Chapter 278: Chapter 278: Confiscation and Exile

Xiao Wu blinked.

’Even though Big Sis said it was her first time meeting them, I felt like she already knew them quite well when she was hiding behind the screen just now.’

In conversation, Big Sis could persuade them with just a few words. It didn’t seem like their first meeting at all.

A guess formed in Xiao Wu’s mind, but she didn’t press the matter. Instead, she lifted her little face into a brilliant smile.

’Big Sis is always right!’

...

After taking care of business at the shop, Ye Chutang once again refused all visitors.

The wound on her neck had long since healed, leaving only a faint scar that was particularly noticeable on the flawless skin of her slender neck.

「Three days passed in a flash.」

On this day, Ye Chutang woke up unusually early. After having breakfast with Xiao Wu, she took her to the courtyard for a game of chess.

Xiao Wu was overjoyed. She quickly sat down on the stone stool across from Ye Chutang, her little face eager with anticipation.

’Big Sis is rarely this idle on a normal day! This is a precious opportunity, so I have to cherish it!’

Ye Chutang picked up a white chess piece. It felt cool and smooth to the touch.

"Black goes first."

CLACK.

Xiao Wu immediately placed a piece.

Ye Chutang followed, placing hers next to it.

As time went on, Xiao Wu’s moves became slower and slower. Sometimes, she would rest her chin in her hand and ponder for a long time before making a single move.

Ye Chutang didn’t rush her. Her expression was gentle and relaxed, and her entire bearing exuded a lazy, leisurely air.

Xiao Wu couldn’t help but glance up at her, a little curious.

’Is Big Sis in a particularly good mood today?’

Seeing her black pieces falling into a disadvantageous position, Xiao Wu furrowed her little brow in frustration.

’Even though Big Sis is going easy on me, it’s still so hard... I wonder what it would be like if the Young Master played a game with her?’

"Second Miss!"

The sudden voice interrupted Xiao Wu’s thoughts. She turned to see a young maidservant running toward them, looking flustered.

She looked like she had very important news.

Ye Chutang tilted her head slightly. "What is it?"

The young maid was panting so hard she couldn’t get the words out, sweating with anxiety.

After a long moment, she finally stammered, "Second Miss, the verdict on Lord... Lord Ye’s case is out!"

Xiao Wu’s eyes instantly went wide.

But Ye Chutang’s expression was perfectly calm. "And?"

The young maid bit her lip and quickly lowered her head.

"Lord Ye was found guilty of corruption and bribery! He’s been stripped of his official rank, his assets are to be confiscated, and he is to be exiled to Tongbei, effective immediately!"

...

「Imperial College.」

The students were heading toward Guangye Hall one after another when Qiao Zimo popped out of nowhere. He cut through the crowd and yanked Ye Yunfeng to the side.

"A Feng! Big news!"

Ye Yunfeng shot him a look. "What, trying to skip class again? Let me be clear, I’m not going."

Big Sis had specifically told him to behave himself at the Imperial College for the time being.

"Hey! It’s not that!"

Qiao Zimo hesitated, then looked around. Seeing Ye Jingyan glancing their way, he waved frantically, gesturing for him to come over too.

A flicker of movement in his eyes, Ye Jingyan deliberately fell a few steps behind and joined them.

"Brother Zimo, what’s wrong?"

Qiao Zimo looked awkward, as if he didn’t know how to begin. He finally scratched his head and blurted out with a sigh,

"You guys haven’t heard, have you? The verdict is in on... uh... Ye Heng’s case!"

He lowered his voice so only the two brothers could hear.

"Confiscation of assets! Exile!"

As the words fell, Ye Jingyan’s eyelashes trembled slightly, but Ye Yunfeng couldn’t hide his shock and fury.

"What did you say!?"

’It’s not immediate execution, just confiscation and exile!?’