Hou Ye's palm heart is a black lotus

Chapter 773 Turbulent Times (First Update)
Ye Chutang nodded slightly, "I have heard about it."

Princess Qinyang, seeing her calm and composed expression, as if she didn't care, couldn't help but ask curiously, "You've heard about it too? Then... then you... don't have any thoughts?"

This matter concerns the very foundation of the nation's destiny. If this matter were to escalate, it would inevitably stir up a huge storm.

At that time, everyone from top to bottom will inevitably be affected.

Although Princess Qinyang was forced to stay in the capital, she had spent so many years there and had developed some affection for the city.

She didn't want to see everything fall apart.

But now things seem to be spiraling out of control.

"Do my thoughts matter?" Ye Chutang asked rhetorically.

Princess Qinyang was taken aback.

"Moreover, the new emperor has only been on the throne for a few days, and these rumors are already spreading like wildfire. What does the princess think?"

Princess Qinyang's mind cleared instantly.

"You mean..."

“Power struggles have always been like this.” Ye Chutang shook her head. “Princess, there’s really no need to worry too much.”

For some, this is their last chance to fight, so naturally they will do everything in their power.

But for others, it was just a good show.

All we have to do is watch and wait.

Princess Qinyang felt her mind become much clearer in an instant, but her gaze towards Ye Chutang became even more complicated.

"Chu Tang, you... are really different from everyone else."

Ye Chutang raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How is it different?"

"Don't you really care about this at all? Or... the final outcome?"

Princess Qinyang was unusually cautious, carefully considering every word she uttered.

Shen Yanchuan was also present on the night Xiao Chengqi was confirmed to succeed to the throne.

Everyone understood that this was the attitude of the Marquis of Dingbei's mansion!

If anything goes wrong later, then...

Given the relationship between Ye Chutang and Shen Yanchuan, it's impossible for them to truly remain uninvolved.

But she didn't seem worried at all.

Ye Chutang's eyes curved into a smile.

"The show is about to begin, so we should enjoy it."

……

Ye Chutang did not stay at the Princess's residence for long and soon took Xiao Wu home.

Most of the shops on the street were closed, and it was deserted.

Unexpectedly, as soon as he returned to the mansion, a servant came to report that a guest had come to visit.

Ye Chutang was taken aback.

Who will come to the door at this time?

But her question was soon answered.

Upon seeing the figure in the front hall, Ye Chutang instantly understood, and a smile appeared on her lips.

"Uncle Di, what brings you here today?"

Uncle Di turned around and laughed as well.

"Didn't you say before that the scenery in the capital is beautiful in spring, and it would be a pity not to go out for a walk? I originally wanted to visit your Yunlai Tavern, but it was closed. After thinking about it, I was really unwilling to give up, so I simply came to visit you. If I have offended you, please forgive me, Miss Ye."

"how come?"

Ye Chutang walked in, her gaze lingering on his legs for a moment.

"How do you feel about this prosthetic limb? If there's anything uncomfortable, feel free to let me know, and I'll make some changes."

Uncle Di glanced down and smiled with emotion, "It's much more convenient than a wheelchair! I came here specifically to thank you. If it weren't for you, I'm afraid I would never be able to stand up again in my life." This was the first time he had gone out wearing a prosthetic leg; previously, Su Mu had accompanied him in a wheelchair.

He specially changed into this outfit today to see Ye Chutang.

Ye Chutang told Xiao Wu to go back to his room to rest, and then asked a maid to bring him a pot of Xuezhongyin (a type of Chinese liquor), and personally poured him a cup of wine.

"I've been very busy lately, as you've probably heard. I'm really sorry to have made you come all this way for nothing. This is some wine I kept at home. Although the tavern is closed, I hope this pot won't disappoint you."

Uncle Di picked up his wine glass and took a deep sniff; the rich, clear aroma of the wine was intoxicating.

His eyes were filled with admiration.

"Good wine."

He took a sip, savoring the taste for a long time, before sighing, "I haven't touched alcohol for many years. Now that I can have a drink like this, I have no regrets."

Ye Chutang refilled his glass and said with a smile, "This is just one of the options. If you like it, please come to Yunlai Tavern another day, and I will personally serve you. However, you may have to wait a while."

As she spoke, she poured herself a cup of tea, gently blew on the floating tender leaves, and said, "With the new emperor's ascension to the throne, state affairs are very busy, and with the recent matter concerning Prince Jing, it will probably take even longer."

Uncle Di had already brought his wine glass to his lips when he heard this and stopped.

He glanced at Ye Chutang without saying a word. "It's going to take this long?"

“Yes.” Ye Chutang took a sip of tea to moisten her throat before shaking her head helplessly. “At this time of year… any slight disturbance can cause trouble, so we must be even more cautious.”

Uncle Di said half-jokingly, "The Yunlai Tavern is yours. With Miss Ye's status and abilities, would she still worry about these things?"

"Of course." Ye Chutang smiled slightly, her expression sincere. "Outsiders may think we are living a glamorous life, but the hardships we have endured are beyond their comprehension. My siblings and I have no connections in the capital, so we naturally have to be more meticulous and careful in everything we do."

Uncle Di glanced at her.

"If that's the case, why did Miss Ye go to so much trouble to save me back then?"

As he spoke, the hand resting on his lap unconsciously stroked his leg.

The prosthetic limb beneath his palm is made of hard material, while the part that connects to his knee is highly elastic, minimizing friction on his residual limb.

Although he cannot be compared to a normal person, he was still able to stand up again.

He cherished this friendship and could never forget it.

"I told you, you helped me back then, so this is my way of repaying you. It's what I should do," Ye Chutang said.

Uncle Di didn't know what to say, but he drank the wine in his cup in one gulp.

Ye Chutang glanced at his empty glass and smiled as she advised, "You've just recovered, so it's best to drink in moderation."

Uncle Di gripped his wine glass tightly, his heart churning with emotions.

He was already lucky to have survived until today. Before meeting Ye Chutang, he never thought he would see the light of day again in this lifetime.

Even more so, like ordinary people, they can sit here and chat over drinks.

It was as if none of those things had ever happened.

"actually……"

Uncle Di opened his mouth.

"Sister!"

A familiar voice suddenly came from outside.

Ye Chutang got up and went to the door. "Ayan? Didn't you go to the Imperial Academy? Why are you back now?"

Ye Jingyan looked hurried, with a hint of anxiety in his eyes.

"I--"

He was about to speak when he saw Uncle Di sitting inside the room.

"This is……"

“A patient I treated before came to thank me today.” Ye Chutang said succinctly, while observing Ye Jingyan’s expression. “What happened?”

The fact that Ayan reacted this way suggests that it was no small matter.

As expected, Ye Jingyan took a light breath and said, word by word.

"Rumors have spread from who-knows-where, saying... that the current emperor's ascension to the throne was illegitimate, and that he has been ruthless in killing his brothers and nephews! Many students have gathered outside the Meridian Gate, their emotions running high, demanding the release of Prince Jing and a thorough investigation into the death of the late emperor!"