The emperor's private treasury was located in a side chamber of his sleeping quarters.
It was divided into two levels.
The upper level contained common goods, usually bestowed upon concubines and ministers as rewards.
The lower vault held treasures passed down by previous emperors.
Ye Chutang peeked out from the bushes, observing the situation in the imperial bedchamber.
Outside, a crowd of concubines stood anxiously, their eyes fixed on the entrance.
Imperial physicians and palace servants knelt in rows, while guards stood at attention, vigilant and ready.
The private treasury, much like the national treasury, was heavily guarded both inside and out.
From within the bedchamber, the emperor's weak but furious voice rang out.
"Find Physician Xue within three days, or I'll have your head!"
"Get out! All of you, out! Useless quacks!"
"Where is Eunuch De? I demand to see him!"
Ye Chutang had no interest in listening to the emperor's impotent rage. She slipped underground, heading straight for the private vault—only to be blocked by a thick iron plate.
Using her supernatural abilities, she sensed that the vault's walls had been reinforced with molten iron, making them impenetrable.
But this was no obstacle for Ye Chutang, who wielded earth-based powers.
Based on the side chamber's layout, she estimated the entrance's location and conjured hardened grinding wheels from earth, spinning them at high speed to cut through the thick iron beneath.
Within the time it took to drink a cup of tea, she had carved a circular opening just large enough for her to pass through.
The iron was a full foot thick—no ordinary thief, no matter how bold, could have breached it.
Once inside, Ye Chutang was nearly blinded by the glow of a night pearl the size of a human head.
Night pearls didn’t emit light on their own, but the vault’s mechanisms reflected sunlight onto it, keeping it perpetually illuminated.
The space was as large as a basketball court, two-thirds of it filled with treasures.
Pearls the size of thumbs, blood-red coral taller than a person, a flawless jade statue of Guanyin, a complete set of mutton-fat jade tea utensils…
Countless priceless artifacts she had never even seen before.
Like Grandma Liu wandering through the Grand View Garden, she was dazzled.
After her tour, she swept everything into her spatial storage and vanished.
On her way out, she left a message in red paint:
"Ghost Thief was here!"
Along with a cheeky smiley face ☺.
The next day, before dawn, Ye Jingchuan rose to attend the morning court session.
He knew today’s assembly would be a stormy affair and dreaded it.
When the emperor was displeased, he took it out on his officials—and Ye Jingchuan would be the first in line.
But skipping court would only invite the emperor’s wrath.
After Concubine Liu helped him into his court robes, she kissed his cheek.
"My lord, the madam is no longer fit to raise Jun'er. Since I have no children of my own, may I take him into Luoxue Courtyard to care for him?"
She knew Ye Jingchuan wanted to take a second wife or more concubines.
Soon, new favorites would replace the old.
So while she still had his favor, she had to secure her future.
Ye Jingchuan refused without hesitation.
"Jun'er is the heir. I have high hopes for him—he must be raised by the principal wife."
Then, softening his tone, he added, "Yingxue, raising a child is exhausting. You should spend your days playing the zither and dancing."
Concubine Liu had expected this rejection.
So she retreated, revealing her true goal.
"You’re right, my lord. I’m only good for music and dance—how could I raise a child? But I adore Jun'er and wish to spend more time with him."
The eldest son was already a lost cause; the younger one would inherit the Ye family.
If she started currying his favor now, there was still time.
Ye Jingchuan knew she wouldn’t harm Jun'er and didn’t object.
"Very well. Visit Ningchu Courtyard often, but if Chutang dislikes it, be sensible and don’t provoke her."
Concubine Liu pouted.
"The young mistress doesn’t even spare you face, my lord. I wouldn’t dare cross her."
At this, Ye Jingchuan’s expression darkened.
"Rest a while longer. I must go to court."
The area around the Minister's Mansion was filled with officials’ residences.
By the time Ye Jingchuan’s carriage reached the palace, the streets were nearly empty.
"Chen Zhong, faster!"
Arriving early meant learning the latest developments sooner.
"Yes, my lord. Hold steady."
The carriage raced ahead, and Ye Jingchuan entered the palace just as the other officials were gathering.
"Word is, the Ten Thousand Petitions were presented to His Majesty last night. He was furious."
"This matter has gone too far. If the emperor doesn’t give the people an answer, chaos will follow."
"After this, will His Majesty still pursue immortality through Daoist practices?"
"Not for now, but who knows about the future?"
"And that ‘Ghost Thief’—man or spirit? To come and go from the palace unseen!"
"Whatever he is, he exposed Heavenly Master Zhang’s fraud. At least he did one good deed."
"..."
Ye Jingchuan trailed behind the others, listening to their chatter.
Suddenly, someone called out to him.
"Minister Ye, you’ve certainly raised an impressive daughter."
It was Chancellor Qin Zheng.
Knowing his son Qin Muyun admired Ye Chutang, he was testing the waters.
Ye Jingchuan turned, baffled.
They were political rivals—why was the old fox bringing up his daughter? Was he angling for a match?
"This humble official never expected my daughter to make a name for herself in literary circles. Why does the chancellor mention her?"
At this, the other officials abandoned their serious discussions, turning to eavesdrop.
Qin Zheng smiled.
"I merely thought it a pity that such a talent was born a woman. Had she been a man, she’d have a place in court."
Qi Yanzhou suddenly interjected.
"There’s no pity in it. That Miss Ye stands atop the literary world by her own merit is all the more admirable."
His words redirected the conversation.
"Does His Highness regret refusing the emperor’s marriage decree, then?"
"Who wouldn’t? A wife as brilliant as she is beautiful—any man would want her."
"His Majesty told you to choose a noblewoman, Your Highness. Why not pick Miss Ye?"
The officials halted their march toward the throne hall, all eyes fixed on Qi Yanzhou.
Waiting for his answer.
Ye Jingchuan watched eagerly, wishing he could answer for the prince.
This cunning King of Chen was as shrewd as a monkey—Ye Jingchuan wasn’t confident he could maneuver him into a compromising situation with Ye Chutang.
Qi Yanzhou shot the officials a warning glance.
"My admiration for Miss Ye is purely scholarly. Nothing more."
Qin Zheng seized the moment.
"Minister Ye, your daughter is of marriageable age. Have you considered arranging a match for her?"
