Chapter 1538 - 1540: The Little Brother Disappeared - Part 1
"Little Uncle and Dad are drinking, and since Little Uncle thinks my brother and I are in the way, he let us come watch the play with you," said Yangyang, tugging Yang Chuxia’s hand. "Mom, Little Uncle said that since we’re not even seven years old yet, we can watch the play with you and the other ladies."
Everyone was amused by the child’s words, knowing that at the age of seven, boys and girls are separated in social settings, and yet this little one already understood that.
"Then you two can stay with us."
The Consort of the Third Prince arrived after having her noon meal, being fond of watching plays. Having been told by Dongyang that a good troupe had been hired, she decided to come and had just arrived.
Seeing the two children, she smiled, "Had I known you were here, I would have brought your cousin to play with you."
"Cousin Aunt, I like playing with my cousin. He knows so much, and my brother says he’s very learned."
"Really?" Delighted by Yangyang’s remarks, the Consort of the Third Prince became even happier. Pulling Yangyang closer, she said, "Then come with your mother to our family’s New Year banquet, and your cousin can play with both of you."
"Oh yes, that sounds lovely, Cousin Aunt! When is your family’s New Year banquet?"
"It’s tomorrow."
"Then I’ll come." As Yangyang walked alongside the Consort of the Third Prince, she asked, "Aunt, what kind of plays do you like? My mom likes the ones about the Cultivated Talent winning the imperial examination. She said that after watching that play, she dreamed Dad was parading through the streets as a top scorer, and then Dad actually passed."
"Ha ha, that’s because your mother daydreams about it all the time."
The Consort of the Third Prince chuckled and gave Yang Chuxia a playful glance over her shoulder.
Those following behind them naturally overheard their conversation and began to ask Yang Chuxia if it was true. They even joked that if it really worked, they would hire a troupe to perform when someone in their family was about to take the Imperial Exam.
Yang Chuxia could only look at Yangyang helplessly, wondering why the child had to say everything that came to mind.
The stage was not too far away, and they soon arrived.
Yang Chuxia had thought the two little ones would be restless during the play, but to her surprise, they managed to sit still. However, a message arrived in the middle, saying that Mu Shaoling had summoned the two boys for some fun, and Dongyang also said she wanted to check on the children. It was convenient for her to bring them since it was on the way, so she took the boys with her.
But after a while, neither Dongyang nor the children had returned. For some reason, Yang Chuxia felt an odd premonition. After thinking it over, she excused herself and told the Consort of the Third Prince that she would go and check on them.
Following Yang Chuxia was Mingcui and another little maid. On the way, Yang Chuxia sent the little maid ahead to find out if the young masters were with the young master. Meanwhile, she continued on to Dongyang’s courtyard with Mingcui. Just as they walked through the entrance, they bumped into a maid from Dongyang’s household, who was running out in a panic.
"What’s happening? Why are you running?"
"Madam Ye, something terrible has happened. My mistress has fainted."
"What?" The news made Yang Chuxia’s heart skip a beat. "You go quickly to the front and call for your young master. I’ll go in and check."
No sooner had she entered the room than Yang Chuxia saw Commandery Princess Dongyang lying on the ground with a blackened face, a clear sign of poisoning.
Without a second thought, Yang Chuxia opened her pouch, poured out the antidote pills, and hastily stuffed them into Commandery Princess Dongyang’s mouth, regardless of the amount.
"What’s happened?" Mu Shaoling arrived posthaste.
"She seems to have been poisoned. I’ve just given her antidote pills."
Just then, Lele ran in, drenched in sweat, panting heavily, and cried, "Mom, Mom, brother is missing."