The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 88: From Now On, My Rules Are the Rules

Chapter 88: From Now On, My Rules Are the Rules

In the small garden before the Hall of Flourishing Harmony at No. 1 Qing Tang Street.

The scene was more lively than Chinese New Year.

Ye Leqiong and her sisters had just woken up and rushed over to watch the excitement without even brushing their teeth.

Their grandfather Ye Qizong had already pushed his way to the front.

Before even understanding the situation, Ye Qizong spoke urgently: What’s going on? Second Brother, at your age, there’s no need to get so angry. You too, Baoling – I don’t know who you take after, always targeting your own family.

Bullshit! Ye Kaimin jumped up. What do you mean by that, Third Uncle?

Ye Qizong snorted coldly: Whatever you think I mean, that’s exactly what I mean.

Ye Kaimin refused to back down: If we’re talking about targeting family members, that would be Ye Kaisen! He ended up in prison – happy now?

This finally left Ye Qizong speechless.

Meanwhile, Ye Kais finally caught on and turned to ask Ye Qizong: Third Uncle, did you sell your Ye Qingtang shares to Ye Baoling?

Ye Zong spread his hands: How would I know if I sold them to her? A stockbroker named Liu brokered the deal.

Ye Kais: That’s her then. Liu Haonan, right? Her underling.

Seems so.

The more Ye Kais thought about it, the more wrong it felt. He immediately took out his mobile phone and called the head of the second branch, quickly confirming the situation.

Dad, you guessed right. Ye Baoling is acting as Ye Huaizhang’s white glove, helping her husband against her own family. I just asked the second branch – they sold their Ye Qingtang shares to Ye Huaizhang long ago.

So all that talk about short selling US stocks was just lies?

Ye Qizu angrily struck his cane again: I knew it! I knew this would happen. Still denying you’re helping the third branch, helping your man against your own grandfather? Is this proper behavior?

Ye Kais chimed in: They say women tend to favor outsiders, but who could have imagined it would be to this extent?

Thinking about the humiliation of losing control of Ye Qingtang, Ye Qizu grew angrier: If I’d known this would happen, I should have strangled you at birth!

Father and son continued their duet of insults.

These middle-aged and elderly men present would rather believe Ye Baoling was helping Ye Huaizhang against them than accept that a woman could achieve such feats through her own ability to become Ye Qingtang’s largest shareholder.

Listening to this unpleasant noise, Ye Baoling laughed helplessly: Because I’m a woman, you don’t believe it’s my own capability? Because I’m a woman, you’d rather strangle me than see me possess such ability? It seems your world doesn’t need women! Were you men born from men mating with men? No. You were born from women. Why didn’t your mothers strangle you all at birth?

Sister Ping couldn’t stand seeing so many people ganging up on her young mistress. She couldn’t help cursing: That’s why retribution has come! Now the Ye family has men dealing with men. I’m just an old woman with little education, but I’d really like to know – can men dealing with men produce male offspring?

Ye Leqiong and her sisters nearly applauded and cheered.

Ye Baoshun flushed with embarrassment and hid in the back.

Ye Kais and Liang Meiyun were fuming with rage.

Liang Meiyun pointed at Sister Ping and scolded: What nonsense are you spouting? Who gave you the right to speak here?

A whole family bullying our young mistress is absolutely unacceptable! Sister Ping knew Yulan knew martial arts, and Aqing was also present. She refused to believe their small group couldn’t handle these cowardly schemers.

Seeing this, Yin Jie quickly stepped forward to quietly advise Sister Ping, stopping her from saying anything reckless.

Ye Qizu was naturally angry too, but arguing with a maid would seem petty. Just as he was about to continue berating Ye Baoling, Ye Huaizhang happened to arrive upon hearing the news.

Seeing Ye Huaizhang’s arrival, Ye Kais couldn’t resist sneering, Weren’t you unavailable? Finally found time?

I called him here, Ye Kaimin blurted out.

Ye Kaimin’s emotions were complex at this moment, but regardless, he needed to side with his daughter first and present a united front against outsiders. Clinging to his daughter as a lifeline was his current priority.

As for how to distribute benefits – that could be discussed later.

When Ye Qizu saw Ye Huaizhang approach, he instead fell silent.

The old man just stared coldly at him, waiting for an explanation.

Knowing his wife held the winning hand, Ye Huaizhang remained the calmest as a mere spectator: I truly wasn’t in Port City yesterday. But even if I had been, it would have been useless – I couldn’t have helped.

Ye Qizong couldn’t resist mocking: You couldn’t help? You were the mastermind behind the scenes, of course you couldn’t help.

Ye Huaizhang had anticipated their petty suspicions.

He said, Many things have happened recently that you’re unaware of…

Ye Qizong scoffed coldly, If you don’t tell us, of course we wouldn’t know.

Ye Huaizhang glanced back at Ye Qizong – the old man had been acting somewhat deranged ever since his youngest son was arrested.

Aren’t I explaining now? Could you please stop interrupting me?!Under everyone’s contemptuous gazes, Ye Qizong finally shut up.

Ye Huaizhang stated solemnly: Let me make this clear first – everything Baoling has achieved so far has been through her own capabilities, unrelated to me. You might think our Third Branch also contributed Ye Qingtang shares to help Baoling become the largest shareholder of Ye Qingtang. But the reality isn’t what you imagine. Quite the opposite… When we were besieged by the Li Family earlier this year and nearly lost control of Hongtong Industry, it was Baoling who helped us tremendously during the crisis.

Someone asked: What great help did she provide?

Ye Huaizhang: During the stock market crash, she indeed made a substantial profit in the US stock market. She previously bought large quantities of Hongtong Industry shares when prices were low. She exchanged her Hongtong Industry holdings for our Ye Qingtang and Gezhi Jewellery shares.

Everyone was stunned upon hearing this.

Ye Baoling used her own Hongtong Industry shares to exchange for the Third Branch’s Ye Qingtang shares and Gezhi Jewellery?

Some understood immediately, while others remained confused.

Ye Qizong’s second son asked curiously: Then who owns Gezhi Jewellery now?

Ye Huaizhang: Ye Baoling is now the owner of Gezhi Jewellery. We’re merely managing it temporarily for now.

Amid the shock, Ye Qizu’s feelings underwent a subtle change – in other words, had his granddaughter also defeated the Third Branch?

Ye Huaizhang continued: The reason I could advance to become Chairman of Hongtong Industry ahead of schedule was also secured for me by Baoling. So stop saying I’m the mastermind behind everything. Baoling has always been very clear-minded – she comes from the Ye Family’s Oldest Branch, and in business matters, she wouldn’t accept any direction from me.

Ye Kais remained skeptical: You’ve colluded on this, haven’t you?

Ye Huaizhang: I believe in the near future, Gezhi Jewellery will likely merge with Su Man. Why would I need to hand over my family’s business to you for free? Besides, who doesn’t care about face? I care about face too. If I lose to my wife, I lose—she’s more skilled than I am, and I admit it openly without any shame.

A good man should have the courage to bow his head.

This time, Ye Leqiong and Ye Leyan genuinely applauded.

Earlier, they were afraid of being scolded for clapping, but now, everyone was too engrossed in the drama to pay them any attention.

Ye Qizu still couldn’t understand why his granddaughter would treat him this way.

He coughed a few times, looked at Ye Baoling, and asked, You purchased a large amount of Ye Qingtang stock on the secondary market, and then acquired more shares from the second and third branches of the family…

Ye Qizong added, And ours too.

Ye Baoling: Third Uncle, I didn’t originally intend to buy your shares. It was only because you were in a hurry to sell that I bought them. I could have taken them or left them.

How can you say that! Ye Qizong felt humiliated—the shares he cared so much about turned out to be something she didn’t even value. Did she have to say it out loud and make him lose face in public? Who would believe that!

Ye Kaimin couldn’t help but interject, Third Uncle, your family is about to exit the stage of history. Can you please stop interrupting randomly?

What do you mean, ‘exit the stage of history’! Ye Qizong was displeased.

Ye Kaimin was about to retort, but Ye Qizu stopped him.

What are you all trying to do? Ye Qizu angrily tapped his cane again. He hadn’t even finished speaking before two or three people interrupted him. These people only cared about profit and had no respect for him. Would you all just shut up?!

The room fell silent.

Only then did Ye Qizu continue, Baoling, by doing all this in advance—buying up Ye Qingtang shares everywhere—wasn’t it all a calculated scheme to seize control of Ye Qingtang from me? Why would you do that?

Ye Baoling replied calmly, I didn’t want to scheme either. Look at Ye Baoshun—how nice for him. He doesn’t have to do anything, and you, Grandfather, have arranged everything for him. They don’t need to scheme or even work hard. As long as they’re born lucky and not complete fools, they can become directors on Ye Qingtang’s board. And me? I expanded the company’s reach into the U.S. market, which could be many times larger than the domestic market in the future. I led Su Manzhu to defeat Gezhi. I put in so much effort and brought so much profit to the company. You promised me that if I succeeded, I could join the board. But what happened? Grandfather, you went back on your word and refused to let me in. Instead, you handed the director position to Ye Baoshun. I want to ask too—why? Just because I’m a woman and they’re men?

Ye Qizu gritted his teeth. Yes, precisely because you’re a woman. If you were a man, I would have treated you even better than them!

Since you look down on women, you deserve to be overthrown by a mere girl like me!

You!!! Ye Qizu was so enraged that even gripping his cane, his hands trembled violently.

Ye Baoling: Keeping me off the board is just the beginning. Regarding the Jiaqi Factory matter this time, I did intentionally conceal it from you. Because you are the root cause of Ye Qingtang’s deep-seated problems. Had you known, you would have disrupted my plans, forcing me to keep it from you. If you were a rational family leader, shouldn’t you be reflecting on yourself right now? Instead, you seized this opportunity to suppress my morale—demoting me from group vice president to deputy team leader in the marketing department. Why not send me back to being an ordinary clerk? You can’t bear to, because you still want me to expand the market for you, only to later hand my promotion opportunities to your successor, ensuring I remain a lifelong servant to the Oldest Branch and your heirs.

Ye Kais and Ye Baoshun dared not utter a word.

Ye Qizu remained defiant. Which family doesn’t operate this way? Passing inheritance to sons, not daughters? Doesn’t the Third Branch do the same?

Whether the Third Branch appoints based on capability is none of my concern. I was born into the Oldest Branch, and it’s you who are treating me unjustly. Therefore, I will reclaim what is rightfully mine from you. As she spoke, Ye Baoling scanned the room. From now on, my rules will be the rules.

Everyone present was stunned by Ye Baoling’s final declaration.

The Ye Leqiong sisters nearly had tears in their eyes as they looked at Ye Baoling, firmly becoming her supporters from that moment on.

Ye Qizu was the first to recover: This is rebellion! Even if you’re the major shareholder of Ye Qingtang and call the shots there, the Ye family is different from Ye Qingtang. You can’t run wild here—I am the head of the Ye family, and here, I have the final say.

Ye Baoling nodded slightly: Fine. Then let’s discuss whether you, as family head, are truly suitable and qualified to remain in that position.

Ye Qizu: What do you mean?

After my mother Gu Min married my father, she only gave birth to me, a daughter. My father used this as an excuse to have an affair with his secretary. Ye Baoling pointed at Ye Kaimin.

Ye Kaimin hadn’t expected his daughter to bring this up again. Unable to interrupt her, he could only bow his head and endure it.

Ye Baoling: Grandfather, as family head, did you uphold our great-grandfather’s ancestral teachings? Did you admonish your son against infidelity, taking concubines, or keeping mistresses? Did you?

Ye Qizu retorted: How do you know I didn’t? Initially, I sided with your mother. But she herself behaved improperly—she stole the Ugly King Jade Pendant enshrined on the altar. When your father discovered it, she was too ashamed to face the Ye family and chose to divorce.

Ye Baoling sneered: Really? I’d like to know—is the Ugly King Jade Pendant valuable?

Though the Ugly King Jade Pendant isn’t valuable monetarily, it’s a family heirloom. Your mother had previously expressed wanting to see it with her own eyes. She likely thought it was important to our Oldest Branch, which is why she stole it. Ye Qizu spoke without blushing, though his hands trembled slightly from agitation.

My mother didn’t steal it.

Your mother is dead. If you want to turn black into white, you still need evidence and logic.

The logic is this: my mother was physically and emotionally exhausted by my father’s affair at the time. How could she possibly have had the energy or ability to steal the Ugly King Jade Pendant from the locked altar? As for evidence, I’ve recently conducted a thorough investigation into the alleged theft of the pendant. Ye Baoling looked at the crowd and declared loudly, I know everyone has only heard that my mother stole the jade, but no one knows the specifics. Today, I will make it clear.

She intended to restore her mother’s innocence before everyone.

At that time, my grandfather was hospitalized due to illness, and for some reason, the Ugly King Jade Pendant was being enshrined on the altar. On the day my grandfather was discharged, he discovered the pendant was missing, and then my father found it in my mother’s drawer.

The crowd listened with bated breath. In truth, those who knew Gu Min didn’t believe she had stolen the jade.

For years, people had suspected that Ye Kaimin might have framed her, but it was only speculation. No one dared to be certain, so the accusation of theft had remained hanging over Gu Min’s head, never lifted.

My mother insisted she didn’t steal it, but my grandfather and father didn’t believe her because there was almost always someone in her room, making it difficult to frame her. It wasn’t until my recent investigation that I discovered something: on the day my grandfather was discharged, Xing Shu’s wife came upstairs to notify everyone to go down and welcome him back. During that time, my mother’s room was briefly unguarded by the servants. And in that brief window, only Xing Shu’s wife, who had come to deliver the message, was present.

Ye Baoling looked toward Xing Shu’s wife in the crowd.

Xing Shu’s wife avoided her gaze and lowered her head.

Someone asked, Did Xing Shu’s wife frame her?

Ye Baoling retorted, Do you think Xing Shu’s wife had the courage and motive to do so? Why would she want to frame my mother?

No one spoke.

Ye Qizu, with a complicated expression, tried to interrupt Ye Baoling, There’s no point in bringing this up now.

Of course you think there’s no point. Of course you don’t want me to continue. To you, it’s a thing of the past, but to my mother, it’s a disgrace that has stained her reputation. How did Xing Shu’s wife get the Ugly King Jade Pendant to frame her? At that time, the pendant was on the altar on the fourth floor of the Hall of Flourishing Harmony, and only Xing Shu had the key to the fourth floor. The only possibility is that Xing Shu and his wife collaborated to frame a mistress who had no conflict of interest with them. Why would they do that? Ye Baoling looked at Xing Shu.

Xing Shu glanced at Ye Qizu but said nothing.

Ye Kaimin rushed forward, Xing Shu, was it you? You made me bear the blame for all these years?

Ye Baoling glared at her father, As the instigator, you benefited from it and now you have the nerve to act innocent? Is that amusing?

Ye Kaimin didn’t expect to be publicly scolded by his daughter. He said aggrievedly, I… I wanted to help you!

I don’t need your help. I see right through your intentions. You’d better shut up and not waste my time.

Ye Kaimin: …

He could only cast a pleading look at his son-in-law.

Ye Huaizhang paid him no mind, focusing instead on the surroundings to prevent any unexpected incidents.

It was only then that Xing Shu spoke softly, I’m sorry, Miss. I wronged your mother. I… I’ve felt guilty all these years.

Ye Baoling pointed at Ye Qizu, My grandfather ordered you to do it, didn’t he?

The crowd erupted in astonishment!

How could it have been the old master’s doing?!

Everyone was taken by surprise.

Xing Shu lowered his head again and remained silent.

Ye Qizu speculated inwardly that Ye Baoling’s private conversation with Xing Shu last time was likely about this.

Ye Baoling: Xing Shu was extremely loyal to my grandfather. By not refuting it, he essentially confirmed it.

Ye Kais still tried to defend Ye Qizu: Not refuting means confirmation? What kind of logic is that?!

Second Uncle, do you want Xing Shu to personally testify against my grandfather, to hear with your own ears that my grandfather framed my mother, before you’re satisfied? Your intentions are quite interesting.

Ye Kais paused, then hurriedly said: If a witness doesn’t speak, how can they be considered a witness?

Xing Shu said helplessly: Back then, it was the Old Master who ordered us to do this. I’m sorry, Old Master, I’ve served you like an ox or horse all my life, but today I must tell the truth. Otherwise, I truly can’t face the spirit of the First Madam in the afterlife. I’m sorry.

After speaking, Xing Shu bowed deeply.

Xing’s wife wiped tears from the corner of her eyes, keeping her head deeply bowed.

Everyone exchanged glances, but no one dared to speak.

Ye Baoling raised her voice, determined to make everyone hear her: Why would my grandfather do this? Because my mother didn’t bear a son, my maternal grandmother’s family went bankrupt and declined, and the woman my father was having an affair with was pregnant with a male child. Since family tradition forbids taking concubines or keeping mistresses, my grandfather came up with this vicious scheme to frame my mother, destroy her reputation, and force her to voluntarily step down in despair…

Ye Qizu, shamed into anger, shouted: What do you think you’re doing? This isn’t a courtroom, and it’s not your place to judge me, Ye Baoling.

Ye Baoling looked at him with utter contempt: I insist on doing exactly that. You, Ye Qizu, are someone who favors sons over daughters, abandons principles for profit, schemes and frames others, is vicious and dirty, a hypocrite – the modern equivalent of Yue Buqun! Such a hypocrite who violates family traditions is utterly unworthy of being the head of our Ye family!

Before Ye Qizu could even process all these precise adjectives, he collapsed in anger.

The scene descended into minor chaos. No one dared to criticize Ye Baoling – after all, she would soon be Ye Qingtang’s boss, and everyone was counting on Ye Qingtang for distributions from the Family Foundation.

Moreover, today’s drama was her gift to everyone.

She had every reason to be an unfilial descendant to clear her mother’s name.

Besides, many people had long held grievances against Ye Qizu.

This was essentially Ye Baoling venting everyone’s pent-up anger for them.

Only Ye Kais and Ye Baoshun still clung to the old man, as they were still hoping to inherit his wealth.

The system prompt sounded at just the right moment.

Congratulations to the host for completing the bonus mission. After vindicating the original host’s mother, you may receive an additional reward.

Additional reward options: A. Obtain clues to the next Mark Six jackpot; B. Obtain important clues to find the Plum Blossom Key.

Without hesitation, Ye Baoling chose B.

Immediately, a virtual screen appeared with a message.

You may choose to cooperate with Ye Jinliu to obtain clues about the Plum Blossom Key.

Cooperate with Ye Huaizhang’s third aunt?

Amid the chaotic scene, Ye Baoling didn’t have time to think too much.

She still needed to wrap up today’s affairs.

Exchanging a glance with Ye Huaizhang, she followed him to the hospital.

Ye Qizu was taken to the hospital.

The doctor diagnosed him with a mild stroke. Since he was brought to the hospital promptly, it wasn’t serious and wouldn’t affect his speech or mobility.

Upon learning the old man wouldn’t die immediately, Ye Baoling and her husband left directly.

Even at such a time, the person Ye Qizu trusted most was still Xing Shu.

All hospital arrangements were handled by Xing Shu.

When Ye Kaimin and Ye Kais wanted to stay at the hospital to keep the old man company, they were both sent away.

Ye Kais returned home to find Liang Meiyun on the phone with her younger sister in the bedroom, discussing the day’s explosive family gossip. She quickly ended the call and asked, What’s the situation?

Mild stroke, hospitalized for a week.

Why did you all come back? Is Ye Baoling staying at the hospital?

She’s not there. Xing Shu has people keeping watch.

Liang Meiyun asked again, What do we do in this situation now?

Ye Kais took off his coat and smiled, I’ve been thinking all afternoon—this situation might not be bad for us. After this incident, most of the Ye Qingtang shares in the old master’s hands will likely be inherited by us. Baoshun isn’t cut out for business; if Ye Qingtang were passed to him, he’d probably hire professional managers to run it. Now things have changed. Ye Baoling has become the major shareholder of Ye Qingtang, and she’ll undoubtedly devote herself entirely to developing the company. As the second-largest shareholders, we can just sit back and reap the dividends—wait for the profits to roll in. Don’t you agree?

It made some sense, but not much.

Liang Meiyun said, How can you be so sure the old master will leave the Ye Qingtang shares to us? Your eldest brother is eyeing them covetously. And there’s no guarantee Ye Baoling won’t pull some tricks. Don’t forget, if Ye Baoling has children in the future, they’ll still carry the Ye surname.

Ye Kais replied, Even if they’re surnamed Ye, they’d belong to the Third Branch—what does that have to do with us, the Oldest Branch?

Liang Meiyun shook her head slightly, You can’t be certain. The old master’s mind changes constantly. The best approach is to humor him and get him to draft a will early.

Ye Kais naturally understood this logic. It’s not easy to bring up the will—he gets suspicious at the mere mention.

Have the lawyer remind him.

Ye Kais nodded to indicate he knew what to do.

Meanwhile, in the hospital, Ye Qizu lay on the sickbed, his mind echoing with the harsh words his granddaughter had hurled at him that morning.

The more he thought about it, the angrier he became. He couldn’t help but ask, Is there still a way for me?

Xing Shu, sitting nearby, quickly stood up. Master, you should listen to the doctors. Rest more at a time like this and don’t overthink.

Do you think Ye Baoling is better than me?

Xing Shu chuckled awkwardly, In my heart, you’ve shown me immense kindness—you’re the best. But one must accept aging. Having such a capable member among the younger generation should be a comfort to you.

Ye Qizu sighed, Comfort? She didn’t even visit me after driving me to the hospital.

Xing Shu dared not speak further.

Tell me, how can I turn defeat into victory? Lying in the hospital bed, he remained unconvinced.

Xing Shu said, I dare not say.

Ye Qizu shot him a glance, Speak.

Xing Shu replied, If you regard the young lady as your successor, wouldn’t the current situation be a great victory?

Have all the men of our Oldest Branch died out?

How could he possibly let his granddaughter be the successor?

Xing Shu hastily knocked on the wooden table. Touch wood! Don’t say such unlucky things.

Ye Qizu sighed in frustration. After Ye Baoling’s dramatic scene today, he had probably become the laughingstock of Port City’s elite circles.

This unfilial granddaughter!

Author’s Note: Unfilial granddaughter: Drinking [wicked laugh

Unfilial grandson-in-law: Accompanying her drinking [kisses

I heard there’s a nutrient solution double event recently—pleading for any extra nutrient solutions from everyone. I can provide a warm home for all the homeless nutrient solutions [let me see.

Of course, you don’t have to give them to me, because even if you do, this useless one is incapable of adding more updates shattered.