On the surface, all of her methods against Song Yifeng were carried out through Zhou Xiang, and Ye Chongming could learn everything with a simple inquiry. But behind the scenes, she had instructed Fang Xing, who was still called Lai Yun at that time, to do many things.

That’s why Zhou Xiang found that dealing with Song Yifeng went extremely smoothly, without any obstacles. In reality, Fang Xing had expanded the network of connections several times over, and through this matter, screened out some people of good character and strong ability, then used them to collect information from corresponding areas.

After sending Song Yifeng to prison, Ye Yaming had completed her personnel screening and established her information network throughout the major areas of Lin’an City. Every five days, people would collect information and report it to her.

For special situations, her people would report proactively.

To avoid being deceived, she would randomly assign people to collect information rather than having one person manage a specific area long-term.

Due to her contributions to the Ye family and her needs, her monthly allowance had increased from ten taels to fifty taels of silver. If necessary, she could directly withdraw five hundred taels of silver from the accounting office without needing to request permission from Ye Chongming in advance.

Because she employed idle men, ruffians, and beggars, providing basic life support with daily porridge, and using a reward system that exchanged valuable information for steamed buns, pancakes, chicken, duck, or even silver, maintaining this information network didn’t cost much—her monthly allowance alone was sufficient to keep it running.

“So what should we do now?” Old Lady Ye asked.

“Ma Dafu has the evidence, and if necessary, he can testify in court,” Ye Yaming looked toward Ye Chongming. “Grandfather, ultimately, this matter involves Second Cousin being schemed against. First Uncle, First Aunt, and First Cousin would likely be very eager to destroy the Yang family with their own hands, wouldn’t they?”

Old Lady Ye’s pupils dilated slightly as she turned to look at Ye Chongming.

What did Ye Yaming mean by this? Was she saying she wouldn’t intervene and would let the first branch handle it entirely?

Ye Chongming also understood Ye Yaming’s meaning. But he still wanted to clarify: “What if your First Uncle and his family don’t handle it well enough?”

With Ye Yaming’s intelligence and skill, with such leverage handed to them by the Yang family, she would certainly be able to destroy the Yang family beyond recovery, just as she had done with Song Yifeng.

But entrusting it to his eldest son and grandson, Ye Chongming truly lacked confidence.

As the saying goes: “Wildfire cannot burn it all; the spring breeze blows, and it grows again.”

If they didn’t take this opportunity to eliminate the Yang family, once they recovered, they would certainly retaliate against the Ye family with all their might.

Was Ye Yaming so unconcerned? Wasn’t she afraid?

“First Uncle and First Cousin are still the main branch,” Ye Yaming smiled. “I don’t ask for much, only that my parents and sister remain safe, happy, and free from worries about food and clothing.”

Ye Chongming looked at Ye Yaming and saw only determination in her beautiful eyes. He nodded gratefully: “Yaming, you are a good child. I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

After several incidents, even if the first branch still harbored some discontent in their hearts, after destroying the Yang family with thunderous methods, they would have no choice but to bow to Ye Yaming.

By then, the entire Ye family would follow Ye Yaming’s lead.

Whether it was the second branch surpassing the first, or Ye Yaming, as a daughter of the Ye family, replacing her First Uncle and First Cousin as the family head, it would be a matter of pride.

But now, Ye Yaming was giving the first branch—her First Uncle and First Cousin—an opportunity to gain experience. With her strategy and evidence, and with her backing them, Ye Hongrong and Ye Jiaxing could go all out and fully display their abilities.

To be honest, even Ye Chongming himself, since becoming the head of the Ye family, had been constantly anxious, fearing that one misstep would cause the family to decline under his leadership. So although he relied on his eldest son and grandson, when facing major issues, he never dared to completely let go and allow them to gain experience.

Now Ye Yaming was handing the opportunity to the first branch. This breadth of mind and magnanimity was rare in the world. Moreover, Ye Yaming was just a young lady not yet sixteen years old, which made it even more remarkable.

Ye Chongming felt his throat tighten, and tears had unknowingly filled his eyes.

He tilted his head back to force the tears away.

After a long while, he said: “Is this a good idea? Yaming, let me be honest with you—I plan to entrust the Ye family to you in the future. With you, I can be at ease. Your First Uncle and First Cousin seemed fine before, but compared to you, they fall far short. If you step back, not to mention the future of the Ye family, even your First Uncle and First Cousin wouldn’t feel secure.”

With Ye Yaming’s strategic planning during this period, the first branch father and son would likely be happy to be carried by her expertise.

“In the future, if there’s anything to be done, you can instruct them, and they’ll surely do it well. But once you give them a chance to gain experience and their abilities improve, it might not be good for you.”

“No, no,” Ye Yaming shook her head. “A single pillar cannot support a great hall—the stronger First Uncle and his family become, the better. Besides, I only wish for my parents and sister to be safe and worry-free, and for myself to live more easily. I would be delighted if First Uncle and First Cousin could shoulder the heavy responsibilities. You know my nature—if not for the family’s crisis, I would have remained as before, an ordinary third daughter of the Ye family’s second branch.”

Remembering that Ye Yaming had indeed been quite ordinary before, similar to Ye Yaqing and Ye Yayin, Ye Chongming’s feelings became complex.

Nevertheless, he believed Ye Yaming’s words.

He said: “Very well. We’ll do as you say.”

No matter what, as long as Ye Yaming was willing and felt happy with this arrangement, it was fine. He would follow her lead.

As long as she wanted it, as long as she desired it, she would have the final say in this family.

Ye Yaming continued: “Fourth Uncle is always idle at home with nothing to do, which can lead to trouble. Perhaps Grandfather could assign him some tasks?”

Speaking of his youngest son, Ye Chongming wanted to sigh again.

He said, “I’ve been thinking about this matter recently. However…” he shook his head, “I truly don’t know what tasks would be suitable for him. After that incident, I really can’t trust him.”

“After the Lantern Festival, there’s still about two months before the pre-rain tea production. Why not let Fourth Uncle accompany me and Master Lu to purchase tea mountains? Fourth Uncle is my elder, and with him accompanying me, even with Master Lu along, no one will gossip.”

“My father is still in the Capital, and First Cousin can either stay in Lin’an to help First Uncle deal with the Yang family or follow Master Qi to Xinping Town.”

“Now that the teaware production in Xinping Town is running smoothly, Master Qi doesn’t need to stay there all the time. First Cousin can manage both responsibilities. After all, he doesn’t need to personally handle the Yang family matter, and with you and First Uncle overseeing things in Lin’an, his absence wouldn’t be a problem.”

Ye Chongming slapped the armrest: “That’s an excellent idea.”

Although Ye Yaming was his niece, with her intelligence, she could certainly keep Ye Hongrong in check. Lu Guanyi also appeared to be a steady person. With the two of them supervising, no matter how troublesome Ye Hongrong might be, he couldn’t cause problems.

Ye Hongrong had legs—the family couldn’t keep him confined at home. Ye Chongming had spent considerable time worrying about Ye Hongrong’s future, not knowing how to arrange for him.

Now Ye Yaming’s suggestion practically solved a major problem for Ye Chongming.