The Tyrant’s Drama Queen Empress

CHAPTER 20: Whose Feelings Were Misplaced

　　Shen Xi carefully composed her words before going to see Madam Jiang. She didn’t say she wanted to leave the Manor—instead, she framed it as going to ask Miss Xue for ginseng on behalf of her mother.

　　Shen Xi leaned over, resting her head lightly on Madam Jiang’s lap. “Mother, don’t worry. Miss Xue is kind-hearted. If she knows I came for you, she will definitely help me. Seeing you take medicine every day like this makes me so upset.”

　　The bowl of medicine that Nanny Zheng had just brought sat at Madam Jiang’s hand. She said, “Child, I know you’re filial.”

　　Shen Xi narrowed her eyes, her tone unchanged. “It’s been so long. My Older Sister should already know about your illness. The Imperial Physicians in the Palace are skilled. If she could send even a few of them here, you might have been better long ago. They say the Emperor favors her, but does he really know what kind of person she is?”

　　Madam Jiang’s expression darkened. She already blamed Shen Ling, and hearing Shen Xi’s words only made her think even worse of her.

　　She said coldly, “The Emperor is no ordinary man. He will see her true colors sooner or later. But from now on, don’t talk about this outside. It’s not good if others find out.”

　　People’s hearts are always biased, and Madam Jiang’s heart had never leaned toward Shen Ling.

　　Shen Xi obediently replied, “I understand.”

　　Madam Jiang gave her a warning. “Xi’er, when you go to the Princess’s Manor for the flower viewing, speak properly. If anyone asks about me, just say you came to ask for medicine on my behalf. People are clever; they always read between the lines. They’ll know I went to the Palace, and they might compare your actions for my illness with hers. She went to the Palace and became a Consort. Others won’t say it aloud, but no one knows what they think. To the outside world, the better you handle things, the more she becomes the contrast that makes you shine. We can’t control what she does in the Palace, but how others perceive her—that is beyond our control.”

　　Shen Xi nodded thoughtfully.

　　In short, it was all about using Shen Ling as a contrast to highlight her filial devotion to Madam Jiang.

　　Although Shen Xi had vaguely thought of this before, now that Madam Jiang specifically asked her to do it, Shen Xi felt no guilt at all.

　　The more Madam Jiang disliked and resented Shen Ling, the more secure Shen Xi’s position in the Shen Manor would be.

　　Fortunately, all her tireless efforts to sow discord between Madam Jiang and Shen Ling these past few days hadn't been in vain.

　　…..

　　Shen Xi alighted from the carriage with a pleased smile.

　　Her maid handed the invitation to the guards at the Princess’s Manor, and soon a maid came to guide her inside.

　　The Princess’s garden was filled with a dazzling variety of flowers, each one vying to outshine the others. Along the way, Shen Xi spotted several young ladies from noble families.

　　Shen Xi stood gracefully and elegantly in front of a cluster of flowerpots, admiring them, a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

　　Xue Mi’er noticed Shen Xi and walked over warmly. “Miss Shen, why are you standing here all alone?”

　　Shen Xi replied, “Miss Xue.”

　　“I was just captivated by how splendid these flowers are,” she said, hesitating slightly.

　　Xue Mi’er linked her arm with Shen Xi’s in a friendly gesture. “Are you facing some difficulty? If it’s convenient, you can tell me. I might be able to help. After all, we seemed to hit it off right away when we met.”

　　Xue Mi’er came from the Xue family. She was the niece of Princess Yuzhen’s husband and the cousin of Marquis Xue, Xue Yunshi. She often visited the Princess’s Manor and, with her sweet and obedient demeanor, had long been favored by the Princess and her husband. She also hoped to marry her cousin Xue Yunshi one day.

　　Xue Mi’er didn’t know that Xue Yunshi was acquainted with Shen Xi’s older brother, Shen Jinxiu. She only knew that Shen Ling was now the Imperial Consort and that Shen Xi was her sister. Befriending Shen Xi could only be beneficial.

　　When Xue Mi’er had first heard about the Shen family’s baby mix-up, she had been utterly shocked. She never imagined that Shen Xi was not actually of Shen blood.

　　After her initial surprise, she couldn’t help but admire Shen Xi’s cunning.

　　After all, Shen Ling, the real young lady of the Shen family, had lived a secluded life after being brought back to the Shen family, and her reputation remained unknown. Who knew what might have happened to her if she hadn’t entered the Palace? Meanwhile, Shen Xi’s status in the Shen household remained intact, and her good reputation had only grown stronger.

　　Shen Xi said embarrassedly. “This, this... I'm afraid it would be awkward if I told you.”

　　Xue Mi’er’s smile didn’t waver. “Don’t worry, just tell me.” She thought to herself, Could Shen Xi be asking for flowers?

　　If Shen Xi wanted flowers, Xue Mi’er would give them without a second thought.

　　One pot of flowers was a small price to pay for getting on Shen Xi’s good side, or so Xue Mi’er thought.

　　Shen Xi met her gaze seriously and said, “I heard you have some life-saving ginseng here, and my mother is ill. I want to ask you to save her life.”

　　Xue Mi’er froze.

　　What the heck?

　　Shen Xi actually expected her to hand over the ginseng just like that?

　　Shen Xi continued, “I know my request is bold, but I think you’ll understand. After all, we are both filial. You even said we connected at first sight, and that you’d help me, right?”

　　Xue Mi’er, “……”

　　She wanted to take back that whole ‘connected at first sight’ thing!

　　Besides, who wanted to help her?

　　Xue Mi'er forced a smile, intending to refuse Shen Xi, but then she noticed many people around them watching, some even whispering. Xue Mi'er knew that if she really refused Shen Xi, rumors might spread tomorrow that she was only pretending to be kind and was actually petty.

　　Not all the ladies visiting the Princess’s Manor were her friends. Many had hidden agendas.

　　Especially those young ladies who wanted to compete with her for Xue Yunshi; they would never miss an opportunity to belittle her.

　　She also didn’t want to leave a harsh impression in Xue Yunshi’s eyes.

　　Taking a deep breath, Xue Mi’er gritted her teeth. “Miss Shen, I’ll send someone to fetch the ginseng for you right away.”

　　Shen Xi said, “I’m sorry to make you part with it so painfully.”

　　Xue Mi’er rolled her eyes but held it in, muttering to herself: If you knew it was going to be painful, why even ask in the first place?!

　　“Saving lives is more important,” Xue Mi’er said. “And you’re acting for your elder, so it’s fine.”

　　Shen Xi bowed her head slightly. “I thank you on my mother’s behalf.”

　　Xue Mi’er chuckled lightly. “Next time, don’t do something like this. Not everyone will be as patient as me and willing to give away their precious things.”

　　Shen Xi smiled faintly. “I didn’t want to say it at first either. It’s only because of what you said that I spoke up.”

　　Xue Mi’er, “……”

　　Now she truly believed Shen Xi was cunning. She got what she wanted and still acted innocent, making it seem like Xue Mi’er had forced her to take the ginseng.

　　And the worst part? Everyone around was praising Shen Xi for her wisdom and extreme filial piety.

　　Xue Mi’er, “……”

　　She could barely keep her expression in check.

　　If you weren’t in this, you’d never understand how deep Shen Xi’s scheming ran.

　　Xue Mi’er almost cursed out loud.

　　Didn’t any of these people have eyes? She was the one losing the most here!

　　Xue Mi’er didn’t want to give it, yet she couldn’t outright refuse. Shen Xi’s behavior was like shoving a pile of poop into Xue Mi’er’s mouth and then pretending to ask, “So, how does it taste?” It made Xue Mi’er absolutely sick.

　　She moved to another spot, determined not to look at Shen Xi’s scheming face any longer.

　　Shen Xi, on the other hand, didn’t mind Xue Mi’er’s reaction at all. From just one glance, she could already tell that Xue Mi’er was someone easy to handle.

　　She walked along the small path with her maid, but after a while, she realized she had gotten lost.

　　“Miss, wait here,” the maid said. “I’ll go ask someone from the Princess’s Manor for directions.”

　　“Go ahead,” Shen Xi replied.

　　Shen Xi held the box containing the ginseng, her fingers absentmindedly tracing over its surface. She looked down at it with quiet intention.

　　Madam Jiang was already well, which meant technically she didn’t need this ginseng.

　　Since Madam Jiang had eaten the ginseng that was part of her dowry, Shen Xi felt it was only fair to compensate her with this one.

　　Her demands weren’t high—she just wanted the one she was currently holding.

　　She decided that when she returned later, she’d buy another ginseng from Baokang Hall to exchange, keeping this one for herself.

　　“You’re the one who made my cousin give up her treasure?” Xue Yunshi said, eyeing Shen Xi.

　　Shen Xi jumped in surprise. She hadn’t even noticed someone approaching. Looking up, she saw a man with clear, striking features, noble and commanding, exuding wealth and power. In her mind, she pieced together which cousin he meant.

　　The cousin had to be Xue Mi’er, which meant his identity was obvious.

　　“Marquis,” Shen Xi greeted politely.

　　“You know me?” Xue Yunshi asked.

　　Shen Xi shook her head. “No, this is the first time we’ve met.”

　　“Then how did you know it was me?” he asked.

　　“Someone who can appear in the Princess’s Manor and call Miss Xue her cousin—there’s only one person who fits that, and that’s you, Marquis,” Shen Xi said with quiet confidence.

　　Xue Yunshi’s gaze lingered on her for a few seconds.

　　“You’re clever. No wonder Shen Jinxiu mentioned you so often.”

　　Shen Xi replied softly, “You overpraise me, Marquis.”

　　Xue Yunshi continued, “You came for your mother, showing filial devotion. That’s admirable. But didn’t you summon an Imperial Physician?”

　　Shen Xi’s expression dimmed, and she gave a wry smile. “Bao Fei didn’t issue the order. How could we possibly get an Imperial Physician? If it weren’t for that, I wouldn’t have come to see Miss Xue.”

　　Xue Yunshi frowned. “Foolish… and she’s a Consort…” He didn’t continue, of course, since Shen Ling was one of the Emperor’s Consors.    

　　After Shen Xi left, Xue Yunshi pondered to himself, “Shen Jinxiu is a capable man. He’s learned and far-sighted. It’s just that his biological sister isn’t worth much. On the other hand, this former sister of his is quite decent.”

　　A subordinate chuckled. “If the Marquis likes her, why not take her into your inner courtyard?”

　　Xue Yunshi’s expression turned cold. “Shut up.” What he wanted was to win Shen Jinxiu over for his own use, not make an enemy of him. Xue Yunshi already had several concubines in his household. He could tell from Shen Jinxiu’s gaze whenever Shen Xi was mentioned. That was the look a man had when he was talking about his own woman.

　　Still, Shen Ling in the Palace was a problem.

　　Xue Yunshi’s eyes darkened. Ever since Shen Ling entered the Palace, Emperor Xie Yuanxun had been attending Court more frequently and handling far more state affairs.

　　Several officials Xue Yunshi had secretly arranged had already been executed by the Emperor.

　　Today, Shen Xi had handed him an opportunity.

　　He could stir up some trouble for Shen Ling, and at the same time use it to curry favor with Shen Jinxiu.

　　Xue Yunshi lowered his voice and instructed, “Have the people we planted in the Palace make a move. Send them to Bao Fei and let something slip about Empress Mu.”

　　The subordinate hesitated. “Those are pieces we planted back in the late Emperor’s time. If we use them now and they get killed, it would be a real waste.”

　　Xue Yunshi looked over coldly. “I told you to do it. So do it.”

　　“Yes.”

　　......

　　The Palace was hot, and Shen Ling was dressed lightly. When Xie Yuanxun arrived, she was busy having the palace staff make crushed ice for her to eat.

　　The ice used in the Palace came from the ice cellar—stored in winter, used in summer. Shen Ling was favored, and now that she had been granted the title of Bao Fei, Chang Le Palace certainly didn’t lack ice. But more ice was never a bad thing.

　　Just like no one ever complains about having too much money.

　　Shen Ling had been staring at the ice for a while. Liu Zhu thought she was curious and explained that the palace’s ice came from the ice cellar. Shen Ling casually asked, “That’s just cellar ice, right? No one makes ice?”

　　Liu Zhu blinked. “Makes ice? What’s that?”

　　After asking a few more questions, Shen Ling realized no one had ever made ice before.

　　Suddenly, she felt a rush of excitement. Her blood was literally boiling!

　　She sent Liu Zhu to fetch some saltpeter. The Da Liang Dynasty already had gunpowder, so saltpeter was available. Liu Zhu quickly brought it back.

　　Saltpeter came in crystalline form, white, bitter, and frost-like in appearance—very pretty.

　　Shen Ling recalled the method of making ice with saltpeter from her memories. She had wanted to do it herself, but Liu Zhu had stopped her.

　　So she stood to the side and directed Liu Zhu instead.

　　—I don’t have to do it myself anyway. I’m clumsy with my hands, ugh.

　　The palace staff sprang into action. Following Shen Ling’s instructions, they found a jar and filled it with water. Then they got a large bucket, filled it with water, and placed the jar inside. Saltpeter was added to the bucket water repeatedly, and soon, the water inside the jar had turned to ice.

　　Liu Zhu exclaimed in delight, “Your Grace, it’s really ice!”

　　Shen Ling beamed, touched. “It’s ice!”

　　—Crushed ice! Crushed ice! I’m eating shaved ice!

　　Shen Ling sent Liu Zhu to the Imperial Kitchen for syrup, red bean paste, and fruit juice. She then broke the ice into fine flakes. Once everything was ready, she poured the red bean juice and fresh milk over the ice and scooped a bite.

　　She smiled in pure delight.

　　—So cold! So sweet! So good!

　　Xie Yuanxun stepped over the threshold and looked up. Shen Ling was happily eating… ice?

　　He walked over and stared at the ice in her hands. “You’re eating ice?”

　　Shen Ling nodded. “Yes.”

　　Xie Yuanxun paused for half a second and said, “If you wanted ice, why not have someone get a big chunk from the ice cellar? This little crushed piece—what satisfaction can you get from it?”

　　Shen Ling’s lips twitched. She gave him a look that said so much with just a glance.

　　—You…

　　—Are you trying to stuff me to death?!

　　—In the end, my feelings for you… were all misplaced!

　　Xie Yuanxun glanced at Shen Ling sideways, “……”

    

    

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