Yuan Lili’s Scheming

“Is this really what he wants?” Grandma Yu questioned her daughter.

“Mom, if Yu He ends up with that prince and bears his child, she’ll likely become a princess,” Aunt Yu chuckled. “The royal family needs heirs even more than we do.” The throne struggle on Star One was fierce, and princes were highly sought after, far surpassing Zhang Yuming in status and looks. Aunt Yu doubted Yu He could resist such a high-status opportunity.

Grandma Yu, reflecting on her son and Yu He’s actions, realized they probably preferred the power of Prince Caser over Zhang Yuming. With Grandma Yu calmed down, Aunt Yu and Ye Mo breathed easier.

Meanwhile, Yu He, having realized who these men worked for, stopped resisting. Between Zhang Yuming and the influential Prince Caser, the choice was clear. She preferred being a lesser princess to someone powerful rather than staying with Zhang Yuming.

Yu He then made a request: she wanted her mother, Yuan Lili, to join her, knowing she might never return to Kamo Star. The men agreed, and soon Yuan Lili was brought along. Prince Caser’s influence on Kamo Star was almost as absolute as Star One’s.

Upon meeting, Yu He explained everything to her mother. Yuan Lili, tapping her fingers thoughtfully, suggested, “Since the law prevents selling pregnant women, why not marry her off?”

Yu He was puzzled. “But we don’t even know where she is. How can we arrange a marriage?”

“As her stepmother, I have the right to make decisions,” Yuan Lili said, unaware that Ye Mo had already changed her household registration.

“She’s already changed her registration,” Yu He revealed. “She moved it under her mom’s name and took Grandma and Auntie with her. She’s no longer under our control.”

Yuan Lili’s face darkened. “Who did she think she was, moving her registration without permission?”

“Mom, who were you thinking of marrying her to?” Yu He asked.

“My brother doesn’t have a family. That girl is pregnant; she’d suit him just fine,” Yuan Lili replied.

Yu He shivered at the thought of her uncle—overweight and repulsive. “Mom, Grandma wouldn’t agree to that.”

“We don’t have to ask,” Yuan Lili said confidently. “I’ll just call Ye Mo myself. She used to listen to me.” Yuan Lili regretted not marrying Ye Mo off earlier when she was still obedient.

Ye Mo, sleeping peacefully, was abruptly woken by her buzzing wristwatch. Seeing Yuan Lili’s name, she declined the call. After three more attempts, she blocked the number, knowing no good could come from answering at such an hour (middle of the night).

Furious at being blocked, Yuan Lili tried calling Aunt Yu instead.

Recognizing the number, Aunt Yu answered cautiously. “What do you want, Sister-in-law?”

“I need to see you all. Tell me where you are!”

“Sister-in-law, you’d best conserve your energy. We don’t need you. Stay away from us,” Aunt Yu replied coldly.

“Yu Minjia, I am your sister-in-law!” Yuan Lili insisted.

“I know, so you don’t need to yell. I’m married now; you have no authority over me,” Aunt Yu dismissed her.

“What about mom? You won’t let me see her?”

“Mom doesn’t want to see you or hear from you. And don’t bother thinking about Ye Mo—she’s under General Mo’s protection now,” Aunt Yu said firmly.

These words stung Yu He. She had always admired General Mo, the youngest and most handsome general. If she could have approached him, she’d never have bothered with Zhang Yuming. But now, knowing he was protecting Ye Mo, Yu He felt she had lost her chance.

Yuan Lili, furious at the continued rejections, hung up. She dared not contact her mother-in-law directly, fearing further disgrace.

The next morning, Grandma Yu received a letter from the housekeeper, stating that Yu Fengqi had awakened and wanted to see her before leaving Kamo Star. Moved, Grandma Yu decided to meet him, fearing she might never get another chance.

Grandma Yu was tempted but she knew that neither Aunt Yu nor Ye Mo would agree with her going. So she decided that she would quietly go over and take a look, just a quick glance would be enough

However, it was a trap set by Yuan Lili and Yu He—Yu Fengqi hadn’t woken up at all.

When Grandma Yu arrived, she found Yuan Lili and her grotesque brother waiting. “Where’s Fengqi?” Grandma Yu demanded.

“He’s at home. But what about Ye Mo? Won’t she come to see her father one last time?” Yuan Lili asked, her tone calculating.

Grandma Yu narrowed her eyes. “Ye Mo won’t be coming. I can represent her.” She sensed something off about Yuan Lili’s behavior.

“Mom, Ye Mo’s pregnant. Are you really okay with her being unmarried?” Yuan Lili pressed, her eyes gleaming with manipulation.

“She doesn’t need to marry. She can raise her child on her own,” Grandma Yu replied firmly.

“I’m doing this for Ye Mo’s sake. Think about it, Momo is unmarried and has a child, isn’t that burdensome?” Yuan Lili insisted, thinking her logic was flawless.

(End of Chapter)