Chapter 361: Time Is Up
Ye Shixian’s mind raced, frantically trying to think of where Shaoyao could have gone.
Suddenly, her heart skipped a beat.
"The Ye Family!"
Hongtao froze. "What did you say?"
But the more Ye Shixian thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.
"Quick! To the Ye Family, now!"
This "Ye Family," of course, referred to the Ye Mansion on Liuwan Lane.
Hongtao didn’t understand, but seeing Ye Shixian’s reaction, she realized something. "You mean, she might have gone there? But..."
’How is that possible?’
Everyone knew the Ye Family had split. Ye Shixian and Ye Chutang had a complete falling out long ago. Though related by blood, they were worse than strangers.
The death of Mrs. Gao, in particular, had solidified their animosity. It was no exaggeration to say they saw each other as enemies.
Shaoyao was Ye Shixian’s personal maid. Even if she were to run away, she wouldn’t run to Ye Chutang.
Seeing her standing motionless, Ye Shixian shot her a vicious glare. "What are you standing around for! Get the carriage ready!"
Hongtao flinched and took half a step back. But seeing how agitated Ye Shixian was, she had no choice but to swallow her disgust and reply in a low voice.
"Yes, I’ll see to it at once."
As Hongtao hurried out, she sneered inwardly.
’This Ye Shixian still thinks she’s some high and mighty young lady, ordering people around like that!’
’She’s just some woman the Young Master is keeping on the side out of a fleeting fancy. She doesn’t even count as a concubine, yet she dares to act like she’s the master!’
’The Young Master probably has no idea that this Ye Shixian, who seems so gentle and agreeable on the surface, is nothing but a shrew underneath.’
’Once the Young Master gets tired of her, let’s see if she still dares to put on such airs when she has no father or brother and is completely dependent on others!’
...
Ye Shixian didn’t dare to delay, heading to the Ye Mansion at top speed.
Her heart was in her throat the entire way. By the time she finally saw the familiar entrance to Liuwan Lane, she realized her back was soaked with sweat.
She stepped out of the carriage, and an autumn breeze swept over her, sending an instantaneous chill through her body that made her shiver.
The main gates of the Ye Mansion were shut tight, presenting a cold and desolate scene.
This was understandable, though. Rumors had been rampant for days, with many people convinced that Ye Chutang had killed Mrs. Gao. If not for the two powerful backers she had, people would have likely already shown up at her door to curse her and cause a scene.
Ye Shixian took a deep breath, trying her best to appear calm, and gestured to Hongtao with her chin.
"Go knock."
Hongtao was very reluctant, but she didn’t say anything. She did as she was told, stepping forward to rap the door knocker.
After a moment, the gate opened a crack, and a servant peeked his head out.
Seeing an unfamiliar face, he paused. "Who are you looking for—"
Before he could finish, he saw Ye Shixian standing behind her, and his expression stiffened.
Ye Shixian, however, acted as if she hadn’t noticed his reaction and said directly, "I’m here to see Ye Chutang."
...
"She’s here?"
Ye Chutang was inside, sorting and putting away dried medicinal herbs. Xiao Wu sat beside her, grunting with effort as she turned a medicine grinder.
It was a miniature version Ye Chutang had specially commissioned for her. Gripping the handles on either side of the roller with her two chubby hands, she worked with surprising speed.
"Just tell her I’m busy and don’t have time to see her. Send her away."
The servant replied, "Yes."
’Given how bad things are between the two families, it’s normal for her not to see her.’
But when he relayed the message to Ye Shixian, he was met with an extremely strong reaction.
"You go tell her! If she doesn’t see me today, I’ll wait right here!"
The servant was berated, but Ye Shixian looked dead set on it, so he had no choice but to helplessly report back to Ye Chutang.
Ye Chutang walked over to Xiao Wu, leaned down to look inside the grinder, and a smile touched her eyes.
"Even pressure, not bad. It’ll be perfect once the powder is just a little finer."
Xiao Wu looked up, a huge smile blooming on her little flushed face.
’Okay!’
The servant was in a difficult position and could only try to persuade her. "Second Miss, perhaps you should just see her? If she keeps waiting out there and people see her, there’s no telling what new stories they’ll make up about you..."
Only then did Ye Chutang look up and say with a wry smile, "Are you suggesting that if I let her in, my reputation will suddenly be restored?"
The servant was speechless.
’The Second Miss has a point. Because of the matter with Mrs. Gao, she’s been getting cursed out by everyone lately.’
’What difference would today’s little scene make?’
So, the servant obediently went back outside, his attitude toward Ye Shixian much firmer this time.
"Our Second Miss said she’s busy, and that means she’s busy! If you want to wait, you might as well build a shelter here!"
Ye Shixian was seething.
Seeing her pale face, Hongtao stepped forward to support her.
By now, people were beginning to notice the commotion. Some who were eager for a spectacle even started to inch closer.
Even though they were only watching from a distance, their gossipy, excited gazes felt like needles on her back.
Hongtao had never felt so humiliated. She couldn’t help but whisper, "Miss, why don’t we go back first? Maybe they’ve already found her?"
But Ye Shixian’s feet seemed nailed to the ground; she refused to budge an inch.
"Her refusing to see me proves something is wrong!"
’That wretched servant Shaoyao is probably hiding in here right now!’
’If she runs her mouth and says something she shouldn’t...’
Hongtao truly couldn’t understand why Ye Shixian was being so stubborn or why she was so certain Shaoyao was here. But she couldn’t just drag Ye Shixian away by force, so in the end, she could only wait with her, face burning with shame.
But in truth, Ye Shixian didn’t wait long. She knew very well that for every moment she failed to find Shaoyao, her own situation grew more perilous.
"Ye Chutang!"
Ye Shixian raised her voice.
"I’ve come today to demand an explanation about my mother! If you don’t dare open the gate, it means you have a guilty conscience!"
The commotion was loud enough for even Ye Chutang to hear it from inside the house.
She found it rather amusing.
’An explanation?’
’Didn’t she already drag my name through the mud? And now she’s back for more?’
"What a filial daughter," Ye Chutang tutted softly.
Xiao Wu stopped what she was doing, looked up at her, and pointed proudly at the medicine grinder.
’Look, Sister! I’m all done grinding!’
Ye Chutang reached out, rubbed a little of the powder between her fingers, and smiled. "Excellent."
Beaming at the praise, Xiao Wu grew even more pleased with herself. She emptied the contents of the grinder into a vial, then picked up two more herbs from the side, ready to keep going.
"Let’s not worry about that for now."
Ye Chutang stopped her.
Xiao Wu blinked, a little confused.
Ye Chutang gently tapped her cute little nose.
"As a reward, Sister is going to take you to see a good show."
Xiao Wu, naturally, had no objections.
Ye Chutang took her to wash her hands, then carefully dried them with a handkerchief.
The servant returned again.
"Second Miss, that Ye Shixian is going too far! Look at this—"
Ye Chutang glanced out the window. It was evening now. The setting sun spread vast swathes of orange and red across the horizon, like a blazing fire.
She suddenly asked, "At this hour, the people at the government office should be getting off work, right?"