The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 92: Not Under Your Jurisdiction, Under Mine

Chapter 92: Not Under Your Jurisdiction, Under Mine

The Leaf Fang Mutual Protection Covenant in the diary only contained signatures from the heads of four families, essentially excluding the Gong family this time.

Ye Baoling was full of questions: Could it be that the last two Plum Blossom Keys are both in Sir Fang’s possession?

Ye Huaizhang thought for a moment and slightly shook his head: If both were in his possession, why would he need two keys? It would be simpler to have one lock and one key.

Then who holds the other Plum Blossom Key? In the hands of the Ye family? But the three branches of the Ye family are already guarding the first Great Bronze Door, that doesn’t make sense either.

Neither of them could figure it out.

They discovered an old black-and-white photograph at the bottom of the rosewood box.

When they took out the photo, there were some spots due to moisture, but it didn’t affect visibility.

In the photo stood five young men in robes, ranging in age from about seventeen or eighteen to twenty-five or twenty-six, while in the front row center stood a beautiful little girl of about five or six years old.

Ye Huaizhang pointed at the men in the photo: The one on the far left is your grandfather, the one on the far right is my grandfather, and in the middle are the two uncles from the second branch and your third granduncle.

So this was a group photo of Ye Qizu’s generation of cousins.

Ye Baoling asked: Who is the girl?

She looked somewhat familiar. Where had she seen her before?

Ye Huaizhang wasn’t entirely certain: Probably a relative. I remember seeing this person’s photo in grandmother’s old photo album. Let’s ask grandmother when we go back.

This old black-and-white photo definitely wasn’t accidentally placed in the wooden box.

Could the Leaf Fang Mutual Protection Covenant be related to this girl?

It was possible.

Ye Baoling took out her camera and photographed both the contents of the diary and the old photo.

She planned to develop the photos and study them in detail.

After restoring everything to its original state, they secretly left the secret chamber and study, returning to their rooms on the second floor.

The next day after work, Ye Baoling went directly back to the third branch.

After dinner, she accompanied Guan Lao Taijun in her room, chatting with the elderly lady.

Since the incidents with Ye Jinsong and Han Yanmei, Guan Lao Taijun had aged considerably. Fortunately, Yang Pinxian had been keeping her company during this period.

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law kept each other company, providing mutual comfort.

Of course, Guan Lao Taijun felt that her son had wronged Yang Pinxian, so she tried to compensate in other ways, including specifying that some of her jewelry should be left to Yang Pinxian.

The younger daughter-in-law was somewhat displeased about this.

Although Ye Jinfeng had quite an unpleasant temper and personality, he felt that the jewelry was his elderly mother’s personal property, and she should be free to dispose of it as she pleased. If his wife was upset, he could buy jewelry himself to appease her.

Ye Huaizhang returned around seven o’clock. By the time he entered, Ye Baoling had already started looking through the old photo album with the elderly lady.

You said there was a photo of you holding a gun when you were little, looking really handsome. Where is it? I can’t find it, Ye Baoling gave him a look, and Ye Huaizhang immediately understood that she hadn’t found the photo of the little girl.

He sat down beside them: Grandmother, I remember there’s an even older photo album, right?

There is one more, we need to look for it, Guan Lao Taijun instructed the old maid to search for it.

After searching for a long time, they finally found it at the bottom of the cabinet.

Guan Lao Taijun was drinking her traditional Chinese medicine while Yang Pinxian was speaking beside her.

Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling were flipping through the old photo album they had just found. Inside were photos of their great-grandfather Ye Qingtang with his several wives, as well as pictures of Ye Huaizhang’s great-grandparents.

His great-grandmother was of mixed British descent, which is why his grandfather, and even his father, uncles, and aunts, all had some Western facial features—particularly in the eyes and nose. This was especially noticeable in his aunt.

That’s why Ye Jinliu had married an American early on and thrived in Western social circles abroad.

Still, having grown up in a Chinese environment, no matter how Western their appearance, their underlying identity remained Chinese.

As they reached the middle of the album, Ye Huaizhang paused—he had found it.

A little girl in a puffy princess dress, with the round, dark eyes characteristic of Chinese people, held a cloth doll in her arms. Her innocent, smiling face looked straight at the camera, utterly adorable.

Ye Baoling deliberately raised her voice: This little girl looks like a princess—so pretty.

Ye Huaizhang asked, Grandma, who is this?

The old lady, who had just finished her traditional medicine and was now sucking on a preserved plum, put on her reading glasses, glanced at the photo, and smiled. That’s your grandfather’s youngest cousin—your grand-aunt.

It turned out this was the daughter of Ye Qingtang’s youngest daughter.

Ye Qingtang had this youngest daughter with his third concubine when he was nearly fifty.

When the third concubine passed away, the little girl was still an infant, so she was raised in turns by the first wife and the second concubine.

When she grew up, she married Ye Qingtang’s trusted assistant and had only one daughter—the girl in the photo, named Yan Yujun, who was doted on from a young age.

Yan Yujun’s parents died early, so she was entrusted to her maternal grandfather’s family, where she grew up cherished by her uncles, aunts, and many older male cousins.

Because of her exceptional beauty, she had many suitors from a young age.

At a dance, Yan Yujun met the nephew of the then Governor of Hong Kong—a baron heir—and the two quickly fell in love.

The talented scholar and the beautiful lady enjoyed several happy years of marriage.

Ye Huaizhang frowned slightly. Why haven’t we heard about this grand-aunt before?

Guan Lao Taijun replied, During the Japanese invasion of Hong Kong, there was heavy bombing. Unfortunately, they were hit by a bomb—both husband and wife died.

A tragic story.

Ye Baoling sighed softly and asked, Where are they buried?

I’m not sure exactly. It was too chaotic back then—I think their remains were never found, the old lady said, taking off her reading glasses.

So Ye Qingtang’s youngest granddaughter had passed away at a very young age.

Ye Baoling instinctively felt that the story wasn’t so simple, and for a moment, several thoughts clashed in her mind.

Just then, Ye Jinliu entered, interrupting the conversation.

Guan Lao Taijun had someone put away the photo album they had finished looking at and asked Ye Jinliu, Have you eaten? You’re never around at dinner time.

Ye Jinliu smiled and said, I had two biscuits—I’m not hungry. Mom, sister-in-law, do either of you have any plum blossom-related items?

Guan Lao Taijun said, I’ve already given you all I have.

Yang Pinxian promised to look for more when she returned home.

When does your plum blossom exhibition start? Will tickets be sold?

Soon, early next month—next week, actually. No tickets, it’s free. Sister-in-law, please accompany Mom and the others when they come to visit.

Yang Pinxian agreed with a smile.

Guan Lao Taijun teased, If you display them at Emerald Bamboo Villa, I can visit every day.

Ye Jinliu said, It’s completely different. With everything properly arranged, accompanied by lighting and written descriptions, the feeling is totally unlike when they were stored in the warehouse. Mom, you must come see it.

Guan Lao Taijun had no choice but to nod, Alright, alright, I’ll go see it.

Ye Huaizhang said, When the time comes, Baoling and I will accompany you.

Ye Jinliu laughed, Huaizhang and Baoling are the ones who truly care about me. Mom, you’re biased—you never take my matters to heart.

This displeased Guan Lao Taijun, If I were biased, I wouldn’t have allowed you to come back to live here. Now I’ve even given you the entire Emerald Bamboo Villa, and your fourth sister-in-law has objections about it.

Yang Pinxian smiled to ease the tension, Mom only has one daughter—how could she possibly be biased?

Ye Jinliu gently massaged Guan Lao Taijun’s shoulders, I’ll only stay at Emerald Bamboo Villa for a short while. If Tang Jing really likes it, I’ll let her have it. I can move out later.

Guan Lao Taijun was again displeased, Move out and live with whom? If you go abroad, I won’t interfere, but while you’re in Port City, you should live properly at home.

Understood. Ye Jinliu couldn’t help but complain to Ye Huaizhang, Look at your aunt—at my age, I’m still being managed by Mom.

If I didn’t manage you, you’d say I’m biased. Guan Lao Taijun’s reasoning was quite clear.

Everyone laughed.

Back in the bedroom, the couple curled up on the sofa, analyzing various possibilities.

Could it be that Aunt and the Baron perished beneath Silver Snake Mountain for some reason? Could that skull above the Small Bronze Door belong to one of them? As she spoke, Ye Baoling shuddered.

Ye Huaizhang held her and said, It’s uncertain, but we can’t rule out that possibility.

However, since Ye Qizu and his cousins doted on and looked after their cousin so much, what kind of conflict of interest could be significant enough for them to kill both the cousin and the Baron?

Why would Sir Fang be involved in this?

It was hard to understand.

Finally, Ye Huaizhang said, Some time ago, I took a photo of that skull and sent it to relevant professionals for analysis. We should have results in a few days.

All they could do was wait and see.

*

That night, Ye Baoxin carried a thick English novel and walked to the study on the second floor, unconsciously slowing her steps.

The study door wasn’t fully closed, and she could hear Sir Fang speaking with Sister Ju inside.

Ye Jinliu is holding some Plum Blossom Exhibition next month—it seems rather odd. Send someone to keep an eye on it.

Sister Ju asked, What exactly should we be watching for?

Sir Fang replied, See if there’s a Plum Blossom Key at the exhibition.

Plum Blossom Key? What does it look like? Sister Ju also didn’t understand what a Plum Blossom Key was.

Sir Fang took out a photo, It looks like this.

Sister Ju took the photo and examined it carefully, Alright, I’ll have someone check when the time comes. If we happen to find the Plum Blossom Key, how should we handle it?

Sir Fang said, No need to handle it—just inform me.

Outside the door, Ye Baoxin listened to their conversation. Since their voices were low, she couldn’t hear everything clearly.

But she understood that Fang Dingkun, that old scoundrel, was looking for the Plum Blossom Key.

Seeing that Sister Ju was tidying up and seemed about to come out, Ye Baoxin didn’t dare linger. She quickly tiptoed back to her bedroom.

Fang Shanxing was reading a magazine on the bed and asked his wife upon her return, Weren’t you going to return the novel to the study?

Ye Baoxin replied, Your grandfather and Sister Ju are talking inside. It wasn’t convenient for me to enter.

Fang Shanxing smiled, There’s nothing inconvenient about it. Don’t think of yourself as an outsider.

Ye Baoxin muttered quietly, You men wouldn’t understand how cautious we women have to be after marriage.

Her caution was different from ordinary women’s.

She was being watched by a hungry wolf, afraid that one careless moment would lead to being snatched away.

Fang Shanxing could only comfort her, Leave it on the table. I’ll return it tomorrow.

Ye Baoxin lifted the blanket and got into bed. Just now outside the door, I heard your grandfather chatting with Sister Ju. They seemed to be looking for some Plum Blossom Key, probably the one you mentioned last time. Has it gone missing?

Fang Shanxing put down his magazine. Impossible. The key is kept in the safe. How could it be lost?

I’m not sure either. I didn’t hear it clearly. If it really is lost, would they suspect us?

Fang Shanxing: No. If it were truly lost, it wouldn’t just be about the key. Other items in the safe would be missing too. Since Grandfather hasn’t mentioned anything about missing items, you must have misheard.

Ye Baoxin asked curiously, What lock does this Plum Blossom Key actually open? Is it that important?

Not even I know—probably not even my father. My grandfather dislikes people prying into his affairs. You should behave yourself, pretend you didn’t hear anything, and don’t ask too many questions to avoid making him suspicious.

Ye Baoxin wasn’t just curious; she genuinely wanted to know if that old man Fang Dingkun had any secrets or vulnerabilities. In this household, she didn’t dare stay alone with Fang Dingkun.

Leaning against Fang Shanxing’s shoulder, her only wish was—that wretched old man would soon depart for the afterlife.

*

Through intensive treatment by renowned doctors from both China and abroad during this period, Ye Qizu’s condition had improved significantly.

His speech was clearer, his face less contorted, and he could even walk slowly with the aid of supportive devices.

Chen Jincai continued his routine of reporting the company’s operations to him weekly.

Ye Qingtang and Su Manzhu had undergone a major reshuffle of top management. Among the original direct subordinates of Ye Qizu, only Lin Zhong remained, holding on stubbornly.

Recently, we signed contracts for two water sources in mainland China, both with fifty-year maximum terms. The mineral water brand team has been established, and work is progressing steadily.

Ye Qizu asked, Who did we sign these two water sources with?Chen Jincai replied, With the Young Lady’s solely-owned company, Hwa Yuan Investments.

What about the mineral water brand?

It’s also under Hwa Yuan.

Ye Qizu grew slightly agitated, Using our… our Ye Qingtang’s personnel and resources to handle Ye Baoling’s affairs!

Yes.

But there was no other way. Currently, no one in the company could control Ye Baoling.

Taking the matter to the Stock Exchange would harm the company’s stock price, and even if it were reported, the Stock Exchange couldn’t do anything about Ye Baoling.

Resources and manpower were the hardest things to control.

She wasn’t embezzling Ye Qingtang’s assets; she was slowly eating away at them, and no one could stop her.

Seeing that Chen Jincai had fallen silent, Ye Qizu quickly softened his tone, How is the company’s performance?

Currently, both companies are performing better than expected. The minority shareholders are very satisfied, so…Chen Jincai lowered his voice, the young lady’s position is quite secure now.The tide had turned, and Ye Qizu could no longer block his granddaughter’s rising influence.

In other words, Ye Qizu was already a thing of the past. The minority shareholders preferred the current boss who could make money. It would be very difficult for an old man like him to make a comeback.

In the distance, the sun was setting behind the western hills. Seated in his wheelchair, Ye Qizu let out a heavy sigh.

It had been nearly half an hour since Chen Jincai left, and he had remained by the window in his hospital room.

Xing Shu handed him a cup of warm water, helped him drink it, and softly advised, Being able to retire peacefully is a blessing in itself. Master, you have successfully passed the baton.

Successfully passed the baton? He had been forced out.

Ye Qizu knew this well in his heart.

Master, you should really try to change your perspective. Going with the flow is the mark of a true hero. If you keep thinking of yourself and the young mistress as opponents, you will only end up the loser. Change your way of thinking—you and the young mistress are family. You are her biological grandfather. You should firmly align yourself with her and make it clear that she is the heir of the Oldest Branch, not the Third Branch. Then you will win without a fight.

Ye Qizu glanced up at Xing Shu. Ah Q Spirit.

Xing Shu chuckled. I don’t know what Ah Q Spirit means. Master, rest assured, I haven’t been bribed by the young mistress. You know what kind of person I am. The young mistress is capable of both soft and hard tactics—she doesn’t need to bribe me. If you give her the shares and the position of family head, she will elevate Ye Qingtang to new heights. You will always be her grandfather, and she will always be your heir. If you don’t hand over the shares, Ye Qingtang could very well become an empty shell in the near future. The young mistress won’t be your heir, and you, Master, will be remembered as the unfilial descendant who lost Ye Qingtang.

Bitter medicine is hard to swallow; honest advice is hard to hear.

Ye Qizu coughed a few times and fell silent.

It was frustrating. But he knew Xing Shu was right.

*

A few days later, Ye Qizu was discharged from the hospital.

Upon returning home, Ye Kais and Liang Meiyun were more docile than before, though there was still no news of Baoshun.

I heard someone saw him at a bar.

Dressed neither like a man nor a woman…

Ye Kais didn’t voice the latter part, afraid it would upset the old man again.

At least there was news that he was still alive.

Ye Qizu had no other expectations.

After dinner, Ye Qizong came to chat with the old man, and Ye Kaimin was also present.

Seeing that Ye Qizu was in a relatively good mood, Ye Qizong said, Second Brother, if you want your lineage to flourish, have you considered adopting our Binzai?

Realizing that his younger brother had finally spoken his mind, Ye Qizu put away the walnuts he was exercising his hands with. My descendants have expanded Ye Qingtang’s market all the way to the United States. Having one outstanding descendant in the family is more than enough. What does it matter if the family grows larger or more prosperous? What more could it achieve?

… Ye Qizong was embarrassed. He forced a smile and said, Forget I said anything.

Ye Kaimin had thought that with the old man’s acceptance of Ye Baoling, his own opportunity had arrived.

He whispered, Baoling is the majority shareholder. She can lead the charge, and our Baolong can focus on marrying, having children, and inheriting the family business.

Ye Qizu glared at him and retorted bluntly, So a fool can produce another fool?

The probability is very low. In fact, it’s often the opposite—most children of fools turn out smart.

Do you take me for a fool? Baoling mentioned last time that your genetic defect is congenital and could be hereditary.

These words felt like a slap to Ye Kaimin’s face—implying it was his fault the child was born with defects. His face burned hot and spicy, and he didn’t dare say another word.

Yet in his heart, he remained unconvinced. He’d never seen a fool give birth to another fool.

He refused to believe it.

Seeing Ye Qizu treat his own son with such coldness, Ye Qizong felt somewhat relieved and quickly played the peacemaker. Second Brother, your priority now is to recover your health. As long as you’re here, you remain the patriarch of us all.

Ye Qizu snorted slowly. As long as I live, I am the head of this family. I haven’t lost my mind—who inherits the family business is my decision to make.

Of course, of course. It’s your decision.

As long as he still had money and shares, people would still humor him.

That evening, after Ye Baoling returned, Ye Qizu summoned her to his study for a detailed discussion.

Ye Qizu had finally made up his mind. You may inherit the family business, but I have conditions.

What conditions?

Have you heard of the practice to inherit two branches? You and Huaizhang can inherit two branches, provided you have two children—one to inherit the Oldest Branch, and the other to inherit the Third Branch. Ye Qizu thought to himself that this was the biggest concession he could make.

Don’t rush to refuse me. Go back and discuss it with Huaizhang first. My requirement is that the eldest son inherits the Oldest Branch, and the second son inherits the Third Branch. I’m not being picky.

Demanding two sons—and claiming he wasn’t being picky?

Ye Baoling refused. If I inherit the Oldest Branch’s business, it would be to your benefit, Grandfather. I would certainly strive to expand the family legacy. If you choose me as your successor, your authority should end with my generation. Matters of the next generation—who inherits and how—are not your concern but mine. Grandfather, you shouldn’t overstep.

…

Overstep?!

The old man, just out of the hospital, felt his heart tightening again.

He had discussed this with Ye Baoling before and knew his granddaughter was tough to negotiate with. Bring Huaizhang here to talk with me.

Are you choosing him as the successor or me? If it’s me, then talk to me. Ye Baoling said this with a smile.

Ye Qizu couldn’t smile back. A knot of frustration tightened in his chest.

It infuriated him. After finally convincing himself to let his granddaughter inherit the family business, it turned out he was practically begging her to take it?

She left no room for negotiation at all.

Where did that leave his dignity?

The grandfather and granddaughter reached another impasse, and he ended the discussion.

Ye Huaizhang had experts analyze the basic information from the skull.

It belonged to a middle-aged male, of East Asian descent.

This completely contradicted their earlier assumptions.

If it was an East Asian skull, it should have been female—their grandaunt Yan Yujun.

If it was male, it should have been a Western skull—the British baron’s heir.

But it was neither.

So who was it?

The couple had no ideas for the time being.

Before long, the Plum Blossom Exhibition was about to begin, and Ye Jinliu once again invited Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling to help select the centerpiece treasures for the special display.

This wasn’t Ye Baoling’s forte, so she invited appraisal expert Fang Haiming to assist.

Fang Haiming selected several plum vases, jade artifacts, and goldware. He and Ye Jinliu hit it off discussing antiques.

Meanwhile, Ye Huaizhang and Ye Baoling wandered among the numerous artifacts, browsing and observing.

Ye Baoling, in particular, examined everything with great care.

After all, the system had given her a reward—it couldn’t be that simple and straightforward.

Since the system had reminded her that Ye Jinliu would provide clues about the Plum Blossom Key, there must indeed be clues—she just hadn’t discovered them yet.

After circling the room twice, she noticed several small scrolls tucked inside a stone vase in the corner.

Pulling out one of the scrolls, she unfurled it carefully. Judging by the signature, it contained various plum blossom illustrations drawn by Ye Jinliu himself.

One by one, she opened them to admire their contents and unexpectedly discovered a drawing of a Plum Blossom Key among them.

The signature was also Ye Jinliu’s.

Ye Jinliu drew this—had she seen the Plum Blossom Key?

Ye Baoling glanced up at Ye Huaizhang, who promptly approached.

The moment he saw the Plum Blossom Key, he was equally startled.

Is this the pattern of the Plum Blossom Key we’ve been searching for?

Ye Baoling nodded emphatically. It should be.

Observing the intricate details in the drawing, Ye Huaizhang asked, How could Aunt have drawn such a detailed illustration of the Plum Blossom Key? Has she seen it? Did she copy it from somewhere?

Because Fang Haiming was present, they discreetly returned the drawing to its place.

After seeing Fang Haiming off, Ye Huaizhang took out the scroll and asked, Aunt, why did you draw a key?

Ye Jinliu laughed upon seeing it. You found it even though I hid it in such a corner. I have a Plum Blossom Key. Originally, I intended to display the key in the exhibition, but your grandmother said it had been Blessed and shouldn’t be exhibited. Later, she even forbade me from displaying this drawing. There was nothing I could do, so I had to put it away.

So, the other Plum Blossom Key was with Ye Jinliu?

This was something they hadn’t anticipated.

Did Grandma give it to you?

Ye Jinliu nodded. Yes. It was one of the dowry items she gave me when I got married. She said it was Blessed and advised me not to take it out unnecessarily. She also didn’t allow me to exhibit it this time. I never realized the old lady was so superstitious—no, she wasn’t superstitious at all before. I don’t know why she suddenly believes in this particular thing. She said that when I was a child, I was frail, so she Entrusted a lock at a temple. The key that matches that lock must be kept safe by me.

Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang exchanged glances. A bold conjecture blossomed in her mind—Ye Jinliu’s identity was questionable.

She didn’t show it, only smiling as she asked, Is it really that mystical? Then, Aunt, you must take good care of this key.

Ye Huaizhang added, You could store it in a bank safety deposit box.

He was helping to eliminate possibilities.

Sure enough, Ye Jinliu laughed. It’s not some valuable antique. Why would I need to put it in a bank? I just keep it in the cabinet in my room.

Good, now they knew.

Author’s Note: Recently, many readers have been asking about the completion date. It’s coming soon—the main story will likely conclude in early December.

Dear readers, please pre-order and don’t forget to bookmark as you pass by [dog holding a rose][dog holding a rose][dog holding a rose].