Upon hearing this, Yue Ming lowered her head quickly, not daring to meet her father's eyes again.
Her thoughts raced.
How much of what Ye Qian had just said was genuine, and how much was merely a test?
Was he simply watching to see how she would perform?
If she failed this test, her future would become unbearably difficult.
Uncertainty gripped her. After a long silence, she finally reached a decision.
"No, Young Master. I... I still won't go."
Better to err on the side of caution. She couldn't afford to provoke Ye Qian's displeasure—not now.
Tonight, she was scheduled to attend him during his bath. If she angered him at this moment, the evening would become a nightmare.
Ye Qian turned his head slightly, his gaze falling on Yue Ming's bowed figure.
Seeing that she had truly committed to her choice, a faint smile touched his lips.
It seemed Yue Ming understood her position clearly after all.
The previous incident had taught her a valuable lesson—she knew better than to make such mistakes again.
"Very well. Since you won't go, I'll meet your father myself.
He appears to have something urgent to discuss with me."
Ye Qian rose abruptly from his seat. He gave Yue Bo a penetrating look, then strode toward the side entrance.
Yue Bo sat as though on burning coals, anxiety twisting in his chest.
He desperately wanted to apologize personally to Ye Qian, to distance himself and the entire family from Yue Qingshan's reckless actions.
But his daughter had given him no answer, despite his repeated hints throughout the evening.
When Ye Qian suddenly stood and locked eyes with him, understanding flashed between them in that single glance.
Yue Bo rose immediately and followed in the same direction.
After Ye Qian departed, Yue Ming watched her father leave as well. Uncertainty paralyzed her—should she follow?
"Go."
Xia He's gentle nudge broke through her hesitation.
Yue Ming turned, confusion clouding her eyes.
Xia He met her gaze and explained softly,
"The Young Master just told you to go.
Simply obey—don't overthink it, and don't imagine he's testing you.
He doesn't operate that way.
When he gives you an instruction, follow it. Nothing more."
Realization dawned. Perhaps Ye Qian hadn't been testing her at all. He had simply been giving her permission.
Biting her lip, Yue Ming hurried after Ye Qian's retreating figure.
She found him standing beneath a massive tree, its branches spreading like a canopy above. Her father was already approaching from another path, his stride quick and purposeful.
Yue Ming accelerated and positioned herself behind Ye Qian, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Young Master."
Ye Qian glanced back at her, amusement flickering in his eyes.
"What's this? You refused to follow earlier. Why the change of heart?"
The question rendered her speechless.
"I... that is..."
Words formed and died on her tongue repeatedly. She must have looked ridiculous, opening and closing her mouth like a fish.
"Never mind. Since you're here now, stay. Your father has arrived—let's hear what he has to say."
Ye Qian nodded toward Yue Bo, who was now only steps away.
Yue Ming, still flustered, managed a nod.
"Yes, Young Master."
Yue Bo came to a halt before them and dropped into a respectful bow.
"Young Master Ye!"
Though his cultivation far exceeded Ye Qian's, status could never be bridged by mere power alone.
Ye Qian had no patience for elaborate pleasantries. He wanted answers, not ceremony.
"Speak. What do you want?"
"Yes, Young Master!
It is like this: the traitor Yue Qingshan has been cast out of our family.
I never imagined he would dare challenge you so brazenly.
This disgrace stems from our family's failure to maintain proper discipline.
I humbly beg your forgiveness, Young Master, but I must stress—these were his actions alone.
Please do not let his crimes taint our entire family.
We have already issued a warrant for his capture and will devote every resource to bringing him to justice.
The moment we have word, you shall be informed immediately!"
Yue Bo's posture grew increasingly deferential, almost servile.
Fear radiated from him—fear that the Yue family would earn the resentment of someone they could never afford to cross.
He had come with a singular mission: secure Ye Qian's forgiveness and ensure that Yue Qingshan's recklessness would not be attributed to the family as a whole.
Watching her father—a man she had always considered powerful and unshakeable—grovel and abandon his dignity before Ye Qian, Yue Ming felt something shift inside her.
The trace of pride she had clung to suddenly seemed absurd, worthless.
Unless her strength reached heights where she could transcend all conventions, she would have to navigate this world with extreme care.
Ye Qian's cultivation not only surpassed hers, but countless families and sects also feared him.
Not because of his raw power, but because of what he symbolized—his status, his position, and the forces standing behind him.
She possessed no ability to challenge such structures. She had to play by their rules if she wanted to survive.
Internally, Ye Qian nearly laughed at the mention of Yue Qingshan.
That fool was a walking treasure chest of Villain Points, practically gift-wrapped for him.
Still, this wasn't the appropriate moment to show amusement. Ye Qian maintained an impassive expression.
"Yue Qingshan? That one is beneath contempt…
On Yue Ming's account, I will not hold your family responsible for his transgressions.
But from now on, I expect you to control your disciples properly.
I'd rather not hear of another Yue Qingshan—or Yue Lushui, or whatever absurd name surfaces next.
You understand me, I hope?"
Relief flooded through Yue Bo's chest like a breaking dam.
He nodded frantically, gratitude spilling from every gesture.
"Yes, yes! Thank you, Young Master!
I will personally oversee the education of every family disciple upon my return.
They will learn their place and never again act so recklessly.
As for Yue Qingshan, we will spare no effort in his capture.
You have my absolute word on this, Young Master."
This was his chance to demonstrate initiative and loyalty. Yue Bo's mind was already working through the logistics.
The moment he returned, he would dispatch several core family members to track Yue Qingshan using the family token bound to him at birth.
Every family disciple carried one—a spiritual tether that connected them to their bloodline. When the bearer died, the token shattered.
With it, they would find him and drag him back to face justice.