The more he observed Ye Yaming’s business methods, the more he realized how large the gap was between them.

A business like the tea house that could both earn significant money and gather connections was something he wouldn’t even dare to imagine. He neither had the courage nor the status, and he was even less capable than his second brother at entertaining dignitaries.

In the past, he had always considered himself the eldest brother, priding himself on being smart, capable, and responsible. He thought his two younger brothers were far inferior to him in every way, causing him particular worry.

But now he discovered it wasn’t like that at all.

This was quite laughable.

These fluctuating feelings—the lack of confidence, the sense of loss, the discomfort and dejection—he had never let anyone know about them.

But Madam Tao wasn’t one to give peace of mind. She had many petty thoughts, loved to calculate, and her thoughts were straightforward, without any sophistication. Once dissatisfaction entered her mind, it would eventually be noticed by the elders and Ye Yaming.

Ye Hongchang rubbed his brow and explained his psychological journey over the past two or three years to Madam Tao, using language that wouldn’t damage his dignity.

Finally, he said, “The teahouse’s revenue is several times that of the teahouse, but that’s not the most important thing. What’s important is that almost all the powerful figures in Great Jin, including those princes and princesses, have become customers of the tea house. Think about how extensive these connections are. Princess Imperial Yü’an has partnered with Second Sister-in-law in business, and Princess Imperial Yüning has become Yaming’s close friend. Now who would dare to target us? This is the most valuable thing.”

“You know the size of the tea mountains in Huizhou and Minzhou, right? Once tea can be produced in large quantities, think about how much our annual revenue will be. Even if we only take thirty or forty percent, the revenue from just one location would be much more than our previous revenue.”

“In other words, now one-tenth of the Ye family’s assets can be more than seventy percent before. Not to mention that at Yaming’s rate of expansion, there will be even more in the future. We take twenty percent and don’t have to worry about anything—what are you still dissatisfied about?”

“If you continue to make trouble, with Yaming’s temperament, do you think she wouldn’t dare to separate us from the family?”

Ye Hongchang’s questions left Madam Tao speechless for a long time.

She would dare! What wouldn’t she dare to do? Even when Ye Yaming hadn’t married Lu Guanyi and her connections weren’t as powerful as they are now, she dared to say such things. Now what wouldn’t she dare to do?

Ye Chongming wouldn’t stop her at all. He had said this before, and now he follows Ye Yaming’s every word. As long as Ye Yaming expressed dissatisfaction, Ye Chongming would be the first to separate them from the family.

If they were truly separated from the Ye family just as it was flourishing, the first branch of the Ye family would become the biggest joke in Lin’an. If her father knew this was caused by her making trouble, he might even sever their relationship.

“Alright, I understand,” she lowered her head and said, “I’m just venting to you. I know what’s important.”

“You don’t know shit!”

After many years of marriage, Ye Hongchang had always respected his wife, but now he couldn’t help but curse.

“Have I explained these principles to you before? But at the time you said ‘I understand,’ and then as soon as Father and Yaming did something that displeased you, you started calculating again. Fine, calculate if you must, but you bring it right out into the open.”

“Before, I thought you were virtuous, sensible, and magnanimous, but now look at yourself! If you continue like this, we won’t need Father and the others to say anything—I’ll request to separate from the family myself, to avoid being thrown out and completely losing face for the rest of my life.”

“Think carefully about what I’ve said.” With that, Ye Hongchang got up and went to the study in the front courtyard.

Over the years, he had been in the capital while Madam Tao had remained in Lin’an to care for his parents and raise their children. She had always been good to him, and he had always respected his wife. Even if she had some petty thoughts, he could understand. Besides, his wife was also standing up for him.

If it weren’t necessary, he wouldn’t want to speak such harsh words to his wife.

But if he didn’t administer strong medicine, their first branch would truly be separated from the family. By then, regret would come too late.

Madam Tao couldn’t bear Ye Hongchang’s words. As soon as he left, she covered her head with a blanket and began to sob.

A couple’s quarrel might be hidden from others, but not from those who served them closely. As soon as Ye Hongchang left, Maid Li quickly entered the room to comfort Madam Tao.

But not knowing the cause, she couldn’t comfort her effectively.

Madam Tao had always confided in Maid Li, and immediately told her what Ye Hongchang had said.

“Do you think he kept a mistress in the capital? Is that why he came back and nitpicks at everything I do?”

“Oh my goodness, my lady, how could you think such a thing? If the master truly had strayed, he wouldn’t have voluntarily asked to return to Lin’an. Wouldn’t it be better for him to stay in the capital and enjoy himself alone?”

Seeing Madam Tao lower her head in silence, Maid Li continued, “Besides, there’s nothing wrong with what the master said. You really can’t make any more trouble. If you do, you’ll truly be separated from the family. Do you want that to happen?”

Madam Tao quickly shook her head and sniffed, “How could I possibly want that?”

“If you don’t want it, then stop making trouble. The Third Miss doesn’t have an easy temperament, and now her status is different. If she says something, the Old Master might separate the first branch from the family.”

“Besides, didn’t you say you understood before? Why are you causing trouble again?” Maid Li was truly confused.

“I do understand, I just can’t help it,” Madam Tao sobbed. “I’m standing up for my husband. And I didn’t show it openly—I just complained to him a bit, and he spoke to me like this.”

Maid Li sighed deeply, not knowing what else to say.

A person’s nature is truly difficult to change. Before, when Madam Tao had all the advantages in the Ye family, her pettiness hadn’t shown. Now that she was at a disadvantage, her true nature was fully revealed.

“In the future, if you have any dissatisfaction, don’t show it in front of the Old Master, the Old Lady, and the Third Miss. Don’t even complain to the master—tell it to this old servant instead. Once you’ve spoken of it, the block in your heart will be gone, and the matter will pass. If you truly can’t get over it, then talk to the master again and let him comfort you.”

“Also, why don’t you follow Second Madam’s example and start some business outside?” she suggested.

People who love to bicker over nothing just have too much free time. Finding more things to do and using up all that energy would solve the problem. Furthermore, if she earned more money herself, she wouldn’t calculate so much.

Madam Tao was moved by her words.

Her dowry was substantial, with many fields and shops. But she had never done business herself. The shops were all rented out.

After Madam Yin returned from the capital, she had told Old Lady Ye about opening a shop in the capital, her face full of confidence and satisfaction. On the surface, Madam Tao had seemed disdainful, but in her heart, she had felt a touch of envy.

One thing Madam Yin said had particularly moved her.

She had said, “Mother, I never thought I could earn money myself. Every time I finish the accounts, my heart feels so full, and I feel like I’m not afraid of anything anymore. I’m no longer a useless person who can only rely on my parents, husband, and children for food. I can support myself.”

Madam Tao muttered, “But what business should we do?”