The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming

Chapter 468: Chapter 468: Seeking Advice

Chu Qiyuan froze, never imagining Ye Chutang had come to ask about this.

He instinctively glanced down at Xiao Wu. It seemed Xiao Wu hadn’t expected her sister to suddenly bring her up either, as she blinked in bewilderment.

Chu Qiyuan’s brow furrowed slightly as he pondered for a long moment.

He had known Ye Chutang for several years and was all too aware of her medical expertise.

There was likely no one in the world who wanted Xiao Wu to be cured more than Ye Chutang.

He refused to believe that Ye Chutang hadn’t tried to treat her over the past few years.

But if even she was at a loss, then...

Chu Qiyuan looked up at Ye Chutang. As his eyes met her dark, calm gaze, he instantly understood.

”This...”

Chu Qiyuan stroked his beard, lost in thought.

”I heard she used to be able to speak? Is it true she only became this way after an accident?”

Ye Chutang nodded.

Xiao Wu pursed her lips, instinctively clutching Ye Chutang’s arm and leaning against her dependently.

In truth, she couldn’t remember what had happened back then, and her sister rarely ever mentioned it.

Hearing those words so suddenly made her instinctively want to shrink away.

Ye Chutang patted her head, pulling her into a soothing embrace. ”Don’t worry, Xiao Wu,” she said gently. ”Chief Doctor Chu is an exceptionally good doctor.”

Xiao Wu wrapped her arms around her neck and buried her face in the crook of it. Feeling the warmth from Ye Chutang, her small, tense body finally began to relax.

Chu Qiyuan thought for a moment, then said, ”I’m afraid I can’t tell much about her condition in such a short time. How about another day, I’ll pay a vi— you come to my residence, so I can give her a thorough examination?”

Having nearly misspoken, Chu Qiyuan quickly cleared his throat with a couple of coughs.

Ye Chutang curtsied. ”Then I thank you, Chief Doctor Chu.”

...

After bidding Chu Qiyuan farewell, Ye Chutang helped Xiao Wu into the carriage.

The carriage swayed as it made its way toward the Ye Mansion.

A hand warmer sat on the small table, its heat chasing away the chill. The air was filled with the faint, bitter scent of medicine.

Ye Chutang took the hand warmer, wrapped it in a soft cloth, and tucked it into Xiao Wu’s arms. Then, she took a few chestnuts from a small drawer and placed them on a thin iron rack warming over the charcoal fire. She also peeled a sweet tangerine, separating it into segments and setting them aside.

The rich aroma of roasted chestnuts filled the small space. Nearby, the skins of the cool, sweet-and-sour tangerine segments were just starting to dry.

Xiao Wu’s stomach, empty for half the day, gave an honest RUMBLE.

Normally, she adored these little snacks. Her sister seemed to have an endless supply of creative treats that always made her time in the carriage full of anticipation.

But today, Xiao Wu’s mind was elsewhere.

Ye Chutang tilted her head to look at her. ”What’s wrong? Don’t you want to eat?”

Xiao Wu snapped out of her daze and looked up at Ye Chutang, her clear, innocent eyes filled with confusion and hesitation.

’My sister never used to mention my illness, but today she went out of her way to find Chief Doctor Chu. Why?’

’Sister... she really does hope I can speak, doesn’t she?’

”Xiao Wu.”

A clear, gentle voice broke through Xiao Wu’s thoughts, and she finally snapped back to reality.

Their eyes met.

The corners of Ye Chutang’s lips curved into a smile, her elegant features softening with a rare, tender affection.

”I sought out Chief Doctor Chu today because I had another urgent matter to discuss with him. I just used this as a pretext.”

’So that’s why!’

To outsiders, Ye Chutang and Chu Qiyuan were unacquainted. For her to visit his residence, she would indeed need a plausible reason.

Xiao Wu understood immediately. She didn’t press with any curious questions, just nodded obediently.

But in the next moment, Ye Chutang gazed at the little one before her and let out a soft sigh.

”If you want to speak... perhaps he might have a way.”

Xiao Wu’s head shot up!