invitation from the Zhao family, household of the Minister of Rites.
Madam Xu read it. “The minister’s legitimate granddaughter’s coming-of-age ceremony is in two days.”
Ye Qingyu’s hand paused on her teacup, her eyes flashing. “Zhao Qianxue?”
Madam Xu nodded. “Yes. You’re about the same age. Next year it will be your turn.” She smiled warmly. “Your mother’s mourning period will be over. We’ll host a grand ceremony for you.”
Ye Qingyu answered softly, “Yes. Will Aunt attend Zhao Qianxue’s ceremony?”
“Of course. Qingqing, would you like to come with me?”
“Yes,” she said with a smile.
Her gaze shifted to Gu Huaizhi. “Third Cousin, you’ll be there too?”
He looked surprised. “How do you know?”
“I recall one of your classmates is Zhao Qianxue’s brother.”
Gu Huaizhi nodded. “Yes, he’s invited me.”
Ye Qingyu’s heart hardened. This was part of her purpose.
In her past life, Gu Huaizhi had attended this ceremony, where he was framed—found in bed with Zhao Qianmei, the fifth daughter, ruining his reputation. The Emperor stripped him of his eligibility to take the exam, canceled his betrothal, and forced him to marry Zhao Qianmei, a concubine-born daughter. His brilliant future was destroyed.
This time, she would not let it happen. He would sit the exams and claim the honors he deserved.
On the day of the ceremony, the Zhao estate bustled with guests, carriages lined up in a long procession.
Zhao Qianxue, the minister’s eldest legitimate granddaughter, was celebrated grandly.
In her past life, Ye Qingyu had not attended, knowing that Zhao Qianxue despised her for Shen Mingxiu’s attentions. But now she has come with her aunt, determined to protect her cousin.
At the gate, Madam Zhao greeted them warmly. Madam Xu congratulated her.
“Thank you, Madam Xu. Please come in.”
Her eyes fell on Ye Qingyu. “Ah, the eldest daughter of Marquis Qingyuan. Such a pretty girl.” But her gaze held a trace of hostility.
Ye Qingyu smiled politely, as if she hadn’t noticed. “Greetings, Madam.”
Just then, another ornate carriage arrived.