Ye Shixian sneered inwardly. ’Ye Chutang is the best at keeping up appearances. With things in such a state, I refuse to believe she can just hide away and stand idly by!’

However, the servant just scratched his head and said, "I’m terribly sorry, but our Second Miss Ye has gone to Jiuhua Mountain. I don’t know when she’ll be back, and it wouldn’t be right to have you wait here indefinitely, so... perhaps it’s best if you return for now."

Ye Shixian’s expression froze.

The onlookers exchanged glances. Someone unaware of the full story whispered, "Jiuhua Mountain? Why on earth would Second Miss Ye go there all of a sudden?"

It’s unclear who, but someone sighed softly and explained, "There’s something you all might not know. Second Miss Ye’s parents and elder brother... are all buried there."

The crowd fell silent.

The events of that year had caused a huge sensation, and with the recent resurgence of the controversy, it was difficult to feign ignorance.

But the fact that Ye Zheng and the others were buried on Jiuhua Mountain was something only a few people remembered.

"Now I remember. It was the dead of winter, the ground was covered in heavy snow, and the roads were impassable. Ye Heng gave up on taking them back to their ancestral home for burial and chose to inter them on Jiuhua Mountain instead."

"I remember that too! And because Lord Ye Zheng had incurred the Emperor’s wrath and been disgraced, his funeral was not a grand affair. He was simply buried to have the matter done with. Looking back on it now... it’s truly a lamentable affair!"

But another person made a barbed comment, "That said, this Second Miss Ye has been back in the Capital City for a while. Why has she only thought to do this today?"

But this argument was quickly shot down.

"Easy for you to say! She’s just a lone, defenseless woman. It was already a monumental task for her to protect her younger siblings and bring them safely back to the Capital City! What’s more, she’s faced one crisis after another since her return. If I were her, I’d probably still be bedridden, without even the strength to go outside!"

The one who had stirred the pot choked on his words and shrank back.

Hearing this, the crowd nodded in agreement.

They had all heard about the Ye Family’s recent troubles and knew full well that Ye Chutang truly hadn’t had the time or energy to do this until now.

She had likely chosen today specifically because Ye Heng’s case had finally been settled.

It was a gesture of utmost sincerity.

Listening to their words, Ye Shixian grew incredibly agitated and secretly clenched her jaw.

’That clever Ye Chutang! She obviously chose today on purpose!’

’Could it be... she already knew I would show up at her door?’

’But when did she become so astute?’

’The Ye Chutang from my memory was quiet, one could even say timid and meek. Whenever trouble arose, she would always hide behind her father and brother, her eyes clear and naive.’

’But now...’

’No!’

’It started the moment she returned to the Capital City! She’s become a completely different person!’

Ye Shixian looked ahead, feeling that this place, and the people in it, had never felt so alien.

...

The carriage continued onward. After it left the city, the number of people on the road began to dwindle.

Ye Chutang lifted the curtain and looked outside.

In the distance, a mountain range rolled across the landscape. One precipitous peak stood out among the rest.

Xiao Wu, who had been nestled in her arms, sensed the movement and opened her eyes.

She followed Ye Chutang’s gaze, but then, as if frightened by something, she nervously tightened her grip on Ye Chutang’s sleeve.

Sensing the slight pressure, Ye Chutang lowered her gaze. She gently patted the girl’s head and said softly,

"Xiao Wu, there’s no need to be afraid."

She lifted her chin.

"Father, Mother, and our brother are all there."

’What is there to fear?’

Xiao Wu blinked, and the anxiety in her eyes slowly faded.

At last, she too turned her head to look outside.