Chapter 24

Chapter 24

The following days saw Ye Shuang immersed in preparations for the Winter Solstice sacrifice. Though time was short, the ceremony was to be held within the estate, simplifying arrangements. Only the essentials—incense burners, offerings, ritual wine, and food—were needed. With the help of Nanny Liu and others, everything was swiftly readied.

On the day of the sacrifice, Ye Shuang accompanied Xiao Lin in honoring the Xiao family ancestors and Xiao Lin’s parents. In the afternoon, she ventured out with Wen Xiang.

She met Song Yun at the Bright Moon Restaurant. Upon seeing her, Song Yun immediately asked, “What’s been happening lately? Why haven’t I heard from you in so long? I heard you were confined and even offended Princess Jing. What exactly transpired?”

Ye Shuang then gave her a brief account of the recent events.

After listening, Song Yun was incensed: “That’s outrageous! What exactly does Xiao Lin intend? Could he truly be considering marrying Liu Yiyi?”

Noticing Ye Shuang’s silent gaze downwards, Song Yun shifted her tone to offer comfort: “But I doubt it will come to that. No matter how exceptional Liu Yiyi may be, she can’t compare to the bond you two have shared since childhood.”

Ye Shuang remained quiet, though her expression softened slightly.

“What are your true thoughts on the matter?”

“I asked you here today to discuss precisely that. I need your help with something,” Ye Shuang said, gesturing for Wen Xiang to bring forth a multi-treasure box. “This box contains some jewelry, gold, and silver—gifts from my father when I married, and some left by my mother. Please sell these for me and keep the silver notes safe with you for now.”

“Are you… contemplating a separation from Xiao Lin?”

“No, not at all. I simply believe silver notes are more convenient to carry. Should anything unforeseen happen in the future, I’ll be prepared. Additionally, please purchase a thoroughbred for me and stable it at the West Suburb Horse Ranch. Xiao Lin used to frequent that place, but one can only gain access by owning and maintaining a horse there. If he goes again, I can accompany him.”

Song Yun replied, “Rest assured, leave it to me. I’ll handle it perfectly.”

Ye Shuang was profoundly grateful: “Thank you. If this isn’t sufficient, I’ll bring more later.”

After Song Yun took the items, the two descended the stairs together. As they reached the entrance, the restaurant manager called out to Ye Shuang.

“Madam, the flatbread you inquired about last time has arrived. Do you still wish to purchase it?”

Song Yun cast a surprised glance at her: “Flatbread? Since when do you fancy that?”

“It’s not for me,” Ye Shuang stated calmly.

“Then it must be for Xiao Lin.”

Ye Shuang offered no reply, the answer already self-evident.

After a moment’s hesitation, Ye Shuang bought some flatbread and also picked up some dumplings and other food to take back with her.

The two parted ways at the restaurant entrance, each returning to their respective homes.

Upon her return, Ye Shuang had the food reheated, waiting for Xiao Lin to join her for dinner.

Wen Xiang asked, “Madam, will the Marquis be coming tonight?”

Ye Shuang sat at the table: “He probably will. He stayed here last night and didn’t say he wouldn’t come tonight.”

Though she spoke with a semblance of certainty, she herself was unsure. She had already sent someone to invite him, but Xiao Lin had yet to appear, causing her some anxiety.

Approximately half an hour later, Xiao Lin finally arrived.

Ye Shuang, who had nearly drifted off to sleep, opened her eyes at the sound of his arrival. She saw Xiao Lin, clad in dark robes, stepping into the room under the moonlight.

“You’re here. The food has grown cold. I’ll have the kitchen warm it up again.”

Xiao Lin surveyed the table laden with food, a hint of surprise in his eyes: “I wasn’t aware you had prepared a meal. I’m a bit late. Have you eaten?”

Ye Shuang smiled: “It’s quite alright. I wasn’t particularly hungry anyway.”

“Then you eat first. I’ll go bathe.”

Ye Shuang took a step forward: “Why don’t we share a little something together?”

As Xiao Lin walked further into the room, his gaze casually swept over the table, landing on the plate of flatbread. He stopped abruptly.

Ye Shuang followed his gaze to the flatbread.

Xiao Lin stared at the plate of flatbread, then slowly took a seat.

Ye Shuang also chose a seat.

This flatbread was a specialty of Yuzhou, prepared in a unique way found nowhere else. Though not a delicacy, its distinctive method gave it a crispy texture, beloved by everyone in Yuzhou, from children to the elderly. Xiao Lin had cherished it as a child. Having been away from Yuzhou for many years, he surely hadn't seen this flatbread in a long time.

Xiao Lin picked up a flatbread, examining it carefully, then took a small, cautious bite.

Ye Shuang watched him: “How does it taste? Is it still the same as when you were a child?”

Xiao Lin took a bite of the flatbread but barely chewed, as if hesitant to savor it fully.

“Did you buy this specifically?”

“Yes, it’s quite difficult to find. Only one restaurant in the city sells it. Last time I went, they were out of stock. I specifically asked the manager to reserve some for me, which is how I managed to get this much.”

As Ye Shuang continued her enthusiastic explanation, Xiao Lin suddenly dismissed everyone, instructing them to close the door as they left.

Ye Shuang looked at him, puzzled.

Xiao Lin sat in silence, clutching half a flatbread, his expression terribly grim. The next moment, he abruptly swept the entire plate of flatbread onto the floor, startling Ye Shuang, who immediately stood up and backed away.

“What are you doing? I went through so much trouble to buy these!” Ye Shuang hurriedly knelt to pick them up.

“Ye Shuang, stop these futile gestures. I stopped liking this long ago. I am no longer a child!”

Ye Shuang’s hand, reaching for the flatbread, froze. Her voice trembled: “I just wanted to do something.”

“Do you think this can change anything? Let me tell you, it only reminds me of the pain I’ve endured over the years, of how you abandoned me back then, and how your family abandoned mine.” Xiao Lin seized Ye Shuang’s wrist and pulled her up. Ye Shuang cried out in pain, dropping the plate she held. The flatbread she had just gathered scattered across the floor once more.

“I wonder what was in your heart today when you paid respects to my parents? They adored you back then. In all these years, have you ever visited them? Have you ever spared a single thought for me?” Xiao Lin grew increasingly agitated, his grip unconsciously tightening.

Ye Shuang struggled desperately: “Xiao Lin, let go! You’re hurting me…”

“You are just like your father—cold-hearted and fickle. Now that we are alone, there’s no need for you to maintain this charade.”

“What are you talking about? I don’t understand!” Ye Shuang tried to break free, but Xiao Lin, skilled in martial arts and fueled by anger, possessed immense strength. He was unable to control his force, and Ye Shuang felt her wrist was about to be crushed.

“You don’t understand? Then there’s one thing you might recognize.” Xiao Lin suddenly produced a gleaming golden object and held it up before Ye Shuang.

Ye Shuang focused her gaze—it was the gold hairpin she had lost at the Pei residence. “How did you get this? Did you pick it up that day? If you found it, why didn’t you return it to me?”

Xiao Lin sneered: “If not with me, where else would it be? Perhaps with your lover?”

The words struck Ye Shuang like a thunderbolt: “What did you say?”

“You were out today, and your hairpin was returned to the estate. I received it for you.”

Xiao Lin abruptly released Ye Shuang. Caught off guard, she stumbled and fell onto the soft couch.

With a flick of his wrist, Xiao Lin tossed the hairpin at her feet.