Ye Anling had never been so humiliated in her life. She barely managed to hold back her temper.
She bit down hard on the soft flesh inside her lip, using the pain to stay composed.
Then, she turned a pitiful gaze toward Ye Chutang.
"We share the same blood—we are sisters. If I don’t call you 'elder sister,' what else should I call you?"
Ye Chutang knew Ye Anling’s address wasn’t wrong, but it still grated on her.
"Call me 'Miss Ye.'"
Ye Anling couldn’t fathom where Ye Chutang got the audacity to look down on her.
Being allowed back into the Ye family as the eldest daughter, to be acknowledged as sisters—shouldn’t she be grateful?!
"Calling you 'Miss Ye' is too distant. If others heard, they’d think we’re on bad terms."
Ye Chutang smirked dismissively.
"I was born the legitimate eldest daughter, while you were the child of a concubine. Yet, the natural order was overturned—I was abandoned in the countryside for fifteen years, while you became the treasured jewel of the Minister's Mansion. Isn’t it only natural that we don’t get along?"
Ye Anling’s expression darkened, fury flashing in her eyes.
Her mother had once been a concubine, only elevated to the status of principal wife after bearing a son.
Those nearly three years as a daughter of a concubine were the stain she most hated to be reminded of.
She studied Ye Chutang, who was deliberately prodding at her sore spot, and concluded she must be jealous.
People like her were starved for affection—show them the slightest kindness, and they’d wag their tails like a dog begging for scraps.
Ye Anling forced herself to calm down.
"Elder Sister, I never stole your status. You are also a treasured daughter of the Ye family. Whatever was lacking in your past, we will make up for it tenfold."
Ye Chutang had been waiting for this. She scoffed.
"Empty promises are easy. Actions are another matter. How exactly do you plan to 'make up' for it? With silver?"
She could always rob the Ye family blind, but stealing was nothing compared to the satisfaction of taking what was rightfully hers.
She wanted them to choke on their own helplessness!
Ye Anling couldn’t tell whether Ye Chutang wanted money or familial affection.
"You’ll have both silver and love, Elder Sister."
"Then I’ll be waiting. Until I see proof of your sincerity, don’t expect me to acknowledge you."
Seeing that Ye Chutang’s hostility had lessened slightly, Ye Anling relaxed a little.
Just then, Qiulu returned with the Eight Treasures Auspicious Bracelet.
"Elder Sis—"
Ye Chutang shot her a cold glare, and Ye Anling quickly corrected herself.
"Miss Ye, this Eight Treasures Auspicious Bracelet is one of a kind in the entire Beichen Kingdom. It will look exquisite on you."
Ye Chutang took the delicate jewelry box from Qiulu and opened it.
The bracelet was made of gold, inlaid with eight flawless gemstones of the same size but different varieties.
The band was engraved with a finely detailed Heart Sutra in regular script.
She loved it immediately and slipped it onto her wrist.
"You’ve spent too much, Second Miss."
Ye Anling’s heart ached at the loss, but she forced a gracious smile.
"As long as you like it, Miss Ye. This bracelet has also been blessed by a master—it will protect you from misfortune and bring you peace."
No sooner had she spoken than Shuang'er entered with a bowl of peeled grapes.
She was about to curtsy to Ye Anling when Ye Chutang interrupted, "Hand me the bowl."
The grapes had been chilled in well water, leaving the porcelain basin cold to the touch.
"Go to the kitchen and fetch honey and a mortar."
"Yes, Eldest Miss."
The honey was spring blossom honey, carrying a delicate floral fragrance.
Ye Chutang mashed the grapes in the mortar, mixed in the honey, and stirred until smooth.
The mingled scents of fruit and flowers were intoxicating.
Ye Anling watched the grapes turn to mush, her eyelid twitching. "Miss Ye, what are you…?"
"Taking my anger out on the grapes. People are next."
"..."
Ye Chutang handed the honeyed grape paste to Shuang'er.
"Set this over ice."
By the time they returned from their outing, she’d mix in some spiritual spring water and enjoy an iced grape drink.
Glancing at the setting sun outside, she stood and said to Ye Anling, "Let’s go shopping."
Ye Anling had long grown impatient.
"Qiulu, hurry and tell Steward Chen to prepare the carriage."
Ye Chutang left Dan'er to watch the courtyard and took Shuang'er along as her pack mule.
Ye Anling brought Qiulu.
When the four of them stepped out of the Minister's Mansion, the carriage was already waiting.
The coachman was one of the mansion’s most skilled guards.
Ye Chutang and Ye Anling boarded, while Shuang'er and Qiulu sat beside the driver.
The Minister's Mansion’s carriage was spacious and luxurious. A three-tiered stand sat on the central table:
- The bottom layer held a basin of ice to ward off the heat.
- The middle tray carried sliced fruits.
- The top displayed delicate pastries.
As the driver cracked his whip, the carriage lurched forward.
Ye Anling began listing the capital’s famous eateries, the finest tailor shops, the most well-stocked cosmetic stores, and her favorite jewelry boutiques.
She talked until her mouth went dry, but Ye Chutang gave no reaction.
"Elder Sister, where would you like to go? What would you like to buy?"
Ye Chutang replied indifferently, "We’ll browse. If I see something I like, I’ll buy it."
Noticing that Ye Chutang didn’t correct her for calling her "Elder Sister," Ye Anling relaxed slightly.
Appearances mattered most in public—she couldn’t afford to be made a laughingstock.
"I’ve saved some private funds and brought them with me. If you see anything you fancy, Elder Sister, I’ll buy it for you."
She was offering money and bending over backward to please her—surely Ye Chutang would be satisfied now?
Ye Chutang smiled. "With that assurance, I’m at ease."
She adored free shopping sprees.
Ye Anling’s stomach twisted at her grin, a sense of foreboding rising.
But she couldn’t take back her words now.
Clutching the five hundred taels of silver notes in her sleeve, she consoled herself:
This country bumpkin had never seen the finer things in life. If she got greedy, she’d just take her to cheaper shops and fob her off.
Ignoring Ye Anling’s pained expression, Ye Chutang focused on the fruits and pastries.
As the carriage left the western district—home to nobles and high-ranking officials—and entered the bustling main streets, the noise grew lively.
She caught snippets of conversation—everyone was discussing the return of the God of War, Prince Chen.
"Who knew Prince Chen would be so devastatingly handsome? Riding through the streets, he’s stolen the hearts of every maiden in the capital!"
"I heard the Emperor summoned Prince Chen back to arrange his marriage to Princess Anping."
"Princess Anping is the capital’s top beauty, and Prince Chen is the kingdom’s greatest warrior—a perfect match!"
"Rumor has it Prince Chen used his military merits to refuse the marriage, claiming his heart already belongs to another."
"I wonder what kind of woman could capture the heart of a man like Prince Chen?"
Ye Chutang had no interest in gossip—it went in one ear and out the other.
But Ye Anling listened intently, her brows knitting at times, her lips curling in secret delight at others.
Ye Chutang observed her shifting expressions and asked, "Do you fancy Prince Chen?"
Caught off guard, Ye Anling denied it hastily.
"Don’t speak nonsense, Elder Sister! Prince Chen is Princess Anping’s beloved."
"You’re close with Princess Anping?"
"I was once a study companion to the princess. I’m acquainted with royalty, nobles, and their heirs."
Ye Chutang smirked at her haughty tone. "Does Princess Anping know you like Prince Chen?"
Ye Anling did admire Qi Yanzhou.
But her ambition was to become the empress—she would only marry the crown prince!
"Elder Sister, don’t make wild accusations. Prince Chen reclaimed the southern borders and secured the kingdom’s peace. I only revere him as a hero of Beichen."
Seeing she wouldn’t admit it, Ye Chutang didn’t press further.
Primarily, she also admired Prince Chen as a national hero and was reluctant to associate him with Ye Anling.
Casually, she asked, "Will Prince Chen attend the homecoming banquet at the Minister's Mansion three days from now?"
