Chapter 7: Participation

Ye Jiaxing’s injury, Ye Hongrong’s deception, and the robbery of Ye Hongchang, who went to the capital to collect debts half a month ago, were all suspected by Ye Yaming to be the work of Meng Chengwei.

He likely wanted to cause trouble for the Ye family, then step in to resolve it, gaining their favor and becoming a close ally of Ye Jiaxing. Ultimately, he aimed to control the Ye family and the tea market in Jiangnan.

Now that the first two incidents had occurred, the third one was happening as Ye Hongchang was on his way home. Even if Ye Yaming sent someone to warn him, it would be too late, and she couldn’t explain how she knew in advance. So, she decided not to waste her efforts.

Her current goal was to resolve the Ye family’s troubles, prevent Meng Chengwei from getting closer, and gain influence within the Ye family.

…

Ye Yaming’s group descended the mountain by carriage, which took most of the day due to the need for a smooth ride, but riding a horse would have been much faster.

When Ye Jiaxing returned to the main house, he immediately sent someone up the mountain. The next day, after breakfast, Ye Chongming returned.

“Did you send someone to your second uncle?” he asked Ye Jiaxing.

“Not yet,” Ye Jiaxing replied awkwardly.

It wasn’t that he wanted to hide it from Ye Hongsheng, but he felt that with Ye Hongsheng’s temperament, he wouldn’t be of much help even if he came back. Moreover, the old lady didn’t want to make a big deal out of it, fearing that other family members would find out about Ye Hongrong’s trouble and hold it against her beloved son. So, she wasn’t keen on letting Ye Hongsheng know. Ye Jiaxing didn’t want to upset his grandmother, so he didn’t send anyone to inform Ye Hongsheng.

Ye Chongming’s face darkened further.

This eldest grandson was supposed to be the head of the family, and he worried that being spoiled by his grandmother and mother-in-law would ruin him. He personally took him under his wing and carefully taught him.

In such matters, Ye Jiaxing should have known that this was a life-and-death issue for the Ye family. The family’s prosperity required everyone’s unity. Yet, due to the old lady’s selfishness and the fourth household’s face, he didn’t inform Ye Hongsheng, who lived nearby. If Ye Hongsheng and Madam Yin had any doubts, the second household would become estranged.

At a time when the family’s survival was at stake, causing division among relatives, could he really entrust the Ye family to Ye Jiaxing?

However, this was not the time to teach his grandson. Ye Chongming turned to his attendant and said, “Go to the tea factory and call the second master to the tea shop.”

The batch of tea was sold from the tea shop, so he needed to handle it there. Everyone could meet directly at the tea shop, saving Ye Hongsheng from running back and forth.

Ye Jiaxing knew he had mishandled the situation and disappointed his grandfather. He was eager to make amends. Ignoring his leg injury, he stood up with the help of a servant and followed.

Madam Guan, who vaguely knew something serious had happened in the family’s business, was more concerned about her husband’s health. She followed them, having waited outside earlier.

When she learned that Ye Jiaxing was going to the tea shop, she anxiously explained to Ye Chongming, “Grandfather, after returning from the mountain yesterday, my husband’s wound became red. The doctor repeatedly instructed him to rest at home and not move around. Please consider…”

Displeased, Ye Jiaxing scolded, “He’er…”

But Madam Guan stubbornly looked at Ye Chongming.

The third master of the Ye family had once ignored a minor illness, insisting on transporting tea, which worsened his condition and led to his death. The third lady, Madam Cai, now lived like a walking corpse.

With such a vivid example, she would rather her husband be unambitious than become a young widow.

Ye Chongming paused and turned to Ye Jiaxing, “You stay home and rest. Your second uncle and I will handle this.”

With that, he stepped out of the courtyard and walked away. As he approached the main gate, he saw Madam Yin and Ye Yaming waiting there.

“Grandfather,” Ye Yaming greeted him with her mother.

Ye Chongming frowned slightly and nodded at them, “There’s a problem at home. I’ve sent someone to call Hongsheng. He’ll be back tonight after we handle the matter.” He continued walking.

Ye Yaming followed him, “I’ve heard about Fourth Uncle’s situation from Fourth Aunt. Grandfather, are you going to appease the tea customers, apologize, and buy back the tea?”

“This matter is urgent. If someone causes trouble at the tea shop, it will be a big problem. Grandfather, you and my father will need to act separately. My father doesn’t like dealing with people, so I wanted to accompany him, help him talk, and provide support. It might be better.”

Ye Chongming stopped and carefully examined his third granddaughter. He remembered her as gentle and soft-spoken. But now, her usual gentle demeanor had turned into resilience, her eyes filled with determination, and her tone was firm and unquestionable.

Recalling her words, Ye Chongming couldn’t help but see her in a new light. However, he always thought things through and assumed this was Madam Yin’s idea.

The Ye family’s daughters-in-law were carefully chosen. Even if the second, third, and fourth households didn’t receive much property after the family division, they would still be wealthier than most and needed to manage some businesses. The daughters-in-law might not be exceptionally capable, but they shouldn’t hold the family back or cause trouble.

So, he had told his wife to choose daughters-in-law with clear family backgrounds, intelligence, independence, and strong personalities. They shouldn’t be easily swayed or too weak.

Madam Yin had these qualities but was prone to overthinking due to not having a son. Often, a casual remark from someone would make her overthink.

This time, with the fourth household causing such a big trouble, the old lady and the first household didn’t inform the second household. Madam Yin had her concerns and wanted to push her daughter forward, which was understandable. Ye Yaming wanted to go, and Ye Chongming wouldn’t stop her.

But he had to explain, “Are you sure you want to go? This is not a joke. You’ll have to face people and listen to unpleasant words. If you cry at the slightest remark, not only will you fail to satisfy the customers, but you’ll also offend them. Can you handle the consequences?”

“I won’t cry, Grandfather. It’s our fault, and being scolded is deserved. I won’t cry, don’t worry,” Ye Yaming said.

Ye Chongming nodded, “Alright, you can come along.”

He continued towards the main gate, with Ye Yaming and her maid Bai Xin following closely. Outside the gate, he noticed not only his horse but also a carriage with a small blue floral curtain commonly used by women.

He couldn’t help but smile and said to Ye Yaming, “You were well-prepared. Were you so sure I’d agree to let you come?”

Ye Yaming shook her head, “Not sure. I just prepared it in case. This way, we won’t waste your time.”

She added, “The horse runs fast, Grandfather. You go to the tea shop first, and I’ll follow shortly.”