Chapter 359: So Competitive
Lian Zhou instantly understood why Yun Cheng hadn’t let these men leave.
’This was no mere gift delivery!’
’This was a delivery of pure good fortune!’
Never mind the good wine they’d get to drink; with this delivery from Second Miss Ye, his master was—
Lian Zhou quickly stole a glance and saw that the cool indifference in Shen Yanchuan’s expression seemed to melt away like snow.
In truth, Shen Yanchuan hadn’t expected them to deliver the wine tonight.
His gaze swept over the men. "You’re from Yunlai Tavern?"
The man in the middle smiled. "You are truly perceptive, Princely Heir. This humble one is indeed the second shopkeeper of Yunlai Tavern, Zhuo Fu."
Shen Yanchuan raised an eyebrow slightly.
Although he hadn’t been to Yunlai Tavern yet, it was clear from these men that they were all well-trained.
The second shopkeeper was neither obsequious nor arrogant, and his conduct was impeccable. Even the servants beside him were neat, efficient, and exceptionally well-mannered.
Never mind other shops; Yunlai Tavern had been personally managed by Ye Chutang from the very beginning. He figured these men must have been vetted by her as well.
’Her judgment of character is as good as ever.’
A faint smile touched Shen Yanchuan’s thin lips.
"In that case, I’ll accept the wine. Thank Second Miss Ye for me."
After speaking, he glanced at Yun Cheng.
Yun Cheng immediately stepped forward with a smile. "This is a truly rare gift. We appreciate your hard work."
As he spoke, he offered them a heavy purse.
Zhuo Fu immediately cupped his fist and declined. "We are merely following orders, we wouldn’t dare—"
"Just take it." The corner of Shen Yanchuan’s mouth curved up. "She won’t scold you."
Since he had spoken personally, the men naturally didn’t dare refuse again. After hearing the second half of his sentence, they exchanged a look and finally accepted it.
"We thank the Princely Heir!"
Seeing them accept the purse, the smile on Yun Cheng’s face deepened, and he personally escorted the men out.
Zhuo Fu knew of Yun Cheng. He was well aware that while this lord didn’t show off his capabilities, he was definitely a man of high standing in the Dingbei Marquis Mansion.
For Yun Cheng to be treating them with such courtesy now was a great surprise to them.
"Lord Yun Cheng, you don’t have to see us out." Zhuo Fu clutched the purse, the situation still feeling a bit unreal.
Who would have thought that on a trip to the Dingbei Marquis Mansion, they would not only meet the Princely Heir but also receive such a generous reward?
Although Zhuo Fu was a level-headed person, he had never expected to receive such treatment.
Yun Cheng said with a gentle smile, "There’s no need to be so formal. The wine is precious, but Second Miss Ye’s sentiment is priceless. If you come again in the future, don’t be nervous."
Zhuo Fu and the others were all taken aback for a moment.
’In the future?’
’Come again?’
’They’ll all be family sooner or later. It’s never wrong to build a good relationship.’
He said a few more words, his attitude polite and gentle, yet also making them feel a sense of warmth and familiarity.
In the end, the men all left in high spirits.
Meanwhile, Lian Zhou stared at the five jars of wine lined up in the room, exclaiming in amazement.
"These wine jars! They’re much bigger than the ones sold at their tavern! Even that pot of Snow Drink Princess Qingyang got can’t compare to this!"
He could even smell the faint, crisp aroma of the wine.
"Master, do you think Second Miss Ye brought these directly from the winery?" Lian Zhou smacked his lips.
Shen Yanchuan looked at the five wine jars, the corners of his eyebrows lifting slightly.
"Perhaps."
Lian Zhou was practically dying of craving, his eyes filled with envy.
"Second Miss Ye is so generous! She said she’d send some, and she really did! And so much of it!"
As he spoke, he snuck a peek at his master.
’If Master is happy, maybe he’ll reward me with some—’
"I heard that the winery for Yunlai Tavern was personally established and built by Miss Ye, and that she even set aside a few jars that she brewed herself."
Yun Cheng, who had just returned, chimed in at the perfect moment.
"Master, could it be that these five jars were made by Miss Ye’s own hands?"
Lian Zhou turned around in disbelief.
’You damn dog! Trying to one-up me in the flattery department!?’
Sure enough, out of the corner of his eye, he saw what looked like a faint smile tug at his master’s lips.
Not to be outdone, Lian Zhou said boldly, "Master, Second Miss Ye hasn’t left her home these past few days, yet she sent someone with wine the moment she learned of your return. It’s clear she’s very concer—concerned about you!"
Shen Yanchuan shot him a look that was not quite a smile.
His joy, of course, wasn’t just because of the wine, but because of the hidden meaning within it.
’That woman was born with an exceptionally sharp mind. She must have known that once I returned to the capital, I would learn she’d been embroiled in the trouble surrounding Mrs. Gao’s death. Sending this wine now is her way of saying she has her own way of handling things, and I needn’t worry. That’s right. She never lets herself fall into dangerous situations, nor does she ever do anything she isn’t confident about.’
"You may all withdraw. You’ve traveled day and night to return and should get a good rest. Also, if there’s anything you want, just go to the storeroom and take it."
Lian Zhou’s eyes lit up instantly—this was much more than a jar of wine!
’In Master’s storeroom, a single item is worth a fortune. I’ve hit the jackpot!’
"Yes! Thank you, Master!"
Yun Cheng glanced at him, shaking his head with a smile.
’What is he thinking? We won’t be getting a single drop of these five jars of wine!’
’In Master’s eyes, there’s probably no treasure that can compare to them.’
"This subordinate takes his leave."
...
Murong Ye sent over four maids, and every one of them looked clever and sharp.
Ye Shixian chose the oldest one, named Hongtao, to be her personal maid, and sent the other three back.
One look at Hongtao and it was obvious she had been trained in a great, noble household. Her every move carried an indescribable air of arrogance, unlike that of an ordinary maid.
Moreover, she was extremely methodical in managing affairs. She had only been there for three days, but she had already handled everything, from top to bottom.
Because everyone knew she had been sent by Murong Ye, they treated her with extra courtesy and respect. Soon, Hongtao became the person with the most authority in the residence, second only to Ye Shixian.
Even Shaoyao, who had been by Ye Shixian’s side for years and was highly favored, was overshadowed.
Coupled with the fact that Ye Shixian had also become much colder toward Shaoyao, everyone else saw which way the wind was blowing, and Shaoyao’s days became even more difficult.
This evening, Shaoyao carried a bowl of chicken soup that had been simmering for an hour to Ye Shixian’s door, hoping to help her recuperate. Unexpectedly, she heard people talking inside.
"Is Eldest Miss really planning to send her away?"
Shaoyao froze.
The speaker was none other than Hongtao, the very person she couldn’t get along with.
Then, Ye Shixian’s voice came from inside the room.
"She grew up with me, so our bond is naturally different from others. I had originally thought that when she was a little older, I would find a good marriage for her, which would be a worthy reward for her years of hard work. But..."
She sighed.
"Ever since the trouble at home, that girl’s temperament has become increasingly unruly. Not only is she not as attentive in her duties as she used to be, but she’s also become impossible to reprimand. I know my situation is not what it once was, but she has disappointed me too much. Compared to you, she is far too lacking. Rather than let this continue, it’s better to let her go soon."
It was as if a basin of ice-cold water had been poured over her head. A frigid chill swept through her entire body, and Shaoyao couldn’t stop herself from trembling.
Hongtao asked with a laugh, "In that case, shall this servant go and tell her for you?"