C17 You Flatter Me

Awkward.

Very awkward.

In front of their father, the sons and their wives were secretly plotting against another son, even scheming over his inheritance. This was something Old Master Luo never anticipated.

Old Master Luo's expression was beyond description—more than disappointed, more than pained. In the end, he wandered off into the night, disappearing from Yan Li and Luo Tingye's sight, looking utterly lost.

In life, the greatest sorrow isn't in not getting what you want, but in having it and not appreciating it, even going so far as to destroy it. When family turns against family, it's unbearable for anyone.

Yan Li sighed softly, "The Old Master is quite pitiful... And Mrs. Lau is really despicable; she must not be thinking clearly."

Dinner was out of the question now; no one had the appetite. Who could enjoy a meal in front of the "culprit"? She couldn't, which is why she was still a bit away from being a true actress.

Luo Tingye spoke in a calm tone, "Is that so? Then, if it were you, how would you handle it with a clear mind?"

Their conversations seemed to grow more intimate, moving past the days of guessing each other's thoughts. These small, casual chats suited them better.

Yan Li chuckled, "Don't try to test me. You can't imagine my cleverness. But if it were me, I'd take good care of you, provide whatever you lack. I'd make sure my two sons respect you, calling you brother whenever they see you. And if anyone tried to harm you, I'd stand up for you and seek justice."

Exactly, just like that.

An outsider might think this was a sign of love, but in reality, it was the opposite. It was distancing, devoid of any real emotion.

If they truly cared for him as the legitimate son, they would teach him to be a good person, how to conduct himself. Even if he were ill, his spirit should remain strong. If they truly cared, they wouldn't just demand respect from the half-brothers but would also teach them to take good care of him after the parents were gone.

In the end, seeking revenge was even more excessive because Yan Li did it under his banner, not out of genuine concern for him. That's a world of difference in treatment.

Even in death, people praised Yan Li for not making a single mistake. Her two sons naturally inherited a large portion of the estate due to their respect, while he was left to grow old alone, having learned his lesson. Why not?

Unlike Mrs. Lau, who only scratched the surface without delving deeper, Yan Li played her cards better.

Luo Tingye's eyes grew more profound as he remarked, "Well played."

Yan Li replied unapologetically, "You're too kind."

If things were as Yan Li claimed, Luo Tingye's life would indeed be difficult. Fortunately, Yan Li wasn't his stepmother.

Luo Tingye's tone suddenly became heavy, "Yan Li, don't think you can outsmart me. If I ever find out you're saying one thing and doing another, you'll regret it."

His words carried not only authority but also a hint of menace.

Yan Li swallowed hard. Just a moment ago, everything was fine, and now it had turned into a threat? Luo Tingye, you're truly unpredictable.

"Yes, my dear master, this farm girl won't say one thing and do another."

Luo Tingye rolled his eyes at her lack of seriousness, not believing her for a second.

Just then, Yan Li's nose twitched, and her expression changed, "Watch out."

In an instant, Yan Li pulled Luo Tingye aside, and a shadowy figure missed its mark.

Luo Tingye's gaze turned sharp, and with a subtle flick of his fingers, he struck at the figure, eliciting a startled cry.

By the light of the stone pillar, Yan Li saw who it was and furrowed her brows, her expression turning icy.

"Mei'er, you're being reckless."

She was truly furious now. What was Mei'er thinking, barging in like that? Didn't she realize how much this could affect Tingye's health? And there was something about her... a scent that was unusual for a woman.

"Great Young Madam, I-I didn't mean to. Nanny Cheung said it was late and you hadn't returned, so she sent me to check. It's so dark, I really couldn't see clearly," Mei'er stammered, biting her lip. It seemed she had twisted her ankle and was in pain.

Dark? Couldn't see clearly?

Yan Li glanced at the lamp posts on either side. Normally, there was one every thirty steps, but today they were spaced sixty steps apart, meaning half the lamps were out.

Yan Li's expression grew colder. "So, the lamps went out? I can't believe something like this happened in the Banquet Night Courtyard. Looks like I need to have a word with Nanny Cheung about how things are being managed."

Went out? Lamps don't just extinguish themselves. Anyone could figure out who was behind this.

Though she said she'd speak with Nanny Cheung, Yan Li intended to get to the bottom of it.

Mei'er knew exactly how the lamps went out.

Her face turned pale as she tried to deflect, "Great Young Madam, it's just a small matter, isn't it? Maybe the wind blew them out today. Oh, right, didn't the Old Master return? Did he mention any herbs for the Eldest Young Master?"

Changing the subject?

The more she tried, the more it showed her guilt.

Yan Li's eyes were sharp as she looked at Mei'er, as if she were already a ghost. Her lips parted slightly, "You're right, it's just a small matter. But as the lady of this courtyard, can't I look into even small matters? And... what the Old Master brings for the Eldest Young Master isn't your concern, Mei'er. Remember your place and weigh your actions carefully, or the consequences will be beyond what you can handle."

She didn't mind unleashing her wrath. Not for any other reason, but because of what was in the pouch at Mei'er's waist. Did they really think she couldn't smell what was inside?

Relieved she wasn't punished, Mei'er respectfully said, "Great Young Madam, I understand."

Yan Li snorted. Whether Mei'er understood or not was irrelevant now. With a commanding wave of her long sleeve, she ordered sharply, "Leave."

Mei'er didn't dare linger. She scrambled to her feet and hurried away, limping as she went.

Once Mei'er was out of sight, Yan Li immediately called out loudly for Ayuv, "Quick, go find Dr. Zhao and have him come over right away."

Mei'er was ruthless, using such a vile method to get herself out of Luo Tingye's sight. If she succeeded, would Luo Tingye even survive?

If Yan Li didn't show some strength, they'd really think she was as soft as clay.