321 Father and Daughter Meet Again

o come back anymore; we’re going back to Jiangnan soon.”The woman in black turned sideways and lifted her sharp eyes, with a hint of disdain. "Take your time picking some flowers but stay out of other...321. Father and Daughter Reunite Again

321. Father and Daughter Reunite Again

After Mo Xiuyao left, Ye Li's days became very peaceful. Because she was pregnant, the people in Ding王府 no longer troubled her with political matters. Everyone from top to bottom took care of her meticulously, fearing that she might get cold, hungry, or tired. When news spread a few days later about Mo Xiuyao appearing at Feihong Pass, many secretly wondered why they hadn't seen the princess accompanying Prince Ding. The people in Li City only then realized that Princess Ye was already five months pregnant. Of course, there were rejoicings and celebrations once more. With less than two months until the New Year, while other places were still engulfed in war, the people in the northwest were enjoying themselves even more than during a festival.

With nothing to do every day, Ye Li would take her children to amuse Master Qingyun. Now that Mo Xiuyao was not at home and Ye Li was pregnant, Lady Xu and Qin Zhen moved into the guest quarters of Ding王府. On one hand, these days both Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan were too busy with their affairs to come back home. On the other hand, they could accompany Ye Li to keep her company.

This day, Ye Li was playing chess with Master Qingyun while the three children were being watched over by Lady Xu and Qin Zhen on a thick carpeted floor nearby. During the game, Master Qingyun mentioned something about what happened in Xi Ling when Ye Li spoke of Mo Xiuyao's activities there. After listening to her, Master Qingyun sighed and said, "Prince Ding is a man with great talent and ambition, naturally gifted and wise. If everything goes smoothly for him, he will surely be remembered as an outstanding loyal minister and general in history. When I first saw him during his youth, I felt that this boy's aura was overwhelming, even more so than the then-prince of Ding王府 by seven parts. A person like this... when calm, can bring peace to the country; but when active, he can also complicate matters for it. Indeed, whether still or in motion, his actions are as thunderous as lightning, and his emotions can sway national affairs. Yet Emperor is young and rash, not tolerating Prince Ding which led to a major mistake. But who knew that someone like Prince Ding would be setting himself up for failure if he couldn’t have been pushed to the brink of death"

Ye Li made her move as she looked at Master Qingyun and asked, "Did Grandpa foresee this situation back then"

Master Qingyun shook his head. "Prince Ding was too severely injured back then; even I couldn’t predict that he would recover. However… Even if Prince Ding hadn't recovered, it's likely that in the end, he and Emperor would have fought to the death regardless. Only six years ago when I first arrived in the northwest and saw Prince Ding did I notice how different he was from his youth."

Ye Li smiled slightly. "Many people have said that his character now is indeed vastly different from what it used to be."

Master Qingyun shook his head. "It's not just about character, but the indelible killing intent in his gaze. While Ding王府 has produced many famous generals through generations, none of them are truly bloodthirsty individuals. But when I saw Prince Ding again, there was a hidden aura of calamity on his forehead and occasional flashes of red in his eyes, clearly indicating an overwhelming presence of killing intent. After you went to Xi Ling, during my leisure time, I also cast a divination for Prince Ding, and the outcome was full of killing energy. Such results aren't entirely unexpected."

Ye Li said somewhat shamefully, "It's all because of Li Er’s carelessness…" Master Qingyun waved his hand. "Grandfather is not such an old-fashioned person to think divinations are absolute; they're merely a reference point. Besides, someone like Prince Ding… once he makes up his mind, how could he be held back by mere divination results Our Xu family has been focusing on cultivating virtue and nature for generations; in the past decades, there was no shortage of blood on our hands either. However, excessive killing ultimately damages one's character; all I fear is that Prince Ding might fall into a delusion, wasting his lifespan."

Ye Li nodded. "Thank you for your concern, Grandpa. Li Er will do my best to persuade Xiuyao."

Master Qingyun put down the chess pieces and smiled at Ye Li as he said, "Li Er, although you too have a fierce aura about you, your nature is upright and gentle, making you perfectly suited for Prince Ding. In this world, only you can convince him; you’re much more perceptive than your mother."

Speaking of his long-departed daughter made Master Qingyun melancholic. His only child was wonderful in every way but lacked foresight; her character wasn’t as tough as Ye Li’s either. If he had known about the subsequent events back then, perhaps he wouldn’t have listened to his daughter's wishes and married her off. She might still be alive now. However, if that were the case, there probably wouldn't be such an admirable granddaughter like this one before him.

Seeing Master Qingyun was not in the mood for chess anymore, Ye Li also put down her pieces with a smile and said, "Grandpa, why are you bringing up these topics Are you missing Mother"

Master Qingyun looked at her hesitantly before saying, "Your Uncle originally wanted to tell you this personally, but he's too busy now. Since I'm idle, I'll just tell you: your father… has come to Li City."

Father… For a moment, Ye Li felt disoriented. The first thought that came to her mind was the stern yet deeply loving husband and father of her previous life. Many figures she thought had long been forgotten suddenly appeared in her mind; even after so many years, their images remained vividly colored. Seeing her pale face, worry flashed in Master Qingyun’s eyes, "Li Er"

Ye Li regained her senses and shook her head with a faint smile, saying, "Lily is fine. I caused my grandfather worry. Father… How did they come to Jicheng" It was no wonder that Ye Li couldn’t remember Ye Wenhua for a moment; when Xu Shi was still around, she often stayed at the Xus’ home and had little affection for her father who constantly saddened her mother. After gaining her previous life’s memories, comparing this father with the one from her past life, and seeing what Ye Wenhua had done, any remaining filial love towards him gradually faded. After Ye Wenhua brought back the elderly ladies to their hometown, Ye Li only remembered her father from her past life. She slowly pushed this current father out of her mind.

Sir Qingyun smiled faintly and said, "The Ye family is located in a remote southwestern region, so when the Western Capital’s army advances eastward, they are the first to be affected. Although your father may not have good morals, he still has more foresight than ordinary people and left with his entire family early on. It has been over a month since they arrived in Northwest. Your eldest brother merely wanted them settled there without telling you. However, as he is your father after all, if he doesn’t abide by the rules while living inside the city due to his dissatisfaction with being settled elsewhere, it could harm your and Prince Ding’s reputations if he starts spreading rumors outside. Before I knew that you had returned, I didn't think much of it, but recently when I heard about your return, they have visited twice already. Previously, Qingze stopped them because you were just back from a long journey, but if we don’t see them soon, there might be trouble.

Ye Li frowned slightly and thought for a moment before smiling faintly, "There’s no need to make a big deal out of it. Lily understands; I will meet with them later."

Sitting next to her playing with the toddlers, Qin Zeng raised her head and said, "Lily, regarding Minister Ye… Sir Ye is fine, but as for Lady Dowager Ye, Lady Wang, and that Ye Rong, you absolutely mustn’t be polite to them." Ye Li arched an eyebrow in amusement and asked, "Why Has Zeng seen them" Qin Zeng nodded her head and said, "Indeed. That Ye Rong is already over ten years old and has been indulged by Lady Wang. She even dared to fight with the young grandson of Grand Marshal Yuan within a month after arriving in Jicheng. If that was all, it would be fine, but she also loudly proclaimed that her sister was Princess Consort. The people from the Yuans’ are very sensible and didn’t spread this around, although they did warn those present about not speaking ill of them. Furthermore, Lady Dowager Ye is an old woman who still tries to socialize with the wives in town, flaunting your identity.

Over the past few years, Qin Zeng had followed Xu Erfure and become much more decisive than when she was a maiden lady; talking about the Ye family without any restraint indicated that she didn’t like them at all.

"I understand," said Ye Li with a smile. "They can stay in Jicheng, but if they try to cause trouble, I won't be some living Buddha. Father and Grandmother are blood relatives of mine, so others don’t matter."

Qin Zeng was reassured and said, "If you understand that’s all good. The Ye family used to be quite prestigious, so why would they cause trouble now What benefit would it bring them if they ruin your reputation" Xu Erfure frowned and said, "They likely just like bullying others since they have no foresight. In Jicheng, however, there aren’t many who will listen to them." Jicheng wasn’t very large, so those with real influence were close advisors of the prince; everyone knew how Prince Ding felt about Ye family.

"My Lady, Minister… Sir Ye has come to see you," said Black Manager from outside. Because Ye Wenhua was currently a commoner, he had difficulty addressing him correctly.

Qin Zeng smiled and said, "Just as the saying goes: speak of Cao, and Cao comes. Here they are."

Ye Li stood up with a smile and said, "I’ll go see them." Sir Qingyun asked, "Why should you be troubled Just let them come to the main hall; it’s also good for this old man to meet your father."

"Grandfather, why bother" Back then when the elder had married his only daughter to Ye Wenhua from a poor family, he ended up with such results. Who wouldn’t be heartbroken No one would let the elderly see that husband again and harm their health.

Sir Qingyun shook his head and said, "It’s fine; I also want to hear what he has to say." Ye Li was helpless and could only instruct Black Manager to invite them in. Qin Zeng didn’t want to see these troublesome people and pulled Cold Junhan and Xu Zhirui into the inner chambers.

Soon, Black Manager brought them over. It wasn’t just Ye Wenhua but also a group of five or six including Lady Dowager Ye and Lady Wang.

"Grandfather, Father," said Ye Li calmly as she looked at everyone in front of her. It had been over half a decade since Ye Li last saw Ye Wenhua; compared to then, he was much older and more weathered, with many wrinkles on his face that used to be handsome and scholarly, and his hair was already gray. His eyes also held a dullness and despair. Seeing the look on Ye Li’s face made it hard for him to speak.

Compared to Ye Wenhua, Lady Dowager Ye and Lady Wang were much better off. Lady Dowager Ye was nearly seventy but still looked grand and refined like she did years ago when she lived in luxury as a lady of the Minister’s manor. Lady Wang had aged some compared to before, looking richer and more prosperous; however, her eyes also held a shrewdness that wasn’t hidden anymore, unlike how she used to act kindhearted all the time. Standing next to Lady Wang was an eighteen or nineteen-year-old youth who faintly resembled Ye Wenhua in appearance but was quite plump with no light in his eyes and lacked the quiet dignity of a scholar. He looked like one of those ignorant rich young masters from some mindless TV dramas; Ye Li was truly curious how Lady Wang had transformed her once somewhat domineering and good-looking daughter Ye Rong into this fat, foolish appearance.

The young woman standing behind them somewhat resembled Yelin, but the man Ye Li did not recognize.

"Son-in-law… paying respects to Father-in-Law." Seeing Qingyun Scholar sitting at the top seat, Ye Wenhua's expression changed slightly and he hurriedly came forward for a deep bow.

Qingyun Scholar calmly put down his blue-and-white porcelain cup and raised his head with a faint smile, "Isn't this Secretary Ye I heard from Yunzhou that you married an excellent wife and became the father-in-law of His Late Majesty. I am not worthy to be called 'Father-in-Law'." Qingyun Scholar was highly respected for his virtues and cultivation. This was the first time in so many years that Ye Li had heard him speak so pointedly about someone, indicating how much he disapproved of Ye Wenhua from long ago. Even if they hadn't met before, now that they did meet, there was no need to endure anymore. No wonder her eldest uncle said that if Grandfather ever learned of the Ye Family’s actions, he would rush to the capital and beat up Ye Wenhua; she had never believed it then. She had thought that a scholar like Grandfather wouldn’t act so rashly, but seeing his expression now, Ye Li knew even the most cultivated scholars could lose their temper.

Ye Wenhua’s face turned red as he stood awkwardly and was speechless. Indeed, it was he who took concubines less than half a year after marriage, with both his eldest and second daughter not being born from his official wife. Later on, he favored Concubine Wang and neglected his original wife until she died of depression. He knew all too well about Concubine Wang’s character and actions over the years; in what way could she be considered an excellent wife The more Ye Wenhua thought about it, the redder his face became.

"Brother-in-law, we are still family in-law after all, why must you be so formal Huai already knows he was wrong," Old Lady Ye hurriedly put on a smile and said to Qingyun Scholar.

Qingyun Scholar raised his eyebrows. "Brother-in-law The Wang Family is the Ye Family's in-laws, not my Xu Family." Does this old woman think I didn't know that she had a part to play in her daughter being neglected by Ye Wenhua

Old Lady Ye’s smile froze as she said with a forced laugh, "How can you say that Mother-in-Law will always be the Ye Family's eldest wife. Li, come over and let your grandmother take a look at you; it has been so long since we last met." She even wiped tears from her eyes while looking at Ye Li affectionately. Unfortunately, Ye Li did not meet her expectations as she said with a faint smile, "Thank you for thinking of me, Grandmother. I am pregnant and cannot stand up to pay my respects. Please take your seats, Grandfather and Father."

Getting brushed off, Old Lady Ye could only walk awkwardly to sit down on the side. Ye Wenhua looked at Qingyun Scholar’s indifferent expression and did not dare to sit down himself; he stood beside his mother.

The others knew that Qingyun Scholar was a special person and even Concubine Wang, who looked resentful, stood respectfully. However, Ye Rong lacked both tact and discipline; after reading some books in the early years, he had followed Secretary Ye to live in the countryside for several years and returned all his basic knowledge to his teacher. With Old Lady Ye and Lady Wang protecting him, Ye Wenhua could not control him, thus forming a lawless character. Less than a month since arriving at Li City, he dared to fight with the grandson of Mo Family’s oldest general; naturally, he wouldn’t stand obediently now.

Looking at the empty chairs nearby, Ye Rong turned his eyes and sat down in front of one, not forgetting to say, "Father and Mother, why are Six Sister and you still standing Sit down quickly."

Ye Wenhua’s face turned pale with anger. Qingyun Scholar said calmly, "The Ye Family's upbringing is quite good."

Thinking Qingyun Scholar was complimenting him, Ye Rong smiled smugly, "Of course it is; Mother, you should see…"

"Wicked beast! Get up for me right now!" Ye Wenhua was shaking with anger, feeling that this was the most embarrassing moment of his life. Even when Xu Hongyan accused him of failing to educate his daughter properly, he didn’t feel so heatedly embarrassed.

Ye Rong froze and then said sulkily, "Why can't I sit Is this not Three Sister's home We've been waiting for so long; we're exhausted. I won’t stand!"

"You… you…" Ye Wenhua pointed at Ye Rong, shaking all over as if he might fall down any moment. Ye Li smiled faintly and said, "Never mind. Since you are tired, take a seat. Father, Lady Wang, my younger sister, and the young master may also sit." Ye Wenhua looked at Mr. Qingyun, only to hear him snort coldly before saying, “Sit down.”

Only then did he carefully sit down beside Old Madam Ye. Wang Shì observed her son and then walked over to take a seat next to Ye Rong. Ye Lín cautiously pulled the young man over to sit at the end of the line. Lady Xu Er, who was sipping tea, frowned slightly but said nothing. Even though the Xu family did not strictly adhere to etiquette rules, they still followed certain conventions that were deeply ingrained in their bones. In Lady Xu Er’s eyes, Ye Li's seating arrangement was utterly disrespectful.

"Mother, who are those people Why don't they pay respects to you and Grandfather" Mo Xiaobao asked his mother with big round black eyes.

Ye Li gently stroked her son's head and smiled. "This is your great-grandmother and this is your grandfather. Chen'er, greet them."

Mo Xiaobao looked at Ye Wenhua and Old Madam Ye before finally standing up to walk over to them and call out, “Great-grandmother, Grandfather.”

Old Madam Ye had initially been smiling benevolently with her hand extended, expecting Mo Xiaobao to kneel down for a greeting so that she could show off how loving she was by helping him up. Instead, he simply stood there and called out their names before leaving, making her gesture seem rather comical and awkward. Ye Wenhua didn't mind though; staring at the handsome boy in front of him who seemed to have faint traces of his late wife's features, he couldn’t help but want to reach out to touch the boy’s head. "Good... good child, are you Yu Chen"

Mo Xiaobao took a small step back and looked curiously at his grandfather before saying solemnly, “Grandfather, don't touch my head.” Ye Wenhua was taken aback and asked, “Why”

"A man's hair is like a woman's waist; it can only be seen but not touched," Mo Xiaobao replied seriously. After finishing his sentence, he turned around and ran back to Mr. Qingyun’s side. Mr. Qingyun affectionately hugged the little boy in his arms and patted his head. "Can only be seen but not touched Hmm Who taught you such nonsense"

"Han Mingzhi!" Mo Xiaobao readily fingered Han Mingzhi out, completely forgetting all the delicious food and toys that he had received from him.

Mo Xiaobao lay on Mr. Qingyun’s lap, curiously observing this group of strange people in front of him. He wasn't fond of his great-grandmother at all; his grandfather was also not as handsome as his uncles. That fat man… could he be his uncle too Really, how ugly! Mo Xiaobao covered his eyes and hid himself into Mr. Qingyun’s arms, unwilling to look at that silly fat man who kept touching things around him. In the words of Han Mingzhi, those actions were just too lewd; looking at it would hurt one's eyes. With such high standards for aesthetics since childhood, Mo Xiaobao found this lecherous fat man extremely challenging to his aesthetic底線。他絕對不能承認那個醜男是他的舅舅！

"Greetings, Senior Brother One and Senior Brother Two. Greetings, Elder Brother One and Elder Brother Two," a maid's clear voice rang from outside the door. Ye Li was delighted; so her elder brother had already returned.

Xu Hongyu and Xu Hongyan entered with Xu Qingchen and Xu Qingze.

"Elder Uncle!" Mo Xiaobao’s eyes lit up as he jumped down from Mr. Qingyun's arms to rush over to Xu Qingchen who was following behind them, "Elder Uncle, Yu Chen misses you so much…" Xu Qingchen smiled faintly and bent down to scoop him up, asking with a smile, “Oh Is that really true”

Mo Xiaobao’s eyes shone even brighter as he looked at the handsome face of his elder uncle who was over thirty but still elegant and aloof, nodding enthusiastically. After encountering an ugly lecherous man earlier, he desperately needed to be comforted by his beautiful elder uncle's appearance.dy but did not stay long inside. Very soon, two figures vanished from the courtyard. Not long after, a dazzling, eye-catching firework pierced through layers of fog and darkness to bloom into the nigh...