“Oh, I see.” Second Madam’s eyes flickered with surprise. Since Elder Brother had a proper wife, why wasn’t the household managed by her, but instead by a concubine? Though she thought this, having just returned, it wasn’t her place to comment. And in any case, household management wasn’t for the second branch to meddle in.
Ye Bochang himself hesitated to speak. His sister‑in‑law had been of good family, virtuous and kind, yet Elder Brother hadn’t cherished her, favoring Concubine Wei instead. For this, he had often quarreled with their father.
Ye Bochang had tried to advise him, but it only worsened things, breeding suspicion between brothers. Elder Brother thought he meant to compete for the Ye family’s inheritance.
So when Ye Bochang passed the exams and had the chance to serve elsewhere, he took his wife and daughter away. He had thought that after Father’s death, Elder Brother’s remarriage and new position as head of the family would make him wiser. And indeed, his recent promotion had been thanks to Elder Brother’s help. Thinking of this, he realized his sister‑in‑law wasn’t present. “Brother, why haven’t I seen Sister‑in‑law?”
“Oh, she’s gone with Guizhou to her family’s home for a short stay. She’ll return in a few days.”
“….” Ye Bochang wanted to say more, but his wife gently shook her head, so he held his tongue.
“Qingzhou, why are you only now returning? Come greet your Second Uncle, Second Aunt, and Second Sister,” Concubine Wei bustled about serving dishes, hurrying to call her son. The next instant, she cried out in alarm. “Your face—what happened? Who struck you?”
At her shout, everyone turned to look.
Ye Lingzhou, who never got along with this elder brother, burst out laughing at the sight. “Brother, your face looks hilarious. Don’t know which hero hit you—too bad it was only one side. Should’ve been harder.”
Ye Sangzhi glanced at Ye Lingzhou. Clearly, Ye Lingzhou and Concubine Wei’s children were at odds.
“Qingzhou, what happened?” Ye Yunchang was shocked, forgetting to scold Ye Lingzhou. His eldest son had always been the most sensible, never so disheveled.
Ye Qingzhou raised his head awkwardly, eyes flicking from Ye Sangzhi’s gentle smile to Ye Lingzhou’s mocking grin. Hatred flashed briefly before he looked away. “It’s nothing. Just an accident outside—I was mistakenly injured.”
He longed to tear apart those detestable siblings then and there, but he couldn’t. If it became a scene before Second Uncle’s family, Father would demand the truth, and he would gain nothing. So he bowed respectfully to Ye Bochang’s family. “Second Uncle, Second Aunt, Second Sister.”
Ye Bochang smiled and nodded, about to ask after him, when Ye Sangli quickly spoke up: “Brother, what accident? How were you hurt? Who was it? Do they not know your status, to treat you so?”
Concubine Wei examined his injury, then turned to Ye Yunchang with tears. “Master, Qingzhou has always been sensible, never causing trouble. You must stand up for him.”
“Qingzhou, tell me—who hurt you?” Ye Yunchang asked, distressed for his beloved son.
“Yes, Brother, I’m curious too. Who was so blind as to injure the Earl’s son? Speak, so Father can avenge you.”
“Father, Mother, don’t ask anymore. I’m really fine. I’ll return to my courtyard to take care of it. Don’t wait for me at dinner—I’ll excuse myself.” Ye Qingzhou was seething. That Ye Sangzhi could really put on an act—she had been the one to hit him, yet pretended to know nothing. Infuriating! No wonder she had already managed to humble her mother and sister upon her return. Today’s humiliation, he would remember.
“Go then, I’ll come check on you later,” Concubine Wei said, still worried, and ordered someone to fetch a physician.
The meal was eaten with everyone harboring different thoughts. Afterward, no one lingered in chatter; each returned to their own courtyard.
Ye Sangzhi’s quarters were near Ye Lingzhou’s. She had hoped to walk back with him, to talk along the way. But this younger brother dashed off first, eager to escape. She shook her head helplessly. Never mind—there was time. Building sibling bonds would have to be slow. Back in her courtyard, Nanxing and Bianliu were preparing to eat the hotpot. She sat down. “Why haven’t you started?”
Nanxing handed her a bowl and chopsticks warmly. “We were waiting for you, Miss. I just reheated it.”
“No, I can’t eat. You two go ahead—I’ll sit with you.”
“Then we’ll eat.”
“Yes, go on.”
Bianliu took a bite, but didn’t forget business. “By the way, Miss, I’ve learned some things about Second Young Master.”
“Tell me,” Ye Sangzhi said seriously.
Bianliu set down his chopsticks and explained: “When Grandfather was alive, he always cared for Second Young Master. Grandfather didn’t meddle much in household affairs. Before the stepmother entered, the old steward managed things. After she came, Grandfather let her oversee the household and often encouraged closeness with Second Young Master. She truly treated him well. So Second Young Master liked to play with children his age, often drawing silver from the accounts. He frequently skipped lessons. For this, Master beat him many times. Also, Eldest Young Master and Third Miss dislike him. He has many conflicts with them, but each time, Master blames Second Young Master.”
Ye Sangzhi rubbed her brow, irritated. This family was truly a mess. She exhaled softly. “Bianliu, shadow Lingzhou these next few days. See what he likes to do. And find out which families those children he plays with belong to.”
Grandfather’s letters had always described Lingzhou as gentle, obedient, well‑liked. Perhaps after all he had endured, he had changed.
She felt like a failed sister, not returning sooner to protect him.
“Yes.”
“By the way, Miss, Old Madam Zhou’s cough still needs another course of treatment. When will you visit?” Nanxing asked.
Old Madam Zhou was the elderly woman they had saved on their way to the capital. She had been traveling to reunite with her son and daughter‑in‑law, and they had journeyed together.
When they parted, the old lady had thanked Ye Sangzhi profusely, fearful she might forget, repeating her son’s name and address several times.
Ye Sangzhi thought. “The day after tomorrow. Nanxing, tomorrow, go to the Zhou household and deliver a visiting card for Old Madam Zhou.”
“Of course. I’ll send it first thing in the morning.”