Starting as pearl divers, they have endless jobs.

Chapter 236 Settling Bai Jie and Heading Out of the City
Wu Daofu then chatted with Chen Ye about some interesting anecdotes from the imperial court, and the atmosphere became relaxed and harmonious.

This Grand Tutor of the court was like a kind and approachable elder, showing great care and support for Chen Ye. During their conversation, he offered many tips on how to navigate the officialdom and shared his own experiences as an official over the years.

Chen Ye listened attentively and humbly, occasionally asking one or two questions, all of which were well-chosen, demonstrating his thinking without appearing overly presumptuous.

Therefore, this exchange of questions and answers was a pleasant one for both the host and guests.

Seeing that it was getting late, Chen Ye took the initiative to get up and say goodbye.

"Having listened to the Grand Tutor's teachings today, I have gained a great deal of insight and benefited immensely. As it is getting late, I dare not disturb you any longer and will take my leave now."

Wu Daofu did not try to stop him, but stroked his white beard, nodded with a smile, and personally escorted him to the door of the study.

"Go, young man." The old Grand Tutor stood inside the threshold, sunlight filtering through the gaps in the bamboo grove, casting dappled shadows on him.

He patted Chen Ye on the shoulder, his eyes, which had seen through the vicissitudes of life, filled with a deep expectation, "The future of Da Chen belongs to you."

This statement carries immense weight; it is both encouragement and recognition.

Chen Ye felt a slight chill run down his spine. He bowed again and solemnly said, "This student will certainly live up to Grand Tutor's high expectations."

After saying that, he turned and left.

After passing through the quiet courtyard filled with lush bamboo, the butler, who had been waiting at the door for a long time, immediately came to greet us with his usual respectful and warm smile.

"Lord Chen, this way please."

Chen Ye followed the steward and walked towards the gate of the mansion.

He walked steadily, his face calm, but his mind was rapidly reviewing every conversation and every glance he had exchanged with Wu Daofu that day.

This old Grand Tutor is as deep and unfathomable as an abyss. Today's probing and warnings may seem gentle and mild, but they actually conceal a sharp edge.

A person like Wu Daofu would never completely believe someone just because of a few words. The goodwill and appreciation he showed today are more of a gesture, an investment.

He was optimistic about his own potential and believed he was a worthwhile pawn to bet on.

Once Chen Ye understood this, he felt calmer. Being used by the powerful wasn't scary; what was scary was not even having any value to be used.

As long as I can continue to demonstrate sufficient value and a sensible attitude, then Wu Daofu's connection will not only not be a threat, but may even become a great asset to my future career in the imperial court.

As his thoughts wandered, he had already left that elegant courtyard.

Just as he rounded a carved corridor, Chen Ye's steps suddenly faltered slightly.

Not far away, beneath the pavilion, a beautiful figure leaned against a vermilion pillar, her skirt swaying gently in the breeze, gazing towards him from afar.

The young woman wore a delicate pink silk dress that accentuated her snow-white skin and slender figure. Her jet-black hair was styled into an exquisite updo, with several pearl hairpins shimmering with a warm luster. Who else could it be but Wu Mengwei?

Perhaps not expecting Chen Ye to come out of the study so quickly, when their eyes met unexpectedly in the afternoon sunlight, Wu Mengwei's already fair face flushed red, and even her small earlobes became crystal clear.

She instinctively wanted to look away, but it was as if she were drawn to a magnet, unable to tear her gaze away.

Chen Ye found her shy yet delighted, slightly flustered appearance quite adorable.

He saw me! He saw me!

Oh dear, why am I waiting for him here? What am I going to do? Will he think I'm being too forward?

But... but to see him in person, that would be so wonderful...

Hearing these thoughts, Chen Ye couldn't help but smile slightly, then nodded slightly to the girl as a greeting, and then left.

Beneath the pavilion, Wu Mengwei watched his tall figure disappear into the distance as he passed through the layers of courtyards. Her heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst out of her chest.

"Brother Chen..." She leaned against the pillar, her watery eyes misting over, feeling weak all over.

……

As Chen Ye walked out of the Grand Tutor's mansion, the servants at the gate had already led over the Snow-Treading Black Steed.

He mounted his horse swiftly and decisively, but instead of immediately returning to Tinglan Pavilion by Xuanwu Lake, he turned his horse around and rode off towards another street.

Green Willow Lane.

The alley was still the same alley, but the willow trees on both sides had lost all their leaves in the cold winter wind, leaving only bare branches, which looked rather desolate.

Deep in the alley, in front of that inconspicuous little house, a slender figure stood at the door, eagerly waiting.

She kept glancing towards the alley entrance, her hands nervously twisting the hem of her clothes, her face filled with anticipation and trepidation.

It was Bai Jie.

Ever since Chen Ye sent Zhao Qi to deliver that letter three days ago, she has been in a dreamlike state.

The letter contained no extra words, just a single sheet of paper lying quietly.

A contract of servitude that tormented her for countless days and nights, haunting her like a nightmare.

When Bai Jie saw the slightly yellowed, creased piece of paper, she could hardly believe her eyes.

She traced the words with her fingertips again and again until her nails were almost digging into her flesh, before she was finally certain that she was free.

At that moment, an overwhelming sense of surprise and emotion erupted like a torrent, instantly shattering all her strength and pretense.

She held the contract of indenture and cried her heart out in the empty room.

Her cries contained relief, gratitude, and an indescribable emotion that quietly took root and sprouted in the softest part of her heart, filling her entire being.

She knew that from this moment on, her life belonged to that man.

So she waits every day.

She didn't know if he would come, but she stubbornly waited from dawn till dusk, as if only in this way could she slightly alleviate the anxiety and anticipation in her heart.

Just then, the clear sound of horses' hooves came from afar.

Bai Jie perked up and quickly stood on tiptoe to look. She saw a black horse appear at the alley entrance, and the rider was dressed in a dark blue casual suit with a tall and straight posture. It was none other than Chen Ye!
Bai Jie's eyes instantly reddened; all her waiting and anxiety transformed into endless grievance and joy the moment she saw that figure.

She lifted her skirt and hurried to meet him, forgetting that she was still wearing thin clothes and how biting the winter wind was.

She wanted to say something, but the words caught in her throat due to overwhelming emotions, and she choked up, unable to utter a single word.

In the end, she could only utter one sentence, her voice trembling.

"My lord...my lord..."

Chen Ye looked at her excited and somewhat out-of-control appearance and nodded calmly.

"Go in and talk."

"Ah."

Bai Jie then seemed to wake from a dream, quickly wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes with her sleeve, turned around and led the way, leading Chen Ye into the courtyard.

The courtyard was still deserted. A thin layer of dust covered the stone table and benches. Bai Jie wiped the stone benches with her sleeve before inviting Chen Ye to sit down.

As soon as Chen Ye sat down, Bai Jie could no longer contain her excitement. Her knees buckled, and she knelt down on the ground. "Thank you, Your Excellency, for saving Bai Jie from this sea of ​​suffering!" Her forehead pressed against the cold ground, her voice filled with piety and determination.

"What are you doing, Miss Bai!" Chen Ye frowned slightly and quickly reached out to help Bai Jie up.

Her body was very light; you could feel her fragility and slight trembling even through her clothes.

"It's just a small favor, why make such a big gesture?"

"It's a simple favor for adults, but for Bai Jie, it's a new beginning!"

Bai Jie was helped to stand up by him, but she refused to let go of his arm. Her clear eyes, washed by tears, were filled with an undeniable determination.

"Bai Jie knows that she is of lowly status and of unworthy appearance, and is not worthy of you, sir. But Bai Jie begs you, sir, to allow Bai Jie to follow you, even if it means serving you like a slave or as a maid who serves tea and water. Bai Jie would be willing to do so!"

This wasn't the first time she had made such a request.

She had mustered the courage to say this before Sun Demao fell from power.

At that time, Chen Ye neither agreed nor disagreed, only saying that the time was not yet right.

But now everything is different. Sun Demao has fallen from power, and I have regained my freedom.

Therefore, she looked at Chen Ye with anticipation, her heart pounding in her throat, so nervous that it almost stopped beating.

In her view, this was the best possible outcome she could imagine.

As long as I can stay by his side, even if it's just watching him from afar, serving him a cup of hot tea every day, and making his bed, it would be the greatest blessing from heaven.

However, Chen Ye shook his head, "I don't lack maids."

These few simple words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Bai Jie, instantly freezing her enthusiasm and expectations.

Those eyes, which had just been burning with the flame of hope, quickly dimmed, turning into a deep sense of disappointment and sorrow.

As expected...it still doesn't work?

Yes, he is such a distinguished person now.

The Commandant of the Xuanjing Division, a favorite of His Majesty, has a bright future and enjoys the Emperor's favor.

And what about herself? She was nothing more than a lowly woman who had been born into prostitution and had been wallowing in the mire for many years. Her body was already tainted, and her reputation was already ruined.

How could he possibly be interested in me?
He was kind to me before, helping me escape from my misery. Perhaps... perhaps it really was just a small favor, out of his kindness and pity for me.

It was wishful thinking on my part; I was overestimating my abilities.

Just as Bai Jie was feeling utterly hopeless, Chen Ye's voice rang out once again.

"However, I have another plan."

Bai Jie's body jolted, and she abruptly raised her head, a faint glimmer of hope rekindling in her dim eyes.

Chen Ye released her hand, took out another letter from his pocket, and casually placed it on the stone table in the courtyard.

“This is a business owned by my wife,” Chen Ye explained calmly, pointing to the letter.

"The trading company mainly deals in cloth and silk in Yunzhou and beyond the pass. It is currently expanding and is short of a manager to oversee the warehouse and keep accounts."

“You are literate and intelligent, so I hope you can go there to help my wife.”

Bai Jie was stunned when she heard this, and then hurriedly waved her hand.

"My lord, I can't do it. I... I don't know anything. I'm completely clueless about accounting and managing people. Besides, if people find out about my background, wouldn't it bring shame to Madam and you, my lord?"

As she spoke, she was so anxious that tears were about to fall, her deep-seated inferiority complex making her feel that she was not worthy at all.

A woman of the night becoming the manager of a respectable business? Who would believe that? Who would accept it?

But just then, Chen Ye said calmly, "If I say you can do it, then you can."

"You can learn if you don't know how. No one is born knowing how to do everything. Besides, there are experienced people in the business who will teach you."

"As for your background..." Chen Ye's gaze fell on her, as if he could see through all her inferiority and timidity.

"Bai Jie of Cui Liu Lane died the moment you walked out of here."

"What survives is a completely new person, with no connection to the past, so you will have to rewrite your own past."

Upon hearing these words, Bai Jie felt a tremendous surge of emotions.

He didn't despise his background; in fact, he paved the way for himself and severed all ties with his unpleasant past.

Most importantly, he gave himself a position as a manager who could live with dignity and be respected by others.

This trust and respect were more precious and moving than any gold, silver, or vows of eternal love.

Bai Jie felt a lump in her throat, and the tears she had finally managed to stop blurred her vision once again.

"Big... lord!"

At this moment, Chen Ye didn't even need to say a word. As long as he showed even the slightest hint of that kind of intention, or gave a single glance, Bai Jie would unhesitatingly undress and offer him everything she had.

But Chen Ye didn't.

He simply watched her quietly, observing her transformation from despair to surprise, and finally to tears of gratitude.

The profession of Casanova gave him more than just the ability to manipulate people's hearts; it also made him realize that the most basic way to conquer a woman is to possess her body.

The most skillful method is to win her heart.

Sometimes, getting genuine affection is far more valuable than getting physical intimacy.

For example, Bai Jie in front of him, from now on she will be devoted to him and loyal to him without reservation.

He no longer needed to consider whether she would betray him; she would become his most reliable eyes and arms, planted on the Xie family business tree to manage the family business and accumulate wealth for him.

Thinking of this, Chen Ye stood up and pushed the letter on the table in front of Bai Jie.

"Tomorrow morning, a carriage will come to pick you up. Take this letter to the Jinxiu Pavilion in the south of the city, and someone will arrange everything for you."

After saying that, Chen Ye ignored Bai Jie's burning gaze, which was almost melting, and did not say any more words of comfort or encouragement. He simply turned around and walked out of the courtyard.

His figure quickly disappeared at the alley entrance.

Bai Jie stood in the courtyard until the crisp sound of horses' hooves had completely faded away before slowly withdrawing her gaze.

She walked to the stone table, carefully picked up the letter that would determine the course of her life, and pressed it tightly to her chest, as if it were the most precious treasure in the world.

Meanwhile, the winter sun shone through the sparse willow branches, dispelling some of the chill from her.

She looked up at the gray sky, and tears streamed down her face again, but this time a bright, reborn smile appeared on her face.

Chen Ye did not go home after leaving Cui Liu Lane. He spurred his horse and galloped towards the outskirts of the city.

(End of this chapter)