From his previous life’s memories, Ye Chuan learned that the Chen family had been in good health and without any issues, yet one day, without warning, Chen passed away from a sudden illness.

Only a couple of days later, Zhao was elevated from a concubine to the main wife.

To say there was no foul play here would be an insult to common sense.

Ye Chuan considered, since he had been reborn into someone else’s body, it was only natural to seek justice for that person’s mother.

However, there was no evidence at the moment; he still needed to investigate further.

“You’re talking nonsense!” Ye Zhenghuai was stunned for a moment before erupting in anger, “Seeking revenge? Ridiculous!”

Ye Chuan glanced at this foolish old man and shook his head in contempt.

This old fool would eventually die at Zhao’s and Ye Cheng’s hands.

Too lazy to waste more words, Ye Chuan turned to leave.

“Third Brother, you can’t just leave!” Ye Cheng suddenly panicked.

If Ye Chuan really left, wouldn’t the marriage contract they stole be ruined?

In a moment of desperation, Ye Cheng rushed forward and grabbed Ye Chuan’s arm.

Zhao’s eyes flashed with anger as she cursed inwardly, “Idiot!”

At a critical moment, he couldn’t hold his composure!

Ye Chuan squinted at Ye Cheng. “Let go of my arm.”

Realizing his mistake, Ye Cheng smiled awkwardly, “Third Brother, we’re family. Let’s talk things through, no need for…”

“Slap!”

Ye Chuan didn’t even want to hear his nonsense. He effortlessly broke free and slapped Ye Cheng with all his strength!

The slap was heavier than the previous one. Ye Cheng staggered back, taking several steps, his face burning with humiliation.

“Despicable.”

Ye Chuan mocked coldly, his gaze filled with disdain. “You deserved that.”

“Unfilial son! You’ve gone too far!” Ye Zhenghuai, witnessing his elder son being hit, gasped, clutching his chest in fury, “You dare leave? Don’t you ever come back!”

Ye Chuan sneered, “I can come and go as I please!”

Turning his eyes to Ye Zhenghuai and Zhao, he continued, “Just a warning: If I decide to come back when I’m in the mood, if the gate is even a little slow to open, I’ll drag all hundred people in this house down to the underworld to pay for my mother’s life!”

The servants nearby drew in a sharp breath.

Could this still be the same spineless young master?

When Ye Zhenghuai locked eyes with Ye Chuan, he felt a chill in his heart.

This was the kind of ruthless air he had only ever felt from the emperor.

Ye Chuan left, walking with a swagger.

“Rebellion! Rebellion!” Ye Zhenghuai’s fury almost made him vomit blood. He couldn’t hold it any longer and collapsed, his vision blackening.

“Master!”

“Father!”

Zhao and Ye Cheng quickly ordered the servants to carry Ye Zhenghuai inside to rest.

“Mother, what should we do now?” Ye Cheng’s face darkened as he touched the sting on his cheek.

Zhao’s expression twisted with malice. “That little brat must have taken something today! He’s completely changed, it’s driving me crazy!”

“You too! How could you mess up something so simple and not kill him!”

“Mother, how about… going all the way?” Ye Cheng suggested with a murderous glint, making a slashing gesture with his hand.

Zhao glared at him. “Shut up! Are you mad? Your father still has some fatherly affection for Ye Chuan! This little bastard doesn’t have any enemies; if he dies at this point, how do we explain ourselves?”

“What do we do then?” Ye Cheng furrowed his brow, “Are we just going to watch him become the prince consort?”

Zhao thought for a moment, then coldly said, “First, send someone to follow him and find out where he’s going. We’ll figure out the rest when your second brother comes back.”

“By the way, where is that girl that Chen adopted back then?”

Ye Cheng was momentarily stunned before responding, “She’s been cleaning the outhouse.”

“Call her over.” Zhao’s lips curled into a cruel smile, “I don’t believe it—he can’t possibly swallow that jade pendant!”

…

Ye Chuan walked through the busy streets, enjoying the strong atmosphere of the “ancient” world, feeling quite relaxed.

But first, he needed to find a way to make some money.

In his previous life, this was the mistake he had made.

Just having ability and knowledge wasn’t enough.

Among that batch of PhD students, he was the only one who didn’t graduate.

The others had families with backing, strong relationships with their mentors, and could graduate even if their thesis was terrible.

Meanwhile, as a poor student with no connections, he had been exploited by his mentor as free labor for years, even having his own research results stolen without a second thought.

Now that he had a second chance, he couldn’t make the same mistake again.

In this world, his advantage was the five-thousand-year-old civilization of China supporting him.

To live well, he needed capital, identity, and status—none of which could be overlooked.

And the first priority was capital!

Make money. Make money. Make money!

While lost in thought, his stomach growled loudly.

Ye Chuan helplessly rubbed his stomach.

Let’s fill the stomach first.

At that moment, the crowd around him suddenly became agitated.

“Quick, go to the North Front Gate Street! There’s a big spectacle!”

“What’s the spectacle?”

“You don’t know? The General of the Pingbei Army is said to be on his deathbed!”

“Bah! What’s so exciting about that? The old general is a national hero. Today, as his life fades, it’s a loss for the country!”

“Let me finish! The old general’s hanging on to life, but his family is watching him suffer. Now they’ve issued a public notice, offering a thousand gold to anyone who can help him die peacefully!”

“There’s such a thing?! Let’s go see!”

Hearing the conversation and seeing the crowd rush toward the North Front Gate Street, Ye Chuan’s eyes narrowed as he smiled.

Ah, here’s an opportunity to make money!

…

On North Front Gate Street, outside the Pingbei General’s residence.

A large crowd had gathered, bustling with activity.

“Ladies and gentlemen!”

The gates of the general’s house were wide open, and more than twenty tables of food had been set up in the front yard.

A middle-aged man, who looked like the steward, stood at the entrance and spoke loudly, “My old master is very ill, and his heart disease is difficult to treat. He may not have much time left.”

“People say that when one is over fifty, they aren’t considered young anymore! Our old general is over seventy now, so this is both a joyful and sorrowful moment.”

“But the old general… sigh… he just can’t close his eyes!”

The crowd murmured sympathetically.

Among them, some discontented voices began to speak up.

“Hmph, who doesn’t know why the old general can’t rest? Isn’t it because the northern barbarians took over our sixteen cities?”

“Yeah, for so many years, we’ve failed to reclaim the land, and the old general has fought hard. The emperor just won’t give the order! Now, the peace faction in court is growing stronger, and how can the old general rest in peace?”

Listening to the surrounding conversation, Ye Chuan gradually pieced the story together.

“Today, the General’s residence is offering a reward!” The steward continued, “Whoever can help our old general put his mind at ease and allow him to depart in peace will be rewarded with a thousand gold!”

“Furthermore, as a gesture of sincerity, everyone who attends today, regardless of whether they help or not, will be treated to a meal! Please, come in and take your seats!”

Hearing this, everyone’s eyes lit up.

The old general’s dedication to the country was indeed admirable, but… free food seemed to be even more tempting.

A moment later, the crowd surged forward, eager to be led inside.

Ye Chuan, too, made his way through the crowd, nonchalantly walking toward the entrance.

Someone was treating guests; why not take advantage of a free meal and then earn a thousand gold?

What a wonderful plan!

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