Chapter 33.1: Monetary compensation

When everyone heard this, they all composed themselves and naturally listened carefully to the old master’s family teachings.  

The old master leisurely took a sip of tea before beginning: “In the past few years, Hong Kong’s economy has started to develop, and you have all seen it. Great opportunities have emerged in various fields—fashion, electronics, catering, and real estate—everywhere is full of opportunities. This is also a challenge for our Ye family. Perhaps you think that the Ye family is large and prosperous, and therefore has nothing to fear, but you must understand that precisely because our family is large and prosperous, we must seize the best development opportunities in Hong Kong.”  

He sighed: “If a small household fails to grasp this historical opportunity, that’s one thing. After all, there will always be some ways to make money. But for us, it’s different. Advancing against the current—if we do not move forward, we will fall behind. If we want to seize something, we must seize the main wave. If we fail to grasp the main wave and only settle for the smallest gains, then with our family’s foundation, we will merely sit and eat away our resources. That would be decline. That would be falling behind others.”  

As they listened, some nodded in agreement, while others remained silent with lowered heads.  

Ye Tianhui deeply resonated with these words. Managing a household was like governing a nation, and governing a nation was like steering a ship—it was all the same principle.  

A family like the Ye family, which was among the most prominent in Hong Kong, could not merely survive on small profits. Small profits were not enough to sustain the vast structure of the Ye family. They could only seize the biggest waves; if they failed, the family’s status would inevitably decline.  

The old master swept his sharp gaze across everyone and said, “I have dragged and pulled the Ye family up to where it stands today, and I am already content. Now that I am old, what I must do is to seize every opportunity while I am still here, to steer the Ye family’s ship toward a broader sea, and to create more opportunities for all of you.”  

A young man nearby then spoke up, “Grandfather is absolutely right. We all listen carefully to Grandfather’s teachings.”  

Ye Tianhui glanced over and recognized him—his name was Ye Wenyong, the son of Ye Lizhen.  

It seemed that the father and son were both adept at putting on a show.  

The old master continued, “Since we are behind closed doors and all family here, I will speak frankly. The Gu family has been entrenched in Southeast Asia for over a hundred years. In recent decades, they have thrived, with their family business spanning real estate, finance, and the service industry, and their reach already extending into Europe and America. I have been close friends with the old master of the Gu family for many years. This marriage alliance between our families is something I humbled myself to arrange. I must ensure that this marriage happens, because it concerns our upcoming cooperation with the Gu family. And this cooperation is my carefully prepared contingency plan—an emergency fallback for you all when you find yourselves in dire straits.”  

He let out another deep sigh. “But times have changed. It is no longer like the past. Back then, we abided by parental arrangements and matchmaker negotiations. Now, you all pursue free love, and I have nothing to say about that. But now, with great difficulty, Wenyin and Zhixin have finally started a relationship. As elders, we all think it is a good match and are pleased to see it happen. Isn’t this a great thing? Our cooperation with the Gu family is also moving forward. But now, with this situation, what am I supposed to do?”  

Beside him, Ye Wenyin lowered her head, listening obediently.  

She naturally understood that Gu Zhixin was her last lifeline. The marriage alliance with the Gu family was her only hope.  

If she could not hold onto this lifeline, then she would be completely doomed.  

Old Master Ye continued, “I have already spoken with Old Master Gu. He still wants to proceed with the marriage, but of course, it depends on Zhixin’s wishes. After all, we are now in an enlightened era, and we cannot force anything upon you. This is also for the sake of the Ye family’s overall situation.”  

With this statement, he had effectively set the tone for the matter.  

This was the Ye family’s development strategy. This was a hard-won marriage alliance within the framework of modern free love. Thus, Ye Wenyin’s status must be upheld. Otherwise, the Ye family had no suitable alternative for the marriage alliance.  

At this moment, Ye Wenyin finally felt her heart settle.  

Gu Zhixin should already know the truth of the situation. As long as he was still willing to marry her and the Gu family had no objections, then her status and position would be completely secured.  

Old Master Ye turned to Ye Tianhui once again. “Tianhui, you are magnanimous. As for past matters, if they don’t need to be mentioned, then let’s not mention them. You have suffered over the years, and that is the Ye family’s fault. Whatever can be done to make it up to you, I will certainly make an effort.”  

Ye Tianhui bowed respectfully and said in a calm voice, “Grandfather, I understand. Grandfather certainly would not shortchange a mere junior like me.”  

**********  

After the family meeting was dismissed, the old master called Ye Tianhui to the study.  

Old Master Ye’s study was located on the third floor of the villa area. From the looks of it, this entire floor had no other purpose—it was solely dedicated to the old master’s study.  

The corridor was long and elegant, filled with an air of scholarly refinement.  

Led by the secretary, Ye Tianhui walked down the corridor for a long time. Just as she was beginning to feel as if it would never end, she finally arrived before a grand door.  

It was a door more than two meters tall, ancient in design, with a plaque of golden nanmu wood affixed above it. The plaque bore four intricately carved characters in bold, flowing script: “Only Virtue is Treasure.”

The secretary lightly knocked on the door knocker, and a slightly hoarse voice came from inside: “Come in.”

So the door was pushed open, and Ye Tianhui walked in.

Upon entering, the first thing she saw was a pot of green bamboo, placed in the reception area. As her gaze bypassed the reception area, she saw Old Master Ye.

He was sitting beside a rosewood office desk, his brows slightly furrowed, looking down at some documents.

The spacious office was luxurious and empty, also quiet.

So quiet that it almost created an illusion, as if this place was isolated from time and space.

This reminded Ye Tianhui of the previous life when she visited the imperial study. The sage’s imperial study also gave off this feeling—it was always quiet yet oppressive, making every visiting minister feel their own insignificance.

Ye Tianhui walked to the desk but did not speak.

She felt that she should be dejected right now, and somewhat resentful.

A young daughter’s emotions should be displayed in real-time at this moment—that would be genuine.

This would also allow Old Master Ye to feel at ease in controlling the situation—given her current status, she was absolutely incapable of challenging this old man’s authority.

At this moment, Old Master Ye stopped what he was doing and looked up at Ye Tianhui.

It was only then that Ye Tianhui noticed how deeply defined his features were. It was clear that he must have been a handsome man in his youth. Presumably, Ye Lixuan resembled him greatly when he was young.

Now, however, his eyes, which had seen the vicissitudes of life, were unexpectedly filled with kindness, gazing at her with deep affection.

As if the stern head of the family from before had vanished.

This made Ye Tianhui admire him—he was truly a master at manipulating people’s hearts.

Clearly, Ye Lixuan’s public rebuttal had embarrassed Old Master Ye, making him feel that his authority had been undermined. Thus, he had spoken harshly, intending to restore some dignity for Ye Wenyin.

By giving Ye Wenyin face, he was leaving himself room for the future. He was likely thinking that if Ye Wenyin still married into the Gu family, she wouldn’t become disheartened because of today’s events.

But she herself was his biological granddaughter, and he had no intention of giving up on her. So in private, he came to soothe her.

A knife cutting tofu—smooth on both sides—described him perfectly.

Ye Tianhui had seen plenty of people like this in her past life, so she was not surprised.

At this moment, Old Master Ye finally spoke: “Child, from the moment I first laid eyes on you, I felt a sense of closeness in my heart. I felt that this child looked familiar, that we were destined. Later, when I learned you were my biological granddaughter, I had only one thought—so it was meant to be.”

Ye Tianhui did not make much noise.

Seeing this, Old Master Ye got up, walked around the rosewood desk, and came to Ye Tianhui’s side.

He raised his hand and patted Ye Tianhui’s shoulder affectionately: “Blood ties are the most precious thing in this world—nothing compares. Child, when I look at you, my heart aches!”

Ye Tianhui raised her eyes to look at him.

The old man’s eyes were sincere and filled with affection. At a glance, he appeared to be a loving elder who cherished his younger generations.

Anyone else would surely be deceived by him, possibly even moved to tears of gratitude.

Ye Tianhui spoke in a low voice: “Grandfather, hearing you say this doesn’t make me feel any better. You should know that, right? Just now, in front of everyone, I couldn’t not give you face, but in my heart, I actually feel terrible.”

Old Master Ye listened, seemingly a little surprised, and said in a puzzled tone: “What, Tianhui, are you angry with Grandfather?”

Ye Tianhui: “Grandfather, you know very well why I was left in the mainland, why I was abused by that adoptive mother, why I suffered so much. You know better than anyone, don’t you? I thought that finding my family meant someone would seek justice for me. But the way you’re acting makes me feel like you’re not my real grandfather—you’re Ye Wenyin’s real grandfather instead.”

Old Master Ye sighed and said helplessly: “Child, aren’t you talking nonsense? No matter what, you are my biological granddaughter. How could I bear to see my own granddaughter suffer? Of course, Grandfather will consider your well-being. As for those outsiders, there’s nothing that can be done. But in my heart, I am definitely on your side. Do you still not understand Grandfather’s thoughts?”

Ye Tianhui couldn’t help but find it amusing.

With such skill, it was a pity he hadn’t been an emperor in ancient times, adept at winning people’s loyalty.

Old Master Ye naturally noticed his granddaughter’s dissatisfaction. He took a few steps to the large floor-to-ceiling window, looking at the scenery outside before speaking: “Our family’s grand estate was actually purchased as land and property before the war. At that time, houses were built, but it wasn’t until the late 1940s, when I settled here from the mainland, that I decided to renovate the residence. I bought all the surrounding land as well, finally expanding it into its current form. Back then, I thought that all my wives, children, and descendants of the Ye family would live here, passing it down for generations, always harmonious and happy.”

Ye Tianhui: “A beautiful dream.”

Most emperors who built an empire and achieved greatness wished for their descendants to enjoy eternal glory—like Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who hoped for his legacy to be passed down through generations.

Old Master Ye was clearly no exception. That was why he built such a grand Ye family estate. But who could truly predict the future? He wasn’t even dead yet, and his descendants were likely already fighting over interests, tearing each other apart.

Old Master Ye naturally noticed the mockery in Ye Tianhui’s smile. He smiled as well: “Look at you, laughing at an old man like me. I know it’s laughable, but child, when you reach my age, perhaps you will understand me better.”

Ye Tianhui: “Grandfather, I believe that if you were my age and heard such an idealistic vision, you would also laugh.”

Old Master Ye was stunned, then burst into laughter: “Yes, yes, yes. When I was seventeen or eighteen, I was full of youthful arrogance and couldn’t stand the ways of the older generation. People at different ages naturally have different ways of thinking.”

After a moment, he stopped laughing and said, “Child, your father’s mother was my first wife—you should know that.”

Ye Tianhui: “Yes, but I also know that in your heart, Grandfather, you loved someone else. Your first wife was merely a wife of duty, wasn’t she?”

Old Master Ye shook his head and sighed: “You young ones, always so blunt, saying things you shouldn’t. What do you mean by a wife of duty? Wherever I go, she will always be my first wife. Your father is my only legitimate son—do you understand?”

Ye Tianhui: “…Seems like I kind of understand.”

Old Master Ye: “Child, you may think I am cold and unfeeling, but I am your grandfather, and at the same time, I am also the head of the Ye family. What I carry on my shoulders is the entire family, so what I am telling you today is all from the bottom of my heart.”

Ye Tianhui knew this old man was speaking sincerely, so she restrained herself. “Grandfather, go ahead and speak, I am listening.”

Old Master Ye nodded. With his hands behind his back, he slowly paced in the office, saying, “The marriage between the Gu family and the Ye family is something I must have. I’ve already explained the reason. At present, among those who are still unmarried and of suitable age, only Gu Zhixin fits.”

He looked at Ye Tianhui. “Right now, we should focus on the bigger picture and secure this marriage. Wenyin is the best safeguard for this marriage. As for what her position in the Ye family will be, that depends on you.”

Ye Tianhui: “Depends on me?”

Old Master Ye’s gaze softened. “You are my biological granddaughter. Although you grew up in the mainland and were not carefully nurtured, I believe you are in no way inferior to the girls raised in the Ye family. As long as you are willing, you can be excellent enough. This marriage—you can try as well.”

Ye Tianhui: “Me? With whom?”

Old Master Ye: “Of course, with Gu Zhixin.”

Ye Tianhui: “?”

Old Master Ye: “Just letting you two interact. In fact, Wenyin and Zhixin are also just in the stage of interacting.”

Ye Tianhui was momentarily speechless. It could be done this way?

Were wealthy families really this unprincipled?

Old Master Ye: “Tianhui, let me tell you something from the heart. The reason I initially chose Zhixin was actually related to the Gu family’s structure. The old master of the Gu family has four sons. The youngest one is the most outstanding, but he is too outstanding—so much so that not only us, even the Gu family itself cannot control him.”

“He has been abroad and has not returned. Even if he comes back, he may not care about Gu family matters, so he is out of our consideration. As for the other three sons, they each have their own arrangements. Zhixin is the son of the second household, and this second household now controls financial investment businesses, which will be the Gu family’s key development area in the future. Among the Gu family’s branches, choosing the second household means choosing the one with the best prospects for a marriage alliance. Besides Zhixin, no one else in that household is of the right age.”

He looked at Ye Tianhui. “It’s not about forcing you. I just want to give you an opportunity to interact. Whether it works out or not depends on you.”

Ye Tianhui: “I’ve seen that young master of the Gu family. He seems quite attentive to Ye Wenyin.”

She paused before continuing, “So, it’s the second household of the Gu family—meaning, this young master’s parents are not too approving of the marriage?”

Old Master Ye heard this and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. He looked at Ye Tianhui, then smiled.

His smile slowly showed admiration. “Very good. You are very clever—too clever.”

He laughed. “You guessed right. It’s the wife of the second household who disapproves. She doesn’t like Wenyin. Right now, she is only tolerating it out of respect for the old master of the Gu family, but in private, she inevitably has resentment. I believe that marriage is about forming a good relationship between two families. If the parents have objections, it will always be a hidden concern. So I thought, you might as well give it a try. If you find it suitable and the Gu family has no issues, then this opportunity naturally belongs to you.”

By this point, Ye Tianhui understood Old Master Ye’s plans.

He wanted her and Ye Wenyin to compete. Ye Wenyin’s advantage was her mutual affection with Gu Zhixin, but her disadvantage was that Gu Zhixin’s mother disapproved and refused to give her consent. Moreover, Ye Wenyin was not a biological daughter, and the Gu family was evidently aware of that.

Right now, Old Master Ye was playing both sides. No matter whether the real granddaughter or the fake one succeeded, he could use the result to his advantage.

So, she and Ye Wenyin were just two dishes on the dining table—it was simply a matter of which one had the better presentation and taste.

Hehe.

She then asked, “Can I ask about that fourth son of the Gu family? What is his situation?”

Old Master Ye: “Him? He is a rare figure not only in the Gu family but even in Hong Kong. He is currently developing in Europe and America. Just a few days ago, I heard news that he is in England, taking advantage of the economic crisis there to buy up shares of British manufacturing industries at low prices.”

Ye Tianhui also did not ask further, bringing up her main matter: “Grandfather, since I have entered the Ye family, I should naturally serve the family. But do you think that if I could grow up safely under that venomous-hearted woman, step through perilous waves to arrive in Hong Kong, and finally stand before you to have my identity acknowledged, would I have no other use? Am I only fit to be a tool for a marriage alliance?”

Old Master Ye listened to these words, looked at Ye Tianhui seriously, and finally spoke: “Oh, what, you don’t want to get married?”

He raised his eyebrows, speculating: “You understand horses, you want to get involved in the family’s horse racing business?”

Ye Tianhui: “Yes, haven’t I already proven my abilities to you?”

Old Master Ye chuckled: “Very well, tell me your plans.”

Ye Tianhui said: “In a short while, the new season of horse racing in Hong Kong will begin. I know that the Ye family has purchased four horses from the UK. I hope to obtain the management rights for these horses—this is my opportunity to showcase my abilities.”

Old Master Ye: “This… Tianhui, I can’t agree to this request right away.”

Old Master Ye was clearly somewhat surprised; Ye Tianhui’s request was indeed rather abrupt. He had planned to observe first before making any decisions.

However, Ye Tianhui was ambitious.

If she had no ambition, she wouldn’t have forced her way into the Ye family. She wanted to use the Ye family’s resources to stir up storms.

So, she proposed: “I know Ye Wenyin studied equestrian-related subjects in the UK and may have extensive theoretical knowledge. But, Grandfather, this recent event has proven that horse racing is a field where practical experience is far more important. I have extensive hands-on experience with horses. Compared to those doctors who have read many books, I consider myself superior. As for horse racing, Grandfather, I believe you must have investigated me. I came to Hong Kong with only two hundred Hong Kong dollars and managed to establish myself. I think, Grandfather, you should have confidence in my abilities, right?”

Old Master Ye chuckled: “You registered with the recent wave of mainlanders fleeing to Hong Kong and then entered the racetrack for work. I do have some understanding of your work at the racetrack. You were able to help those in distress during a crisis and retreat unscathed—truly commendable courage.”

Ye Tianhui smiled at Old Master Ye and countered, “So, am I not worthy of Grandfather’s trust?”