Glory

The more he observed Ye Yaming's business acumen, the more he realized the vast gap between them.

A venture like the teahouse—capable of generating immense profits while building influential connections—was something he wouldn't even dare to imagine. He lacked both the courage and the social standing for it, and even in socializing with nobility, he fell short compared to his second brother.

He had always prided himself as the eldest brother—smart, capable, and responsible—believing his younger brothers were far inferior in every aspect and required his constant guidance.

But now he saw things were entirely different.

It was almost laughable.

These waves of insecurity, the bitter and disheartening feelings of inadequacy, were emotions he had never revealed to anyone.

Yet Tao Shi was far from easy to handle. She was petty, calculating, and transparent—utterly lacking in subtlety. Once dissatisfaction took root in her heart, it was only a matter of time before his parents and Ye Yaming noticed.

Ye Hongchang rubbed his temples and recounted his psychological journey over the past two to three years to Tao Shi, carefully choosing words that wouldn't undermine his dignity.

Finally, he said, "The teahouse's earnings are several times that of the tea shop, but that's not the most important part. What truly matters is that nearly all the nobility of Da Jin, including princes and princesses, have become its patrons. Just think of the connections that represents. Princess Yu'an has gone into business with Second Brother's wife, and Princess Yu Ning has become a close friend of Ming'er. Who would dare challenge us now? That is the most valuable asset."

"You're aware of the scale of the tea plantations in Huizhou and Minzhou, aren't you? Once tea production reaches full capacity, imagine our annual profits. Even if we only retain thirty to forty percent, the earnings from one region alone would far surpass what we used to make."

"In other words, one-tenth of Ye Jia's current assets are worth more than seventy percent of what we had before. And considering how rapidly Ming'er is expanding, it will only grow further. We hold twenty percent without lifting a finger—what exactly are you dissatisfied about?"

"If you keep making trouble, given Ming'er's temperament, do you think she'd hesitate to split us off from the family?"

Tao Shi was rendered speechless by Ye Hongchang's questions.

Hesitate? Why would she? Even before Ye Yaming married Lu Guanyi and built her current network, she had dared to threaten as much. What wouldn't she dare now?

Ye Chongming would never stand in her way. He had voiced similar intentions before, and now he followed Ye Yaming's lead unquestioningly. If Ye Yaming expressed displeasure, Ye Chongming would be the first to push for their separation.

To be cast out just as Ye Jia was flourishing—the eldest branch would become the biggest joke in Lin'an. If her own father learned she was to blame, he might even sever ties with her.

"Alright, I understand," she murmured, lowering her head. "I was just venting to you. I know what's at stake."

"Understand? Bullshit!"

In all their years of marriage, Ye Hongchang had always treated his wife with respect, but now he couldn't hold back the curse.

"Haven't I explained this to you before? You claimed to understand, yet the moment Father or Ming'er did something that displeased you, you started nitpicking again. And you couldn't even keep it to yourself—you had to make it obvious."

"I used to think you were principled, virtuous, and broad-minded. But look at yourself now! If you keep this up, I won't wait for Father to say anything—I'll request the family split myself. Better that than be thrown out and humiliated for life.""Think carefully about what I've said." With these words, Ye Hongchang rose and went to the study in the front courtyard.

Over the years, while he had been in the capital, Tao Shi had remained in Lin'an to fulfill filial duties toward his parents and raise their children. She had always treated him exceptionally well, and he had always held his wife in high regard. Even if she harbored some minor grievances, he could understand. Moreover, his wife was speaking out on his behalf.

If not absolutely necessary, he would never have spoken such harsh words to his wife.

But if he didn't administer strong medicine now, their branch of the family would truly be cast out. By then, it would be too late for regrets.

Tao Shi couldn't bear Ye Hongchang's words. As soon as he left, she buried her head under the quilt and began sobbing.

While marital disputes might be hidden from others, they couldn't escape the notice of those who served them closely. The moment Ye Hongchang departed, Mama Li hurried into the room to comfort Tao Shi.

But unaware of the full context,

her attempts at consolation missed the mark. Tao Shi had never kept secrets from Mama Li, so she immediately recounted Ye Hongchang's words to her.

"Do you think he's keeping a mistress in the capital? Is that why he's come back finding fault with everything I do?"

"Oh, my lady, how did you jump to that conclusion? If the master truly had such intentions, he wouldn't have taken the initiative to return to Lin'an. Wouldn't it be better for him to enjoy his freedom alone in the capital?"

Seeing Tao Shi bow her head in silence, Mama Li continued, "Besides, everything the master said is absolutely right. You really mustn't make any more fuss. If you continue, our branch will indeed be cast out. Would you want that to happen?"

Tao Shi quickly shook her head, sniffing, "How could that be possible?"

"Since you don't want that, then stop making trouble. The third young lady isn't one to be trifled with, and now that her status has changed, if she says the word, Old Master Ye might very well cast out the main branch."

"Moreover, didn't you say before that you had come to understand? Why are you making trouble again this time?" Mama Li was genuinely perplexed.

"It's not that I don't understand, I just can't help it," Tao Shi sniffled. "I was speaking up for the master. And I didn't even show it openly, I just complained to him a little, and he spoke to me like that."

Mama Li let out a long sigh, unsure of what to say.

A person's nature is truly hard to change. When Tao Shi had held the upper hand in the Ye household, her petty tendencies hadn't shown. Now that she was at a disadvantage, wasn't her true nature revealing itself?

"In the future, if you have any dissatisfaction, don't show it in front of Old Master Ye, Old Madam Ye, or the third young lady, and don't complain to the master either. Tell me instead. Once you've spoken your mind and vented that pent-up frustration, the matter will pass. If it still bothers you, then you can talk to the master and let him comfort you."

"Additionally, why don't you follow Second Madame's example and start some kind of business outside?" she suggested.

When people love picking quarrels, it's often because they have too much idle time. Find more to do, exhaust your energy, and there will be no trouble. Furthermore, when you earn more money yourself, you'll naturally become less calculative.

Tao Shi felt tempted by her words.

She had a generous dowry with many fields and shops. But she had never run a business herself - all her shops were rented out.

After Yin Shi returned from the capital and spoke to Old Madam Ye about opening shops there, her face radiated confidence and satisfaction. While Tao Shi appeared disdainful on the surface, inwardly she felt somewhat envious.

One particular statement from Yin Shi had struck her most deeply.She said, "Mother, I never imagined I could actually earn money myself. Every time I finish accounting, my heart feels so full, and I feel like I'm no longer afraid of anything. I'm no longer a useless person, no longer someone who can only rely on parents, a husband, or children for a meal—I can support myself too."

Tao Shi murmured, "Then what kind of business should we start?"