TMBIABHL: Chapter 52

 Glossary

·Shen Yanchuan (沈延川): The Marquis of Dingbei.

·Lian Zhou (连舟): Shen Yanchuan's attendant and guard.

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

·Ye Heng (叶恆): Ye Chutang's second uncle. Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

·Lady Gao (高氏): Ye Heng's wife.

·Xu Fengchi (徐凤池): The Left Vice Censor-in-Chief in the capital. A close friend of Ye Chutang's father.

·Ye Shixian (叶诗娴): Ye Heng's daughter.

·Xu Rongqing (徐容卿): Xu Fengchi's son. A childhood friend of the Ye siblings.

·Shaoyao (芍药): Ye Shixian's personal maid.

---

Chapter 52: A Gift

Lian Zhou tentatively asked, "Then regarding the price… should we give Physician Ye some… convenience?"

Shen Yanchuan, however, shook his head. "No need."

Lian Zhou was confused, unable to grasp his master's thoughts for a moment.

Ever since learning Physician Ye had also come to the capital, his master had been specifically paying attention to the situation over there.

He had never seen his master show such concern for any other woman.

Now Physician Ye wanted to acquire that shop, which would require a considerable sum of money. But where would she get that much?

She had three younger siblings to support. Even if that small clinic had made money, the amount saved up was likely far from enough.

Shen Yanchuan, however, didn't seem worried about this. He chuckled lightly. "If she couldn't even solve a small trouble like this, she wouldn't have chosen to return to the capital."

Lian Zhou was taken aback. "You mean her return this time is… well-prepared?"

More than that.

With her return this time, he feared the entire Ye household would not know peace.

"Just give her the normal market price. If she wants it, she'll manage to get it," Shen Yanchuan said.

That woman possessed a clever and intricate mind, extremely intelligent. Any small change would draw her attention and alertness.

So the best method was to remain unchanged to deal with the ever-changing situation.

Lian Zhou cupped his fists in acknowledgment. "Understood!"

...

The next day, a banquet was held at the Ye Residence.

The entire household had been busy since early morning. Maids and servants hurried back and forth, arranging and serving, practically without a moment's rest.

Ye Heng's official appointment document for Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review had been formally issued. He was now a genuine fourth-rank senior official.

Those invited naturally were his court colleagues and distinguished officials.

An ordinary fourth-rank official wouldn't usually have such fanfare. The reason the Ye family's banquet was so lively and grand was mainly because Ye Heng's position was rather special.

Though the rank wasn't exceptionally high, it held real, substantive power.

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Coupled with the fact that he was a social butterfly, very skilled at forging connections, many people would give him face and come to show their support.

Inside the study, Lady Gao looked displeased. "I told you your dear niece and nephews came back at just the right time! Not early, not late, precisely now! Now many people in the capital know they've returned alive. We have no choice but to let them attend this family banquet!"

Ye Heng adjusted his collar, somewhat impatient with her complaints.

"Let them attend then. They're just a few half-grown children. What can they do?"

Lady Gao snorted coldly. "Children? I've never seen such formidable children! That Ye Chutang seems polite on the surface, but she's actually not someone to be trifled with!"

She couldn't quite explain why she felt this way, but she was inexplicably annoyed by and wary of Ye Chutang.

They had only been here two days, and the household was already turned upside down because of her. Could an ordinary person do that?

"Then just don't provoke her, alright?" Ye Heng frowned. "Those younger ones aren't worth worrying about. As for her, she's already seventeen this year, of marriageable age. Later, we'll pick a marriage alliance for her and marry her off. Won't that solve it?"

Lady Gao's eyes lit up. "Right! Why didn't I think of that!?"

Once married, she would be like water thrown out, having little to do with the Ye Residence.

By then, no matter how capable she was, could she still reach her hand back here?

Ye Heng had clearly had this plan for a while. "Many people are attending the banquet today. This is a convenient opportunity."

"Wouldn't that be letting her off too easily?" Lady Gao pouted. "Today's guests are all people of status. She's an orphan girl with no parents. How could she marry into such a family?"

Ye Heng glanced at her. "She is my, Ye Heng's, niece. If she really married some poor, wretched fellow, that would actually shame me! Besides, what's so great about high-ranking families? Not every match is suitable."

Lady Gao instantly understood his meaning and felt moved.

Yes!

Good marriages were hard to come by in this world. How many women wasted their whole lives worn down in the inner chambers?

The image of that gentle, refined face surfaced in her mind. Lady Gao's heart tightened, that intangible sense of threat surging again.

—This jinx must be sent away quickly!

...

Distinguished guests arrived one after another. The entire Ye Residence was a scene of bustling activity.

Ye Heng exchanged pleasantries with each arriving guest, inviting them to take their seats.

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Suddenly, a servant's announcement came:

"Lord Xu has arrived!"

Ye Heng's heart jumped. He quickly looked up and saw it was indeed Xu Fengchi.

Several people nearby also immediately looked toward the door upon hearing this, expressions surprised.

"Lord Xu?The one from the Censorate?"

"He dislikes these kinds of occasions the most,doesn't he? Why did he come this time?"

"Have you forgotten?He was very close with Ye Zheng! Ye Heng is Ye Zheng's own younger brother. Naturally, he'd give him face!"

As everyone whispered, Ye Heng had already swiftly adjusted his expression and stepped forward with a smile.

"Lord Xu!"

He was also quite surprised Xu Fengchi had come personally, but upon second thought, he understood—it was probably because of Ye Chutang and the others.

Xu Fengchi had been close with Ye Zheng, but he wasn't very familiar with Ye Heng. Although both served in court and were in the capital, they had almost no private interactions.

But since he had come, of course, he had to be welcomed with a smiling face.

Xu Fengchi politely cupped his hands. "Lord Ye."

...

"He's here?"

Ye Shixian, who was doing her makeup, paused her movements.

Shaoyao said excitedly, "Not just that! Not only did Lord Xu come, Young Master Xu came too!"

Xu Fengchi had only one son, Xu Rongqing.

Ye Shixian was truly astonished now.

Xu Rongqing had been famous since youth, handsome and exceptionally talented. He was the secret object of longing for many young women in the capital and a highly favored potential son-in-law for many prominent families.

Shaoyao said smugly, "Young Master Xu must have come for you, Miss!"

Ye Shixian, however, didn't think so.

She had met Xu Rongqing a few times. He wasn't the type who liked to join crowded, lively events. His appearance tonight…

"Could it be…for Ye Chutang?"

(read @cherrybombbertranslations.blogspot)

Shaoyao pouted disdainfully. "How could that be? So many outstanding noble ladies in the capital are interested in Young Master Xu. Why would he care about an orphan girl?"

Ye Shixian hesitated to speak.

Ye Chutang indeed had nothing impressive to offer now, but with that face of hers…

She changed to a jade hairpin and said, "By the way, take that bowl of Sichuan fritillary bulb and snow pear soup to Cousin."

...

Ye Chutang stirred the spoon. The clear, sweet aroma was very strong.

She raised an eyebrow.

"She's really gone to the trouble, specially sending over such a fine gift."

(End of Chapter)

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