The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 3: The Eldest Miss

Chapter 3: The Eldest Miss

The original host’s father called Ye Baoling, asking her to return to the Ye family home.

Ye Baoling didn’t refuse, as she had a mission to accomplish. Only by interacting with her father and grandfather would she have a chance to obtain the Ugly King Jade Pendant from the old main branch.

The Ye family didn’t reside in the hillside area where the wealthy gathered, but rather in the old district’s Qing Tang Street.

The sprawling mansions of the three branches stretched continuously, occupying half the street.

The Gu family driver hadn’t returned yet after dropping Uncle off for overtime work. Under normal circumstances, Ye Baoling would never have ventured out alone, but now she set off carrying the original host’s small crossbody bag.

Her wallet contained over a hundred Hong Kong dollars. She took a taxi, spending ten dollars to arrive directly at the mansion at No. 1 Qing Tang Street.

A maid with upturned, coquettish eyes came to answer the door. Through the small window in the iron gate, she asked, “Who are you looking for?”

A new maid? Didn’t recognize the original host?

Ye Baoling couldn’t help but look up at the house number again—it was indeed No. 1 Qing Tang Street.

“I’m here to see my dad.”

The maid scrutinized the visitor at the door, likely thinking this was the rumored unpopular, timid, and easily bullied eldest miss.

The maid was a newly hired helper under Ye Baoling’s stepmother. Putting on airs, she pretended not to have guessed her identity and retorted coldly, “Who’s your dad?”

Unaware of the maid’s extensive mental deliberations, Ye Baoling’s mind was preoccupied with other matters. Without overthinking, she replied directly, “Ye Kaimin.”

“Sorry, I don’t know you. I’ll get someone else to open the door for you.” The maid with upturned eyes quickly shut the small window and disappeared from Ye Baoling’s sight.

Ye Baoling snapped back to reality immediately—was she being left stranded outside?

Well, she had plenty of time and wasn’t in a hurry anyway. She wanted to see whether this person intended to leave her outside or was genuinely being cautious by going to fetch someone to open the door.

She glanced at her watch: 10:05. In her original world, at this hour, she’d either be in a company meeting or on her way to one with a client.

Perhaps it had been too long since she’d attended a meeting, but she found herself somewhat nostalgic for it, almost masochistically so.

Bored, she surveyed the street scene around her.

Clean and tidy, unlike other streets in the old district, it was lined with greenery, flowers, and trees.

Though located in a bustling urban area, Qing Tang Street was an oasis of tranquility amid the noise, with little traffic.

A car approached from the distance, looking somewhat familiar. Ye Baoling focused slightly—it was a Rolls-Royce with the license plate number 3.

The car stopped by the roadside, and the window rolled down. It was indeed Guan Old Lady.

The elderly woman greeted her softly, “Ah Ling!”

Ye Baoling jogged over, “Fifth Aunt, what a coincidence.”

“Are you here to see your grandfather and father?”

It was clear Guan Old Lady was worried Ye Baoling might tell her family elders about the third branch’s intention to seek her as a daughter-in-law. Ye Baoling reassured her, “My dad asked me to come. I’m not sure what it’s about.”

“Oh. Then our matter, you mustn’t…”

Ye Baoling nodded, “I know, I won’t say anything.”

Guan Old Lady smiled in relief, “I’ll visit you tonight or tomorrow. Wait for my good news.”

Ye Baoling wanted to ask if the Ugly King Jade Pendant had been found, but fearing Guan Old Lady might misunderstand her eagerness, she simply smiled and said nothing more.

After the Rolls-Royce drove away, Ye Baoling turned to look at the garden villa behind her. It resembled a medieval castle—solemn, desolate, and unfamiliar.

She checked her watch again. Ten minutes had passed, and still, no one had come to open the door.

Just then, the main gate suddenly swung open, and a black luxury car of a brand she didn’t recognize drove out. Its license plate number was 12—this was her grandfather’s car.

Two people sat in the back seat: an elderly man with white hair who was indeed her grandfather, and a young man in his twenties who should be her cousin, the one doted on by everyone.

Her grandfather happened to glance in her direction, his expression calm and indifferent, as if he hadn’t seen her at all, completely ignoring his granddaughter’s presence.

The car didn’t stop and drove straight out.

Hah…

This old man Ye!

No wonder the original host felt like she was being punished every time she returned to the Ye family.

Ye Baoling didn’t dwell on it and quickly walked toward the main entrance, but the automatic gate closed swiftly, frustrating her enough to press the doorbell several times in a row.

Soon, an older woman peeked out.

Young Miss is back. The helper sister was visibly excited to see Ye Baoling.

Clearly, this sister must have been quite close to the original host.

Ye Baoling didn’t know her name and couldn’t help studying her a bit more.

The sister smiled, I’m Sister Qin! Young Miss, you haven’t been back for months—have you forgotten me already?

Of course I remember. Sister Qin, did you come to open the door because you heard the doorbell, or did someone ask you to?

I ran over as soon as I heard the doorbell—I didn’t expect it to be you, Young Miss.

Ye Baoling understood.

She didn’t immediately pursue the matter of the upturned-eyed maid but asked, Where’s my dad?

Mr. Ye is in the Prosperous Moon Tower Sunroom, accompanying Mrs. Ye as she sunbathes.

Ye Baoling had no idea which building was Prosperous Moon Tower, so she pulled Sister Qin along to lead the way. But she couldn’t say it outright and instead remarked, Sister Qin, your hair is so thick! What shampoo do you usually use?

Sister Qin, in her forties or fifties, had jet-black hair tied into a thick braid. Seeing the Young Miss chatting casually with her, she naturally walked ahead, happily replying, I never use shampoo—I always wash my hair with soap.

As they chatted along the way, Ye Baoling managed to gather some information she wanted to know.

For instance, her grandfather had just bought a racehorse for her cousin from her second uncle’s family, and the grandfather and grandson had gone to the racetrack today; her stepmother’s daughter had returned from abroad and was now working at Su Man Jewelry; and her stepmother had taken an ultrasound—reportedly, she was pregnant with another boy.

While heading up the stairs, Ye Baoling asked again, That new maid at home, around my age, with slightly upturned eyes and a black mole by her nose—what was her name again?

The description was too distinctive, and Sister Qin immediately matched it: That must be A Feng from Mrs. Ye’s quarters, right? Since Mrs. Ye is about to give birth, they hired an extra helper. They say she’s a distant relative’s child.

So that was it.

Sister Qin was an old-timer in the Ye family and secretly looked down on Mrs. Ye, who had been a secretary, gotten pregnant, and climbed her way up as the other woman.

Entering Prosperous Moon Tower and going up to the second floor, they encountered a middle-aged man coming out of the inner room.

This was the original host’s father, Ye Kaimin. Ye Baoling had deliberately looked through the original host’s family photos.

Her father glanced at her and complained, Why are you back so late?

Following behind him was a somewhat attractive, middle-aged woman with a large belly, who smiled and waved at her. She was quick enough! Did you expect her to fly? You call, and she’s supposed to appear instantly? Honestly. Baoling, come here—ignore your father.

This was the original host’s stepmother, Zheng Junni, who was exceptionally good at putting on an act.

Zheng Junni wasn’t particularly beautiful, nor was she young. Previously married, she had remarried with a daughter in tow. How had she managed to climb from being the other woman to marrying into wealth? Beyond bearing a son, her success lay in her ability to both humble herself obsequiously and maintain an appearance of gentleness, kindness, and deference.

She was a chameleon.

After transmigrating into the story, Ye Baoling not only had to complete the survival mission of obtaining three Ugly King Jade Pendants within a year but also had a bonus task.

That was to uncover the true culprit who had framed the original host’s mother, Gu Min, for stealing the Ugly King Jade Pendant back then.

She wasn’t clear on what the reward would be after completing the task. For now, her priority was still the life-saving survival mission.

Investigating the real culprit could be considered later.

However, she had seriously thought about it during this period. Zheng Junni and Ye Kaimin were the most suspicious.

Because at that time, Zheng Junni was pregnant, and she and Ye Kaimin were pressuring Gu Min to divorce. They had the strongest motive.

Both of them were scum, but for long-term gains, she had to use them for now.

Ye Baoling had read the original host’s diary. The original host inwardly loathed Zheng Junni but didn’t dare show it. In front of Zheng Junni, she always acted obedient and harmless, like a little white rabbit.

So Ye Baoling now had to pretend too. Thank you, Aunt Jun.

She followed her father’s steps and began complaining quietly: It wasn’t that I came late. I waited at the door for a long time but no one opened it for me.

Ye Kaimin shot her a disdainful look: Couldn’t you ring the doorbell?

What he disliked most about Ye Baoling was her timidity and weakness – she couldn’t hold her own in social situations and was an embarrassment.

I did ring. A maid I’ve never seen before came to the door. She didn’t recognize me and asked who I was. I said my father is Ye Kaimin, but she just closed the door and left me outside.

As she spoke, Ye Baoling seemingly casually emphasized, Dad, using your name doesn’t work. Next time I should use Grandpa’s name instead. I should just say I’m Ye Qizu’s granddaughter. Let’s see if she’d dare not open the door for me then.

She didn’t say the maid had bullied her, only that her father’s name carried no weight.

Ye Kaimin’s anger flared up instantly. He’d been suppressed by the old man for half his life, and now even maids dared look down on him?

Which maid? What did she look like?

Seeing Ye Kaimin getting angry, Zheng Junni pulled Ye Baoling, trying to change the subject: That dress you’re wearing – I bought it for you, right? It looks good on you.

Once she bought new clothes, she wouldn’t wear this one anymore.

Ye Baoling smiled and didn’t let Zheng Junni’s interruption stop her, continuing to describe the maid’s appearance to Ye Kaimin.

A young woman with upturned eyes and a mole beside her nose?

Ye Kaimin looked at Zheng Junni, Do we have someone like that?

How could Ye Kaimin not recognize the servants around Zheng Junni? This was clearly asked deliberately.

Knowing she couldn’t cover it up, Zheng Junni had to say: I’ll go ask what happened.

Ye Kaimin was still angry, Call her here to ask!

Zheng Junni had to call toward the doorway: A Jin! A Jin! Go call A Feng over!

While waiting in the sitting room, Zheng Junni distributed the peeled pears to father and daughter, Have some pears to cool down. Let me handle the questioning later, alright? You’re so fierce, you’re making my stomach tense up.

Hearing Zheng Junni say this, Ye Kaimin couldn’t help but click his tongue in annoyance.

Now he’s competing with his second brother for the position of heir. Unfortunately, his only son with Zheng Junni is intellectually disabled. In the eyes of their father, who holds deeply ingrained patriarchal values, no matter how capable he is personally, he can’t compare to his second brother who has a normal son.

His only hope now is for his wife to safely give birth to a healthy boy.

As long as he has a healthy son, as the eldest son Ye Kaimin, he should rightfully inherit the family business.

Ye Kaimin’s tone softened: If you’re not feeling well, go back to your room and rest.

Zheng Junni gently touched her belly: Baoling rarely comes back, shouldn’t I keep her company? Just don’t speak so loudly later.

Just as they were speaking, A Feng entered.

Mr. Ye, Mrs. Ye, you asked for me.

Ye Kaimin immediately questioned: Do you know who Ye Kaimin…

He glanced at his wife and lowered his voice slightly, …is?

As soon as A Feng entered, she saw Ye Baoling sitting to the side. She licked her lips and said: I’m sorry, Mr. Ye. I hadn’t met the young mistress before and didn’t dare to open the door recklessly. I came in to find someone to open the door, but couldn’t find anyone. Mrs. Ye’s tonic was simmering in the kitchen, and I was afraid it would burn, so I went to turn off the heat first. When I came out after turning off the heat, I found the young mistress had already come in.

You were in the kitchen turning off the heat for over ten minutes. Ye Baoling asked calmly.

A Feng defended in a small voice: It wasn’t ten minutes, was it?

You slammed the door at 10:03. I waited for 13 minutes and no one came to open the door. I rang the doorbell again at 10:16. By the time Sister Qin opened the door and I came in, it was already 10:18. Strictly speaking, you were in the kitchen turning off the heat for 15 minutes.

Zheng Junni was secretly surprised at how detailed her memory was – since when did this little quail become so sharp-witted?

A Feng weakly explained: I’m sorry, young mistress. After turning off the heat in the kitchen, I still had to pour out the medicine. I got busy and… delayed. I really didn’t mean to.

Ye Kaimin finally understood – A Feng wasn’t disrespecting him, but deliberately making things difficult for Ye Baoling.

He immediately felt much better.

After all, A Feng was Zheng Junni’s distant relative. Punishing her now would definitely make Zheng Junni uncomfortable. After some thought, he decided to let it go.

A Feng, this was indeed your fault. Apologize to the young mistress – it’s not a big deal, just be more careful in the future.

Ye Baoling: …

This was the birth father of the original host.

Zheng Junni finally relaxed and smoothed things over with a smile: How can a simple apology suffice? Go pour a cup of tea for the young mistress! Only by serving tea with your apology can you show sincerity.

A Feng hurried to pour tea and brought it in, personally handing it to Ye Baoling. Bowing her head, she said: I’m sorry, young mistress. I failed to recognize your importance. There won’t be a next time.

Ye Baoling remained silent. Everyone was looking at her, and she looked back at everyone as if watching a play.

If she didn’t accept it, she would appear petty.

She took the teacup, but as soon as she grasped it, her hand subtly slipped…

The teacup fell and directly hit A Feng’s foot, scalding tea splashing all over the floor.

Ah! A Feng exclaimed softly.

Ye Baoling also frowned: Are you trying to scald me to death!

A Feng didn’t expect the young mistress to file the suit first like this. She was so angry she wanted to curse but didn’t dare speak, her fury rising to her throat until it finally became: I’m sorry, young mistress.

Zheng Junni: …

Wasn’t this a direct slap in the face to her, the stepmother trying to mediate?

She stared at Ye Kaimin in astonishment.

Since the teacup hadn’t hit Ye Kaimin’s foot, he couldn’t care less. He picked up a newspaper and pretended to read.

No matter how angry Zheng Junni was, she could only downplay the incident: It’s fine, it’s fine. It was just an accident. Clean this up, A Feng, you may leave first.

A Feng had no choice but to swallow her frustration, and the matter was temporarily set aside.

This minor incident made Ye Baoling understand the original owner’s situation in this household and her status in her father’s heart—dispensable.

Ye Baoling glanced at Zheng Junni’s stomach. In the original plot, Zheng Junni was indeed pregnant with a boy, but during the ultrasound check-up, the doctor informed her that the fetus had severe defects and recommended an abortion.

To secure her position, Zheng Junni didn’t abort the child. Instead, she found a way to buy a male baby to replace her own severely defective newborn…

Thinking about all the drama yet to come, Ye Baoling felt much better.

After the maids had left, Ye Kaimin finally said, I called you back today to tell you that your grandfather has arranged a marriage for you.

Another marriage arrangement!

What era is this? As a woman, does the original owner have no value beyond marriage?

It seems she hadn’t criticized the scriptwriter harshly enough back then.

Author’s Note:
Although it’s been a long time since I started this story, I’ve seen many familiar readers these past two days. So happy [heart][heart][heart]