Ye Cheng, weeping bitterly, said: “It was the Eldest Miss’s maid who struck me. Please, hurry to the Third Miss’s courtyard.”
Seeing his condition, it was obvious Ye Sangzhi had caused trouble. Concubine Wei no longer cared about appearances—lifting her heavy skirts, she ran.
Meanwhile, Ye Sangli returned to her courtyard with her maids, only to find her belongings thrown out of the room.
“Who did this?” she shouted angrily. These were her most cherished possessions—what reckless servant dared?
“I did.” A clear, melodious voice came from inside, followed by a graceful figure.
Ye Sangzhi smiled brightly at her half‑sister, Concubine Wei’s daughter. “Third Sister, long time no see. Oh, you probably don’t remember me—I’m Ye Sangzhi, your legitimate elder sister.”
“You’re Eldest Sister!” Ye Sangli froze. When her sister left, she had been only three years old, so she had little memory of her. But her mother often mentioned her—with gnashing teeth and hatred. And now, having just met, this sister had thrown out her things. How could she possibly like her? “Why did you throw my things? You’re outrageous!”
Ye Sangli grew angrier, shouting: “This is my courtyard! How dare you come here and touch my belongings? Get out!”
Ye Sangzhi sneered. “Your courtyard? This place was built by Grandfather especially for me. I lived here from birth. Everything inside, every blade of grass, was chosen by Grandfather and Mother. Do you really think a concubine’s daughter deserves to live here? When Grandfather was alive, even in my absence, no one was allowed to touch this courtyard. I suppose you only moved in after his death. And now, after a few years of squatting in another’s nest, you claim it as yours?” Her gentle smile vanished, and her gaze sharpened.
Ye Sangli was instantly intimidated. Though a concubine’s daughter, she had always been treated like a legitimate one, pampered by her father and respected by all. Even at banquets, she was admired. She knew this courtyard had belonged to her sister, and it was only after Grandfather’s death that her father had allowed her to move in. Before that, no amount of pleading could win her entry.
But since Father had given it to her, surely it was hers. What was wrong with that? She had replaced the furnishings with finer ones, planted the most expensive flowers—she had grown attached to this place. How could she give it up?
Her neck stiffened, though her tone softened slightly. “What usurping another’s nest? That’s too harsh. Father gave me this courtyard—it’s mine now. There are plenty of empty courtyards. Can’t you choose another?”
She truly loved this courtyard and couldn’t bear to lose it.
“No.” Ye Sangzhi refused without hesitation.
“You…” Ye Sangli was so furious that she wanted to strike her.
“Hey! What are you doing? Don’t touch my things, put them down!” Ye Sangli cried desperately. While she argued with Ye Sangzhi, her sister’s maids continued moving her belongings, ignoring her scolding and working even faster. Ye Sangzhi deliberately blocked her path, preventing her from entering.
Just then, Concubine Wei finally arrived.
Nanxing and Bianliu, seeing Concubine Wei arrive, stopped moving things and instead stood to the left and right of Ye Sangzhi. Their stance made it clear they were not to be trifled with.
Ye Sangli clutched her mother’s sleeve, her voice trembling with tears: “Mother, Ye Sangzhi is too much—she threw all my things out!”
Concubine Wei gently patted her daughter’s hand, signaling her not to worry. Then, with a kindly expression, she turned to Ye Sangzhi: “Sangzhi, you’ve come back! After such a long journey, you must be exhausted. I’ve already prepared a courtyard for you. If you wish to catch up with your sister, why not rest first?” She spoke as if nothing had happened, ignoring the belongings scattered outside.
“Yes, it was tiring. Since you’re here, Concubine Wei, have the servants hurry with the moving so I can rest sooner,” Ye Sangzhi replied casually, her lips curling faintly.
Wei Yao—her father’s beloved childhood sweetheart, the first concubine in Ye family history. This woman had caused her mother endless suffering, even her death. And now, finally, they met again.
Wei Yao was inwardly furious but outwardly feigned calm. “I know this courtyard was originally yours, and by rights it should be returned. But Lier has lived here for years—she cannot move out so quickly. Besides, this was your father’s decision. When Lier moved in, I warned him you might be unhappy, but he said as the elder sister, you would not quibble with your younger sibling. I could not go against him.
“Furthermore, the new courtyard I arranged may be a bit remote, but it is quiet and elegant. You’ve just returned, and the household is busy with its affairs and rules. Surely you’d prefer peace while you adjust. My intentions are good. If you’re dissatisfied, endure for a few days. When the weather improves, you may choose any empty courtyard you like, and I’ll have it decorated ten times better than Lier’s.”
“Mother!” Ye Sangli protested, unhappy with this suggestion.
If Father truly cared for Ye Sangzhi, he wouldn’t have left her outside the capital for eleven years. And now her mother wanted to prepare a fine courtyard for her? Absurd!
“Lier, hush! As long as your elder sister is happy, we can bear some grievance,” Concubine Wei scolded lightly.
“After so many years, Concubine Wei, your tongue has only grown sharper. Every word implies I am unreasonable, that I don’t know how to behave. Truly, what a noble act of repaying evil with virtue.” Ye Sangzhi brushed her sleeve and sat leisurely in the chair Bianliu had brought, her posture relaxed.
“Sangzhi, you misunderstand. My intentions are sincere. If you are unhappy, speak freely. I will do my utmost to care for you, so you suffer no grievance.” Concubine Wei put on the look of one long‑suffering yet magnanimous.
Over the years, she had won many hearts, so much so that some of the servants nearby now looked at Ye Sangzhi with open displeasure.