e had already angered him, and he didn't want any issues during Ye Li’s wedding as well. Otherwise, Ye Shan and Ye Lin wouldn’t have to marry either. However, Dingguo Wangfu and Xu Family, including Y...The Emperor's Capital Ode 10. Zhao Aya's Plea for Help

10. Zhao Aya's Plea for Help

"Servant begs Third Young Miss to guide servant on a path to survival," Zhao Aya knelt on the ground, whispering her plea.

Ye Li raised an eyebrow and idly played with the jewelry in the box. She asked in puzzlement, "What is Aunt Zhao talking about Who doesn’t know that Father dotes on Aunt Zhao the most among all of his concubines In this manor, besides Lady Dowager and Madam, what good things are not reserved for Aunt Zhao Could it be… that Aunt Zhao is still unsatisfied"

A bitter smile spread across Zhao Aya's face. "Servant dares not say more. Although servant’s origins are humble, servant has read a few books and understand how glorious this situation currently is. But perhaps... once Madam regains her hands, it will be the end for servant," she said.

Qingshu frowned as she said, "What nonsense is Aunt Zhao talking How can such words be spoken before our young miss Furthermore, our young miss is about to get married soon. What help could she possibly give you It would be better to seek the Lady Dowager and Master instead." Qingshu was quite unhappy with Zhao Aya's intentions of dragging their young miss into a conflict with Wang Shi.

"Qingshu is right," Ye Li said coolly as she looked at Zhao Aya. "You know that I am to get married in two months’ time, correct Even if I could help you temporarily, it wouldn’t be of much use. Besides… why should I offend the Empress Dowager for your sake As long as Lady Ye and my fourth sister are alive, neither you nor me can overthrow Madam."

Zhao Aya bit her crimson lips until they turned pale. How could she not understand this logic But what good was understanding it if she couldn’t do anything about it She had originally thought that having a child would provide her with some support, but Wang Shi wouldn’t even let her have one. Recently, she had felt something amiss around her. If it weren't for the sudden imperial order of marriage, Wang Shi might already have taken action against her. "Third Young Miss, servant doesn’t ask for anything else. Servant only begs Third Young Miss to help safeguard servant’s child," Zhao Aya said desperately.

"You...

Aunt Zhao, weeping, nodded and said, "I've only been in the mansion for a few months but have already lost one child. I must save this child no matter what, please help me Miss Third."

Ye Li sighed softly and nodded at Qing霜. Qing霜 walked forward to support Aunt Zhao to sit on a chair beside them. Her right hand touched Aunt Zhao's wrist briefly before letting go, subtly nodding to Ye Li.

Ye Li took the handkerchief passed by Qing霜 and handed it to Aunt Zhao. In a soft voice she said, "It's not that I don't want to help you, but I truly can't assist. Two months later I will leave the mansion; judging from your current condition, you must still have several more months before giving birth" Upon hearing this, disappointment flashed across Aunt Zhao's face as she tightly clutched onto her handkerchief while weeping and said, "Could it be... could it be that this child is doomed to never come into the world I... I only wish for him to be born well and live a good life. Even if he isn't part of the Ye family or a Young Master of this household would be fine."

Ye Li quietly observed her distressed expression, clearly seeing that what Aunt Zhao said was heartfelt; she truly cared about the child's life rather than future glory for herself. Ye Li wasn't heartless but neither was she someone who acted impulsively.

"Miss Third! As long as I can give birth to this child, I am willing to adopt him into my deceased mistress’s lineage to continue her legacy. I swear that I will never acknowledge him in this life!"

Ye Li's expression remained unchanged; she looked at Aunt Zhao coolly and said, "My mother has been gone for many years now, so the issue of continuing her line is irrelevant to me. Moreover, first it is uncertain whether this child is a boy or girl; second, regardless if you refuse to acknowledge him, wouldn't he guess when he grows up If adopted into my mother’s lineage, this child would be a legitimate heir and his status would surpass Wang Shi's son Rong'er. Even if born, he may not survive."

Since her mother's passing, no children had been born in the mansion. Given Wang Shi's nature, how could she allow someone to overshadow her son

Aunt Zhao knew she spoke too rashly and lowered her head with a trace of regret, eyes red as she said, "It was I who spoke wrongly. Please Miss Third save me... no matter what, this child is also blood related to you..."

Ye Li pondered for a moment and asked, "Between your father's affection and this child, which one do you want"

Aunt Zhao was taken aback, not understanding why Ye Li would ask such a question. But she quickly grasped the implication, her face flashing with resolve as she gritted her teeth, "I want my child! As long as he or she lives, it doesn't matter if I never see them again!"

"They say that some people have bad fates which can affect their family members' marriages and offspring."

There was a moment of silence in the room before Ye Li's voice echoed softly.

"Are you asking me to..." Aunt Zhao stared at the composed-looking young woman with astonishment.

"Don't do it yourself. Leaving traces behind would make things worse."

Aunt Zhao finally understood why Ye Li had asked her whether she wanted the child or her father's affection. With Fourth Miss about to marry the Prince of Li as his primary wife and Young Master Ye, the only son born from Lady Wang, in poor health, if she were branded with a bad fate, there would be no chance for her to receive her father’s favor again this lifetime. It was highly possible that she might be expelled from the family or sent to a villa outside the city or a temple for seclusion and recuperation. Now that there was a happy event in the household, it wouldn't easily expel her; instead, she would likely be sent out of the house. If they were merciless enough to send her far away, she might never return to the capital.

"I can only help you this much. What you said is right; after all, your child is my junior sister-in-law. Our family has a villa in Yunzhou; if you go there, I'll ensure the safety of you and your child. Think it over yourself and let me know when you've made up your mind." With that, Ye Li disregarded Aunt Zhao's reaction and headed towards the inner chambers.

Although Aunt Zhao came from a lowly background, she had once been a daughter of a scholarly family and knew well what Yunzhou was. She also understood that it was where the best academy in Great Chu, Mount Li Academy, stood. The academy belonged to the Xu Family. What Ye Li said about ensuring her safety in Yunzhou wasn't merely empty words. In any case, even if Lady Wang fell from grace, she wouldn't be able to become a legitimate wife; Yunzhou was an area rich with culture and talent. If she could have a boy... It would still be better than waiting in the house for Lady Wang to take her life. With this in mind, Aunt Zhao got up again and knelt down, "Thank you, Third Miss, for your great kindness!"

Ye Li paused for a moment and said indifferently, "This is your own choice." A clear and elegant figure disappeared behind the screen.

Ye Li sat down and picked up a random book to read. There were better ways to handle U Aunt’s matter without causing herself so much trouble. Every woman in this world was pitiable; she couldn’t help them all even if she wanted to, nor did she have such great capabilities. Soon after, Qing Shuang came in with tea and asked, "Miss, why are you reading books again We’re not taking the imperial examinations."

"Going back" Ye Li put down her book and asked.

Qing Shuang nodded, "She left only after causing a commotion at the gate of our compound."

"U Aunt is intelligent; she might even inform Father about this matter." Ye Li took the tea cup from Qing Shuang’s hand and said with a smile.

Qing Shuang was worried, "Will Master punish Miss"

"Even if Father favors me more, he wouldn’t punish his daughter who is about to get married simply because an auntie complains," Ye Li replied.

"That’s good. I forgot that our Miss will be the future Queen Consort of Prince Ding." Even the Crown Princess of Li would have to greet and inquire after her welfare. "Miss agreed so quickly to help her; what if she bites back in the future…" Qing Shuang was a bit worried.said, "Stop her for me!"The two maids immediately stepped forward from both sides to block Ye Li's path. A cold light flashed in Ye Li’s eyes as a glint of coldness appeared under her sleeve; the silv...