Chapter 390: Keep That Face for Yourself
Upon hearing the words cutting ties, Yu Zhengqing’s expression showed a flicker of pain.
“Sister-in-law, can’t you at least give us a chance to make amends?”
Three lives had already been lost. In Ye Jiamei’s view, they had no right to ask for the original host’s forgiveness. Even if Yu Zhengqing wasn’t as wicked as Old Madam Chen, even if he wasn’t directly responsible, she, her daughter, and her husband could never go back to how things were before. It was best to treat the past as if it had never happened.
“This isn’t the time to discuss such things. Given our current situation, we should leave the capital as soon as possible. Whether you care or not, I’m leaving right now. My daughter, Xiao Luo, has already come to the capital to fetch me. Let’s just say I helped the Yu family this once to secure our pardon. I won’t hold a grudge over it. But Yu Zhengqing, if you ever pull something like this again, I don’t care what your reasons are—even if you kidnap me again, I won’t lift a finger to help.”
Seeing Ye Jiamei’s resolute stance, Yu Zhengqing didn’t press the matter. He knew he had indeed been in the wrong this time. But he also understood that if he had merely invited Ye Jiamei, she never would have agreed to help.
“Did Xiao Luo come alone, or is she accompanied? The capital is indeed dangerous, and now that the Empress has her eyes on you, you must leave discreetly. I’ll speak with Qiuyun and have her make arrangements.”
Yu Zhengqing left briefly and returned with Yu Qiuyun.
Back when they lived in the marquis’s residence, Yu Qiuyun had never regarded Ye Jiamei as someone worth respecting. Even now, despite Ye Jiamei’s efforts securing a major success for the Crown Prince by healing the Emperor, Yu Qiuyun merely found her medical skills surprising—she still didn’t acknowledge Ye Jiamei as a senior member of the family. To her, Ye Jiamei remained the least respectable person in the Yu household.
“The Crown Prince has sent word. You may leave at any time.”
“Then make the arrangements now. I’m leaving immediately.”
Ye Jiamei didn’t care for Yu Qiuyun’s attitude. Compared to how the Yu family had treated her in the past, Yu Qiuyun’s current indifference and condescension were mild. She was used to it.
Besides, she neither needed nor cared for Yu Qiuyun’s gratitude or change of heart.
Yu Qiuyun turned to the estate steward. “Prepare a carriage and take the Prince’s token to ensure her safe departure from the city.”
“Qiuyun, your second aunt is just a woman. She already encountered danger on her way here and was even attacked. Now that she’s leaving, we should assign more guards to protect her.”
Seeing that his daughter had made no further arrangements—not even a token of gratitude—Yu Zhengqing couldn’t help but interject.
“Father, Second Aunt’s status cannot be exposed. If someone recognizes her as a convicted criminal who illegally entered the capital, she’ll be arrested on the spot. I believe it’s best to keep things low-key and avoid drawing attention.”
Yu Qiuyun’s words sounded reasonable, but Yu Zhengqing knew his daughter well—she simply didn’t care.
Seeing this, Yu Zhengqing felt a deep sense of helplessness.
Now, he finally understood why Ye Jiamei and Yu Luo had chosen to stay in exile rather than return to the capital. He also understood why no matter how much he humbled himself, they would never forgive the Yu family.
But for Ye Jiamei and Yu Luo’s safety, Yu Zhengqing pushed aside his pride and pressed the issue once more.
“If we must stay discreet, then at least send covert guards.”
“Father, if we are to assign guards, my husband must give the order himself. But His Majesty’s condition remains unstable, and my husband already has limited resources at his disposal.”
Another polite refusal.
Ye Jiamei had remained silent, simply observing how far Yu Qiuyun would go. Now, she had her answer.
She wasn’t even surprised. If Yu Qiuyun had been a person of genuine integrity, she wouldn’t have stood idly by while the Yu family was exiled—she would have sent help, even secretly.
“Yu Zhengqing, do you still not see what kind of person your daughter is? Now that she has used me, she naturally doesn’t care whether I live or die. Besides, she’s only a concubine in the Crown Prince’s household. Do you really think she has enough influence to keep bothering him with my affairs? Spare me the trouble.”
Ye Jiamei’s words mercilessly exposed Yu Qiuyun’s status in the Crown Prince’s residence.
Previously full of superiority, Yu Qiuyun was now fuming.
Even though Ye Jiamei was merely stating the truth, being called out in such a manner—especially by her—was unbearable.
“How dare you! Don’t forget your place! Do you think you’re embarrassing me? Let me make this clear—you’re right! Your life and death have nothing to do with me! You’re not important enough for me to trouble the Crown Prince!”
“Qiuyun—”
Seeing his daughter’s face darken and her tone turn hostile, Yu Zhengqing felt nothing but disappointment. He wanted to intervene, but Yu Qiuyun continued.
“Father, I’m only stating facts. Now that I’m a consort, even you must show me proper respect. And who is Ye Jiamei? Just a criminal’s wife! She’s lucky I’m even acknowledging her presence!”
Ye Jiamei chuckled coldly.
“Spare me your face, Yu Qiuyun. Keep it for yourself. I don’t need it. You should focus on pleasing your Crown Prince. If he becomes Emperor someday, you might actually hold some power. Then you can boss me around all you like. But right now? I couldn’t care less about your noble status as a mere side consort. Forget your carriage. I don’t need it. But let me make one thing clear—if anything like this ever happens again, tell your beloved Crown Prince not to come looking for me. Because even if he does, I won’t come!”
With that, she turned and stormed toward the estate gates.
“Stop her!”
Yu Qiuyun had already been humiliated in the Crown Prince’s household. Now, being ridiculed by Ye Jiamei, of all people, was the last straw.
She couldn’t tolerate it.
As Ye Jiamei approached the entrance, several guards immediately stepped forward to block her path. Their stance made it clear they had no intention of letting her leave.
“Oh? So the Crown Prince’s side consort won’t let me go? What’s wrong? Are you afraid I’ll expose something?”
Ye Jiamei wasn’t intimidated. She knew her situation well—if the truth of her identity were revealed, Yu Qiuyun and the Crown Prince would be implicated as well.
So really, what was there for her to fear?
If they pushed her too far, she was more than willing to drag them all down with her. She wanted to see if Yu Qiuyun really had the guts to sabotage the Crown Prince’s plans!
