Chapter 8

The hall was suddenly filled with intermittent coughing.

In this era of strict propriety, there were certain things about a woman that could not be spoken of lightly. Of course, Ye Chunqiu could talk nonsense, as he was still young.

The old patriarch’s face darkened. Ye Juncai would not have dared to hit Ye Chenliang without reason. If Ye Chunqiu said that Ye Juncai’s mother had a mole, could it be... that this involved the privacy of the third daughter-in-law?

He was greatly alarmed. This matter could not be pursued further. Who knew what else Ye Chunqiu might say? Being young, he did not understand the gravity of the situation. As for asking Ye Juncai privately, that was even more out of the question. If he asked Juncai why he hit Chenliang, and Juncai revealed his mother’s secret, would he not be prying into the third daughter-in-law’s privacy?

This would be extremely unseemly for the head of a family that valued poetry and literature. If even a hint of this got out, who knew what rumors would spread.

The old patriarch couldn’t help but glance at Zhou Fuzi.

Zhou Fuzi was an outsider. If he spread any gossip, the Ye family would become a laughingstock.

Ye Chunqiu must not be allowed to continue speaking, nor can Ye Juncai be questioned.

This matter must end here, otherwise...

“Grandfather...” Seeing the old patriarch’s unusual expression, Ye Chenliang was unwilling to let it go. He had never felt such a grievance in his life. Ye Juncai, that scoundrel, dared to hit him, and Ye Chunqiu, that rogue...

He burst into tears, sobbing and saying, “Grandfather, Juncai hit me so hard, look, my nose is almost broken...”

In the past, even the slightest fuss would have earned him some comforting words from his doting grandfather. Now, with tears streaming down his face, he was certain that the old patriarch would stand up for him.

Ye Chunqiu shook his head inwardly. When this guy was plotting against me earlier, he seemed quite clever. Why is he so stupid now? Could it be that Ye Juncai hit him so hard he’s become dumb?

The old patriarch’s already dark face turned even darker. A flash of anger crossed his eyes. The more Ye Chenliang spoke, the more likely it was that the Ye family would become a laughingstock. He sternly said, “Chenliang, stop talking.”

Ye Chenliang was stunned. Why was the old patriarch treating him like this today? He felt more wronged than Dou E. Refusing to back down, he continued, “But...”

“Slap!” The old patriarch viciously slapped the armrest of the pear wood chair and said sternly again, “Chenliang, look at what you’ve become!”

He stood up abruptly, his demeanor cold and unapproachable.

His words cut deep, and Ye Chenliang was dumbfounded. What the hell was going on? This wasn’t right. He looked up at the old patriarch, then at his father. Ye Song’s face was clearly very grim, and he gave him a meaningful look. Ye Chenliang hesitated. He was the legitimate grandson, and he had been hit. His heart turned cold, and he gritted his teeth, looking at the old patriarch again, “Grandfather... I... the county examination is coming up, and I’ve been beaten up by Ye Chunqiu and Ye Juncai. I... I... I can’t take the exam...”

This was his trump card. In Ye Chenliang’s mind, it was still very effective. You decide what to do. Ye Chunqiu has ruined my future. I am your legitimate grandson. Could you really abandon your grandson’s future?

The old patriarch’s face darkened even more, and his body trembled slightly.

This guy... really... If this matter is pursued further, will the Ye family still have any face? For the first time, he felt that his grandson was very immature and did not want him to continue making a fuss. His face grew even darker.

How could Ye Song not understand the old patriarch’s attitude?

This matter had unnecessarily involved his sister-in-law and her mole. The old patriarch valued the family’s reputation more than his own life. If Ye Chenliang continued to纠缠 (pursue the matter), the status of the second branch in the old patriarch’s heart...

Ye Song knew he could no longer hesitate. He quickly stepped forward, raised his hand, and slapped Ye Chenliang hard across the face.

Slap...

The blow was heavy and the sound was crisp.

Ye Chenliang let out a cry of pain, then covered his cheek and burst into tears.

Ye Song said sternly, “You good-for-nothing, how can you still be idling around when the county examination is approaching? How dare you make a fuss? Get out of here!”

Ye Chenliang trembled with fear, feeling both wronged and aggrieved. However, facing Ye Song’s murderous gaze, he dared not speak again.

The old patriarch, who still had some affection for this grandson, felt a bit sorry for him and said, “Song, the child is immature, don’t make things difficult for him.”

The situation had reached this point, and Ye Song could no longer bother with Ye Chunqiu. He glared at Ye Chunqiu with hatred and hurriedly took Ye Chenliang away.

Ye Chunqiu felt a chill at the back of his neck from Ye Song’s hateful gaze. This second uncle... it seemed he wouldn’t let this go easily.

However, to be fair, his second uncle’s decisiveness and ability to read the old patriarch’s mood were quite admirable.

With a jumble of thoughts in his mind, the old patriarch suddenly said, “Chunqiu.”

Ye Chunqiu snapped back to attention and said politely, “What does Grandfather command?”

The old patriarch’s face darkened. “Zhou Fuzi says you are unlearned and unruly. You must understand that the Ye family has strict discipline and will not tolerate such behavior.”

Ye Chunqiu felt embarrassed. The old patriarch seemed to be trying to discipline him. Zhou Fuzi must have said a lot of bad things about him to the old patriarch.

Zhou Fuzi, in the modern workplace, was just a small-minded person, using his position to curry favor with his second uncle.

However, Ye Chunqiu put on a very sincere expression and said, “Yes, I have just returned and am not yet familiar with all the rules. Zhou Fuzi has been very kind to me, always asking after my well-being and showing great concern. I will certainly follow Zhou Fuzi’s teachings in the future.”

His attitude of admitting fault was very good.

Most importantly...

Zhou Fuzi was slightly taken aback, sensing something different.

For the past few days, Zhou Fuzi had come to complain about Ye Chunqiu’s misbehavior and disrespect towards his elders, to the point where the old patriarch’s ears were ringing.

However, the old patriarch, though not particularly fond of this grandson, had not found any major faults. Most importantly, Ye Chunqiu had praised Zhou Fuzi to the skies. Did Zhou Fuzi really treat Ye Chunqiu so well? If he was so good to Ye Chunqiu, why was he so different in front of him...

Zhou Fuzi felt a sense of unease. He knew this might leave a bad impression on the old patriarch, making him seem two-faced and insincere. He felt that this Ye Chunqiu was almost like a demon, every word soft yet sharp, very damaging.

It must be an illusion, just an illusion. A child could understand what? It was probably just an unintentional remark.

Zhou Fuzi quickly said, “Chunqiu, you have just entered school and are not diligent. The county examination is approaching, and I naturally have to urge you more. You yourself admit that you are always drowsy in class and run off quickly after class. Is this the way to study? I am loyal to my duties, and since I have been entrusted by the old patriarch, I must be strict.”

Ye Chunqiu didn’t bother to argue with him, just said, “Yes,” and took his leave.

The people in the hall dispersed, leaving only the old patriarch and Zhou Fuzi.

Zhou Fuzi was silent for a moment before saying, “Sir Ye, there is something I must say. Ye Chunqiu’s studies are a mess. I think he should not take the county examination this time.”