The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 91 The Plum Blossom Key

Chapter 91 The Plum Blossom Key

This was Ye Baoling’s second time visiting Ye Huaizhang’s office.

Knowing he was in, she had rushed over immediately.

Seeing her expression appeared normal with no extra emotions, Ye Huaizhang smiled and asked, What matter couldn’t be discussed over the phone?

Ye Baoling said softly, Ye Baoshun isn’t dead. He called me.

Ye Huaizhang was also surprised. After a long pause, he asked, Are you happy or unhappy about this?

This was truly difficult to describe.

At first she was happy, but after the happiness faded, she wondered – what was there to be happy about?

Humans really were creatures of complex emotions.

Ye Baoling slightly spread her hands, Half and half. Do you have reliable connections in Thailand?

Ye Huaizhang: You want to kill him?

Then he added: His crimes don’t deserve death.

Ye Baoling glared at him, I abide by the law, I’m a good citizen.

Then do you want to help him? Ye Huaizhang felt his wife wasn’t that kind of person either.

Sure enough, she said: I’m not a bodhisattva. Ye Baoshun is easily swayed by others, very susceptible to influence, and acts impulsively with ruthless methods. You’ve seen the results of his two consecutive attempts.

Then she explained her thoughts to Ye Huaizhang.

She originally planned to implement her scheme after Ye Baoshun went to Australia, as she had gold mines and acquaintances there.

Now that Ye Baoshun was stranded in Thailand, this was outside her plan.

Estrogen? Ye Huaizhang actually thought this idea was quite good, If it succeeds, that would be the result he wanted himself. If someone doesn’t want something, no amount of guidance will work.

We can try.

Ye Huaizhang had connections there, so he would handle the remaining matters.

Afterwards, Ye Baoling went to the telephone company and confirmed Ye Baoshun’s specific location was in Chonburi, Thailand.

She called Ye Huaizhang to report the location.

In the evening, she finally went to the hospital.

After Ye Qizu’s stroke this time, half his face was twisted. For the first few days he couldn’t even speak clearly, but these past two days he had improved slightly and could express himself better.

However, while others might become confused after a stroke, he was an exception – clearer than anyone.

Ye Kais had gone to Thailand to search for his son, determined to find him dead or alive. Since he hadn’t been found yet, he hadn’t returned.

Currently at the hospital, only Ye Kaimin and Ye Qizong took turns visiting during the day.

Ye Kaimin wasn’t there, so Ye Qizong brought his grandson to keep the old man company, comforting his brother not to overthink things.

Ye Qizong’s intentions were obvious – with so many grandsons, any one of them could be adopted by Ye Qizu.

But now wasn’t the right time, so he hadn’t voiced it yet.

Seeing Ye Baoling enter, Ye Qizong knew how to read the room and quickly stood up: Second brother, I’ll head back now and visit you tomorrow. Binzai, say goodbye to Second Granduncle.

Ye Qizong left with his grandson.

Ye Baoling stood before the hospital bed, watching drool trickle from the old man’s mouth. She pulled out a tissue and wiped it away with distaste.

You… you’re happy now, Ye Qizu said to her.

Ye Baoling nodded slightly: Yes, I’m happy every day.

Ye Qizu’s cloudy eyes stared vacantly at the IV bottle before him, tears flowing from the corners of his eyes: The gods are punishing me… punishing me…

Ye Baoling remembered the crimson lights and spells beneath Silver Snake Mountain and couldn’t help asking: What gods?

You wouldn’t understand. You wouldn’t understand.

Ye Baoling stared at the withered old man before her. If you don’t explain, of course I won’t understand.

The old man slightly closed his eyes. He had lived a glorious life—who would have thought he’d suffer such humiliation in his old age?

Driven from power by his own granddaughter, losing face before all of Port City.

His only healthy grandson preferred men, eventually leading to murder and divine retribution…

Ye Baoling said, Baoshun called me.

Ye Qizu instantly widened his eyes. Ah… ah…

He’s still alive. In Thailand.

Really? Ye Qizu waved his hands excitedly, weeping with joy, tears and mucus streaming down his face.

Xing Shu heard the commotion and rushed in, holding a damp towel to wipe the old man’s face. What happened? Why is he suddenly crying?

Ye Baoling: He’s happy.

Ye Qizu pointed at the door and said to Xing Shu, Out… you go out…

Xing Shu was confused but tactfully withdrew.

Ye Qizu: How is… how is Baoshun?

Ye Baoling replied truthfully, I don’t know the specifics either. He just called to let me know he’s safe. He asked me not to tell the family, but if I kept silent and something really happened later, you’d blame me again.

Ye Qizu coughed several times. I won’t blame you, won’t blame you. He’s useless himself, useless… good-for-nothing… cough cough cough…

His disappointment in this grandson was undeniably real.

Especially after learning he had been entangled with Lu Tianyou all along—that had utterly disillusioned him.

Ye Qizu looked at Ye Baoling and asked, You could have kept… kept it from me. Why didn’t you choose… to hide it?

Ye Baoling: Hide the news so you’d leave all the inheritance to me?

That was indeed his implication.

Ye Baoling smiled. Even if Ye Baoshun were standing here perfectly fine, I’d still have ways to make you ultimately hand over Ye Qingtang’s shares to me. I told you—if you don’t give them to me, Ye Qingtang will become history, cease to exist. Sooner or later, you’ll clearly realize this.

In other words, even with Ye Baoshun alive and well, he still couldn’t compete with her.

Ye Qizu certainly knew this. He understood perfectly, but refused to acknowledge his granddaughter possessed such tactics.

He had merely hoped to delay as long as possible.

Who could have predicted this would be the outcome?

Ye Qizu coughed again. I’ve thought it through. I’ll give you Ye Qingtang’s shares… no problem… but… but I have conditions.

What conditions?

You must bear a son… bear a son… to inherit our Oldest Branch.

Even at death’s door, he still fixated on male heirs.

Ye Baoling shook her head slightly. Sorry, I can’t promise that. I’m not sure if I’ll have children. And I certainly can’t guarantee having a boy.

You… you fool!

Ye Qizu glared in fury. Why were all his descendants like this?

Would he have to pass the Oldest Branch to his brother’s descendants? He’d rather die than allow that.

Infuriated, Ye Qizu wanted to grab something to throw, but he could barely control his hands now. His face flushed crimson with rage.

Unfilial… unfilial descendants…

After his outburst, the old man suddenly remembered—he still had Ye Baoshun.

He still had Ye Baoshun.

Seeing him calm down, Ye Baoling continued, If I do have children, regardless of gender, I’ll have them inherit my legacy. Beyond that, I can’t make any guarantees.

Ye Qizu still refused to give up: If you don’t have children… you could adopt… adopt Baoshun’s son.

He’s gay. If you’re counting on him, you might as well count on Second Uncle. Why don’t you ask Second Uncle and Aunt to have another child? Of course, there’s no guarantee it would be a boy, nor that he wouldn’t grow up to be gay!

Ye Baoling wasn’t seriously suggesting her second uncle and aunt have another child; she was purely being sarcastic, with no other intention.

Ye Qizu: …

If I don’t have children, I’ll leave my assets to whoever pleases me. Or I could donate them to the state. She said this playfully and indifferently.

Ye Qizu: …

On this topic, the grandfather and granddaughter simply couldn’t see eye to eye.

Ye Baoling didn’t stay much longer and left first.

When she returned home and had just entered her room, Liang Meiyun followed her in.

These past few days had been sheer torture for Liang Meiyun—she had lost weight, and her hair had turned gray. She had deliberately tidied herself up before coming to see Ye Baoling.

After entering and closing the door, she anxiously asked, Baoling, did Baoshun call you?

It seemed Ye Qizu had asked Xing Shu to inform Ye Kais and his wife that Ye Baoshun was still alive.

Ye Baoling nodded, Yes, Second Aunt.

Where is he?

Thailand.

Is he alright?

He said he’s fine.

Only then did Liang Meiyun cover her face and burst into tears, My Baoshun.

The overwhelming joy of having him back from the dead made her whole body tremble.

Ye Baoling gently patted her back, He asked me not to tell you. He said he wants to make his own way out there.

That foolish child. Liang Meiyun grasped Ye Baoling’s hand, Do you know his address?

He wouldn’t tell me. I just checked the location of the landline he called from with the phone company—it seems to be in Maichim, Thailand. I’m not sure how accurate it is. Ye Baoling gave a false address.

Maichim? Having this location made Liang Meiyun feel more at ease.

Ye Kais was still in Thailand; she needed to quickly ask him to search for their son.

Whether they could find him or not, as long as her son was alive, Liang Meiyun wanted nothing more.

Thank you, Baoling. Liang Meiyun wiped her tears with the back of her hand, I’ve come to see things clearly. From now on, no matter who the old man leaves the family business to, I won’t have any objections. If your Second Uncle and Baoshun can’t understand, I’ll make them see reason. Don’t worry.

As long as she could receive the Family Foundation stipend every month, she would be content.

Money and possessions are external things. Since you don’t have children yet, you might not fully understand how I feel right now. I’m so happy, Baoling. Knowing Baoshun is alive, I’m just so happy. As she spoke, Liang Meiyun started crying again.

I understand. Ye Baoling handed her a tissue to wipe her tears.

The love of parents knows no bounds—she could understand her second aunt’s feelings at this moment.

*

In the 10th-floor conference room at Ye Qingtang, everyone was discussing the work related to establishing a bottled water brand.

Ye Baoling had selected He Jiayi, Gao Lizhen, and Li Donghao, among others, to form a bottled water brand team.

She also invited relevant personnel from other departments to listen in and provide suggestions.

They first analyzed the feasibility.

Li Donghao said, If we want an affordable mass-market brand to follow the same path as Ice Tea, then our target consumers should also be primarily young families. Producing in mainland China, water source costs are cheap, labor is inexpensive—the only expensive part is shipping. But with ports becoming increasingly mature, fuel costs controllable, and sea freight prices significantly dropping in the current market, venturing into the bottled water business overseas would be very profitable.

Yes, with our backing from the mainland, we should leverage these cost-effective resources under the current exchange rate. Calculations show that building factories here is more controllable in terms of both cost and risk compared to establishing them overseas.

Therefore, Ye Baoling’s chosen path was not wrong.

Manufacture in the mainland where costs are lowest, and sell the products globally.

Next, they discussed brand positioning and naming.

Ye Baoling put forward her requirements, The mineral water bottle design is crucial. A stylish, well-designed bottle with the right thickness and a comfortable grip will definitely be more popular.

In her previous life, she had been a loyal fan of a particular mineral water brand, entirely because of its aesthetically pleasing bottle design.

She admitted she was a sucker for good looks.

Even mineral water could have visual appeal.

The designer quickly noted down the key points and promised to present several bottle designs the following week.

When it came to the brand name, He Jiayi, quick-witted and skilled at flattery, suggested, I think the young lady’s name sounds lovely. Ye Qingtang’s Herbal Tea was named after your ancestor. Could we name the mineral water we’re developing after the young lady? How about calling it Bao Ling?

Everyone turned to look at Ye Baoling.

Bao Ling?

Ye Baoling shook her head and joked, No, that sounds like ‘bowling.’

The group couldn’t help but laugh.

Someone else proposed, What about reversing it to Ling Bao?

Ye Baoling immediately vetoed it, The character ‘Ling’ isn’t commonly used, so it’s not suitable for a mass-market product name.

Another suggestion followed, How about Yu Bao? Like a pure white feather…

Someone objected, But the character for ‘feather’ isn’t quite right either, is it?

What about the character for ‘rain’? Yu Bao.

Rain gives a feeling of being unclean.

Then what about ‘snow’? Snow Treasure. Or something related to iced tea, like ‘Ice Something.’

How about Snow King?

Everyone voiced their opinions, one after another.

In the end, no decision was made immediately. Ye Baoling requested the branding department to prepare a comprehensive proposal with at least five brand name options for her to choose from.

*

As a sponsor of the Golden Statue Awards, Su Manzhu’s advertisements were everywhere during this period.

On the night of the awards ceremony, Ye Baoling attended in formal attire, accompanied by her sister Ye Leqiong.

Since the incident involving Ye Baoshun, the Ye family had become the focus of media attention wherever they went.

After walking the red carpet, Ye Baoling declined interviews and went straight into the venue.

As the major sponsor and boss, producers, directors, and celebrities of all levels competed to chat and network with her as soon as she entered.

Award-winning actress Liang Ailing was particularly active, bringing people over to greet Ye Baoling.

Ye Baoling noticed that her aunt, Ye Jinliu, was also there. Seizing a free moment, she hurried over to say hello.

Auntie, did you come alone?

Ye Jinliu was delighted to see Ye Baoling, I came with Brother Fa. Have you been very busy lately? I tried to reach you several times, but you weren’t around.

You could have just called me directly, Ye Baoling said with a smile. What did you need, Auntie?

Ye Jinliu lowered her voice, There’s an investment opportunity recently, and I wanted your opinion.

When it came to investments, Ye Baoling was now considered far more reliable in Ye Jinliu’s eyes than Ye Jinfeng.

What kind of investment?

Hainan Island has already separated from Guangdong and become its own province, hasn’t it? My friend says this is a great investment opportunity. He’s raising funds to launch a major real estate project in Hainan and asked if I wanted in. He mentioned the return period would take at least ten years, so I’m hesitant and wanted your opinion. Ye Jinliu didn’t mention this was Gong Jinghui’s investment project.

Ye Baoling roughly guessed the situation. She smiled and asked, Auntie, do you want to hear the truth?

Ye Jinliu: Of course. Why else would I ask you?

Knowing most of the upcoming Hainan real estate projects would fail, Ye Baoling analyzed: Hainan has just become a province—how it will develop is completely unknown. The population isn’t large, they’re not wealthy, and it’s far from the mainland. I’m not optimistic about real estate development there. I think your friend isn’t very confident either, which is why he told you returns would take at least ten years. That means if you suffer losses in the first few years, you can’t hold him accountable. And if after ten years you’re still at a loss, you won’t have the energy to dispute it with him by then.

Being intelligent, Ye Jinliu understood the reasoning perfectly—she just wanted too badly to believe in Gong Jinghui.

Hearing Ye Baoling’s words, she made a decisive decision: You’re right. I’ll go back and think it over carefully.

Ye Baoling asked her, What have you been busy with lately, Auntie?

Ye Jinliu: I almost forgot to tell you—I’m planning to organize an exhibition and invite everyone to participate.

What kind of exhibition?

The Plum Blossom Exhibition.

Ye Baoling paused for a moment. The system was indeed exerting its influence—she hadn’t completed those extra system tasks for nothing.

What kind of plum blossom exhibition?

It’s an exhibition featuring various items related to plum blossoms. If you have any plum blossom-related objects, you can contribute them to the exhibition.

Ye Baoling immediately expressed interest. She asked, What gave you the sudden inspiration to host such an exhibition, Auntie?

Ye Jinliu laughed: It wasn’t sudden. I’ve loved plum blossoms since I was young. I adored the plum blossoms in classical poetry—their elegant solitude, blooming defiantly in the cold. But I’d never seen real plum blossoms back then, so I collected all kinds of plum blossom-related items. The collection kept growing and growing. Recently, a friend suggested I host a plum blossom-themed exhibition, and I thought it was a wonderful idea, so I started preparing.

Ye Baoling asked curiously: What kind of collections do you have, Auntie? Could you give me a sneak peek?

Of course! Come find me whenever you’re free. I’ve organized all my treasures—you and Huaizhang can help me decide which pieces should be placed in the central position of the special exhibition.

Sounds good. Ye Baoling tried not to appear too enthusiastic. I’ll check when Huaizhang is available, and we’ll come admire Auntie’s precious collections in advance.

Ye Jinliu laughed heartily: You’re both so busy. When I want to chat with you, I can never find you at home. We ended up meeting outside instead.

After chatting for a while, someone came over to greet Ye Baoling, so she made plans with her aunt to continue their conversation at home.

*

To avoid making Ye Jinliu feel their excessive attention and eagerness, Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang restrained their curiosity and waited until Sunday to visit Ye Jinliu.

Ye Jinliu lived alone on the second floor of Cuizhu Residence.

One of the large rooms on the second floor was filled with plum blossom collections prepared for exhibition.

Hanging on the walls were over a hundred pieces of plum blossom calligraphy and paintings.

There were also various plum blossom porcelain vases, plum blossom boxes, plum blossom jade ring cups, plum blossom patterned porcelain plates, silver plates, gold plates, as well as plum blossom jewelry, plum blossom brocade, plum blossom cheongsams, plum blossom shoes and socks, and so on.

The diverse collections left Ye Baoling dazzled.

After carefully examining everything, just as Ye Jinliu was on a phone call, Ye Baoling quietly asked Ye Huaizhang, Any discoveries?

Ye Huaizhang shook his head, Nothing found.

Though there were many collections, there was no trace or clue of the Plum Blossom Key.

This was expected.

When Ye Jinliu returned after her call, she asked them, So, how are my collections? Not bad, right?

Ye Huaizhang praised first, More abundant than imagined.

Ye Baoling added, I never knew there were so many items related to plum blossoms.

Oh, I’ve been collecting these for decades, Ye Jinliu said as she closed the door. The humidity had been high lately, and she needed to maintain a reasonable humidity level in the room.

After the compliments, Ye Huaizhang pointed out a weakness, Although the collections are more abundant than expected, as an exhibition, it’s still not rich enough.

Ye Jinliu immediately asked, Huaizhang, do you have any suggestions? Tell your aunt.

Aunt, you could ask people you know to contribute plum blossom-related items. That would make the exhibition much richer. I have a ruby plum blossom clasp that I can contribute and lend to you for the exhibition.

Ye Jinliu quickly praised, That’s a great idea. Your grandmother probably has some plum blossom-related items too, and your mother might as well.

Ye Baoling said, We can help promote it for you, Aunt, and see if we can find more exhibits.

Ye Jinliu laughed, If I had known, I should have asked you for advice earlier.

They then made a list of people to inquire with before the young couple descended from Emerald Bamboo Villa and walked through the back garden to the Gong residence.

They had arranged to play cards at the Gong family today.

It was still a five-person card game.

Gong Jiahua curiously asked them, Has Baoshun been found?

Ye Baoling replied, Not yet, he’s hiding. My second uncle went twice but returned empty-handed.

Ye Baoxin, familiar with Ye Baoshun’s temperament, said, When he can’t manage outside anymore, he’ll contact home on his own. Trust me.

Gong Jiahua nodded, Right, he’s never suffered hardship. Without money, he won’t last long.

In this round, Ye Baoling was eliminated early, leaving only Fang Shanxing and Ye Huaizhang until the end.

Ultimately, Ye Huaizhang won with a plum blossom sequence.

Ye Huaizhang continued the topic, saying, My aunt is organizing a plum blossom exhibition and is currently collecting items. If a piece is selected as a special exhibit, she’ll give away a round-the-world cruise package.

What kind of plum blossom exhibits?

Ye Baoling explained, Anything related to plum blossoms is acceptable, though preferably antiques with some historical feel. Things like plum blossom clasps, plum blossom pins, or plum blossom locks are all fine.

Eager to maintain a good relationship with Ye Baoling, Ye Baoxin was the most proactive, I’ll go back and look for some.

Fang Shanxing remembered, My grandfather has a Plum Blossom Key.

Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang instinctively glanced at each other. She smiled and said, A Plum Blossom Key would work too. Is it an antique?

Fang Shanxing: It’s at least several decades old. When I was little, my grandfather would hold me while opening the safe during New Year, and I saw it inside. Moreover, this key was specifically mentioned in my grandfather’s will, which shows its importance. It probably can’t be borrowed.

Who would borrow a key anyway? This is likely the key to an important safe, Gong Jiahua remarked.

Ye Baoling casually asked, Gong Jiahua, doesn’t your family have one?

Gong Jiahua shook his head: I don’t recall anything with a plum blossom pattern. I’ll help you ask my grandfather and parents.

After returning home from playing cards, the young couple began their analysis.

It was almost certain that the Fang family’s Plum Blossom Key was kept in the safe.

But where was the other one?

Ye Baoling wondered, Could the other key not be with the Gong family? Fang Shanxing has a good temperament and character in every aspect, yet my grandfather never considered setting me up with him. While he maintained a seemingly good relationship with Sir Fang on the surface, he always kept a certain distance. This shows he was originally wary of the Fang family. But he went to great lengths to have me marry Gong Jiahua—he didn’t have such reservations about the Gong family.

Ye Huaizhang frowned slightly. Didn’t Ye Baoxin marry Fang Shanxing?
That was my father and stepmother being enthusiastic. Although my grandfather never openly opposed it, he was never warm to the idea. Besides, he didn’t consider Ye Baoxin a true member of the Ye family, so he was relatively indifferent.

If the other Plum Blossom Key wasn’t with the Gong family, then where could it be?

Suddenly, Ye Baoling had an idea. Let’s search my grandfather’s safe and see if we can find anything new.

Coincidentally, with her grandfather hospitalized, she was in charge at home.

That evening, Ye Baoling found an excuse to have the housekeeper Yin Jie send the third-floor servants away. She and Ye Huaizhang secretly entered the old man’s study.

Once inside the study’s secret chamber, Ye Baoling used lock picks to open the mechanical lock of the safe, then entered the password she had previously stolen from her grandfather.

Inside several safes, they found gold bars, jewelry, various documents, contracts, and property deeds…

In one of the safes, they discovered a small sandalwood box.

Using the lock picks to open the copper lock on the box, they found a worn-out diary inside.

Opening the diary, the first page prominently displayed: Leaf Fang Mutual Protection Covenant.

The text inside was like a heavenly book—they recognized the characters, but couldn’t understand how they connected.

Turning to the last page, they found four signatures:

Ye Qizu, Ye Qidong, Ye Qiliang, and Fang Dingkun.

Their guess was correct—there were no signatures from the Gong family, only from the three branches of the Ye family and Sir Fang.