Chapter 52: Etiquette

Chapter 52: Etiquette

Lian Zhou ventured a question: "Regarding the price... should we grant Dr. Ye some convenience?"

Shen Yanchuan shook his head. "There is no need."

Lian Zhou was bewildered, momentarily unable to fathom his master's thoughts.

Ever since learning that Dr. Ye and her companions had arrived in the capital, his master had been specifically keeping an eye on their movements. He had never seen his master show such concern for any other woman.

Now that Dr. Ye wanted to purchase that shop, it would require a significant amount of money. Where would she get such funds? Her three younger siblings all relied on her for support; even if the small medical clinic earned money, the savings would likely be far from enough.

Shen Yanchuan, however, did not seem worried. He gave a light chuckle. "If she cannot resolve even a small trouble like this, she wouldn't have chosen to return to the capital."

Lian Zhou was stunned. "Do you mean... she has come back prepared?"

More than that.

Her return would likely mean that the entire Ye family would no longer know peace.

"Give her the normal market price. If she wants it, she will secure it herself," Shen Yanchuan said.

That woman possessed a brilliant, calculating mind; she was exceptionally clever. Any slight change would catch her attention and trigger her vigilance. Therefore, the best way to deal with her was to meet all changes with constancy.

Lian Zhou cupped his fists in response. "Understood!"

...

The next day, the Ye family banquet.

The entire household had been busy since early morning. Maidservants and footmen scurried back and forth setting up and serving, working so hard they barely had time to touch the ground.

The official document regarding Ye Heng's appointment as the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review had been formally issued; he was now a true fourth-rank official. Naturally, the guests invited were colleagues from the imperial court and various high-ranking dignitaries.

A typical fourth-rank official would not warrant such a grand spectacle. The reason the Ye family's banquet was so lively and magnificent was primarily due to the unique nature of Ye Heng's position. Though his rank was not exceptionally high, he held tangible power. Furthermore, he was a social butterfly, skilled at cultivating connections, so many people would grant him face and attend to show support.

Inside the study, Lady Gao's expression was displeased. "I told you that your 'good' niece and nephew returned at the worst possible time! Not early, not late, but exactly now! Now that many in the capital know they have returned alive, we are forced to let them attend this family banquet!"

Ye Heng was adjusting his collar, feeling somewhat impatient with her complaining. "If they are to attend, they will attend. They are just a few adolescents; what can they do?"

Lady Gao snorted coldly. "Children? I have never seen such formidable children! That Ye Chutang looks polite on the surface, but in reality, she is not to be trifled with!"

She couldn't quite put her finger on why she felt this way, but she felt an inexplicable sense of annoyance and wariness toward Ye Chutang. It had only been two days, yet the household had already been turned upside down by her. Could an ordinary person achieve such a thing?

"Then just don't provoke her," Ye Heng frowned. "Those younger ones are nothing to worry about. As for her, she is seventeen this year and has reached the age for marriage discussions. We can just pick a marriage alliance for her and marry her off, won't we?"

Lady Gao's eyes lit up. "That's it! Why didn't I think of that!?"

Once married, she would be like water spilled—having nothing to do with the Ye household anymore. Even if she had great abilities, how could she reach her hands back in then?

Ye Heng had clearly long held this intention. "Many people are coming to the banquet today; this will just be a convenient opportunity."

"Won't that be making things too easy for her?" Lady Gao curled her lip. "The people coming today are all of high status. How can an orphaned girl with no parents marry into such a family?"

Ye Heng glanced at her. "She is my niece, Ye Heng. If I were to find her some impoverished, broken household, it would actually bring shame to my face! Besides, even among high-ranking families, not everyone is a suitable match."

Lady Gao instantly understood his meaning and was immediately tempted.

Indeed!

Good marriages are hard to come by in this world; how many women spend their lives being worn down in the inner chambers?

As that gentle and elegant face surfaced in her mind, Lady Gao's heart tightened, and that invisible sense of threat surged again.

—She had to get this bringer of calamity sent away as soon as possible!

...

As distinguished guests arrived one after another, the entire Ye residence became a scene of bustling activity. Ye Heng greeted the guests one by one and invited them to their seats.

Suddenly, the announcement of a servant rang out

"Lord Xu has arrived!"

Ye Heng's heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly looked up to see that it was indeed Xu Fengchi.

Hearing the news, the people nearby also immediately looked toward the door, their expressions filled with surprise.

"Lord Xu? The one from the Censorate?"

"Doesn't he hate these kinds of occasions the most? Why is he here this time?"

"Have you forgotten? He has a very close relationship with Ye Zheng! Ye Heng is Ye Zheng's biological brother; naturally, he will show him face!"

While the crowd whispered amongst themselves, Ye Heng had already swiftly adjusted his expression and went forward with a smile.

"Lord Xu!"

He was actually quite surprised that Xu Fengchi had come in person, but upon reflection, he understood—it was most likely because of Ye Chutang and the others. Xu Fengchi was close to Ye Zheng, but he wasn't particularly close to Ye Heng. Although they both served in the imperial court and lived in the capital, they had almost no private interaction. But since the man had come, he naturally had to welcome him with a smile.

Xu Fengchi cupped his hands politely. "Lord Ye."

...

"Why is he here?"

Ye Shixian, who was currently dressing and applying makeup, paused her movements.

Shaoyao said excitedly, "More than just that! Not only has Lord Xu arrived, but even Young Master Xu is here!"

Xu Fengchi had only one son, Xu Rongqing.

Ye Shixian was truly stunned this time.

Xu Rongqing had gained fame at a young age; he was handsome, exceptionally talented, and was the dream man for many ladies in the capital, as well as a highly sought-after son-in-law for many prestigious families.

Shaoyao said proudly, "Young Master Xu must be here for Miss!"

Ye Shixian, however, did not think so. She had met Xu Rongqing a few times; he was not the type of person who enjoyed crowds. The reason he appeared tonight...

"Could it be... for Ye Chutang?"

Shaoyao curled her lip in disdain. "How could that be? There are so many outstanding noble ladies in the capital who are interested in Young Master Xu; why would he care about an orphaned girl?"

Ye Shixian hesitated to speak.

Ye Chutang indeed had nothing impressive to show for herself right now, but she possessed that face...

She changed to a jade hairpin and said, "By the way, take that bowl of Chuanbei snow pear soup to my elder cousin."

...

Ye Chutang stirred her spoon; the sweet fragrance was very rich.

She raised an eyebrow.

"It's quite a bother for her, to go out of her way to send such a fine gift."