The Young Lady is a Bit Unruly [Fragrant Harbor] - Chapter 96 Ratings Exploded, Can't Stop

Chapter 96 Ratings Exploded, Can’t Stop

Small Goldfish swam briskly in the fish tank, while Big Goldfish remained almost motionless in laziness.

The three generations in the study fell into a brief silence.

And then? Ye Baoling asked.

Ye Qizu gently patted his wheelchair and said, Fang Dingkun didn’t come to us proactively. When we went to the tunnel to dispose of Raymond’s body, we discovered the corpse had disappeared. After searching further, we were horrified to learn that part of the Japanese medical base had collapsed and connected with our underground tunnel.

Fang Dingkun and Kishida waited in the office for them to come knocking.

Later, this became their leverage against the Ye family.

They demanded that both the tunnel and cellar be handed over for use by the 7th Detachment. Meanwhile, Nanhua Third Hospital began increasing recruitment and care for foreigners. Fortunately, by our ancestors’ blessing, Japan surrendered while they were preparing for renovations.

Subsequently, Kishida ordered the 7th Detachment to execute all Europeans and Americans imprisoned at Silver Snake Mountain.

Fang Dingkun, fearing exposure of his collaboration with the Japanese, proactively provided ships for the doctors and soldiers of Unit 8604’s 7th Detachment to evacuate. He loaded the ships with explosives and blew up all the Japanese devils from the 7th Detachment in international waters.

Kishida didn’t board that ship due to unfinished business. Fang Dingkun lured him back to the medical base under the pretext of discussion, killed him, and decapitated him.

So, the head hanging on the Small Bronze Door belonged to Kishida, the leader of the 7th Detachment?

Afterward, Fang Dingkun found us. He demanded cooperation to seal the entrance halfway up Silver Snake Mountain and collectively keep the secrets. We wouldn’t expose his collaboration, and he wouldn’t reveal our killing of Raymond.

Ironically, during the occupation, Fang Dingkun used aid and employment for Europeans and Americans as pretexts to source suitable experimental subjects for the 7th Detachment. Yet after the war, this became his meritorious record for helping Westerners.

Fang Dingkun thus received honors from the British Queen, embarking on his forty-plus years of glorious control over Nanhua Third Hospital.

There was one minor incident during this period.

Fang Dingkun’s assistant, deep in gambling debt, attempted to blackmail him using evidence of his collaboration.

Instead, the assistant was killed by Fang Dingkun’s venomous snakes and his body dumped at Silver Snake Mountain—then still called Emerald Snail Mountain.

They used this to spread rumors of silver snakes on the mountain, deterring citizens from venturing up easily.

This was the secret from those years.

After hearing this, Ye Baoling instinctively doubted its veracity.

After all, when the original host suffered sexual abuse by Lu Tianyou, was cheated on, and committed suicide, Ye Qizu hadn’t even avenged his own granddaughter.

She asked, How much of this is true, and how much is false?

Ye Qizu was taken aback, never expecting his granddaughter to distrust him. He grumbled in frustration, Everything I said is true.

She pressed further, Where is Grandaunt’s grave?

Ye Qizu: Behind our family cemetery, buried with her parents. No name is inscribed.

Ye Huaizhang recalled this: There is indeed such a grave.

Ye Baoling remained skeptical: You killed a British noble’s son for a cousin who didn’t share the same grandmother? That doesn’t sound like something you would do.

Ye Qizu glanced at his granddaughter again: You didn’t see how Yujun was beaten to death—it was truly horrific. At the time, Old Six—that’s Huaizhang’s grandfather—was particularly furious. He said this grievance must be avenged, and the Second Branch was equally indignant. I had just been promoted to family head then, and naturally I had to set an example. Raymond was even invited by me, and I struck the first blow.

Thus, Ye Qizu was forced into a position where he had no choice but to pursue revenge.

As for the original host, after being sexually assaulted, she was too ashamed to speak of it. She didn’t dare to explain clearly to her family, only saying that Lu Tianyou had another woman outside. When her desire for divorce wasn’t supported, she chose suicide. In the eyes of men, the original host was foolish, even stupid…

Yet Ye Baoling remained perfectly calm. Just because of this, the three branches of the Ye family were completely coerced? For over forty years, you’ve kept this secret, not daring to expose it to the outside world?

Ye Qizu sighed. The Second Branch provided them with equipment, European and American blood plasma, and data. We were also afraid of retaliation from the British. For the sake of the entire family’s interests, we had no choice but to keep the secret with Fang Dingkun.

That made sense.

But Ye Baoling still asked, Grandfather, is there anything else you’re hiding from us?

Ye Qizu grew impatient. Ye Baoling, are you really my granddaughter? Even Huaizhang doesn’t doubt me, yet here you are, constantly questioning my words.

Because in Ye Baoling’s heart, Ye Qizu was not someone who would honestly tell the truth.

Ye Baoling smiled slightly to ease the tension. You’re getting on in years, I’m just afraid you might misremember.

Ye Qizu: …

Ye Huaizhang also had questions. Grandfather, you just said the Blue Brick Tunnel was left by our ancestors?

Ye Qizu: Yes. It was only after I took over the family business that my father told me about the underground Blue Brick Tunnel. He said if disaster struck, it could serve as a refuge for the family. He also gave me the Ugly King Jade Pendant. I’ve known about this family heirloom since I was very young. But the Ugly King Jade Pendant isn’t particularly fine jade. I often thought that perhaps our ancestors were just ordinary folks, and the jade they could pass down was only of this quality.

Ye Baoling recalled the incident of losing the jade. Then why did you enshrine it on the altar when you fell ill?

This jade might not be entirely clean. I heard from our old ancestor that our forebears started out as tomb raiders. The Ugly King Jade Pendant was likely excavated from an ancient tomb, carrying heavy yin energy. That’s why I usually suppress it with peach wood.

Ah, Ye Baoling understood now—the Five-Drawer Chest in Ye Qizu’s room was made of peach wood.

Ye Huaizhang asked further, What about the Great Bronze Door? Why does it require three Ugly King Jade Pendants to open?

Ye Qizu hadn’t expected them to know even this.

To be frank with you, the lock on the Great Bronze Door was specially designed by someone we hired at great expense. The three families each possess one Ugly King Jade Pendant, so we used these three as keys to unlock it. You two are quite capable—you’ve actually found the location of the Great Bronze Door. However, even if you open the Great Bronze Door, there’s still a Small Bronze Door inside. One of the keys is in Fang Dingkun’s hands, so there’s no way you can open it.

The couple exchanged a glance, smiling without a word.

Ye Qizu continued, Now that I’ve told you the secret, whether you can open those two doors is meaningless. If you want to bring Fang Dingkun down, you’ll need other methods. We cannot expose the secrets of Silver Snake Mountain.

Why not?

Ye Qizu frowned impatiently, Didn’t I just explain? Besides fearing Fang Dingkun might expose our killing of Raymond, there’s also the Second Branch’s equipment inside. If this comes out, Fang Dingkun will definitely claim we’re also traitors. We won’t be able to wash ourselves clean of this—it would harm all three branches of our family. Not only would our reputation be ruined, but it would affect stock prices and the company’s standing. In short, this must not get out.

Since it concerned their own interests, caution was indeed necessary.

Ye Baoling acknowledged, Understood. Grandfather, you mentioned there are other ways to bring Fang Dingkun down. What are they?

Ye Qizu said, Silver Snake Mountain is just a medical base. The real laboratory of Unit 8604, 7th Detachment isn’t at Silver Snake Mountain—it’s most likely underground at Fang Dingkun’s Cloud Ridge Mountain Villa. You can send someone to investigate and use that to expose him as a traitor.

Ye Huaizhang worried, If we expose him as a traitor, wouldn’t he retaliate by revealing Silver Snake Mountain’s secrets?

Ye Qizu spoke with confidence, As long as we don’t expose him, he wouldn’t dare either. Too many European and American lives are involved there.

Since you’re so confident, why haven’t you secretly reported him all these years? she asked, puzzled.

Ye Qizu explained, I’m not 100% certain the laboratory is under the Fang family villa. It’s just my speculation. Originally, the Fang family planned to move entirely to Cloud Ridge Mountain Villa, but after he became a traitor, they never relocated. After Japan surrendered, that villa remained vacant—no one lived there, sold it, rented it out, or even maintained it. We’ve always suspected the Japanese left viruses there. Besides, all these years, our families have coexisted peacefully. Why stir up trouble when there’s no dire need? Unless pushed to the brink, no one wants to provoke the other. We had no reason to report him. But now that he’s trying to kill you, the situation is different.

Ye Baoling still had some doubts about Ye Qizu’s words, but with no way to verify them currently, she had to take them at face value.

For their family’s interests, they truly had no need to reveal Silver Snake Mountain’s secrets.

But Fang Dingkun’s betrayal couldn’t be left unaddressed.

After leaving the third-floor study, the young couple decided to first investigate the Cloud Ridge Mountain Villa situation.

Knowing there might be bacterial viruses inside, they didn’t dare act recklessly and needed to find professionals to ascertain the truth.

*

That afternoon, Ye Baoling went to the company as usual.

Today, the marketing department and company executives were hosting two European distributors.

Upon arrival, Ye Baoling’s secretary first brought her the profiles of the two visiting company representatives.

While reviewing the materials carefully, Ye Baoling discovered that the parent company behind the established major corporation was actually Raymond’s family.

What a small world.

After careful consideration, Ye Baoling decided not to meet with representatives from either company.

But she had already decided in her heart to choose the smaller company, Andale, as their European distributor.

It was better to keep her distance from Raymond’s family.

She instructed, Entertain them well, but let’s offend neither.

Meanwhile, the Fang residence remained as tranquil as ever.

Fang Shanxing hummed a tune as he entered the house.

Finding his grandfather reading the newspaper in the living room, he grinned carelessly and greeted him: Grandpa, you didn’t go out?

Fang Dingkun hadn’t rested well these past two days. Setting down the newspaper, he asked his grandson, Why are you back alone?

Fang Shanxing explained, Wasn’t Baoxin’s mother’s villa burned down? The Ye family isn’t taking care of her now, so we had to rent another place for her mother. They just moved in this morning. After Ye Baoshun hit Baoxin’s mother on the head earlier, her chronic headaches have flared up recently. She’s been acting delusional, and Baoxin is too worried to leave her side.

The explanation sounded thorough, but Fang Dingkun didn’t believe it.

He suspected Ye Baoxin was avoiding him, worried that she and Ye Baoling had joined forces against him. Otherwise, she wouldn’t dare not come home.

Though the old man appeared calm on the surface, inwardly he was uneasy.

After careful consideration, Fang Dingkun decided to take the initiative. He called Ye Huaizhang to arrange a meeting for detailed discussions.

Ye Huaizhang was in a meeting; it took three calls to reach him.

When Fang Dingkun proposed meeting to talk in detail, Ye Huaizhang didn’t refuse. We can talk, but my wife must join us.

Sure enough, Ye Baoxin had allied with Ye Baoling.

Fang Dingkun agreed: Fine. Let’s meet in Ye Qingtang’s office then.

With people everywhere outside the office, it was the safest location.

Jade Dragon Mansion was centrally located, convenient for both parties.

Twenty minutes later, Fang Dingkun arrived first.

Ye Baoling was discussing work with Huang Ying in her office. She didn’t rush to see Fang Dingkun, leaving him waiting in the reception room.

Only after Ye Huaizhang arrived did they invite Fang Dingkun in.

Ye Baoling’s chairman’s office had been lavishly renovated at great expense.

She spent nearly as much time here as at home, so comfort was essential.

The desks, chairs, sofas, curtains, and soft furnishings were all of the finest and most expensive quality—simple yet luxurious and comfortable.

Fang Dingkun entered and carefully surveyed the room, remarking enviously, Such a lavish and cozy office—you young people really know how to enjoy life.

Ye Baoling didn’t feign modesty: Shareholders say I deserve the Imperial Ancestral Temple. That’s going too far—I don’t need that, just a comfortable office is enough.

This was Ye Huaizhang’s first visit too. He wasn’t the indulgent type, but his wife was.

He had taste, though, and could confirm his wife’s aesthetic was top-tier.

The three sat down on the sofas, and their attendants left the room.

Ye Huaizhang began: What did you want to discuss with us, Grandpa Fang?

Fang Dingkun had deliberately brought a cane today—not because he needed it to walk, but because holding something gave him a sense of security.

He smiled: Let’s not beat around the bush. We might as well speak frankly today. At my age, I don’t have long to live. My wishes are simple: to retire peacefully, for your Uncle Xuhua to secure his position as chairman of Nanhua Third Hospital, for Shanxing and Baoxin to have a healthy child, and for our family to be happily reunited. That would be enough.

It sounded like such humble, normal aspirations.

Ye Huaizhang responded bluntly: Grandpa Fang, you’ve repeatedly tried to kill us. Now you suddenly want to hit the brakes and say you’re done playing—and we’re just supposed to comply?

Fang Dingkun began with an apology: Huaizhang, I’m truly sorry. I was misled before. I don’t know who you offended, but someone wanted to use me to achieve the goal of killing you. It’s not really my fault—to put it bluntly, I was used as a pawn. When I realized it was a misunderstanding, I stopped immediately and didn’t continue pursuing you, right?

Ye Baoling retorted, How can you say you didn’t continue? Wasn’t the arson at the Guling Mountain villa an attempt at murder and framing?

Fang Dingkun sighed heavily. I wasn’t targeting you. Earlier, to make Ye Baoxin back off and stop pestering Shanxing, I said some things to intimidate her. Who knew she’d take it seriously and hold a grudge against me? Baoling, you should understand me. After learning about someone as terrifying as Zheng Junni, who would still want to be in-laws with her? Don’t you agree? I originally intended for Ye Baoxin to retreat, but she ended up pregnant with Shanxing’s child before marriage. At that point, I had no choice but to agree to their wedding. I didn’t trouble her further, but she’s always held a strong prejudice against me.

Hearing Fang Dingkun’s lies and evasions, Ye Baoling shook her head slightly. You tried to murder me and frame Huaizhang for it—and you claim you weren’t targeting us?

Fang Dingkun explained, I had my reasons. I’ve thought it over for two days and realized we don’t need to oppose each other and end up both losing. We can cooperate and reconcile. That would be the best solution for both our families, or rather, for all of us involved.

Ye Huaizhang asked, How do you propose we reconcile?

His tone implied that if Fang Dingkun wanted reconciliation, he needed to show sincerity.

Fang Dingkun countered, Do you know why I wanted to kill you? I believe you know some things, but not the full story.

Go on.

Fang Dingkun recounted his version of events.

Of course, he didn’t admit to being a traitor but justified it as: At the time, to survive, I had no choice. With a knife to my throat, I had to cooperate with the Japanese. What we targeted were foreigners, not Chinese. Are foreigners any good? How many did they harm during the Opium Wars? Helping to kill a few foreigners was eliminating a scourge for the people.

Ye Baoling nodded, playing along. That makes sense.

Seeing that Ye Baoling might be persuaded, Fang Dingkun felt a glimmer of hope. Your Ye family’s third branch and I are in the same boat. The second branch provided medical equipment, foreign blood, and data; your third branch provided Silver Snake Mountain; I provided the foreigners. Our interests are tied together.

Ye Huaizhang played the tough role: But you were the one collaborating with the Japanese, not us. We were coerced by you.

Fang Dingkun smiled. Of their generation, only he and Ye Qizu were still alive.

He asked, Did Ye Qizu tell you this?

Ye Huaizhang replied, It doesn’t matter how we found out.

Fang Dingkun pressed, Do you know about Raymond? Your grandfather killed your grand-aunt’s husband, Raymond, a British noble. As a brother, when I found out, I loyally helped cover it up. Later, after Japan surrendered, I personally wiped out the 8604 7th Detachment. That’s a significant achievement! As for the foreigners in the dungeon, I didn’t kill them—your Ye family members did. They were the ones who carried out the killings.

Ye Baoling was quite surprised and questioned, How could our Ye family kill foreigners? Those foreigners weren’t detained by our Ye family.

Fang Dingkun coughed and said, You can examine the skeletons inside—they died from severe poisoning. This kind of potent poison can only be obtained from your Second Branch’s hospital.

Did Ye Qizu say the Japanese devils killed the foreigners and conceal this matter?

Ye Huaizhang demanded, Did you force them to do it?

Fang Dingkun didn’t deny it: Otherwise, how could we say we’re all in the same boat?

Ye Baoling played dumb: How can we get in to examine the skeletons?

Fang Dingkun: If you report me, I’ll naturally inform the police and have them excavate the bodies for examination. Those foreigners’ bones would definitely show signs of poisoning—turned black. When that happens, all four of our families would be labeled as traitors. I represent one family, you represent three families. Think about it—who stands to lose more?

This wretched old man was truly skilled at coercion.

The young couple exchanged glances, then Ye Baoling said, Reporting you indeed brings us no benefits, but we need your guarantee that you’ll never target us again.

Seeing their compromise, Fang Dingkun quickly smiled: I guarantee it. I will absolutely never target you again. For the past forty-plus years, I’ve coexisted peacefully with your three families because we laid everything out and kept the secret together. Today, we’ve also laid everything out. There’s no need for us to kill each other over a few foreigners’ lives, don’t you agree?

Ye Huaizhang seemed convinced and nodded: Should we draw up a written agreement?

Fang Dingkun refused, fearing deception: Times are different now—written agreements are meaningless. As long as we’re willing to keep each other’s secrets, let bygones be bygones. Moving forward together is what matters—trust is more important than any document.

This old man, having posed as a philanthropist his whole life, certainly knew how to use trust to deceive others.

Finally, Fang Dingkun and Ye Huaizhang stood up, shook hands, and let laughter bury their grudges.

They agreed that when the police reinvestigated the Guling Mountain fire, Ye Huaizhang would tell them he had once lost a lighter.

Before leaving, Fang Dingkun said to Ye Baoling: Regarding Baoxin, you need to communicate with her properly.

Ye Baoling smiled in agreement: I’ll persuade her. She probably wants to stay with her mother for now—you can leave her be. She’ll definitely return later.

After seeing Fang Dingkun off, Ye Huaizhang turned and asked Ye Baoling: Do you believe him or your grandfather?

Though Ye Baoling also suspected Ye Qizu, she certainly couldn’t trust Fang Dingkun more.

If the Japanese wanted to keep this secret, they wouldn’t have left behind foreigners they had tortured beyond recognition as survivors before leaving. That would be extremely disadvantageous for them in international public opinion.

Right, Ye Huaizhang said. Fang Dingkun doesn’t know we’ve already seen those skeletons—they’re all bare bones without the blackened poisoning he described. I observed them closely—many had severed limbs and broken necks, clearly hacked to death by Japanese soldiers.

Exactly.

Since Ye Qizu was confident Fang Dingkun wouldn’t dare retaliate, it was largely because he was telling the truth.

Soon came the day of the Nanhua Third Hospital Charity Foundation’s 50th Anniversary Gala.

Guan Lao Taijun, who had originally said she wouldn’t attend, brought Ye Huaizhang, Ye Baoling, and others along with her.

Tonight, Guan Lao Taijun had another important mission—to present the Nanhua Third Hospital Lifetime Honorary Award to Fang Dingkun.

The gala was broadcast live on HKTV, with on-site guests making donations in person, while viewers at home could call in to contribute their charitable funds.

The entire evening’s program was exceptionally rich and diverse, raising over ten million in donations.

As the event neared its conclusion, the host announced: Next, we invite Madame Ye Guan Meitang, along with Miss Ye Baoling and Mr. Ye Huaizhang, to jointly present tonight’s most significant award—the Nanhua Third Hospital Lifetime Honorary Award.

Ye Baoling and Ye Huaizhang supported Guan Lao Taijun as they made their way to the stage together.

Standing at the center of the stage, Guan Lao Taijun smiled and greeted the guests in attendance.

I haven’t been feeling well lately and originally intended to let the younger generation represent me at today’s charity gala to express our family’s support. But Sir Fang insisted on my attendance, mentioning this would be televised live. As an old woman, I couldn’t resist dressing up properly to personally be here and contribute my modest share to this charitable cause.

Everyone present knew Guan Lao Taijun had lost her son earlier this year. Seeing her persevere through her grief to support charity, the audience broke into encouraging applause.

Fang Dingkun, seated in the center of the front row, smiled and applauded toward the cameras.

Guan Lao Taijun continued: Now we shall present the Nanhua Third Hospital Lifetime Honorary Award.

Ye Baoling, holding the announcement card, followed: So which respected philanthropist will receive this honor?

Ye Huaizhang concluded: Let’s first watch the screen.

The large screen displayed Fang Dingkun’s portrait, followed by his biography.

[Sir Fang Dingkun has served Nanhua Third Hospital for fifty years. When the hospital was established, he worked diligently as an executive…]

Suddenly, both the visuals and audio changed dramatically.

The shaky footage revealed a distorted face that gradually became recognizable as Fang Dingkun’s.

In the video, Fang Dingkun was heard saying: I can make you the head of the public welfare fund under Nanhua Third Hospital. Start as vice-chairperson, and when the time is right and you’ve gained experience, I’ll promote you to chairperson. This position is respectable, offers high salary with light workload, connects you with influential figures – it brings both fame and benefits. You could even marry a suitable man. On surface, you’d be someone’s wife, but in reality, you’d be my woman.

The audience gasped in shock.

Fang Dingkun’s eyes widened in horror. He couldn’t believe such content was being broadcast during a live television event!

He wanted to stop it, but it was already too late.

The screen continued playing even more explosive content.

The live director, witnessing this broadcast disaster, urgently tried to halt the transmission.

But the producer rushed over shouting that the ratings had skyrocketed and they couldn’t stop now.