Chapter 47: Keep Bragging, Why Don’t You

The Wang family of Yandu holds a position that cannot be underestimated. Especially in Yandu, where for years they have refused to submit to the Ye family, their strength is undeniable. The marriage proposal back then, to put it plainly, was a case of aiming high. If it hadn’t been for Old Master Su’s life-saving friendship with the head of the Wang family, and the favorable impression Wang Teng had of Su Rulan, the marriage would never have been possible! But because of Ye Tianlin, not only was the engagement broken off, but relations became completely strained, and they never interacted again. That’s why Old Master Su harbored resentment for so long. After all, that was a golden opportunity right in front of them, one that could have allowed the Su family to rise again and establish themselves in Jiangnan.

Yet now, Ye Tianlin dared to claim an association with the Wang family of Yandu. The situation was far from optimistic, and there was nothing impressive about it—it was pure nonsense, thoughtless words! Thus, Su Weimin and Gao Yulan once again lowered themselves, assuming a humble posture, pleading repeatedly, even dragging Su Rulan into it.

"Enough!" Su Rulan shook off their hands.

Su Weimin anxiously chided, "Rulan, what are you saying? Hurry and apologize!"

"I was the one who got slapped, why should I apologize?" Outraged, Su Rulan could hardly bear it. In the past, she might have endured such things for the sake of survival, but now everything had changed. She no longer wanted to live like a servant, bowing her head.

Gao Yulan, making faces, urged her, "Say no more! This isn’t something for you to comment on. If you truly offend them, it’ll be very troublesome for us!"

"You heard her—your parents are telling you to apologize!" Li Jiaojiao looked on with utter disdain.

Su Rulan composed herself, mustering her courage, and said, "I don’t know your real intentions in coming here, but let me make this clear: I have absolutely no connection with the Wang family of Yandu, nor do I wish to have any. If you insist on making trouble for me, I will not be afraid!"

Li Jiaojiao was momentarily taken aback, clearly surprised. But after considering it, she scoffed inwardly—what could this family possibly do? Could they really overturn the heavens?

"Fine, once I’m done with my current affairs, I’ll make sure to teach you a proper lesson. I refuse to believe someone as insignificant as you can’t be dealt with!" With these words, Li Jiaojiao turned and swaggered out.

Su Weimin, beside himself with worry, complained, "Rulan, what are you doing? Our relationship with the Wang family of Yandu is already strained. Speaking to them this way—they could have us killed in a heartbeat!"

"Those great families can cover the sky with one hand. Making someone disappear overnight is child’s play for them. Now you’ve caused a real disaster. A conflict that could have been resolved, and you had to escalate it," Gao Yulan said, her face full of fear.

Su Rulan could stand it no longer, her anger uncontainable. "Dad, Mom, things aren’t like before anymore. Stop living in the past. No matter what happens now, there are people who will stand up for us!"

"You mean the young master of the Ye family?" Su Weimin was startled.

Gao Yulan immediately poured cold water on the idea. "Don’t be foolish! We’re just pawns for the Ye family’s young master to test the Su family. He won’t help us with everything. Besides, the other side is from the Wang family of Yandu—it’s better to avoid trouble than stir up more."

Su Rulan turned and reopened the door, taking Ye Tianlin’s arm and stating solemnly, "I’ve said it hundreds of times—Tianlin is the true young master of the Ye family!"

Su Weimin’s eyes widened as he glanced at Gao Yulan, then stepped forward and placed a hand on Su Rulan’s forehead, his tone bitter. "Rulan, could it be that Ye Tianlin’s illness is cured, and now it’s your turn to be ill?"

"I’m perfectly fine!" Su Rulan was nearly driven to faint from anger.

"This is most likely the work of the Su family, deliberately spreading rumors. Otherwise, Li Jiaojiao wouldn’t have come here out of the blue," said Ye Tianlin.

Gao Yulan, unable to contain her rage, cursed, "Those troublemakers again! They can’t stand to see us do well, resorting to such despicable tricks. They’re obviously trying to ruin Rulan’s reputation!"

Ye Tianlin raised his hand slightly, silencing Gao Yulan, and soothed her, "Don’t worry too much. If the Wang family of Yandu wants to expand into Jiangnan, they must get past the Tiandu Chamber of Commerce. Otherwise, they can forget about it. Even a powerful outsider can’t beat the local forces, let alone the declining Wang family of Yandu."

"And who do you think you are? How could the Wang family possibly be on its last legs? Keep boasting!" Su Weimin looked at Ye Tianlin with contempt, wishing he could kick him out into the trash.

Ye Tianlin had no interest in explaining further to Su Weimin. The Wang family of Yandu, though outwardly prosperous, was in fact already heavily indebted. The growing influence of the Ye family had gradually squeezed the Wang family’s room for survival.

In Ye Tianlin’s memory, every year envoys were sent to persuade the Wang family to submit, bearing lavish gifts to show sincerity. But each time, the Wang family refused firmly, declaring they would never lower themselves to serve as someone else’s servant.

The Ye family, not in a hurry and unwilling to force the issue, had let this tug-of-war continue for nearly ten years.

Now that Ye Tianlin’s memory had returned, he’d learned from the Tiandu Chamber of Commerce that circumstances had finally reversed this year. Crushed by their burdens, the Wang family of Yandu sent emissaries to the Ye family, hoping for forgiveness and expressing their willingness to submit and become vassals.

Unfortunately, this time it was the Ye family’s turn to refuse.

As for Li Jiaojiao’s slap, she would soon pay a heavy price for it.