Marquis Ye tried to smooth things over, forcing a smile. “Magistrate, this is just a small family dispute. I will punish the servant, and this scholar is a distant relative of ours—I’ll discipline him as well. Could you overlook this matter?”
Magistrate Cui’s face was stern. “Marquis, this concerns the safety around the capital. Prince Chu himself ordered a thorough investigation. If you wish to withdraw the order, speak to him directly. I will take my leave.”
Magistrate Cui thought to himself: people say Marquis Ye is a gentleman of integrity, but today he seemed no different from anyone else.
The officials dragged away the two wailing men.
The hall fell silent.
Marquis Ye’s face was dark with rage. “Ye Qingyu, do you know what you’ve done!”
“Does Father know what *he’s* doing?” Ye Qingyu’s voice was cold, unshaken by his fury. Her clear eyes fixed on him, full of mockery.
“I don’t even know who this Ye Shuwen is, yet you protect him so fiercely. Did you ever think—what if I had truly been abducted?”
Marquis Ye’s expression froze. He knew it was all his design; she was never meant to be harmed.
Ye Qingyu sneered. “So you didn’t care if I was taken, or you knew I never would be?”
His eyes flickered with panic. “What do you mean! I am your father—how could I harm you!”
Madam Xu understood immediately. “Qingyu, you mean this was deliberately arranged?” Her gaze turned icy toward Marquis Ye. “So this is what you call being a good father! I will report this to the Duke.”
The Old Madam’s heart raced. She quickly interjected. “Third Madam, don’t speak recklessly and ruin their father-daughter bond. Qingyu is our legitimate eldest daughter—we love her dearly. This must be someone trying to harm our family.”
Madam Xu scoffed. “Hmph. Where was that love when you forced her just now?”
The Old Madam turned to Yr Qingyu, feigning concern. “Qingyu, don’t let others sow discord between you and your father. Don’t fall for tricks.”
She was panicked. She didn’t know how Ye Qingyu had guessed the truth, but she couldn’t let her turn against the family.
Ye Qingyu looked at her grandmother’s act with cold amusement. “No need to worry. Magistrate Cui will give us the truth.”
The Old Madam trembled at her words.
Madam Xu said firmly, “Since Prince Chu ordered it, the truth will be revealed soon enough.” Then her tone softened as she turned to Ye Qingyu. “This place is foul. You’ve just faced bandits—you must be shaken. Come back to the Duke’s estate with me to rest.”
She took Qingyu’s hand to leave.
The Old Madam quickly tried to stop her. “Wait, this is Qingyu’s home. We’ll care for her. No need to trouble the Duke’s household. Isn’t that right?” She shot warning looks at the others.
Madam Wu nodded awkwardly. “Yes, we’ll take good care of her.”
But Ye Qingya tugged at her mother’s sleeve, signaling her to stay quiet. She knew it was better for Ye Qingyu to go with Madam Xu.
Marquis Ye coughed. “Qingyu, your grandmother is right. You’re grown now. Don’t trouble your maternal family too often.” His eyes warned her to obey.
Ye Qingyu laughed at their sudden desperation. “I haven’t visited Grandfather in a long time. I’ll go with Third Aunt.” She ignored them, holding Madam Xu’s arm as they left.
The Old Madam glared at Marquis Ye. “Don’t just stand there—stop her!”
“How? With the Duke’s household involved, I can’t.” He was furious and helpless.
Seeing their sour faces, Madam Wu quickly pulled Ye Qingya away.
Ye Qingya hurried after Ye Qingyu, worried. “Are you really alright?”
“I’m fine. Don’t worry.”
Ye Qingya sighed in relief. “Then… don’t be sad. At the Duke’s estate, see a doctor and rest.” She blushed, embarrassed by her own concern. “I’m not worried about you! Just go. Here—take this.” She shoved a small packet into Ye Qingyu’s hand and ran off with her mother.
Ye Qingyu opened it. The sweet smell of peanut brittle filled the air. Her sister had given her favorite snack. Despite her denial, Ye Qingya was still the same awkwardly caring girl.
Ye Qingyu smiled softly, but her smile faded. She remembered: in her past life, Ye Qingya had married poorly and suffered greatly.