Chapter 8: The Arc of Irony

Ye Hua entered from outside, nearly six feet tall, dressed in a khaki trench coat, her long hair cascading like a waterfall down her back, strikingly beautiful and impossible to ignore.

She slipped her arm around Ye Yingtang's wrist and pleaded playfully, "Father, Dr. Qian specifically reminded you that your health can't withstand emotional agitation. You need to keep calm and focus on your wellbeing."

"It's all because your younger brother—"

"Second brother has never lived in the old house since childhood, so he hasn't received the proper traditions of the Ye family. It's only natural he'd behave in ways that don't conform to the rules. It's been so many years; you can't pretend you don't know."

The implication was clear: though Ye Zehong carried the Ye family blood, his years spent away meant he could hardly be considered a true Ye family member.

Ye Zehong's gaze turned cold in an instant, and he let out a dismissive snort.

Undercurrents surged; each concealed their own thoughts.

Lu Yao observed his subtle expression closely, surprised that Ye Zehong was so unwelcome at the Ye family’s ancestral home—and even more surprised by how ‘lively’ the family atmosphere was.

Yang Lan, seeing the tension ease, adopted a lighter tone, "Tomorrow morning, Wan’er and I will go to Hongfa Temple to pray for your marriage and many children. The in-laws have already been notified. You should stay in Plum Garden tonight."

Qiao Wan’er, ever perceptive, chimed in, "Ze Hong, do it for me, won’t you?"

Ye Zehong kept his face taut and replied, "Fine, as you wish."

The servants appeared at the right moment, and the group proceeded to the dining room for their meal.

Ye Yingtang, as the head of the Ye family, sat at the main seat. Ye Zehong was seated to his right, while the left seat remained empty. The next position beyond that belonged to Ye Zemao, and the women sat opposite on the other side.

Lu Yao, as a guest, was placed at the central spot for her meal.

It was evident that the Ye family adhered to very traditional rules, strictly following the old patriarchal customs.

The entire meal was conducted in near silence.

Lu Yao kept her head lowered, avoiding eye contact with anyone, fearful of inviting unnecessary trouble.

During the meal, she felt an almost imperceptible gaze upon her; when she looked up, it was Ye Hua.

Ye Hua met her eyes, the corners of her lips curling in a mocking arc, her gaze chilling.

The family banquet ended.

Lu Yao was escorted by a servant to settle in a room on the west side of the first floor at Plum Garden.

The servant recited in a formal tone, "Miss Lu, all laundry and toiletries here have been sterilized at high temperatures and are ready for use. If you need anything else, just press the call button at the door and we will assist you immediately."

Lu Yao nodded.

Her clear, bright eyes surveyed the room, and through the window she could see people coming and going in the eastern wing.

Curious, she asked, "Is Miss Qiao and Second Young Master staying over there?"

"Yes, Second Young Master seldom spends the night at the ancestral home. My colleagues are cleaning up over there."

Lu Yao’s breath caught, her mind conjuring vivid scenes of Ye Zehong and Qiao Wan’er together in that eastern building, a pang of sourness rising in her heart.

"Miss Lu, Madam specifically instructed that you should go to the ceremonial hall tomorrow at eight to fold paper flying horses. I will accompany you to learn the craft and help lighten your workload."

Lu Yao smiled gently. "Why not learn from Aunt Rong?"

"I…"

The servant gave a helpless, bitter smile.

Even among the servants in a wealthy family, there was a fierce internal struggle. Teaching an apprentice meant the master might starve. Aunt Rong would never casually share such precious skills.

Lu Yao noticed the servant’s embarrassment and spoke gently, "Folding paper flying horses isn’t as hard as it seems. Once you grasp the trick, it’s easy. Since you’re eager to learn, I’ll teach you with care."

The servant was delighted. "Thank you, Miss Lu."

Lu Yao pretended to ask casually, "Do Madam and Miss Ye also live here?"

"Madam and Master live in the main building. After coming of age, Miss Ye rarely stays at the ancestral home. If she does return, she lives in Bamboo Garden on the southern side—she likes peace and quiet."

Lu Yao smiled softly. "I have nothing else for now, you can go about your work."

"Certainly."

After the servant left, Lu Yao stood at the window, gazing south. She could just make out a courtyard surrounded by bamboo.

A thought bloomed in her mind—a desire to sneak in and explore.

And she resolved to act on it.