Three days later.

The Ye Family at the Ye Mansion received a message from the palace, delivered by Nanny Gui on behalf of the Empress.

Nanny Gui has served the Empress for many years, holding a high status in the palace. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say she walks with authority there. Nearly fifty, she is robustly built and fierce-looking, with a sharp glint in her muddled eyes.

She stood in the main hall of the Ye Mansion, dressed in a sea pomegranate red palace gown with curling lotus patterns, relaying the orders of Empress Jinlan.

Behind her stood two Little Palace Maids and two Little Eunuchs, respectfully waiting by her side.

Ye Family felt unusually surprised; apart from having a few encounters with the Empress during palace banquets, they had no personal connections. Why would Nanny Gui come?

Regardless of the reason, it was best to be polite to the visitor.

Gradually, from Nanny Gui’s words, a hint of something amiss was detected.

The Crown Prince seemed to have intentions of making Ah Zhi a Concubine?

"The Empress’s general intent is as such; for the details, Mrs. Ye is invited to the palace in two days, where the Empress will explain in person." After speaking, Nanny Gui stood still, expressionless, waiting for Ye Family to respond.

Ye Family nodded, suppressing the surging waves of emotion, gesturing an invitation to sit: "Very well, in two days this humble wife will enter the palace on time at the Empress’s invitation. Thank you, Nanny Gui, for delivering the message, please sit, don’t stand."

Nanny Gui raised her hand to decline, saying loudly, "This old servant shall not, for the affairs at Fengwu Palace are numerous, waiting for this old servant to return and supervise. The new Little Palace Maid and Little Eunuch are inexperienced; any mistake would be unfavorable. The Empress’s message has been delivered, so this old servant must take leave now."

She turned to leave.

The Ye Family had no intention to retain her, so followed along: "Nanny Gui has many affairs to attend to, naturally we dare not detain you; let me see you off." Stepping forward, a piece of silver was discreetly slipped into her hand.

Nanny Gui did not refuse, concealing it under her sleeve.

After a few more courteous words, Nanny Gui finally left.

After the palace people left, the Ye Family sat worriedly on the phoenix-patterned chair made of huanghuali wood. It was just past the hour of si, her husband had not returned from the court, her younger daughter went off somewhere with Huanhuan and the Thirteenth Princess, and Xun Yin was out of town accounting...

At this moment, there was no one to discuss this with...

Prince Jin favors a Concubine, neglecting the Main Wife. The elder daughter already has a fate full of misfortunes, and under no circumstances can the younger daughter marry into the Royal Family. The Crown Prince is now in a strong position, and when he ascends the throne in the future, with thousands of beauties in the harem, possessing both the beauty of Ban Ji and the grace of Xie Ting in snow, how would an Emperor remember a little daughter?

The younger daughter is slightly naive and not a match for the many concubines in terms of scheming, undoubtedly unable to protect herself.

The palace visit in two days, a reason must be found to refuse the Empress.

The issue is, what appropriate reason could both politely refuse the Empress and protect the Ye Family from being criticized?

Difficult~

Yun Xiu had been beside her, seeing the mistress in such a worried and helpless state since Nanny Gui’s departure, feeling equally anxious. There were numerous intricate reasons involved, beyond the comprehension of a maid, so silence was golden.

Shen Chen, wearing a dark satin robe, graceful as a jade tree before the wind, walked slowly, crossing the threshold and entered the main hall.

The charming woman and slender maid, both with knitted brows, did not notice his arrival.

He stepped forward.

"Aunt Ye, did something troubling happen?"

A gentle voice broke the heavy atmosphere in the room.