When Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan saw Ye Mingyu, they were both somewhat surprised. Ye Minghui said, “Why didn’t you say something in advance when you returned?”

“I was in such a hurry to return,” Ye Mingyu lied without changing expression, “riding hard the whole way without even drinking much water. How would I have time to tell you?”

If the two knew that Ye Mingyu had actually returned three days ago and had just been fooling around at Xihua Tower for three days, who knows what their expressions would be.

“Why are you only just getting back? It’s already dark, and there’s not a soul in the mansion,” Ye Mingyu asked.

“We…” Ye Mingxuan was about to answer when he saw Jiang Li also sitting across from Ye Mingyu. The words on his lips were swallowed back down.

Jiang Li understood. What they wanted to say, they had to guard against her, this “outsider.” But it didn’t matter. Jiang Li estimated that what they wanted to discuss should be about the Ye family’s business matters. Now she already knew what the trouble with the Ye family’s business was about. So she obligingly stood up and smiled, “Uncle Mingyu, you all chat. I’ll return to my room.”

Ye Mingyu smiled. “Alright.”

Seeing how close Ye Mingyu and Jiang Li seemed, Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan’s expressions were peculiar.

After Jiang Li left, Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui sat down beside Ye Mingyu. Before they could speak, Ye Mingyu spoke first. He said, “Big Brother, Second Brother, you’re really being too excessive toward a young girl. How can you do this? She specifically came back to see Mother, but you won’t let them meet. When discussing matters, you guard against her. Even someone as rough and careless as me can see it. How fragile the poor girl’s heart must be—I’m afraid she’s long since noticed and feels hurt, but doesn’t let you know and forces herself to smile. I say, you’re both grown men of such age, why are you still bullying a young girl?”

Ye Mingxuan was nearly choked speechless by Ye Mingyu’s words. “We’re bullying her? Which of your eyes saw us bullying her?”

“Both my eyes saw it!” Ye Mingyu pointed at his own eyes. “Didn’t you see how understanding A Li was, voluntarily returning to her room? It’s only because the young girl has a gentle temperament. If it were me, I would have made a scene long ago.”

“Scene, scene, scene,” Ye Mingxuan said. “You just love making scenes. Do you think you’re still a young master in his teens? Look at how old you are—that phrase should be used on yourself!”

“You’ve spoken with her?” Ye Minghui asked steadily.

“Yes.” Ye Mingyu said. “So what?”

“What do you think of her?”

“Excellent!” Ye Mingyu slapped his thigh. “I think A Li isn’t like ordinary official family young ladies. That insight, that way of speaking—you should all learn from her. The kaleidoscope I brought back from the sea merchant fleet—I’m not boasting, but if it were any of you, you wouldn’t know what it was or how to use it. She knew! She could even use it! The peacock feathers I found—only she recognized their worth. Most importantly, this girl is righteous! Not like some girls—advanced in years but petty-minded.”

“Righteous?” Ye Mingxuan asked. “Why do you say she’s righteous? Is she helping you hide something?”

Ye Mingyu cursed inwardly that Ye Mingxuan was truly cunning—he’d picked up on that. When Ye Mingyu said Jiang Li was righteous, it was naturally because Jiang Li hadn’t revealed that he’d returned to Xiangyang early and visited Xihua Tower, nor did she show any intention of telling. If that wasn’t righteous, what was? That was extremely righteous!

Ye Mingyu coughed twice to cover up. “Nothing. Speaking of which, you still haven’t told me where you went. Why is there no one in the mansion?”

The two brothers exchanged glances. Ye Minghui said, “Something happened at Lizheng Hall. We went there.”

“I just mentioned this matter to A Li. Hasn’t this issue been resolved yet?” Ye Mingyu asked.

“You told her?” Ye Mingxuan asked loudly.

“Yes.” Ye Mingyu nodded.

“You… you really are,” Ye Mingxuan held back for a long while before managing one word, “Reckless!”

Returning to her courtyard, Jiang Li sat down at the table.

Tong’er and Bai Xue were busy moving that chest of “peacock feathers” into the room. The chest was quite heavy, but it must be said, when the chest was opened, the tiny lustrous gleam those shells reflected was very dazzling. Though they were shells, they possessed a beauty that could rival pearls and jade.

Tong’er and Bai Xue exclaimed in wonder, but Jiang Li was somewhat absent-minded.

So the Ye family’s business troubles stemmed from this. The Ye family had built their fortune on textile manufacturing. Over these many years, outside businesses had gradually reduced production, and even the jewelry shop Hongxiang Tower had closed. The Ye family’s textile work was renowned throughout Northern Yan, and the Guxiang satin was absolutely unique—only the Ye family could produce it.

If there really was a problem with the Ye family’s fabric, it would be a massive blow to the Ye family’s business, and they might never recover. If their reputation collapsed, the Ye family’s business could be considered finished. In that case, even with the Ye family’s vast wealth, they would have to compensate everything and become destitute.

She didn’t know what exactly was wrong with the fabric. As Ye Mingyu had said, the weaving workshop was right in Xiangyang, with Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan watching over it daily. There had been no problems for so many years, yet suddenly this happened. Could it be coincidence?

But Jiang Li had a vague feeling that this matter was definitely not coincidental. Setting other matters aside, it was precisely now when Ye Shijie had just entered official service at the starting point of his career. If something happened to the Ye family and someone wanted to use the Ye family to do business with Ye Shijie, Ye Shijie’s official career could almost be controlled by others.

Thinking of this, Jiang Li was suddenly alarmed. Could it really be so? Were the troubles with the Ye family’s business truly someone’s deliberate sabotage, with the ultimate goal of using the Ye family to control Ye Shijie, or simply to control the entire Ye family? It must be known that the Ye family’s wealth was an enviable fortune. If one truly controlled the Ye family, at the very least, many things would become effortless.

The Ye family could provide an endless stream of wealth for bribes.

Jiang Li’s heart suddenly tightened. She wasn’t the real Second Miss Jiang. Speaking of it, there was no need to claim any deep feelings for the Ye family. But when the nest falls, how can the eggs remain intact? Moreover, she still hoped to borrow the Ye family’s influence to handle her own matters in the future. Even for her own sake, she had to preserve the Ye family.

It was just that the enemy was in darkness while they were in light, making it difficult to act comprehensively.

After pondering for a while, Jiang Li said, “Tong’er, tomorrow you go out of the mansion and inquire at several garment shops in Xiangyang City—the good ones. Ask them if they’ve recently had any clothing made from Guxiang satin.”

“Alright.” Tong’er agreed and asked Jiang Li, “Why does Miss want to inquire about these things?”

“The Ye family’s business is in trouble, and Guxiang satin is the key. I don’t know how many people now know about the problems with Guxiang satin, or how serious the trouble is. But the better garment shops in Xiangyang definitely had dealings with the Ye family before regarding Guxiang satin transactions. If these garment shops are now all refusing to take Guxiang satin, this matter will be serious.”

There was another thing Jiang Li didn’t say: the Guxiang satin matter was at least unknown in Yanjing City—that is, news that the fabric had problems hadn’t spread yet. If these garment shops had all coincidentally stopped wanting Guxiang satin early on, there must be something hidden in this, and it was very likely someone had given them advance warning.

“When you inquire, pay attention to these shopkeepers’ attitudes. See if they say there’s no stock recently, or if they directly tell you there are problems with Guxiang satin,” Jiang Li instructed.

Tong’er carefully noted this down.

Doing business, especially with the Ye family, was of course not a one-time transaction but an ongoing relationship, a steady stream over time. Even Ye Mingyu couldn’t be certain whether there really was a problem with the fabric. Shopkeepers who wanted to do business with the Ye family in the future would naturally help cover for the Ye family. But if they immediately couldn’t wait to announce it to the whole world, directly saying there were problems with the fabric, then it could almost be confirmed that these garment shops had received someone’s instructions and were deliberately sabotaging the Ye family.

Had the Ye family offended someone? Jiang Li pondered.

Thinking it over, she had no leads. After all, there weren’t many clues at present. No matter how much Jiang Li thought, she couldn’t figure it out. It was Bai Xue who urged her to rest early, and only then did Jiang Li give up.

The next day, Tong’er indeed went out early in the morning following Jiang Li’s plan to inquire about news at garment shops. Jiang Li had Bai Xue go along as well—Bai Xue was strong, so it would be safer on the road. She herself had nothing to do in the courtyard, so she planned to find Ye Mingyu to talk. In the Ye family, Ye Mingyu was the only person who wasn’t guarded against her. Yesterday she’d learned so much from Ye Mingyu’s mouth. Jiang Li thought perhaps today she could learn even more information from him.

Jiang Li didn’t know which courtyard Ye Mingyu lived in, so she thought to first go to the front hall and have a servant summon him. Who knew that when she reached the front hall, she unexpectedly discovered Ye Jia’er and Ye Rufeng were also there.

Ye Jia’er was pacing back and forth, looking very worried. Ye Rufeng also had his brows tightly furrowed, as if encountering some troublesome matter.

Jiang Li’s steps paused slightly. She walked in and called out, “Older Cousin, Elder Cousin Brother.”

Ye Rufeng glanced at her. When Ye Jia’er saw Jiang Li arrive, she forced a smile, though the smile also carried some melancholy. She said, “Younger Cousin, you’ve come.” She paused, then apologized, “Yesterday at Lizheng Hall, Uncle Zhao and Uncle Zhuang suddenly came, leaving you there alone. I’m truly sorry.”

“It’s nothing.” Jiang Li smiled. “Older Cousin had important business. Besides, I’d originally wanted to walk around by myself anyway, and I had a very pleasant time afterward.”

“That’s good then,” Ye Jia’er said.

The hall fell silent. Ye Rufeng was angry with Jiang Li, so naturally wouldn’t initiate conversation with her. If it were the usual Ye Jia’er, she would chat a bit with Jiang Li, but today Ye Jia’er appeared to have something on her mind and didn’t attend to Jiang Li, lost in thought about something.

After thinking for a moment, Jiang Li asked softly, “Is Older Cousin worried about Lizheng Hall’s affairs?”

Ye Jia’er was startled and smiled with difficulty. “Yes, just some small troubles with the business.”

“It’s about the Guxiang satin problem, isn’t it?” Jiang Li looked at her. “This matter of problems with Guxiang satin—do many garment shops know about it now?”

Ye Jia’er was shocked. Ye Rufeng said, “How do you know? Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?”

His tone was unkind.

“Uncle Mingyu told me.” Jiang Li looked at Ye Jia’er. “But he only said that some people claimed there were problems with Guxiang satin and that garment shops were involved. I guessed the rest.” She smiled. “Xiangyang has so many garment shops, and quite a few take Guxiang satin from the Ye family. If Guxiang satin really has problems, these garment shops would be wary when taking fabric.”

“Younger Cousin is indeed perceptive, guessing correctly at once,” Ye Jia’er said. She thought that since Ye Mingyu had already told Jiang Li, there was nothing to hide about this matter. In any case, Jiang Li already knew—continuing to hide things would just make the Ye family seem petty. Besides, even if they wanted to hide it, could they? This matter was growing bigger and harder to contain. Jiang Li would find out from outsiders sooner or later anyway.

“The Ye family’s transactions with garment shops are substantial. Now the garment shops have all stopped taking materials from the Ye family—not just one or two, but all of them. These past few days, shopkeepers from garment shops have been coming to Lizheng Hall daily to stop their orders. As Younger Cousin saw, Uncle Zhuang and Uncle Zhao who came yesterday have done business with the Ye family for decades. When they came to Lizheng Hall yesterday, it was also to immediately stop the fabric orders.” Ye Jia’er sighed.

“They’ve done business for decades—they’re old acquaintances. At a time like this, they’re kicking you when you’re down?” Jiang Li asked.

“It can’t be called kicking us when we’re down, only human nature.” Ye Jia’er didn’t feel resentment and patiently explained. “It’s just that Guxiang satin already has high production costs. These shopkeepers didn’t mention it before, but now this batch of Guxiang satin has been produced with no one purchasing it. Just leaving it there is already a huge loss for the Ye family.”

“What human nature—it’s just kicking us when we’re down,” Ye Rufeng snorted coldly. “In the past they begged us to supply them first. Now that something’s happened, without even investigating clearly, they immediately want to stop orders. What decades of friendship—it’s all nothing compared to profit!”

Ye Jia’er sighed and said nothing. Though Ye Rufeng’s words were harsh, they weren’t entirely unreasonable. Such opportunism was indeed contemptible. Not to mention they’d already done decades of business with the Ye family.

But what Jiang Li was thinking about wasn’t this. These garment shops took Guxiang satin from the Ye family precisely to profit. Since they’d done business for decades, clearly this business had been very prosperous. Merchants did business to earn silver. Even if there were problems with Guxiang satin now, before the matter was fully investigated, these garment shops wouldn’t terminate their transactions with the Ye family so quickly, because terminating transactions with the Ye family also meant cutting off the possibility of continuing to earn silver in the future.

What could make merchants willingly give up earning silver? Either there was greater profit involved, or there was a threat greater than silver.

“Actually, if this batch of Guxiang satin is a loss, so be it. The Ye family has cut losses before. What’s frightening is if news spreads that the Ye family’s Guxiang satin has problems. The Ye family’s reputation will be ruined, and once the Ye family’s reputation is smashed, the Ye family will find it hard to rise again. Could a hundred years of foundation be destroyed in an instant?” Ye Jia’er was extremely distressed.

The more such wealthy families there were, the more they valued commercial reputation. A thousand-mile dike collapses from an ant hole; one careless move and the whole game is lost. So all along, the Ye family had been very careful about fabric. Who would have thought such a huge mistake would happen this time?

“Older Cousin, don’t worry yet,” Jiang Li comforted her. “Why clothing made from Guxiang satin causes rashes when worn—it still can’t be confirmed that it’s a problem with the material. It’s just rumors spreading. We haven’t reached a desperate situation yet. As long as we find the real cause, the Ye family’s grievances can be cleared and their reputation restored.”

“That’s easy to say,” Ye Jia’er shook her head. “We can’t find the cause no matter what. The Guxiang satin from the weaving workshop clearly has no problems, yet the ready-made garments from Guxiang satin at all the garment shops all have problems.”

“Perhaps it’s not the Guxiang satin’s fault,” Jiang Li said. “Perhaps it’s those garment shops’ fault.”

“One place would be one thing, but surely not all the garment shops in Xiangyang could have problems,” Ye Jia’er said. “I know what Younger Cousin wants to say—that the Ye family has been framed. But although the Ye family in Xiangyang can’t be counted as an official family, usually no one dares provoke us. Who would have such audacity to frame us? Anyone with such audacity must hold a high position. What would they gain from harming us like this?”

“Then besides the Ye family, are there any other weaving workshops in Xiangyang?” Jiang Li asked.

Ye Jia’er shook her head.

Then it wouldn’t be business rivals.

Jiang Li sighed. The two were still talking when Ye Minghui and his three brothers arrived. Seeing Ye Jia’er and Jiang Li conversing, Ye Mingyu greeted them, “Jia’er, A Li!”

“Uncle Mingyu.” Jiang Li nodded at him.

Ye Minghui looked toward Jiang Li. He seemed somewhat hesitant, but finally spoke. “A Li, these past days we haven’t let you see the old madam because her health truly isn’t good. You’ve been in Xiangyang for over half a month now. The old madam’s health has gradually improved. Today, let’s have you meet the old madam.”

Jiang Li was surprised. Seeing Ye Mingyu’s satisfied expression, she understood. It must be that Ye Mingyu had spoken on her behalf and persuaded the two brothers, which was why Ye Minghui had made up his mind to let Jiang Li meet Old Madam Ye now.

It was an unexpected move.

Actually, Jiang Li wasn’t that eager to meet Old Madam Ye, but since someone else had proposed it, she naturally obliged and showed appropriate happiness. “That’s wonderful.”

Ye Mingxuan and Ye Mingyu watched Jiang Li. Her happiness didn’t seem false. These days, although they’d been busy with Lizheng Hall matters, they hadn’t relaxed their observation of Jiang Li. The Ye family maids serving Jiang Li all said that Jiang Li hadn’t done anything improper these days, was very quiet, and had a gentle temperament. The two Ye brothers gradually felt more at ease.

“Then let’s go now,” Ye Mingxuan said.

Jiang Li nodded.

Just as several people were about to leave, suddenly Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi hurried in from outside. Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi managed little of the business affairs, but for such a large Ye Mansion, everything up and down had to be handled, so they were usually very busy too. The Ye family was special—the steward’s authority wasn’t concentrated in one person’s hands, but shared by Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi in joint management. It seemed their sisterly-in-law relationship was quite good; otherwise they would have long been fighting constantly over power. In other words, if Ji Shuran and Lu Shi were made to jointly manage the Jiang household, there would certainly never be peace in the Jiang family.

Guan Shi said, “Master, Prefect Tong has sent someone.”

“Prefect Tong?” Ye Minghui was puzzled. “What did he send someone for?”

“I don’t know either.” Guan Shi seemed somewhat anxious. Before she could finish speaking, a group of bailiffs appeared from outside, all wearing long sabers at their waists. They barged into the front hall without any restraint and asked, “Are Master Ye and Second Master Ye here?”

Ye Mingxuan said, “Yes, what matter do you officers have?”

“Lord Tong requests you take a trip,” the lead bailiff said. “The two masters, please.”

“Go? Go where? What crime was committed?” Ye Mingyu wasn’t afraid of officials and immediately stepped forward. “Why specifically summon only these two? What’s this all about?”

That bailiff looked Ye Mingyu up and down. Ye Mingyu was dressed like a peddler with quite an air of the martial world about him. Either those people hadn’t recognized this was Third Master Ye, or simply felt Ye Mingyu was insignificant. He only said, “This subordinate is just doing his job. Please discuss these questions with Lord Tong, Masters.” But he was rather arrogant.

Jiang Li felt strange. With the Ye family’s fortune, though not everyone feared them, they certainly weren’t to be bullied by anyone. As the local official, this so-called Prefect Tong had absolutely no need to be so discourteous to the Ye family. Bailiffs always acted according to circumstances. This attitude must be because Prefect Tong had conveyed information that the Ye family was nothing to fear.

Why would Prefect Tong do this, as if he had nothing to fear?

Ye Mingyu was about to make a scene when Ye Minghui reached out to stop him. Ye Minghui was the Ye family’s eldest son and had always been more steady than others. He cupped his hands toward the bailiff. “Since you officers are on duty, we’ll take this trip. Please allow me to give instructions to my family.”

He first looked toward Jiang Li. “I intended to take you to see the old madam, but unexpectedly this happened midway. A Li, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.”

“It’s nothing,” Jiang Li smiled.

He then looked at Ye Mingyu. “Mingyu, you don’t manage the mansion’s business, so just protect the Ye family well. Whatever happens at Lizheng Hall, leave it to Jia’er and Rufeng to handle. This is also a good opportunity for these siblings to gain experience. As for Mingxuan and me, don’t tell the old madam we went to see Prefect Tong. Remember this.”

Zhuo Shi looked at the bailiff. “Officer, this… when will my elder brother-in-law and husband be able to return?”

“Don’t ask me—I don’t know.” That bailiff asked Ye Minghui, “Master Ye, have you finished your instructions? If so, let’s go.”

Ye Minghui said nothing more. After reassuring Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi a bit, telling them not to worry and that he and Ye Mingxuan would return soon, he left with the group of bailiffs.

After the bailiffs left, the Ye family members were all momentarily at a loss.

This matter came too suddenly—no one had expected it. Ye Jia’er murmured, “My father and uncle… will they be alright?”

“They’ll be fine,” Jiang Li comforted her. “Uncle Minghui said they’d return soon.”

“No.” Ye Jia’er shook her head. “Uncle never used to say such things, and he never made arrangements. Today he specifically arranged for Rufeng and me to manage Lizheng Hall affairs… He sensed he wouldn’t return very quickly… He had this premonition.”

This was true. Ye Minghui’s later words and arrangements seemed to have already determined that he wouldn’t return to the Ye family for the time being.

“What exactly is going on?” Zhuo Shi said. “Why would Prefect Tong come looking for us out of the blue?”

Although they didn’t know exactly what had happened, sending officers to the house to fetch people couldn’t possibly be good news—surely Prefect Tong wasn’t inviting them for tea and conversation.

“It must be about the Guxiang satin matter,” Ye Rufeng said through gritted teeth. “Before, the garment shops suppressed it and there were few people having problems from wearing Guxiang satin, but now… all the other garment shops are no longer dealing with Lizheng Hall. News about Guxiang satin will spread sooner or later. When the common people learn of this, they certainly won’t let it go. To pacify the people, the prefect will definitely make an example of the Ye family.”

Jiang Li had to look at Ye Rufeng with new respect this time. She’d thought Ye Rufeng was rather childish, easily impulsive, with all his emotions written on his face, not as clever as Ye Shijie. But looking at him now, Ye Rufeng also had a clear head and could see the whole sequence of events at a glance.

The three of the Ye family’s grandson generation were not mediocre. Ye Shijie was learned and talented, quite gifted at being an official. Ye Jia’er was generous and steady, able to hold her own. Ye Rufeng also had some cleverness. With such a Ye family, they wouldn’t fail. Having the Ye family as backing was also a good choice.

“Elder Cousin Brother is right,” Jiang Li said. “I also guess it’s because of Lizheng Hall’s affairs.”

Ye Rufeng snorted.

“However, is this Prefect Tong called Tong Zhiyang?”

“How do you know?” Ye Mingyu asked. Jiang Li was a young miss from Yanjing who had never been to Xiangyang before. For her to know the name of Xiangyang’s prefect was truly surprising.

“He has a brother-in-law,” Jiang Li smiled, “who serves as Palace Bell Director in Yanjing City.”

“What does a Palace Bell Director do?” The Ye family were merchants and weren’t very clear about officials’ positions and ranks.

“He oversees minting currency,” Jiang Li explained.

Only then did the Ye family members understand. Ye Mingyu said, “I didn’t expect you to even know about his brother-in-law. A Li, Tong Zhiyang isn’t a very high official, is he?”

“Not really,” Jiang Li smiled. “Being in the Jiang family, I inevitably hear some things.”

She thought silently to herself: Tong Zhiyang has a brother-in-law who serves as Palace Bell Director in Yanjing City. Most importantly, this brother-in-law was someone under the Right Chancellor’s command who was close to Li Lian.

When it came down to it, Tong Zhiyang could be said to also be someone under the Right Chancellor’s command.

In a courtyard somewhere in Xiangyang, people were talking inside the room.

“My lord, Tong Zhiyang has made his move,” Lu Ji said.

Ji Heng sat in a chair, examining a scroll. Hearing this, his movements paused and he said, “A bit early.”

“This subordinate also thinks it’s a bit early.” Lu Ji stroked his beard. “I heard he directly charged into the Ye family’s front hall to arrest people—quite a commotion. Now the matter can’t be hidden. All of Xiangyang knows.”

“As expected.” Ji Heng laughed. “Doing it for Li Lian to see—the commotion can’t be small.”

“I heard Second Miss Jiang was also present at the time,” Lu Ji said. “However, Second Miss Jiang made no move. This time’s plan, Second Miss Jiang probably can’t interfere and won’t cause any trouble.” Originally, by common logic, Jiang Li certainly couldn’t interfere or turn the tide, but after being foiled by Jiang Li several times before, Lu Ji didn’t dare be too certain anymore. Second Miss Jiang couldn’t be viewed as an ordinary person.

“Not necessarily.” Ji Heng smiled, his eyes flowing with clarity. He set the scroll in his hand aside. “Can’t underestimate her.”

“Already very much not underestimating her,” Lu Ji smiled. “It’s just that the Ye family matter—Li Lian has been planning it for some time. Now with Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan absent, the Ye family is just scattered sand. That Ye Mingyu can’t accomplish much. Once news spreads that there are problems with Guxiang satin, Lizheng Hall won’t be preserved. The next step, the Ye family will be forced into desperate straits, and the Li family’s opportunity will come.”

“Lu Ji, don’t treat everyone as fools.” Ji Heng gently waved the folding fan in his hand. The gold-threaded peonies opened and flowed with his hand’s movements, creating a large swaying beauty.

“The Li family’s scheme isn’t flawless, and there may well be others who’ve thought of it.”

“Until the play reaches its final act, one cannot call it brilliant.” He smiled gently.