Le Yao coldly snorted inwardly, thinking of how Le Xiu used to yield to her in every way at home, and now that Le Xiu had entered the palace, she reprimanded her in this manner. Although she was slightly resentful, she understood the principle that a change in status could alter one’s mind, so she hung her head and remained silent, allowing Le Xiu to chastise her.

After saying several sentences, Madam Ruan, fearing that Le Yao might say something difficult to retract and escalate the situation, intervened, saying, "She is young and inevitably acts impulsively. Please forgive her this time, Your Ladyship."

Le Xiu, understanding that enough had been said, took advantage of Madam Ruan’s words to smoothly conclude, earnestly advising, "Before things get worse, you should quickly return to Huainan, lest it becomes difficult for you to turn back."

"No." Le Yao finally spoke, "I came here for my marriage. I won’t marry Tong Minzhi; I absolutely will not return." Saying this, as if recalling something, she looked at Le Xiu with hope, pleading, "Could you ask the Emperor to grant us a marriage? Tong Minzhi now holds a title and is a son of Lord Tong’s concubine... If the Emperor could grant the marriage, then no one could stop us."

Le Xiu was so shocked that she choked on a sip of tea, coughing for a long time. Jinyu and Madam Ruan rushed to pat her back and pour tea. After a while, Le Xiu caught her breath and replied, "You dare to say such things. No wonder your aunt wouldn’t let you come to the capital!" She lamented, "Tong Minzhi is indeed good, being Fourth Madam’s brother and with boundless prospects. However, no matter how good he is, his background remains unchanged. How can someone born of a concubine be worthy of you!"

Le Yao suddenly stood up, declaring, "I thought you would support me." She defiantly stated, "It turns out you are just as pedantic as they are."

"You!" Le Xiu, suppressing her anger, pointed at her and spoke in a low voice, "Am I pedantic? Let me ask you. Yesterday, you forced your way into the Tong Mansion. Did Tong Minzhi agree to you? I’ll tell you, last night Lord Tong sent him to Baoding. In your eyes, we are all pedantic, but have you ever thought that maybe you yourself are too rebellious and unacceptable to the world?"

Le Yao, not aware of Tong Minzhi’s departure from the capital, was momentarily stunned but argued, "So what? As long as I love him, it’s enough. I am determined to marry him." Speaking with unwavering resolve, "Otherwise, I will shave my head and become a nun!"

"Stop!" Madam Ruan also panicked, "Do not speak such nonsense!"

Le Yao ignored her, while Le Xiu, choked with anger, was about to speak, when Chief De hurriedly entered and softly announced, "Your Ladyship, Imperial Concubine Ying is visiting."

Le Xiu furrowed her brow, revealing a hint of vigilance as she looked at Chief De, "Did she come alone?" Chief De nodded affirmatively.

"You should leave now, we’ll talk another day." Turning again to Le Yao, "If you think making a spectacle of yourself isn’t enough, then by all means, go shave your head and join a convent, for I can no longer handle you!"

Le Yao stubbornly followed Madam Ruan out. Just at the doorway, they encountered a noble woman approaching, about twenty years old, as beautiful as summer flowers. Madam Ruan pulled Le Yao to curtsey, while Imperial Concubine Ying coyly smiled, "Madam Ruan, no need for formalities." Looking at Le Yao, she exclaimed, "This must be Miss Le, such a beauty." Her gaze held a slight jest.

Le Yao and Madam Ruan respectfully returned the greeting, and Imperial Concubine Ying asked, "Has Miss Le, with such beauty, had her marriage settled?"

Madam Ruan’s expression changed, realizing that Imperial Concubine Ying was aware of the rumors about Miss Le from Le Mansion forcing a marriage with the Tong Mansion but being rejected, deliberately bringing it up with a touch of awkwardness. Just as she was about to reply, Le Xiu walked out, smilingly interrupting Madam Ruan, "Sister, you’ve arrived. Why not come in and sit?"

Noble Lady Ying observing Madam Ruan’s expression, inner satisfaction apparent, curtseyed slightly to Le Xiu, "Sister!" She went over laughing, "I just happened to meet Madam Ruan and Miss Le and exchanged a few words." Adding, "Miss Le, with such beauty, is at her most vibrant and enviable age!"

"Sister, you overpraise her, she’s not presentable." And then to Madam Ruan and Le Yao, "Please go."

Madam Ruan and Le Yao took their leave. Watching Le Yao’s receding figure, Noble Lady Ying seemed to ponder, a hint of a smile soon brightening her eyes.

Xiqiu comforted the crying Madam Xia, saying, "Elder sister-in-law has already invited Madam Zhong, once the marriage with the Zhao Family is settled, things will be stable." She handed a handkerchief to Madam Xia to wipe away her tears, "Seventh brother will be fine. He’s been sensible and clear-minded since childhood and won’t do anything foolish. As for Miss Le, with Madam Ruan managing things, she will be alright after some time."

Regarding Le Yao, she did not expect her to act this way, leading her to recall Ruan Pingrong’s abrupt visit to their mansion that day, could it be that Ruan Pingrong had informed Le Yao?

After several years, what they originally thought would fade had not only persisted but intensified. She was at a loss for words, for love is wonderful and should be cherished, yet life cannot rely on love alone. She understood Tong Minzhi, who had always been diligent, aiming to bring honor to her and their mother through his efforts, advancing step by step to fulfill his dreams. While Le Yao might be wonderful, she was not a suitable match for him, her character clashing with Tong Minzhi’s inherent inferiority complex yet determined and self-reliant nature.

"I just feel sorry for him," Madam Xia sobbed, "I’ve been a burden to him!" If not for her being a concubine, with Tong Minzhi as a legitimate son of Lord Tong marrying Le Yao, although still a reach, it wouldn’t be so unrealistic!

"Aunt," Xiqiu said, "It has nothing to do with you. Seventh brother and I have never blamed you for giving birth to us. On the contrary, we feel proud to have a mother like you. You must not belittle yourself, whether as a concubine or as a principal wife, you are still our mother!"

Finally, Madam Xia’s emotions stabilized a bit. She cried for a long time before sobbing and glancing at Xiqiu, asking, "Is Miss Le safe?" Madam Xia was still kind-hearted.

"I’ll visit her in a few days, and then come back to report to you." Xiqiu handed her a cup of tea, "You mustn’t worry anymore!"

Madam Xia, holding the cup, nodded her head, no longer speaking.

Xiqiu sighed again. A few days later, after having dinner together with Fourth Master Xiao and Zhi in the mansion, Madam Jiang hurried over.

"Elder sister!" Xiqiu welcomed her in, "What brings you here so late, please sit."

Could there be an issue with the Zhao Family marriage?

Madam Jiang sat down, casting a glance at Fourth Master Xiao, her face showing some bitterness and daze, "It’s seventh brother’s marriage!"

Xiqiu’s heart skipped a beat, looking towards Madam Jiang.

Madam Jiang continued, "The First Master called me to the study as soon as he returned today, saying the Emperor had inquired about seventh brother’s marriage!" Her face was stern and worried.

Xiqiu was stunned. Could it be that the matter concerning Le Yao had escalated, drawing the Emperor’s attention?

She couldn’t help but glance at Fourth Master Xiao.