Ye Hongyang was in full agreement with Qu Mao’s proposal, and nodded hastily, "I understand, but this would be unjust to your noble son. My family’s ’thing’ is remarrying, so there’s no need for much fanfare; however, your son is wedlock anew. To handle matters this way, I truly feel sorry for him."
Qu Mao was very considerate of Ye Hongyang and nodded solemnly, speaking earnestly, "We brothers have been close for decades, our friendship laid out for all to see; there’s no need for such formalities."
Ye Hongyang hurriedly bowed in thanks, "Then it’s settled. I’ll first conclude all the pre-wedding matters with your mansion, and when that troublemaker returns, we can set the wedding date. I will inform Madam Yin to make her own arrangements for her daughter’s marriage."
Qu Mao was overjoyed, and with a hint of apology said, "Cousin knows our mansion’s scarcity; I’m afraid we won’t have much to offer for the betrothal gifts..."
With a grand gesture, Ye Hongyang declared, "No need, the gesture alone is sufficient. Having less can also be advantageous, as I can bring it into the mansion unnoticed. If you gave more, wouldn’t it draw unwanted attention?"
"That’s good, then I’ll go back to prepare, and Cousin should also bring the marriage document of your esteemed mansion’s Miss as soon as possible, so the matchmaker can continue with the arrangements."
Ever since the birth of Maternal Aunt Zhao’s son, Ye Hongyang hadn’t felt so relieved; facing Maternal Aunt Liu’s forced smiles every day, his heart was also in despair. He thought that by dealing with Ye Xinyan, even Maternal Aunt Liu would be pleased, if only a little.
Having settled the matter, Ye Hongyang had no longer the mood for opera and hastened back to the mansion to share the good news with Maternal Aunt Liu, to brighten her spirits as well.
Ye Hongyang, light-hearted and light-footed, swiftly entered the Secluded Fragrance Garden and, under Maternal Aunt Liu’s meticulous attendance, seated himself on the heated brick bed. He could hardly say anything before even tea could be served, eagerly sending Maternal Aunt Liu’s maid away.
From the moment Ye Xinyan had come in, Maternal Aunt Liu noticed his unusually good mood. Now, seeing him dismiss the maid, she was even more certain that Ye Hongyang had something to divulge.
Following suit, she too sat on the heated brick bed, gently removed Ye Hongyang’s hairpin, and massaged the acupoints on his head, while asking, "Your Highness seems different today, is there some joyous news?"
The delight Ye Hongyang had been suppressing all the way finally dared to show its face. He replied with a beaming smile, "Indeed, you can’t guess how happy I am in my heart."
"Let me tell you, and you will definitely feel happy too," said Ye Hongyang as he pulled Maternal Aunt Liu from behind into his arms, setting his eyes on her with bubbling enthusiasm, proceeding to recount the afternoon’s events at the theatre garden.
Watching Maternal Aunt Liu’s smile slowly bloom, Ye Hongyang eagerly asked, "How about that? The idea from the Heir of Marquis Jingning isn’t bad, right? By tossing out ’that thing,’ our mansion will finally be peaceful."
Maternal Aunt Liu was genuinely pleased about what Ye Hongyang had said, yet as for the mansion being peaceful... that was uncertain, with Maternal Aunt Zhao and her little brat still there.
Seeing Maternal Aunt Liu’s smile stiffen for a moment, Ye Hongyang quickly consoled her, "You shouldn’t fear Madam Yin’s return. Even if she does come back, without that bastard to back her up and cause trouble, Madam Yin can only hole up in her quarter. She won’t get in our way."
"Hmm," Maternal Aunt Liu leaned closer to Ye Hongyang and spoke softly, "This servant knows that the Princely Heir pities this servant. As long as the Princely Heir keeps this servant in his heart, this servant is willing to endure anything."
Ye Hongyang patted Maternal Aunt Liu and sighed, "You’re the one who understands me best." Maternal Aunt Liu gave another soft hum in response.
Maternal Aunt Liu didn’t care about what happened to Madam Yin; she was only worried that Ye Xinyan would stay in the mansion permanently. Ye Xinyan had changed, and she seemed not to be trifled with. With Ye Xinyan around, Madam Yin had finally gained some vitality. Thinking back to the time when Ye Xinyan had run away without a trace, Madam Yin was like a breathing corpse.
Maternal Aunt Liu had been ruthless before, cutting off Madam Yin’s lineage, but she had never thought about killing her or driving her out of Duke An’s Mansion. Not being able to do it, or not daring to do it, was one factor, but more importantly, even if Madam Yin were gone, the position of wife of the heir apparent would not fall to her, Maternal Aunt Liu. It was easier to deal with someone whose background she fully understood.
Her only worry was about the bastard born to Zhao Maternal Aunt and Ye Xinyan. Without Ye Xinyan, the little bastard would pose no threat. No matter how much Duke An valued the little bastard or how much he intended for him to succeed the title, Duke An would eventually pass away. Once Duke An died, if no one in the mansion supported Zhao Maternal Aunt and her son, who would inherit the title would be up to Ye Hongyang, wouldn’t it?
But with Ye Xinyan there, things were not so certain. With her current capabilities, if Ye Hongyang disregarded Duke An’s last wishes, she could use the former prestige of Duke An and Ye Tang to deal with him and her two sons. In the end, Ye Hongyang might not fare well either.
Perhaps with the help of her ambiguous lover, Ye Hongyang could be directly ousted from the position of Duke An to make room for the little bastard and Ye Xinyan. Only then would Ye Xinyan’s heart be content.
However, if Ye Xinyan were married off, there would be no such threat. A daughter married off requires her natal family to give her face so that she has a place to stand. If Ye Hongyang wants nothing to do with her, he can shut her out. By then, as the new Duke An, even if Ye Hongyang cast out Madam Yin, the Yin Family could do little more than sever ties with the Ye Family, what else?
After much deliberation, Maternal Aunt Liu naturally supported Ye Hongyang’s approach, praised his wisdom profusely, and gave him a stern reminder, "Crown Prince, remember not to mention this matter to anyone, and don’t rush the young lady to return, lest others become suspicious. Just tell the Heir of Marquis Jingning not to be anxious, we just need to quietly wait for the young lady to come back. Once she returns, you can set a date with the Qu Family and then inform the Duke and the wife of the heir apparent then and there."
Ye Hongyang patted Maternal Aunt Liu’s thinning shoulder and stopped, frowning as he said, "But what if she takes too long to return?"
Maternal Aunt Liu laughed and said, "Do you think she can give up the wealth of Duke’s Mansion and stay away indefinitely? Don’t worry, Duke’s Mansion is still waiting to officially recognize Brother Yuan under Madam Yin’s name and have the young lady instruct him. Even if the Crown Prince doesn’t inquire, Duke himself will become anxious."
Her words fanned Ye Hongyang’s rage, and he spat vehemently, "Father has really lost his mind, appointing that disgraceful creature to educate the child. As if that could turn out well – it’ll only add a disgrace to the mansion."
Then his heart ached for Maternal Aunt Liu again, "You truly suffer the most. Our Brother Heng and Brother Yi, such good children, learned and courteous, truly gentlemen, yet they can’t catch father’s eye, and you suffer by association."