Chapter 54: Xiao Wu, come here

Lian Zhou quickly raised his eyes to glance at his master.

Was this the first time his master had been addressed like that?

That Lady Gao certainly had a way with words; with a single sentence, she had effectively blocked his own path.

...

During the banquet, due to Lady Gao's words, the gazes directed toward Ye Chutang became even more complex.

The fervent hearts of several young masters sitting in the back row cooled instantly.

Han Yao shook his head secretly. "What a pity! I originally thought that even as an orphan, she would at least have her uncle, the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, to back her up. Combined with such beauty, she would have had a chance to marry into a prominent family. Who would have thought she... what kind of family would be willing to welcome such a woman into their home?"

The person beside him chimed in, "Isn't that the truth? There are so many noble ladies in the capital. No matter how beautiful she is, she spent the last three years wandering outside—who knows what she has experienced?"

"If you ask me, marrying her as a primary wife is absolutely out of the question. However, such beauty and temperament are truly rare; taking her into the household as a concubine would be quite good..."

The men exchanged glances, all wearing ambiguous smiles.

Because these young masters of the great clans were sitting far away and speaking in low voices, they dared to be this insolent.

A flicker of interest stirred in Han Yao. He patted Ye Mingze and whispered, "Brother Mingze, what do you think?"

Ye Mingze should have been at the front hosting guests, but for the past few days, Ye Heng had been extremely dissatisfied with his habit of staying out overnight and had deliberately given him the cold shoulder.

In retaliation, Ye Mingze had simply chosen to sit with his friends.

Hearing Han Yao's words, he sneered, "If you don't mind, do as you please."

Han Yao's eyes lit up.

When he first learned that Ye Chutang was Ye Mingze's cousin, he had secretly regretted his disrespectful remarks. But to his surprise, Ye Mingze had gone to the Spring Breeze Pavilion that very night and gotten himself dead drunk.

Upon inquiry, he learned that Ye Mingze actually loathed this cousin intensely.

Naturally, Han Yao and the others relaxed, even daring to tease her in front of Ye Mingze.

He glanced at Ye Chutang again, his gaze sweeping carefully over her gentle and elegant face, a surge of passion rising in his heart.

...

Ye Chutang could, of course, tell that Lady Gao was being sarcastic.

For these noble ladies, reputation was of utmost importance; anyone would likely be incensed if spoken of in such a manner.

Lady Gao was determined to make things difficult for her.

How could Xu Rongqing fail to notice the reactions of those around them? Seeing Ye Chutang standing there quietly, his heart felt as if it had been pricked. He couldn't help but say, "Sister Chutang, you have worked hard these past few years."

Ye Chutang was slightly stunned.

The fact that she had contact with Xu Fengchi was known only to the two of them; for the sake of convenience, even Xu Rongqing was unaware.

The two families were on excellent terms, and the children had known each other since childhood. In her memory, Xu Rongqing was the same age as her brother. Compared to her free-spirited and unrestrained brother, Xu Rongqing was gentle and refined.

This was actually her first time meeting him.

His expression was calm, but the flash of heartache in his eyes was genuine; he truly felt that she had endured much.

The corners of Ye Chutang's lips curled into a faint smile. "It was alright. With A-Yan, A-Feng, and Xiao Wu by my side, no matter how hard it was, it was worth it."

The room fell silent.

Everyone assumed she would be secretive and ashamed of her wretchedness over the past three years to avoid affecting her future marriage prospects, but they hadn't expected her to be so open and composed.

From beginning to end, her expression remained calm and poised, dignified and self-contained, making them appear overly petty...

Seeing that the atmosphere was turning awkward, Lady Gao immediately changed the subject. "Imperial Physician Zhang, why don't you examine Xiao Wu now?"

Xiao Wu hid behind Ye Chutang, her little mouth pursed slightly, her large, grape-like eyes filled with estrangement toward the stranger.

*—Sister said I'm not sick, so why do I need to see a doctor?*

Ye Chutang patted Xiao Wu's head soothingly. "Second Aunt, Xiao Wu is shy with strangers. Perhaps we should skip it."

But Lady Gao refused. "It wasn't easy for Imperial Physician Zhang to come. If we miss him today, who knows how long we'll have to wait. Xiao Wu, come, just let the physician take a look, it'll be quick!"

Xiao Wu naturally wouldn't listen, clutching the corner of Ye Chutang's clothes and refusing to let go.

Unable to contain herself, Lady Gao walked over and reached out to pull her directly. "Be good, just come here—"

Just as she was about to touch Xiao Wu, a slender, fair hand suddenly grabbed her wrist.

Lady Gao froze, only then realizing that it was Ye Chutang who had stepped in to stop her.

She instinctively tried to break free, only to find she couldn't move at all. That seemingly delicate, boneless hand was unexpectedly impossible to shake off.

Lady Gao grew agitated. "Chutang, what are you doing? Xiao Wu is my niece; I am only doing this for her own good!"

The corners of Ye Chutang's mouth curved, but her dark eyes were cold as she spoke word by word, "Thank you for your kindness, Second Aunt, but Xiao Wu does not like it."

Lady Gao felt an inexplicable shiver.

Ye Chutang released her hand.

Having lost face in front of everyone, Lady Gao gritted her teeth inwardly. "What does a child know? If this delays things, when she grows up—"

Before she could finish, a servant rushed in to report, "Master! The Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei has arrived!"

The entire hall fell silent instantly, everyone stunned.

That man had been using the excuse of recuperating in his manor since returning to the capital, declining all invitations. Why was he appearing at the Ye residence today?

Was Ye Heng's influence truly that great?!

Ye Heng was both surprised and delighted, springing up abruptly. "Truly? Quick, invite him in!"

Although he had sent invitations to the Marquis of Dingbei's manor, he never expected that the man would actually come!

Ye Chutang took in everyone's reactions, her eyebrows slightly raised.

She had heard of the Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei; it was said he was the Marquis's only son and held a highly prestigious status.

He had followed the Marquis north a few years ago and had only recently returned to the capital.

The Marquis of Dingbei held immense power, so the Heir was naturally someone countless people sought to curry favor with.

As her thoughts raced, a tall and upright figure came into view.

The moment she recognized that handsome face, Ye Chutang's eyelid twitched slightly, and only one thought entered her mind.

*—If I had known this would happen, I really should have given him dozens more acupuncture needles back then.*

Shen Yanchuan felt an inexplicable chill run down his spine.

But the feeling quickly dissipated because Ye Heng was already walking toward him at a brisk pace.

"Your Excellency, please forgive my failure to welcome you properly! I hope you will overlook my oversight!"

Ye Shixian stared at the figure, momentarily lost in thought, murmuring softly.

"Is that... the Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei?"

She had heard of him before; whenever several noble ladies mentioned him, their faces were filled with admiration.

She hadn't thought much of it then, but seeing him now, she understood why they reacted that way.

In this capital, talented young men were everywhere, but in truth, the Heir of the Marquis of Dingbei was undoubtedly number one.

He was like jade—refined, elegant, and peerless.

Everyone's gaze was fixed on Shen Yanchuan, each harboring different thoughts.

However, in the next moment, they saw Shen Yanchuan curve his lips into a smile toward a certain direction and beckon.

"Xiao Wu, come here."

A tiny figure immediately came running toward him with pitter-patter steps.

Ye Chutang: "...???"

Ye Chutang: *Guys, someone help, my child has been stolen.*

(End of Chapter)