Chapter 150: The Yan Sheng Technique

This Zhao Ya is really insane, still thinks the shame isn't enough? There's a saying that family disgrace shouldn't be aired, but today many people are watching, all high‑born nobles, if this spreads, where will Ye Residence's face be placed? Where will Ye Yu's face be placed?!

Ye Sisi's position wasn't far from Zhao Shi. Seeing her own mother being beaten, Ye Sisi let out a startled cry, hurried to support Zhao Shi, and didn't forget to scold Ye Yu: "Father, why did you hit mother?"

Ye Yu, raging with fury, was on a tirade, looking at the mocking faces from all directions, suddenly felt his dignity shattered, fearing that everything he had painstakingly built would be ruined by these filthy women, and his anger surged. Ye Sisi's words inevitably struck his nerve, so without a word he stepped forward and slapped Ye Sisi hard across the face.

Ye Sisi hadn't expected Ye Yu to hit her; a moment of inattention, she was struck to the ground by his slap, covering her face, completely stunned.

Ye Yu's strike was brutal; he hit Ye Sisi until she vomited blood.

Wang Yan and Zhao Yan, shocked, quickly tried to intervene, but were met with a harsh tirade from Ye Yu. Apparently in a rage, Ye Yu disregarded his image, cursed loudly and terribly, leaving the two pale‑faced and at a loss.

"It's a dog biting a dog, a mouth full of hair!" Xia Zhimeng curled her lip and sneered.

Zhao Shi and Ye Sisi were beaten, Wang Yan and Zhao Yan were scolded; it was so satisfying to watch that she wanted to slam the table in approval—if the setting were right, she would have done it already.

Ling Shaoyang's expression hardened, his demeanor indifferent.

Back at the Welcome Banquet, he had already seen that the two sisters of Ye Residence harbored deep hostility toward Ye Qingran. As for those from the Zhao Family, they were of course no good lot. Such an encounter was, after all, just deserts.

Gu Dongliu waved his fan and laughed lightly, though the mirth never reached his eyes.

"Father, mother, stop arguing. Mother's condition isn't right; could she have been afflicted by some Yan Sheng Technique?" Ye Huanhuan finally spoke at this moment.

After her reminder, everyone only then realized that since Zhao Shi had been able to endure for years and painstakingly cultivated the image of a "first stepmother," she would certainly not wildly reveal her thoughts to the crowd at the banquet.

Could it be that she truly fell victim to some Yan Sheng Technique?

"Sister Qing, did Zhao Shi really fall under some Yan Sheng Technique?" Otherwise, how could she conscience‑wise discover and admit her crime?

Yan Sheng Technique?!

Ye Qingran lifted the corner of her lip.

What Yan Sheng Technique? It's merely because she took her Truth Pill.

The so‑called Truth Pill is a pill she forged from herbs that can cause hallucinations and contain neurotoxins. This pill stimulates a person's mind, thereby forcing them to speak their innermost true thoughts.

Both Xiao Ji and Zhao Shi spoke the truth because of this.

Xiao Ji had long ago been given a drug by her, and as for Zhao Shi, she slipped the Truth Pill into her drink just now when she offered a toast.

At the same time, she also gave Ye Yu a certain drug that makes his temper volatile. Otherwise, with Ye Yu's habit of protecting his reputation, he would never lose composure in public.

Of course, the Truth Pill is powerful, but it isn't 100% effective. Against people with firm will, its effect is minimal. Yet sometimes, external stimuli can boost its potency.

Zhao Shi and Xiao Ji were clearly not such steadfast‑willed individuals, so the Truth Pill worked quite well on them.

……

Gu Huanghou recovered, hurriedly echoing Ye Huanhuan's words: "I see Lady Ye's complexion is pale, her forehead darkened; it's highly possible she truly fell under the Yan Sheng Technique. We should quickly return and have a master examine her!"

Ye Yu at this moment came back to his senses from the earlier inexplicable rage. Hearing Gu Huanghou's words, he saw a way out and promptly followed her suggestion: "Your Majesty, you're right; I'll have someone take her to a master for examination right away!"

Ye Huanhuan breathed a sigh of relief.

As long as she could use her mother's alleged Yan Sheng Technique as an excuse to leave quickly, there would still be room to explain later.

However, she never expected that at this moment someone would suddenly speak up.

"I, the Ninth Prince, happen to have someone here who knows the Yan Sheng Technique; let him have a look."

The crowd turned, and saw Ninth Prince Dongfang Mo!

Dongfang Mo's complexion was faint, bright as a clear moonlit wind; the young master was like jade, and anyone who saw him would think he was genuinely offering kind assistance.

Ye Huanhuan's heart suddenly sank, as if someone had seized it.

She stared blankly for a moment, then politely declined: "Thank you for your kindness, Ninth Prince, but Ye Residence already has a master versed in the Yan Sheng Technique, so there's no need to trouble you!"

"If she's indeed afflicted by the Yan Sheng Technique, it's best to examine her promptly; otherwise, it may be too late and her life could be at risk!" Ye Qingran said softly.

Ye Huanhuan, upon hearing that, gritted her teeth in hatred.

"The distance to Ye Residence is short; I understand your gracious intent, Ninth Prince," the official replied.

Ye Yu at this moment also smiled and decisively rebuffed the Ninth Prince.

"Miss Ye is right," the Ninth Prince nodded lightly, as if he hadn't heard Ye Yu's words.

"Qingshu, go take a look."

The Ninth Prince issued the order himself; who would dare to oppose?

Thus, amid the helpless expressions of the Ye Family and Zhao Family members, Qingshu, behind the Ninth Prince, slowly walked toward Zhao Shi.

After a brief investigation, Qingshu shook his head and said, "She didn't fall under any Yan Sheng Technique; her mind was merely stimulated, which is why she couldn't help but speak her thoughts aloud!"

With those words, everyone's expressions turned subtle.

The Ninth Prince has always been fair and impartial. Qingshu, being the Ninth Prince's subordinate and loyal, would naturally not speak nonsense.

He said Zhao Shi didn't fall under the Yan Sheng Technique, so Zhao Shi indeed didn't.

However, what was most interesting was that Qingshu claimed Zhao Shi was speaking her heartfelt words!

Since they're heartfelt words, aren't they just the absolute truth!

So Zhao Shi truly is that kind of person!

For a moment, everyone pointed at Zhao Shi, debating endlessly, all saying that Zhao Shi was scheming, hypocritical, ruthless, and despicably shameless…

Ye Huanhuan's complexion shifted from green to pale. Zhao Shi was her mother. Hearing everyone speak of her like that left her with a dim face, unable to lift her head.

Ye Yu naturally ignored how everyone scolded Zhao Shi. After all, Zhao Shi was his concubine; her unclean behavior tarnished his reputation!

As for Guanglu Fu's Wang Yan and Zhao Yan, who had previously supported Zhao Shi, now that Zhao Shi's lies were exposed, they would obviously also be affected.

Thus, Ye Qingran was confirmed to have never liked Xiao Ji; everything was a plot by Zhao Shi to sabotage and slander!

"Sister Qing, I knew it, how could your judgment be so poor! Saying you liked Wuhen, I believed; as for Xiao Ji, I'd rather die than believe!"

Ling Shaoyang heard this and raised an eyebrow.

Wuhen…

"Wuhen is that teammate of yours from the hunting festival?" Gu Dongliu leaned in to ask.

"Yes. Though Wuhen's looks are plain, he's truly charming!" Xia Zhimeng thought Wuhen was a perfect good man whose looks were held back by his beauty.

"Speaking of him, I also find this person quite mysterious," Gu Dongliu nodded, looking thoughtful.

Ye Qingran lowered her eyes, took a sip of tea, and couldn't help but have that plain, unremarkable face flash in her mind.

That night, at the Soul‑cut Abyss, his arms were incredibly warm and strong.

And besides, I suddenly miss Wuhen.

…

Zhao Shi was spurned by the crowd, and just as the Truth Pill's effect faded, she could not argue a single word, and could only, supported by a maid, slink away in disgrace.

Ye Yu really couldn't stay, but today's banquet involved Ye Qingran and Zhou Hai's marriage, and Zhou Hai's parents were also there; if he left, it would be unacceptable. It wasn't because of the Zhou Family, but because it would offend the Empress's face.

Gu Huanghou originally wanted to see Ye Qingran make a fool of herself, so she deliberately organized today's banquet. She never expected that Ye Qingran not only avoided any embarrassment, but also made Zhao Shi's face be wiped out, and for a moment a breath lodged in her chest, leaving her rather distressed.

At that moment, her gaze fell on Zhou Hai's parents a short distance away, and a scheme sprang to mind.