The Duke's Pampered Darling is So Scheming-Chapter 55: Backing

The scene froze in dead silence.

Everyone was stunned.

’What is happening? Is the Heir of Duke Dingbei... calling out to that little toddler?’

Xiao Wu scampered over to Shen Yanchuan on her short little legs, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at him.

Shen Yanchuan handed her an exquisite purse, beautifully embroidered with gold thread and adorned with jade. "I got a peace charm for you. Do you like it?"

Xiao Wu’s eyes lit up even more.

She glanced back at Ye Chutang.

Shen Yanchuan smiled and ruffled her hair. "This is just for you. You don’t have to ask your big sister."

Ye Chutang: "..."

’The Young Master Heir is presenting a gift in person. How could I possibly refuse?’

The corners of her lips curved slightly. "It is a kind gesture from the Princely Heir. Xiao Wu, go on and thank him."

Xiao Wu clutched her little tummy and bowed earnestly in thanks before accepting the purse with both hands, a smile blooming on her chubby face.

She stared at the intricate embroidery and the pale green jade dangling from the red cord, completely captivated.

’It’s so beautiful! I can use it to help Big Sis carry her silver!’

Ye Heng was so dumbfounded he stammered, "P-Princely Heir, y-you know Xiao Wu?!"

’She’s just a three or four-year-old toddler, and a mute one at that! How could she possibly be connected to the exalted Heir of Duke Dingbei?!’

The corners of Shen Yanchuan’s lips curved slightly. "She is Miss Ye’s youngest sister. Of course, I know her."

The surroundings grew even quieter, the atmosphere becoming incredibly tense.

’Ye Heng’s mind went blank. That "Miss Ye" he’d just referred to was none other than Ye Chutang!’

’This—’

Shen Yanchuan lifted his gaze slightly, his deep, dark eyes seeming to hold a smile as he gave a slight nod.

"Doctor Ye. I trust you’ve been well." 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

...

’Ye Chutang knew it was a small world, but she never imagined it was *this* small.’

’Back then, tempted by the medical fee, she had taken on a troublesome patient. She had assumed that after they parted ways in Jiangling, they would go their separate ways and never meet again.’

’Who would have thought she’d run into him again right after returning to the capital.’

’Regret. She felt immense regret.’

But with all eyes on her, she could only play along, dipping into a curtsy.

"Greetings, Princely Heir."

Ye Heng looked from one to the other, completely unable to wrap his head around the situation.

"Princely Heir, you and Chutang..."

Only then did Shen Yanchuan finally look at him, offering a faint smile. "A while ago, I met with an accident while rushing back to the capital. It was thanks to Doctor Ye’s treatment that I was able to return safely. I just never imagined she was the second young miss of the Ye Mansion."

Ye Heng’s heart skipped a beat, and he felt an inexplicable sense of unease.

’Ye Chutang was the second-born, so she was known as the second miss. But *he* was the master of this residence now. By publicly calling Ye Chutang the "second young miss of the Ye Mansion," where did that leave his own family!’

But even with a hundred times the courage, Ye Heng wouldn’t dare publicly contradict the Heir of Duke Dingbei.

Besides, what he was even more concerned about was—

"You’re saying... you’re saying Chutang treated you before!?"

His voice rose several octaves in shock.

The others were also sent reeling by this casually delivered bombshell and began to whisper among themselves.

"Is that for real? So Ye Chutang actually has this kind of history with the Heir of Duke Dingbei!?"

"How could it be fake? He said it himself! I also heard the Heir of Duke Dingbei was injured on his journey back and has been declining all invitations to recuperate since his return. I just never thought—"

"I heard his injuries were quite severe! And Ye Chutang was the one who saved him?! How is that possible!?"

Ye Heng turned to Ye Chutang in disbelief. "Chutang, a matter of such importance—why did you never mention it!"

His words were urgent, tinged with an undercurrent of reproach.

Ye Chutang paused. "Second Uncle, to be honest, I only just learned of the Princely Heir’s identity myself."

Ye Heng froze.

Shen Yanchuan nodded, adding helpfully, "The situation was complicated at the time, so I did not reveal my identity. But Doctor Ye, with the benevolent heart of a Healer, showed no hesitation and did her utmost to treat me. I am deeply grateful."

At these words, many people shot surreptitious glances at Mrs. Gao.

’Just moments ago, she was insisting Ye Chutang only associated with country bumpkins. Who knew she had actually treated the Heir of Duke Dingbei! And from the sound of it, he even feels indebted to Ye Chutang!’

’The slap to her face couldn’t have been louder!’

Mrs. Gao clearly remembered her earlier words, and her expression was a spectacular sight to behold, her heart filled with regret and vexation.

’What in the world was up with this Ye Chutang! Wasn’t she just running some small clinic? Who could have guessed she had a connection like this!’

Ye Shixian secretly twisted her handkerchief tighter.

’Ye Chutang knew the Heir of Duke Dingbei all this time? And clearly, they’re on good terms. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so warm and friendly even to that child, let alone bring a special gift for her...’

"I am still recovering and did not wish to intrude," Shen Yanchuan continued. "However, upon hearing that Doctor Ye had returned, I thought it over and decided I must come personally to present a gift of thanks to show my sincerity."

As he spoke, Shen Yanchuan lifted his chin slightly.

Lian Zhou immediately stepped forward and presented the gift.

Ye Heng’s face flushed red, then went pale.

’He had assumed Shen Yanchuan’s arrival was to give him face, but who would have thought he was here for Ye Chutang all along!’

He forced a smile and, swallowing his pride, invited Shen Yanchuan to take his seat.

"Princely Heir, please—"

Given Shen Yanchuan’s noble status, he was naturally seated at the head of the table.

Everyone rose to bow to him.

As he passed Han Yao, Shen Yanchuan suddenly paused, tilting his head slightly.

Han Yao froze when the pair of black boots stopped before him. He instinctively looked up, his gaze colliding with a pair of cold, inscrutable eyes.

For reasons unknown, a chill shot straight up his spine, and the hair on his arms stood on end.

An indescribable sense of immense danger washed over him.

But it was only for a moment. In the next instant, Shen Yanchuan withdrew his gaze and continued walking, his expression unchanged.

Han Yao remained frozen in his bow until the person beside him gave him a nudge, at which point he abruptly snapped back to his senses.

His back was already drenched in a cold sweat.

’W-when had he ever offended this man?’

...

Only after Shen Yanchuan was seated did everyone else take their seats again.

"Today is a Ye Family banquet; there’s no need for such ceremony," he said, then added as if just remembering, "Oh, right. Did I overhear someone say you were going to ask Doctor Zhang to examine Xiao Wu?"

For a moment, no one answered.

’If Ye Chutang was skilled enough to treat the Princely Heir, would she really need someone else to diagnose her own sister?’

’Mrs. Gao clearly knew nothing about this.’

’If she were truly so concerned about her niece, how could she not know this? To rashly demand an Imperial Physician... this—’

’Mrs. Gao was seething with frustration but couldn’t argue back. It was utterly humiliating!’

The gift was presented to Ye Chutang. It was a carved nanmu wood box, clearly of immense value.

Ye Chutang took a sip of tea, her gaze drifting impassively toward the man opposite her.

’You really enjoy watching a show this much, don’t you?’

Shen Yanchuan raised his cup to her from across the room.

’Not at all. The show is just too good to miss.’

A faint smile touched Ye Chutang’s lips.

’You must have too much time on your hands.’

Just then, a maidservant who was serving a dish to Mrs. Gao suddenly cried out, "AH!" and stumbled back in terror.

"Madam! You... you’re—"