Clash of Wills

"Ungrateful girl, kneel down this instant!"

The sharp voice of Lady Ye echoed through the hall.

Everyone held their breath, waiting for Ye Lily to drop to her knees as she always did.

But today was different. Today, Ye Lily stood still, her small frame unwavering despite the storm brewing around her.

The room erupted in whispers. How could this be?

Ye Lily had always been timid, obedient, and meek—a shadow of a person molded by years under Lady Ye's iron rule.

Yet here she was, defying her grandmother for the first time. Was it true what they said about love giving even the weakest wings to fly?

"Grandmother," Ye Lily finally spoke, her voice calm but firm. "Fifth Miss does not know what crime she has committed."

Ye Amy, ever quick to seize an opportunity, chimed in with mock concern.

"Has Fifth Sister lost her mind? Grandmother is only upset because she cares! If you simply admit your mistake, everything will be fine. Why are you being so stubborn?"

Her words hung heavy in the air, painting Ye Lily as disobedient and disrespectful.

"How dare you!" Lady Ye bellowed, her shrill voice startling everyone. Little Ye Yuanbai, who had been happily munching on his sweet dessert, dropped it onto the floor and burst into tears.

"Seventh Brother, don't cry," Ren Wanyun cooed, rushing forward to scoop him up. She shot Ye Lily a disapproving glare. "Fifth Miss, have you gone mad? Who taught you to defy your elders like this?"

Ye Lily turned her gaze toward Ren Wanyun.

The second lady of the household looked every bit the picture of kindness—plump, rosy-cheeked, dressed in luxurious silk robes.

To most, she appeared warm and fair-minded, the perfect matriarch managing the family affairs.

But Ye Lily knew better. In her past life, after marrying into the Ding Royal House, she discovered that Ren Wanyun had secretly siphoned off nearly all the valuable items from her dowry.

What should have been a grand gesture from her father, General Ye Chenchuan, became a laughingstock when it arrived at the Ding residence. All thanks to this "kind" aunt of hers.

"Second Aunt," Ye Lily said softly, "do you also believe I've done something wrong? Because I truly don't understand where I erred."

"Stupid girl!" Lady Ye snapped, unable to contain herself any longer.

"You shameless brat! Sneaking glances at His Highness Prince Ding—you've disgraced our entire family! And now you dare talk back to me? Who raised you to behave so disgracefully?"

Inside, Ye Lily sighed. Lady Ye's crude mannerisms reminded her more of a courtesan than a noblewoman.

Back in her previous life, she hadn't noticed how vulgar her grandmother sounded. But now, having lived as a queen, she couldn't help but feel disgusted just listening to her.

"Sneaking glances at Prince Ding?" Ye Lily tilted her head, feigning confusion. "What do you mean?"

Ye Amy jumped in again. "Fifth Sister, we all know you admire Prince Ding.

But falling into the water while trying to catch a glimpse of him—it's embarrassing for our family. Surely, you must apologize to His Highness."

Admire Prince Ding? Oh, how convenient for them to twist the truth. In her last life, Ye Lily had refused such accusations, leading to her confinement. This time, however, she wouldn't let them manipulate her reputation so easily.

"Second Sister," Ye Lily interrupted, her tone icy,

"you shouldn't spread baseless rumors. I am already of age, and these careless words could ruin my reputation. From now on, I'll be more mindful of my actions. Please, don't speak so recklessly."

The room fell silent. No one expected Ye Lily, the usually docile girl, to speak with such authority. Even Lady Ye seemed taken aback.

Chen Ruoshu, Ye Amy's mother, stepped in smoothly. "Whether or not Fifth Miss admires Prince Ding isn't important. What matters is that His Highness holds great status. Regardless of the circumstances, an apology is necessary."

Lady Ye nodded in agreement. "Yes, tomorrow we'll send a formal invitation to the Ding residence. Fifth Miss will personally apologize."

Ye Lily almost laughed out loud. Apologize? For what? As the daughter of a military general, she owed no one an explanation, least of all a prince.

This was nothing more than a ploy to humiliate her branch of the family. Her father, General Ye Chenchuan, wasn't in the capital, leaving her vulnerable to their schemes.

But she wouldn't play along this time.

Instead, she smiled sweetly and addressed Ye Cindy, who had remained silent throughout the ordeal. "Elder Sister, you were the only one with me when I fell into the water, weren't you?"

Ye Cindy stiffened but nodded. She thought Ye Lily would accuse her of pushing her into the pond. But instead, Ye Lily asked, "Did you see Prince Ding that day?"

"Yes," Ye Cindy replied cautiously.

"Then it's simple," Ye Lily continued. "That day, Elder Sister and I were playing near the pond when I accidentally fell in. Coincidentally, Prince Ding happened to pass by and saw us. But tell me, if I were deliberately sneaking peeks at him, how would I have known he'd visit our estate? Did he send us a formal invitation beforehand?"

Ren Wanyun gasped audibly, panic flashing across her face. Chen Ruoshu tensed visibly too.

They understood immediately what Ye Lily was implying.

If Prince Ding had indeed sent a prior notice, it would raise questions about loyalty and political motives—something Emperor Ji despised above all else.

Ye Lily leaned back slightly, satisfaction gleaming in her eyes. "If anyone wishes to question my character further, perhaps we should consider whether certain members of our family might be overstepping their bounds politically…"

Her words hung ominously in the air. It was a gamble, yes, but one she was willing to take. After all, she wasn't just fighting for herself; she was protecting her father's legacy.

And thus, the battle lines were drawn.