Glory

Ye Hongchang said, "Your uncle knows you enjoy reading and writing. It wasn't until your father went to the capital that I realized even merchants need to be well-read; otherwise, how could we interact with scholars and refined gentlemen? Your habit is excellent. These four treasures of the study aren't particularly valuable—just a small token of your uncle's regard."

Having lived in the modern era, Ye Yaming was already knowledgeable. After arriving in the Great Jin Dynasty, her frequent reading and calligraphy practice had given her some understanding of the writing tools of this period.

The set of four treasures of the study gifted by Ye Hongchang was worth at least two to three hundred taels of silver.

At that moment, two more maids stepped forward carrying boxes—one containing a set of gold-inlaid jade jewelry, the other a set of pure gold jewelry.

Tao Shi said, "This is my token of gratitude."

Ye Yaming replied solemnly, "Uncle, Aunt, I cannot accept these. Yaqing is my elder sister. No matter what happens to her, I must lend a hand. The bond between us sisters cannot be measured by gold or silver. If I were to accept your gifts today, what kind of person would that make me?"

Old Mrs. Ye, who had been listening nearby, spoke up: "Ming'er, your uncle and aunt are acting out of deep parental love. Think about it—their daughter nearly married the wrong man, almost drowned and lost half her life, was rescued but would have lost her virtue, forced to marry a scheming man, and even dragged our Ye family into a scandal. This entire chain of disasters was prevented because of you. If they didn't express their gratitude to you, would they be worthy as parents? Would they dare show their faces?"

"I know you're a good child who does good deeds without expecting rewards, but you must consider your uncle and aunt's perspective, don't you agree? Only by accepting these gifts can they feel at ease. If you feel uncomfortable about it, just keep a closer eye on your second sister in the future."

"Eventually, your grandfather, grandmother, uncle, and aunt will all pass on before you, but you and your second sister have long lives ahead. No matter what family your aunt chooses for Qing'er, no one can predict how her future will unfold. You're clever and capable. With you watching over her, your uncle and aunt can rest assured."

To be honest, Tao Shi genuinely appreciated Ye Yaming and had offered the gifts sincerely.

On the other hand, she also felt that as a junior and Yaqing's younger sister, Ye Yaming shouldn't, by reason or custom, accept such lavish gifts. The proper etiquette would be for both sides to politely decline back and forth, with Ye Yaming eventually accepting one set of the four treasures of the study from Ye Hongchang and one set of jewelry from her.

In her upbringing and years as the eldest daughter-in-law of the Ye family, this was the etiquette she believed young women should follow.

Had the Old Master and Old Madam urged Ye Yaming to accept all the gifts, she would have felt they were showing excessive favoritism, leaving a lingering resentment in her heart.

But hearing Old Mrs. Ye's words, her perspective shifted immediately. She now worried that Ye Yaming might refuse the gifts and be unwilling to look after her foolish daughter.

She added, "Ming'er, your grandmother is absolutely right. You have no idea—I always thought your second sister was quite good in every way. But after this incident, I realized how truly naive she can be. I'm genuinely uneasy about such a simple-minded child. Only if you accept your uncle and aunt's tokens of gratitude can we feel reassured."

Yet Ye Yaming had no intention of accepting these gifts from Ye Hongchang and Tao Shi.Whether in modern times or in this ancient era with strict Tea Administration controls, tea has always been highly profitable. It can serve as an affordable commodity for ordinary people, or as a luxury product sold to royalty and nobility at the highest end.

In this ancient world without carbonated beverages and with numerous gaps in tea production waiting to be filled, the tea business held immense potential. For Ye Yaming to make money was truly the easiest thing imaginable.

She stepped forward, accepted the set of scholar's treasures, and handed them to Lve E with a smile: "If I refused everything, Da Bo and Da Bo's wife would feel uneasy. So I'll accept this set of scholar's treasures, but please take everything else back."

Seeing Tao Shi about to speak, she raised her hand in a stopping gesture: "We're family. Shouldn't family members help each other? If I encounter difficulties in the future and need Da Bo and Da Bo's wife's assistance, would I have to offer thousands of taels of silver before you'd help me?"

"No, no, of course not!" Ye Hongchang repeatedly denied.

"Exactly," Ye Yaming said. "So we don't need to be so formal with each other. Excessive politeness would only create distance."

Ye Chongming, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke: "Hongchang, Ming'er makes a good point. Take all those things back."

In the past, he had always prioritized his eldest son and the main branch of the family in his words and actions. His eldest son was his heir, and the main branch represented the continuation of the Ye family's direct line.

But somehow, without realizing it, he had gradually started standing on Ye Yaming's side and considering things from her perspective. Especially now, with Ye Yaming and the main branch standing on opposite sides, requiring him to take a position.

This shift in his thinking was something Ye Chongming himself hadn't yet recognized.

He simply felt that if Ye Yaming accepted the gifts from the main branch, then in the future, whenever Ye Jiaxing, Ye Yaqing, or even Ye Hongchang and his wife encountered problems, they would come to Ye Yaming for help.

Perhaps at this moment, their gratitude was genuine. But as time passed and that gratitude faded, the weight of today's generous gifts would remain heavy in their hearts. Eventually, they might feel entitled to Ye Yaming's help, and might even bring up these gifts during the family division of assets.

With him around, with the Ye family's tea and tea ware businesses, and with the Manor Ye Yaming had just purchased, she would never lack for money in this lifetime. Why burden herself with the main branch's obligations for just a few thousand taels of silver?

It had to be said that Ye Chongming and Ye Yaming's thinking was remarkably synchronized at this moment.

Since Ye Chongming had spoken, Ye Hongchang, though feeling somewhat regretful, didn't dwell on it further.

Tao Shi was even more pleased - she had gained favor with her in-laws and Ye Yaming while saving a substantial amount of money, making her quite happy inside.

Ye Yaming changed the subject and asked Ye Hongchang: "Da Bo, have you investigated Yang Chuzhi's matter? What's the story there?"

"Ah," Ye Hongchang sighed, feeling another wave of fear as he recalled the incident. "Yang Chuzhi's actual name is Yang An, with Chuzhi being his courtesy name. He's the son of Yang Zhongsheng, a servant of the Yang family. However, shortly after Yang An was born, Yang Zhongsheng saved Yang Hong's life and was consequently freed, regaining commoner status. That's how Yang An was able to study and take imperial examinations."

Ye Yaming frowned upon hearing this: "So his claims to Second Sister about owning hundreds of acres of farmland and several shops were false?""This hasn't been verified yet, it's probably false," said Ye Hongchang. "A servant's financial foundation was already established when they were released from service. No matter how capable or shrewd they might be, it's impossible for them to have earned that much money in just over a decade."