Not long after, Yuwen Guangxu arrived at the tea house with a physician.
Following Ye Cangtian's instructions, the physician immediately began examining the small pastries and tea on the table.
After a thorough inspection, he shook his head at Ye Cangtian and the others, saying, "There is nothing wrong with these."
The man opposite them visibly darkened his expression upon hearing this. He directly asked, "Since these are fine, Physician, please provide an explanation as to why my sense of taste and smell have inexplicably vanished?"
The physician's gaze then shifted to Ye Cangtian and the other two.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian nodded and said, "Examine him as well. We'd like to know what's going on."
The physician respectfully acknowledged his words and proceeded to examine the man.
Upon concluding his examination, the physician once again shook his head at Ye Cangtian and the other two, stating, "There are no issues with his body in any aspect. His taste and smell are abnormal, and I'm unsure of the specific reason. Perhaps... perhaps it's due to excessive stress recently..."
"..."
Hearing this answer, Ye Cangtian couldn't help but be taken aback. He had heard some rumors in the outside world.
It was said that excessive mental stress could cause certain organs to malfunction. Could this man be experiencing the same?
He looked at the man and said lightly, "You've heard the physician. I suggest you go back, relax, and find another doctor to treat you..."
"Of course, if you are not satisfied with this result, you are welcome to find me at the Yuwen family's residence!" Ye Cangtian added.
Upon hearing this, the man nodded, placed down a spirit stone, and turned to leave the tea house.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian turned his gaze to Yuwen Chengji and said, "The outcome of this is clear, isn't it?"
Hmph!
Yuwen Chengji snorted and replied, "It's just a meal. I'll treat you to one!"
With that, Yuwen Chengji returned to the private room.
Ye Cangtian smiled and followed him.
After chatting at the tea house for a while, as dusk began to fall, Ye Cangtian and the others returned to the Yuwen family mansion.
The courtyard of the Yuwen family was now adorned with lanterns and colorful decorations. A lavish feast had been prepared in the spacious living room.
Upon Ye Cangtian's arrival, Yuwen Sheng hurried to greet him, saying with a smile, "Lord Ye, you've returned at the perfect time. We can begin the banquet now."
Ye Cangtian gestured as he replied, "Then I thank you for your warm hospitality, Senior."
They entered the hall and everyone took their seats.
Yuwen Sheng was very hospitable, and it was evident that he had grown much closer to Ye Zhenghao and Yi Feipeng after their conversations throughout the afternoon.
What was supposed to be a cheerful welcoming banquet took an unexpected turn after a few rounds of drinks, when Ye Cangtian's keen senses detected something amiss.
"Isn't it strange? The dishes today have no flavor, and the wine doesn't smell good, yet look at them, they're eating and drinking with such gusto. It's truly odd!"
"Heh heh, you just don't understand. This is all for show..."
At this moment, two guards were whispering near the entrance of the hall.
They were well aware of the Yuwen family chefs' skills. Normally, even from the entrance of the hall, they could smell the fragrance of the wine and dishes, which was quite a torment.
After all, they could only smell it, not eat it.
Yet today, they couldn't smell anything at all, and the distinguished guests in the hall were still eating and drinking with such apparent enjoyment.
In their opinion, it was all just a facade. These important figures meeting were not concerned with what they ate, but rather with cultivating relationships and getting things done.
Therefore, even if the food was unpalatable, they would pretend to savor it.
However, Ye Cangtian, who was in the hall, frowned deeply upon hearing the two guards' conversation.
The food served today was exquisite, featuring delicacies from both land and sea, clearly prepared with great care. It was nothing like what the guards were describing.
The reason for Ye Cangtian's frown was the incident at the tea house earlier.
Could it be that the two guards had also lost their sense of taste and smell?
In a single day, four people had exhibited these symptoms. Was it a coincidence, or was someone orchestrating this?
With this thought, Ye Cangtian beckoned, calling the two guards from the doorway to come inside.
Upon seeing the table filled with influential figures, the two guards immediately lowered their heads, their bodies trembling uncontrollably.
In their minds, these distinguished guests must have overheard their conversation at the doorway.
Meanwhile, Ye Cangtian glanced at the two guards and slowly said, "Don't be nervous. I've called you here so you can taste the dishes on the table and provide a fair evaluation."
Huh?
At these words, Yuwen Sheng and the others were taken aback. Was Ye Cangtian calling the guards over simply for this reason?
Furthermore, in such a setting, guards were clearly not supposed to be seated at the table, were they?
However, out of respect for Ye Cangtian's status, Yuwen Sheng and the others did not intervene and simply watched quietly.
On the other hand, Yuwen Chengji and Yuwen Guangxu's eyes flickered, as if they had just recalled something.
The two guards, hearing Ye Cangtian's words, felt their hearts tighten further.
There was no doubt in their minds that the others had heard them, and that was why they were being brought in to sample the food.
With this thought, the two guards mustered their courage and picked up their chopsticks.
After taking a bite, the two guards exchanged glances, their eyes filled with astonishment.
It was impossible that they couldn't taste anything. Even the chef, no matter how bold, wouldn't dare to prepare such dishes!
The two seemed to realize something.
"My lords, these dishes are made with vibrant colors, captivating aromas, and exquisite flavors. They are incredibly delicious..."
"Yes, yes! I've never tasted such delicious cuisine before. It's truly an unforgettable experience. Thank you, Lord Ye..."
The two guards spoke up voluntarily, lavishing praise upon the dishes.
The two guards were not fools. If they were to say the food was bad, when all these influential figures were clearly enjoying it so much, it would obviously be unpleasant. How could they benefit from that?
Hmph!
As the two guards finished speaking, Ye Cangtian let out a cold snort and said sternly, "You dare to lie in front of me? Speak the truth!"
Lie?
Yuwen Sheng's expression immediately turned cold. Offending Ye Cangtian would not be beneficial to their family.
He immediately chimed in, "How dare you! Just say what Lord Ye asks you. If you dare to deceive us, I'll cripple you!"
"Uh..."
Hearing the stern reprimands from the two elders, the guards immediately broke out in a cold sweat and their eyes filled with terror. They immediately knelt down.
The next moment, one guard, gathering his courage, said, "My lords, I speak the truth. I could not taste anything just now, nor could I smell any aroma..."
"I also speak the truth, my lords. My sense of taste and smell seem to have vanished..." the other guard quickly added.
What!
As their words fell, Yuwen Chengji and Yuwen Guangxu's eyes widened. It was clear that they were already connecting this situation with what had happened at the tea house.
What exactly was going on?
Ye Cangtian also muttered to himself.
With this in mind, he looked at Yuwen Sheng and said, "Senior, please summon more physicians to examine everyone. I fear this is not an isolated incident, but rather someone is acting maliciously..."
Upon hearing Ye Cangtian's suggestion, Yuwen Sheng's expression immediately turned grim.
To cause trouble now, wasn't this like rubbing salt in his wounds?
With that thought, he said coldly, "You two, go and summon all the physicians!"
Hearing this, the two guards retreated from the hall without a word.
Seeing this, Yuwen Sheng looked at Ye Cangtian again and asked, "Mr. Ye, aren't you being overly anxious?"
Ye Cangtian shook his head and replied, "We encountered a similar situation at the tea house today."
Upon hearing this, Yuwen Sheng looked at the two Yuwen brothers, his gaze questioning.
Yuwen Chengji and Yuwen Guangxu nodded in confirmation upon seeing his look.
Seeing this, Yuwen Sheng's expression grew even more displeased. No matter how incapable he was, he could tell that this was no coincidence, but rather someone's doing.
As time passed, after about an hour, Yuwen Sheng and the others' expressions had changed, their anger clearly escalating.
The Hidden Guard and the Yuwen family were not far apart, and the Hidden Guard had physicians on duty overnight.
It shouldn't have taken more than half an incense stick's time for them to arrive, so why hadn't they shown up yet?
Finally, Yuwen Sheng lost all his patience and said, "Guangxu, go find the physicians, and bring those two guards back..."