As for the instigator, a young and robust man, a few spankings wouldn’t kill him; he was directly given a beating, consequently, he spent this entire year lying in bed.
At the same time, following this incident, the clansmen saw once again that the Ye Family of today was an existence they could no longer afford to offend.
Yet, they still regarded the Ye Family as merely a family with a bit of money, which was a grave mistake indeed.
In a blink of an eye, the New Year was approaching.
The workshop had closed its doors a few days ago, and the workers, having received their wages and benefits, would be able to enjoy a very prosperous New Year.
The estate also distributed benefits. Ye Jiu gave Ye Changsheng a thousand taels of silver. Remembering that the Prince had mentioned allowing him to enter the official scene next year, he instructed him to study hard. Although the affairs of the estate were important, they couldn’t compare to his participation in the imperial examinations.
Not to mention greater achievements, if the clan could produce even a provincial graduate, the Ye family would truly have its day in the sun.
Xiang Nan’s wounds had not yet healed completely, but he was able to get down on the ground. After awakening, he dragged his injured body to thank Ye Jiu.
Ye Jiu didn’t say much but instead shared his plans, which left Xiang Nan overjoyed.
It was clear that if he could bring his daughter over, staying here would be far better for him than staying in the capital city.
Although there was no chance of promotion or getting rich here, there was no longer the risk of losing one’s life at any given moment.
Moreover, he would have more time to spend with his child.
The sky was overcast, and a light rain began to patter down. After the rain, large, goose-feather-like snowflakes began to fall.
Ada came with two tiger pelts in tow. "Miss, the pelts have been prepared as per your instructions—one made into a rug, the other into a cloak for the old master."
"Is that so? Let me have a look," Ye Jiu said, and the Attendant took one of the pelts from Ada and unfolded it for Ye Jiu to inspect.
Touching it with her hand, Ye Jiu felt extremely satisfied.
Looking at the Attendant, Ye Jiu said, "Come, take them all. Let’s deliver them to the old madam and the old master, to give them a bit of joy as well."
The Attendant folded the pelts back up, placed them in Ada’s hands, and then took them from him.
However, while taking the pelts, she accidentally brushed Ada’s rough hands, causing her cheeks to flush with embarrassment.
Stealing a glance at Ada, she saw his face remained expressionless, which made the Attendant feel somewhat disheartened.
Without a trace, the Attendant took the items and followed behind Ye Jiu without stirring any further ripples.
Behind them, Ada, after the Attendant turned her head, unconsciously rubbed the area of his hand that had just made contact with hers.
The steward Su Ning had mentioned that their master had allowed them to marry and have children, but could it really be so?
In the past, even though they were not always on standby for the Prince, all of the Prince’s men were unmarried, and they had never thought they would marry and have children someday.
But now that they had a new master, a young girl who didn’t disdain women, could they really take wives?
Having lived for over twenty years, let alone touching a woman, chances to even see one had been pitifully rare. A bunch of pathetic single men, once they started to harbor such desires, nothing could stop them.
With unreserved longing, Ada took one last look in the direction where Ye Jiu and the Attendant had left. He decided to wait until after celebrating the New Year before applying to his master regarding marriage. It would be best not to disturb the master’s festive mood.