Ye Zhi felt a weight lift off her shoulders and smiled: "Mother, you worry too much. The Duke Mansion has invited so many people; what's the harm if I don't attend? Besides, how would the Empress know I'm not there? Nothing to worry about."
The Ye Family pondered, realizing it made sense. The little bit of scholarly work their youngest daughter did at the Imperial College might as well be forgotten beyond the clouds; elegance and poetic compositions are less suitable than giving her a long spear to wander the skies freely.
Since her daughter wasn't interested, the Ye Family didn't insist: "I'll decline for you then, saying you're not feeling well. It's best to stay indoors these days to avoid gossip."
Ye Zhi's eyes glimmered brightly, and she said: "Okay, thanks, Mother. I won't go out these days and will venture out on New Year's Eve. I've just got hold of a new storybook that will keep me entertained for a few days."
Huanhuan inquired, "Which book?"
