Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 197 My Sister Arrives Suddenly, I Get Away with It

Miss?
Chen Ye's mind went blank.

There is only one person who can make the Chen family servants so wary and respectfully address her as "Young Miss".

Chen Wan'er!
His older sister, who was a lady-in-waiting in the palace!
Chen Ye's heart tightened suddenly.

broken!

The real test is here!

Compared to Chen Wan'er, Wu Mengwei was practically a monster in the beginner's village.

After all, this older sister is a ruthless character who has accompanied the Empress and managed to rise to the high position of Zhongshu Sheren in the ruthless palace!
Her mental fortitude and skill are far beyond what a naive young girl like Wu Mengwei could ever hope to achieve.

What's even more fatal is that she's too familiar with the original owner of this body!

She raised the original owner of this body herself, so if I show even the slightest flaw, she might see through it!
In an instant, countless thoughts flashed through Chen Ye's mind.

However, he was a man who had weathered many storms, and his panic was only momentary.

Then Chen Ye took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

What are you afraid of!
Now that I have the ultimate weapon of "Hearing Her Heart's Voice," as long as I can hear her thoughts, I can simply counter whatever she says!
Thinking about this, Chen Ye calmed down a lot.

He nodded to the servant, a look of excitement and joy on his face, and then strode towards his tent.

Bright candlelight was lit inside the tent.

A woman sat at a folding table.

The woman appeared to be around twenty-four or twenty-five years old, dressed in a light purple palace gown, with a slender figure and dignified demeanor.

She was extremely beautiful, with features that bore a striking resemblance to Chen Ye, but her demeanor possessed a more mature and dignified air.

Her eyes, in particular, were clear and bright, possessing a heroic spirit and charm that was not found in ordinary women.

She was holding a cup of hot tea, her eyebrows slightly furrowed, as if she were deep in thought.

It was Chen Wan'er, the original owner's older sister, a favorite of the current empress and a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat.

The moment Chen Ye saw her, he didn't hesitate for a moment. He took a few quick steps, his face beaming with a bright smile, and shouted loudly in an incredibly affectionate tone:

"sister!"

That cry of "Sister" was heartfelt and deeply moving.

Chen Wan'er, who was drinking tea, stiffened slightly upon hearing the familiar voice, and then slowly raised her head.

Actually, she was in a very bad mood at the moment.

After setting up camp today, she finally managed to find a little free time from the Empress's side, thinking of coming over to see her beloved younger brother.

After all, the siblings hadn't seen each other for several months.

But when she excitedly ran over, she found that Chen Ye wasn't even in the camp!
The servants in the tent knew nothing about the young master's whereabouts.

This made Chen Wan'er's heart skip a beat.

Her first thought was, "Has this kid fallen back into his old ways and sneaked out to hang out with his bunch of cronies again?"

She knew all about Chen Ye's changes over the past two weeks through her spies in the mansion.

When she heard that her younger brother had begun to study diligently behind closed doors, practice martial arts, and even refused invitations from Hou En, Qian Yi, and others, Chen Wan'er was overjoyed.

She felt that her younger brother had finally turned over a new leaf and realized his mistakes.

She had even begun paving the way for Chen Ye's future, preparing him to make a good impression on the Empress during the autumn hunt, so that he could earn a bright future for the Chen family and for himself.

But now, he's gone.

This filled Chen Wan'er with disappointment, and even some anger.

She felt that her expectations might be dashed again.

However, when she saw Chen Ye's smiling face, and especially after hearing that incredibly familiar "sister," most of the resentment and disappointment in her heart instantly dissipated.

There was nothing I could do; he was my own younger brother whom I had raised since he was a child.

You can't hit them, you can't scold them, you can only spoil them.

Chen Wan'er put down her teacup and looked at Chen Ye carefully.

Well, it's alright.

He didn't smell of alcohol, his eyes were clear, and he was full of energy; he didn't seem like someone who had been out fooling around.

Thinking of this, Chen Wan'er felt a little relieved.

She put on a stern face, deliberately making an angry expression, and gave a cold snort.

"So you actually know how to come back?"

"Why are you running around in your tent in the middle of the night instead of sleeping in your tent?"

Faced with his sister's questioning, Chen Ye chuckled, scratched his head, and revealed a simple and honest look.

Of course, he wouldn't say that he went to meet the Grand Tutor's daughter in secret.

The moment he entered the room, he had already secretly used his "heart-touching ear" technique on Chen Wan'er.

Where did this guy go? He's driving me crazy...

However, judging from his appearance, he doesn't seem to have been drinking; his eyes are quite clear, so it doesn't seem like...

[Hmph, no way, I have to question him properly; I can't let him get away with this!]

Having heard his sister's true thoughts, Chen Ye immediately felt reassured.

It turned out to be a false alarm.

As long as you're not caught red-handed, everything is fine.

He had already prepared a perfect explanation.

"Sis, I just couldn't sleep!" Chen Ye said innocently. "I just arrived at the hunting grounds today and I'm a little excited. I couldn't fall asleep, so I went out to find a quiet place to practice my martial arts and stretch my muscles."

As he spoke, he even struck a pose and made a couple of impressive gestures.

With the whistling wind of the punches, it actually looked quite convincing.

The way the little boy was so eager to show off his hard work to his elders instantly amused Chen Wan'er.

That smile was like the first melting of snow and the blooming of a hundred flowers, brightening the entire tent.

[This silly kid... he's actually started practicing... it seems he really knows how to improve.]

Chen Ye heard his sister's approval and knew that he had passed this hurdle.

"Alright, alright, what are you showing off for!" Chen Wan'er said with a smile, then beckoned to him, "Come and sit down, let me take a good look at you."

"Hey!"

Chen Ye responded, quickly put away his stance, and scurried to sit down across the table.

Chen Wan'er looked him over carefully, her eyes filled with tenderness and doting.

"You've lost some weight and gotten a bit darker, but you look much more energetic than before." She nodded with satisfaction.

To her, Chen Ye was the closest person to her in the world.

Her mother died early, and her father was not good with words, so she, as the older sister, raised Chen Ye single-handedly.

Therefore, the siblings had an extremely deep bond.

That's why she was so overjoyed by his later changes.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Chen Wan'er's smile gradually faded, and her expression became serious.

"Okay, let's get down to business."

She looked at Chen Ye and said seriously, "The autumn hunt will officially begin tomorrow. This is not just a hunt, but also an opportunity to show ourselves in front of His Majesty."

"I've already spoken to His Majesty, and I'll try to get you a chance to appear before him. You absolutely must seize the opportunity and not be shy, understand?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Ye's heart skipped a beat.

Because he could clearly sense from Chen Wan'er's heartfelt words her awe and reverence for the Empress.

His Majesty's will is unpredictable and his methods are extraordinary. I hope my younger brother can live up to expectations this time and not mess things up, otherwise...

Chen Ye had made up his mind, so he nodded solemnly, "Don't worry, sister, I know what I'm doing, and I definitely won't let you down!"

Seeing her younger brother's confident expression, Chen Wan'er nodded in satisfaction.

However, she was still a little worried and started to give her a long, rambling lecture.

"When you get to the hunting grounds tomorrow, don't hang out with those shady characters, especially that Hou En from the Marquis of Anyuan's family, and that fat guy from the Earl of Zhongyong's family. Stay away from them!"

"Also, besides the sons of noble families, there are many sons of important officials in the court in the hunting grounds. Don't provoke others easily, but don't let them bully you either. Although our Chen family has declined, it's not like anyone can step on us!"

"Be especially careful of that young prince from the Wuyang Prince's Mansion. He's always been arrogant and domineering. You absolutely mustn't get into a conflict with him!"

Chen Wan'er was like a mother sending her child to the exam hall, carefully explaining all the precautions she could think of.

Chen Ye listened quietly from the side, nodding in agreement from time to time.

He knew that behind every word of advice lay his sister's deep love and concern for him.

Chen Wan'er talked on and on for almost half an hour, explaining everything to Chen Ye, from the rules of the autumn hunt to the temperaments and backgrounds of the noble children present. She went through almost every detail.

By the end, she herself felt a bit thirsty, so she picked up the tea that had gone cold on the table and took a sip.

Upon seeing this, Chen Ye quickly got up and picked up the copper kettle next to him to refill her water with hot water.

"Sister, have some hot tea to soothe your throat."

Looking at her younger brother's attentive and considerate manner, Chen Wan'er felt a warm current flow through her heart again.

This child has really grown up; he knows how to care for others now.

She smiled with satisfaction, picked up her teacup, and took a small sip.

She glanced at the sky outside the tent; it was already very late, and she knew she should go back.

After all, she was a secretary in the Imperial Secretariat who served the Empress, and she could not leave the camp for too long.

"Alright, it's getting late, I should go back." Chen Wan'er stood up to leave. "You should also get some rest today, so you can be well-rested and do your best tomorrow."

"Okay, I understand, sis." Chen Ye also stood up, ready to see her out.

Just as Chen Wan'er turned around, preparing to lift the curtain and leave, Chen Ye habitually used his "Heart-to-Heart" technique again.

He wanted to hear if his sister had any last words of advice before she left.

However, the inner voice he heard this time made his heart tremble slightly.

I have to go back again...

Sigh, it's so rare to finally see my brother and exchange a few words with him.

Although the palace is magnificent, it is ultimately too desolate... There isn't even anyone I can confide in...

The voice was filled with deep reluctance, as well as a hint of loneliness and weariness hidden deep in the heart.

Chen Ye understood instantly.

My sister's life in the palace was probably not as glamorous as it seemed on the surface.

What is a royal palace?
That is the place where the power struggles are most intense and people's hearts are most treacherous.

She was a woman, all alone, and only through her own wisdom and the Empress's trust did she get to where she is today.

Only she herself knows how much hardship and grievance she endured.

But every time she was in front of me, she appeared so strong and invincible, like a great mountain that could shelter me from the wind and rain.

Thinking of this, a strong emotion welled up in Chen Ye's heart.

He looked at Chen Wan'er's slightly thin back and almost blurted it out.

"sister!"

Chen Wan'er stopped and turned around to look at him with some confusion: "What's wrong? Is there something else?"

Chen Ye took two steps forward, stood in front of her, looked into her eyes, and said in an unprecedentedly serious tone:
"Sister, you must be careful in everything you do in the palace, but don't be afraid."

"You'll have your younger brother to back you up from now on!"

"If anyone dares to bully you, tell me, and I'll make them pay!"

These words were powerful and resounding, full of a man's responsibility and strength.

Chen Wan'er was stunned on the spot.

She stared blankly at her younger brother.

Is this still the same little boy who would just follow her around, act spoiled, and cry to her when he got into trouble?
His eyes were so firm, so earnest.

The words "I have your younger brother to back you up" struck her like a heavy blow, hitting the softest spot in her heart.

Over the years, she had struggled alone in the palace and had long been accustomed to relying on herself for everything.

She had long been used to the feeling of being her younger brother's support.

But she never imagined that one day her younger brother, who needed her protection, would turn around and tell her that he would stand up for her.

In an instant, an indescribable mix of sorrow and emotion welled up in her heart.

Her eyes were red.

【younger brother……】

My little brother... he's really grown up...

He knows how to care for me now...

Chen Ye clearly heard the turbulent thoughts in her mind, a complex mix of relief, emotion, pride, and heartache.

He knew that his words had touched his sister's heart.

However, Chen Wan'er was a seasoned person with a strong ability to control her emotions.

She took a deep breath and forced back the tears that welled up in her eyes, preventing them from falling.

Because she didn't want to lose her composure in front of her younger brother.

Then Chen Wan'er nodded emphatically, a genuine and extremely gratified smile appearing on her face.

"it is good."

She said only one word and then turned around resolutely, lifted the curtain, and walked out quickly.

Chen Ye stood there, watching her figure disappear into the night.

After a long while, he finally let out a long breath.

The most difficult hurdle has finally passed... without any major incidents.

With his quick wit and the help of his prodigal son's talent, he not only perfectly handled his sister's surprise inspection, but also unexpectedly strengthened the bond between the siblings.

This was a good deal.

At the same time, Chen Wan'er quickly walked out of the Chen family's camp.

The night breeze brushed against her face, carrying a slight coolness, and gradually calmed her head, which had been feverish with excitement.

Instead of returning directly to the imperial tent, she stopped in a secluded corner.

A moment later, a female guard in black flew out of the shadows and landed in front of her, then bowed and stood silently.

Chen Wan'er stood with her hands behind her back, looking up at the bright moon in the sky. The gratified smile on her face gradually faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression.

My younger brother has grown up and become more sensible; he knows how to care for her now.

This was supposed to be a wonderful thing, something she had been hoping for for many years.

But for some reason, after calming down, a sense of unease rose in her heart.

Because this change came too quickly and too suddenly.

It's like... a completely different person overnight.

Of course, she would never doubt that her brother was a fake.

That sense of closeness born of blood, that tacit understanding developed from childhood, is something that can never be faked.

She just felt that her younger brother seemed to be hiding some secrets she didn't know about.

Just then, a faint fragrance wafted into her nose.

Chen Wan'er's nose twitched unconsciously.

This aroma... it smells so familiar.

She lowered her head, lifted her sleeve, and brought it to her nose to smell it gently.

Yes, that's the smell.

Just now, when she was in the tent, she smelled this faint fragrance on her younger brother.

At first she didn't pay attention, thinking it was the smell of incense in the tent.

But now, in this open wilderness, the lingering fragrance on his sleeves seemed particularly jarring.

This is not incense.

This is a very precious perfume balm that only women would use.

It seems to be called... Drunken Orchid Fragrance.

Chen Wan'er's brows furrowed slowly.

Why does my brother smell like women's perfume?

It's definitely not Xie Weining's.

She had seen that woman before; she was as aloof as ice and never used such things. Moreover, according to the information she had received, Xie Weining had not even come to the autumn hunt today.

So where does this fragrance come from?

Based on what just happened, an answer becomes obvious.

My younger brother sneaked out of the camp tonight, not to practice any martial arts.

He must have gone to see a woman.

A woman wearing a precious perfume called "Drunken Orchid Fragrance".

Those who could afford such perfume were definitely not ordinary families.

who can that be?

Chen Wan'er's eyes sharpened.

She wasn't angry that her younger brother had gone astray and was having secret meetings with other women.

To be honest, based on her understanding of Chen Ye and Xie Weining's marriage, she even felt that it wasn't a big deal for her brother to have a female confidante outside the marriage.

Men can be a little flirtatious, as long as it doesn't interfere with their work, it's not a big deal.

Moreover, since it was her most beloved younger brother, she naturally protected him in every way.

Her only worry was that her simple-minded, foolish younger brother would be deceived by some scheming woman!

So she had to find out who the other person was and what their purpose was in getting close to her brother!

Thinking of this, a cold glint flashed in Chen Wan'er's eyes, and then she coldly ordered in a tone devoid of any emotion, "Xiao Ying."

"Your subordinate is here," the female guard replied, bowing.

"Go and find out for me," Chen Wan'er said in a low voice. "I'm wondering which woman my brother has been spending a lot of time with lately."

“Especially tonight, find out which noble ladies also came to the hunting grounds and secretly slipped out of the camp after nightfall.”

"Focus on investigating those who like to use 'Drunken Orchid Fragrance' on their clothes."

"Yes!"

The female guard named Xiaoying responded crisply, then her figure flickered and disappeared into the night like a ghost.

(End of this chapter)