Chapter 661: Chapter 661: February 2nd

「Capital City.」

The second day of the second lunar month, the day the Dragon Raises its Head.

The willows by the river had already sprouted tender buds. Their long branches swayed in the wind, their reflections on the water’s surface a picturesque scene in itself.

Holding Xiao Wu by the hand, Ye Chutang bought quite a few things on the street, including bolts of cloth, shoes, and socks.

It was obvious without asking—spring had arrived, the weather was warming, and it was time to have new clothes made for her brothers.

"Your third and fourth brothers are in the middle of their growth spurts. A single winter has passed, and their clothes are already too short."

Ye Chutang sighed in resignation,

"If I had known, I shouldn’t have bought such expensive fabric last year."

Xiao Wu covered her mouth and snickered.

’Big Sister says that, but she’s more generous with us than anyone!’

’Case in point, the carriage is already stuffed to the brim!’

’For food, clothing, and all their needs, Big Sister always provides the very best.’

’Besides, all of this together doesn’t even amount to a single day’s profit from Yunlai Tavern. She’s only saying this because she misses our third and fourth brothers!’

"The spring examinations are in the third month, so your third brother won’t be able to participate this time. But with scholars from all over arriving in the capital for the exams, it’s become much more lively than before. The same goes for the Imperial College."

Just in the short time they’d been walking down the street, they had already spotted several scholars with book boxes on their backs.

The teahouses and taverns were filled with even more young faces.

Everywhere, there were people engrossed in their books or engaged in lofty discussions.

Even Ye Jingyan hadn’t been home in a while. For one, he had to finish his coursework for his professors at the Imperial College. For another, scholars were gathering from all over, including many renowned for their talent. Whenever Ye Jingyan found someone he wished to befriend, he would pay them a visit.

Of course, he had also received plenty of calling cards himself.

Although he had never taken the official examinations and held no scholarly title, his brilliant talent was widely acknowledged at the Imperial College, so many came, drawn by his reputation.

In short, he had been quite busy lately.

Ye Chutang wasn’t too worried. He had always been sensible, and since he was determined to pursue a career as a scholar-official, these were things he would have to do sooner or later.

Given his temperament, handling them a bit early was well within his capabilities.

So Ye Chutang let him be.

Xiao Wu nodded, only half-understanding, and looked up at Ye Chutang.

’Big Sister must really miss Fourth Brother too, right?’

’Even if we can’t see Third Brother every day, he’s still in the Capital City. We can see him whenever we want.’

’But Fourth Brother—’

Suddenly, Ye Chutang sensed something and raised her eyes to look at the distant sky.

A black hawk was circling, its wings outstretched.

Her eyes lit up, and her red lips curved into a smile.

"Let’s go home early today."

...

Once home, Ye Chutang had the servants sort and put away their purchases before she went to her room.

She pushed open the north-facing window.

CREAK—

A gentle breeze blew in, lifting the stray hairs by her ear.

She took a plate of jerky from nearby and placed it on the windowsill.

A moment later, a black shape swooped down!

"You’re back quickly."

As it lowered its head to eat the jerky, Ye Chutang offered a token compliment, but her eyes immediately fell upon the copper ring tied to the hawk’s leg.

She deftly removed the copper ring, and a slip of paper fell out.

On it was familiar handwriting.

"Long City is safe. Tuoba Yu has been captured."

At that moment, the weight Ye Chutang had been carrying in her heart for so long was finally lifted!

She read those few words over and over, her mind flooded with countless scenes.

It was but a single, terse sentence, yet it held so much meaning.

The dangers involved were more than any outsider could comprehend.

Although she was certain A Feng would win, to say she wasn’t worried at all would be a lie.

He was only fourteen.

Ye Chutang stared at the slip of paper for a good while, then smiled and rewarded the hawk with an extra plate of jerky.

"Well done!"

Xiao Wu watched this scene curiously, blinking her eyes.

’Big Sister seems really happy!’

’I wonder what’s written on that slip of paper?’

Ye Chutang turned back and gave Xiao Wu a mysterious smile.

"Xiao Wu, your fourth brother might be coming back soon."

Xiao Wu froze for a moment. Then her eyes went wide, her face lit up with excitement, and she came hopping over.

’Really? Really!?’

’Is Fourth Brother really coming home?’

’Didn’t Big Sister say it might be several years before he could come back? How come now—’

Ye Chutang tapped her little forehead.

"Don’t get too excited. I only said *possibly*."

Xiao Wu paid her no mind, hugging her arm and bouncing excitedly against her for a good while.

’If Big Sister says *possibly*, then it’s a *very big* possibly!’

’Anyway, I’m going to start getting ready!’

’When he gets back, it won’t just be the brand-new clothes, shoes, and socks—I’m going to give him my little purse, too!’

’I’ll give him lots and lots of money!’

’He can take me to eat all sorts of yummy things!’

’And... he has to tell me all the interesting stories from the border himself!’

Suddenly, Xiao Wu thought of something and lifted her head from her embrace.

’If Fourth Brother is coming back, doesn’t that mean Princess Qingyang’s father might be coming back too?’

Ye Chutang raised her eyebrows.

She had never told Xiao Wu about those matters, and the intricate relationships involved were never mentioned.

But she had directly deduced all this from just a few minor details...

The Little Bun has really grown up a lot.

’Looks like all those pastries weren’t for nothing.’

Seeing that Ye Chutang didn’t deny it, Xiao Wu became even more excited.

’Then should we go tell Princess Qingyang right now? She’ll be overjoyed if she finds out!’

"No rush."

Ye Chutang shook her head,

"Now that it’s done, it makes no difference if she finds out sooner or later. Besides... she cannot hear this news from us."

Princess Qingyang was the type who couldn’t hide her feelings. Before the official war report from Long City reaches the Capital City, any unusual activity from her could easily be noticed by watchful eyes.

"When King Yan Nan returns and father and daughter are reunited, wouldn’t it be better for him to tell her himself?"

...

「The Imperial Palace.」

Today was the second of the second month, the Plowing Festival.

As was tradition, Emperor Muwu led the civil and military officials out of the palace early in the morning to personally plow the fields in the suburb of the capital.

Emperor Muwu’s health had improved considerably under Ye Chutang’s care, allowing him to complete the entire ritual.

However, there were some differences this year compared to previous years.

In the past, Consort Ru had always accompanied him, performing the duties of the Empress. But she had since passed away, and Consort Rong’s health was poor, leaving her bedridden for a long time. Thus, Emperor Muwu simply chose no one from the imperial harem, bringing only the princes and princesses.

Among the attendees, sharp-eyed observers noticed something—Princess Yuhe was not present.

But from beginning to end, not a single person mentioned this matter.

It was as if this princess had never existed.

But walls have ears. The matter of Xiao Lansi taking her own life in Yaohua Palace, though never officially announced, had already spread.

Her actions had enraged Emperor Muwu, who had gone so far as to have her body removed from the palace and buried without ceremony. This alone revealed a great deal.

Everyone understood—from this day forward, there would be no Princess Yuhe at court.

A princess who was never favored in the first place had died. And that was that.

Who would care?

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