After the mind-reading and gossip-eating incident, officials in the imperial city were demoted one a

"It's done."

Ye Xiyao was happy for Chen Ranran, as her life would be secure from now on.

The two men had already drowned and were taken to a mass grave.

After watching the play, the people hawked their wares along the ancient city river, and soon the vendors sold out and packed up to go home.

Chen Ranran walked over and thanked them.

"Once I'm settled, I'll invite you to my home." Her home, and Xu Mama's home.

"Okay, we'll go."

"If there's anything you need, send someone to tell us."

"Okay, thank you all." Chen Ranran looked at them reluctantly. She wanted to improve herself so that she could be of help in the future.

When the siblings returned home, Liu Yunshu told them that Ye Mian would be having dinner with them.

The siblings exchanged startled glances, unanimously sensing that this was a trap.

When dinner arrived, Ye Mian smiled as he looked at the mother and her children.

"Our family hasn't eaten together in a long time."

[That scumbag dad is laughing so happily, it's a bit unusual. Is something good happening? System, are you there?]

The system remained unresponsive for a long time, so Ye Yaoyao remained vigilant.

"Father, you look very pleased. Is something good about to happen?"

Ye Jingyang asked, puzzled, and Ye Yaoyao also spoke up.

"Is it a promotion or a fortune?"

Ye Mian's smile froze when he was asked, "Can't a father be a little happier when the family is having a meal together?"

"Sure, but we're not used to it."

[That scumbag father is definitely plotting something.]

The atmosphere at the meal was rather awkward, with everyone remaining silent. Ye Mian concealed his smile, yet anyone could tell he was in an excellent mood!

Ye Jingyang gave Ye Yaoyao a wink, and Ye Yaoyao nodded.

"Father, you've heard about what happened at the moat today, haven't you?"

"Yes! I listened to it all the way back from court."

"That adulterous couple is truly shameless. They were lovers, but for their ulterior motives, they pretended to be siblings to deceive Lord Chen. Drowning them in a pig cage is too lenient for them."

Ye Mian's face immediately darkened, and he put down his chopsticks.

"Little sister is right, this kind of person deserves to be torn to pieces."

“I think there must be many more people like this in the world, and they should be sentenced to death in order to serve as a warning to others.”

"You siblings are so unruly, you shouldn't talk while eating or sleeping. Where have you learned any manners these past two days, Ye Yaoyao?"

"Ye Jingyang, shouldn't you learn some manners too?"

Li Mama didn't specifically teach Ye Yaoyao manners, and she herself didn't do anything out of line.

Granny Li is cold on the outside but warm on the inside, and she usually stays by Ye Yaoyao's side.

Liu Yunshu looked at Ye Mian and said:

"The Chen family's matter has caused quite a stir today. It's so despicable that it's no big deal for the children to say a few words."

It's rare for a family to have a proper meal together, why the need for lecturing?

"That's what the lady said."

When the two siblings said this, Ye Mian thought they knew his secret, and Liu Yunshu's reaction put his mind at ease once again.

The next day, the group left the city and headed to the Chen family villa. The villa, located outside the city, was built against the mountains and water, surrounded by lush and verdant forests.

In the distance are vast rice paddies and rolling hills, just the right time to transplant rice seedlings. Many diligent farmers are transplanting seedlings in the fields.

Ye Xiyao pulled back the carriage curtain, a gentle breeze swept by, and she sighed contentedly:

"The air in this villa is fresh and fragrant, like a gentle breeze."

[My sister, being such a talented woman, speaks in a way that's truly remarkable. If I had to say it, it would be that the air here is wonderful.]

Ye Xiyao glanced at her with amusement. This was what her younger sister meant by academic high-achiever and academic underachiever.

This banquet was a party organized by Chen Feiyi, the son of the emperor's brother-in-law.

The villa's buildings are arranged in a staggered manner. The main house is spacious and bright, and guests mostly gather in the garden. The backyard is an orchard and vegetable garden, where some people also venture out to pick ripe fruit.

"I heard there are hot springs here, which makes it a great place for a vacation."

Ye Yaoyao glanced at Xin Chuli, thinking of bringing her and her older brother together. She then looked at Ye Li'an, her eyes flickering, and gently tugged at Xin Chuli's sleeve, calling her aside.

"Sister Xin, can I ask you for a favor?"

"Just say what's on your mind, why are you being so polite with me?" Xin Chuli nudged Ye Yaoyao with her arm.

"The imperial examination is approaching, and people outside say that my elder brother is very talented and will be the top scholar this year."

I've received a rumor that someone intends to harm him. I'd like to ask if you could stay by my elder brother's side and protect him before the imperial examination?

"Wouldn't it be fine if it was Brother Ye?"

“There are some occasions when it’s inconvenient for Second Brother.” Ye Yaoyao looked at her expectantly. “Sister Xin, Eldest Brother is a weak scholar. If I knew martial arts, I would definitely stay by his side at all times.”

"Alright! It's nothing, I'll protect Brother Ye." Xin Chuli patted her chest with a smile and readily agreed.

"Thank you, Sister Xin." Having achieved her goal, Ye Yaoyao's peach blossom eyes gleamed with a hint of cunning.

The group strolled around for a while before finally heading to the most crowded garden. As soon as they entered, they were drawn in by a burst of giggling.

"Miss Ye, your poem is really interesting."

Spring rain is as precious as oil, and it flows all over the streets.

When Xie Xueshi slipped and fell, it made a herd of cows laugh.

What a wonderful poem! Even more interesting than ours!

"I haven't read many books, how could I possibly do as well as the two young ladies?"

"Ye Yuanru has also arrived."

The pavilion was surrounded by people, but Ye Yuanru was nowhere to be seen, though Ye Yaoyao could still recognize her voice.

"Yuanru, you're too modest. This witty poem just made everyone laugh."

"This round is a draw, so let's change the theme. How about everyone picks one person from their team to write a poem for her?"

"That's a good idea."

“Then I’ll go first,” the woman said without hesitation.

When it was Ye Yuanru's turn, she glanced at Mu Ningyan a few times and then spoke:

"Her graceful figure dances in flowing robes, her natural beauty surpasses all others."

With a gentle wave of her emerald sleeves, fragrance filled the path; with a slight parting of her crimson lips, words flowed like poetry.

Her bright eyes sparkled with affection, and her pearly white teeth gleamed with a sweet smile.

A beauty that could topple kingdoms and cities cannot be ignored; where in this world is there no beauty to behold?

“Good, this poem suits the princess very well.”

"Miss Ye has excellent writing skills." Everyone applauded and praised.

"This woman is named Ye Yuanru, the daughter of Manager Xue in the west of the city. Her brother is also very talented. Look at that Ye Chengzhu."

A young man pointed to Ye Chengzhu, who was playing pitch-pot not far away.

It seems they've been scheming for themselves quite a bit lately.

"Yuanru, in your eyes, am I truly a woman of unparalleled beauty?"

Upon hearing the poem praising her, Mu Ningyan couldn't stop smiling.

"I was born into poverty, and in my heart, the princess is like the bright moon in the sky, pure and radiant."

"The beauty of the princess is beyond description; even the phrase 'beauty that could topple kingdoms' wouldn't do it justice. Every time I see her, I feel ashamed of my own appearance and dare not look directly at her divine countenance!"

Ye Yuanru has a round face, gentle eyebrows and eyes, and a warm smile. When she speaks flattering words, it seems like she is being sincere.

Ye Yaoyao rolled her eyes.

"This kind of flattery is so good it could be nominated for intangible cultural heritage."

"Haha! One loves to listen and the other is good at bragging, you're absolutely right."

Xin Chuli gave Ye Yaoyao a thumbs up.