Chapter 36: Doubts

“We encountered them,” Feng Yu nodded, still looking frightened. “Luckily, we did, or we wouldn’t have just been lightly injured; we would have lost our lives.”

He raised his head, “We were attacked by bandits. They wanted to steal the silver and tried to kill us.”

“Did they steal the silver?” Ye Chongming’s heart tightened again.

Did the worst thing he feared happen?

Feng Yu looked relieved, “Fortunately, you sent Chief Guan to meet us, or we would have lost it. Chief Guan is really skilled. Not only did he protect our silver, but he also captured one of the bandits. However, several guards from the security agency were injured.”

Having learned from his previous mistake, he quickly added, “They are all at Huichun Hall now. The doctor there said that fortunately, they were brought in time, and their lives should not be in danger.”

Ye Chongming finally relaxed. At least the people and the silver were safe. He had the mind to ask about other matters, “Bandits? You captured a bandit? Did you send him to the authorities?”

“Yes. But he is temporarily detained. The official said they would wait until we recovered before holding a trial.”

Ye Chongming’s expression became serious. Temporarily detained, not yet tried?

Earlier, Ye Yaming had warned him to be careful of Meng Chengwei’s schemes, suggesting he might target Ye Hongchang and the tea silver. Now it seemed her warning was coming true.

No need to investigate; this must be Meng Chengwei’s doing.

Now that the tea silver was safe and a bandit was captured, would Meng Chengwei use his connections to manipulate the authorities and the bandit, or secretly kill the bandit to silence him or release him?

No, this matter must be dealt with immediately to avoid further complications.

“Alright, I understand,” he said, glancing around the room. He instructed Lin Zhensheng, “Manager Lin, go to Huichun Hall and check on the Eldest Master. Handle any issues that arise. If he’s not seriously injured, bring him home to ease my and the old madam’s worries.”

“Yes.”

“Tell the guards to rest and recover. The Ye family will cover their medical and living expenses during recovery. If anyone is too injured to continue working as a guard, the Ye family will find other work for them. They shouldn’t worry about their future livelihood.”

Lin Zhensheng understood that he was going to deal with the captured bandit and immediately replied, “Yes, don’t worry, I will handle it.”

Zhou Xiang, the cleverest of the servants, realized that Ye Chongming was heading to the authorities and quickly went downstairs to call the coachman to bring the carriage around.

Ye Chongming was so anxious that he was already waiting downstairs before the carriage arrived.

Once in the carriage, he instructed, “First, go home.”

Zhou Xiang and Meng Ji were puzzled: weren’t they going to the authorities? Why was the old master going home?

Unaware of the situation, the coachman simply followed orders, flicked the whip, and the carriage slowly headed towards the Ye residence.

Lin Zhensheng, following Ye Chongming downstairs, assumed he was going to the authorities to deal with the captured bandit. Seeing the carriage heading towards the Ye residence, he was stunned, “Did the old master get scared out of his wits?”

Feng Yu, with a small cut on his arm that had already stopped bleeding, was equally confused, “Even if the old master was scared, aren’t Meng Ji and Zhou Xiang in the carriage? How could this happen…”

The two looked at each other, not knowing what Ye Chongming was planning.

“Let’s go. You need to get your wound treated,” Lin Zhensheng said.

They got into another carriage and headed to the medical hall.

…

Outside the carriage, the bustling scene of shops and crowds was one Ye Chongming had seen for decades. The lively atmosphere, filled with laughter and shouts, was a familiar and cherished sight.

But inside the carriage, Ye Chongming felt only a chilling cold.

The Ye family had risen from humble beginnings as farmers to become tea merchants over four or five generations, always conducting business honestly. Though they had experienced many deceptions in the business world, they had never faced such ruthless attempts on their lives and property.

Just an imperial merchant with a consort in the palace, how dare he?!

Countless thoughts raced through his mind, but ultimately, he felt deep helplessness and endless sorrow.

The Ye family had no connections in the capital or the officialdom. Meng Chengwei must have seen this and acted so brazenly.

Ming’er was right; to become strong, they must cooperate with others. They could no longer remain isolated, clinging to their small territory.

Back at the residence, in the second branch’s courtyard, Ye Chongming instructed the gatekeeper, “Summon Third Miss.”

Old Madam Ye was surprised to see him home at this hour.

Ye Chongming was a diligent man who usually spent his days handling affairs at the tea house. If he had no business, he would patrol the tea factory or shop or meet guests at the tea house to build connections.

He usually left early in the morning and returned home in the evening. Coming home near noon meant something had happened.

Thinking of her eldest son, who hadn’t returned from the capital, she felt a pang of worry and quickly asked, “Why are you home at this hour?”

Ye Chongming said nothing, entered the house, sat down, took the cloth towel handed by a maid to wipe his face and hands, and drank some tea before speaking, “I’ll explain when Ming’er arrives.”

Old Madam Ye had no choice but to send someone to hurry Ye Yaming.

Soon, Ye Yaming arrived, and Ye Chongming dismissed the servants before explaining that Ye Hongchang and the guards had been injured.

Old Madam Ye was terrified. Fortunately, Ye Chongming, fearing she would react like him, quickly assured her that Ye Hongchang was only slightly injured and was staying with the guards who were still in danger. This calmed her down.

Ye Chongming sighed and said to Ye Yaming, “Ming’er, you were right. We don’t provoke others, but they covet our possessions and try to kill us. This matter won’t end well. If they haven’t achieved their goal, they will have more tricks up their sleeves. And that bandit, they won’t let him reveal anything.”

“What do you think we should do next?” he asked.

“Is the tea silver safe?” Ye Yaming asked.

Ye Chongming nodded, looking relieved, “Fortunately, you reminded me to send Chief Guan to meet your uncle. Otherwise, not only would the tea silver be lost, but your eldest uncle…”

He couldn’t continue, overwhelmed by fear.