“Yes.” Qian Zhongwen dragged a stool over and slumped down, groaning in agreement. He hurt badly from that kick—felt like his ribs were broken.
That Ye Sangzhi was nothing but a shrew. Just a few words said about her, and she lost her temper like that. Her servant was also a shrew—an aggressive one! Truly, like master, like servant.
By now, many people had witnessed the scene. The innkeeper, alerted by the waiters, hurried over.
“Gentlemen, forgive us. Our humble establishment failed to serve you properly. I beg your pardon.” He didn’t know exactly what had happened, but he knew these young masters were not ones he could afford to offend. Apologize first, that was safest. And since they were regulars, they wouldn’t refuse to pay for damages.
“Brothers, let’s leave,” Ye Qingzhou said, his face burning with shame. He couldn’t bear to stay another moment.
“Let’s go.”
The three said no more, settled the bill, and slunk away.
“Hmm, is something the matter?”
“Second Master, Second Madam, and Second Miss are in the main hall. Would you like to meet them?”
Second Master?
Ye Sangzhi thought for a moment. Ah yes—she had nearly forgotten. The Ye family had two branches.
But this Second Uncle was not Grandfather’s son, but rather from a collateral line. His parents had died young, leaving him to be raised by clan elders. Grandfather, seeing him orphaned yet diligent and bright—a promising scholar—brought him into the Earl’s household, raising him as a son alongside her father. At first, he called Grandfather “Uncle.” But over time, affection grew, and he came to treat Grandfather as his true father.
She remembered that before she left the estate as a child, this Second Uncle had already passed the exams and gone out with his wife and daughter to serve as an official. Now he had returned—likely promoted.
Thinking of this, Ye Sangzhi’s face lit with a genuine smile. More family at home—how wonderful.
“Nanxing, take the food back and share it with Bianliu. I’ll go greet Second Uncle’s family.”
“Yes, Miss.”
Soon she arrived at the hall.
Aside from Ye Qingzhou, her stepmother at her natal home, and her younger brother, everyone else was present.
“Zhi’er, you’ve returned,” Ye Yunchang said, wearing the mask of a loving father. He had thought long the night before. Her coldness must be resentment that he hadn’t cared for her all these years. After all, she had been sent away so young. A little temper was understandable. He decided he must be gentler, to mend their bond. She was grown now, of marriageable age. If she found a good match, it would benefit Ye Qingzhou as well.
“Come greet your Second Uncle, Second Aunt, and Second Sister.”
On such occasions, Ye Sangzhi was willing to give her father face. She walked forward obediently and bowed. “Greetings, Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Second Sister.”
“Zhi’er has grown so much. Truly, girls change at eighteen—she’s become a beautiful young lady.” Second Aunt, Madam Zheng, took her hand warmly, her scholarly air gentle. She accepted a box from her maid, opening it to reveal a trove of jewelry beloved by girls. “These aren’t valuable, just a small token of my heart. Wear them as you like.”
“Thank you, Second Aunt. I love them.” Ye Sangzhi was delighted to receive gifts.
Across the room, Ye Sangli’s face soured. She also had received a gift earlier—but nowhere near as many as her elder sister.
At first, Ye Sangli had been glad about Second Uncle’s family returning. But now her thoughts shifted immediately. Hmph—she had thought they were good people, but they too bowed to the powerful and trampled the weak. Wasn’t it just because she was a concubine’s daughter?
Bah! She was still a true‑born child of the Ye family. What did Second Uncle’s family amount to? They only basked in Grandfather’s favor. Why pretend otherwise?
Sensing her mood, Concubine Wei tugged lightly at her sleeve, smiling to remind her to mind her attitude.
Ye Sangli shot Ye Sangzhi a secret glare before lowering her eyes to hide her feelings.
“Greetings, Eldest Sister. I am Sangyan. I still remember when we played together as children. I’ve missed you all these years, and now we’re finally reunited,” the young girl beside them said sweetly.
Ye Sangzhi turned her gaze to Ye Sangyan. The girl’s bright eyes and white teeth, her smile like a spring breeze—she was truly beautiful. But she resembled neither Second Uncle nor Second Aunt. She seemed to have little trace of childhood features. By contrast, Second Brother Ye Lingzhou, Ye Qingzhou, and Third Sister Sangli all bore clear likenesses to their parents. She wondered—did her youngest brother resemble her stepmother? But children not resembling their parents wasn’t unusual. Nothing strange. Speaking of which, that stepmother should be returning soon. She was rather curious to meet her.
“Zhi’er, have you been well these years?” Second Uncle Ye Bochang asked.
Ye Sangzhi answered obediently, “All is well. Seeing Second Uncle so joyful, your return must be for good news.”
Her father, Ye Yunchang, spoke from the main seat: “Zhi’er, your Second Uncle has been promoted to Vice Minister of Rites. He’s returned to the capital to take up the post. Though the rank isn’t very high, he’ll be stationed here with more chances for advancement. Most importantly, our family won’t be separated anymore.”
“That is wonderful. Congratulations, Second Uncle.” Ye Sangzhi was genuinely pleased. Though not Grandfather’s son, Second Uncle had always been treated equally, with high hopes.
Grandfather often said he wished his sons to be harmonious, supporting each other, so the Ye family would prosper and honor their ancestors. That was his hope—and hers too.
“I owe thanks not only to His Majesty’s grace, but also to my elder brother for speaking on my behalf,” Ye Bochang said gratefully to Ye Yunchang.
Their return had been delayed when the official who was meant to replace him met with misfortune. He had thought he’d never return to the capital. But his elder brother had spoken well of him before the emperor, securing another replacement and allowing him to return smoothly.
“You and I are brothers. Helping each other is natural. No need for thanks.” Ye Yunchang waved it off. “Now that you’re back, let’s all dine together today to welcome you home.”
“I’ll arrange it at once.” Concubine Wei spoke at the right moment: “Second Master, Second Madam, I’ve already had your courtyard cleaned and prepared. Your luggage has been moved in. Later, if anything displeases you, I’ll have it adjusted.”
“Thank you, Concubine Wei,” Second Madam Zheng smiled.
Concubine Wei replied politely, “I manage the inner household. It’s my duty. If you need anything, just tell me.”