Secret Schemes

The night wind grew colder. As autumn deepened, the weather turned harsher each day. Dingjing, located in the north, was especially freezing.

Under the lamplight, a young girl leaned on a couch, reading a book. She didn't notice her tea had gone cold. She was completely absorbed.

Bailu stared at her mistress, feeling like this girl had transformed overnight. Just seeing her read quietly now—forget about how Ye Lily used to hate books—this calm demeanor made her look like a noblewoman.

How could a young girl have such an aura? Bailu couldn't understand and stood there lost in thought. Shuangjiang nudged her and whispered, "Why are you just standing there?" She walked over, draped a cloak on Ye Lily, and gently said, "Miss, it's late. You have Guangwen Hall tomorrow. Rest early."

Ye Lily shook her head. "You all go rest first. I'll read a bit more."

Servants resting before their mistress? Shuangjiang sighed but couldn't persuade her. Gyu pulled her and Bailu out of the room after changing the tea.

"What's wrong, Gyu?" Bailu asked. "Miss just recovered. Why aren't you persuading her?"

"Didn't I try?" Gyu groaned. "But she doesn't listen anymore. She's been reading all day.

Probably studying for class. What can I do?" She glanced worriedly at the inner room. Before, Ye Lily always needed guidance.

Now, no one dared oppose her decisions. The more Gyu served her closely, the more she felt Ye Lily's commands were impossible to refuse.

Even her soft tone carried authority. It was scarier than when Master Ye got angry. Gyu sighed.

Inside, Ye Lily kept reading.

She read carefully, not missing a single detail. If anyone noticed, they'd see she was holding "Mingqi's Official History."

She knew what would happen in the next few decades and sought ways to prevent tragedy. First, she needed to find the root cause of these noble families' current situation.

The emperor's plan to eliminate these clans was nearing. Ye Lily remembered clearly—if nothing changed, disaster would strike next month.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. If these noble families fell, the Ye family would be next.

Before Ye Xin returned, Ye Lily had to hold the fort alone and fend off the wolves in the Eastern Courtyard.

Ye Lily's guess was right. That night, Nurse Gui entered Rongjing Hall.

She brought back specialties from her trip to the countryside and chatted with Lady Zhang, who served Old Lady Ye. Her words hinted that Ye Lily was becoming rebellious and quick to anger.

Lady Zhang saw through her intentions but humored her. After Nurse Gui begged Lady Zhang to speak well of her to Old Lady Ye, she left.

As she stepped out of Rongjing Hall, she saw Xianglan, Ren Wanyun's maid, approaching with a smile. "Nurse Gui, I've been looking for you."

"Oh," Nurse Gui squinted, recognizing Xianglan. "What brings you here, Miss Xianglan?"

"Nothing important," Xianglan linked arms with Nurse Gui. "Our lady heard you know where to buy beautiful lip balm. She wants to ask where it is."

This was obviously an excuse. Ren Wanyun wanted to talk privately with Nurse Gui. Knowing this, Nurse Gui played along.

"What's this? If the lady wants to know, I'll tell her. Many noble ladies love this lip balm…"

When they reached Caiyun Garden, all the servants outside had been dismissed.

Ren Wanyun sat on the couch. Lord Ye's second son was still entertaining guests and hadn't returned. She casually did some embroidery, stitching a sachet while nibbling on grapes beside her.

Grapes were rare this time of year in Dingjing. Only Lord Ye's second son managed to get a basket and share it with the women in his courtyard.

Nurse Gui inwardly sneered. Though it seemed the second house treated the first house well, what Ye Lily received was cheap stuff unfit for nobility. Even food-wise, Ye Lily didn't get grapes.

Lost in thought, she snapped back when Ren Wanyun set down her needlework and called, "Nurse Gui."

"Yes, Madam. I'm here," Nurse Gui replied quickly.

Ren Wanyun was forty but well-preserved, though fine lines showed at her eyes.

Sitting there in finely tailored clothes, her every move exuded the poise of a lady of the house. Even smiling, she carried an air of authority.

"I heard you're back. Little Five has just recovered. Take good care of her," Ren Wanyun said.

Nurse Gui inwardly mocked. Everyone knew the East Courtyard hoped the West Courtyard would fail.

Ren Wanyun's kindness was just for show. Sure enough, she continued, "Lately, Little Five seems upset after nearly drowning. With her parents away, anything I do as her aunt feels wrong. To learn anything, I must rely on you."

She wanted Nurse Gui to report Ye Lily's every move.

Nurse Gui quickly replied, "Madam cares for Miss Five—it's her blessing.

But honestly, Miss Five's temper has changed since the drowning. She's grown distant, even punishing me by withholding three months' wages today."

She feigned sorrow. "I rushed back despite my sick grandson. Yet she scolded me. My heart aches."

Ren Wanyun grew impatient. "Little Five's issue is emotional. Tell me, has her attitude toward Duke Ding changed?"

That was her real question.

Nurse Gui's eyes darted. "Miss Five seems to want distance from Duke Ding, forbidding me to mention him. But I've raised her for years. She's stubborn about Duke Ding and won't give up easily. Her words might just be out of anger—not to be taken seriously."

At this, Ren Wanyun's face darkened with malice.