When Ye Qingyu arrived at Chunhui Hall, the room was already full of people.
Old Madam Ye beckoned her lovingly. “Qingyu, you’re here. Come sit by Grandmother.”
Ye Qingyu’s clear gaze swept lightly over Marquis Ye, noting the stiff smile on his face. She didn’t look at him again and instead sat beside Old Madam Ye. “Grandmother.”
Old Madam Ye held Ye Qingyu’s hand, putting on the appearance of a kind elder. “Qingyu, your father asked me to call you here. He and Shuwen both wish to apologize to you, hoping you can forgive their mistakes.”
She shot Marquis Ye a look. “Eldest, hurry up.”
Marquis Ye’s face darkened, but he forced a smile. “Qingyu, it was Father’s fault for not understanding the truth of the matter and wronging you. I apologize. These gifts were personally chosen by me—see if you like them.”
At his signal, servants filed in carrying boxes of jewelry, fine fabrics, and cosmetics—everything a young lady might enjoy.
Marquis Ye’s embarrassment was obvious. “Do you like them?” He had never imagined he would one day need to coax Ye Qingyu, and his expression was far from pleasant.
Beside them, Ye Qingya’s eyes widened, glowing with envy at the sight of the treasures.
Ye Qingyu smiled serenely. “Father, your daughter isn’t angry with you. There’s no need for this.”
Marquis Ye exhaled in relief. “As long as you’re not angry with Father.”
“And Shuwen—he’s your cousin. He was confused for a moment. Qingyu, you’ve always been understanding and generous. For the sake of his good intentions, why not forgive him this once?”
Marquis Ye pulled Ye Shuwen forward and gave him a look. With a thud, Ye Shuwen dropped to his knees. His face was full of guilt. “Cousin, it was my fault. I was blinded by foolishness and did something shameful. I don’t even know why I acted that way—only that I wanted to win favor for the Marquis’ household, and so I committed this wrong.”
“Cousin, this hairpin is something I bought with all my savings for you. I don’t ask for your forgiveness—I know I deserve what happened. But I beg you not to stay angry. Because of my mistake, you were harmed, and that is my greatest fault.” Ye Shuwen spoke with tears streaming down his face, appearing utterly repentant.
Old Madam Ye also looked sorrowful and pitiful, her eyes brimming with tears. “Qingyu, Grandmother knows Shuwen was wrong. But he truly has had a hard time. He came all the way to the capital to sit for the imperial exams, with no one to rely on. He only hoped to lean on the Marquis’ household, which led to his mistake. These days in prison, he has truly realized his fault and suffered greatly. If you don’t forgive him, he may not even be able to focus on the exam.”
“Yes, Qingyu,” Madam Zhou added, “it was Shuwen’s first time traveling alone, unfamiliar with the city and naturally uneasy. That’s why he made such a mistake. You’re generous—please forgive him.”
Second Uncle was away on official duty, but Madam Wu arrived with Ye Qingya and the eldest cousin, Ye Yanzhi.
This was the first time Ye Qingyu had seen her eldest cousin since her rebirth.
Second Uncle’s family had always treated her well. Later, because of conflicts with Marquis Ye, Second Uncle requested a transfer and moved his family far from the capital, never returning, even by the time of her death.
Though a concubine’s son, Second Uncle was highly capable and had risen to the rank of fourth-grade official—higher than Marquis Ye’s fifth-grade position. Her eldest cousin was also accomplished. As the Duke’s eldest grandson, he had already passed the imperial exams, ranking in the second tier, and now held an official post.
Ye Yanzhi, having heard the full story from Ye Qingya, frowned. His handsome face showed clear disapproval. “For a scholar, the most important thing is moral character. This Ye Shuwen, to commit such deeds, is clearly no gentleman. Uncle, Qingyu is the victim here—you should not be forcing her like this.” His words left Marquis Ye visibly uncomfortable.
Old Madam Ye quickly interjected. “Yanzhi, your uncle is only thinking of the Marquis’ household. Harmony in the family brings prosperity. We’re all one family—why dwell on such matters?”
Ye Qingya couldn’t help but speak up. “What family? Isn’t this Ye Shuwen just a distant relative? He’s already beyond the fifth degree of kinship.”
Old Madam Ye shot her a fierce glare, and Ye Qingya fell silent, embarrassed.
Ye Qingyu smiled faintly at Ye Yanzhi. “Eldest Brother, don’t worry. I know what I should do.”
Seeing that she had her own plan, Ye Yanzhi did not press further.
Ye Qingyu suddenly turned to Marquis Ye. “Have the bandits and the coachman confessed? Has the magistrate discovered who was behind it all?”
Marquis Ye froze, a flicker of panic crossing his face. “The authorities have already found out. It was Sun Er colluding with the bandits to abduct you, hoping to extort silver from the Marquis’ household. He was addicted to gambling and owed a large debt outside.”
“Ah, it was my negligence that gave him the chance, nearly causing you harm. Now those criminals have committed suicide in prison out of fear of punishment—it was their fate.”
Ye Qingyu’s lips curved in a faint smile as she looked steadily at Marquis Ye. “Oh? So this case is closed then?”
Marquis Ye turned his gaze away. “Yes… yes, it is.”
Ye Qingyu nodded slightly, as if she understood. She looked at Ye Shuwen, her voice cool. “Since you are a guest of the Marquis’ household, as a member of this family, I should treat you well. There is no question of anger.”
“Since Father and Grandmother have agreed to let you stay here, I have no objection.”
“There is no need for talk of forgiveness.”
Ye Shuwen, seeing she would not relent, felt a flash of hatred in his eyes, though his face lifted in a flattering smile.
“Since Cousin says so, it seems you don’t like this hairpin. I will find you something better.”
Old Madam Ye, realizing Ye Qingyu was determined not to forgive him, felt displeasure flicker in her eyes, though her face remained full of grandmotherly affection. “Shuwen, your cousin is still angry. You must think carefully about how to win her forgiveness.”
Ye Shuwen bowed respectfully. “Yes, that is my duty.”
“Oh, I nearly forgot to introduce you. This is your maternal aunt, my niece from my family side, and this is her daughter, Qianqian.” Old Madam Ye smiled warmly as she made the introduction.
Ye Qingyu looked at this aunt, and hatred surged in her heart. She had already noticed the two of them upon entering Chunhui Hall.
This woman was Ye Shuwen and Lu Qianqian’s mother—the one who, in the future, would become the mistress of the Marquis’ household.