Chapter 177: What’s the Hurry?
Ye Heng probably never would have guessed that Han Yao, the very person he had tried so hard to obstruct, had already secretly slipped the most crucial item to Su Pei’er.
Everyone saw Su Pei’er as nothing more than a courtesan of humble birth, disliked by Han Yao. They had no idea that after weathering recent storms and seeing the fickleness of human nature, Han Yao had come to trust the ever-loyal Su Pei’er completely. He had even placed his final hope in her.
And Su Pei’er, in turn, passed it to Ye Chutang without a moment’s hesitation.
Ye Chutang lowered her gaze, examining the key in her hand. It was exquisitely crafted and probably belonged to a small lock.
Recalling how Su Pei’er had whispered "the west side-room" to her just moments before, Ye Chutang already had a strong suspicion.
’Looks like I’ll have to find a chance to go take a look...’
With an impassive expression, Ye Chutang put the key away.
...
Time trickled by, and soon it was dusk.
An orange-red sun hung in the sky, casting long shadows on the ground.
Ye Shixian stood outside the gates of the Murong Mansion, pacing back and forth, her heart a tangled mess.
Shaoyao urged in a low voice, "Miss, since you’re already here, you should go see Mr. Murong! As long as you ask him yourself, he’ll surely help!"
But Ye Shixian’s brow was tightly furrowed.
"You don’t understand. This matter isn’t that simple."
"Father was taken away on Su Wei’s orders. He is the Minister of the Ministry of Justice, after all. Even someone like Murong Ye wouldn’t want to offend him."
Ye Shixian hadn’t witnessed the situation firsthand. She had only heard the servants’ exaggerated retellings, which left her feeling deeply uncertain.
Shaoyao couldn’t help but say, "But you’re the one in trouble now! If something really happens to the Master, what will you do then? Mr. Murong has feelings for you; he definitely won’t just stand by and do nothing!"
’It was common knowledge that Murong Ye was fond of Ye Shixian. So what if it was a little troublesome? He would definitely help!’
Ye Shixian’s lips tightened.
’A life was on the line. She had to act quickly, or else...’
At this thought, Ye Shixian took a deep breath. She finally steeled her resolve and walked forward.
Shaoyao hurried forward and knocked with the door ring. A servant soon came to open the door and paused in surprise when he saw who it was.
"Miss Ye?"
Ye Shixian put on a polite smile. "Could you please announce me? I would like to pay a visit to Mr. Murong."
The servant’s expression, however, turned a little awkward.
"Oh! What unfortunate timing. The Young Master went out early this morning and hasn’t returned yet!"
As if doused by a bucket of cold water, Ye Shixian froze on the spot.
"He went out? Where did he go?"
The servant scratched his head. "You don’t know? The Young Master went to the Dingbei Marquis Mansion!"
Ye Shixian’s heart sank.
"The Dingbei Marquis Mansion?"
’Why would Murong Ye go there?’
"Did he say when he would be back?"
"That... I’m not sure."
Ye Shixian was burning with anxiety, but she couldn’t let it show on her face. She could only say, "Then I’ll wait for him."
The servant looked hesitant.
It was unclear if he had caught wind of some rumors or was acting on orders. When he heard Ye Shixian say she would wait, he didn’t invite her inside. Instead, he tried to persuade her to leave.
"Miss Ye, it’s really uncertain when the Young Master will return. You should head home for now!"
The feeling of unease in Ye Shixian’s heart grew stronger.
She pressed her lips together and clutched her handkerchief tightly.
"I truly have urgent business with him. It’s no trouble to wait a while."
...
「Dingbei Marquis Mansion.」
Inside a room, Shen Yanchuan and Murong Ye were in the middle of a game of go.
Murong Ye glanced at Shen Yanchuan, who hadn’t made a move in a long time. Finally unable to hold back, he said, "Princely Heir, why don’t we call it a day?"
The man across from him raised an eyebrow.
"What’s the rush? This game is almost over."