Ye Chutang looked at the anxious Shuang'er and asked, "What is it?"
"Young Mistress, after Madam found out you were taking Little Master out, she contacted the Kong Family."
Shuang'er had finally realized something.
No matter what happened to Ye Chutang in the future, Kong Ru was already finished.
And since her deed of sale was in Ye Chutang’s hands, she needed to prove her loyalty to retrieve it.
Ye Chutang knew Kong Ru was finally making her move.
"Understood. You’ve done well."
Shuang'er dropped to her knees with a thud. "Young Mistress, what must I do to get my deed back?"
"After Ye Anling’s wedding, I’ll tell you."
Shuang'er knew Ye Chutang always kept her word and happily kowtowed.
"This servant thanks the Young Mistress."
She had thought that after betraying Ye Chutang multiple times, she’d never escape servitude—yet here was an unexpected turn of fortune.
Ye Chutang gave Shuang'er a mocking glance and yawned.
"If Kong Ru sends any more messages, inform me immediately."
"This servant obeys."
"Go. Don’t return unless necessary."
Shuang'er had no desire to remain a servant in Ningchu Courtyard and happily left to become Ye Anzhi’s plaything in Wenbo Courtyard.
Ye Chutang took a nap and woke well past noon.
When she stepped out of her room, she saw Jun'er dressed in new clothes, his hair neatly tied with a white jade hairpin, his face glowing with a bright smile. It was unclear how long he’d been waiting.
"Jun'er, have you been waiting long? Why didn’t you call for me?"
Jun'er stepped forward and took Ye Chutang’s hand affectionately. "Elder Sister has worked hard. Jun'er didn’t mind waiting."
"Then wait a little longer."
Ye Chutang returned to her room and brought out the writing set she had bought the day before, handing it to Jun'er.
"Happy birthday!"
Before accepting it, Jun'er knelt and bowed deeply.
"Elder Sister is like a mother. Please accept your younger brother’s respect!"
Seeing Jun'er’s formality, Ye Chutang felt an odd sense of raising a child.
"Very well, I accept this gesture. Once your health improves, I’ll send you to Huating Academy to study."
A school countless people fought tooth and nail to enter—yet from her lips, it sounded as simple as enrolling in a neighborhood kindergarten.
"Your younger brother thanks Elder Sister."
Jun'er felt he had used up all his luck in this lifetime just to meet such a kind and wise elder sister.
He wasn’t afraid of his identity being exposed and being cast aside—only of losing her.
Ye Chutang helped him up. "No need for such formalities among family."
She pressed the writing set into his hands and placed a red envelope on top.
"May you be safe and sound, year after year."
After thanking her again, Jun'er asked, "Elder Sister, if we weren’t family… would you still have saved me?"
"I saved you not because we’re siblings, but because you’ve done no wrong—and because I could."
People said blood was thicker than water, that familial bonds were unbreakable.
But in her eyes, in a large and complicated family, kinship was the most unreliable tie.
Take her, for example—surrounded by wolves!
Hearing her answer, Jun'er’s worries eased.
He smiled. "Elder Sister, after our outing, I have something to tell you."
She had once said sincerity was the ultimate weapon.
About his origins—he wanted to confess everything to her.
Whatever the consequences.
Ye Chutang patted his head, her lips curving into a lovely smile.
"Put your gifts away, then come out for breakfast."
"Yes, Elder Sister."
Le'er quickly added, "This servant will prepare longevity noodles."
Ye Chutang led everyone to the dining hall.
Breakfast, prepared by Dan'er and Le'er, was lavish—a whole cake placed at the center.
As soon as Jun'er arrived, Dan'er and Jinzhi presented their gifts.
Dan'er had made a pair of shoes, while Jinzhi offered an embroidered pouch with gold and silver threads.
Though not valuable, they were heartfelt.
"Young Master, these are humble gifts. Please don’t disdain them."
Jun'er accepted them happily. "I love them. Thank you."
He took them to his room to avoid staining them with food.
When he returned, Le'er brought out the longevity noodles—a single unbroken strand in broth, topped with cabbage and a poached egg, symbolizing wealth and fulfillment.
"Young Master, you must finish it all."
The portion was small, manageable for Jun'er.
But he didn’t start eating. Instead, he looked at Ye Chutang. "Elder Sister, when do we eat this round cake you made?"
"After breakfast, as dessert."
Only then did Jun'er begin his noodles.
Ye Chutang had Dan'er set the sponge cake aside for later.
Once everyone finished eating, the table was cleared, and the cake brought out.
"Jun'er, close your eyes and make a silent wish—something for yourself."
If lighting candles hadn’t carried funerary connotations in ancient times, she would’ve added five.
Jun'er didn’t understand but obeyed.
"I wish to grow up quickly… to protect Elder Sister."
Ye Chutang had him cut the cake, giving everyone a slice.
Though delicious, the lack of cream left something to be desired.
But for those who’d never tasted cake before, it was a delight.
Afterward, Ye Chutang glanced at Jun'er. "It’s getting late. Let’s go."
Le'er quickly asked, "Young Mistress, who will accompany you?"
"Just Jun'er and I. The rest of you stay."
Today’s outing held risks—the fewer people, the better.
"This servant obeys."
Le'er took out her gift and handed it to Jun'er.
"Young Master, may you enjoy your day."
It was a jade Guanyin pendant—modest in quality but costly for her.
Guanyin symbolized both official success and divine protection.
Jun'er immediately hung it around his neck, his eyes crinkling like crescent moons. "It’s beautiful. Thank you."
With that, he and Ye Chutang departed.
The day was overcast, the sun peeking intermittently—perfect for an outing.
As they left, four burly guards approached.
"Young Mistress, Young Master, the streets are crowded. The Master ordered us to ensure your safety."
Ye Chutang nodded.
"If anything happens, protect him. I can take care of myself."
"As you command, Young Mistress."
She took Jun'er’s hand and boarded the carriage, instructing the driver, "Take us to the market district."
Jun'er, on his first outing, could barely contain his excitement.
"Elder Sister, where are we going?"
Ye Chutang countered, "Is there anything you’d like to eat or do?"
"Jun'er will follow Elder Sister’s arrangements."
"Then first, we’ll explore the bustling market, then go boating on the lake."
Jun'er’s eyes sparkled like stars.
"Wonderful! Elder Sister, if there’s time after boating… may I visit Huating Academy?"
Ye Chutang smiled. "Of course. Today, the birthday boy gets whatever he wants."
She had another reason for visiting the academy.
To meet Song Jinyu and make it clear—she had no interest in marrying into the Song Family.
A scholarly family obsessed with etiquette was no place for her.
The carriage swayed its way out of the western district reserved for officials and stopped at the entrance of the main street.
The driver, Chen Zhong, lifted the curtain. "Young Mistress, Young Master, we’ve arrived."
Ye Chutang stepped down and helped Jun'er out.
"Wait for us at the end of the street. No need to follow."
"Your servant obeys."
After the carriage departed, Ye Chutang took Jun'er by the hand and led them into the bustling market.
As she chatted with Jun'er about the lively sights around them, she kept a watchful eye on their surroundings.
Before long, she noticed someone following them.
