The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming-Chapter 52: Gift

Lian Zhou ventured, "About the price... should we make things easier for Doctor Ye?"

But Shen Yanchuan shook his head. "There’s no need."

Lian Zhou was baffled. For a moment, he couldn’t fathom his master’s intentions.

Ever since he learned that Doctor Ye and her siblings had also come to the Capital City, his master had been keeping a close eye on them.

He had never seen his master show such concern for any other woman.

Now Doctor Ye wanted to buy that shop, which would cost a fortune. But where would she get that kind of money?

She had three younger siblings to support. Even if her little clinic was profitable, her savings would likely be far from enough. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Shen Yanchuan, however, seemed unconcerned. He chuckled softly. "If she couldn’t even handle a small problem like this, she wouldn’t have chosen to return to the capital."

Lian Zhou was stunned. "You mean, she returned this time... fully prepared?"

’More than that.’

’With her return this time, I’m afraid the entire Ye Family will be thrown into turmoil.’

"Just offer it to her at the normal market price," Shen Yanchuan said. "If she wants it, she’ll find a way to secure it."

That woman possessed an exceptionally sharp and perceptive mind. The slightest change would draw her attention and arouse her suspicion.

Therefore, the best strategy was to counter all potential moves by making none at all.

Lian Zhou cupped his fist. "Yes!"

...

「The next day.」

A family banquet was being held at the Ye Mansion.

The entire mansion had been bustling since early morning. Maids and servants hurried back and forth with preparations, so busy they were practically run off their feet.

The official papers for Ye Heng’s appointment as the Junior Minister of the Ministry of Justice had been issued. He was now a true fourth-rank official.

The guests invited were, naturally, his colleagues from the imperial court—dignitaries and influential figures.

An ordinary fourth-rank official wouldn’t warrant such a grand affair. The Ye Family’s banquet was so lively and ceremonious mainly because Ye Heng’s new position was rather special.

While the rank itself wasn’t particularly high, it came with tangible power.

Furthermore, he was socially adept and skilled at forging connections, so many were willing to attend to show their support.

In the study, Mrs. Gao’s expression was sour. "I told you! Your ’dear’ niece and nephews certainly picked their moment to return! Not a day earlier, not a day later, but right now! Half the capital knows they’re back alive, so now we have no choice but to let them attend this family banquet!"

Ye Heng, adjusting his collar, was growing impatient with her complaining.

"So they’ll attend. They’re just a few adolescents. What can they possibly do?"

Mrs. Gao snorted. "Children? I’ve never met children like them! That Ye Chutang may look polite on the surface, but she’s not to be trifled with!"

She couldn’t explain why she felt this way, but for some reason, Ye Chutang filled her with a sense of annoyance and dread.

"She’s only been here two days, and she’s already turned the whole mansion upside down! Is that something an ordinary person can do?"

"Then just don’t provoke her," Ye Heng said with a frown. "The younger ones are nothing to worry about. As for her, she’s already seventeen—old enough to be married. We’ll just find a suitable match for her and marry her off. Won’t that solve the problem?"

Mrs. Gao’s eyes lit up. "Of course! Why didn’t I think of that?!"

Once she’s married, she’ll be like water poured out—no longer any of the Ye Mansion’s concern.

By then, no matter how capable she is, how could she possibly interfere with us?

Ye Heng had clearly been planning this for some time. "Many guests are attending the banquet today. It’s a convenient opportunity."

"Wouldn’t that be letting her off too easy?" Mrs. Gao pouted. "The guests today are all people of status. How could a parentless orphan like her marry into such a family?"

Ye Heng shot her a look. "She is my niece. If I were to marry her off to some poor, destitute family, I would be the one to lose face! Besides, what’s so great about a high-ranking family? Not every match is a good one."

Mrs. Gao instantly understood his meaning and was immediately tempted by the idea.

’That’s right!’

’Good marriages are hard to come by in this world. How many women suffer their entire lives away in the confines of the inner residence?’

The image of that gentle and beautiful face surfaced in her mind. Mrs. Gao’s heart clenched as that intangible sense of threat washed over her again.

’I must get rid of this jinx as soon as possible!’

...

Esteemed guests began to arrive one after another, and the entire Ye Mansion was filled with a lively atmosphere.

Ye Heng greeted the guests one by one, exchanging pleasantries and inviting them to their seats.

Suddenly, a servant’s announcement rang out:

"Lord Xu has arrived!"

Ye Heng’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly looked up and saw that it was indeed Xu Fengchi.

Several people nearby heard the announcement and immediately looked toward the entrance, their expressions filled with surprise.

"Lord Xu? The one from the Imperial Supervision Office?"

"Doesn’t he despise these sorts of occasions? Why would he come this time?"

"Have you forgotten? He and Ye Zheng were the closest of friends! Ye Heng is Ye Zheng’s younger brother, so of course, he’d show up out of respect for that connection!"

As the crowd murmured amongst themselves, Ye Heng had already composed his features and went forward with a smile.

"Lord Xu!"

He was, in fact, quite surprised that Xu Fengchi would come in person, but on second thought, he understood—it was most likely because of Ye Chutang and her siblings.

Xu Fengchi and Ye Zheng had been close, but he wasn’t particularly familiar with Ye Heng. Though they were both officials serving in the capital, they had virtually no private interactions.

But now that the man had come, he had to be welcomed with a smile.

Xu Fengchi politely cupped his hands. "Lord Ye."

...

"Why is he here?"

Ye Shixian, who was in the middle of getting ready, paused.

Shaoyao’s face was flushed with excitement. "That’s not all! Not only did Lord Xu come, but Mr. Xu is here as well!"

Xu Fengchi had only one son, Xu Rongqing.

This time, Ye Shixian was truly stunned.

Xu Rongqing had been famous from a young age. Handsome and exceptionally talented, he was the man who appeared in the dreams of countless young ladies in the capital, and a highly favored candidate for son-in-law among many noble families.

Shaoyao said smugly, "Mr. Xu must have come for you, my lady!"

But Ye Shixian didn’t think so.

She had seen Xu Rongqing a few times, and he wasn’t the type to enjoy bustling social events. The reason he would appear tonight...

’Could it be... for Ye Chutang?’

Shaoyao curled her lip in disdain. "How could that be? So many outstanding noblewomen in the capital are interested in Mr. Xu. Why would he pay any mind to an orphan?"

Ye Shixian looked as though she wanted to say something, but held her tongue.

’It’s true that Ye Chutang has nothing to her name right now, but she was born with that face...’

She swapped out a jade hairpin for another and said, "Oh, right. Take that bowl of pear and fritillaria soup over to my dear cousin."

...

Ye Chutang dipped her spoon into the bowl. A sweet, clear fragrance wafted up.

She raised an eyebrow.

’How thoughtful of her, to go to all the trouble of sending such a fine gift.’