When Ye Jiayao opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Chunyu scowling at some account books.
“When did you come back?” Ye Jiayao asked sleepily, rubbing her tired eyes.
Xia Chunyu quickly put the book down. “Did I wake you up?”
“No. It was just a light sleep. What time is it?”
“It will be dinner time soon. Why don’t you lie down for a little while longer?”
Ye Jiayao got up and put her shoes on. “No, it’s alright. If I sleep any more, I’ll just be groggy later on.”
Xia Chunyu pulled out a receipt from his sleeve and said, “I have deposited Second Auntie’s red packet in the bank. There is around 8% interest rate. Here, you keep the receipt.”
Ye Jiayao looked at the receipt and was confused. Why did it say 3600 taels? Didn’t she just have 1800 taels? Did Chunyu add his share to hers too?
She curved the smile that was forming on her lips. Her husband was really generous and thoughtful when he wasn’t being a pain in her ass.
However, Second Aunt’s generosity made her question the amount that they had originally prepared for Chunfeng and Liu Li.
“Chunyu, how much do you think we should give to Chunfeng and Liu Li?” she asked.
Xia Chunyu lied down on the spot she was just sleeping in, basking on remains of her body warmth and scent. With eyes half-closed, he responded, “Big Brother only gave us 500 taels. For the newlyweds, I don’t think that they’ll fork out more than 800. We shouldn’t give them a lot otherwise it would show Big Brother up and make him look bad.”
Ye Jiayao nodded. “I was thinking of that, too. Are you fine with giving them 1,100?”
Xia Chunyu smiled in agreement. “I think that’s perfect. You shouldn’t compare our red envelope to Second Auntie’s, she’s extremely wealthy. Besides, we threw the wedding banquet for them, that’s more than enough. Chunfeng won’t care and I don’t think that Liu Li will either.”
Ye Jiayao thought about it. He was right. It doesn’t matter if she gives thousands and thousands of taels, she would never please her new sister-in-law.
When dinnertime came around, Xia Chunyu and Ye Jiayao headed to You’s yard. They were just about to enter the dining room when they heard voices.
It was Liu Li and Xia You.
“His Majesty’s intention was to have Chunfeng go to the judicial office, but I think that the Crown Prince’s office is very good too. Chunfeng’s already familiar with the work there so I asked the Empress Dowager to give him a position there. What do you think, Mother?”
Xia Chunyu frowned upon hearing this. On the surface, a position in the Crown Office would be the best choice. It was no doubt a prestigious position. If Chunfeng does well, he’d come with the Crown Prince once he ascends to the throne. However, the Emperor is still at his prime and he wouldn’t be handing the throne over anytime soon. The Crown Prince also lacks resolution and the people are starting to see that. More and more of the citizens are starting to back the Fourth Prince because, honestly, he shows more talent and potential than the Crown Prince. There were too many variables right now and it would be a bad move for Chunfeng to take this offer.
Meanwhile, Ye Jiayao’s concerns lie on Liu Li. It was obvious that she was trying to get into You’s side by getting involved in Chunfeng’s future. She’s trying to curry You’s favor through her son. Ye Jiayao had to give it to Liu Li, she was playing it smart.
“What does Chunfeng think?” You replied.
“He said he’d have to talk to Second Brother about it.”
Only then did Xia Chunyu lift the curtain and entered the room.
“Greetings, Mother.”
Ye Jiayao followed suit and bowed.
“You’re just in time. Liu Li and I are discussing Chunfeng’s new job opportunity. Come and let us know what you think,” You said.
Xia Chunyu said, “I heard, Mother. I think it’d be better for Chunfeng to follow His Majesty’s orders. Besides, as of now, the Crown Prince favors Lord Ji, the Crown Princess’ cousin. Unless Lord Ji gets a better offer, I’m afraid Chunfeng wouldn’t gain that much traction in the Crown Prince’s office.”
“I can just get His Majesty to give him a promotion,” Liu Li contradicted lightly.
“What would that say about Chufeng’s skills and character? How would it look to others if he just gets handed that position just because he’s your husband?” Xia Chunyu reasoned.
You pursed her lips in contemplation. The position that Liu Li was offering for Chunfeng was for the Crown Prince’s trusted aide. There wasn’t much room to advance career-wise in that position. Meanwhile, if he takes the judicial office like the Emperor intended him to do, he can undergo training and eventually take a position in the Ministry of Justice.
“We’ll ask for the Old Marquis’ opinion once he gets better,” You concluded tactfully.
Liu Li couldn’t help but feel frustrated. She was trying to make plans for the betterment of Chunfeng’s future, why was Chunyu going against her? Was he just afraid that his brother will do better than him? Or was it just because she was the one making the suggestion?
Changing the topic, she asked Xia You, “Is Father feeling better? The Empress Dowager sent some top-grade Gastrodia Elata with me. She said it cures headaches.”
Liu Li gestured for Little Ya to bring the box up.
“Oh, how kind of her. Tell her not to worry. This headache was just brought upon by the sandstorm at the borders,” You told her.
Although Liu Li did not really acknowledge her mistakes, You was comforted with this gesture of apology. She doesn’t expect her new daughter-in-law to be filial and dutiful, she just wanted her to act with more respect so she can live with the family harmoniously.
“Madame, the food is ready,” a servant reported.
“Very well. Let’s go eat.”
You moved to stand and to her shock, Liu Li immediately grabbed her hand to help her up.
Ye Jiayao watched that interaction in surprise. Why would Liu Li do that? You is not even old! She doesn’t need any assistance in getting up.
Xia Chunyu raised an eyebrow at Yaoyao.
Ye Jiayao rolled her eyes angrily. She’s going to win her mother-in-law’s favor by being genuine, not by being a kissass.
As they settled down to eat their meal, You took the seat of honor. The seating arrangement was determined by seniority. The seat to You’s left should be taken by Peishan, followed by Qiao, Ye Jiayao, and Liu Li. The seat to You’s right was to be taken by Zhou and her three daughters.
However, after helping You to her seat, Liu Li sat on her left, taking Peishan’s seat.
The rest of the family didn’t dare to comment on it for fear of starting another fight.
Xia You was just about to correct Liu Li when Xia Peishan spoke, “When did the rules of the mansion change?”
Zhou quickly said, “Second Sister, you take my seat.”
Yulian’s visit to the Princess wasn’t a wasted trip. Liu Li and Yulian hit it off, and the Princess even offered to help his husband look for a job. Naturally, she has to show Liu Li her support.
Xia Peishan scoffed. “No. It seems like I am now just a commoner.”
She then moved to sit beside Chunyu’s wife.
Qiao didn’t want anything to escalate so she quickly offered, “Second Auntie, you should take my seat.”
Liu Li watched the whole thing in confusion? Why were they making such a big deal about a seat?
Could she be sitting on Second Auntie’s place?
Before, she would have never given up her seat. She’s a princess, shouldn’t she be taking the second seat? However, since she wanted to change everyone’s bad opinion of her, she has to play along with the rules. Besides, Second Auntie would be returning to Tai Yuan soon.
Swallowing her pride, she stood up and said apologetically, “I am awfully sorry, Second Auntie. This is the first time I am eating with the family, I did not know the rules. I was so used to being in the palace where the Empress Dowager always let me sit beside her.”
Xia Peishan was a little surprised. The Liu Li today was totally different from the one she met yesterday! Was it because she got a lecture from the Empress Dowager?
Zhou said jokingly, “Liu Li it’s not your fault. You didn’t know better. Second Sister-in-law, you shouldn’t get worked up over a younger lady.”
Xia Peishan’s temper which had originally cooled raged again. This two-faced bitch! Why does she need to involve her if she wants to cozy up to Liu Li?
“You’re really understanding Third Sister-in-law. I wonder, though, why is that you haven’t repaid the hundred thousand taels you borrowed from me a few years ago if you’re so understanding?” Xia Peishan challenged with a smirk.
Zhou blushed and asked in fake confusion, “When was that? I don’t remember it.”
They don’t have any written agreement, she wasn’t going to be stupid and acknowledge it.
“Alright!” Xia You interjected. She really couldn’t take any more arguments. The mansion has been disrupted enough. “Let’s eat before the food starts getting cold.”
Liu Li took Qiao’s seat so Ye Jiayao ended up taking the last seat together with Yinlian.
Everyone tucked into their food with gusto but Liu Li ended up pushing her food around, only nibbling in tiny bites now and then.
You took notice and asked her, “What dishes do you like? I can get our cooks to make you whatever you like.”
“This afternoon’s dishes were very delicious. I liked those,” Liu Li replied.
Qiao chimed in, “Those were made by Second Sister-in-law.”
Liu Li appeared to be embarrassed. “Oh, I didn’t know that. Thank you, Second Sister-in-law.”
Ye Jiayao could hear the malice behind those kind words. However, she responded kindly, “It’s no matter. You’re welcome.”
Zhou smiled and piped in, “If Liu Li likes the food that Jinxuan makes, then you just get Jinxuan to make you food in the future.”
“No, I can’t let her do that!” Liu Li protested meekly.
