The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 104: Chapter 104: Do You Like It?

The surroundings fell deathly silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Many people looked on in astonishment, completely bewildered.

’The Heir of Duke Dingbei’s attitude toward this little tyke...?’

Xiao Wu was also a little surprised and subconsciously turned her head to look at Ye Chutang.

’Big Sis, the interlocking lock is right inside!’

Ye Chutang considered this for a moment, then curtsied. ”Thank you for your kind offer, Princely Heir, but Xiao Wu is young and can be mischievous. We would rather not trouble you.”

Beside her, Ye Shixian quickly added, ”Yes, it would be against etiquette—”

”She’s just a child. There’s no need for such formalities.” Shen Yanchuan’s gaze lingered for a moment on Ye Chutang’s fair, jade-like face, as fleeting as a passing breeze. ”Besides, it is precisely because she is young that we must be more mindful of her health.”

The color drained from Ye Shixian’s face, her expression shifting between red and white—a truly spectacular sight.

Shen Yanchuan’s gaze shifted slightly. Xie Anbai immediately shot up as if pricked by a needle. ”Right, right! Xiao Wu’s health is what’s important! Xiao Wu! Come on over!”

The crowd was even more stunned.

’What in the world is going on? Even *he* knows that little kid? And they seem to know each other pretty well, too?’

Xiao Wu looked at Xie Anbai. The image of a glittering golden whistle popped into her head, and a shy smile appeared on her small face.

Xie Anbai’s heart melted.

Compared to Xie Yulin, who was always stirring up trouble and tearing the house down, this little girl was a divine angel!

Not only was she as adorable as a jade doll, she was also well-behaved and obedient!

The bit of lingering resentment he’d felt for being heartlessly kicked out of the carriage by his brother vanished in a puff of smoke. Xie Anbai walked over and couldn’t resist patting Xiao Wu’s head.

”You still remember me, don’t you?”

Xiao Wu nodded obediently.

’That golden whistle was so big and beautiful!’

Xie Anbai was completely satisfied. ”I came in a hurry this time. Next time we meet, I’ll give you some more fun toys!”

Watching this scene, Ye Heng started to stammer.

”S-Second Young Master Xie, y-you know Xiao Wu?”

Xie Anbai shot him a glance, feeling utter disdain.

’He’s climbed this high, yet he’s completely unobservant?’

”I do. Xiao Wu is adorable. Who wouldn’t like her?”

Xie Anbai looked at Xie Yulin. ”Hurry up and apologize to them.”

Xie Yulin’s face was tight as he refused to speak.

’I don’t think I did anything wrong. Why should I have to apologize? Besides, who do they think they are? Are they even worthy of my apology?’

Xie Anbai’s expression turned colder. ”I said, apologize.”

Xie Yulin resentfully turned his head away, but he suddenly caught sight of Shen Yanchuan sitting inside the carriage.

None of this seemed to have anything to do with him. He just sat there quietly, cold and detached.

But for some reason, when those deep, indifferent phoenix eyes looked his way, Xie Yulin couldn’t help but shudder.

He was a notorious little demon king who didn’t even fear his own grandfather, but whenever he saw Shen Yanchuan, he always felt an indescribable...

”S-Sorry!”

Xie Yulin forced the word out through gritted teeth.

Ye Chutang carried Xiao Wu to the front of the carriage.

”Thank you, Princely Heir.”

A slight curve touched Shen Yanchuan’s lips. ”You’re too kind, Doctor Ye.”

...

”Big Sis, are we really just going to hand Xiao Wu over to him?”

Watching the carriage gradually pull away, Ye Jingyan still felt a little uneasy and asked in a low voice.

Ye Chutang hummed in affirmation and glanced up.

”It’s been raining for days, but it finally cleared up today. It’s going to get hot soon. It would be exhausting to walk all the way to the polo field from here.”

With Xiao Wu’s little legs, it’s better for her to ride in a carriage.

Ye Jingyan: ”...”

Ye Yunfeng: ”...”

’So... she just wanted to hitch a ride...’

Ordinary people aren’t allowed to bring carriages in, but who was the Heir of Duke Dingbei?

Besides, everyone knew he had been recuperating from his injuries since returning to the capital. His Majesty had granted him special permission. Who else could compare to such treatment?

Ye Yunfeng, however, saw the logic in it. ”That’s true. Others wish for such an opportunity but never get it! The Princely Heir is really good to Xiao Wu!”

Ye Jingyan silently glanced at him.

Ye Yunfeng was completely oblivious. ”And last time, the bow he gave me and our third brother was top-grade! If it weren’t for him, who knows how that monthly exam would have ended!”

Ye Jingyan finally couldn’t hold back anymore and said tactfully, ”Favors have to be repaid. He—”

”Exactly!” Ye Yunfeng rubbed his chin. ”Big Sis saved his life, so it’s only right that he does his best to help us!”

”...”

Ye Jingyan took a deep breath and gave up trying to communicate with him.

Ye Chutang tilted her head slightly, giving Ye Jingyan a faint, reassuring smile.

”Don’t worry. Don’t forget, this is the Imperial Palace.”

Ye Jingyan was stunned for a moment, then immediately understood. His anxious heart finally settled.

Right! Things were different now. This was the Imperial Palace, not some desolate wilderness of ice and snow with no one to call for help.

The Heir of Duke Dingbei had a noble status. With him, Xiao Wu was, ironically, in the safest place she could be.

Ye Jingyan let out a soft breath, his features relaxing. ”You’re right, Big Sis.”

Ye Chutang continued walking forward.

’Yan is sensitive and cautious by nature. His guard is even higher after what happened three years ago, so it’s only natural for him to worry.’

However, while Shen Yanchuan was inscrutable and shrouded in secrets, she had come to understand him somewhat after their several encounters.

He was genuinely good to Xiao Wu; otherwise, she wouldn’t be so close to him.

’I wonder if Xiao Wu will be able to solve that interlocking lock this time?’

...

Xiao Wu sat in the carriage, earnestly fiddling with the interlocking lock.

’The Princely Heir said I would see Big Sis again when we get to the polo field.’

’I have to hurry!’

Suddenly, a gust of wind blew in, lifting the curtain.

”COUGH, COUGH-COUGH—”

Shen Yanchuan pressed a fist to his lips and let out a few low coughs.

Xiao Wu looked up in surprise, her big, dark eyes wide and round.

’Oh, is the Young Master sick?’

...

The polo field was built within the Imperial Palace grounds and covered a vast area.

From a distance, Ye Chutang could already see its upturned eaves.

”That must be the polo field over there!” Ye Yunfeng said with some excitement.

’I hear the polo tournament is fiercely competitive every year, with many highly skilled soldiers and generals participating. I’m really looking forward to watching.’

Ye Shixian suddenly glanced back, a flash of jealousy in her eyes.

’Just because she treated the Princely Heir once, does she think they’re close now?’

’Even that little brat Xiao Wu got to ride in his carriage...’

”Uncle Ye?”

A familiar, flippant voice called out.

Ye Shixian’s displeasure instantly dissipated. Seeing who it was, the corners of her lips curved into a slight smile.

The newcomer was none other than Han Yao.

Ye Heng chuckled. ”You came too? Are you here by yourself?”

Han Yao clasped his fist in salute, unable to hide the arrogance in his eyes.

”My father is busy with the palace banquet today, so he didn’t come with me.”

Ye Heng’s expression cleared. ”Oh, that’s right. He and Mr. Zhao have been quite busy lately.”

Han Yao straightened up and spotted Ye Chutang at once, a heat stirring in his heart.

’It’s only been a few days, but she seems even more stunning. How could a man’s heart not be moved?’

He took a step forward.

”Second Miss Ye, I’ve finally found you. Did you like the gift I sent last time?”