In this life, Ye Qingyu vowed she would not spare any of those who rose to power over the blood of the Duke’s household. And she would begin with Ye Shuwen.
“Qingyu, hurry and greet your savior. How can you be so rude?” Marquis Ye scolded, displeased.
Ye Qingyu’s cold gaze fell on the man called her father. Memories of her death in her past life surged back, filling her with hatred. That same tone of rebuke, that same look of disgust—as if she were not his daughter but his enemy. Suppressing her fury, she replied evenly, “I don’t understand Father’s meaning.”
“You wretched girl! Is this your upbringing? You won’t even acknowledge a debt of life-saving grace!”
The Old Madam frowned. “What debt of gratitude? Explain yourself.”
Marquis Ye answered, “On her way back, Qingyu was attacked by bandits. If Shuwen hadn’t happened to pass by and save her, our family’s reputation would have been ruined.”
“Is that so?” The Old Madam’s kindly expression vanished, replaced with sternness.
Marquis Ye’s face twisted with anger. “This ungrateful girl shames the Ye family!”
The Old Madam sighed in disappointment. “Qingyu, this is wrong. Our Ye family always repays kindness. Your behavior is unacceptable.”
Madam Wu looked worried, signaling Ye Qingyu to explain. “Qingyu has always been sensible. Perhaps there’s a misunderstanding?”
Cousin Ye Qingya spoke up indignantly: “Uncle, shouldn’t you first ask if she was frightened or hurt? Why scold her for ingratitude before even caring for her?”
She turned to Ye Qingyu, frustrated. “Why didn’t you tell us you met bandits? Say something! Stop acting like a victim. You’re the eldest daughter of the Marquis’s house, yet you cower before Uncle and Grandmother like a mouse before cats. Ever since Aunt died, you’ve lost all spirit.” Her words silenced the room for a moment.
Marquis Ye, embarrassed but stubborn, said, “She’s fine, isn’t she? That doesn’t excuse her ingratitude. Qingyu, you must apologize to Young Master Ye.”
The Old Madam added sternly, “If not for him, you might not even be here. He saved your life and preserved our family’s honor. Shouldn’t you bow in thanks?”
The warmth in her eyes was gone, replaced with the old disapproval.
Ye Qingyu looked around the room: her second aunt’s concern, her cousin’s blunt care mixed with frustration, her third aunt’s silence tinged with schadenfreude, her father and grandmother’s relentless pressure. And Ye Shuwen, playing the role of magnanimous savior.
Ye Shuwen bowed modestly. “Marquis, Old Madam, you exaggerate. It was nothing. Since I’ve greeted the elders, I’ll take my leave.”
Marquis Ye quickly stopped him. “No, Shuwen. The Ye family never neglects benefactors. I must give you proper thanks today. Wretched girl, kneel!”
Ye Qingyu ignored her father’s rage, her clear black eyes fixed on Ye Shuwen. “Father, don’t be angry. I am not ungrateful.”
Marquis Ye snorted. “Good. Then you know what to do.”
Ye Qingyu’s voice was calm, almost detached. “Yes, I did meet bandits, and yes, someone saved me. For such a debt, kneeling and offering gifts would not be too much. I understand that.”
Marquis Ye’s anger eased slightly. “Then kneel and thank your benefactor.”
“Of course, a benefactor must be thanked. But…” Ye Qingyu paused, her gaze on Ye Shuwen sharp with mockery. “Who is this gentleman? I’ve never seen him before, let alone been saved by him.”
Marquis Ye froze. He had planned to force her to acknowledge Ye Shuwen as her savior, even though she had returned unharmed on her own. He thought her timid nature would never defy him. But she had just openly denied it.
“What did you say!” he roared.
The room erupted in shock, all eyes on Ye Qingyu.
“You really met bandits?” Ye Qingya asked, regretful that she hadn’t offered her own carriage.
“Yes. But they were nothing more than clowns,” Ye Qingyu replied coolly.
Ye Qingya rolled her eyes. “Stop pretending. If you were scared, just admit it. You’re exhausting, always putting on airs.”
Madam Wu scolded her daughter. “Enough! Comfort your sister instead of mocking her.” She turned to Marquis Ye. “Brother, don’t be angry. Perhaps there’s a mistake. Qingyu says she’s never met this gentleman. She’s always been honest. Maybe something’s wrong.”
Marquis Ye snapped, “Impossible! The driver already reported everything. Shuwen came to greet the elders, not to boast. He never mentioned saving her!”
His eyes softened as he looked at Ye Shuwen, full of admiration and affection.
Ye Qingyu sneered inwardly. Of course, he admired him—Ye Shuwen was his true son.
Ye Shuwen bowed again. “Marquis, Old Madam, I came today only to pay respects. I never intended to claim a reward. I regret causing such unpleasantness. With the exams approaching, I’ll return to my inn to study.”
With graceful composure, he excused himself.