TMBIABHL: Chapter 40

 Glossary

·Shen Yanchuan (沈延川): The Marquis of Dingbei. Currently recuperating at the Ye Clinic.

·Xie Anbai (谢安白): Shen Yanchuan's friend from the capital.

·Ye Chutang (叶初棠): Female protagonist. Heir to an ancient medical family. Runs the Ye Clinic.

·Little Five / Xiao Wu (小五): The youngest Ye sister.

·Auntie Yang (杨婶子): Neighbor of the Ye family.

·Ye Jingyan (叶璟言): Third Brother. Also called A-Yan.

·Ye Yunfeng (叶云风): Fourth Brother. Also called A-Feng.

---

Chapter 40: Don't Be Afraid, Go Home With Your Big Sister

Xie Anbai was a notorious troublemaker in the capital. He didn't do a single serious thing, excelling instead in the pursuits of eating, drinking, and making merry.

He was well-connected, with a wide network, and his information was always up-to-date.

Since these words came from his mouth, it naturally made one think twice.

"You know her?" Shen Yanchuan raised an eyebrow.

Xie Anbai stroked his chin, thinking hard for a good while, then frowned and shook his head. "No. If I had seen someone with looks like that, I'd definitely remember."

The first time he saw Ye Chutang was at night. It was dark, and there was some distance, so he couldn't see clearly. At the time, he just thought she was a rare beauty. Looking now, he realized her posture as she stood by the door, smiling faintly, felt inexplicably familiar, as if he'd seen it somewhere before.

But Xie Anbai racked his brain and couldn't figure out where this strange sense of familiarity came from.

"Probably just seeing things!" Xie Anbai simply gave up. "Maybe I caught a glimpse of her from afar in the capital, who knows? The capital's so big; it's normal not to see many people a second time. Besides, didn't they come to Jiangling three years ago? They might have already left the capital even earlier than that."

A thoughtful shadow passed through Shen Yanchuan's phoenix eyes. "Is that so."

Xie Anbai had spent more time in the capital than he had and knew it better. If even he said so, then it really would be difficult to investigate.

He pondered for a moment, then asked, "By the way, I heard things haven't been very peaceful in the capital lately?"

The question was phrased tactfully.

Xie Anbai snorted a laugh. "That's an understatement! It's practically turned upside down! The recent Tongzhou Levee Embezzlement Case implicated a whole swathe of people, leaving many positions vacant. Especially the opening for the Left Vice Minister of Personnel—several factions are eyeing it, fighting tooth and nail!"

If not for wanting to avoid this trouble, he wouldn't have left so readily.

"That matter still isn't settled, but another thing is definitely confirmed—Xu Fengchi has earned merit this time and is about to be promoted."

Xie Anbai couldn't help clicking his tongue.

"Another promotion, and he'll be the Left Vice Censor-in-Chief, a rank 3a official. To reach such a position at his age is not something an ordinary man can achieve."

Shen Yanchuan picked up a Go stone, stared at the board for a moment, and slowly placed it down.

This was expected. He wasn't surprised.

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

"Indeed," he nodded lightly. "Without a powerful family background or external help, to compete for this position is truly remarkable."

Xie Anbai looked at him with some surprise. "How rare. You actually praised someone voluntarily? I remember you're not very familiar with this man. Why the sudden interest in these matters now?"

A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Shen Yanchuan's thin lips.

"Since I've decided to return, I should learn more and be prepared."

...

The case of the Cao father and son was quickly adjudicated. Both were sentenced to beheading.

Additionally, Liu Liyi had used Yang Zhen's name to do many unsavory things over the years. She was stripped of her status and reduced to a "base status" (meaning: removed from the household registry and made a commoner or servant), then exiled to the Western Frontier.

Anyone knew what that meant. A woman with some looks would almost certainly not survive.

Yang Zhen was also implicated. He was stripped of his official post and detained for investigation.

In short, overnight, all his former dreams had vanished into thin air.

For several days in a row, the streets and alleys of Jiangling buzzed with heated discussion of these events.

...

On a clear, sunny morning, a carriage left from outside the Ye Clinic and exited the city through the west gate.

The first to notice this anomaly was Auntie Yang.

"Huh? Physician Ye, what about the gentleman at your place?"

Auntie Yang peered into the courtyard a few times before asking.

Ye Chutang naturally knew who she meant. "Young Master Shen's injuries have healed. He's already left."

"Ah? He left just like that?" Auntie Yang's face showed a touch of regret.

Although that Young Master Shen's health wasn't great, his face was truly unparalleled. Even just looking at him every day would have been nice!

"I was thinking I'd try to play matchmaker for you again! Little Five seemed quite fond of him, didn't she? If you really don't want to marry, having him as a companion wouldn't be a bad idea either!"

Auntie Yang looked utterly forlorn. "But why did he leave so quickly? What a shame!"

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Ye Chutang: "……"

She truly hadn't expected Auntie Yang to still be hung up on this after all this time.

"Please don't worry about me. I'll be leaving tomorrow with A-Yan, A-Feng, and Little Five," Ye Chutang said, bringing over some medicine she had prepared in advance. "These are some medicines I prepared using my family's recipes. If you have any minor aches or colds, you can use them."

Auntie Yang's eyes widened in disbelief. "What? You're leaving too!?"

"Yes," Ye Chutang smiled. "We recently happened to get in touch with some distant relatives."

Auntie Yang understood immediately. She was both excited and saddened, her eyes involuntarily turning red.

Her lips moved a few times as if she had much to say, but in the end, she just patted Ye Chutang's hand.

"Good! That's good! Having someone to look after you means you won't have to work so hard anymore, right?"

She genuinely cared for Ye Chutang. So now, hearing they were leaving, though she felt reluctant, her predominant emotion was happiness for them.

"Then, then wait a moment! I'll go get you some food and supplies for the road—"

She was about to get up but was stopped by Ye Chutang. "Please don't trouble yourself. A-Feng and the others have already packed everything. We'll leave first thing tomorrow morning. I just came to say goodbye today."

The corners of Ye Chutang's lips curved up, her gaze sincere. "These past few years, thank you for your care and help."

Something swelled in Auntie Yang's chest. Words reached her lips but couldn't come out. In the end, she only choked out, "What is there to thank! I should be thanking you! This courtyard will remain. If things don't go well over there, come back anytime with Little Five and the others!"

Ye Chutang's eyes curved into crescents.

"Okay."

...

The next day, as the first hint of dawn tinged the horizon, Ye Chutang rose.

She lifted the half-asleep Little Five from the bed. Still drowsy, Little Five stretched out her little arms, wrapped them around Ye Chutang's neck, and nuzzled into her embrace.

A carriage waited outside the door. Ye Jingyan stood to the side, while Ye Yunfeng was in front, responsible for driving.

They weren't bringing much. The day before, under Ye Chutang's instructions, all the books had been burned. They only packed some changes of clothes, gold, silver, and valuables—traveling light.

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Ye Chutang carried Little Five to the carriage. Ye Jingyan helped lift the curtain.

However, the moment Ye Chutang stepped one foot onto the carriage, Little Five in her arms suddenly moved. Her small hands involuntarily tightened around Ye Chutang. She closed her eyes tightly, burying her face deep in Ye Chutang's embrace.

Her tiny body trembled with the faintest tremor.

Ye Chutuan's eyelids lowered slightly. She held the little milk bun even tighter, patting her gently.

"Don't be afraid, Little Five."

She said softly,

"Go home with your big sister."

(End of Chapter)

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