The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 395: Chapter 395: Entering the Capital

Ye Chutang curtsied slightly. ”Your Highness is deeply blessed. You will naturally remain safe and sound.”

Xiao Chengqi watched her, his eyes suddenly narrowing.

’For some reason, I can’t help but feel... Ye Chutang looks familiar.’

But he was certain this was the first time they had met. A woman of such beauty and bearing—if he had encountered her before, he wouldn’t have forgotten.

Yet this faint sense of familiarity puzzled him.

Ye Chutang turned to leave, but Xiao Chengqi stopped her.

”Miss Ye.”

Ye Chutang turned back. ”Does the Third Prince have any further instructions?”

Xiao Chengqi mused for a moment, then asked carefully, ”It’s nothing. I just feel... as if we’re old friends, Miss Ye. I’m indebted to you for saving me today. If you ever need help in the future, don’t hesitate to ask.”

A small smile touched Ye Chutang’s lips. ”You’re too kind, Your Highness.”

...

The autumn hunt came to an abrupt end.

Emperor Muwu, who had arrived in high spirits, left utterly dejected. He was suspicious of the Southern Hu Blade Man and worried about Xiao Chengqi’s injuries, putting him in a terrible mood.

The rest of the retinue was, of course, silent with fear, not daring to utter a single word.

Among them, the one most on pins and needles was Xiao Chengxuan.

He wasn’t a fool. His father was clearly suspicious of him.

If it were anything else, it might have been manageable. But being linked to these Southern Hu Blade Men was a huge problem!

The nature of the accusation would be completely different!

But since his father hadn’t voiced his suspicions openly, he had no chance to defend himself and could only suffer the unjust accusation in silence.

”Brother, you needn’t worry. The innocent will be proven innocent,” Xiao Lansi said in a low, comforting voice when she saw his deeply furrowed brow.

Xiao Chengxuan waved his hand dismissively.

”I know. This has been quite an ordeal. You’re frail; you should return to the palace and rest early.”

Xiao Lansi nodded lightly and remarked, as if by chance, ”Father and the Eldest Princess specially invited Miss Ye to write a prescription for me. I’m sure that with proper care, my health will improve.”

The mere mention of Ye Chutang annoyed Xiao Chengxuan, but he couldn’t be bothered with that now. The most pressing matter was still Xiao Chengqi!

”There’s not much going on lately, so just focus on recuperating in the palace.” Xiao Chengxuan paused abruptly. ”Tell me, that poison our third brother was struck with... can it be cured?”

’If the men I sent don’t find the antidote in time, Third Brother’s arm will be crippled!’

’Then, I’ll have nothing left to fear!’

’Even if Father suspects I was behind it, it won’t matter. Xiao Chengqi is the only one who can contend with me right now, and Father would never support a crippled son for Crown Prince!’

Xiao Lansi blinked. ”It probably can be, right?”

Xiao Chengxuan sneered, ”That will depend on whether he’s lucky enough!”

...

Ye Chutang also returned to her residence.

Despite having rushed about all day, not a trace of fatigue showed on her face.

Xiao Wu, on the other hand, was still young and fell asleep soon after they returned.

Ye Chutang tucked her in, then came out to find Ye Jingyan waiting outside the door.

”Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Ye Chutang asked.

’Yan also faced many dangers today. Although he wasn’t truly injured, his energy must have been drained. He should rest early.’

Ye Jingyan seemed to be lost in thought. He looked up at her words.

He hesitated for a moment before asking in a low voice:

”Sister, do you think those Southern Hu Blade Men from today... are from the same group as... them?”

...

「That night, the moon was bright and the stars were few.」

Shen Yanchuan had just finished reading the last letter when Yun Cheng walked in.

”Master.”

Shen Yanchuan looked up, casually setting the letter down.

On it, a soaring eagle spread its wings, its presence as striking as a bolt of lightning.

”What is it?”

Yun Cheng wouldn’t usually come at this hour.

Yun Cheng said:

”Lord Xu Jie entered the capital overnight.”

Shen Yanchuan froze. ”Oh?”