Chapter 435: Chapter 435: Intentions
Many people knew that Xiao Chengqi had been the target of an assassination attempt at the hunting grounds. He had since claimed to be ill and was recuperating in his mansion, conveniently avoiding the whole mess involving Xiao Chengxuan.
’Now, those people have finally returned. I just wonder... did they bring back the antidote?’
"If they brought back the antidote, then all is well. If not, I’m afraid..." Ye Jingyan trailed off, his mind already racing with countless possibilities.
This was a truly sensitive time. Countless people were watching Prince Lie’s Mansion, both openly and in secret.
’After all, Prince Qi has been deposed. As long as Prince Lie can make a full recovery, isn’t victory all but guaranteed for him?’
Ye Chutang was noncommittal. "Who knows?"
Ye Yunfeng snorted. "Speaking of which, the investigation into Prince Lie’s assassination attempt hasn’t yielded any results. If Prince Qi was involved, I wonder if it could be used to add to his crimes."
Ye Jingyan shook his head. "Unfortunately, it wasn’t him."
Ye Yunfeng met his gaze. "Third Brother, are you so sure?"
"It wouldn’t have benefited him in any way," Ye Jingyan said. "He had no reason to do something so stupid. Besides, even if he did do it, it wouldn’t necessarily be enough to drag him down completely."
That was true.
But the frustration simmering in Ye Yunfeng’s chest refused to dissipate.
He rubbed his face in frustration.
"This Capital City is a real mess!"
Ye Chutang didn’t comment on her brothers’ conversation, simply looking outside and reminding them,
"We’re here."
...
Xu Fengchi was already waiting in the front hall. When he heard a servant’s announcement, he came out personally to greet them.
"Chutang!"
Seeing her elegant and gentle face, Xu Fengchi was overcome with a myriad of emotions.
They hadn’t seen each other in some time, yet so much had happened.
Holding Xiao Wu’s hand, Ye Chutang stepped forward and bowed gracefully in gratitude.
"Lord Xu, Chutang is endlessly grateful for your kindness."
Ye Jingyan and Ye Yunfeng, following behind her, also bowed in unison.
Even Xiao Wu obediently followed suit and bowed.
She was wrapped in a thick, pinkish-white short jacket embroidered with pomegranate flowers, making her look like a soft, pink Little Bun. It was utterly adorable.
Xu Fengchi hurried forward and made a gesture to help her up.
"Chutang, there’s no need for such formality! It was the least I could do."
He was filled with emotion and simply asked, "You all know what happened at court yesterday?"
Ye Chutang nodded lightly.
Prince Qi Mansion being raided and sealed had caused a huge commotion, and news had already spread throughout the entire Capital City.
Xu Fengchi looked at them, and his eyes began to sting.
"Good, good! It’s good that you know, it’s good! This way, I can finally give my friend Ye’s spirit in heaven some peace!"
A warmth spread through Ye Chutang’s chest as well.
Ye Zheng was tragically killed by his own brother, but he was fortunate to have such a dear friend who was willing to fight for him, regardless of the cost.
To have one such confidant in a lifetime is a rare blessing indeed.
Still, she insisted on completing the deep, formal bow.
"It’s been hard on you these past few years."
"Hard on me? Nonsense!" Xu Fengchi shook his head. "There’s no need for such empty words between us!"
After the initial heartache, a sense of relief washed over him.
In the end, Xu Fengchi accepted their bow and said hurriedly, "It’s cold outside, come inside and talk!"
Once the group was seated inside, servants served them hot tea.
Xu Fengchi smiled. "This is the Silver Needle tea you had someone send from the tea house last time. It really is clear and mellow. No wonder the tea house’s business is doing so well."
After Ye Chutang took over those shops, she quickly turned them all from a loss to a profit. The tea house, in particular, was raking in a fortune.
She had people make regular deliveries to a few families, and the Xu Residence was one of them.
"I’m glad you like it."
Ye Chutang’s eyes curved into crescents as she smiled.
Beside them, Mrs. Xu couldn’t help but add, "It’s not just my husband who likes it. Even Rong Qing, who normally dislikes tea, often makes himself a cup."
Xu Rongqing, not expecting to be mentioned so suddenly, immediately stiffened and subconsciously glanced at Ye Chutang.
Ye Chutang smiled. "Is that so? That’s wonderful. The tea house just got a new shipment of white tea. I’ll have someone send some more over later."
Xu Rongqing opened his mouth, wanting to say she needn’t go to the trouble, but the words caught in his throat.
"...Then, thank you, Chutang."
The more Mrs. Xu looked at Ye Chutang, the more she liked her.
It went without saying that the girl had impeccable character and looks; even among the noble ladies in the capital, few could compare to her.
More importantly, having been by Xu Fengchi’s side all these years, she knew better than anyone how difficult it had been for Ye Chutang—a young woman raising her younger siblings while also seeking justice for her parents and older brother.
She both pitied and admired her, which naturally made her feel all the more fond of her now.
She smiled and said, "When you two played together as children, Rong Qing would only ever listen to you. Now that you’re the one sending tea, of course he—"
"Ahem!"
Xu Fengchi coughed abruptly, cutting her off.
"Yu, go see if the small kitchen has the dishes ready. Yan and Yun Feng are growing boys, so we must treat them well. And check on Xiao Wu’s longan and lotus seed congee. It’s her favorite."
Sun was taken aback.
’Isn’t it still early?’
But having been married to Xu Fengchi for many years, she understood his unspoken meaning and wouldn’t embarrass him in public. She smiled and nodded. "Alright, I’ll go hurry them along."
After she left, Xu Fengchi turned to look at Ye Chutang.
Ye Chutang was sitting primly, holding a decorated hand warmer. Her expression was serene, a faint smile playing on her lips, as if she hadn’t noticed anything amiss.
Xu Fengchi breathed a sigh of relief. But then he caught a glimpse of his own son, head lowered as he sipped his tea, and a headache began to form.
Sun had mentioned to him before that Rong Qing seemed to have feelings for Ye Chutang.
He hadn’t paid it any mind at the time, thinking it was just leftover affection from their childhood friendship.
Rong Qing was a few years older than Chutang and had always treated her like a younger sister. After the Ye Family’s tragedy, when she and her siblings finally managed to return to the capital, it was only natural for Rong Qing to look after them a little more.
Sun had chided him for not understanding his own son in the slightest before turning and walking off.
He hadn’t expected that with Ye Chutang visiting today, Sun’s words would carry hints of trying to play matchmaker.
What he expected even less was—his son really did seem to have special feelings for Ye Chutang!
Seeing that reaction, even someone as dense as Xu Fengchi could tell something was up!
’But the problem was, Rong Qing had never mentioned any of this to him. How was he supposed to handle it now?’
If it were anyone else, Xu Fengchi wouldn’t have been so worried.
But this was Ye Chutang.
’He saw her as his own daughter. With Ye Zheng and his wife gone, Ye Chutang was only seventeen and had no one to rely on. Her marriage is a matter of lifelong importance and naturally has to be handled with the utmost care.’
’He had originally planned to wait until the dust settled on all those other matters before discussing this with Ye Chutang. At the very least, he wanted to properly vet any potential suitors for her and send her off with a generous dowry.’
’He never expected—’
Xu Fengchi deliberated for a long moment before speaking cautiously,
"Chutang, the matter concerning your parents and older brother is now more or less settled. His Majesty has taken pity on you and ordered additional compensation for you and your siblings, which will be delivered to the Ye Mansion soon. Have you... considered what you plan to do next?"
Ye Chutang looked up, her dark, limpid eyes perfectly clear.
She smiled and said, "My plans?"
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