Chapter 181: Elder Brother Likes It
By the time Ye Shixian returned home, lanterns were already lit throughout the courtyard.
Although Murong Ye had promised to help, Ye Shixian’s heart was still unsettled.
Besides...
"I’m afraid I won’t be able to go to the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet tomorrow."
Ye Shixian stared at the exquisite head ornaments on her vanity, biting her lip in frustration.
She had been planning to use this opportunity to shine and regain some ground. Who would have thought something like this would happen the day before the banquet?
With Ye Heng in prison, even though his crimes hadn’t been determined, their entire family would surely be affected.
How could Ye Shixian dare to even dream of entering the palace now?
If she went at a time like this, she’d be the target of public criticism, mocked by countless people!
Shaoyao felt aggrieved as well. She gingerly stroked the red jade hairpin they had just bought today. "It’s such a shame. My lady’s beauty is unparalleled. With this hairpin, you would have certainly outshone everyone! But now—"
Ye Shixian was just as frustrated. She couldn’t bear to look at it anymore and waved her hand in annoyance.
"Forget it. Put it all away."
Shaoyao pouted but could only do as she was told.
Ye Shixian stared at her reflection in the bronze mirror for a long moment, then raised a hand to gently caress her cheek.
’This face is the only thing I can truly rely on now.’
’It would be best if Murong Ye can help rescue Father. But if he can’t...’
...
Tonight was starless and moonless.
Ye Chutang brought Xiao Wu back to their room. After helping her wash up, she tucked the little bundle into bed and blew out the candle.
The room was instantly plunged into darkness.
A gentle night breeze blew. All was silent.
After some time, the night wind blew the window open. Xiao Wu, fast asleep, rolled over and subconsciously reached out beside her, only to find the space empty.
’Huh? Where’s Big Sis?’
Xiao Wu groggily opened her eyes and looked around.
Then, she heard a familiar voice whisper.
"Why are you awake, Xiao Wu?"
Xiao Wu scratched her chubby cheek, shook her head, and snuggled back into that warm, soft embrace.
’Big Sis is still here!’
Faintly, a soft chuckle seemed to drift over.
The next moment, Xiao Wu felt a thin blanket being draped over her.
"Go to sleep."
The clear, gentle voice drifted to her ears on the wind.
Xiao Wu closed her eyes again, shifted into a more comfortable position, and soon fell back into a deep sleep.
...
Ye Yunfeng rose bright and early. When he came into the courtyard intending to practice his boxing, he was surprised to see that Ye Chutang was already up.
She sat by the window, draped in a thin outer robe. With her black hair casually pinned up and one hand resting on her cheek, she exuded an air of languid ease, like a simple, elegant ink wash painting.
Ye Yunfeng asked in surprise, "Sis, why are you up so early today?"
’Sis hasn’t recovered from her injuries, and she was so busy saving people yesterday. She should be getting more rest today, but instead—’
Ye Chutang’s brow twitched. She pulled her clothes tighter, covering her mouth as she let out a soft yawn, looking as if she hadn’t slept well all night.
She stood up and casually gathered a stack of papers from the table.
"I didn’t sleep very well last night. Never mind. Let’s have breakfast first, then we’ll go check on the Han Family."
"Ah, okay!"
Ye Yunfeng didn’t suspect a thing and immediately agreed.
The leaves in the courtyard were gradually turning yellow, and the morning breeze carried a hint of autumn.
In just a few days, the height of summer had turned to autumn. Fortunes, like seasons, were ever-changing.
Just as Ye Yunfeng was about to turn away, he hesitated and asked, "Oh, right, Sis... today is the Mid-Autumn Festival. Are we...?"
He asked cautiously.
For the past three years, the four siblings had intentionally skipped the Mid-Autumn Festival. But this time was different; they were back in the capital.
Ye Chutang withdrew her gaze, lost in thought.
After a moment, the corners of her lips curved up slightly.
"Later, go and buy some Zhuyeqing. Big Brother likes to drink it."