“Brothers, let’s drop it!”
“Qingzhou, with us here, what are you afraid of?”
The next second, the private room door was kicked open, nearly off its hinges. All three turned, shocked, at the woman who had kicked it in.
“Who are you?”
Nanxing said nothing, her face cold as she stepped aside.
Ye Sangzhi walked out from behind her, smiling.
The three men faltered.
Ye Qingzhou was stunned. He was only three months younger than Ye Sangzhi, and when she left home, he already remembered things. But back then, aside from his concubine mother and father, no one liked him—he was just a concubine’s son.
Ye Sangzhi, however, was the most cherished in the household: the legitimate eldest daughter, with noble birth, a powerful maternal family, and a Grand Tutor grandfather who personally taught her.
He had always been like a timid mouse, hiding in shadows, secretly watching her. Though this was the first time he saw her grown, he recognized her instantly—her face was unmistakable. But why was she here? And how much had she overheard?
The other two were shocked that such a beautiful woman had behaved so rudely, kicking down a door. Was she mad?
“Good brother, long time no see,” Ye Sangzhi said first.
The three were startled again.
Ye Qingzhou: *It really is her!*
The other two: *Who is she calling brother?*
“Greetings, Eldest Sister.” Ye Qingzhou quickly composed himself, masking his expression, rising to bow with the air of a refined young man.
“Is Eldest Sister here to dine? With whom?”
Ye Sangzhi’s lips curved in a mocking smile. “What a funny question. This is a restaurant—if I’m here, it’s to eat. Or do you mean, like you, to meet two men and gossip about family matters?”
Ye Qingzhou’s face froze. She had heard?
She continued: “And whether I came alone or with someone—why should I report to you? As for you, after years of study, you’re still a fool, using what little wit you have to slander your legitimate sister. Is this what Father and your concubine mother taught you?”
Before Ye Qingzhou could reply, a tall, thin man stood up to defend him. “Hey now, Miss Ye, don’t go too far. Your words are harsh. How can a young lady be so coarse, with no manners at all?”
“Who are you?” Ye Sangzhi asked.
“I am Qingzhou’s good friend, Sun Yunzong. My father is also an official of the court.” Sun Yunzong bowed casually, his face full of disdain. He admired Ye Sangli and couldn’t bear to see her bullied, so his gaze at Sangzhi was full of anger—a beautiful face, but venomous—nothing like the pure and sweet Miss Sangli.
“Since your father is a court official, surely he has ability. Yet he raised you into a gossiping busybody? Wasn’t it you who said my mother was dead, my brother useless, and that you wouldn’t forgive me?”
Ye Sangzhi’s aura pressed down. “You call me ill‑mannered, harsh. Then tell me—how do you plan not to forgive me? By plotting in secret? Or by having your father impeach me in court?”
“You’re unreasonable, impossible!” Sun Yunzong faltered. He was reckless, but he knew the Sun family couldn’t afford to offend the Ye family.
Damn it—she had heard everything.
“Miss Ye, how could you eavesdrop? That’s too rude,” muttered the slightly plump man beside him.
“And you are?” Ye Sangzhi asked coolly.
Ye Sangzhi turned her gaze.
“I am Qian Zhongwen. Miss Ye, we didn’t say anything bad about you, just casual chatter. We wouldn’t spread it. You’re overthinking. But kicking down the door like that—too rough, don’t you think?”
Qian Zhongwen rolled his eyes inwardly. His family wasn’t as prestigious, but they were wealthy. He had heard plenty from Qingzhou about this Eldest Miss, and naturally had no fondness for her.
Ye Sangzhi chuckled. “Why rush to clear yourself? Who’s overthinking—you or me? Just now, you called me an ugly monster, said I disgraced propriety, and even wanted to plot a lesson for me. What lesson? Tell me—I’d love to hear.” She looked genuinely interested.
“You… hmph. A straight body fears no crooked shadow. Even if I said it, so what? You bullied others first.” Qian Zhongwen’s face burned. Gossiping was wrong, especially when caught by the subject. But he refused to apologize.
“To slander the daughter of an earl—getting beaten is no injustice.” Ye Sangzhi’s smile vanished.
At once, Nanxing kicked Qian Zhongwen. He was plump and clumsy, and the solid kick sent him sprawling, his head thudding against the floor with a dull “bang.” Dizzy pain filled his skull.
“Eldest Sister, how can you injure people like this? Stop your maid at once!”
Lawless!
“Don’t worry. I’m always fair—I won’t play favorites,” Ye Sangzhi said coolly.
Nanxing wasn’t as skilled as Bianliu, but kicking pampered young masters was easy. Her next kick landed on Sun Yunzong, who was still stunned, sending him down as well.
Ye Qingzhou, however, was struck personally—Sangzhi slapped him hard.
*Smack!*
The crisp sound echoed. A clear red handprint bloomed on his cheek.
“This slap isn’t for disrespecting your legitimate sister. It’s for failing to uphold the Ye family. You think slandering me outside benefits you? Don’t forget—you bear the Ye name too. Since you’re a Ye, before speaking or acting, use that tofu‑brain of yours to consider whether your words damage the family’s reputation. If I hear or see you act foolish again, it won’t just be one slap.”
Ignoring his hateful glare, Ye Sangzhi finished her righteous speech—words even she found hypocritical. She flicked her sleeve, ordered Nanxing to pack the hotpot, and left.
Before going, she charged the broken door and the meal to the three men’s account, giving them no chance to object.
Only after she left did Ye Qingzhou recover, hastily helping his two friends up, face full of guilt. “Brothers, today it’s my fault, dragging you into this. I apologize on my sister’s behalf. Please don’t be angry. I’ll prepare gifts another day to make amends.”
Sun Yunzong’s face twisted, supporting himself, eyes blazing. “Qingzhou, this isn’t your fault. I just never imagined Ye Sangzhi could be so vicious. If she’s like this in public, how arrogant must she be at home?”