Ye Jingchuan frowned in frustration as he listened to Eunuch De’s casual tone.
He was powerless to control Ye Chutang—not with the lingering poison of Duanchang San still in his body!
"Chu’er is skilled in martial arts and poisons. I beg for your guidance, Eunuch."
Eunuch De flipped idly through a book on the table, his expression indifferent.
"No matter how skilled she is in combat, she cannot surpass the Emperor’s shadow guards. No matter how adept she is with poisons, she is no match for the royal family’s secret concoctions. The question is whether Lord Ye is willing to sacrifice his eldest daughter."
After all, marrying Prince Chen would only lead to death!
Ye Jingchuan had no qualms about sacrificing Ye Chutang—why else would he have brought her back as a substitute bride?
But before agreeing, he needed to know what he stood to gain.
"If this humble official succeeds in arranging this marriage…"
Eunuch De smiled and uttered two words: "A marquisate."
Ye Jingchuan’s hands trembled with excitement.
"This servant will not fail His Majesty’s command!"
He had expected, at best, a promotion to first-rank official. Never had he imagined being granted a noble title.
With a marquisate, the Ye family would truly rise among the capital’s elite!
Eunuch De closed the book and dabbed his lips with a handkerchief.
"Lord Ye is mistaken. This is not the Emperor’s will—it is your own idea."
If the plan to eliminate Prince Chen’s household succeeded, all would rejoice.
But if it failed, the Emperor could not bear the infamy of scheming against his own kin.
Ye Jingchuan knew full well that refusal meant losing imperial favor.
He had no choice.
Fortune favors the bold!
He agreed without hesitation. "Please inform His Majesty that this servant will spare no effort."
Eunuch De nodded in satisfaction.
"In five days, it will be Princess An’s birthday. The shadow guards will deliver the royal poison to assist you."
"Not only must you control Ye Chutang, but you must also ensure she and Prince Chen… consummate their union."
"The path is laid. Do not disappoint the Emperor."
Seeing that everything had been arranged, Ye Jingchuan relaxed.
"Rest assured, Eunuch. This servant will not fail!"
With the Emperor and Prince An backing him, how could he possibly fail?
Once business concluded, Eunuch De turned to the matter of betrothal gifts.
"Lord Ye, my residence, Xishou Palace, was robbed. All I have left is the thousand taels of silver recently bestowed by His Majesty. I cannot offer Ling’er much."
Though displeased, Ye Jingchuan could hardly argue.
"For Ling’er to marry you is an honor. The gifts are mere formality—what matters is the sentiment, not the value."
"Tell Ling’er not to worry. Once my belongings are recovered, I will compensate her generously."
With that, Eunuch De took his leave.
After escorting him to his carriage, Ye Jingchuan returned to the main hall, where the entire Ye household awaited.
He took his seat beside The Old Lady and fixed his gaze on Ye Chutang.
"Chu’er, your mother’s dying wish was to divide her dowry equally among all her children. Since Ling’er is soon to marry, I will allocate a quarter to her. You have no objections, do you?"
Ye Chutang smirked at his shamelessness.
"Kong Ru murdered my mother, yet you expect me to share her dowry with her daughter? How absurd."
"Chu’er, the matter is still under investigation. Do not jump to conclusions. Besides, this was your mother’s final wish!"
"Emotional blackmail? Fine, I’ll agree—but I decide which dowry items Ye Anling gets."
Her compliance surprised Ye Jingchuan. He suspected a trap.
"Very well. You truly consent?"
Ye Chutang rolled her eyes. "Of course not! But since you invoked her ‘dying wish,’ what else can I say?"
She had two motives: first, to uncover where the dowry was hidden.
Second, to produce the will on the wedding day, rightfully reclaiming the dowry and humiliating Ye Anling!
Ye Jingchuan, sensing her resentment, attempted to placate her.
"Chu’er, don’t worry. Your share will be larger and of finer quality."
Hah!
Once he subdued this rebellious daughter, she wouldn’t get a single coin!
"I hope you and your wife live long enough to see my wedding day."
With a cold laugh, Ye Chutang turned to leave.
The Old Lady roared, "Ungrateful wretch! Cursing your own father—you’ll face divine retribution!"
Ye Chutang turned back, her gaze icy.
"Grandmother, you’ve been ungrateful for decades without consequence. Why should I fear?"
The Old Lady trembled, pointing accusingly.
"You vile creature! How dare you!"
"Dare? Didn’t you spend my mother’s money while scorning her merchant background? Didn’t you torment her relentlessly?"
Ye Chutang tapped her temple mockingly.
"What’s the phrase? ‘Bite the hand that feeds you.’"
The Old Lady gasped for breath, too furious to speak.
"You—you—!"
Ye Jingchuan hurried to soothe her.
"Mother, ignore her venomous tongue."
Just five more days of patience!
The Old Lady scoffed. "If she insults her elders again, send her to the magistrates!"
Surely someone could discipline this monster!
Ye Chutang flicked her ear dismissively.
"Grandmother, I heard you. If you want peace in this household, behave. Otherwise, your next tonic might just be… poisoned."
With that threat, she strode out, ignoring The Old Lady’s outrage.
"That wretched girl, just like her moth—"
Ye Jingchuan cut her off.
"Mother, say no more. She means it!"
Cowed, The Old Lady fell silent.
"Nanny Gui, escort The Old Lady to her quarters."
"Yes, Master."
Once alone, Ye Jingchuan’s thoughts returned to the Duanchang San in his veins, his expression darkening.
"Steward Chen, any word on Divine Doctor Xue?"
"Master, he has gone into the mountains to gather herbs. No one knows when he’ll return."
Kong Ru, pale as death at the thought of her impending poisoning, whimpered.
"Husband, what do we do?"
Only Steward Chen and Ye Anling knew of their plight.
Ling’er spoke up. "Father, Eunuch De hasn’t gone far. I’ll beg him to send a royal physician."
Ye Jingchuan patted her hand gratefully.
"Such a filial daughter. On your wedding day, I’ll add extra to your dowry."
"Thank you, Father. I’ll go at once."
After Ye Anling left, Concubine Jiang sensed something amiss.
"Master, why seek Divine Doctor Xue and a physician? Are you unwell?"
Ye Jingchuan waved her off.
"Nothing serious. Just exhaustion."
Seeing his evasion, she changed the subject.
"Master, Siyin is to wed by year’s end. Should we settle the dowry divisions now?"
