The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Reading the Book

Hearing Han Yao had arrived, Ye Heng knew it was trouble. He was still trying to figure out how to send the man away when, to his surprise, Han Yao knelt down in front of everyone.

He frowned and immediately ordered the steward to help him up. ”Han Yao, what are you doing? If you have something to say, just say it. There’s no need for such a grand gesture.”

But Han Yao pushed the man away and, still kneeling, stubbornly refused to rise.

”Uncle Ye, you’re the only one who can save my father now! You’re also at the Ministry of Justice. As long as you’re willing to help, I know you can clear my father’s name!”

Ye Heng looked troubled. ”I haven’t been on duty these past few days. Your father’s case was personally assigned by the Holy Emperor to Lord Su Wei for a thorough investigation. I have no authority to get involved, so how could I possibly help?”

’At a time like this, I’m actually a little grateful I’ve been ostracized by the others at the Ministry of Justice lately.’

’Otherwise, getting dragged into Han Tong’s case would have caused who knows how much trouble.’

Hearing his words, Han Yao’s heart sank.

’I’m not an idiot. Of course I can see he’s refusing me. But—this is my only option right now. I can’t give up, no matter what!’

”Uncle Ye, I know this puts you in a difficult position, but you know better than anyone what kind of person my father is. How could he be so audacious as to commit such a grave crime? He was clearly framed!”

He shuffled forward a couple of steps on his knees and said urgently, ”Uncle Ye, I’m not asking for anything else. I only beg you to put in a good word for my father, just to make his life a little easier for now. Once the truth comes out and he is exonerated, our entire family will come to your home to thank you. We will never forget your kindness!”

Ye Heng was so angry he almost laughed.

’If it weren’t for this unreliable fool, would I be in this predicament? And now he has the gall to come begging for my help? Utterly ridiculous!’

’Besides, the Ministry of Justice went straight to the Han Family residence to arrest him. That proves they already have substantial evidence. Han Tong’s guilt is a foregone conclusion, with no room for reversal. Rushing to help now would be just asking for trouble.’

Ye Heng clasped his hands behind his back, his expression stern. ”It’s not that I’m unwilling to help. It’s just that this matter has enormous implications. My own abilities are limited, and given my current circumstances... I am truly powerless. You should just go home!”

As he spoke, he turned his back and waved his hand dismissively.

”Show him out!”

The steward immediately shot a look at several servants. Taking advantage of Han Yao’s stunned silence, they rushed forward, surrounded him, and began to half-pull, half-drag him out.

”Mr. Han, please leave!”

Han Yao clenched his jaw, a deep resentment and grim resolve flooding his eyes.

’I’d considered the possibility that Ye Heng would refuse to help, but I never thought he’d be this adamant. Even kneeling and begging was useless.’

’Since it’s come to this... there’s no need to be polite anymore!’

With that thought, Han Yao violently shoved the men aside. His eyes locked onto Ye Heng as he let out a cold, sharp laugh.

”I should have known! Begging anyone would have been better than begging you! After all, a man who could abandon his own brother is utterly heartless and disloyal. How could you possibly be any different with others!?”

Ye Jingyan’s gaze turned instantly cold.

The smile vanished from Ye Yunfeng’s face. A chill emanated from him as he uncrossed his arms. ”What did you say?”

At the same moment, alarm bells were ringing wildly in Ye Heng’s mind!

He spun around and, his voice laced with shock and fury, snapped, ”Han Yao! Stop your damn nonsense!”

Before Han Yao could reply, Ye Heng raised his voice, his face grim. ”You must be completely insane! What are you all standing around for? Drag this slandering creature out of here at once!”

”Second Uncle.”

Ye Jingyan suddenly spoke, turning his head. His eyes held an icy chill.

”What did he mean by that?”

...

The cicadas chirped endlessly. There wasn’t a breath of wind. Scorching sunlight filtered through the branches, scattering flecks of light on the ground below.

Ye Chutang stood by the window, her sleeves rolled up to reveal slender, fair wrists. Her long, delicate fingers looked as if they were exquisitely carved from the finest white jade.

The book, *Spring Sun Mountain Record*, lay quietly on the desk.

Xiao Wu sat in a nearby chair, chin in her hands, her face a mask of curiosity.

’Her sister had said this book was difficult to open, so I thought she’d just put it away. I never expected her to take it out again today.’

’Could it be? Does she already know how to read this book?’

Ye Chutang turned and retrieved a sealed bottle of wine from a cabinet. With a slap of her palm, she broke the seal, and a potent aroma of wine wafted through the air.

Xiao Wu’s eyes widened. ’Isn’t that the wine her sister brought back from Jiangling?’

’This wine wasn’t bought; her sister brewed it herself.’

’Fourth Brother loved this wine from his very first sip, but unfortunately, her sister is very strict and never lets him drink much, except on New Year’s Eve.’

’So why is she...?’

Ye Chutang poured a bowl of the wine. It was clear and fragrant, its rich aroma lingering in the air.

Then, she picked up a wolf-hair brush and, to Xiao Wu’s surprise, dipped the tip directly into the wine.

Xiao Wu’s eyes widened.

Ye Chutang turned to the first page, slipped a thin wooden slat underneath, and then gently swept the wine-soaked brush across the paper.

The paper quickly became saturated. Ye Chutang immediately switched to a thin blade and carefully scraped its spine across the page.

Finally, the edge of the paper began to buckle and wrinkle. With a light flick of her finger, Ye Chutang separated the two pages that had been tightly glued together.

Xiao Wu gasped, covering her mouth in astonishment. Her big, bright, dark eyes shone with amazement.

’Her sister actually separated the two pages without damaging them at all!’

She quickly leaned in for a closer look. Perhaps because of the potent wine, the edges of the ink characters had bled slightly where the paper was soaked. But Ye Chutang had been so careful that the effect was minimal, and the writing remained perfectly clear.

Xiao Wu quickly scanned the text, and a flicker of surprise crossed her face.

She lifted her little face and met Ye Chutang’s gaze.

Ye Chutang raised an eyebrow.

”It seems this shop is quite profitable, hmm?”

Xiao Wu immediately nodded vigorously.

Although she had only seen a single page, it was already clear that these accounts were vastly different from the copy Third Brother had made!

If the entire book was like this, then...

Ye Chutang set the two separated leaves aside to dry and then turned to the second page.

...

「Fengling Lane, Ye Family Residence.」

Han Yao’s words left everyone stunned. A dead silence fell over the scene.

Ye Heng, putting on a brave front, roared in anger:

”How should I know what he means? He’s just lashing out in humiliation because I refused to help him, so he’s making up these lies to slander me! His father’s arrest has driven him mad! Why would you believe the words of a madman!”

Saying this, Ye Heng strode forward, grabbed Han Yao by the collar, and tried to drag him outside.

”Keep spouting this garbage and don’t blame me for getting rough! Get the hell out!”

But to his surprise, Han Yao grabbed his wrist, his face twisting into a strange, crazed expression.

”What, are you scared? It’s a good thing Ye Jingyan and the others are here today. Let’s clear the air! Back then—”