162: Chapter 87 Mid-Autumn_4 162: Chapter 87 Mid-Autumn_4 He walked up to Ye Shijie and gave him a hearty pat on the shoulder, “I’ve heard about your situation, and on my way here, I heard quite a few people singing your praises.
Not bad, you’ve brought honor to our old Ye Family!”
This man was none other than Ye Shijie’s second uncle, Old Master the Second of the Ye Family of Xiangyang, Ye Mingxuan.
Ye Shijie glanced behind Ye Mingxuan, not seeing anyone else, he asked with some doubt, “Second Uncle, how come it’s just you?
Where’s father?”
At this point, Ye Mingxuan’s brow furrowed slightly, and the joy he had shown just a moment earlier faded a bit, as he said, “Your grandmother has been in poor health; she passed out at home a few months ago and now needs someone by her side at all times.
There has also been some trouble with our business in Xiangyang, not to mention your father, even your third uncle has returned to Xiangyang.”
“What?” Ye Shijie was startled, “What happened?”
“It’s nothing too serious,” Ye Mingxuan regained his composure, and patted Ye Shijie on the head, “I’ve come here to bring you some silver notes and to tie up the business matters in Yanjing City.
Now that you are an official, there will be many places where silver is necessary.
Although it’s said that wealth should not be exposed, you still need to spend where it’s due, and our family is not lacking that bit of silver.”
Still a bit uneasy, Ye Shijie asked, “Second Uncle, are you sure there’s nothing wrong?
I want to go back and see grandmother.”
“You’ve just taken office not long ago; where would you find the time to go back to Xiangyang?
Don’t worry, your grandmother doesn’t have any serious illness.
You should just stay in Yanjing City for now.
Once you’ve established yourself here, it wouldn’t be difficult for our family to relocate to Yanjing City.
Here, I’m thinking that might have to wait until you’ve been promoted to Third Rank, which could actually happen in three to five years.” He stroked his chin, pondering.
Ye Shijie was somewhat speechless.
After thinking for a moment, he said to Ye Mingxuan, “Second Uncle, do you still remember my aunt?”
Ye Mingxuan was slightly taken aback, looking at Ye Shijie.
The Ye Family had three sons and one daughter, the only daughter being Ye Zhenzhen, who was also his sister.
But this sister had a hard fate and died too early, bringing up the subject always invited a sigh.
Ye Shijie watched Ye Mingxuan’s expression, cautiously said, “Recently, I met Aunt’s daughter…
my cousin.”
“Jiang Li?” Ye Mingxuan reacted quickly, immediately mentioning Jiang Li’s name.
Ye Shijie felt relieved; thank goodness, Ye Mingxuan had not forgotten there was someone like Jiang Li.
Since he remembered her, that made things much easier to discuss.
Ye Shijie then told Ye Mingxuan everything that had happened since he had met Jiang Li, the things Jiang Li had said to him, and the rumors about Jiang Li in Yanjing City, leaving no detail untouched.
He had many confusions about Jiang Li that he could not understand; now at last there was someone he could discuss them with, so speaking out might bring some clarity.
After finally finishing his story, Ye Shijie was thirsty and parched, so he picked up the teacup on the table, took a gulp of water, and said, “Second Uncle, what do you think Jiang Li means by this?
Does she want to reconcile with our Ye Family?
But she once said she disdains to associate with merchants, and now I am more and more confused.”
Ye Mingxuan, being older than Ye Shijie, did not immediately respond after listening to what Ye Shijie had said, but thought deeply before answering, “I’ve taken note of what you’ve said.
It’s naturally unreliable to hear only one side of the story.
I don’t distrust Jiang Li, but I do not trust the Jiang Family.
Although they are a Government Household, sometimes they are even less forthright than merchants.
I’m afraid this isn’t Jiang Li’s true intention, but the Jiang Family’s manipulation from behind.
Although our Ye Family doesn’t have much to plot, one must always be wary.” Ye Mingxuan tapped the table, continuing, “Let’s see, find an opportunity for me to meet with Jiang Li.
Whether her intentions are true, a meeting will reveal everything.”
“Second Uncle,” Ye Shijie hesitantly asked, “Jiang Li said that her remarks about shaming merchants were not her true feelings.
Do you think this could be true?”
Ye Mingxuan laughed.
His laugh, which made the shrewdness of the businessman in him recede, made him seem more like a scholar once again, as he said, “It’s not outside the realm of possibility.
However, even if someone had prompted her to say those things, if she had believed us at the time and told us the truth to our faces, we would have found a way to take her away with us, but she didn’t trust the Ye Family.”
“Perhaps she was too young at that time, and when one is too young, it’s easy to be intimidated,” Ye Shijie couldn’t help saying.
Ye Mingxuan didn’t speak, but just smiled broadly at Ye Shijie, which made Ye Shijie feel somewhat uneasy.
He asked, “What?
What is it?”
“It’s nothing,” Ye Mingxuan said, “You’re right, children are indeed easily mislead, so if that’s truly the case, we won’t blame her.
Instead, we would blame ourselves for not recognizing the issue back then.
But now she is no longer a child; according to you, she’s a girl with her own mind and quite bold at that.
This time, she can speak her true thoughts and decide for herself whether to trust us.”