The Noble Woman's Guide On How to Tease One's Husband

81-85

Chapter 81 – Small Gathering

In the quiet afternoon of a warm day, an elderly and a young man sat on the seven-panel wooden armchair, chatting and sipping tea in the spacious main hall of the Ye family's clan home. In the teacups were clear green whirls that diffused curling vapor of bitter tea fragrance that gradually suffused to every corner of the hall.

"Li'er, have you heard of the recent rumors in the royal court?"

Ye Huaili nodded slightly to Ye Xun. Gloomy hues enshrouded the pitch-dark pupils of his eyes as if it was hard to explain in a few words.

The Ministry of Justice had handed over their feedback a few days ago, explaining that Wang Feng was killed by the mobster during a tour of inspection. As too many people were involved, the search is still in full swing. Wang Feng's body has already been transported back to Wangdu and the day of receiving the deceased body, the Wang family found a whip mark on his back which depth did not seem impair by ordinary people. Wang Jian immediately went to the palace to seek an audience and strongly requested a re-investigation of the case but was rejected by Chu Sanghuai for lack of evidence.

It's true that the Ministry of Justice's conclusion cannot be overthrown with this point alone. Perhaps there are martial arts practitioners amongst the perpetrators but Ye Huaili does not think so. The inclination of the whip can be determined by the length and depth of the wound while looking over the position at that time, the whip must have attacked from an extremely tricky angle. Such a skill is rare, so he basically could ascertain that Wang Feng must have been assassinated by someone with a purpose.

He told all these deductions to Ye Xun, who said, "You'd better go back to Guanzhong as soon as possible. Don't meddle in these matters."

The implication was that this matter could not escape from the conflicts of various factions in the royal court.

The arch on the corners of Ye Huaili's lips was particularly cold and harsh. It took a long time before he spat out a sentence, "Naturally, I will not pay attention to these matters, only afraid some people will have their heads sharpen* to squeeze into this chaotic war."

[T/N: 削尖脑袋 (Xuè jiān nǎodai) – Describes the ugly state of a person disguising, whitewashing, and desperately drilling the camp/go backward to secure personal gain]

Ye Xun raised his eyebrows and asked, "You mean Yang'er?"

Once Caocao was mentioned and here he appeared* when the housekeeper appeared at the door gaspingly as soon as the words faltered, "Old Master, Eldest Young Master, the matriarch and Wangye are back for dinner."

[T/N: 说曹操曹操到 (Shuō cáocāo cáocāo dào) – speaking of the devil and he doth appear]

Ye Huaili's face immediately turned cold while Ye Xun waved the housekeeper away then persuaded amiably, "Yang'er rarely come back once, so don't always put forth such a look to save her being caught in a difficult position between you and Wangye."

"I don't see her cower the least bit should she be in a difficult position. Isn't she hell-bent on following him?"

Ye Xun stroked his grizzled beard and spoke unhurriedly, "I can see that Wangye treats her extremely well and complies all her wishes just like spoiling his own child. This circumstance is already considered the best amongst the fickle and callous royal family. Moreover, he has also been content with his lot in the royal court recently without any dubious moves. You should not be too overcritical."

Ye Huaili snorted coldly, "Elder Uncle, he has an undemonstrative mind that has always been astute. If he is really scheming errantly in the dark, can both of us discern it? Not to mention the fact that Yang'er is simply hand in glove with him. She will get herself killed sooner or later!"

"Then what can you do now? Forcibly break them apart?" Ye Xun shook his head and heaved a sigh, "Yang'er is precisely a very opinionated child since young. Even your father can hardly change whatever she has set her mind on, let alone you."

The clusters of radiance in Ye Huaili's eyes flickered once at these words, as if something came into his mind suddenly.

Why didn't he think of his own father? He is indeed the most wise and resolute person in the entire Ye family. With him keeping an eye at home, will he still be afraid of Ye Huaiyang not behaving herself?

After making up his mind, Ye Huaili intended to go to the post station immediately. Who knew a petite figure would burst into his line of sight the moment he turned around, dressing in a smoky-water white-patterned flower skirt with a jade buyao dangling behind her ears and two blue-lake ribbons braided around her hair bun which swayed vividly along her brisk paces.