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CHAPTER 10 - THE YE FAMILY'S DARLING (PART TWO)
After introducing Yun Qingqiao to the servants, the old Duke gestured for them to leave. The sheer number of attendants, numbering in the hundreds, was quite overwhelming for Yun Qingqiao. She was beginning to realize the true extent of her maternal grandfather's influence.
The Duke then introduced her to her four uncles. Her eldest uncle, Ye Hongde, is the current Duke and founder of the renowned Changsi Academy. Initially, the academy was a Ye family institution known for its holistic education, covering everything from reading and writing to military tactics and martial arts. It stood out among other academies and was highly sought after by influential families in the Chu region.
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At the time, the old Duke of Dingnan had retired from political life. Except for his eldest son, all his other sons had become generals. Despite his scholarly and martial prowess, Ye Hongde chose not to pursue a military or political career but stayed close to his parents. His dedication and filial piety were rewarded when an essay he wrote caught the Emperor's attention, ensuring he would inherit the title of Duke. He transformed the Ye family's institution into the famous Changsi Academy, which was unique for its balanced approach to both academic and martial education.
Ye Hongde's educational philosophy was not only focused on academic learning but also martial arts—caring for one's health during times of peace and protecting oneself during tumultuous times. His motto was to "reflect thrice daily upon oneself." Yun Qingqiao and her attendants would later reap the lifelong benefits of studying at Changsi Academy, but that is a story for another time.
Her second uncle, Ye Hongda; third uncle, Ye Hongkai; and fourth uncle, Ye Hongxuan, were all accomplished generals. Each one bore a striking resemblance to the old Duke, their father. As it was the New Year season, all three had recently returned to the Duke of Dingnan's estate. Upon meeting their hitherto unknown niece, they were immediately taken with her, mainly because she looked so much like their own sister.
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Yun Qingqiao respectfully greeted each of her uncles in turn. Just then, her talkative maternal grandfather began to describe the history of the Dingnan Duke's estate eloquently. She also learned why her original self had been betrothed from birth.
It turns out that during the founding of the great Rui Dynasty, the Ye family ancestors were among the closest and most trusted advisors to the first emperor. They had fought bravely for him, earning countless military honors. Once the founding emperor ascended to the throne, he rewarded those instrumental in his rise to power. The Ye family's ancestor was bestowed with the title of Duke of Dingnan, a hereditary title passed down through the generations.
With the dynasty stable and the citizens living in peace, the founding Emperor and the Ye family's ancestor eventually died. Later, a new Emperor ascended to the throne. However, a rebellion led by a feudal lord soon broke out. Yun Qingqiao's maternal grandfather, the current Duke of Dingnan, played a crucial role in quelling the uprising.
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When it came time for rewards, adhering to the family's long-standing principle of "maintaining one's role and not overshadowing the sovereign," the Duke submitted his military powers to the Emperor. He requested permission to move his family to the scenic region of Chuzhou. The usually suspicious new Emperor was deeply moved by this and declared, "I have eight sons, and you have three. If you ever have a daughter, I will permit her to choose a husband from among my sons to become his main wife."
Two years after the Ye family moved to Chuzhou, the Duke had another son, Ye Hongxuan, whose birth was celebrated by the Emperor. Three years later, a daughter named Ye Heying was born. She, too, was congratulated with imperial grace. When Ye Heying turned fifteen and came of age, all of the Emperor's sons had already chosen their primary wives. Not wanting to relegate Ye Heying to the status of a concubine, the Emperor made her the Countess of Anping and gave her the freedom to marry as she wished. However, the marriage pact was extended to the next generation, decreeing that a royal prince must marry a daughter from the Ye family.
By the time Yun Qingqiao was born, all her uncles had only sons, and Ye Heying had a daughter. Therefore, Yun Qingqiao was betrothed to the then Second Prince, the crown prince, as soon as she was born.
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