Chapter 48: Living Under Someone Else's Roof?

Chapter 48: Living Under Someone Else's Roof?

Yun Cheng responded, "Yes."

After the Master returned to the capital, invitations from all sides arrived in succession, but the Master had rejected them all.

Ye Heng was nowhere near the top of that list, so naturally, the Master would not attend.

He added, "The Ye family is also quite troubled right now. By not going, you are simply enjoying your peace."

Shen Yanchuan paused, finally shifting his gaze from his book. "Which Ye family?"

Yun Cheng explained, "Ye Heng, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review."

Shen Yanchuan pondered for a moment. "I haven't heard much about this person before..."

Yun Cheng smiled. "It is normal that you aren't familiar with them, as you have been away from the capital for a long time. Three years ago, this man was merely a minor Right Assistant Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. He has been highly valued over the last few years, and his prospects are considerable. Had it not been for this, he wouldn't have had the confidence to send this invitation."

"He has indeed risen quite quickly," Shen Yanchuan remarked.

"Indeed. You could say he's experienced a meteoric rise that has elevated his entire kin. I heard that before the official appointment document was even issued, people were already coming to his door."

Yun Cheng had been responsible for handling various affairs for Shen Yanchuan in the capital, so he was always well-informed about what was happening in the city.

Shen Yanchuan's interest was piqued. "Oh?"

Yun Cheng was somewhat surprised; his Master usually had little interest in such matters and never asked for much detail.

Perhaps it was because the Master had just returned to the capital and wanted to understand the various factions better?

With this thought, Yun Cheng added an explanation: "I am not sure if you recall, but three years ago, during General Huo's case, an official once pleaded for him in court, which incensed the Emperor. That man was Ye Heng's elder brother, Ye Zheng. After he was demoted and sent out of the capital, his family was killed by bandits on the road. Who would have thought that after three years, his children actually survived and have returned."

"I heard they happened to run into Ye Heng's son, Ye Mingze, at the Lanyue Pavilion. There were many people present at the time, and the news has already spread privately."

Yun Cheng spoke with a hint of emotion.

"At the time, everyone thought Ye Zheng's entire family had perished on the road, and this younger brother handled all the funeral arrangements himself. Who knew that now... Speaking of which, the residence Ye Heng and his family are living in now was actually Ye Zheng's former home. Strictly speaking, they aren't social climbing; they are clearly returning to their own home. But what can a weak woman with several young siblings, having no one to rely on, truly achieve? The best outcome is likely just living under someone else's roof."

Once something has been swallowed, who would want to spit it out?

After hearing this, Shen Yanchuan actually smiled.

"A coincidence?"

It just so happened to be at the Lanyue Pavilion, where many children of high-ranking officials were present.

It just so happened to be at the very moment of Ye Heng's promotion, a time when reputation was most critical.

Then this was far too much of a coincidence.

Yun Cheng could not fathom his Master's reaction, but in the next second, something even more unexpected happened.

Shen Yanchuan set down the book in his hand and asked, "When is the banquet?"

Yun Cheng froze. "You... you are going?!"

Shen Yanchuan pressed the area on his chest where the scar had long since healed.

He raised an eyebrow and smiled faintly.

"The injury has mostly recovered. It is time to go out for a stroll."

...

The Ye Residence.

After two hours of busywork, the room in the eastern side wing was finally tidied up.

Yu Hong approached cautiously to invite them.

Ye Chutang held Xiao Wu's hand and led A-Yan and A-Feng along.

Standing inside the room, she looked around quietly.

Ye Mingze's belongings had all been packed and moved out, leaving the space feeling somewhat empty.

Fortunately, the tables, chairs, and screens had not been moved; the layout was almost identical to before.

For a moment, Ye Chutang drifted into a daze.

When she first woke up in this body, the first person she saw was her elder brother.

He had been wearing a heavy cloak, arriving through the falling snow, his youthful face full of fervor.

"A-Wan, Mother said we're going to Wuzhou with Father in a few days! I heard it's even colder there than in the capital. Here, take this hand warmer! So your little body doesn't catch a chill and you don't end up crying on the road again, haha!"

Without giving her a choice, he had pressed the hand warmer into her hands.

Just like later, when he stood before her to shield her from those sharp arrows.

"Sister, Brother's old things are all gone," Ye Jingyan said softly after looking around.

Ye Chutang was not surprised by this result.

When they had left the capital, it was winter and there were many inconveniences; most of her brother's manuscripts and clothing had been left behind.

Yu Hong wiped the sweat from his forehead. "This... please forgive us. They should have been buried with him three years ago..."

Ye Chutang's expression remained unchanged.

Clothing was one thing, but there was no reason for books to be buried with him; they had most likely been thrown away or burned.

If even this house could be forcibly seized, what else could be expected?

"You may leave. If we need anything, we will find you," Ye Chutang said indifferently.

Yu Hong couldn't help but steal another glance at her.

For some reason, although this woman's voice was clearly calm and gentle, it carried an aura that brooked no defiance.

"Yes, yes!"

Since the Master had driven out even the Second Young Master for their sake, Yu Hong's attitude was, of course, extremely respectful.

Just as he withdrew, Shao Yao arrived with others.

"Second Miss, this is a red gold filigree bracelet sent by my lady. The clay inkstone and the redwood wolf-hair brush beside it are for the two young masters, and the eight-treasure glazed collar is for the little miss."

She wore a smile, discreetly sizing up Ye Chutang and the others. Seeing their ordinary clothing and accessories, she felt disdain in her heart, and her tone became even more lighthearted. "My lady said that since you returned so suddenly with the two young masters and the little miss, there wasn't enough time to prepare proper gifts. She could only pick these out first. Once she is free later, she will take you all out to properly tour the capital."

The implication was that these gifts were nothing to Ye Shixian.

Ye Chutang's gaze swept over the items. "Then please convey my thanks to your lady."

Shao Yao had her people set the items down before turning to leave.

Ye Yunfeng snorted coldly. "Who cares about their things! As if we haven't seen them before!"

In the past, Father's position was much higher than Second Uncle's. If not for Father, Second Uncle's dream of becoming a capital official would have been nothing more than a fantasy!

Now, look at them, coming here to show off!

"We must at least give them a chance to show their goodwill," Ye Chutang said, not minding much. She pinched Xiao Wu's soft cheek. "Look, is there anything you like?"

Xiao Wu had little interest, but hearing her say that, she stood on her tiptoes to take a look.

Then she shook her head.

—It's ugly. I don't like it.

Ye Chutang: "If you don't like it, then forget it. A-Feng, put the things away."

Ye Yunfeng huffed, "I'd find their things dirty if they even touched me! I'll probably have to wash my hands three times later!"

Ye Chutang clicked her tongue lightly. "How have I taught you? Do not be shallow and materialistic."

Ye Jingyan nodded in agreement. "Although that inkstone and brush aren't great, we have returned to the capital and there will be many places where we need to spend money. Let's keep them for when we go to the Imperial Academy."

Sister had said: spend when you must, and save where you can.

Ye Chutang gave Ye Jingyan an appreciative look.

Good boy, you really know how to save your sister money.

Only then did Ye Yunfeng remember this. He scratched his head. "Ah, right! When we go to the Imperial Academy, the tuition for a year will be quite a lot, won't it?"

Ye Chutang said casually, "It doesn't matter. Since we are currently living under someone else's roof, why on earth would we pay our own way to study?"