Yaohua Palace.

Xiao Chengxuan gave up on seeking an audience with the Empress. After lingering in Yaohua Palace for a while longer, he rose to leave. His expression was grim and solemn on the way, and he didn’t say a word.

Suddenly, he heard footsteps in the distance. He looked closely and was instantly stunned.

The man was dressed in snow-white robes, his figure tall and straight, his bearing noble and distinguished. Who else could it be but Shen Yanchuan?!

In that instant, countless thoughts flashed through Xiao Chengxuan’s mind.

’Didn’t Shen Yanchuan go see Ye Chutang off? Why is he here?’

’Even if he’d already taken her home, he should be with the Han Family’s father and son right now—’

Shen Yanchuan didn’t seem to notice him and walked straight toward the Imperial Study Room.

"Your Highness, is something wrong?"

The little eunuch leading the way saw Xiao Chengxuan stop and asked cautiously.

Xiao Chengxuan narrowed his eyes. "It’s nothing. The man who just passed, was that the Heir of Duke Dingbei? Why has he come to the palace at this hour?"

"Oh, you mean him." The little eunuch smiled and explained in a low, fawning voice, "You might not know, Your Highness, but today was supposed to be Han Tong’s execution day. But the Princely Heir sent men to take him away en route! Lord Qian just rushed into the palace to file a complaint with His Majesty!"

Qian Zhongfeng waited at the execution grounds for a long time, but no one showed up. When he found out that Han Tong had been intercepted, he was filled with repressed anger and came straight to the palace to demand an explanation.

"The Princely Heir may be of noble status, but he still has to follow the rules, doesn’t he?"

There are no walls that can keep out the wind. Besides, in a place like the palace, it’s not hard to find out about such matters with a little inquiry.

Realization dawned on Xiao Chengxuan.

"So that’s what happened..."

He tugged at the corner of his mouth. "For the Princely Heir to do such a thing, he must have his reasons. Lord Qian should be more understanding. Why would he come to file a formal complaint? Moreover, the Eldest Princess is also in the palace today. Even I didn’t dare go and disturb her, yet Lord Qian... His timing is rather unfortunate."

The little eunuch lowered his head.

’Words like these aren’t for someone like me to hear.’

Xiao Chengxuan retracted his gaze and strode briskly away.

’Since Shen Yanchuan has come to the palace, then... who is interrogating the Han Family’s father and son right now?’

...

Ye Mansion.

Ye Chutang had only just accompanied Xiao Wu for a short nap when Yan woke her, saying the Imperial Physician had arrived.

Seeing the elderly man with a tottering gait and white hair, Ye Chutang knew in her heart: ’This is one of Shen Yanchuan’s people.’

She raised an eyebrow slightly.

’Shen Yanchuan is quite generous, directly exposing his connections to me. He doesn’t seem worried at all about me knowing too much.’

She took a step forward and bowed politely.

"I’m sorry to have troubled you to make this trip."

"You’re too kind, Second Miss Ye."

The old man waved his hand, then took out a pulse pillow and took Ye Chutang’s pulse.

After a moment, his brow slowly furrowed.

’This pulse—’

Ye Chutang saw his unusual expression and asked, "Doctor Ke?"

Ke Yizhang’s expression was hesitant.

"Second Miss Ye, it seems you’ve suffered from a cold-related illness in the past?"

Ye Chutang nodded lightly. "Doctor Ke, your medical skills are superb. You can tell it’s a chronic, old ailment with just a glance."

Only then did Ke Yizhang recall the young woman’s history—

Three years ago, during a harsh, snowy winter, she had fled with her younger siblings. It was already a great fortune that they had survived.

He figured this cold-related illness must have been contracted back then.

Ke Yizhang’s expression grew even more solemn. "Your illness has been lingering for many years and has damaged your foundation. It must be carefully conditioned and treated!"

Ye Chutang glanced outside. She had sent both her brothers out just now, so even Xiao Wu was not here.

’They shouldn’t be able to hear us.’

She smiled faintly and lowered her sleeve, her movements gentle, her expression calm and composed.

"I understand your kind intentions, but this is an old ailment from many years ago. It can’t be cured in a day or two. I can only take it slow."