Chapter 544 - 543: Innocence

Chapter 544: Chapter 543: Innocence

Stubborn and malevolent—these two words have nothing to do with Huang Jie and Ye Yuzhi.

Yet even so, Huang Jie felt an emptiness inside her.

She knew her personality and demeanor were not endearing. Even if she focused entirely on getting along with Ye Yuzhi, she couldn’t find a way.

In Huang Jie’s eyes, the only examples of marital relationships were those of her parents and her already married sisters, where, without exception, the women held the dominant position.

Her sisters had outgoing personalities from a young age, and as their mother would say, they were even somewhat outspoken. If their in-laws dared to neglect them in the slightest, they absolutely wouldn’t tolerate it.

Their mother, having studied and written since childhood, was not as straightforward as the sisters. However, her words were consistent and clear at home.

Perhaps because their father often led troops away and the mother managed household affairs in the Capital, General Huang almost always heeded his wife’s words, giving her face.

Huang Jie only knew such marriages and had no experience with anything else. Clearly, she couldn’t be like her sisters.

Seeing Huang Jie’s deep thoughts and furrowed brow, Du Yunluo softly asked her, "What are you thinking about?"

"What should I do?" Huang Jie murmured her thoughts aloud, almost to her own surprise, and then covered her lips with her hands, shaking her head awkwardly. After a while, she continued, "I don’t know how to act to make others satisfied with me."

Du Yunluo chuckled gently, her gaze warm: "Are you worried about feeling out of place at Duke Jing Mansion and not knowing how to interact with Young Master Ye?"

Lightly biting her lip, Huang Jie nodded.

Du Yunluo was not worried about matters at Duke Jing Mansion.

Even if Huang Jie hadn’t learned household management from her mother, it wouldn’t matter; in any case, the affairs of Duke Jing Mansion wouldn’t fall on her shoulders. The affairs of the new wife of the young Marquis would be firmly in hand, and this daughter-in-law wouldn’t be involved.

The only matters Huang Jie needed to manage were those between her and Ye Yuzhi. If Huang Jie was experienced, it would come naturally. If she wasn’t, Aunt Liao would subtly guide and teach her. Huang Jie was not foolish and would surely learn.

Now that Ye Yuzhi has secured an official position, albeit a Secondary Seventh Rank, his future is promising, and under the watchful eyes of the Ying Family, Duke Jing Mansion would find it less easy to suppress him.

Huang Jie had a gentle disposition, but this marriage was arranged by the palace. As long as Ye Yuzhi maintains his dignity in front of the Holy Emperor, the elder Marquis couple, though muddle-headed, at worst might verbally provoke Huang Jie slightly; they wouldn’t dare excessively.

Furthermore, with the elder Marquis couple, the legitimate children left by the young Marquis’s original wife, the new wife, and Ye Yuzhi, who was gradually distancing himself from Duke Mansion, the three parties balanced each other, more stable than if there were only two.

Du Yunluo explained these truths carefully to Huang Jie.

Initially feeling a bit embarrassed, Huang Jie listened attentively due to Du Yunluo’s sincerity and her consideration for her in everything.

After finishing, Du Yunluo picked up her teacup, took a sip to moisten her throat, and glanced slightly towards Mu Lianxiao’s group.

"As for interacting with Young Master Ye," Du Yunlo lowered her voice, smiling, "I only know he’s a good person, but as for what kind of woman he likes, I can’t guess.

However, since you two are now bound together, you will try to get along with him, just as he will with you.

Don’t overthink it. Whatever satisfies or dissatisfies you, tell him directly. If you like him, you should tell him even more."

Huang Jie blushed, unsure whether to nod or not.

At this, Zhuang Ke laughed so hard she almost couldn’t straighten up: "You must have talked like this to Uncle Three quite a bit?"

Du Yunluo had a much thicker skin than Huang Jie. Hearing Zhuang Ke’s words, though her face flushed, she continued to smile brightly: "So what if I did?"

Seeing Du Yunluo’s straightforwardness, Huang Jie finally felt less uneasy, remembering their advice today. She whispered, "I will carefully contemplate Madam and the Commandery Princess’s words."

With these words, Du Yunluo felt more at ease, at least knowing Huang Jie wasn’t rejecting this marriage.

Thinking of this, Du Yunluo sighed inwardly. Although Huang Jie was meticulous in her thoughts, she was very pure, without complex ideas.

It’s better this way — being pure, though not skillful enough to navigate every intrigue in Jing Mansion, she wouldn’t dwell excessively, turning herself into another schemer within the Duke Mansion.

With this side abuzz with lively chatter and occasional laughter, two rounds of drinks were again added over where Mu Lianxiao sat.

The sweet scent of osmanthus wine was pleasant—smooth to the taste but not intoxicating—and those men with a high capacity for alcohol refined it as hardly wine.

Yet, today wasn’t about drinking heavily before departing.

Having stated the palace’s intentions, naturally, the topic shifted to matters of the court.

Once the gathering ended, Du Yunluo prepared some osmanthus cakes in the kitchen for Huang Jie to take home.

After boarding the carriage, Huang Jie looked out the veil-draped window as they passed through the gate, seeing Huang Yun bidding farewell to others.

Her gaze rested on Ye Yuzhi.

In the sunlight, Ye Yuzhi stood in his simple blue robe; his features as clear as stars exuded the gentle demeanor of a capital aristocratic son. He stood very straight, his lips pursed, and from Huang Jie’s viewpoint, seemed to carry a slight smile.

While watching Ye Yuzhi, he seemed wholly unaware, conversing casually with Mu Lianxiao.

Seeing this, Huang Jie mustered the courage to glance a few more times, then gently bit her lip.

Although all four of them were martial artists and had been on the battlefield, Ye Yuzhi appeared different from Huang Yun and the Mu brothers.

Perhaps it was because Ye Yuzhi’s complexion was whiter, or maybe, other reasons Huang Jie couldn’t comprehend.

After finishing their conversation, Huang Yun took the horse reins from the servant and mounted with ease.

Following Huang Yun’s lead, the coachman flicked the whip, and the carriage rode past Ye Yuzhi.

At that moment, Ye Yuzhi, who had casually kept his gaze elsewhere, turned, his eyes skimming past the curtain.

Although separated by the veil, and logically Ye Yuzhi couldn’t see Huang Jie inside, she felt as if their eyes met for a fleeting moment.

In her panic, she quickly looked down, frozen in her seat.

As the carriage left the alley, the street’s vibrant noise filled her ears, and Huang Jie slowly regained her composure.

Only then did she hear her heartbeat—heavy and rapid.

She didn’t yet know if she could get along with that person, but at this moment, she realized she must continue engaging with Ye Yuzhi.

Even if today’s first meeting was only a mere glimpse.

Huang Jie sighed longly, leaning wearily against the pillow.

In Suru Garden, the maids and matrons were tidying up.

As the guests departed, Du Yunluo, not intending to linger, took Zhuang Ke and the children back to Marquis Mansion.