Chapter 55: Backing Someone Up

The frame froze, and a deathly silence fell.

Everyone was stunned.

What was going on? Was the Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei... was he calling that little toddler?

Xiao Wu waddled on her short legs toward Shen Yanchuan, lifting her small face with bright, sparkling eyes.

Shen Yanchuan handed over an exquisite, beautiful silk pouch embroidered with gold and inlaid with jade. "A peace talisman I requested for you. Do you like it?"

Xiao Wu's eyes brightened even more.

She turned back to glance at Ye Chutang.

Shen Yanchuan smiled and rubbed her little head. "This was made specifically for you. There is no need to ask your elder sister."

Ye Chutang: "..."

Since the Heir was presenting a gift in person, how could she possibly refuse?

The corners of her lips curled slightly. "The Heir is most kind. Xiao Wu, why don't you thank the Heir?"

Xiao Wu held her little belly and bowed seriously in thanks before accepting the gift with both hands, a smile spreading across her chubby little face.

She stared at the exquisitely embroidered patterns and the pale white cold jade dangling from the red string, finding it absolutely irresistible.

—It's so beautiful! I can use it to help Sister carry her silver!

Ye Heng was dumbfounded, his speech even becoming stuttered. "He... Heir, you... you know Xiao Wu?!"

How could a mere three or four-year-old child, and a mute one at that, have any connection to the noble Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei?!

The corners of Shen Yanchuan's lips curved slightly. "She is the youngest sister of the Second Miss Ye. Naturally, I know her."

The surroundings grew even quieter, the atmosphere becoming incredibly subtle.

Ye Heng was filled with confusion. That phrase, "Second Miss Ye," referred to no one else but Ye Chutang!

This—

Shen Yanchuan raised his eyelids slightly, his deep black eyes seemingly brimming with amusement as he gave a gentle nod.

"Dr. Ye, I trust you have been well."

...

Ye Chutang knew the world was small, but she hadn't realized it was quite this small.

Back then, she had taken in a troublesome patient for the sake of a little medical fee, thinking that after their parting in Jiangling, they would be separated by vast distances and never meet again.

She never expected to run into him again just as she returned to the capital.

She regretted it—deeply.

But under the watchful eyes of the crowd, she could only cooperate and perform a formal curtsy.

"Greetings, Heir."

Ye Heng looked left and right, utterly unable to make sense of it.

"Heir, you and Chutang..."

Only then did Shen Yanchuan finally look at him, offering a faint smile. "A while ago, while I was traveling back to the capital, I encountered an accident. It was thanks to Dr. Ye's medical treatment that I was able to return safely. I simply did not expect that she would be the Second Miss of the Ye Estate."

These words made Ye Heng's heart skip a beat, leaving him with an inexplicable sense of discomfort.

Ye Chutang was the second child in the family, hence called the Second Miss, but he was currently the master of this household. To call Ye Chutang the "Second Miss of the Ye Estate" so publicly—where did that leave his family!

But even if Ye Heng had a hundred times the courage, he would not dare to contradict the Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei in public.

Moreover, compared to that, what concerned him more was—

"You... you say that Chutang previously treated you?!"

Due to his shock, Ye Heng's voice rose significantly.

The others were also thrown into a whirl by this casual remark, and whispers began to break out.

"Is that true? To think Ye Chutang and the Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei actually have such a connection!?"

"If he said it himself, how could it be false? I also heard the Heir was injured on his way back and has been declining all invitations to focus on his recovery. Who would have thought—"

"I heard his injuries were quite serious! To think Ye Chutang was the one who saved him!? How is that possible!?"

Ye Heng turned to Ye Chutang in disbelief. "Chutang, why didn't you mention such an important matter before!"

His words were urgent, even carrying a hint of reproach.

Ye Chutang paused. "Second Uncle, to tell you the truth, I only just learned of the Heir's identity myself."

Ye Heng froze.

Shen Yanchuan nodded, seemingly adding in a kind, supportive manner, "The situation was complicated at the time, so I did not reveal my identity. However, Dr. Ye acted with the compassion of a healer; she showed no disdain and did her utmost to treat me. I am deeply grateful."

Hearing this, many people stole glances at Lady Gao.

—Just a moment ago, she had personally claimed that the people Ye Chutang dealt with were nothing but country bumpkins. Who knew she had actually treated the Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei! And from the Heir's words, it sounded as if he felt he owed Ye Chutang a favor!

This was a massive slap to the face!

Lady Gao clearly remembered her own words; her expression became colorful, her heart filled with both regret and annoyance.

What was the deal with this Ye Chutang! Wasn't she just running a small medical clinic? Who knew she had this kind of connection!

Ye Shixian secretly gripped her handkerchief tight.

Ye Chutang actually knew the Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei for a long time? And it was obvious they were on good terms; otherwise, the Heir wouldn't be so gentle even with that little toddler, and wouldn't have even brought a special gift...

"I was originally unwell and did not wish to disturb anyone, but upon hearing that Dr. Ye and her party had returned, after much thought, I decided to come personally to present a gift of thanks to show my sincerity."

As Shen Yanchuan spoke, he tilted his chin slightly.

Lian Zhou immediately stepped forward to present the gift.

Ye Heng's face flushed and paled repeatedly.

He had thought Shen Yanchuan came to give him face, but it turned out the man had come for Ye Chutang!

He managed to force a smile, bracing himself to invite Shen Yanchuan to take a seat.

"Heir, please—"

Given his noble status, Shen Yanchuan naturally took the seat of honor.

Everyone rose to greet him.

As he passed in front of Han Yao, Shen Yanchuan suddenly paused and tilted his head slightly.

Han Yao was startled when he saw those black boots stop before him. He instinctively looked up, only to collide with a pair of indifferent, unfathomable eyes.

For some reason, in that instant, Han Yao felt a chill rush to the top of his head, and the hair on his body stood on end!

An indescribable sense of immense danger enveloped him!

But it was only for a moment; the next second, Shen Yanchuan withdrew his gaze and continued walking forward with an ordinary expression.

Han Yao remained frozen in his bowing posture until someone beside him nudged him, at which point he snapped back to reality.

His back was already soaked with cold sweat.

H-has he offended this man before?

...

Only after Shen Yanchuan took his seat did the crowd sit back down.

"Today is the Ye family banquet; there is no need for formalities," he said. Then, remembering something, he added, "By the way, I believe I heard you mentioning wanting to invite Imperial Physician Zhang to examine Xiao Wu?"

For a moment, no one responded.

Since Ye Chutang was capable of treating someone of his status, she clearly possessed genuine skill. As for whether her own biological sister had an issue, was there even a need to invite someone else?

Lady Gao knew nothing about this.

If she truly cared so deeply for her niece, how could she be so ignorant of this and rashly suggest inviting an imperial physician? This—

Lady Gao felt stifled and aggrieved, yet she could not argue. It was utterly humiliating!

The gift was presented before Ye Chutang; it was a carved nanmu wood box, clearly of great value.

Ye Chutang took a sip of tea and looked toward the opposite side with composure.

—Do you really enjoy watching the drama this much?

Shen Yanchuan offered a distant salute of respect.

—Not at all; the play is simply too wonderful to miss.

Ye Chutang smiled faintly.

—Then you truly have too much free time.

At that moment, a maidmaid suddenly let out an "Ah!" while serving food to Lady Gao, recoiling in terror.

"Madam! You... you are—"