News that the Second Prince had been urgently summoned to the palace soon reached Shen Yanchuan’s desk.

Yun Cheng bowed his head. "I hear that Eunuch Li went to the Prince Qi Mansion and escorted him away shortly after arriving. Four hours have passed, and Prince Qi still has not returned. Also, the Grand Secretary went to the palace today as well."

Shen Yanchuan leaned back in his chair, not even looking up.

"Mr. Jiang has always been well-informed."

After seeing the case file, Your Majesty would certainly demand an explanation from Xiao Chengxuan. When the Emperor is angered, his wrath is like a thunderbolt. Even the usually favored Xiao Chengxuan might not be able to withstand it.

Jiang Zhao Yuan, of course, rushed to the palace without a moment’s delay to plead on his behalf.

Yun Cheng smiled. "I’m afraid Prince Qi is probably still fuming over Han Tong’s betrayal. Deceiving the emperor is a capital offense. If he can’t clear his name, he’s in for a world of trouble."

Whether Huo Yucheng was truly wronged was not the most important thing. What His Majesty cared about most was that someone had dared to play tricks right under his nose.

Regardless of whether Xiao Chengxuan could defend himself today, he had already lost His Majesty’s trust. If he wanted to earn it back in the future, it would require several times the effort.

Shen Yanchuan raised an eyebrow.

"He served up the leverage on a silver platter himself. It would be a waste not to use it."

That day, after escorting Ye Chutang back to her mansion, he had ordered his men to secretly imprison Han Tong and his father. He then deliberately left a few clues for Xiao Chengxuan so his men could easily find the location.

With all eyes on him, Xiao Chengxuan didn’t dare to act rashly. He only had his men threaten and bribe Han Tong, little knowing that the person trapped there had long since been replaced by Su Mu, a master of disguise.

The matter he cared about most was Huo Yucheng’s case.

Shen Yanchuan had his suspicions from the start, and this incident only confirmed them. So, he had directly added that detail to Han Tong’s interrogation testimony.

Just as he expected, Your Majesty was enraged.

And the one who bore the brunt of it was Xiao Chengxuan, who had been in charge of the case back then.

Thinking of the chaos at the Prince Qi Mansion today, Yun Cheng asked, "Master, should we continue to send people to investigate?"

’Perhaps we could take this opportunity to find something useful in the Prince Qi Mansion.’

But Shen Yanchuan shook his head. "No need. Just have them watch from the shadows."

Since Your Majesty has already made a move, it’s not our place to act on our own. Hearing too much and seeing too much will only attract trouble.

It dawned on Yun Cheng. "I will heed Master’s teachings."

Shen Yanchuan raised a hand, dismissing him. However, just as Yun Cheng turned to leave, he saw Lian Zhou striding toward them.

"Master, Miss Ye is here to see you!"

Shen Yanchuan froze and looked up.

Yun Cheng was also secretly surprised. ’Right now, countless eyes in the Capital City are watching the Ye Family. Second Miss Ye should be at home recuperating, so why has she suddenly come here?’

While he was still pondering this, Shen Yanchuan had already risen to his feet.

"Show her to the front hall."

...

Led by the butler, Ye Chutang rounded a covered walkway and headed toward the front hall.

With her was Xiao Wu.

This was her first visit to the Dingbei Marquis Mansion. Pavilions and terraces, a turquoise lake and rockeries—everywhere exuded an air of nobility. 𝐟𝐫𝕖𝗲𝘄𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝕧𝐞𝚕.𝕔𝕠𝐦

However, unlike an ordinary child, Xiao Wu didn’t look around curiously, instead just holding her older sister’s hand and obediently following her forward.

So young, yet so composed.

The butler paused for a moment, then immediately understood—this little one was a regular at the Long Princess Mansion. What grand scene hadn’t she witnessed? Compared to the meticulously raised young ladies in the capital, she was in no way inferior.

And that was to say nothing of her companion, her older sister, Miss Ye—

’Gazing at the young lady’s clear, beautiful, and gentle face, the butler once again made a silent vow to himself: in the future, he must treat this person with the utmost respect!’

"Second Miss Ye, the Princely Heir is waiting in the hall. Please—"