The moment Ye Chutang stepped into the front hall, she was met with a pair of deep, phoenix-like eyes.

This was the first time they had seen each other since parting ways that day.

Shen Yanchuan gazed at the young woman’s slightly gaunt face, his brow furrowing. The words Ke Yizhang had said earlier came to mind, and his heart sank.

Ye Chutang led Xiao Wu forward to offer a curtsy.

"Greetings, Princely Heir."

Before she could finish, Shen Yanchuan gestured for her to rise.

"There is no need for such formalities."

Ye Chutang looked up, the corners of her lips curling into a slight smile. "I am eternally grateful for you saving me the other day, Princely Heir. I have come today with a gift to express my thanks."

"Please, sit."

There were no outsiders present, so Shen Yanchuan invited Ye Chutang to take a seat. He had someone bring a light floral tea before saying, "It was a small effort, hardly worth mentioning."

Ye Chutang shook her head. "It was a life-saving favor. I could never forget it."

Shen Yanchuan’s lashes lifted slightly. His gaze swept over her calm, composed face, and he gave a soft chuckle.

If it had been anyone else claiming he had saved their life, he would have believed them.

But Ye Chutang was different.

Even without his intervention, Han Yao could not have truly harmed her.

Then again, he wouldn’t have gone for anyone else.

"Miss Ye, you have helped me a great deal in the past. There’s no need for such ceremony between us. Besides, you haven’t fully recovered yet. You should be at home recuperating."

In truth, Ye Chutang hadn’t wanted to come, but she had a compelling reason to be here.

’Expressing her gratitude was just an excuse. The main reason was that she needed to find out what was happening with the Han Family’s father and son, and with Ye Heng.’

She had previously sent A Feng to make inquiries, but aside from what he learned about Su Pei’er, he had come back with nothing.

The affairs of the Han and Ye Families had been the talk of the town, but ever since Shen Yanchuan took over the case, not a single scrap of information had leaked out.

So, naturally, she had to pay a visit in person to ask a few questions.

"Thank you for your concern, Princely Heir. I am much better now." Ye Chutang exchanged a few pleasantries. "...I imagine a man as worldly as yourself has no shortage of trifles like the ones we’ve brought, but it is a token of our sincerity."

As she spoke, she glanced to her side. Having waited for so long, Xiao Wu could no longer contain herself. She hastily pulled out the small purse she had meticulously prepared and scampered over, holding it out to Shen Yanchuan with both hands.

’Young Master! A purse for you!’

Out of consideration for Ye Chutang, Shen Yanchuan had refrained from snatching the child away. But now that the Little Milk Group had run over on her own, Shen Yanchuan raised an eyebrow, gently pinching her chubby little cheek, a smile playing on his lips.

"For me?"

Xiao Wu nodded vigorously, her large eyes, like black grapes, sparkling.

’She had to pester her big sister for a long time for this!’

Shen Yanchuan took it. Feeling its substantial weight, the smile in his eyes deepened.

"Are you sure you want to part with this?"

Xiao Wu pouted.

’Of course I am! Nothing in this world is more precious than my big sister!’

’When she’s older, she’ll save up lots and lots of purses to take care of her big sister!’

"Since Xiao Wu is so sincere, I have no reason to refuse."

Hearing this, Xiao Wu beamed again, flashing him a big smile. Her bright, lovely features faintly resembled Ye Chutang’s.

A servant brought over some pastries, and with a single glance, Xiao Wu’s eyes lit up.

They were all her favorites!

Ye Chutang had been recuperating at home for the past few days, which meant Xiao Wu had been eating a plain diet as well. So this time, Chutang didn’t hold her back, only reminding her not to eat too much and to save room for dinner at home.

"You’ve gone to great trouble, Princely Heir."

The Dingbei Marquis Mansion was a noble and lavish estate, but Duke Dingbei, Shen Youyan, was stationed at the Northern Border year-round. Even Shen Yanchuan had only returned in the last few months, so the residence was usually quite tranquil. These pastries, a child’s favorite, had clearly been prepared on special order.

"It was no trouble." Shen Yanchuan’s lips quirked. "She’s the easy one to please."

Ye Chutang: "..."

’Was he being sarcastic with me???’

Xiao Wu paused mid-bite to look up, glancing from side to side. After a few seconds of contemplation, she went back to diligently devouring her Jade Snow Lotus Seed Cake.

’Anyway, whenever Big Sister is with the Princely Heir, the atmosphere is always weird... no, it’s just different from when she’s with other people. I’ll get used to it!’

Ye Chutang decided to ignore that comment. After a moment of thought, she went straight to the point.

"To be frank, there is another matter I came to ask you about today, Princely Heir."

Shen Yanchuan knew exactly what she was referring to.

"A verdict won’t be reached on Han Tong anytime soon. His case has also implicated General Huo."

Ye Chutang hadn’t expected him to be so direct. A flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.

If it were just about Han Tong, that would be one thing—after all, she was an involved party. But General Huo...

"On my way here, I overheard that Prince Qi was summoned to the palace today?"

There are no secrets that can be kept forever. Besides, with all the commotion at the time, plenty of people outside the Prince Qi Mansion saw what happened.

With the mention of General Huo, it wasn’t difficult to connect the dots.

Shen Yanchuan took a sip of his tea and stated succinctly, "Also, the Grand Secretary went to the palace today."

’Does this mean the situation is far more serious than I expected?’

Ye Chutang lowered her gaze, having already pieced most of it together in a matter of moments.

The Second Prince was in charge of General Huo’s case back then. Now that problems have surfaced, he naturally can’t wash his hands of it.

’I just don’t know what exactly they’ve uncovered to provoke His Majesty to this extent... For even the Grand Secretary to be involved, the implications must be massive.’

While she was lost in thought, Shen Yanchuan spoke up.

"Aren’t you going to ask about Ye Heng?"

Ye Chutang looked up.

Shen Yanchuan stared into her eyes. "This time, I’m afraid things won’t go as you wished."

Ye Chutang blinked, her dark, lustrous eyes calm and clear. "Oh?"

Shen Yanchuan paused, slowly turning the teacup in his hand. At last, he said, "He has nothing to do with your father’s death."