Those precious things—while Grandfather was alive, she wasn’t even worthy to glance at them. Only after his death did they fall into her hands. And now, just a few short years later, Ye Sangzhi had returned.
Concubine Wei took a cup of hot tea, feeling the chill around her ease slightly. She comforted her daughter: “Lier, of course, Mother knows you’ve been wronged. Don’t worry—you are my daughter, and I will see justice done for you. Your father will be back soon. But don’t cry before him, or he’ll think you don’t welcome your elder sister’s return.”
Ye Sangli pouted, confused. “But if I don’t say anything, how will Father stand up for me?” She had no desire to pretend to welcome Ye Sangzhi.
“You don’t understand. Your father doesn’t like her—he’s ignored her all these years. But since she’s just returned, seeing that face will stir some pity in him.
“If she takes your courtyard and you show no anger, even treat her kindly, while she remains cold and distant, your father will naturally side with you.”
Concubine Wei ground her teeth. That wretched girl—she had grown up so well, her features the spitting image of Zhang Yue, the dead wife, with traces of the old Grandfather and Grandmother too. Especially when she smiled—it was uncanny.
The old madam had died early, leaving the master with a longing for his mother, which made him close to his aunt. And though Grandfather had been strict and often at odds with his son, now that he was gone, the master’s resentment had faded into nostalgia.
Meanwhile, Nanxing and Bianliu sat with Ye Sangzhi by the fire in her newly reclaimed courtyard.
At first, the servants had tried to neglect her, but after seeing the steward and Nanny Zhang beaten, they hurried to deliver a brazier.
“Miss, by rights, your return was announced in advance. Even if the madam was visiting her family, she should have arranged things beforehand. Why leave it to Concubine Wei, a mere concubine? Could it be deliberate?” Nanxing asked, offering pastries.
“Perhaps deliberate. Or perhaps the steward’s authority isn’t in her hands, and she was powerless.”
When Grandfather passed, her stepmother Jiang had only just married into the Ye family. In his letters, he had spoken well of her—she seemed kind, attentive to her younger brother. Whether she remained so after Grandfather’s death, Ye Sangzhi did not yet know. She would see soon enough.
“Then, Miss, what’s the story with Concubine Wei? You’ve mentioned Grandfather, the former wife, and Second Young Master before—but why does Father favor a concubine so much?” Nanxing pressed curiously.
She and Bianliu had grown up with Ye Sangzhi. Though servants, their bond was deep, and in private they spoke freely.
Ye Sangzhi took a pastry, bit into it, and explained: “Concubine Wei’s mother was my grandmother’s younger sister. My grandaunt was generous, treating all her husband’s children equally. Concubine Wei was her favorite, always by her side.”
“When my grandmother fell ill, Concubine Wei came with her to visit the Ye family. Over time, she grew familiar with my father, her cousin by marriage. After my grandmother’s death, the families remained close.”
“But Concubine Wei was born of a concubine, her family not high in rank, her father only a minor official. In the capital, full of nobles, finding a good husband was difficult. The Ye family was powerful, and she saw in my father wealth and status. He, too, was inclined toward her, and so she entered the household.”
She spoke briefly, but it was enough. Such matters never happen alone. Her father was no better than Wei—snakes and rats in the same nest.
Bianliu frowned. “If that’s so, with the master protecting her, Concubine Wei will surely slander you before him.”
Wouldn’t that mean the young lady has just returned only to anger the master?
This was not Luoxia Valley, nor the frontier lands—she couldn’t simply kill people outright here.
Ye Sangzhi took her two maids by the hand. “It’s fine. I didn’t come back to rekindle father‑daughter affection with him.” She was no longer that little girl who longed for her father’s love.
Just then, a young maid entered, head bowed. “Eldest Miss, the Earl has returned. He asks you to come to Concubine Wei’s quarters to speak.”
“Go back and tell him I’ll wait in the main hall,” Ye Sangzhi said, brows furrowing slightly, though her tone remained gentle.
The maid looked confused. “But the Earl’s intention was…”
Ye Sangzhi replied firmly, “He is the head of the household, and I am his legitimate eldest daughter. On my first day back, is it proper for him to meet me casually in a concubine’s rooms?”
“Yes, Miss.” The maid dared not argue further and hurried away.
A stick of incense later, Ye Sangzhi met her father, Earl Huaiyi, Ye Yunchang, in the main hall.
After so many years, the once tall and handsome man of her memory had entered middle age, slightly plump, though still well‑kept. Clearly, life had been comfortable.
“So… you are Zhi’er?” At the sight of her, Ye Yunchang froze for a long moment before finding his voice. He looked awkward, staring at the familiar yet unfamiliar face. The questions he had meant to ask stuck in his throat. “You… was your journey smooth?”
“More or less,” Ye Sangzhi answered carelessly. “Father doesn’t mind if I sit while we talk, does he?”
“Of course not—” But before he finished, she had already seated herself.
“Father must have something to say to me. Please, speak plainly.”
Ye Yunchang grew more uncomfortable. He remembered her as a child—obedient, cheerful, lovable. How had eleven years changed her so much? Shouldn’t their reunion be full of tears and longing?
After a pause, he asked with concern: “Your letters said you’d arrive by Lantern Festival. Why are you late? Did something happen?”
“Mm, the roads were icy. We were delayed,” Ye Sangzhi replied casually, unwilling to explain further.
“And how is Grandfather Cen?” Ye Yunchang sat beside her.
“He’s well—eats, sleeps, and is healthy.” At the mention of Grandfather Cen, Ye Sangzhi’s smile grew genuine.
Ye Yunchang continued: “Then why not bring him to the capital? He was your grandfather’s closest friend, and now he’s old, with no children to care for him. If he came here, I, as his junior, could repay him for all the years he looked after you.”