Chapter 262: Chapter 262: Yin Family

After Tang Zhongli left the tea shop, Ye Chutang instructed a servant to send another batch of tea to the Yin Mansion.

The Yin Family was one of the most powerful families in the capital. Of the two Yin brothers, one pursued a career in politics, the other in business.

Ever since Yin Shaomin, the Minister of Revenue, passed away from illness several years ago, the Yin Family lost its greatest pillar of support and gradually began to decline.

However, Yin Shaoting was a brilliant businessman with a sharp mind, and he managed to stabilize the Yin Family’s standing with his immense wealth.

Ye Chutang had only met him once, but Yin Shaoting had been captivated by her art of tea ever since.

To avoid drawing attention after returning to the capital, Ye Chutang had refrained from visiting the Yin Mansion.

Yin Shaoting, too, seemed to have forgotten she existed. Until now—he had persuaded Tang Zhongli to emerge from his seclusion.

Ye Chutang glanced out the window. A large crowd was still gathered outside, their faces full of eager anticipation.

"You must remember all my previous instructions. Starting tomorrow, business at the tea shop will pick up. Make sure the staff provides impeccable service."

The servant froze for a second before nodding vigorously in agreement. As he looked at the bustling scene outside, a thrill of excitement grew within him.

’Lord Sacrificial Officer himself said our tea was excellent! Who knows how many scholars we’ll attract from now on!’

’Tea is different; it’s all about elegance. If we can draw in that crowd, our reputation will spread in no time.’

’How could we possibly lose money then?’

’He didn’t know when Second Miss Ye had forged a connection with the Yin Family, but in the Capital City, connections were everything!’

"Rest assured, miss. I’ll make sure they all give it one hundred and twenty percent!"

Ye Chutang gave a slight nod as a wave of fatigue washed over her.

’I’ve been busy since early this morning. It’s about time I went back to rest.’ 𝒻𝑟ℯℯ𝑤𝑒𝑏𝑛𝘰𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝒸𝑜𝘮

She gently patted Xiao Wu’s chubby little face.

"Alright, let’s go home."

...

「Dingbei Marquis Mansion.」

Su Wei had been there for less than an hour before leaving. The deeper they dug into the case, the more entanglements they found. It was an absolute headache.

Shen Yanchuan, however, seemed unaffected. He picked up a scroll at his side and began to read again.

But he couldn’t focus. A slender, graceful figure kept floating into his mind’s eye, along with a pair of dark eyes that had remained exceptionally calm and detached from start to finish.

’How... is that possible?’

Shen Yanchuan’s eyes narrowed slightly.

’She should be the one most hoping for Ye Heng’s guilt to be sealed, with no chance for him to ever recover. But her reaction now... it’s truly strange...’

"Master."

Su Mu appeared silently, kneeling on one knee.

Shen Yanchuan was pulled from his thoughts.

"How did the interrogation go?"

Su Mu shook his head. "Han Tong didn’t reveal anything new. It seems he’s truly told us everything he knows."

Shen Yanchuan wasn’t surprised.

Although Han Tong was one of Xiao Chengxuan’s men, his rank wasn’t high, and he wasn’t particularly valued by him.

Xiao Chengxuan was a deeply suspicious man; it was only natural for him to be wary of someone as shrewd as Han Tong.

He nodded, glanced at the sky outside, and said calmly,

"Judging by the hour, Prince Qi should be heading back soon. He must have caught an earful from His Majesty today. Go and take care of those minor troubles for him."

Su Mu understood perfectly. "Yes!"

...

By the time night fell, Xiao Chengxuan was finally allowed to return to his residence.

The candlelight in the courtyard illuminated his livid face. The hand hidden in his sleeve was clenched into a tight fist.

If his maternal grandfather hadn’t gone to the palace to intervene in time, he’d probably still be kneeling before the Emperor!

"Guards! Where is Han Tong!? Where is he!?"

How dare he betray me like that! I’ll skin him alive with my own hands!

"Your Highness!"

A Hidden Guard rushed over, his voice faltering for a moment.

"Han Tong... Han Tong died suddenly an hour ago!"

Xiao Chengxuan whipped his head around.

"What did you say!?"