Chapter Ninety-Seven: The Prefect

Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan were both somewhat surprised to see Ye Mingyu. "You’ve returned," Ye Minghui said. "Why didn't you send word beforehand?"

"I was in such a hurry," Ye Mingyu lied without changing his expression. "I’ve been riding hard, barely drinking a drop of water along the way. How would I have had time to let you know?"

If the two of them knew that Ye Mingyu had actually returned three days ago and had spent that time fooling around at the Xihua Pavilion, it would be hard to guess what their expressions would have been.

"Why are you only just returning?" Ye Mingyu asked. "It’s already dark, and there isn't a soul in the manor."

"We..." Ye Mingxuan was about to answer, but caught sight of Jiang Li sitting across from Ye Mingyu, and swallowed his words.

Jiang Li understood. They were once again being guarded against her, the "outsider," but it didn't matter. She guessed they were likely discussing the Ye family's business troubles, and by now, she already knew what those were. She stood up gracefully and smiled. "Uncle Mingyu, you all go ahead and talk. I’ll head back to my room."

Ye Mingyu smiled. "Very well."

Seeing that Ye Mingyu and Jiang Li appeared quite close, Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan exchanged strange looks.

After Jiang Li left, Ye Mingxuan and Ye Minghui sat down beside Ye Mingyu. Before they could speak, Ye Mingyu spoke first. "Big Brother, Second Brother, you two are really being too much toward a young girl. How can you act like this? She came all this way specifically to see Mother, and yet you wouldn't let her. You guard against others over the smallest things. Even a thick-skinned person like me can see it—how fragile that girl must feel inside. She’s probably realized it long ago and is feeling sad, yet she just forces a smile so you won't know. You’re both grown men, why are you bullying a young girl?"

Ye Mingxuan was so angry he nearly lost his breath. "We’re bullying her? Which eye saw us bullying her?"

"Both of my eyes saw it!" Ye Mingyu pointed to his own eyes. "Didn't you see that Ah Li understood immediately and took the initiative to leave? It’s only because she has a gentle nature. If it were me, I would have made a scene long ago."

"Scene, scene, scene," Ye Mingxuan retorted. "Go ahead and make your scene. Do you think you’re still a ten-year-old boy? Look at your own age! That phrase should be used on yourself!"

"Have you spoken with her?" Ye Minghui asked, ever the steady one.

"I have," Ye Mingyu said. "Why?"

"What do you think of her?"

"She’s great!" Ye Mingyu slapped his thigh. "I can tell Ah Li is no ordinary official’s daughter. That insight, that way of speaking—you two should learn a thing or two from her. That kaleidoscope I brought back from the sea fleet—I’m telling you, any one of you would have had no idea what it was or how to use it, but she knew! And she knew how to use it! The peacock feathers I found? She was the only one who recognized their value. Most importantly, this girl is loyal! Unlike some girls who are old and small-minded."

"Loyal?" Ye Mingxuan asked. "Why is she loyal? What has she helped you hide?"

Ye Mingyu cursed Ye Mingxuan’s cunning internally; he had caught that immediately. Ye Mingyu called Jiang Li loyal naturally because she hadn't revealed that he had returned to Xiangyang three days ago to hang out at the Xihua Pavilion, nor did she have any intention of doing so. If that wasn't loyal, what was?

Ye Mingyu coughed twice to cover it up. "Nothing. Anyway, you haven't told me where you were, and why there was nobody in the manor."

The two brothers looked at each other. Ye Minghui said, "There was some trouble at Lizheng Hall, so we went there."

"I was just discussing this with Ah Li. Hasn't it been resolved yet?" Ye Mingyu asked.

"You told her?" Ye Mingxuan asked loudly.

"Yes," Ye Mingyu nodded.

"You... you really are," Ye Mingxuan choked for a long time before managing to squeeze out one word: "Reckless!"

***

Back in 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 extremely heavy, but once opened, the subtle, shimmering luster of the shells was dazzling. Although they were just shells, they possessed a beauty that rivaled pearls and jade.

Tong'er and Bai Xue exclaimed in wonder, but Jiang Li was somewhat distracted.

So, this was why the Ye family business was in trouble. The Ye family had built their fortune on weaving. Over the years, their outside businesses had gradually decreased in production, and even their jewelry shop, Hongxiang Tower, had closed. The Ye family's weaving was famous throughout the Northern Yan, and their "Ancient Fragrance Satin" was unique—only the Ye family could produce it.

If there were truly problems with the Ye family's fabric, it would be a massive blow to their business, one from which they might never recover. If their reputation collapsed, the Ye family business would effectively be over. In that case, even with all their vast wealth, they would lose everything and be left destitute.

She didn't know what exactly went wrong with the fabric. As Ye Mingyu said, the weaving mill was in Xiangyang, and with Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan watching it daily for so many years without issue, could this sudden disaster really be a coincidence?

But Jiang Li had a faint feeling that this was no accident. For one thing, Ye Shijie had just entered government service, the very beginning of his career. If the Ye family faced trouble, and someone intended to use the family's business to target Ye Shijie, they could effectively control his path.

Thinking this, Jiang Li was suddenly startled. Could it be that the trouble with the Ye family business was a deliberate trap, with the ultimate goal of using the Ye family to hold Ye Shijie hostage, or perhaps to seize control of the entire family? After all, the Ye family's wealth was enough to make anyone jealous. Controlling the Ye family would make many things easy to accomplish.

The Ye family could provide a constant stream of wealth for bribes.

Jiang Li’s heart tightened. She was not the real Jiang Er Miss; strictly speaking, she didn't have such deep feelings for the Ye family. But when the nest is overturned, no egg remains intact. Moreover, she hoped to use the Ye family's influence for her own ends in the future. For her own sake, she had to protect the Ye family.

However, the enemy was in the shadows while she was in the light, making it difficult to act decisively.

After pondering for a while, Jiang Li said, "Tong'er, go out tomorrow and inquire at a few of the better clothing shops in Xiangyang. Ask them if they have had any clothes made with Ancient Fragrance Satin recently."

"Alright." Tong'er agreed, then asked, "Miss, why do you want to know about this?"

"The Ye family business is in trouble, and the Ancient Fragrance Satin is the key. I don't know how many people know about the problems with the fabric or how deep the trouble goes. But the better shops in Xiangyang have definitely dealt with the Ye family regarding this fabric. If all these shops have started refusing to accept it, the situation is critical."

There was something Jiang Li didn't say: the issue with the Ancient Fragrance Satin was not yet known in the capital of Yanjing, meaning the news of the defective fabric hadn't spread yet. If these shops were all simultaneously refusing the fabric, there was inevitably a hidden motive—it was highly likely that someone had already tipped them off.

"When you ask, pay attention to the attitude of the shopkeepers. See if they simply have no stock, or if they tell you directly that the fabric is problematic," Jiang Li instructed.

Tong'er took careful note.

Doing business, especially with the Ye family, was not a one-time deal; it was about long-term relationships. Even Ye Mingyu couldn't be certain if the fabric was truly flawed. Shopkeepers who wanted to keep doing business with the Ye family would naturally try to cover for them. But if they were eager to broadcast to the whole world that the fabric was defective, one could almost conclude that these shops had been ordered by someone to sabotage the Ye family.

Had the Ye family offended someone? Jiang Li wondered.

She couldn't find a clear answer. Ultimately, there weren't enough clues yet. Just as Bai Xue was persuading her to rest, Jiang Li gave up for the night.

The next day, Tong'er set out early to follow Jiang Li's plan, with Bai Xue accompanying her for safety. Since she had nothing to do in the yard, Jiang Li decided to go find Ye Mingyu. In the Ye family, he was the only one who didn't guard against her. After hearing so much from him yesterday, she hoped to learn more.

***

Jiang Li didn't know which courtyard Ye Mingyu lived in, so she headed to the front hall to ask a servant to fetch him. To her surprise, she found Ye Jia'er and Ye Rufeng there.

Ye Jia'er was pacing back and forth, looking very worried, and Ye Rufeng was frowning, as if he had encountered some trouble.

Jiang Li paused, then walked in. "Cousin, Brother."

Ye Rufeng ignored her. Ye Jia'er saw Jiang Li and managed a smile, though it was tinged with melancholy. "Cousin, you're here." She paused, then apologized, "Yesterday at Lizheng Hall, Uncle Zhao and Uncle Zhuang arrived suddenly and left you alone. I am so sorry."

"It's fine," Jiang Li smiled. "You were busy with important business. Besides, I wanted to walk around on my own, and I enjoyed it."

"That's good," Ye Jia'er said.

A silence fell over the room. Ye Rufeng was annoyed with Jiang Li and wouldn't speak to her. Normally, Ye Jia'er would have chatted with her, but she was preoccupied today.

After a while, Jiang Li asked softly, "Is Cousin worried about the business at Lizheng Hall?"

Ye Jia'er was startled, then managed a forced smile. "Yes, there is some trouble with the business."

"It's about the Ancient Fragrance Satin, isn't it?" Jiang Li looked at her. "Do many clothing shops know about the problem now?"

Ye Jia'er was shocked. Ye Rufeng said, "How do you know? Were you eavesdropping on us?" His tone was unfriendly.

"Uncle Mingyu told me," Jiang Li looked at Ye Jia'er. "But he only said there were problems with the fabric. The part about the clothing shops is just a guess." She smiled. "With so many shops in Xiangyang taking fabric from the Ye family, if there were truly a problem, they would be wary."

"Cousin is truly sharp-witted," Ye Jia'er said. Since Ye Mingyu had already told Jiang Li, there was no point in hiding it. Since Jiang Li already knew, it would be petty of the Ye family to keep secrets. Besides, could they hide it? The matter was blowing up, and Jiang Li would hear about it from outside eventually.

"The trade between the Ye family and the shops is substantial. Now, the shops are stopping their orders one by one. It's not just one or two, but all of them. These past few days, shopkeepers have been coming to Lizheng Hall to cancel. As you saw yesterday, Uncle Zhuang and Uncle Zhao have done business with us for decades, yet even they came to cancel," Ye Jia'er sighed.

"They've done business for decades, they're old friends, yet they kick us while we're down?" Jiang Li asked.

"It's not so much kicking us while we're down as it is human nature," Ye Jia'er explained patiently. "The production cost of Ancient Fragrance Satin is high. If these shopkeepers refuse to take the goods, and this batch goes unsold, it’s a massive loss for the Ye family."

"What 'human nature'? It's kicking us while we're down!" Ye Rufeng scoffed. "They used to beg us to supply them first. Now that there's trouble, they don't even bother to verify the facts; they just cancel. Decades of friendship are worth less than profit!"

Ye Jia'er sighed and said nothing. Ye Rufeng’s words were harsh, but they weren't entirely wrong. Such fair-weather behavior was indeed despicable.

Jiang Li was thinking of something else. These shops bought fabric to make money. Since they had been doing business for decades, the trade was clearly profitable. Merchants' primary goal was profit. Even if there were rumors, they wouldn't cancel so quickly unless there was either a greater profit elsewhere or a threat greater than the loss of profit.

"If this batch of satin is a loss, so be it. We can cut our losses. But if the reputation of the Ye family is ruined, our brand will be destroyed. Is a century of foundation to be ruined just like that?" Ye Jia'er was heartbroken.

The wealthier a family was, the more they valued their reputation. A thousand-mile dike could collapse because of an ant hole.

"Cousin, don't worry," Jiang Li comforted her. "We don't know for sure if it's the fabric that's causing the rashes. It could just be hearsay. We haven't reached the end of our rope yet. Once we find the real cause, the Ye family's name can be cleared."

"It's easier said than done," Ye Jia'er shook her head. "We can't find the cause. The fabric from our mill is clearly fine, yet the clothes made by these shops are causing issues."

"Maybe it's not the fabric," Jiang Li suggested. "Maybe it's the shops themselves."

"One shop might be an issue, but all the shops in Xiangyang?" Ye Jia'er said. "I know what you're thinking—that the Ye family is being set up. But who would have the audacity to target the Ye family? Anyone with such courage would have to be in a high position. What would they gain by hurting us?"

"Are there any other weaving mills in Xiangyang besides the Ye family?" Jiang Li asked.

Ye Jia'er shook her head.

Then it wasn't a business rival.

Jiang Li sighed. Just then, Ye Minghui and his brothers arrived. Seeing them, Ye Mingyu called out, "Jia'er, Ah Li!"

"Uncle Mingyu," Jiang Li nodded.

Ye Minghui looked at Jiang Li, hesitating, but finally said, "Ah Li, we didn't let you see Grandmother earlier because her health was truly poor. You've been in Xiangyang for over half a month, and she is gradually improving. You may see her today."

Jiang Li was surprised. Seeing Ye Mingyu’s satisfied expression, she realized he must have persuaded the brothers.

It was an unexpected development.

Actually, Jiang Li wasn't that desperate to see the old lady, but since it was offered, she agreed gracefully, showing a hint of joy. "That's wonderful."

Ye Mingxuan and Ye Mingyu watched her; her happiness didn't seem fake. They had been observing her, and the maids reported she had been quiet and gentle. The brothers finally began to relax.

"Let's go now," Ye Mingxuan said.

Jiang Li nodded.

Just as they were leaving, Guan Shi and Zhuo Shi hurried in from outside. They were busy managing the internal affairs of the massive manor.

"Husband," Guan Shi said, "Prefect Tong has sent people here."

"Prefect Tong?" Ye Minghui was puzzled. "Why would he send people?"

Before he could answer, a group of officials with swords at their waists strode into the hall without ceremony. "Are the masters of the Ye family here?"

Ye Mingxuan said, "We are. What is the meaning of this?"

"Prefect Tong requests your presence," the lead official said. "Please come with us."

"Go? Where? What have we done?" Ye Mingyu, unafraid of officials, stepped forward. "Why only them? What is this about?"

The official looked Ye Mingyu up and down. Dressed like a commoner, he didn't seem to recognize him as the Third Master, or perhaps he just didn't care. "I am just doing my job. Please take your questions to Prefect Tong." His attitude was arrogant.

Jiang Li found it strange. The Ye family, while not untouchable, was not someone to be bullied so easily. The local Prefect had no reason to be this disrespectful unless he had already decided the Ye family was no longer a threat.

Why was Prefect Tong so confident?

Ye Mingyu wanted to make a scene, but Ye Minghui stopped him. Being the eldest, he was more steady. He bowed to the officials, "If the official requires us to go, we will go. Let me just give some instructions to my family."

He looked at Jiang Li. "I wanted to take you to see Grandmother, but this happened. Ah Li, you'll have to wait a little longer."

"It's fine," Jiang Li smiled.

He then looked at Ye Mingyu. "Mingyu, since you don't manage the business, protect the manor. Jia'er and Rufeng, handle the affairs at Lizheng Hall; this is a good opportunity for you both to grow. As for Mingxuan and me, do not tell Grandmother that we have gone to see Prefect Tong. Remember that."

Zhuo Shi looked at the official. "Official, when will my husband and brother-in-law return?"

"How would I know?" The official pressed Ye Minghui. "Are you ready? Let's go."

Ye Minghui said nothing more, reassured his wife, and left with the officials.

After they left, the family was in a panic. Ye Jia'er murmured, "Father and Uncle... will they be alright?"

"They will," Jiang Li comforted her. "Uncle Minghui said they would return soon."

"No," Ye Jia'er shook her head. "Uncle never speaks like that, nor does he give instructions. Today, he specifically told us to manage the hall... he had a premonition that he wouldn't be back soon."

That was true; his instructions sounded like a final arrangement.

"What is going on?" Zhuo Shi asked. "Why would Prefect Tong come after us?"

Ye Rufeng gritted his teeth. "It must be because of the Ancient Fragrance Satin. Once the public hears about this, they won't let it go, and the Prefect will use the Ye family as a scapegoat to pacify the people."

Jiang Li was impressed. She had thought Ye Rufeng was just a child, but he had a clear head.

The three grandchildren of the Ye family were not mediocre. Ye Shijie was talented in governance; Ye Jia'er was steady; and Ye Rufeng was sharp. If the Ye family had such successors, they wouldn't fall easily. Having them as backers was not a bad choice.

"Cousin is right," Jiang Li said. "I suspect it is because of Lizheng Hall."

"But is this Prefect Tong named Tong Zhiyang?"

"How did you know?" Ye Mingyu asked.

"He has a brother-in-law," Jiang Li smiled, "who serves as the Bell Official in Yanjing."

"What is a Bell Official?" the Ye family asked.

"He is in charge of coin casting," Jiang Li explained.

The Ye family finally understood. Ye Mingyu said, "I didn't expect you to know his brother-in-law, Ah Li. Tong Zhiyang isn't a high-ranking official."

"He isn't," Jiang Li smiled. "I heard a few things while in the Jiang family."

In her heart, she knew: Tong Zhiyang’s brother-in-law worked for the Right Prime Minister and was very close to Li Lian.

Ultimately, Tong Zhiyang was a pawn of the Right Prime Minister.

***

In a courtyard in Xiangyang, two people were talking.

"My Lord, Tong Zhiyang has made his move," Lu Ji said.

Ji Heng sat in a chair, reading a scroll. He paused. "A bit too early."

"I agree," Lu Ji stroked his beard. "He stormed into the Ye manor to make arrests. The commotion is quite large. Now that the matter is public, it can't be hidden."

"To be expected," Ji Heng laughed. "He's doing it for Li Lian to see. The commotion can't be small."

"I heard the Second Miss Jiang was there," Lu Ji said. "But she didn't take action. She probably can't intervene in this plan, so there shouldn't be any trouble." Although, he wasn't entirely sure; the Second Miss Jiang could never be judged by normal standards.

"Not necessarily," Ji Heng smiled, his eyes dancing with light. He put the scroll aside. "Do not underestimate her."

"I have long stopped underestimating her," Lu Ji laughed. "But regarding the Ye family, Li Lian has been planning this for a long time. With Ye Minghui and Ye Mingxuan gone, the Ye family is a scattered sand. That Ye Mingyu can't do much. Once the news spreads, Lizheng Hall will be finished, and the Ye family will be pushed to the brink. That is when the Li family's opportunity will come."

"Lu Ji, don't treat everyone like fools," Ji Heng gently waved his folding fan. The golden peonies on it seemed to bloom with his movement. "The Li family's plan is not seamless, and it's not impossible that someone has already figured it out."

"The play hasn't reached its climax yet," he said with a gentle smile. "It would be a shame if it wasn't精彩."