Chapter 400 – A Veiled Hint

Chapter 400 - A Veiled Hint

"Did she say anything specific? You don't have to be nervous, just tell me. It's unlikely that she would meet you out of the blue without a reason, especially since you two have never met before. Her sudden familiarity with you must hold some hidden meaning," Yun Li said.

"Yes, Your Highness, it did seem like there was a hidden message in her words. She mentioned that there are always guests at the residence, disrupting her peace and quiet. She also said that all she wants is to live a peaceful life, just like the people in this temple," Yu said.

Yun Li chuckled softly. "I really didn't see that coming. She's quite perceptive."

It was rare for a young girl, amidst such wealth and luxury, to still maintain her own thoughts.

"Your Highness, could it be that she was indirectly asking me to convey a message to you?" Yu asked.

Yun Li nodded. "That seems likely. But we can't take her words at face value. The Empress is entirely focused on supporting the Fifth Prince. Right now, the court is discussing the matter of naming an heir. This is a critical moment, and there can be no mistakes."

"You're right, Your Highness. But could it be that precisely because it's such a crucial time, she's even more anxious? After all, if the Fifth Prince were to do something, she wouldn't be able to stop him. If he succeeds, there's no need to mention it. But if he fails, she might suffer alongside him, and even implicate her maternal clan," Yu said.

Yun Li nodded. "Qing, you've thought this through well."

Yu had a single character name, Qing.

It was said that her mother had given birth to four sons before she came along, hence they were overjoyed.

Qi Xiaoming called her Qing'er, but Yun Li found it overly affectionate.

So addressing her as Qingniang wasn't inappropriate either.

"Your Highness is too kind. This humble one only wishes to alleviate your worries," Yu Shi said modestly.

"For the first day of next month, you'll visit the Taoist temple once more. If you happen to meet her again, convey this message: 'He who helps himself shall find heaven's aid.' " Yun Li instructed.

Yu Shi understood. "Yes, Your Highness, rest assured."

"How is life in the manor?" Yun Li asked further.

"Everything is well. With the eldest branch not managing affairs, Father has now entrusted me to oversee them," Yu Shi replied.

"Oh, so Qian Shi didn't take on any responsibilities after entering the household?" Yun Li inquired.

"Well... this humble one believes it must be Father's intention. After all, Eighth Uncle is a concubine-born son. Father is skilled in handling people. Nevertheless, even though I'm temporarily in charge, I've been guiding Qian Shi every step of the way. Eventually, the duties should return to her. There aren't any significant matters with the second and third branches either," Yu Shi explained.

"What about our branch of the family?" Yun Li asked.

Lady Yu hesitated but still replied, "Mother has some thoughts, but it's all within the family, so there are no ill intentions. As for Father's concubines, they're all well-behaved. The younger aunts and uncles below are also obedient."

Yun Li nodded. "That's good. Whatever Mother disapproves of, as long as it doesn't escalate outside the family, it's fine. I think you manage the household very well. Keep an eye on the family members too. At this crucial moment, we don't want any trouble. As for Eighth Brother and Qian Shi, their situation is temporary. We can't mistreat them in the future."

Given how Qi Xiang had supported Yun Li, she couldn't let his only son end up in misery.

"Yes, this servant understands," Lady Yu replied. She had always managed the household without favoritism towards her own side.

The eldest branch's illegitimate younger uncle was given particular importance and treated with great caution.

After dismissing Madam Yu, Yun Li smiled and said, "Indeed, with a sharp and capable person like her in the Qi family's backyard, I feel much more at ease."

Yun Li's own mother wasn't incapable of managing the household, but getting her to gain the submission of the second and third branches would be a challenging task.

Unlike Madam Yu, whose mere act of subduing her personal maid's family demonstrated an aura that the other Qi family women couldn't match.

Moreover, with the support of Empress Xiaoxian, she naturally had a solid foothold.

Qixiang also subtly supported her, naturally giving her more confidence. Qi Xiaoming doted on her as well; he had yet to take a concubine or a maid, which was all due to his faith in her.

Even if she didn't come from an esteemed background, what mattered was her capability.

Madam Lin certainly wasn't pleased that her daughter-in-law was already managing the household while she was still alive, but she had no choice but to accept it.

She couldn't even compete with her own children anymore.

She could only submit.

"Yes, Madam Qi No. 7 is truly capable. She's gotten rid of the lazy and cunning old-timers in the household. The manors and shops have been reorganized, saving quite a bit of money and provisions. Putting aside other matters, at least there will be fewer troublemakers in the future," Zhifu said.

Yun Li couldn't help but chuckle. "Is she so traumatized that one bite from a snake made her fearful of ropes for ten years? One incident with someone close to her, and she investigates the entire Qi family? That's impressive."

It wasn't impossible that she might become senile in the future, but at her young age of twenty-something, she had plenty of time to work hard.

--

The marriage between Second Princess and Lu Family's eldest grandson was finalized.

It could be said that it was fate. After this child from the Lu family entered the palace, he met with the Second Princess, and the two children took a liking to each other at first sight.

At first glance, it's all about physical appearance. It's rare for both children to flush with embarrassment, indicating mutual affection.

Since the children are willing and their backgrounds check out, General Lu is deeply moved. What more is there to say?

The imperial edict arrives promptly.

Then, Princess Two learns that her future prince consort's name is Lu Panmei.

What a coincidence!

Her own mother was a princess named Mei Yin and later titled as Mei Concubine.

"Look at you, my child, you're fated to be entwined with plum blossoms your entire life," Yun Li teases her.

"Hehe, then I'll ask Father Emperor to plant countless plum blossoms in my princess residence," Yi Xuan giggles, slightly embarrassed.

The Empress smiles at her naivety.

"What does this young man from the Lu family look like now? The last time I saw him, he was just a tiny nursing infant, fair-skinned," remarks Yun Li, recalling the encounter during the first month of the year she entered the palace.

At that time, Lu Panmei was probably just over a year old, still being carried by her wet nurse.

His marriage was considered late, as he had to observe three years of mourning for his grandmother who passed away a few years prior, as was the custom for a grandson.

Nonetheless, he was a good match for the Second Princess.

"Empress Wei, what should I do to live a better life with him? Should I treat him exceptionally well or...?" Yi Xuan inquired.

"I believe that in a marital relationship, both parties should treat each other kindly. As for him, he grew up without a father. He has few brothers in his family, only cousins perhaps? And sisters as well. It's likely that he values familial ties greatly. His grandfather, his mother, and his aunt are the closest family members he holds dear. As a princess, you naturally don't have to serve them. But during festivals, remember to send gifts and visit their residence often. If his relatives ever need assistance, be generous in your support. Also, remember to uplift his unmarried sisters."

"However, bear in mind that you cannot allow his family to rely on your status and expect you to provide for all their needs. You can contribute financially or otherwise, but it must stem from your own willingness, not their demands," Yun Li said.

Yi Xuan nodded. "I understand, thank you, Empress Wei. If I have any questions in the future, can I ask you?"

The Empress teased her, "Why don't you ask your own mother?"

"Does she understand? You were also a princess, married to an emperor! Were there such matters to deal with? What use would it be to ask you?" Yi Xuan replied straightforwardly.