Old Madam Ye indeed had a storeroom filled with all the precious treasures she had accumulated over the years.
Reluctant to part with them, she mustered her courage and lied, "There isn't..."
But before she could finish her denial, a blade grazed her neck.
Warm blood soaked her undergarments, and in her panic, she hastily corrected herself.
"It's in the side hall across the courtyard!"
Her voice was loud enough to startle Nanny Gui, who lived in the adjacent quarters.
Recognizing the distress in Old Madam Ye's tone, Nanny Gui called out,
"Old Madam, this servant is coming at once!"
Her shout roused all the maids and nannies residing in the eastern wing.
Ye Chutang knocked Old Madam Ye unconscious with the hilt of her knife, tied the corners of a quilt into a knot, and tossed it into her space.
She hurried to the side hall, broke the lock, and emptied the storeroom into her space.
By the time Nanny Gui dressed and emerged from her quarters, Ye Chutang was long gone.
She even buried the useless remnants from her space beneath the courtyard.
Returning to Ningchu Courtyard, exhausted, she removed her disguise and collapsed into bed.
Just as she was about to drift off, someone pounded on her gate.
"Chu'er, open up!"
Recognizing Ye Jingchuan's voice, Ye Chutang guessed his purpose for visiting.
She lit an oil lamp while Dan'er rose to unbolt the gate.
"Master..."
Ye Jingchuan shoved Dan'er aside and barged into the storage room.
Seeing the dowry chests untouched, he exhaled in relief.
Ye Chutang emerged from the main chamber, yawning. "Father, what madness brings you here in the dead of night?"
Ye Jingchuan shut the storage room door. "Your grandmother's courtyard was robbed."
"Don't tell me they cleaned her out like they did my Ningchu Courtyard?"
"Not entirely—only the valuables were taken."
Ye Chutang tightened her robe. "The Ye family keeps getting robbed. Could it be karma for all the wicked deeds?"
Her words darkened Ye Jingchuan's expression.
"Nonsense! This is merely the price of prominence! Since your courtyard is safe, I'll take my leave."
"Father, don’t forget the land deeds and property titles."
"You'll have them by morning."
After Ye Jingchuan left, Ye Chutang told Dan'er, "Since my sleep was disturbed, I'll rest longer tomorrow. Fetch breakfast from the main kitchen—no need to attend to me."
"Yes, Young Miss."
Ye Chutang returned to bed and slept until midday.
She entered her space to inspect last night's haul.
Though Old Madam Ye's treasures couldn't rival those from Ye Jingchuan's secret vault, they were still impressive.
Among them were a few items clearly gifted by the original host's mother—exquisite and priceless.
After organizing everything, she freshened up in the resting area.
Using willow twigs and salt to brush her teeth and plain water to wash her face—common practices in ancient times—was unbearable to her.
So she performed her hygiene routines in her space before pretending to do the same in the rear courtyard.
Once done, she stepped out of her space and drew back the bed curtains.
Hongxiu, who had been resting on the daybed, had been awake for a while.
Afraid of disturbing Ye Chutang, she hadn’t dared move, stiffening uncomfortably.
Hearing movement, she tried to rise but stumbled from numbness.
Ye Chutang, barefoot, darted forward with practiced agility and caught her.
Overwhelmed by the kindness, Hongxiu tried to thank her, but the pain in her tongue rendered her mute.
She could only gaze at Ye Chutang with gratitude.
"Don’t be so tense. Open your mouth—let me check your wound."
Hongxiu shook her head—she hadn’t rinsed yet.
Ye Chutang didn’t insist. "When you do, don’t use plain salt. Dilute it in water first, or it’ll irritate the wound and slow healing."
Hongxiu nodded, endured the pain to dress, and left the chamber.
As Ye Chutang changed clothes, Dan'er entered to style her hair.
She also shared the latest gossip.
"Young Miss, Concubine Jiang is despicable! You kindly secured part of Madam Kong's dowry for Third Miss, yet she covets the dowry your mother left for you!"
Ye Jingchuan had promised to divide the dowry that morning, but Old Madam Ye’s incident delayed it.
Though Ye Chutang understood Concubine Jiang’s greed, she wouldn’t let her succeed.
Insatiable desire invites ruin!
"Don’t worry—she won’t get a single thing."
Reassured, Dan'er shifted topics. "Old Madam Ye was so terrified she burned with fever all night. Several physicians came, but she hasn’t improved. The master visited twice, asking you to see her, but I claimed you were still resting."
Ye Chutang gave a thumbs-up. "Well done!"
"Young Miss, I heard another rumor—though I can’t vouch for its truth."
"Go on."
"They say the Emperor intended to arrange a marriage between you and Prince Chen, but the prince refused."
Shocked, Ye Chutang turned to Dan'er.
"Who told you that?"
What madness possessed the Emperor to pair her with Qi Yanzhou?
"I overheard the kitchen maids discussing it when fetching breakfast. One of their husbands supplies produce to the palace."
Ye Chutang frowned. "What else did you hear?"
"Nothing more."
"Is Shuang'er back yet?"
"Not yet. She’ll likely return by noon after scrubbing the chamber pots."
Just then, Ye Jingchuan returned.
He asked Le'er, "Has the Young Miss not awakened?"
Clever Le'er knew Ye Chutang was awake but feigned ignorance.
"This servant wouldn’t know."
"Where’s Dan'er?"
"Unknown."
Ye Jingchuan snapped, "Useless! Why don’t you know anything?"
Le'er hugged Ye Anjun. "This servant’s duty is caring for the young master."
Only then did Ye Jingchuan notice his younger son.
Had the boy’s complexion improved slightly?
"Has the Young Miss begun treating the young master?"
"Yes. Last night, she performed acupuncture. He slept soundly."
Ye Jingchuan patted Ye Anjun’s head. "Jun'er, obey your elder sister and recover quickly."
The boy nodded obediently. "Yes."
At that moment, Ye Chutang stepped out.
"Chu'er, you’re finally awake! Go see your grandmother—she’s gravely ill."
"I haven’t washed or eaten. Not going."
Ye Jingchuan promptly handed over the deeds for a hundred acres of farmland and a rural estate.
"Freshen up and eat first. I’ll wait."
Ignoring him, Ye Chutang went to the rear courtyard.
Hongxiu, still fearful of Ye Jingchuan, hid in a corner after washing.
Ye Chutang beckoned her.
"Come here. Let me check your injury."
The sutures on her tongue showed mild inflammation—normal at this stage.
With proper care, the swelling would subside soon.
Oral tissues heal quickly; the wound would close in about five days.
Within ten to fifteen days, the absorbable stitches would dissolve entirely.
"No issues. Your tongue will be fine. For the next half-month, stick to broths and porridge—nothing harsh."
Hongxiu stared in disbelief—not only had she survived, but she’d also regain speech.
Dan'er added, "It’s true. There’s congee in the kitchen saved for you. Go eat."
Leaving Hongxiu, Ye Chutang washed up and returned.
Dan'er served the breakfast she’d kept warm.
Ye Jingchuan followed her to the dining hall and sat across from her.
Before he could speak, Ye Chutang cut in.
"Father, I heard the Emperor intends to arrange a marriage between me and Prince Chen? What is this all about?"
