Chapter 40: Don't be afraid, come home with Big Sister

Xie Anbai was a notorious troublemaker in the capital; he wouldn't lift a finger for anything serious, yet he was an expert in every form of indulgence and pleasure.

He was well-connected, had a vast network, and was highly informed.

Coming from his mouth, these words naturally gave people pause for thought.

"You know them?" Shen Yanchuan asked, raising an eyebrow.

Xie Anbai rubbed his chin, thinking for a long while, but then frowned and shook his head. "No. If I had seen someone with such a face, I would certainly have an impression of them."

The first time he had seen Ye Chutang was at night; the sky was dim and there was a distance between them, so he hadn't been able to see her clearly.

At the time, he only felt she was a rare beauty, but looking at her again now, he realized that the way she stood by the door with a faint smile felt inexplicably familiar, as if he had seen her somewhere before.

But after searching his memory, Xie Anbai couldn't figure out where this strange sense of familiarity came from.

"I probably misjudged it!" Xie Anbai gave up entirely. "Maybe I caught a glimpse of them from afar in the capital before. After all, the capital is so large; it's normal for many people never to see someone a second time. Besides, didn't they say they came to Jiangling three years ago? It's possible they had already left the capital even before that."

Shen Yanchuan's phoenix eyes darkened slightly. "Is that so?"

Xie Anbai had stayed in the capital longer than him and understood it better; if even he said so, then it would indeed be difficult to investigate.

He pondered for a moment and asked, "By the way, I heard things haven't been very peaceful in the capital lately?"

The question was asked tactfully.

Xie Anbai let out a mocking laugh. "More than just not peaceful! It's a total upheaval! The recent embezzlement case regarding the Tongzhou river embankment implicated a huge number of people, leaving many positions vacant. Especially the vacancy for the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel—several factions are eyeing it like hungry tigers, fighting tooth and nail!"

If he hadn't wanted to avoid this trouble, he wouldn't have left so decisively.

"There is no final conclusion on that matter yet, but another thing is set in stone—Xu Fengchi has performed meritorious service this time and is moving up the ranks."

Xie Anbai couldn't help but click his tongue.

"If he rises again, he'll be the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, a rank of the third grade. To reach such a position at this age is something an ordinary person simply cannot do."

Shen Yanchuan picked up a chess piece, stared at the board for a moment, and then slowly placed it down.

This was within his expectations; he was not surprised.

"Indeed," he nodded slightly. "Without a great family background or external help, to be able to fight for such a position is indeed rare."

Xie Anbai gave him a surprised look. "How rare—you're actually taking the initiative to praise someone? I recall you aren't very close with this man. Since when did you start caring about such things?"

Shen Yanchuan's thin lips curled into a very faint smile.

"Since I have decided to return, I should naturally learn more and be well-prepared."

...

The case of the Cao father and son was quickly decided; both were sentenced to decapitation.

Additionally, over the past few years, Liu Yiyi had used Yang Zhen's name to engage in many unsavory activities; she was relegated to the status of a lowly servant and exiled to the western frontier.

Anyone knew what that meant; for a woman with some degree of beauty, it was almost impossible to survive.

Yang Zhen was also implicated, stripped of his official post, and detained for investigation.

In short, overnight, everything they had once dreamed of vanished into thin air.

For several consecutive days, the streets and alleys of Jiangling were filled with people heatedly discussing these topics.

On a bright and sunny morning, a carriage departed from outside the Ye Family Medical Clinic and left the city through the West Gate.

The first to notice this anomaly was Auntie Yang.

"Eh? Doctor Ye, where is your gentleman?"

Auntie Yang peered into the courtyard and couldn't help but ask.

Ye Chutang naturally knew who she was referring to and said, "Master Shen has recovered from his injuries and has already left."

"Ah? He just left like that?" A hint of regret appeared on Auntie Yang's face.

Even though that Master Shen's health wasn't great, his face was truly impeccable; even if she just stayed here to catch a glimpse of him every day, it would have been wonderful!

"I was originally going to try and play matchmaker for you two! I thought Xiao Wu seemed quite close to him? If you really don't want to marry, Doctor Ye, it wouldn't be wrong to find him to keep you company!"

Auntie Yang looked melancholy. "But why did he leave so quickly? What a pity!"

Ye Chutang: "..."

She really hadn't expected that even after all this time, Auntie Yang was still thinking about this.

"Please don't worry about me. Tomorrow, I will be leaving with A-Yan, A-Feng, and Xiao Wu." As Ye Chutang spoke, she brought over some medicine she had prepared in advance. "This is medicine I brewed using my own secret formulas. If you have a headache or a fever in the future, just use it."

Auntie Yang's eyes widened, and she asked in disbelief, "What? You are leaving too!?"

"Yes." Ye Chutang smiled. "A few days ago, I happened to get in touch with a branch of distant relatives."

Auntie Yang understood instantly, feeling both excited and sad, her eyes turning red.

Her lips moved several times as if she had many words to say, but in the end, she only patted Ye Chutang's hand.

"Good! That's good! With someone to look after you, you won't have to work so hard anymore, right?"

She truly felt for Ye Chutang, so hearing that they were leaving, although she was reluctant to see them go, she was mostly happy for them.

"Then... then wait a moment! I'll go get some food and supplies for you. On the road, you—"

Just as she was about to get up, Ye Chutang stopped her. "There's no need to trouble yourself. A-Feng and the others have already packed everything. We are leaving early tomorrow morning; today is just to say goodbye to you."

The corners of Ye Chutang's lips curved slightly, her gaze sincere. "Thank you for your care over these past few years."

Something seemed to surge in Auntie Yang's chest; the words were on the tip of her tongue but she couldn't speak them. Finally, she only said through sobs, "Thank what! I should be the one thanking you! This courtyard will remain; if you are unhappy living over there, you can bring Xiao Wu and the others back anytime!"

Ye Chutang's eyes crinkled into a smile.

"Alright."

...

The next day, just as the sky began to turn a pale grey, Ye Chutang rose.

She pulled a half-asleep Xiao Wu out from under the covers. Xiao Wu was in a daze, stretching out her small arms to wrap around Ye Chutang's neck, nuzzling into her embrace.

The carriage was parked outside the door. Ye Jingyan stood to one side, while Ye Yunfeng was in front, responsible for driving.

They didn't bring much; under Ye Chutang's instructions, the books had all been burned the day before. They only brought some changes of clothes and small amounts of gold and silver, traveling light.

Ye Chutang carried Xiao Wu to the carriage, and Ye Jingyan helped lift the curtain.

However, just as Ye Chutang stepped into the carriage, the Xiao Wu in her arms suddenly moved. Her small hands instinctively gripped Ye Chutang tightly, her eyes squeezed shut as she buried herself deeply in Ye Chutang's bosom.

Her tiny body was trembling ever so slightly.

Ye Chutang lowered her eyes, holding her tighter, and gently patted the little one.

"Don't be afraid, Xiao Wu," she whispered.

"Come home with Big Sister."