Chapter 692: Chapter 693: Waiting

「That night.」

The sky was starless and moonless, shrouded by heavy clouds.

Ye Chutang was enjoying a rare moment of peace, sitting idly by the window with a book.

Xiao Wu sat across from the small table, a brush in hand, her expression serious as she wrote.

Third Brother had said that now that she was over five, it was time for her to practice her calligraphy seriously.

Otherwise, if she kept putting it off, her handwriting might end up like Fourth Brother’s—nothing but chicken scratch.

And it would be much harder to correct by then.

On every ten-day break, Third Brother would personally inspect her work.

The thought of Fourth Brother’s penmanship made Xiao Wu shudder. She was terrified hers would turn out the same, so she practiced her calligraphy every day with utmost diligence and concentration.

The candle burned quietly, its warm, orange glow casting the silhouettes of the woman and the little girl onto the windowpane, creating a scene of unique tranquility.

Finally, Xiao Wu finished her last character. She paused, looked over her work several times with satisfaction, then proudly held it up for Ye Chutang to see.

’Big Sis! Look! How did I do today?’

Ye Chutang looked up and smiled. "It’s better than yesterday’s. You’ve made great progress. When your Third Brother comes back in a few days and sees this, he’ll be sure to praise you."

Xiao Wu giggled, covering her mouth with her hands.

’Of course! I mean, look who’s been helping me practice every day!’

Pleased with her big sis’s praise, Xiao Wu contentedly put away her paper and brush, unable to stifle a yawn.

"Sleepy?" Ye Chutang asked.

Xiao Wu nodded, then sized up Ye Chutang with a curious look.

’Aren’t you sleepy, Big Sis? You’re usually going to bed with me at this time.’

’But today, Big Sis has just been reading, as if... she’s waiting for something.’

Ye Chutang smiled and pinched her cheek. "You go wash up and get to bed. I’ll be there in a little while."

Xiao Wu blinked.

’Looks like Big Sis really does have something on her mind today.’

She didn’t ask any more questions, simply nodding obediently.

She had only taken two steps when Ye Chutang called out to her. "Oh, right. Xiao Wu, do you remember where you put the gift you prepared for Second Young Master Xie?"

Xiao Wu paused, then nodded vigorously.

Ye Chutang smiled. "You should be seeing him very soon. How about you give it to him yourself then?"

Xiao Wu’s eyes lit up.

’Okay!’

...

Xiao Wu got herself ready and snuggled into her quilt, her little round head the only thing visible. Her eyes were wide open, watching Ye Chutang.

It wasn’t long, however, before sleepiness washed over her, and her eyelids started to feel heavy.

Slowly, she drifted off to sleep.

Ye Chutang glanced over at her, then set down her book. She picked up a small, delicate pair of scissors and gently trimmed the candlewick.

Silence descended all around. She lifted her gaze to the window, her eyes as calm as still water.

In the span of half a day, news of Zheng Baosu’s return to the Capital City under escort had spread throughout the city.

’Some people won’t be able to sit still tonight, I imagine.’

A thought seemed to cross her mind, and she arched an eyebrow, a curious smile playing on her lips.

’The Capital City is about to get very lively...’

...

「A remote residence in the Imperial Palace.」

The normally desolate and quiet location was now heavily guarded.

All because a most important prisoner was being held here: Zheng Baosu!

As it happened, the timing was rather inconvenient.

When Zheng Baosu was escorted back to the capital, he wasn’t thrown in jail. Instead, he was immediately brought to the Imperial Palace to await a personal interrogation by Emperor Muwu.

Unexpectedly, a dispatch had arrived from the Nanhu. All the ministers of the Cabinet had gone to Qiyuan Hall to discuss the matter with Emperor Muwu.

And that discussion lasted the entire day.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.