“Don’t be afraid, little sister! Your brother is here!”
Before even seeing her second brother’s figure, Ye Wanning heard his voice. As she stood up, she saw Second Brother striding energetically over the threshold.
Ye Mingyue stood over eight feet tall with handsome features, but currently wore a stern expression. “You were quite unfair today – you should have taken me along when confronting Xu Zhuling. I’ve heard she’s a venomous woman with the heart of a snake and scorpion. Luckily she had the sense to run away, otherwise I would have dragged her out of the residence by her collar!”
“Second Brother, don’t be angry. Dealing with someone like Xu Zhuling doesn’t require your involvement.” Seeing her family after being reborn filled Ye Wanning with warmth. After Yunzhi served tea, she sighed softly.
“What’s wrong, little sister? Are you still facing difficulties?” Ye Mingyue leaned forward, unable to sit still. “If there’s anything troubling you, just tell me. Your second brother fears nothing in heaven or earth. If anyone bullies you, I’ll definitely help you vent your anger!”
Ye Wanning quietly recounted the matter of Feng Ge’er. “I originally thought it was just Xu Zhuling’s one-sided affection. Never did I imagine our Ye Family would misjudge – she and Zhou Yu actually had a child together. Second Brother, don’t get too agitated. Grandmother isn’t in good health, and eldest brother is busy with official duties. That’s why I can only discuss this matter with you first.”
“Why discuss anything? Since Zhou Yu has done such shameless things, we should storm his residence and directly call off this engagement. Don’t be afraid, little sister. Although our family isn’t as influential as before…”
“But Zhou Yu isn’t the same Zhou Yu from before either,” Ye Wanning interrupted her second brother.
The current Zhou Yu had been serving in the Hanlin Academy for over a year, not only gaining the Right Prime Minister’s heavy reliance but also winning the Emperor’s favor. In contrast, the Ye Family no longer had anyone in high positions. If Zhou Yu stubbornly denied his relationship with Xu Zhuling and their child, instead slandering the Ye Family, the Ye Family would find it difficult to justify themselves despite having reason on their side.
The room fell silent.
Ye Mingyue clenched his fists. He never liked Zhou Yu to begin with, feeling Zhou Yu was too cunning in his thoughts, too smooth in his actions, always requiring others to carefully consider his motives. Sure enough, Zhou Yu had been hiding many things.
“Hmph!” Ye Mingyue exhaled heavily. When he looked at his sister again, he realized she was being unusually calm. “Does little sister already have a plan in mind?”
“Zhou Yu promised to my face that he would send Xu Zhuling away immediately, yet he’s hiding her in Jingcheng,” Ye Wanning analyzed. “I only have Fusheng running errands for me – I don’t have many capable people at my disposal. This matter requires your help, Second Brother. I no longer wish to marry Zhou Yu, but to cancel the engagement, we must shift all blame onto Zhou Yu to minimize the impact on the Ye Family.”
Ye Mingyue immediately understood. “Don’t worry about this matter. I guarantee I’ll make this affair known to everyone. Even if Zhou Yu remains heartless and still refuses to acknowledge Xu Zhuling and her son, I’ll create opportunities for Xu Zhuling to cling relentlessly to Zhou Yu. With her entire family dead, Zhou Yu is her only lifeline – she absolutely won’t let go.”
Having spent considerable time socializing in wine houses and similar establishments, Ye Mingyue had heard plenty of unsavory stories, never imagining he would one day employ such methods himself. But for his sister’s sake, he was willing to do anything.
After the siblings finalized their plans, it was getting late.
Before leaving, Ye Mingyue didn’t forget to advise, “Actually, Xie Bohuai isn’t as fearsome as the rumors suggest. When you meet him, little sister, just interact with him normally.”
Ye Wanning nodded in agreement. Only after seeing Second Brother off did she feel she could finally relax a little.
After a night had passed, Zhou Yu came to apologize. Old Madam Ye was still upset about the matter with Xu Zhuling and treated Zhou Yu with indifference.
But Zhou Yu was skilled at putting on an act. After spending a quarter of an hour in De Rong Courtyard, he had Old Madam Ye laughing.
Facing her future grandson-in-law, Old Madam Ye couldn’t be too haughty. When she saw her eldest granddaughter arrive, she suggested the two of them take a stroll in the garden.
Ye Wanning knew this was her grandmother giving her and Zhou Yu a chance to reconcile.
“Wan Ning, you don’t seem as warm toward me today as before. Are you still upset about my cousin?” Zhou Yu stepped forward, blocking Ye Wanning’s path.
Ye Wanning remained silent, quietly watching Zhou Yu.
“Although I grew up with my cousin, I only see her as a younger sister. I’ve never had any inappropriate thoughts about her. I’ve also sent her back to our hometown as you wished. Please don’t be angry with me anymore, alright?” His tone carried a hint of pleading, unusually gentle.
Ye Wanning suppressed her disgust and subtly avoided Zhou Yu’s outstretched hand. “It wasn’t because I wished it, but because she shouldn’t have stayed in Jingcheng in the first place.”
“Yes, yes, you’re absolutely right.” Seeing that Ye Wanning was being particularly difficult today, Zhou Yu had no choice but to patiently coax her. “In a few days, my mother will be arriving in Jingcheng. Regarding my cousin’s matter, I’ll explain it as her being homesick and wanting to return herself. My mother is getting older and can’t handle shocks well. I believe you’ll be willing to cooperate with me, right?”
Here we go again.
Whenever Zhou Yu wanted Ye Wanning to do something, he would always put her on a pedestal. In the past, Ye Wanning hadn’t seen through this, but now she understood perfectly clearly.
“It would be better to tell the truth. Otherwise, given your mother’s affection for Xu Zhuling, she’ll find some excuse to bring her back before long. When that happens, will you agree to it or not?” Ye Wanning offered a considerate smile. “I’m only thinking of what’s best for you. Please don’t misunderstand me—I wouldn’t want you to be put in a difficult position later.”
Zhou Yu had been certain Ye Wanning would agree. The smile that had just begun to form on his lips froze, and the words he’d prepared to praise her magnanimity stuck in his throat. For a long moment, he couldn’t respond.
Ye Wanning couldn’t be bothered to continue dealing with Zhou Yu. Spotting her younger sisters in the distance, she turned her back on him.
Zhou Yu thought to himself that although Ye Wanning appeared steady, she still had her girlish moods. And that was fine—she ought to be upset, as it showed she cared about him.
With this thought, Zhou Yu regained his confidence and hurried after Ye Wanning.
But before he could reach her, he noticed all three Ye sisters had stiffened. Turning his head, he spotted Xie Bohuai.
Xie Bohuai was a close confidant of the Emperor, someone many people sought to curry favor with. Zhou Yu had once tried to win Xie Bohuai over as well, but Xie Bohuai had refused to see him. Since then, Zhou Yu had become even more determined to climb higher. Once he reached the first rank in officialdom, he would make sure to humiliate people like Xie Bohuai.
When he encountered Xie Bohuai yesterday, Zhou Yu couldn’t understand why Xie Bohuai would have so much free time as to involve himself in the affairs between the Ye Family and himself.
Zhou Yu hadn’t figured it out. He had tossed and turned all night, only managing to fall asleep in the early hours of the morning.
Meeting Xie Bohuai again, Zhou Yu didn’t dare look too closely. After a quick glance, he turned his attention to Ye Mingyue, who was walking with Xie Bohuai. “Hello, Second Brother. Greetings, Lord Xie.”
At the sight of Zhou Yu, Ye Mingyue felt a surge of anger. Remembering his sister’s words, he could only suppress it, offering a sarcastic remark instead. “No matter how well I’m doing, I could never compare to you, Zhou Yu. You’re truly impressive.”
Zhou Yu’s expression turned awkward. He knew the Ye Family was protective of their own, but Ye Mingyue’s sarcastic remarks in front of Xie Bohuai—an outsider—made him feel somewhat humiliated.
Unexpectedly, Xie Bohuai chimed in, “Lord Zhou, has that cousin of yours been sent away yet?”