The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 98: Chapter 98: Borrowing from Shen Yanchuan

Xu Fengchi was taken aback.

If anyone else had said such a thing, he would have dismissed it as fanciful daydreaming. But coming from Ye Chutang, he had the strangest feeling—that she could actually do it.

Just as he had repeatedly warned them not to return to the Capital City, lest they fall into an even more perilous trap, she had brought Yan, A Feng, and Xiao Wu back anyway.

The anticipated crisis never materialized. Instead, it was Ye Heng’s branch of the family that faced one problem after another.

Ever since the day Ye Chutang had taken the initiative to seek him out, he had never looked down on the young woman. But now, he realized he had still severely underestimated her.

Xu Fengchi said with great earnestness, ”If you need help with anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Ye Chutang’s eyes curved into a smile. ”Then I thank you in advance, Uncle Xu.”

Seeing the radiant smile on her lips and the bright, clever light in her eyes, Xu Fengchi felt his own heart lighten.

However, when another matter came to mind, Xu Fengchi’s brow furrowed once more.

”Oh, right. That residence on Liuwan Lane... have you heard anything from Ye Heng’s family? When on earth do they plan on moving out?”

That was Ye Zheng’s house, not his.

Back then, everyone assumed Ye Chutang and her siblings had all died. That gave Ye Heng the opportunity to quietly seize the house for himself.

But now that Ye Chutang and her siblings were back, what excuse could Ye Heng possibly have to keep squatting in their home?

Ye Chutang took a sip of tea and shook her head.

Xu Fengchi had expected as much, and his frown deepened.

”What is he playing at? Maybe I should go have a word with him!”

Ye Chutang, however, had no intention of letting Xu Fengchi intervene.

”This is, after all, a Ye Family affair. It wouldn’t be right to drag you into it.”

”But—are you just going to let them keep freeloading in your home indefinitely?”

A faint smile touched Ye Chutang’s lips.

”In a few more days, it will be Yan’s fourteenth birthday.”

Xu Fengchi froze, a sudden realization dawning on him. ”You mean...”

Ye Chutang said gently, ”Fourteen is the age when he’s old enough to manage his own estate and be the head of his household.”

...

The meal at the Xu family’s home was far more relaxed.

”Chutang, I remember you used to love sweet pea pudding. Try some of this?” Xu Rongqing said with a smile.

Ye Chutang blinked. ”Thank you.”

’In the original owner’s memories, she had indeed loved this, but the current her found it too sweet and rarely ate it. Still, it was a kind gesture.’

She took a piece for herself. It was soft and sweet, with a rich flavor.

”It’s hard to find such authentic sweet pea pudding in Jiangling.” Ye Chutang glanced to the side at Xiao Wu, who was eating with relish. ’How does her tiny stomach fit so much food?’ ”Xiao Wu loves it too.”

Xu Rongqing seemed to sigh in relief, his expression relaxing. ”I’m glad you like it. Actually, there’s a pastry shop on the west side of the city that’s been open for years. They’re masters at making this. If you—if you all like it, I can go buy more later.”

Xu Fengchi glanced at him.

Ye Chutang naturally refused politely. ”That would be too much trouble.”

Xu Rongqing seemed to realize he was being too forward. He cleared his throat. ”W-well, you could go buy some yourselves, but the shop is a bit hard to find. Why don’t I take you there later? It’s a good chance for you to look around, since you haven’t been back in the Capital City for so long.”

Compared to her and her siblings, Xu Rongqing was indeed quite familiar with the Capital City.

Just as Ye Chutang was about to speak, a sudden gust of wind blew open the window.

She glanced outside and saw the leaves in the courtyard rustling, the branches swaying in the wind.

The air carried a faint dampness, humid and oppressive.

”I’m afraid today isn’t a good day,” Ye Chutang said. ”It looks like it’s going to rain.”

A vast swath of inky-black had already stained the horizon, looking heavy and foreboding.

Ye Chutang stood up. ”This doesn’t look like it’ll be a small shower. Perhaps we should head back now.”

The Capital City’s summers were rainy, and sometimes a downpour would last for several days.

Xu Fengchi quickly ordered someone to prepare the carriage.

By the time Ye Chutang and the others reached the carriage, light raindrops were already falling.

She raised a hand to cover Xiao Wu’s head when she suddenly heard hurried footsteps behind her.

”Chutang!”

Xu Rongqing came hurrying over and handed her an oiled-paper umbrella.

”Take this with you, in case the rain gets heavier.”

A cool raindrop landed on her forehead, carrying a chill.

Ye Chutang took the umbrella and smiled at him. ”You’re too thoughtful. I’ll return the umbrella another day.”

The tips of Xu Rongqing’s ears turned slightly red. ”No need to be so polite. It’s just an umbrella. You can keep it!”

Ye Chutang opened the umbrella, holding it over Xiao Wu’s head.

Ye Yunfeng swiftly lifted the Little Milk Group onto the carriage, and Ye Jingyan came over to take the umbrella.

”You should get in first, Sister.”

Ye Chutang nodded, gathered her skirts, and got into the carriage as well.

Xu Rongqing watched them leave, only looking away after the carriage had turned a corner and disappeared from sight.

”Rong Qing.”

Xu Fengchi suddenly called out to him.

Xu Rongqing looked back. ”Father, what is it?”

Xu Fengchi began hesitantly, ”Are you...”

He stopped mid-sentence.

”Never mind. It’s nothing.”

’Chutang has only just returned to the Capital City. She has too many things to investigate and resolve. As for other matters... it would be better to find a more suitable time to ask her about it later.’

...

The downpour came on suddenly. Before long, puddles had already formed on the road.

Raindrops fell, sending out rings of ripples.

Ye Yunfeng looked back and asked, ”Sister, don’t you have to go to the Long Princess Mansion today?”

Ye Chutang hummed in agreement, using a handkerchief to wipe a few drops of rain from Xiao Wu’s face.

”The Eldest Princess is recovering well. I don’t need to go every day anymore. With a bit more time to recuperate, she’ll be almost fully recovered.”

A sudden gust of wind blew the carriage curtain open, and Ye Jingyan immediately went to pull it shut.

Rain hammered against the carriage, RATTLING loudly.

Xiao Wu flinched involuntarily, her small hand clutching tightly to Ye Chutang. A hint of panic and fear appeared in the depths of her clear, dark eyes, and her little face turned pale.

Ye Chutang pulled her into an embrace and gently patted her back.

”We’ll be home soon.”

Ye Chutang coaxed in a low voice.

Xiao Wu buried her head in her embrace, her small body still trembling.

Ye Yunfeng’s heart ached for her. He yanked hard on the reins. ”Giddy-up!”

Ever since the accident three years ago, Xiao Wu had been terrified of carriage rides. Their leisurely journey back to the capital had helped her condition improve significantly, but now, with the fierce wind and driving rain beating against the carriage, her fear had returned.

Ye Chutang’s gaze fell on the path ahead. A thought suddenly occurred to her, and she gently rubbed Xiao Wu’s head.

”Xiao Wu, you solved half of that interlocking lock last time. Do you want to solve the rest?”

Xiao Wu gradually calmed down. After a good while, she finally poked her head out of Ye Chutang’s embrace. The fear in her eyes had not completely faded, but it was now mixed with a hint of confusion and curiosity.

Interlocking lock... interlocking lock...

Ye Chutang gently pinched her cheek.

”Didn’t he say that if you solve it, it’s all yours?”

Xiao Wu furrowed her little brow.

’But... but the carriage belongs to the Princely Heir. It doesn’t seem very convenient.’

Ye Chutang fell into thought.

’Hmm... Maybe I should borrow it from Shen Yanchuan?’