17. Family and Relatives
"Auntie, don't just stand at the door. Let's go in and have a cup of tea."
Hearing the words of her niece, who was like her own daughter, Madam Xu's previously stern face instantly softened a little. Holding Ye Li's hand sympathetically, she sighed, "Poor child, you have been wronged." Ye Li simply smiled without speaking. Holding onto Madam Xu's arm, she headed towards the courtyard, not forgetting to call to her awkward-looking father, "Father, if you are not busy, you should also try the tea that I made."
Ye Wenhua reluctantly smiled and nodded. "I shall give Li'er's tea a try."
The tense atmosphere eased slightly. Just as they were about to enter Qingyi Pavilion, Ms. Wang was helped over from a distance, stumbling along the way. Seeing Ye Rong, who was being corporally punished and crying out loud, Ms. Wang let out a cry and flung herself towards him, hugging him protectively. As the Mistress of House, when she stepped in, others naturally didn't dare to proceed and had to stand aside. Perceiving Ms. Wang there, Ye Rong immediately clung to her as though he had found a rock to lean on, crying about the pain and accusing Ye Li, "Mother, she made me get a spanking! You must avenge me! It hurts... BOO HOO..."
Ms. Wang held Ye Rong close and kneeled on the ground, looking at Ye Wenhua with accusatory grief. "My lord, what did Rong'er do wrong that you had to punish him like this? He... he's still so young. He's your only son… BOO HOO… Third Miss, even if Rong'er has somehow offended you… you're siblings…"
"Li'er, come inside with your aunt," Madam Xu said, her face hardening once again as she saw Ms. Wang kneeling and crying pitifully. She started to lead Ye Li inside. "What kind of evil creatures linger in this mansion? What will people think if this gets out? If things really can't get any better, let your uncle make it clear to His Majesty, and you can marry out of the Imperial Censor's Mansion. Your grandfather should still have a say over your marriage. Our Imperial Censor's Mansion won't bring dishonor to the King of Ding Kingdom's Mansion." This behavior was indicative of all the ladies in the Ye Family, including Ms. Wang and Zhaoyi in the palace. Ye Ying and Ye Yue were somewhat tolerable when they cried, but Ms. Wang, who was no longer young, lacked any sense of shame.
Ye Li nodded, then turned to Ms. Wang and calmly said, "Madam, you are overreacting. It was Father who punished Rong'er. Besides, it's about time Rong'er was disciplined, lest outsiders accuse our family of lacking proper upbringing." After speaking, she ignored the look on her father's face and moved further into the courtyard with Madam Xu.
Xu Qingfeng followed behind, glancing at Ms. Wang with a smile. "Uncle's concubine... is very amusing." He had never seen any prominent families where the wife behaved so inappropriately. Regardless of how they behaved in private, ladies from distinguished families always upheld their elegance in public. Her weeping, combined with that pitiful, alluring demeanor, was typical of a concubine. Well, she did come from such a background, didn't she? After saying this, he turned and followed his mother and cousin, leaving the scene outside to the Minister, whose face had turned as black as ink.
In the elegant and quiet flower hall, Ye Li served freshly brewed tea to her still-indignant aunt and cousin.
After taking a sip of tea, Madam Xu's anger diminished somewhat. She looked at Ye Li helplessly. "Look at your mild disposition. Even a concubine's son dares to oppress you."
Ye Li was unconcerned and responded with an easy smile, "She is, after all, the Madam of the Ye Family, and the biological mother of Zhaoyi in the palace. Besides, Li'er hasn't been wronged at all. Don't you agree, Auntie?"
Xu Qingfeng frowned. "If we hadn't visited today, your father would have been hard-pressed to punish him publicly. Would it have been so easy at other times?" He wasn't fooled; a mere twenty lashes had been dragged out until Ms. Wang's arrival, and those that actually landed on Ye Rong were neither light nor heavy. If not for Ye Wenhua's implicit instructions, would the servants have dared to feign compliance while acting otherwise?
"I'm sorry for worrying my cousin, aunt, and uncle," Ye Li said with a slight smile. "He is, after all, Father's only son; how could Father not be partial? But Li'er isn't a pushover either. If anyone truly offends me, I won't let them get away so easily." As far as Ye Li was concerned, Ye Rong was simply a spoiled, rather unlikable child. Getting too worked up over him would be rather dull.
Recalling how certain people had been besieged with misfortune recently, Xu Qingfeng couldn't help but chuckle. He still reminded his cousin to be careful about various things.
Madam Xu handed a sealed letter to Ye Li. Feeling the clearly substantial envelope, Ye Li felt a warmth spread through her heart. When she looked up, she met Madam Xu's gentle and loving eyes. A twinge of emotion struck Ye Li's heart. "Auntie..." Ever since her mother passed away, if not for the frequent support of her uncle and aunt, she wouldn't have led such a comfortable life over the years.
Before she could express her thanks, Madam Xu held her hand and smiled. "Silly child, no matter what, you are of Xu Family blood, aren't you? Your uncle had only one sister in his life—your mother. What trouble is it to do these things for her child?"
"Auntie..." Ye Li lowered her eyes, not wanting Madam Xu to see the tears welling up.
Seeing the atmosphere becoming somewhat sorrowful, Xu Qingfeng quickly said with a smile, "Mother is right. In our generation of the Xu Family, Li'er is the only daughter. When Li'er gets married, my eldest uncle, my elder brothers, and my younger brothers will all come to the Capital City. If it weren't for Grandfather's health being slightly poor this year, and the doctor not allowing him to travel far, he would be eager to come too."
Ye Li promptly concealed the tumultuous thoughts in her heart. "Grandfather's health isn't good? Then my eldest uncles..."
"Don't worry. It's natural for Grandfather to have some minor illnesses due to his age. The climate in the Capital City isn't as good as Yunzhou's for recuperation. As for my elder brothers, they were originally planning to come to the Capital City in preparation for next year's spring imperial exam as well. Now, it's just because of your wedding that they are coming a few months in advance." Fearing that Ye Li would overthink, Xu Qingfeng quickly consoled her.
Ye Li managed a smile. It was only the end of March, and next year's spring imperial exam was still almost a year away; it seemed a little too early to prepare. Understanding that her cousin was trying to comfort her, Ye Li changed the topic according to his words, wondering, "Second Cousin, Fourth Cousin, and Fifth Younger Brother are all taking the spring imperial exam?"
The second of the Xu Family's generation, Xu Qingze, was nineteen this year; the fourth, Xu Qingbai, was sixteen; and Xu Qingyan was only thirteen. As for the eldest, Xu Qingchen, who was twenty-two this year, he had earned the title of Top Scholar at the age of fourteen, becoming the youngest Top Scholar since the founding of Great Chu. However, Xu Qingchen did not enjoy the intrigues of officialdom and resigned from his post at fifteen to travel and study in various places. At the age of just twenty, he became the youngest teacher at the Lishan Academy. To describe this cousin of hers as exceptionally brilliant would not be an exaggeration. Although Ye Li hadn't seen him for several years, her impression of this cousin was very deep. But, with three sons of the Xu Family taking the imperial examination at the same time, and given their abilities, the probability of them failing was extremely low. Wouldn't that be too conspicuous?
Xu Qingfeng shrugged. "Originally, it was only Second Brother and Fourth Brother. Fifth Younger Brother decided to come on his own. It's said he wants to surpass the reputation our Eldest Brother gained as the fourteen-year-old young Top Scholar. Eldest Brother was born in February, and Fifth Younger Brother was born in late September. If he really becomes the Top Scholar, he would indeed have surpassed Eldest Brother in age, but the chances are slim." He had enjoyed military-related matters since he was a child; even when he read, he preferred military strategy books, so he didn't have much interest in becoming a Top Scholar or not. In fact, none of the Xu Family members were very interested in the Imperial Examination, as they never planned to be officials. However, if they didn't attempt it and achieve a certain ranking, given their age, even if they were truly knowledgeable, it would be impossible for them to teach at the Lishan Academy. How could those extraordinary geniuses agree to be taught by someone of their own age?
Madam Xu also laughed. "Actually, the only one who really wants to take the exam is Qingze. Qingbai and Qingyan are just taking advantage of the situation to join in the fun."
"Is Second Brother planning to stay in the Capital City?" asked Ye Li.
Xu Qingfeng praised with a smile, "Li'er, you're so perceptive. But while Second Brother is staying in the Capital City, I, your cousin, have to travel."
Looking at Xu Qingfeng's elated expression, Ye Li cheerfully said, "Did Second Uncle agree, Cousin?"
Madam Xu nodded with a mixture of helplessness and joy. "Indeed. This kid finally got his wish. Your uncle is planning to let him join the army to temper him a bit."
Actually, Lord Imperial Censor had mixed feelings. He hoped that his son would find the army too harsh and willingly come home to continue the scholarly tradition of the Xu Family. However, if Xu Qingfeng dared to come running back after just a few months of dabbling in the army, he would likely face a good thrashing.
"Then congratulations, Cousin," Ye Li said with a smile. Her second uncle had always been opposed to her cousin joining the army. Now that he had finally relented, no wonder Xu Qingfeng was so thrilled.
"With your good wishes, Li'er, I'll certainly make it! Once I become a Grand General, if Prince Ding dares to bully you, Cousin will stand up for you!"
Ye Li was left speechless. ...Even if he became a Grand General, he wouldn't be a match for the only hereditary prince of Great Chu. Besides, by the time he rose from a mere foot soldier to Grand General, the citron daylilies would have long gone cold.