The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 106: Chapter 106: She and Him, Acquainted?

Zhuxin smiled. ”With the Princely Heir’s birthright and looks, countless young ladies from noble families would jump at the chance to marry into the Dingbei Marquis Mansion. But he’s had a mind of his own since he was a child. It’s best he finds someone he truly fancies.”

The Eldest Princess hmphed. ”He’s not in any hurry at all!”

Zhuxin supported her as they continued forward.

In truth, the Eldest Princess’s nagging was just for show. When it came to her only grandson, she couldn’t help but dote on him the most.

Shen Yanchuan had put it off for so long that he didn’t even have a personal maid, yet the Eldest Princess had never taken it upon herself to force one on him.

”The Young Master Heir knows what he’s doing. You don’t need to worry so much.”

Someone noticed the activity over here.

”The Eldest Princess is here!”

The crowd bowed in unison. ”Greetings, Eldest Princess.”

The Eldest Princess raised a hand and smiled. ”Today is the polo match. It’s best when it’s lively, so there’s no need for formalities.”

A while back, word got out that the Eldest Princess had suffered a sudden illness and collapsed on the spot, causing the Chao Hua Banquet to end abruptly halfway through.

Many people were quite concerned about her condition.

This was her first public appearance since the rumors, so everyone was naturally curious, cautiously sizing her up.

Some people lowered their voices, whispering amongst themselves.

”Didn’t they say the Eldest Princess had a stroke? But she looks perfectly fine.”

”Yes! I heard it took the Imperial Physician a long time to arrive, but this...”

”Wasn’t it that Ye Chutang who first treated the Eldest Princess? Are her medical skills really that good?”

Although many people had heard about the incident, they were still secretly astonished to see the Eldest Princess appear safe and sound.

Ye Chutang turned and curtsied as well.

The Eldest Princess’s gaze fell on Xiao Wu, her eyes filled with unconcealed affection. ”You brought Xiao Wu along today?”

The corners of Ye Chutang’s lips curved. ”Yes. She’s at that playful age, so I brought her to watch.”

”Children love to play, so let them,” the Eldest Princess said, her tone clearly showing her bias.

Ye Chutang had taken Xiao Wu to the Long Princess Mansion a few times recently. Because she was as precious and cute as a porcelain doll, in addition to being well-behaved and sensible, everyone in the mansion, from top to bottom, adored this Little Milk Group.

This was especially true for the Eldest Princess.

Xiao Wu naturally sensed this. She blinked and flashed the Eldest Princess a sweet, brilliant smile.

If she weren’t still recovering, the Eldest Princess would have scooped the little girl right into her arms.

This was the scene that greeted Ye Shixian as she approached with Ye Heng.

”Why is the Eldest Princess here?” she couldn’t help but mutter in astonishment.

The Eldest Princess had fainted that day, and the situation had looked dire. She had remained in seclusion this whole time, so Ye Shixian had assumed the Eldest Princess would certainly not venture out to watch the polo match today.

But who would have thought—

After a moment of stunned silence, Ye Heng’s eyes darted about before he quickly stepped forward and bowed eagerly. ”This humble official, Ye Heng, greets the Eldest Princess!”

Just as the Eldest Princess was about to ask Xiao Wu what she had been eating lately, she was interrupted. Her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.

She glanced to the side, looking him over. ”Lord Ye?”

Ye Heng was instantly overcome with surprise and delight. He had never imagined the Eldest Princess would actually recognize him.

”The very same, Your Highness! Eldest Princess—”

”Chutang has mentioned you,” the Eldest Princess said with a faint smile. ”She said that after she and her siblings returned to the capital, you have been living together and taking meticulous care of them.”

The smile on Ye Heng’s face instantly froze, and he looked extremely awkward.

He had thought the Eldest Princess recognized him because of his recent promotion. Who knew it was actually because of Ye Chutang...

Ye Heng said sheepishly, ”Chutang and her siblings are very sensible. Besides, as their second uncle, it’s only what I should do.”

The Eldest Princess didn’t seem to care much for his answer. She quickly averted her gaze, and when she looked back at Ye Chutang, the smile in her eyes had deepened considerably.

”The polo match is about to begin. Would you like to join me at the front? The view is much clearer from there. Xiao Wu would certainly love it.”

The moment she spoke, a hush fell over the area.

Ye Shixian’s head snapped up, her face a mask of utter astonishment.

’The Eldest Princess actually invited them—Ye Chutang and her little group—to sit with her!?’

’In the past, only people like Princess Qingyang had that privilege!’

’Ye Chutang... what gives her the right!?’

Hearing this, Ye Chutang also froze for a moment, apparently surprised that the Eldest Princess would make such an offer.

She curtsied, her lashes lowered slightly. Her serene and lovely face remained calm and composed, showing neither servility nor arrogance.

”Thank you for your kindness, Eldest Princess, but it is already a great honor to be able to enter the palace and watch the polo match. I dare not ask for more.”

Ye Shixian secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

’At least Ye Chutang knows her place. She—’

”I invited you to this polo match, so of course I saved a good seat for you,” the Eldest Princess said with a smile before turning to instruct Lan Yi. ”The match will be quite long. Have the Imperial Kitchen prepare some snacks for the little one and send them over. And a bowl of white fungus and lotus seed soup to help her cool down.”

”Yes.”

The Eldest Princess’s intentions could not have been clearer.

This time, Ye Chutang did not refuse. She spoke in a gentle voice.

”Thank you, Eldest Princess.”

...

People gradually filled the seats surrounding the polo field.

Led by a palace attendant, Ye Shixian was shown to a seat at the side of the field.

Compared to the corner seats she was usually assigned, this view was significantly better. Yet, Ye Shixian’s mood was fouler than ever.

Ye Mingze could no longer contain himself, cursing in frustration, ”What the hell is Ye Chutang playing at?! Isn’t she just publicly embarrassing Father!”

Everyone knew they had arrived together and assumed Ye Chutang had only gotten into the palace by riding on Ye Heng’s coattails. But now she was sitting right next to the Eldest Princess!

Ye Heng’s brow furrowed. ”Keep your voice down!” he hissed. ”Are you trying to make sure everyone hears you!?”

Ye Shixian clutched her handkerchief and forced a smile. ”I never would have thought that after just a few visits to the Long Princess Mansion, my dear cousin would become such a favorite of the Eldest Princess.”

Ye Heng took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart. ”All right, that’s enough. Chutang earning the Eldest Princess’s favor is a good thing for our Ye Family, too.”

Ye Mingze snorted. ”Then what did the Eldest Princess mean by what she said earlier?”

’She specifically mentioned we’re living together... Wasn’t she talking about that business with the house?’

Ye Heng shot him a warning glance. ”What nonsense are you spouting? Just behave yourself today! When you see the Lord Sacrificial Officer later, you can beg him to let you return to the Imperial College early!”

Knowing he was in the wrong, Ye Mingze shut his mouth.

Ye Shixian, however, was in no mood to listen. Her gaze drifted away uncontrollably.

She finally breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that tall, slender figure part ways with Ye Chutang and take a seat diagonally across from her.

...

A spot had been left open behind and to the right of the Eldest Princess, clearly reserved for Ye Chutang and her party from the very beginning.

She led Xiao Wu over to the spot.

Before she could take her seat, a commotion arose behind her.

She paused and looked back.

A crowd of people, clustered around a man, was approaching.

Ye Chutang’s eyes narrowed.

At almost the same instant, Shen Yanchuan lifted his teacup for a light sip. His eyes lifted slightly, his calm, clear gaze sweeping over them silently before one of his eyebrows arched.

’Hm?’

’She and Xiao Chengxuan... they know each other?’