Chapter 183: She Didn’t Come?
Shaoyao thought for a moment. "He’ll definitely attend the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, won’t he?"
Ye Shixian, however, wasn’t so sure.
"He was injured not long ago, so it’s hard to say for sure this time... But I can’t go anyway, so knowing this is useless."
Seeing Ye Shixian’s disconsolate look, Shaoyao wasn’t sure how to comfort her.
Her eyes darted about for a moment before she said, "Don’t you worry, Miss. If you can’t go, there’s no way that Ye Chutang can! Hasn’t she been telling everyone she’s seriously injured? For a Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet, she should naturally stay at home and recuperate!"
At this, Ye Shixian’s expression softened considerably.
She sneered.
"Injured? She looks perfectly fine to me. She hasn’t been idle for a moment these past two days! As for the palace banquet... how could she pass up such a rare opportunity to be in the spotlight?"
Even if Ye Shixian was unwilling to admit it, she knew the current Ye Chutang had both the backing and the means to get into the palace.
’If she asks, would the Eldest Princess really refuse her?’
Shaoyao pouted. "So what if she goes? She’s still injured. It’s not like she’ll be able to do anything!"
Ye Shixian fell into a contemplative silence. Then, as if a thought occurred to her, a glint appeared in her eyes.
"If she goes, things might get much more interesting..."
...
"You’re really not going, Sis?"
Ye Yunfeng looked surprised. He watched Ye Chutang, who had just returned from the Han family’s residence, and asked with concern, "Are you too tired from the house call today?"
Xiao Wu also looked up, her small face full of curiosity.
’Fourth Brother said the Mid-Autumn Palace Banquet is so lively! It’s such a rare opportunity—other people can’t find a way in even if they want to. How can Sis just decide not to go on a whim?’
Ye Chutang nodded.
"It’s just a bunch of people eating and drinking together. There’s no fun in it. I can’t be bothered to go."
Ye Jingyan asked hesitantly, "Princess Qingyang extended a special invitation. If you don’t go, Sis..."
Ye Chutang gently rubbed her shoulder. "I’ve already spoken to her about it. It’s fine."
Princess Qingyang wasn’t the type to fuss over such matters.
"No wonder you told me to buy wine earlier, Sis!" Ye Yunfeng wasn’t concerned with courtly affairs. Hearing that Ye Chutang was staying home to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with them, he instantly brightened up.
Xiao Wu blinked, then immediately turned and scurried out on her short legs. A moment later, she returned, carrying a pot of ointment and fresh gauze.
’Sis, it’s time to change your dressing!’
Ye Chutang smiled and ruffled her little head.
Ye Jingyan grew thoughtful.
’Normally, at an occasion like this where all the court officials are gathered, one can get a lot of useful information. Sis would never miss it so easily.’
’I can’t believe she actually turned it down...’
After a moment of thought, Ye Jingyan nodded. "Then we’ll celebrate on our own. It’s the Mid-Autumn Festival—the entire Capital City will be bustling, won’t it?"
Ye Yunfeng grew even more excited. "Third Brother, you mean—we’re going to celebrate out on the town?"
Ye Chutang smiled as well.
"I knew you wouldn’t be able to sit still at home. It was one thing when you were away, but now that you’re finally back in the Capital City, we should naturally have a proper celebration. In that case... let’s go to Lan Yue Building!"
...
That evening, the four siblings finished getting ready and set out together.
Many people on the street noticed them, their gazes frequently drawn in their direction.
The siblings’ looks and bearing were all exceptionally striking; their mere presence was enough to attract attention. Now that their reputations had soared, many people were filled with curiosity about them.
"Is that... the Ye siblings?"
"That’s them!"
"I heard that Second Miss Ye has extraordinary medical skills. Now that I see her in person, her looks are just as impeccable!"
"Tell me about it. It’s a pity, though. The siblings were orphaned at a young age. Looking at them now, they’re quite a pitiable sight..."
Ye Chutang paid no mind to any of this, stepping through the main doors of Lan Yue Building under the watchful eyes of the crowd.
...
Outside the palace gates, the carriage of the Dingbei Marquis Mansion slowly came to a stop.
Shen Yanchuan paused, tilting his head slightly.
"She didn’t come?"